Billy Hagstrom brings more than a decade of asset management and investment banking experience to Nebraska. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics at Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois, in 2006.
Hagstrom developed a strong interest in biomanufacturing and global sustainability after studying the market potential of synthetic biology.. This occurred during a time when emerging trends in corporate social responsibility began to pay greater attention to how advances in biotechnological manufacturing have the potential to preserve resources and the environment.
In January 2022, Hagstrom co-founded Bluestem Biosciences, Inc. with Tyler Autera. Aware of the potential for expansion in the bioeconomy in Nebraska, he launched Bluestem to promote sustainable biomanufacturing in the Midwest. He serves as Chief Executive Officer of this firm, which is headquartered in Omaha, Nebraska.
A Focus on Leadership and Industry Analysis
Hagstrom joined Highbridge Capital Management in March 2010 and served as an Analyst responsible for researching and assessing long-short equities. He carefully reviewed the performance of stocks and investments for the firm to ascertain whether they were expected to decline or appreciate in value. Based upon his analysis, Highbridge Capital Management made informed investment choices that increased stock gains and limited unnecessary market exposure. He worked from both the San Francisco and New York offices while at Highbridge.
After some time working with other asset managers, Hagstron returned to Highbridge. He assumed the role of Managing Director for the Highbridge Convergence Fund (Convergence Long/Short Equity) from June 2018 through October 2019. Primarily assigned to the company's New York City headquarters (but based in San Francisco), his time working in this role gave Hagstrom an opportunity to witness firsthand the detailed nature of long-short equity and other technology investment strategies.
Bringing the Bioeconomy to Omaha
Billy Hagstrom moved to Omaha in 2021. He assumed responsibility for the areas of Strategy & Development at Green Plains, Inc. He held the position of Senior Vice President after starting there in March 2021. Beginning in August 2021 through the end of his time at Green Plains, Hagstrom was promoted to Executive Vice President.