Editor: We are interviewing Bob in anticipation of his speaking engagement this Friday at the Cape Cod Technology Council’s First Friday breakfast on the capital equation and how it figures into companies in our region. If you would like to attend, please go to the CCTC website to signup.

Who are you and what do you do?

My name is Bob Lamkin and I am doing several things right now. I am a Venture Partner with the German-US Venture Capital company, TVM Capital, based in Boston and Munich. In addition, I am a co-founder of Bay Angels, the Cape Cod based angel investment club. I serve on the advisory board of several technology and healthcare companies in and outside of New England. I am also a Board member of the Cape Cod Technology Council.

What services/products do you offer?

As a VC and angel investor I work with early stage and later stage companies to help raise financing and equally important, help them with business strategies.

Who/where is your audience?

I work with companies worldwide but have a special interest in southeastern Massachusetts and Cape Cod

What is the website?

www.tvm-capital.com and www.bayangels.net

Well-Funded or Bootstrapped?

TVM is a Venture Capital firm. Bay Angels is a member supported investment club.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years? 10 years?

On a warm beach somewhere! Even though I am semi-retired now, I haven’t quite gotten the hang of retirement. Really, I see my self continuing to work with young people to help them develop their skills. I would like to go back to teaching (I was an adjunct professor at Bentley and Bryant Colleges in the 1980’s and was an elementary school teacher (5th grade) in Hamilton MA shortly after graduating for college and before my being drafted into the US Army). I loved it!

Where were you born - where do you live now?

I was born in Everett MA, grew up in Revere MA and after I got married lived in Marblehead for 35 years before building a house and moving year round to Waquoit (Falmouth) on Waquoit Bay. For a period in between my wife and I (and then 2 year old son) lived in Brussels, Belgium where I was European Marketing Manager for Wang (remember them?).

PC or Mac?

PC. I am tempted, but the PC blood runs thick. My kids, on the other hand, cut their teeth on Macs.

Where did you go to school?

Northeastern U and Salem State undergraduate
Northeastern U Graduate School
Boston College Graduate School of Management

What Social Networks are you on?

Linkedin
Facebook
Plaxo

Greatest invention ever?

Alas, I am not an inventor…I only sell things that others invented!

Person you believe has contributed most to the world of technology?

I worked for several of the most important technology people in the world in my early years. I worked for Dr. An Wang and Wang Labs when it was a small company and then worked for Ken Olsen at Digital when it was still a relatively small world. They both made significant impacts on the computer industry and it was a privilege to work for them during those exciting days. And then there’s Bill Gates and Steve Jobs! Not bad for college dropouts (I don’t encourage others to follow them in this regards).

Where have you traveled in your life?

All around the world and also lived in Belgium with my wife and then, 2 year old son. I have been in 45 of the 50 states and have been throughout Europe, the Far East and Australia. Still want to go to Africa some day.

Why set up shop on Cape Cod?

Why not? Cape Cod is a great place to live and work. Contrary to popular belief, there are lots of folks like me who are interested in the benefits of living in a beautiful place but still want to be involved in the action of high technology. Since bringing high speed internet and other infrastructure services to the Cape, there is no excuse for not setting up shop here. And anyway, when you drive up Rt. 3 in the morning and see that there is no traffic headed south, it’s a great place for people to commute to…a reverse commute.

5 Websites you go to every day?

Google, Yahoo!, CNN, MSNBC, Boston.com

What’s on your iPod right now?

Just songs and some TV downloads. Rod Stewart’s Great American Songbooks (3 volumes), Diana Krall, Tony Bennett (yes, him) and then a lot of other folks like James Taylor, Carly Simon (typical of a 60’s person).

What is on your desktop/screensaver right now?

My Grandkids

You are on a deserted island - do you bring a laptop or book?

Alas, I would bring my laptop.

Phone call or text message?

Phone

Feel free to tell us anything else….?

I have tried to encourage entrepreneurs both on the Cape and off to let their dreams set them on a journey. I have had a wonderful life in high tech, working with some of the icons in the industry and still feel like there is more to accomplish. Helping others to build companies and fulfill their dreams is a passion of mine now.

Thank you for your time, Bob!