Yuri Cataldo
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Yuri Cataldo | |
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| Born | Elkhart, Indiana |
| Nationality | American |
| Alma mater | Indiana University |
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| Organization | IndigoH2O |
Yuri Cataldo is an American entrepreneur, investor, author, designer, and innovation strategist recognized for his contributions at the intersection of art, technology, and business. He is the founder of IndigoH2O, a premium bottled alkaline water brand, co-founder of Athenian Capital, a data-first venture capital firm focusing on dual-use technologies, and co-author of the best-selling book Be Left Behind. Cataldo also hosts the podcast Advance Your Art, which explores creative entrepreneurship.
Early Life and Education
Cataldo was born in Elkhart, Indiana, to a Russian mother and Italian father. He initially enrolled in mechanical engineering at Purdue University but later transferred to Indiana University to pursue theater design. He furthered his studies in design at The Juilliard School and obtained a Master of Fine Arts in Production Design from the Yale School of Drama.
Career
Theater and Design
Cataldo began his career as a set and costume designer, contributing to Broadway, opera, regional theater, film, and dance productions. Notably, he designed the original costumes for the premiere of José Rivera’s Boleros for the Disenchanted at the Yale Repertory Theatre in 2008.
Entrepreneurship
IndigoH2O
In 2011, Cataldo founded IndigoH2O, a premium alkaline bottled water company. To minimize expenses during the startup phase, he lived with his parents. Under his leadership, IndigoH2O gained international recognition, becoming the first bottled water company to accept Bitcoin in 2014. The brand was featured in the 2015 Oscar gift bags and won the gold medal for Best Tasting Water at the 2015 Berkeley Springs International Water Tasting, after securing bronze in 2013 and silver in 2014. Following these accolades, the company experienced a 3,000% increase in sales.
Athenian Capital
Cataldo co-founded Athenian Capital, a venture capital firm specializing in dual-use technologies and artificial intelligence. The firm focuses on bridging commercial innovation with national security applications.
Academia and Mentorship
Cataldo served as the Director and Executive-in-Residence for the Business of Creative Enterprises program at Emerson College, where he developed curricula integrating arts and entrepreneurship. He has lectured at institutions including MIT, Yale, Oxford, Princeton, Stanford, and Notre Dame, and mentors startups through programs like MassChallenge, MIT Sandbox, and Yale Tsai City.
Media and Publications
Cataldo co-authored Be Left Behind: Discover Bitcoin and Cryptocurrency Before Your Grandma Beats You to It, a best-selling book that simplifies complex cryptocurrency concepts for a general audience. He also hosts the podcast Advance Your Art, which features interviews with creative entrepreneurs discussing their journeys and strategies for success.
Awards and Recognition
- Named one of Indiana’s “40 Under 40” business leaders in 2013.
- IndigoH2O received multiple awards at the Berkeley Springs International Water Tasting: bronze in 2013, silver in 2014, and gold in 2015.
Personal Life
Cataldo resides in Boston, Massachusetts, where he continues to engage in innovation research, founder mentorship, and venture capital initiatives. He holds an MBA from the MIT Sloan School of Management and an MFA from Yale University.
References
External links
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