2010 Mentors
We match each company with a "been-there, done-that" mentor to help guide the company through the program, providing advice and support (or a kick in the pants when needed), opening doors and making introductions. The mentor is a dedicated resource for the course of the program -- and often afterwards. They spend a significant amount of time with the DreamIt companies and are a core part of the experience.
Colin Evans Founder & Managing Partner at Sandwith Ventures, LLC
Colin M. Evans is the Founder and Managing Partner of Sandwith Ventures,LLC, a San Francisco and Philadelphia based investment firm focusing on angel and early stage investments founded in January, 2007. Sandwith Ventures, LLC focuses investment in three main sectors: 1) retail and consumer oriented e-commerce 2) internet marketplaces and 3) online marketing and advertising services. Investments are concentrated in the Bay Area and Philadelphia, but SV will also look at deals on the East Coast as far south as Washington, D.C. and as far north as New York City.
Previous to launching Sandwith Ventures, Colin was a Co-Founder, member of the Executive Team and Vice President of Sales and Business Development at StubHub.com, a successful online ticket exchange founded in 2000 and sold to eBay in early 2007. Colin oversaw four main functions while at StubHub including all sports and music sponsorships, business development partnerships, corporate sales and the LargeSeller program, which aggregated and serviced all the inventory providers on StubHub.
Colin M. Evans is the Founder and Managing Partner of Sandwith Ventures,LLC, a San Francisco and Philadelphia based investment firm focusing on angel and early stage investments founded in January, 2007. Sandwith Ventures, LLC focuses investment in three main sectors: 1) retail and consumer oriented e-commerce 2) internet marketplaces and 3) online marketing and advertising services. Investments are concentrated in the Bay Area and Philadelphia, but SV will also look at deals on the East Coast as far south as Washington, D.C. and as far north as New York City.
Previous to launching Sandwith Ventures, Colin was a Co-Founder, member of the Executive Team and Vice President of Sales and Business Development at StubHub.com, a successful online ticket exchange founded in 2000 and sold to eBay in early 2007. Colin oversaw four main functions while at StubHub including all sports and music sponsorships, business development partnerships, corporate sales and the LargeSeller program, which aggregated and serviced all the inventory providers on StubHub.
David Herscott
An Internet marketing veteran, David has spent the last fifteen years developing Internet strategies for global brands including: AT&T, Delta Airlines, Coors Brewing Company, Callaway Golf, Mitsubishi and Oakley among others. Starting out in advertising with BBDO in 1990, Herscott eventually joined Modem Media in 1995. In 2001 he cofounded MEA Digital which grew in to a top 50 interactive agency under his stewardship as President. David successfully sold MEA Digital to Advanta in 2008 and spent two years as their Senior Vice President of Marketing. Press, analysts and industry leaders frequently tap him for marketing and technology trends. He has been quoted in the New York Times and Wall Street Journal on numerous occasions, has written a book on Internet Marketing strategy (Marketing Mojo) and is a regular speaker at industry conferences including ad:tech, SES and the DMA.
An Internet marketing veteran, David has spent the last fifteen years developing Internet strategies for global brands including: AT&T, Delta Airlines, Coors Brewing Company, Callaway Golf, Mitsubishi and Oakley among others. Starting out in advertising with BBDO in 1990, Herscott eventually joined Modem Media in 1995. In 2001 he cofounded MEA Digital which grew in to a top 50 interactive agency under his stewardship as President. David successfully sold MEA Digital to Advanta in 2008 and spent two years as their Senior Vice President of Marketing. Press, analysts and industry leaders frequently tap him for marketing and technology trends. He has been quoted in the New York Times and Wall Street Journal on numerous occasions, has written a book on Internet Marketing strategy (Marketing Mojo) and is a regular speaker at industry conferences including ad:tech, SES and the DMA.
Jessica Lindl SVP Marketing at Scientific Learning
Jessica Lindl is a seasoned education technology executive with both US K-12 institutional and consumer leadership experience in the US and abroad.
Since 2007, Jessica has served as senior vice president of marketing and product management at Scientific Learning managing the consumer and international channels. Previously, Ms. Lindl served as vice president of marketing and product management for Riverdeep, a leading developer of educational software. Ms. Lindl held marketing management positions of increasing responsibility at Riverdeep and The Learning Company, which was acquired by Riverdeep, from 2001 through 2006. Prior to her tenure at Riverdeep, Ms. Lindl served as the director of product management for Simplexis, an e-procurement provider for the K-12 market, in 2000 and 2001 and as part of the sales management team for AT&T in San Francisco from 1995 to 1998.
Ms. Lindl holds a bachelor's degree in economics and international studies from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio and an MBA from the Haas School of Business at the University of California, Berkeley. In her spare time, she manages her own user centered design group with her toddler, Isaac.
Jessica Lindl is a seasoned education technology executive with both US K-12 institutional and consumer leadership experience in the US and abroad.
Since 2007, Jessica has served as senior vice president of marketing and product management at Scientific Learning managing the consumer and international channels. Previously, Ms. Lindl served as vice president of marketing and product management for Riverdeep, a leading developer of educational software. Ms. Lindl held marketing management positions of increasing responsibility at Riverdeep and The Learning Company, which was acquired by Riverdeep, from 2001 through 2006. Prior to her tenure at Riverdeep, Ms. Lindl served as the director of product management for Simplexis, an e-procurement provider for the K-12 market, in 2000 and 2001 and as part of the sales management team for AT&T in San Francisco from 1995 to 1998.
Ms. Lindl holds a bachelor's degree in economics and international studies from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio and an MBA from the Haas School of Business at the University of California, Berkeley. In her spare time, she manages her own user centered design group with her toddler, Isaac.
Lance Hollander
Lance is a entrepreneur and marketing technologist who loves to solve problems and build things that are smart. From advertising and branding, to customer experience and empowering businesses with the tools and information necessary for success, Lance has been at the forefront of what is new and possible on the Web for over fifteen years. He has planned and managed some of the most complex online initiatives for major brands, including Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia, Inc., the American Stock Exchange and Unicef. Lance was Co- founder and COO of Involve Inc, a SaaS company that raised over 3 million in both Angel and VC and was sold in 2003 for an eventual IPO exit. In 2006 he became a partner of MEA Digital, which successfully sold to Advanta in 2008 and spent two years as their Senior Vice President of Ecommerce.
Lance is a entrepreneur and marketing technologist who loves to solve problems and build things that are smart. From advertising and branding, to customer experience and empowering businesses with the tools and information necessary for success, Lance has been at the forefront of what is new and possible on the Web for over fifteen years. He has planned and managed some of the most complex online initiatives for major brands, including Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia, Inc., the American Stock Exchange and Unicef. Lance was Co- founder and COO of Involve Inc, a SaaS company that raised over 3 million in both Angel and VC and was sold in 2003 for an eventual IPO exit. In 2006 he became a partner of MEA Digital, which successfully sold to Advanta in 2008 and spent two years as their Senior Vice President of Ecommerce.
Rob Holmes VP, Business Development at Beaumaris Networks, Inc.
Rob Holmes is responsible for developing product solutions and strategic partnerships in support for BNI. Rob joined BNI from VUDU, where he led all marketing, programming, and new content acquisition. Rob was also responsible for the development of the VUDU Apps applications platform for connected devices, launching applications including Pandora, Facebook, the New York Times and more.
Rob Holmes is responsible for developing product solutions and strategic partnerships in support for BNI. Rob joined BNI from VUDU, where he led all marketing, programming, and new content acquisition. Rob was also responsible for the development of the VUDU Apps applications platform for connected devices, launching applications including Pandora, Facebook, the New York Times and more.
John LoftusManaging Director at ICG
John is a Managing Director at ICG. In this capacity, he leads acquisitions of partner companies and works with entrepreneurs to build great companies. John has over 20 years of experience as a serial entrepreneur, private equity investor and operational executive. Prior to joining ICG, John was the founder of the Swinford Group LLC a management consulting firm focused on growth strategies and turnaround situations in private equity-backed and Fortune 1000 companies.
Prior to forming the Swinford Group, John was the Manager Director and Executive Vice President for all technology investments at Safeguard Scientifics, Inc (NYSE: SFE). For Safeguard, he was an active director on partner company boards, led new and follow-on investments, and multiple successful exits, including the sale of Mantas to Oracle (NASDAQ: ORCL). Prior to joining Safeguard, John co-founded Gestalt LLC which focused on software solutions for government and energy customers and successfully was sold to Accenture (NYSE:ACN). John also served as Senior Vice President of Breakaway Solutions, where he managed all strategy and consulting engagements, and was part of the senior management team that took Breakaway Solutions public. Prior to Breakaway Solutions, John was the Senior Vice President and CTO of WPL Laboratories, which earned recognition as an Inc. 500 company. Early in his career, John held executive positions at PECO Energy and GE.
Education: B.E.E., M.S.E.E, and M.S.C.S from Villanova University and a M.S.O.D. from the University of Pennsylvania.
John is a Managing Director at ICG. In this capacity, he leads acquisitions of partner companies and works with entrepreneurs to build great companies. John has over 20 years of experience as a serial entrepreneur, private equity investor and operational executive. Prior to joining ICG, John was the founder of the Swinford Group LLC a management consulting firm focused on growth strategies and turnaround situations in private equity-backed and Fortune 1000 companies.
Prior to forming the Swinford Group, John was the Manager Director and Executive Vice President for all technology investments at Safeguard Scientifics, Inc (NYSE: SFE). For Safeguard, he was an active director on partner company boards, led new and follow-on investments, and multiple successful exits, including the sale of Mantas to Oracle (NASDAQ: ORCL). Prior to joining Safeguard, John co-founded Gestalt LLC which focused on software solutions for government and energy customers and successfully was sold to Accenture (NYSE:ACN). John also served as Senior Vice President of Breakaway Solutions, where he managed all strategy and consulting engagements, and was part of the senior management team that took Breakaway Solutions public. Prior to Breakaway Solutions, John was the Senior Vice President and CTO of WPL Laboratories, which earned recognition as an Inc. 500 company. Early in his career, John held executive positions at PECO Energy and GE.
Education: B.E.E., M.S.E.E, and M.S.C.S from Villanova University and a M.S.O.D. from the University of Pennsylvania.
Elliot Menschik
Elliot is a seasoned entrepreneur and executive with a strong background in healthcare, science and technology. He currently is the General Manager for MEDecision's Provider Markets group with responsibility for the commercialization of the company's health information exchange (HIE), electronic health record (EHR), personal health record (PHR) and telehealth products and services. He was previously the founder and CEO of HxTechnologies Inc (HxTI), a pioneer in health information exchange which he sold to MEDecision in May 2009. He also serves on the Board of Directors of the Pennsylvania e-Health Initiative, as adjunct assistant professor at Fox Chase Cancer Center, and as faculty at the Radiological Society of North America.
Elliot launched HxTechnologies in 2000 and led the company from concept to commercialization to exit, including government, angel and institutional financing. He also played an essential role in the development of the company's technology platform and is the inventor and author of multiple patents and patents pending. An NIH Fellow in the Medical Scientist Training Program, he received an MD and PhD in Neuroscience from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine. He also earned MSE and BSEE degrees in Electrical and Computer Engineering from the Johns Hopkins University.
Elliot is a seasoned entrepreneur and executive with a strong background in healthcare, science and technology. He currently is the General Manager for MEDecision's Provider Markets group with responsibility for the commercialization of the company's health information exchange (HIE), electronic health record (EHR), personal health record (PHR) and telehealth products and services. He was previously the founder and CEO of HxTechnologies Inc (HxTI), a pioneer in health information exchange which he sold to MEDecision in May 2009. He also serves on the Board of Directors of the Pennsylvania e-Health Initiative, as adjunct assistant professor at Fox Chase Cancer Center, and as faculty at the Radiological Society of North America.
Elliot launched HxTechnologies in 2000 and led the company from concept to commercialization to exit, including government, angel and institutional financing. He also played an essential role in the development of the company's technology platform and is the inventor and author of multiple patents and patents pending. An NIH Fellow in the Medical Scientist Training Program, he received an MD and PhD in Neuroscience from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine. He also earned MSE and BSEE degrees in Electrical and Computer Engineering from the Johns Hopkins University.
Alexander Miller Vice President of eCommerce & eMarketing at QVC
Alex is the Vice President of eCommerce & eMarketing for QVC. His team is accountable for developing stakeholders to expand their reach and impact on the business, and to drive innovation that enhances the customer experience across all of QVC's eCommerce platforms. Alex previously held positions as the Director of eMarketing, Director of Programming, Director of Internet Content, Community & Multichannel, Director of Home Merchandising, and Manager of Internet Content & Metrics. He has over 10 years of Internet retail experience. Alex's prior experience includes being the Director of Product Development at iGrandparents.com, National Account Manager for Business Services division of AT&T and Sales & Marketing Specialist for Ernst & Young LLP. He also has his MBA from Villanova University.
Alex is the Vice President of eCommerce & eMarketing for QVC. His team is accountable for developing stakeholders to expand their reach and impact on the business, and to drive innovation that enhances the customer experience across all of QVC's eCommerce platforms. Alex previously held positions as the Director of eMarketing, Director of Programming, Director of Internet Content, Community & Multichannel, Director of Home Merchandising, and Manager of Internet Content & Metrics. He has over 10 years of Internet retail experience. Alex's prior experience includes being the Director of Product Development at iGrandparents.com, National Account Manager for Business Services division of AT&T and Sales & Marketing Specialist for Ernst & Young LLP. He also has his MBA from Villanova University.
Eric Miller Director, eCommerce Systems at David's Bridal
Eric has spent over 10 years working with a variety of companies in numerous capacities with a focus on building and extending their online experiences. Consulting and implementing web strategies, design, application development and operational management; he brings a unique perspective to the management of interactive projects. Eric comes to David's Bridal from Finch Brands (Formerly Kanter International) where he served as Director Interactive and built their client list to include companies such as GSI Commerce, Huntington Learning Center, Guardium and Everlast Worlwide.
Prior to Finch Brands Eric was at Urban Outfitters where he was responsible for managing the multi-million dollar web re-platform of the company's three retail brands; Urban Outfitters, Anthropologie, and Free People. Working with the major eCommerce software vendor, ATG, Eric was responsible for every aspect of their web site, including: managing numerous re-branding efforts, re-designs, e-mail marketing campaigns, micro-sites, customer and partner portals.
Eric graduated from Colgate University and went on to Graduate School at Boston University where he received both an MBA and a Masters of Science in Management Information Systems. He is an avid recumbent cyclist, surfer and fundraiser for cancer research.
Eric has spent over 10 years working with a variety of companies in numerous capacities with a focus on building and extending their online experiences. Consulting and implementing web strategies, design, application development and operational management; he brings a unique perspective to the management of interactive projects. Eric comes to David's Bridal from Finch Brands (Formerly Kanter International) where he served as Director Interactive and built their client list to include companies such as GSI Commerce, Huntington Learning Center, Guardium and Everlast Worlwide.
Prior to Finch Brands Eric was at Urban Outfitters where he was responsible for managing the multi-million dollar web re-platform of the company's three retail brands; Urban Outfitters, Anthropologie, and Free People. Working with the major eCommerce software vendor, ATG, Eric was responsible for every aspect of their web site, including: managing numerous re-branding efforts, re-designs, e-mail marketing campaigns, micro-sites, customer and partner portals.
Eric graduated from Colgate University and went on to Graduate School at Boston University where he received both an MBA and a Masters of Science in Management Information Systems. He is an avid recumbent cyclist, surfer and fundraiser for cancer research.
Marc Slovak VP Product Technology at LexisNexis
I am an experienced executive who has been able to "bridge the gap" between the business and technology worlds. I take pride in the fact that I can still create product, writing code and staying up to date with the latest technologies. At the same time I feel comfortable in all aspects of business management. I take great delight in being able to formulate new products and new product ideas and to be instrumental in all aspects of bringing those product and ideas to market. My current role at Lexis Nexis Courtlink is fairly undefined. I have the freedom to not only create new product but to be an expert resource assisting others attempting to "get something done". In addition to my involvement with our customer facing products I am also responsible for much of our internal reporting and customer data management systems and I actively participate in the management of our division.
I am an experienced executive who has been able to "bridge the gap" between the business and technology worlds. I take pride in the fact that I can still create product, writing code and staying up to date with the latest technologies. At the same time I feel comfortable in all aspects of business management. I take great delight in being able to formulate new products and new product ideas and to be instrumental in all aspects of bringing those product and ideas to market. My current role at Lexis Nexis Courtlink is fairly undefined. I have the freedom to not only create new product but to be an expert resource assisting others attempting to "get something done". In addition to my involvement with our customer facing products I am also responsible for much of our internal reporting and customer data management systems and I actively participate in the management of our division.
Christopher Stanchak Founder & CEO of TicketLeap
Chris is the founder and CEO of TicketLeap, an event ticketing and marketing platform, where he is responsible for the company's overall leadership, strategy and direction. Previously, he worked at GSI Commerce, a global e-commerce leader, where he managed the National Hockey League's online operations. He received his bachelor's degree from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania and founded TicketLeap in the Wharton School Venture Initiation Program. Chris is an active member of the tech entrepreneurship community in Philadelphia.
Chris is the founder and CEO of TicketLeap, an event ticketing and marketing platform, where he is responsible for the company's overall leadership, strategy and direction. Previously, he worked at GSI Commerce, a global e-commerce leader, where he managed the National Hockey League's online operations. He received his bachelor's degree from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania and founded TicketLeap in the Wharton School Venture Initiation Program. Chris is an active member of the tech entrepreneurship community in Philadelphia.
Jed Weissberg COO at The Women on the Net
Jed has more than fifteen years of experience building successful consumer-facing online services. He has created and held senior-level positions in successful start-ups and have worked within and with large media organizations, including Nickelodeon, Scholastic and The New York Times. Current clients include: General Mills, Woman On The Net (wowowow.com) and numerous start-ups.
Jed has more than fifteen years of experience building successful consumer-facing online services. He has created and held senior-level positions in successful start-ups and have worked within and with large media organizations, including Nickelodeon, Scholastic and The New York Times. Current clients include: General Mills, Woman On The Net (wowowow.com) and numerous start-ups.
Gabriel Weinberg
Gabriel Weinberg is the founder of DuckDuckGo, a search engine. Before that he co-founded NamesDatabase, which was acquired in 2006. Gabriel is also an active angel investor.
Gabriel Weinberg is the founder of DuckDuckGo, a search engine. Before that he co-founded NamesDatabase, which was acquired in 2006. Gabriel is also an active angel investor.
Gabe Zichermann
Gabe Zichermann is an author, highly rated public speaker and serial entrepreneur. His most recent book, Game-Based Marketing (Wiley, 4/2010) has achieved critical and industry acclaim for its detailed look at innovators who blend the power of games with brand strategy. Zichermann blogs at http:/ /funwareblog.com and is the founder/CEO of beamME, an iPhone software startup revolutionizing business social networking. A resident of NYC, Gabe is a board member of StartOut.org, advisor to a number of startups and Facilitator for the NYC chapter of the Founder Institute.
Gabe Zichermann is an author, highly rated public speaker and serial entrepreneur. His most recent book, Game-Based Marketing (Wiley, 4/2010) has achieved critical and industry acclaim for its detailed look at innovators who blend the power of games with brand strategy. Zichermann blogs at http:/ /funwareblog.com and is the founder/CEO of beamME, an iPhone software startup revolutionizing business social networking. A resident of NYC, Gabe is a board member of StartOut.org, advisor to a number of startups and Facilitator for the NYC chapter of the Founder Institute.
