Nick Smith

• Fundraise strategy & investor outreach
• Negotiation & deal structuring
• Pitch deck design & refinement
• Financial modeling & projections
• Market research & competitive landscaping

After studying business at Belmont University, Nick spent two years playing professional basketball in Germany and the Czech Republic before returning home to Northwest Arkansas, earning his MBA from the University of Arkansas, and joining the Direct Investment Team at Walton Enterprises. At Walton Enterprises, Nick played a pivotal role in evaluating and executing direct investments spanning diverse sectors, from renewable energy and sustainable food systems to healthcare and consumer goods. Later, he, along with two colleagues, co-founded SymBiosis, an independent venture capital firm with a keen focus on life sciences. In his capacity as an Associate at SymBiosis, Nick excelled in identifying investment prospects, spearheading due diligence, and cultivating an expansive network within the venture capital ecosystem. He was instrumental in launching and executing several initiatives aimed at bolstering the AR life science sector, including a clinical trial accelerator, a biomanufacturing workforce training hub, and platforms for fostering company growth and attraction. Over the last four years, Nick has played a pivotal role in the closing of 35+ transactions, representing the collective deployment of $370m+.