Overview

Gender

male

Richard Tanksley is the Managing Director at Seedstars Africa since June 2014.

Previously, Richard was at MEST as a Senior Faculty Member for the class of 2015 where he was responsible for mentoring the EITs as they become IT entrepreneurs over the 2-year program.

Rich has extensive experience in IT and operations management domestically and internationally. He has directed the IT function in large organizations like Motorola and the US Army, and has served as CTO of numerous startups.

Rich has started several companies ranging from technology consulting and software/web development to real estate/construction and industrial tool import and export. He has grown several companies in the US, internationally, and most recently, developed the technology division of a large retail chain in Cameroon after also directing the launch of a mobile phone software product in the country. Rich has directed the international expansion of four companies and has worked, lived and traveled in more than 30 countries.

A life-long learner, Rich has a B.A. degree in Journalism from the University of New Mexico, M.A. in Public Relations from Univeristy of Houson.

A former professional ski instructor, Rich stays active by running, playing tennis and practicing Muay Thai. To relax, he likes to cook for friends and is a patron of numerous arts.