28k | CTO & GP | Flipping impossible problems on their heads® | Keynote Speaker | 54 patents and counting. Investing in AI for manufacturing, materials, industrial automation.
Simon Lancaster is a distinguished technology executive, inventor, and venture capitalist with over 15 years of experience in product design, engineering, and innovation. As the current CTO of Carbon Mobile and Founding General Partner at Omni Venture Labs, he is at the forefront of advancing carbon fiber technology for 5G-connected devices and investing in deep tech startups.
Professional Experience
Carbon Mobile As CTO, Lancaster leads the engineering and strategy efforts at Carbon Mobile, a company pioneering the use of carbon fiber technology in 5G-connected devices. His expertise in advanced materials and manufacturing processes is instrumental in developing cutting-edge, sustainable solutions for the mobile industry.
Omni Venture Labs In his role as Founding General Partner, Lancaster focuses on investing in pre-seed deep tech founders, particularly in the field of advanced manufacturing. He leverages his extensive experience and network to:
- Support and mentor portfolio startups
- Scout and evaluate new investment opportunities
- Drive innovation in the deep tech ecosystem
Previous Roles Lancaster's career includes significant contributions to major tech companies:
- Apple (2008-2019): Served as Advanced Materials and Prototyping Lead in Product Design Architecture and Advanced Manufacturing Engineer in Manufacturing Design.
- Google (2007): Worked as a Platforms Mechanical Engineer.
- BlackBerry (2005): Held the position of Electro-Mechanical Test Systems Design Engineer.
Innovations and Patents
With over 54 patents to his name, Lancaster is a prolific inventor in the fields of:
- Manufacturing processes
- Advanced materials
- Automation systems
- Consumer electronics
His innovative work has earned him multiple prestigious awards, including:
- Red Dot Award
- Good Design Award
Speaking Engagements
Lancaster is a sought-after keynote speaker and guest lecturer, sharing his insights at:
- Global tech conferences
- University of California, Berkeley
- ETH Zurich
These engagements allow him to disseminate knowledge on cutting-edge technologies and manufacturing processes to both industry professionals and aspiring engineers.
Educational Background
While not explicitly mentioned in the provided information, Lancaster's expertise and roles suggest a strong educational foundation in engineering, likely from a top-tier institution.
Expertise and Focus Areas
- Advanced manufacturing techniques
- Carbon fiber technology
- 5G-connected devices
- Sustainable product design
- Deep tech investments
- Materials science and engineering
Philosophy and Approach
Simon Lancaster's career is characterized by a passion for solving complex problems and creating innovative solutions that are:
- Functional
- Sustainable
- Aesthetically pleasing
His approach combines technical expertise with a keen eye for design, resulting in products that push the boundaries of what's possible in consumer electronics and connected devices.
As both a technology leader and venture capitalist, Lancaster is uniquely positioned to drive innovation in the deep tech space, bridging the gap between cutting-edge research and practical, market-ready solutions. His work at Carbon Mobile and Omni Venture Labs continues to shape the future of mobile technology and advanced manufacturing, with a strong emphasis on sustainability and technological advancement.
Citations: [1] https://www.berlinoffice-usa.com/news/berlin-startups-in-the-spotlight-carbon-mobile/ [2] https://theorg.com/org/carbon-mobile/org-chart/simon-lancaster [3] https://www.linkedin.com/in/axelkloth [4] https://about.underarmour.com/en-us/stories/2018/08/attica-jaques-named-head-of-global-brand-management-at-under-arm.html [5] https://www.ciobulletin.com/magazine/abacus-semiconductor-smart-multi-homes-memories [6] https://www.linkedin.com/in/simonlancaster [7] https://www.christopherlafayette.com [8] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pb11Xq9BGzg