Nick Gerner
Engineering leader, founder, and builder.
The Short Version
I started out studying EE & CS, did a stint in consulting, and then jumped into the startup world - where I've been ever since.
Along the way, I co-founded a software company with some friends, went back to Hopkins for a master's while working full-time, and worked my way from engineer to VP at a venture studio. That startup eventually got acquired, and now I lead engineering teams at Aledade building tools for primary care.
The path wasn't planned, but looking back it makes sense. Each move came down to chasing interesting problems and good people to solve them with.
When I'm not working, you'll probably find me somewhere in DC trying a new restaurant or telling myself I'll get back into running.
How I Got Here
A few of the turns along the way
What's Next
Still writing this one. I want to keep learning, keep building things that matter, and keep working with people who make the work worth doing. The rest will figure itself out.
Finding Home
Aledade
Our startup got acquired by Aledade. I stayed because the people were great and the problems were worth solving. Leading engineering teams building tools for primary care - couldn't be happier.
The Climb
Foundry.ai
Joined a venture studio as an engineer. Left as a VP. Built products across industries, helped spin out startups, and figured out that growing people is as rewarding as shipping code.
The Side Project
Ghost Creative
Started a company with friends on nights and weekends. Built software for small healthcare practices. Learned that running a business is harder than it looks - and that I loved it anyway.
The Leap
Startups
Left for startups and never looked back. Smaller teams, scrappier problems, way more ownership. Also went back to Hopkins for a master's in CS while working full-time.
The Safe Bet
Accenture
Took the consulting job because it seemed like the right move. Learned how big companies work. More importantly, learned I wanted to build things - not just advise on them.
The Student
Johns Hopkins
Hopkins for electrical engineering. Varsity track, fraternity, and enough time in the Pre-Law Society to realize that wasn't the path. Graduated with a degree and no clear plan.
Things I Believe
Stay Growing
Growth is my compass. When I'm learning, I'm energized. When I'm not, it's time to change something. Every major career move I've made came down to this.
Make It Matter
Building is fun, but impact is the point. I'm most motivated when the work actually helps someone - whether that's a user, a teammate, or a customer I'll never meet.
Bet On People
Anyone can do anything given the right opportunity and environment. I try to build teams where people have room to grow, permission to try, and support when they need it.
What I Do
Build Products
From idea to production. I've built software across healthcare, energy, sales, and more - always focused on shipping something real that solves a problem.
Lead Teams
Grew from engineer to VP by learning how to hire well, create clarity, and get out of the way. I care most about building environments where people can do their best work.
Start Things
Co-founded a company, helped spin out startups at a venture studio, and joined early-stage teams more than once. I like the zero-to-one phase.
Figure It Out
AI, distributed systems, cloud architecture - I've picked up a lot along the way. But honestly, the skill I value most is being able to learn whatever's needed next.
Education
M.S. in Computer Science
Johns Hopkins University
2014 - 2016
Specialization in Distributed Systems, Cloud Computing, and Machine Learning
B.S. in Electrical Engineering
Johns Hopkins University
2009 - 2013
Involved in Hopkins Undergraduate Engineering Society, Pi Kappa Alpha, Pre-Law Society, Varsity Track & Field
Say Hi
I'm always happy to chat - about work, startups, DC restaurant recs, or whatever's on your mind.