Mel Gaceta joined Touchdown Ventures in 2021 and helps manage the firm’s consumer investment practice, based on his 20+ years of CVC experience. He got his start in corporate venture capital as finance director of Motorola Ventures, eventually moving into an investor role within the mobile hardware and software, video advertising, and mobile health sectors. Focusing on the mobile ecosystem, he went on to launch the CVC practice at US Cellular. He later transitioned into the financial services industry as Managing Director at Synchrony Ventures, the CVC arm of Synchrony Financial (fka GE Capital Retail Finance), where he invested in fintech, specifically focused on fraud, authentication, alternative underwriting, banking, and B2B financing. Most recently, Mel launched the CVC practice at Mondelēz International, investing in emerging snack brands and food tech.
Mel graduated with a BS accounting from the University of Illinois, Chicago, and an MBA from DePaul University.
Mel, a long-time resident of the Chicago area, lives with his wife and two daughters.
Favorite Team
Chicago Cubs, Chicago Bulls, and Chicago Blackhawks
Favorite Athlete
Michael Jordan
Favorite Moment
Kris Bryant (3B) throwing the ball to Anthony Rizzo (1B) for the final out of the 2016 World Series, giving the Cubs their first championship in 108 years!