© 2025 Snell & Wilmer L.L.P. All rights reserved.
General Partner, 1004 Venture Partners; Managing Partner, Cardiff Advisory
Dr. Crean is a distinguished leader in the technology, life sciences, and healthcare industries with over three decades of experience in strategically advising more than 500 companies on issues of company building, growth and exit through mergers & acquisitions, collaborative partnerships, and investments. In addition, he is a certified forum leader in mentoring CEOs and facilitating numerous peer advisory initiatives for executives over the past three years exemplified through several key initiatives including CEO360, CEO Connection, and REF Forum Leadership Programs.
Dr. Crean’s impact on the industry is recognized through numerous accolades, including consistent inclusion in San Diego’s 500 Most Influential People list from 2019 to 2024, and recognition as a Top Thought Leader by Axial in 2020, and extensive boards of directors experience including with Association of Corporate Growth, CONNECT and BIOCOM San Diego, and within key life sciences and technology organizations. His career exemplifies a commitment to leadership and driving innovation in technology and life sciences, supporting founders and entrepreneurs through strategic guidance, mentoring, investment, and industry excellence. His multifaceted approach and brand recognition combines financial acumen, scientific technical expertise, and a deep understanding of the entrepreneurial journey, making him a valuable asset to the innovation ecosystem.
Dr. Crean’s educational accomplishments are as robust as his professional portfolio. He holds a Ph.D. in Biophysics from the State University of New York at Buffalo, and has honed his business acumen with an MBA from Pepperdine University Graziadio School of Management, with a focus on finance. His expertise is also underpinned by the FINRA Series 79 and Series 63 licenses, and he is a registered representative with BA Securities LLC.
Partner, Snell & Wilmer
Roger Rappoport, a partner at Snell & Wilmer LLP and co-chair of its Emerging Growth and Venture Capital Industry Group, is a seasoned advisor to startups and emerging growth companies and the investors who finance them, guiding clients from inception through exit. With over two decades of experience in the startup ecosystem, Roger focuses on venture capital and angel investor financings, including convertible notes, SAFEs, and other debt financings. His knowledge extends to mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures, distribution, development, manufacturing, and licensing transactions, as well as executive compensation and the establishment of equity incentive plans.
Roger has experience navigating numerous companies from formation to IPO and beyond, developing proactive strategies to help maximize shareholder value and steering clients through critical legal and business events. He serves a diverse array of industries, including software (B2B, B2C, and B2B2C), artificial intelligence, hardware, robotics, mobility, communications, internet, renewable energy, medical devices, med-tech, biotechnology, and pharmaceuticals. His experience as an entrepreneur for 10 years, before becoming a lawyer, provides him a unique and comprehensive understanding of both the legal and business challenges faced by startups and makes him an invaluable advisor for innovative companies aiming to achieve their full potential.