A visionary leader, investor and advisor in Government Technology
Tom Spengler is a seasoned GovTech advisor, entrepreneur, and investor dedicated to transforming how government works through cutting-edge technology, civic innovation, and public sector leadership. With over two decades of experience in GovTech, Tom has helped drive modernization across local, state, and federal agencies through his work with SaaS companies, AI-powered platforms, and civic engagement tools. His expertise as a GovTech advisor spans strategic planning, product-market fit, go-to-market execution, capital raising, and long-term scalability for startups and growth-stage ventures.
A Proven GovTech Advisor Driving Innovation in the Public Sector
As the founder of Awaken Ventures, Tom partners with early- and mid-stage GovTech companies, government leaders, and institutional investors to unlock new models of service delivery, improve operational efficiency, and elevate the citizen experience. He is frequently sought out for his insights on digital transformation, data-driven governance, workflow automation, and the rapidly evolving intersection of policy and technology.
Public Sector Innovation Backed by Operational Expertise
Tom’s advisory work is grounded in firsthand operating experience as a three-time GovTech 100 CEO and co-founder of Granicus—one of the most impactful civic tech platforms in the world. As an Entrepreneur in Residence for Great Hill Partners, he advises the fund on GovTech investments. Through Awaken Ventures, he supports a portfolio of innovative companies building solutions for smart cities, mobility management, constituent communications, and transparent governance.
Whether mentoring founders, advising public sector executives, or collaborating with venture capital and private equity firms, Tom brings deep domain knowledge and a clear mission: to accelerate the adoption of responsible, scalable, and human-centered technology in government. As a GovTech advisor, he continues to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of civic technology and empowering the next generation of changemakers in the public sector.
Key highlights of Tom’s Career:
- Three-time CEO of GovTech 100 companies
- Original Co-founder and CEO of Granicus, transforming civic engagement through digital platforms.
- Current and previous Board member at Granicus, PrimeGov, Rock Solid Technologies, CivStart, Automotus, and Sovra.
- Investor in and advisor to multiple successful startups, including Granicus, CitiBot, Automotus, Abstract, Madison AI and Lunch Payments.
“Better communities through better governance, through better technology.”