Arteen is obsessed with efficiency. He was first drawn to tech after seeing the profound and widespread impact one could make by streamlining antiquated industries and now loves working with founders who are taking innovative approaches to solving large problems. Arteen is currently a venture capitalist at Fika Ventures, a boutique seed fund in LA he helped form, where he focuses on enterprise and marketplace investing. Before Fika, he was #2 at Karlin Ventures, an LA-based early stage venture fund. Prior to becoming a venture capitalist, Arteen launched BuiltInLA.com and worked at Techstars Chicago, one of the places where he now mentors.
Beyond startups, Arteen explores much of what LA has to offer. On a typical weekend, he'll either be on a hike, at a concert, or at an open mic poetry slam. He is a World Economic Forum Global Shaper, a board member for multiple TEDx communities, and an active supporter of TWLOHA, a non-profit raising awareness for those struggling with mental health. He's currently going through Crisis Text Line training.
Arteen was selected for Forbes 30 Under 30 in Venture Capital, CSQ NextGen 10, and the University of Arizona's Young Professional Achievement Award - where he received his BSBA in Finance and Entrepreneurship.
Eli Chmouni moved to Arizona from Lebanon at the age of 19 with $600 and the hunger for the American Dream. After receiving his Bachelors of Science and Masters of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Arizona State University, he realized that a traditional job setting is not exciting enough. He then proceeded to launch 4 startups over the course of 8 years, two of which have been acquired. In 2016, Eli was voted as top 35 under 35 entrepreneurs in Arizona, and his startups have won significant awards and accolades over the years.
Eli has been a faculty member at Arizona State University for 8 years teaching engineering and entrepreneurship. He believes in creating engaging curriculum based on real experiences. Students in his entrepreneurship class have to launch a real business in 15 weeks making it both challenging and very educational.
Eli has a passion to help people uncover their full potential and true talent. He has mentored more than 500 startups and founders on ideation, branding, customer profiles and scaling. From immigrant to engineer, entrepreneur and professor; Eli believes in creating experiences and connections that are so amazing they will last a lifetime.
Quan concentrates his practice in patent procurement, opinion work (patentability/validity/freedom to operate analysis), intellectual property management, as well as general counseling with particular expertise in biotechnology, chemistry, and medical devices.
Prior to forming Nguyen & Tarbet, Quan was a Partner at Chandler & Udall in Tucson and a Partner at Cozen O'Connor, a national law firm based in Philadelphia. Quan also has in-house experience at Isis Pharmaceuticals, where he was Assistant Director of Patents
Matt concentrates his practice in patent strategy, drafting, procurement, portfolio management, and opinions (patentability, validity, and freedom-to- operate), as well as IP licensing and general counseling, with particular experience in specialty pharmaceuticals, chemistry, and medical devices.
Prior to joining Nguyen & Tarbet, Matt was a Lead Patent Counsel at Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati, P.C. in San Diego. Matt also has experience as "of Counsel" in McDermott, Will & Emery, as well as in-house experience at Isis (Ionis) Pharmaceuticals, Inc., where he was Assistant Director of Patents. Matt also has eight years' experience in the United States Patent and Trademark Office, where he was a Primary Examiner in Tech Center 1600, in a heterocyclic chemical art unit.