Meet the Team

Elizabeth Jafek

Co-Founder, Program Director

Elizabeth Jafek holds a BS in Economics from Brigham Young University. She launched her career at Industrial Economics, focusing on environmental matters and working with key clients like EPA, DOI, and USACE.

Since PAX's inaugural 2020 cohort, she's been committed to fostering a founder community, imparting vital leadership and scaling skills. Elizabeth enjoys reading, running, skiing, and painting. Based in Boston, she explores the city on foot and seeks out delightful dessert spots.

Jack Hanson

Co-Founder, Director of Operations

Before his full-time role starting in Summer 2021, Jack interned at PAX while completing his undergrad. He gained experience at Urgently, Calleva Outdoors, and Yellowstone National Park during his University of Maryland studies, majoring in Environmental Science, Soil, Water, and Land Resources.

An outdoors lover, Jack relishes backpacking, climbing, and whitewater kayaking. His passion for supporting climate-friendly startups led him to PAX, where he aids in directing investments toward innovative founders.

Eric Hanson

Director of Recruitment

Eric, a University of Arizona alumnus, balanced Psychology, Spanish, and collegiate lacrosse. Post-graduation, he directed instructors at Calleva Outdoors, leading kayaking ventures and overseeing 35+ staff. Drawn by his passion for outdoor education, Eric ventured across the US, Canada, and Mexico.

In December 2021, he joined Pax Momentum, relishing entrepreneur interactions and goal realization. As Recruiting Director, he applies psychological insights and team-building expertise to unearth disruptive companies for PAX's portfolio.

Jamie Hanson

Director of Investor Relations

Jamie has worked part-time with PAX for several years, finally joining full-time at the beginning of 2023. He graduated from Brigham Young University with a degree in Economics. While he loves working with founders and connecting with the Venture Capital community, Jamie directs investor outreach with PAX.

An East Coast native living in Salt Lake City, UT, Jamie loves being outdoors, primarily rock climbing along the Wasatch Range. He also enjoys reading books on history (the denser the better), snowboarding in the winter, and playing chess.

Matthew Hanson

Co-founder, Managing Director

PAX blends Matthew's passions: investing, entrepreneurship, and B2B sales.

With Blu Venture Investors, he backed 70+ early-stage firms. A former entrepreneur, he co-founded Segovia, exiting successfully in 2005. Matthew's core remains sales, excelling in tech solutions for over a decade.

He resides in Darnestown, MD with his wife, enjoying gardening, entertaining, and global trips. They've raised four sons, seven dogs, and eagerly await numerous grandchildren. Matthew and Natalie connected as liberal arts students at BYU.