Our Story

Avtech Ventures was founded in 2001 by Wall Street veteran Gary Shields to direct and manage the private investment activities of billionaire entrepreneur Ted Waitt, Founder of Gateway Computers, and his family office, Avalon Capital. Under Gary's leadership, Avtech quickly became one of San Diego's leading venture capital and private equity firms, investing in more than 50 companies, holding lead board positions in over 20 portfolio companies, and generating top-tier returns among U.S. venture capital firms.

Drawing on Gary's extensive background in investment banking and principal investing, including senior roles at LF Rothschild, Robertson Stephens, The Chicago Corporation, and Crédit Lyonnais, Avtech developed a distinctive combination of investment expertise and strategic advisory capabilities.

Through its investing and advisory activities, Avtech has participated in hundreds of transactions representing billions of dollars in aggregate value, supporting companies at every stage of growth—from seed and early-stage financings through strategic exits, mergers and acquisitions, and public offerings.

Today, Gary serves as Chairman and Managing Partner of Nassau Street Partners, a rapidly growing investment bank that provides world-class M&A advisory and institutional capital formation services to companies worldwide. Through this platform, he continues to help entrepreneurs, investors, and corporate leaders achieve transformational growth and successful liquidity outcomes.