Operations
Nicolina
Quickert
Nicolina is an Executive Assistant at Gigascale Capital, where she brings her experience scaling startups to support the firm's operations and growing team.
Before Gigascale, Nicolina spent nearly eight years at Luminar Technologies, joining as the founder's first executive assistant when the company was in stealth mode and helping scale it through its public offering. She also worked with NFL Hall of Famer Ronnie Lott and has managed operations for several Bay Area family offices.
Building Strong Operations From Stealth to Scale
Nicolina shares her journey from early-stage startups to climate tech, insights on scaling operations, and what makes the climate tech community unique with Kristen, Gigascale’s Head of Communications.
Tell me about your career journey and finding your way to Gigascale.
My path wasn’t traditional. I originally planned to become a teacher but instead found myself drawn to operations roles, first working with family offices and eventually finding my way into startups.
My first startup role was with Luminar Technologies. I joined while they were still in stealth mode and helped scale the team all the way through the IPO. After that experience, I wanted to join another small team and found my way to Gigasale, where I love getting to work across different disciplines and still have a positive and impactful mission.
Tell me more about your experience at Luminar and the growth from stealth through IPO.
When I started, we were tiny. It was just three executives and no actual infrastructure. I supported everyone as we started building the team, shifting my role as we grew and brought on more executives. I got to see the company transform over seven and a half years. We went public at the end of 2020, so I experienced the entire journey from a secretive startup to a public company.
It all taught me to be adaptable, and I loved environments where you roll up your sleeves and do a bit of everything. At Gigascale, it feels like my early days at Luminar, working cross-functionally in a strong team environment.
Any advice for startups on successfully scaling operations?
The people you hire have the most significant impact. Getting a group of people that are cohesive is the secret to success. Find people who work well together, not just professionally but personally, too.
Timing is also crucial. Sometimes, scaling too quickly can be an issue because hiring so many people at once changes dynamics. You have to be thoughtful about growth and culture.
Is there anything that’s surprised you about working in climate tech?
The culture is unique. Everyone’s motivated to have an impact. There’s still a competitive spirit; it feels different because we’re all working toward the same ultimate goal.
I also love working with our founders. It’s rewarding to know that I’m supporting not just one company making a difference but many companies working to improve our world. The founders we work with are incredibly talented. They’re technical and driven but also thoughtful and collaborative. It’s a unique combination.