Jacob Smith combines an unusual background of biochemistry, EMT training, and MBA education that informs his science- and patient-grounded investing approach at 11.2 Capital, where he focuses on early-stage companies solving the biggest challenges in healthcare, biology, and sustainability. His career path from Midwest growth fund to national accelerator to launching a healthcare fund before joining a San Francisco deep-tech firm represents a differentiated trajectory compared to most Bay Area VCs who start and stay within coastal firms.