OUR TEAM
The people building Venaera.
A team with deep experience in energy, operations, and software backed by advisors who've built and scaled companies in HVAC, SaaS, and climate tech.
Jordan Sotudeh, CEO & FOUNDER
Jordan spent over a decade supporting executive offices at NASA, JPL, the Department of Defense, and BryceTech. His work focused on evaluating emerging technologies, conducting cost and environmental impact studies, communicating achievements to the public, interagency coordination, and helping senior leadership make critical investment and strategy decisions.
He's a Project Management Professional (PMP). He's won multiple awards for his analyses and comms work.
Elena Empino, Executive Operations Lead
Elena works closely with the founding team to build and manage the operational systems that support the company’s technical, strategic, and fundraising efforts. Her work focuses on translating priorities into clear processes and execution plans as the company scales.
She brings a structured approach to operations, enabling leadership and technical teams to stay focused on growth and delivery.
Our Advisors
Industry veterans across HVAC, energy policy, SaaS, and operations helping Venaera build the right way from the start.
Gene Beck
Executive Director, NRGI
"Advisor on energy policy and project financing"
Nicole Dunn
SaaS Growth Executive
"Former Apple, expert in scaling software businesses"
Renée Eddy
Former Chief Innovation Officer, Rinnai
Led product innovation for a global HVAC leader
Mina Park
Product & Operations SME
"Specialist in manufacturing and operations excellence"
Erik Johnson
Serial Manufacturing Entrepreneur
"Built and scaled multiple hardware companies"
Alison Taylor
CEO, Augur
"Expert in climate design and communication"
Andrew Shapiro
Serial Entrepreneur
"SME with experience scaling startups to exit"
Partner Organizations
Built to grow with you.
We're raising to scale and looking for more pilot partners for 0 friction, no risk tests. We're also looking for utilities, developers, manufacturers, and sustainability organizations interested in collaboration. If you want to get on the ground floor of the future of buildings, let's talk.