Stephen G. Pearse is an American entrepreneur, venture capitalist, and board member in the telecommunications, biotechnology, clean energy sectors. He is recognized for guiding companies through major acquisitions, serving on national advisory boards, and supporting innovation in both private and public sectors.

Stephen G. Pearse
Born
United States
Alma materMassachusetts Institute of Technology, Georgia Institute of Technology, and Stevens Institute of Technology
OccupationsEntrepreneur, venture capitalist
Known forCEO of Cyras Systems and Member of the NASA Advisory Council member
SpouseCristina Pearse

Early years and education

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Pearse obtained degrees from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Georgia Institute of Technology, and Stevens Institute of Technology.[1]

Career

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Early career

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Pearse began his career in the telecommunications industry. He served as Vice President of Technology Planning at Sprint and later became Senior Vice President of Engineering, Operations, and IT at Time Warner Telecom. He also held the role of Executive Vice President and General Manager of Nortel Networks’ Internet/Telecom Business Group, overseeing parts of the integration of Bay Networks and Nortel.[2]

Cyras Systems

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Pearse is best known for leading Cyras Systems, a telecommunications start-up. As CEO, he guided the company from early funding through eventual acquisition by Ciena Corporation in 2000.[2]

He was also involved in other exits, including Revolv, Inc., later acquired by Google in 2014.[3]

Later ventures and board roles

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He has served as Chairman of Maxwell Biosciences, a biotechnology company, and was Chairman of Innovation Pavilion.[4] Techtonic Group LLC,[5][6]

In 2024, Pearse became Managing Director of Yucatan Rock Ventures, a venture investment firm.[7]

He has also held directorships with various companies.[1]

Advisory and governmental roles

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In 2013, Pearse was appointed to the NASA Advisory Council. In 2024, he joined the inaugural Board of Directors of the Foundation for Energy Security and Innovation (FESI), a nonprofit established by the U.S. Department of Energy under the CHIPS and Science Act.[8]

Personal life

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Pearse is married to Cristina Pearse.

References

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  1. 1 2 "Stephen G. Pearse – Board roles". MarketScreener. Retrieved 18 September 2025.
  2. 1 2 "Stephen Pearse biography" (PDF). MIT Nuts & Bolts. Retrieved 18 September 2025.
  3. "Our Team – Yucatan Rock Ventures". yucatanrock.com. Retrieved 18 September 2025.
  4. "Maxwell Biosciences — Next Generation Anti-infectives and Antivirals". Maxwell Biosciences. Retrieved 2023-01-21.
  5. "Maxwell Biosciences — a Synthetic Immune System: Biodefense & HealthSpan Longevity". Maxwell Biosciences. Retrieved 2024-08-18.
  6. "David Evans Shaw Backs Maxwell Biosciences". Fin SMEs. April 9, 2021.
  7. "DOE Appoints Inaugural Board of Directors for Groundbreaking New Foundation". Energy.gov. 9 May 2024. Retrieved 2024-08-17.
  8. "DOE appoints inaugural Board of Directors for FESI". energy.gov. 2024. Retrieved 18 September 2025.