Haroon Chohan

I help lead ARC Capital’s investment vision and oversee strategy, capital allocation, and portfolio construction across early-stage AI-native and deep-technology companies emerging from leading research universities. I lead origination and investment decisions across the firm’s venture capital and venture-engineering platform, stewarding disciplined capital deployment, fund governance, and strategic partnerships to guide companies from inception through scale and exit.

As an Advisor and Mentor at the Praxis Center for Venture Development, I support Cornell’s mission to accelerate the translation of cutting-edge academic research into venture-backed companies. The Praxis Center serves as Cornell’s on-campus incubator for high-potential deep-tech and life science startups, providing critical infrastructure, mentorship, and investor connectivity. Drawing on my startup, technical and venture capital experience with ARC Capital Management, I help founders refine commercialization strategies, validate product-market fit, and prepare for early-stage investment readiness within Cornell’s innovation ecosystem. Key Responsibilities: - Evaluate startup applications for Praxis incubation and acceleration programs. - Advise founders on venture strategy, fundraising, and go-to-market execution. - Mentor teams on investor readiness, governance, and capital structure planning. - Collaborate with CTL, Cornell Tech, and the Center for Life Science Ventures to align venture development pathways and syndicate high-quality deal flow. About the Praxis Center The Praxis Center for Venture Development is Cornell University’s incubator for science- and technology-based startups founded by Cornell faculty, staff, and recent alumni. It provides access to Cornell’s research resources, mentorship network, and investor community, enabling academic founders to launch, fund, and scale impactful ventures emerging from university innovation.

As an Advisor and Committee Member for Ignite Startup Projects, Cornell University’s commercialization program under the Center for Technology Licensing (CTL), I help evaluate and guide university spinouts translating breakthrough research into scalable ventures. In collaboration with CTL leadership, the Praxis Center for Venture Development, Center for Life Science Ventures, and Cornell Tech, I contribute venture investment expertise to assess startup proposals, mentor founding teams, and strengthen Cornell’s lab-to-market pipeline. Key Responsibilities: - Review and score startup funding proposals through the Ignite selection process. - Provide strategic feedback on market validation, fundraising readiness, and IP positioning. - Mentor Cornell innovators and founders on business model design, team formation, and investor engagement. - Collaborate with academic and venture stakeholders to identify investable opportunities across deep-tech, biotech, health-tech, and AI-driven innovation. About Ignite The Ignite Program bridges Cornell research and entrepreneurship through funding, mentorship, and venture support. Since inception, it has catalyzed over $180M in follow-on investment across 114 projects, achieving a 54:1 leverage ratio on Ignite capital, advancing Cornell’s position as a leading engine for research commercialization.

As an EMI Fellow in Cornell’s Emerging Markets Institute (EMI), I engage with global leaders, academics, and industry experts to explore the growing influence of emerging markets and multinational enterprises in the world economy. EMI serves as a premier research and thought leadership hub, bridging the gap between developed and emerging economies. The institute provides access to cutting-edge insights, market trends, and strategic tools to navigate the complexities of high-growth markets. With a mission to equip future leaders with the knowledge and skills to thrive in emerging markets, EMI fosters dialogue, innovation, and collaboration across industries. Through real-world case studies, academic research, and direct engagement with global businesses, I am deepening my expertise in investment, economic development, and corporate strategy within emerging economies. This experience is enhancing my ability to analyze market opportunities, drive impactful business decisions, and contribute to the evolving role of emerging markets in the global economy.

Play a key role in identifying, evaluating, and supporting early-stage startups with strong ties to Cornell. Responsibilities include assess emerging technologies, track industry trends, deal sourcing, conducting due diligence, and analyzing investment opportunities through market research, financial modeling, and competitive analysis. Also collaborate with founders, investors, and venture partners, providing strategic insights to portfolio companies in the venture capital investment process.

As Founder, I lead product development, partnerships, and go-to-market strategy for Fuelhopper, focusing on building a scalable platform that merges logistics automation, sustainability, and customer convenience. I oversee operations, fundraising, and strategic growth initiatives, guiding Fuelhopper from concept to market launch.

Concentration in IT Project Management with a focus on technical, leadership, strategic and business management skills.

This program explored how business leaders can strategically leverage AI and digital technologies to drive innovation, efficiency, and competitive advantage. Key topics included AI-driven process redesign, emerging AI-enabled business models, and building a digital-first, data-driven culture. Through real-world case studies and strategic frameworks, I developed a strong understanding of AI’s potential, from automation to predictive analytics, and learned to assess risk, avoid pitfalls, and align initiatives with business goals. The program prepared me to lead AI-driven transformation, foster innovation across teams, and apply meaningful metrics to drive sustainable growth in a rapidly evolving digital economy.

This program focused on the fundamental work of leadership: cultivating and sustaining high-performing teams. It emphasized developing a personal leadership style through a deeper understanding of motivational drivers, emotional intelligence, and communication strategies. Key objectives included adapting leadership approaches to meet different challenges, managing the conditions that drive team performance, coaching others for growth, and delivering feedback that leads to action and improvement. Through case studies, reflection, and practical tools, I gained actionable strategies to lead with empathy, clarity, and accountability. I also learned how to navigate the transition from individual contributor to effective leader, take ownership of my professional development, and foster a culture of collaboration and performance. The program prepared me to lead with confidence, build strong teams, and support organizational success through thoughtful, people-centered leadership.