Our Team
Team Members
Goose Goostree
Managing Partner
Goose is an investor and economic development leader based in Casper, Wyoming. Before co-founding Breakthrough Venture Capital, he spent his career advising and building companies in energy, infrastructure, and venture-backed technology.
Goose is deeply involved in Wyoming’s entrepreneurial ecosystem and regional economic development efforts, helping build pathways for founders, capital providers, and industry partners across the state.
He’s passionate about helping founders avoid the early pitfalls in early-stage ventures and building companies on strong foundations with deep domain expertise.
Goose attended the University of Wyoming where he received his:
- Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering (minors in Math and Business Management)
- Master of Business Administration (MBA)
Eric Schlidt
Managing Partner
Eric Schlidt is a builder, operator, and leader with deep experience advancing Wyoming’s innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem. As a Managing Partner at Breakthrough Venture Capital, he focuses on sourcing regional deal flow, evaluating early-stage opportunities, and supporting portfolio companies as they scale across the Mountain West.
Prior to co-founding Breakthrough Venture Capital, Eric served as Director of the University of Wyoming’s IMPACT 307, where he helped launch, mentor, and accelerate dozens of emerging startups.
His work spans technology commercialization, venture operations, public–private partnerships, and regional economic strategy — with a strong track record of bringing founders, industry partners, policymakers, and investors together to drive meaningful impact.
Eric’s interdisciplinary foundation gives him a unique perspective at the intersection of business, science, healthcare, and economic development. From the University of Wyoming, he holds:
- Bachelor of Science in Physiology (concentration in Neuroscience)
- Bachelor of Arts from the Honors Program (minor in Economics)
- Master of Science in Health Service Administration
- Master of Business Administration (MBA)
Eric is passionate about expanding access to capital, supporting homegrown founders, and building long-term economic resilience throughout Wyoming and the broader Mountain West.