Paul Ferris is a founding General Partner with Azure Capital Partners and has over 20 years experience working with high growth technology companies, with the past 14 years investing directly in communications technology, mobile, cloud applications and infrastructure, gaming and digital media related companies for Azure. During his career Paul has helped drive over 30 very successful venture backed outcomes, both as an investor and adviser. Over the course of his career, Paul has provided strategic and investment advice to numerous leading technology companies. Notable firms include ADC Telecommunications, Breaktime Studios, Broadcom, Calix (IPO in 2010), Cerent (acquired by Cisco Systems), Com21 (IPO), Cyan (IPO in 2013), Efficient Networks (acquired by Siemens), Next Level Communications (IPO), New Focus (IPO), Nortel Networks, Packet Engines (acquired by Alcatel), Phanfare (acquired by Carbonite), Phone.com (IPO), Ranovus, Siara Systems (acquired by Redback Networks), Siemens and Sliderocket (acquired by VMware). Prior to founding Azure in 2000, Paul worked at several investment banks, including Credit Suisse First Boston, where he was the Global Head of the Communications Investment Banking Group, and at Deutsche Bank Securities and Morgan Stanley, where he focused on emerging technology companies. Paul received his B.A. degrees in Computer Science and English from Amherst College, where he graduated summa cum laude.