Matthew Bauer / Board Member

Matthew Bauer’s career arc follows a consistent theme: helping start, build and grow organizations while leveraging business as a positive force for people and the planet. He started my career with the U.S. House Telecom & Finance Subcommittee in D.C. and went on to help co-found three companies and two nonprofits, including one of the first telcos focused on social and environmental impact, BetterWorld Telecom.

After decades starting and running companies, he is now working alongside two amazing organizations: The Wireless Research Center (WRC) and Azafran Capital Partners. WRC is an independent non-profit focused on research, development and implementation of broadband, wireless and associated technologies. His focus is helping lead WRC’s Connected Communities program whose mission is to bring high-speed broadband, workforce development, entrepreneurship and advanced technologies to rural and underserved communities in the U.S. and around the world. Azafran is an early stage VC investing in companies that are using deep learning and machine learning, emphasizing voice, acoustics and imagery datasets in the health, wellness, IoT / automation and enterprise spaces.

Writing has been a passion throughout Matthew’s career. He co-authored the Nonprofit Guide to Going Green, published by Wiley & Sons, and has had articles featured in a range of publications including the Washington Post, San Jose Mercury News, and The Hill. For a collection of his writing and articles, please visit: https://www.mateobauer.com.

Mateo’s most recent endeavor is serving as a board member on KFFR, community radio for the Fraser Valley and the headwaters of the Colorado River.  You can hear him on the airwaves every Wednesday at 2:00 pm.