WHO IS Free radical

Jim Thorson - Principal

I’m Jim Thorson, the Principal of Free Radical Ventures in Denver.

I earned a Bachelor of Science in Geophysical Engineering magna cum laude from the Colorado School of Mines.

I enjoyed 12 years with Shell Oil in Houston and New Orleans in exploration, development, and applied technology roles.  After returning to Denver I joined and then founded firms focused on exploration – from the Gulf of Mexico deepwater to onshore unconventional plays to Alaska. I’ve also formed, grown, and exited an oil company, Pronghorn Operating, with partners.

The words ‘Exploration Geophysicist’ are to blame for my passion for Energy Tech and Deep Tech at the Seed Stage:

- Exploration: Seek the new, fresh opportunities with maximum potential. Comfortable with uncertainty and fuzzy definition, and adept at bringing resources and mindsets to bear to gain clarity on the path forward. 

- Geophysicist: A jack of all trades and master of none.  Know enough about engineering, computing, hardware, software, systems, physics, economics, energy, the earth and the field to be dangerous.

When I’m not on the phone or at the screen I enjoy supporting the Denver-area energy tech community.  You might find me with a fly in the water, on some singletrack, or enjoying an IPA.