Team
Petra Stuhmeier Griffith
Managing Director
Petra Griffith launched Wedbush Ventures to foster the next generation of technology companies solving big market problems. Having built many firsts - the first online printing software, first fitness wearable, first native ads - and ushered a bank into the age of technology, Petra understands the strategic and creative mindset necessary to narrow in on a product’s core features for successful market fit. Her past leadership to product, strategy, marketing, and operations teams at established and startup organizations like Netflix, Yahoo!, and 24 Hour Fitness makes Petra a coveted product strategy ally to entrepreneurs ready to scale innovation.
Because Petra lived in LA while working for Bay Area-based companies for the past 17 years, she is committed to a thriving tech ecosystem in Southern California. In her free time, you can find Petra on the slopes, pearling on waves, or enjoying dinners on the deck with her husband, three kids, and two cats.
Advisors
Eric Wedbush
CEO, Wedbush Capital
Eric is Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Wedbush Capital. He joined the firm in 1990, became Chief Executive Officer in 2005 and leads the firm’s investment activities and strategic initiatives. Eric received his B.S. in Finance from San Diego State University and holds an M.B.A. from the Anderson School at University of California, Los Angeles.
Geoff Bland
CIO, Wedbush Capital
Geoff is Chief Investment Officer of Wedbush Capital. He joined the firm in 2000, and has been leading the firm’s private equity initiatives since 2004. In addition, he works on the development and execution of strategic initiatives for the firm and its holdings. Geoff received his B.A. from Stanford University and his M.B.A. from the J.L. Kellogg Graduate School of Management at Northwestern University.
Don Griffith
CEO, Cal First National Bank
Don is a veteran entrepreneur, operator and investor in the banking industry. He is the founder and former Chairman and CEO of Grandpoint Bank, First Coastal Bank, and Peninsula National Bank. He also previously served as the Chief Financial Officer of First Interstate Bancorp. In 1989, Don founded D.M. Griffith & Co., an investment firm that assisted Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co. in its investment in the Fleet Financial Group in 1991 and eventual purchase of the Bank of New England.