Innosphere hires VP for capital access

FORT COLLINS – Doug Johnson, a Northern Colorado financial services veteran, will join the Rocky Mountain Innosphere as vice president for capital access.

Johnson will lead the Innosphere in its efforts to raise capital for member companies. He starts Monday.

The Innosphere, which helps technology, clean-energy and scientific startups turn into promising companies, has made access to capital a No. 1 strategic priority this year. Its role of raising capital has become increasingly important as seed funding becomes scarcer.

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“I’m ecstatic about the opportunity to join Rocky Mountain Innosphere and the community of investors, advisors and entrepreneurs who every day are creating jobs and changing the world for the better with innovative solutions in clean water, clean energy, bioscience and software,” Johnson said.

The creation of Johnson’s position follows the announcement of Chief Operating Officer Ryan Speir’s departure and Chief Executive Officer Mike Freeman’s start at the Innosphere.

“Doug has always demonstrated his commitment to economic development and job creation in Fort Collins, the region and the state,” Freeman said.

Freeman said he does not plan to re-hire the chief operating officer position, which he reconfigured to focus on raising capital for businesses.

“We’re really responding to (businesses’) top priority,” he said.

Johnson has worked as director of UniverCity Connections and vice president of First Western Trust Bank. He most recently served as lead advisor for financial services company Everence until Freeman recruited him for the Innosphere position.

Johnson recently had been promoted at Everence and wasn’t looking for the opportunity, he said.

But he has supported the Innosphere, entrepreneurs and job creation for many years and has volunteered his time, energy and connections when possible, he said.

“To now focus solely on connecting individuals, foundations and corporations with innovative companies here in Northern Colorado as part of this great team is a dream come true,” he said.