Dirk McDermott is the founder and Managing Director of Altira Group LLC, an energy investment firm based in Denver Colorado. Dirk raised capital to launch Altira’s inaugural fund and has expanded Altira to one of the leading energy investment firms in the world. Building upon the business relationships he has developed throughout his career, he is responsible for developing new deal sources and helping shape Altira’s strategy. His 25 years’ of experience as an investor, manager, and scientist in the energy industry are among the keys to Altira’s success. His working knowledge in the technologies of the oil, gas, and renewable energy industry is invaluable and sets Altira apart. Dirk has a superb practical working knowledge of the energy industry and is a pioneer in successfully applying investment into energy technology.

Dirk has served or currently serves on the boards of directors for several Altira portfolio companies: Beyond Compliance, Canyon Offshore, Coherence Technology Company, DeepFlex, Microseismic, NuTech Energy Alliance, RC Squared, TransZap, and Tubel Technologies. In addition, Dirk is on the Board of Directors of RPSEA, the Treasurer and Chair on the Board of Trustees of the Finance Committee of Graland Country Day School, and serves as the “Roustabout” and Chair of the Alternative Investment Committee of the Petroleum Investment Committee at Stanford University.

Dirk began his career with Louisiana Land and Exploration Company (LL&E) as a geophysicist working on exploration and production projects around the world. During his twelve year tenure he held a variety of positions including Chief Geophysicist of LL&E’s Canadian subsidiary. After obtaining his MBA from Stanford University in 1991, Dirk turned his career towards venture investing in energy and energy technologies. In 1993, he co-founded Aspect Management, a Denver venture capital firm that managed the oil and gas portfolio of General Atlantic Partners and also invested in early stage oil and gas technology enterprises that were leaders in the application of 3D technology. During this period, he was instrumental in founding, funding, and managing oil and gas companies and technology companies, including General Atlantic Resources, Brigham Oil and Gas, Southtech Exploration, Geographix, and Coherence Technology Company. In addition to his MBA, Dirk holds a Master’s of Science in Geophysics from Stanford University.

Committees: Audit Committee, Compensation Committee