Team

Streeter Phillips Streeter operates at the intersection of strategy, storytelling, and execution to strengthen firm operations, shape narrative, and extend value across the portfolio. Before joining Engine Ventures, he was a founder building an early-stage tough tech company commercializing advanced bioengineering research. His earlier career spans developing, producing and directing documentary and narrative film, as well as brand, media, and creative work, with projects released on platforms including Netflix, HBO, Hulu, Apple, Amazon, Disney+, and Showtime. He holds a B.A. in Fine Arts from Yale University.

Richard Collins Richard Collins is the Senior Director of Research & Analytics at Engine Ventures. Before joining The Engine, Richard was the North American Research Director for IDTechEx, a market intelligence firm focussed on emerging technologies. Richard holds a PhD in Inorganic Chemistry from the University of Oxford, which was funded by and completed in collaboration with a multinational chemical company, and an MChem from the same institution.

Madeleine Laitz Madeleine is a Principal at Engine Ventures. Previously she was a consultant in the Private Equity Practice at Bain & Company, Boston, with a primary focus on tech. At Bain, she also spent time in the Utilities and Renewables practice, working with US utilities to develop and implement integrated grid planning strategies. She holds a PhD in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science from MIT, focusing on semiconductor device physics and optoelectronics. MS in Chemistry from Imperial College London as a US-UK Fulbright Scholar, and a BS in Chemical Engineering, University of Rochester.

Deepa Rao Deepa Rao is an Associate at Engine Ventures with experience in climate science, microbiology, and strategic communication. Previously, she was a Consultant at BCG, working on climate and sustainability across the clean energy transition. She holds a Ph.D. in Biological Oceanography from MIT–WHOI, where she studied marine microbes and biogeochemistry, integrating lab, field, and computational research. Deepa also earned an M.S. from Georgetown and an S.B. in Earth sciences from MIT.

Alaina Hartnett Alaina Hartnett is an Associate at Engine Ventures. She received her PhD in chemistry from Harvard University and her B.A. in chemistry from Barnard College, Columbia University. Her previous research interests include electrochemistry, electrolyzer engineering, and materials science. She was a former Department of Energy SCGSR fellow at Berkeley National Lab, where she studied operando X-ray spectroscopy. She is also an alumna of the Blueprint Program and a former Technology Venture Fellow with Engine Ventures.

Jay Qu Jay Qu is a Senior Data Analyst at Engine Ventures. Previously, Jay was a PhD in Physics at Stanford University, working in materials physics in the Stanford Institute for Materials & Energy Sciences (SIMES), a joint institute between Stanford and SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory. He holds an AB in Physics from Harvard University, where he researched quantum sensors and novel materials. Prior to Engine Ventures, Jay interned at Google X in an early-stage project, where he contributed as a data scientist.

Ericka Tamayo-Guevara Ericka Tamayo-Guevara is an Analyst at Engine Ventures. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Engineering Sciences and a Bachelor of Engineering in Biological and Biomedical Engineering from Dartmouth College, where she also worked at the Cable Makerspace, fostering innovation and collaboration among students, and providing hands-on training in advanced tools. Prior to joining Engine Ventures, Ericka interned at Apreo Health, a medical devices start-up, where she contributed to research efforts and product testing.

Esha Patel Esha is a Financial Analyst at Engine Ventures. She holds a BS in Business Administration with concentrations in International Business, Finance, and Fintech from Northeastern University. Most recently, she was a Private Equity Analyst Intern at Romero Capital, assisting with business and industry due diligence and financial analysis. She has also interned at KKR in the Global Markets Operations division and JP Morgan within the Emerging Markets Hybrids and Exotics team.

Sophia Cohen Sophia builds tools and generates insights that inform firm-wide strategy. Prior to joining full-time, Sophia served as an intern at Engine Ventures, supporting the integration of artificial intelligence and automation into existing processes. Sophia holds a BS in Mathematics and Computer Science from University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Lena Hansen Lena brings a background in coordination and engagement to support platform growth and impact. Previously, she researched critical mineral supply chains and international development at the Watson Institute and supported Brown University’s Office of the President under President Christina Paxson. Lena holds a BA with Honors in International and Public Affairs from Brown University, with concentrations in development and emerging markets.

Lizzie Raymer Lizzie Raymer is an Executive Assistant at Engine Ventures. Before joining, Lizzie worked in support and operational roles in a variety of industries, including startups, higher education, and media. Lizzie earned an MA in Intercultural Communication for Business and Professions from University of London and received her BA in Sociology at Northeastern.

Sarah Keane Sarah Keane is an Executive Assistant at Engine Ventures. Before joining, Sarah has worked in Executive Support and Operations at Battery Ventures and various Biotech Startups in the Boston area. Sarah holds a BA in Psychology and Philosophy from Trinity College (CT), where she was also a coxswain on the women's rowing team.

Jim Matheson Jim Matheson is a Special Advisor at Engine Ventures. He also serves as a member of the Harvard Business School faculty. Jim was one of the four General Partners who launched Flagship Pioneering. Previously, Jim was a Navy F-14/18 pilot with significant combat experience and tours as a TOPGUN Instructor and Officer-in-Charge of the Navy’s Nevada-based Adversary Squadron before retiring in 2008 as Commander. He earned his BS at the United States Naval Academy and an MBA from Harvard Business School.

Fiona Murray Fiona Murray is a Special Advisor at Engine Ventures. Fiona is a Professor and Associate Dean at the MIT School of Management. She is an international policy expert on the transformation of investments in science and technology into deep-tech start-up ventures that solve significant global challenges and create national advantage – from defense and security to health, food and water security. Fiona received her BA and MA from the University of Oxford in Chemistry. She subsequently moved to the United States and earned an AM and PhD from Harvard University in Applied Sciences.