Safeguard Scientifics, Inc. (NYSE:SFE) today announced that Martina F. Aufiero has joined the company as Senior Vice President and Managing Director, Technology. Ms. Aufiero will be responsible for sourcing and deploying capital in early- and growth-stage technology companies, providing operational oversight and driving successful exits for Safeguard’s partner companies.

Ms. Aufiero brings more than 20 years of experience to Safeguard, most recently serving as Managing Director and Head of Corporate Development for a leading New York-based financial technology firm, where she led several key acquisitions and inorganic growth initiatives. Previously, Ms. Aufiero served as Vice President of Principal Strategic Investing at Goldman Sachs (NYSE: GS), where she led numerous investments in the financial technology sector as part of a $1.0 billion portfolio. On behalf of Goldman Sachs, Ms. Aufiero served on the Boards of Directors for APX Inc., the Green Exchange LLC, Medley Global Advisors LLC and LiquidityMatch LLC and as a board alternate on FXAll Inc. Her experience as a board member includes Audit Committee Chair and leadership roles on Compensation and Investment Committees, as well as holding a corporate officer position for a consortium of 11 global banks. Prior to joining Goldman Sachs, Ms. Aufiero was the Director of Mergers & Acquisitions for Moneyline Telerate (acquired by Reuters in 2004). Previously, she was a Manager in the strategy consulting practice of Andersen Consulting and held several roles with the Atlantic Richfield Company (ARCO).

“Tina’s background in principle investing, M&A, strategy and board governance will prove invaluable to Safeguard as well as our current and prospective partner companies,” said Stephen T. Zarrilli, President and CEO of Safeguard. “As we continue to build our portfolio of companies, it’s essential to access and cultivate strong networks and ecosystems that fuel and foster innovation and entrepreneurship. Tina brings that and more to Safeguard. I look forward to working with her to identify new opportunities and to advance our current partner companies towards successful exits to drive value for Safeguard’s shareholders.”

“I’m thrilled to be moving back to Philadelphia and joining a company that has a rich heritage of supporting entrepreneurs, start-ups and growth-stage companies in the technology sector,” said Ms. Aufiero. “Safeguard continues to build upon its legacy of providing companies in its portfolio with far more than just capital. I am extremely excited by the opportunity that lies ahead for me to provide entrepreneurs strong operational guidance to build value in their businesses. I look forward to working with Steve and the entire team at Safeguard to identify and grow the next generation of leading technology companies and to join the vibrant Greater Philadelphia investment community, which has matured into the epicenter of the East Coast entrepreneurial region.”

A certified public accountant, Aufiero earned a B.S. in economics from The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania and an M.B.A. from the UCLA Anderson School of Management.