Gary Shields is the Chairman and Managing Partner of Nassau Street Partners, where he spearheads the firm's strategic direction and directly leads all major initiatives. At the helm of the organization, Gary brings a wealth of experience with a distinguished career spanning nearly four decades in investment banking and venture capital.
Gary began his career in 1986 at LF Rothschild as a research analyst specializing in TMT stocks. In 1991, he joined the renowned investment bank Robertson Stephens as the Head of Environmental Services Investment Banking. Initially recruited as a Senior Research Analyst, Gary transitioned into the investment banking group, contributing to the firm's legacy as one of the "Four Horsemen" of investment banking.
Later in 1991, Gary became Head of Healthcare Investment Banking at The Chicago Corporation, where he drove innovative strategies in one of the most dynamic sectors of the market. In 1995, he co-founded Flemming, Lessard & Shields, a San Diego and San Francisco-based investment bank. As Managing Director, Gary advised hundreds of companies on M&A, divestitures, IPO planning, and capital formation.
Gary's expertise extends beyond investment banking into venture capital and corporate governance. He joined the board of Favrille in 2003, a biopharma company focused on immune system technologies, and played a pivotal role in its IPO and subsequent merger. Since 2020, he has served on the board of CureScience, guiding its partnerships and investments in cutting-edge diagnostics, regenerative medicine, and immunotherapy.
Today, under Gary's direct leadership, he also serves as a Managing Partner at AvTech Ventures, a San Diego-based investment bank and venture capital firm. AvTech is recognized for advising and investing in emerging growth companies from early stages through IPOs and M&A transactions. His hands-on management approach has built a track record of success in both domestic and international markets.
Gary's career reflects a deep commitment to innovation, strategic growth, and delivering exceptional outcomes for companies and investors alike. As the driving force behind Nassau Street Partners, his vision, expertise, and decisive leadership are instrumental in shaping the firm's direction and continuing to provide world-class advisory services to clients.
Gary is part of Nasau Street Partners (NSP) and registered with Nassau Street Securities (NSS), a registered broker-dealer and member FINRA/SIPC. All securities-related business and transactions are conducted solely through NSS.
