Biography of Nat Turner: A Journey of Innovation Across
Industries
Biography of Nat Turner
Nat Turner serves as the CEO of Collectors, a leading
platform providing grading, authentication, and marketplace services for
collectors. With a mission to support collectors in pursuing their passions,
Collectors hosts renowned brands like PSA, PCGS, Wata, and Goldin, offering a
diverse range of collectibles.
Early Entrepreneurial Success:
Nat Turner's entrepreneurial journey began with the sale of
his first company, Invite Media, to Google at the young age of 24, fetching an
impressive $80 million. However, despite the financial success, Turner felt
unfulfilled with the prospect of merely optimizing online banner ads.
Nat Turner's Educational Background: Nurturing Entrepreneurial
Skills at Wharton
Wharton School: Fostering Entrepreneurial Spirit
Nat Turner pursued his undergraduate studies at The Wharton
School, renowned for its prestigious business programs. During his time at
Wharton, Turner focused on a diverse array of subjects, including Economics,
Marketing, and Entrepreneurship, laying the foundation for his future endeavors
in the business world.
Entrepreneurial Education: Cultivating Skills for Success
The Wharton School provided Turner with a comprehensive
education that emphasized critical thinking, strategic planning, and innovative
problem-solving. Through coursework in entrepreneurship, he gained valuable
insights into the dynamics of starting and scaling businesses, preparing him
for the challenges and opportunities ahead in his entrepreneurial journey.
Integration of Marketing Principles
With a concentration in Marketing, Turner developed a deep
understanding of consumer behavior, market trends, and branding strategies.
This multidisciplinary approach equipped him with the skills to identify market
opportunities, create compelling value propositions, and effectively
communicate with stakeholders in the business ecosystem.
Economic Insights: Navigating Business Landscapes
Turner's studies in Economics offered him a solid foundation
in economic theory, financial analysis, and market dynamics. Armed with a
nuanced understanding of economic principles, he was better equipped to
navigate the complexities of the business landscape, anticipate market trends,
and make informed strategic decisions.
Conclusion: Wharton's Impact on Turner's Career
The Wharton School played a pivotal role in shaping Nat
Turner's entrepreneurial mindset and professional trajectory. Through its
rigorous academic curriculum and immersive learning experiences, Wharton
provided Turner with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to pursue his
passion for entrepreneurship and emerge as a dynamic leader in the business
world.
Inspiration for Change:
A pivotal moment came when Turner's cousin shared the
challenges of accessing data on childhood leukemia treatments. This
conversation ignited Turner's passion to leverage technology for the betterment
of cancer research and treatment.
Founding Flatiron Health:
In response to the glaring gap in cancer treatment data
accessibility, Turner and his colleague Zach Weinberg founded Flatiron Health
in 2012. The company's mission was clear: to develop software solutions that
empower oncologists to monitor patient health effectively and facilitate
seamless data sharing among researchers.
Mission-Driven Leadership:
Turner firmly believes in leading with a purpose beyond
financial gain. At Flatiron Health, the mission to revolutionize cancer treatment
serves as a driving force, attracting top talent and investors while instilling
a shared sense of purpose among employees.
Passion for Impact:
For Turner, the true measure of success lies in the impact
he can make, particularly in the realm of cancer treatment. The fulfillment
derived from contributing to meaningful change far surpasses any financial
reward.
Entrepreneurial Spirit:
From a young age, Turner exhibited a natural inclination
towards entrepreneurship, even establishing a successful snake breeding
business at the age of 13. However, it is with Flatiron Health that he truly
found a venture that resonated deeply with him.
Acquisition by Roche:
In 2022, the Swiss pharmaceutical giant Roche acquired
Flatiron Health in a landmark deal worth $1.9 billion. Despite the acquisition,
Turner remains committed to Flatiron's mission and views it as validation of
the company's crucial role in cancer research and treatment.
Maintaining Independence:
Crucially, following the acquisition, Flatiron Health
retains its autonomy, allowing Turner to continue steering the company
according to its founding principles. This independence is not only a testament
to Flatiron's success but also a source of pride for its employees.
Legacy of Purpose:
Nat Turner's entrepreneurial journey epitomizes the
transformative power of purpose-driven innovation. Through Flatiron Health,
Turner's vision and values continue to drive advancements in cancer treatment,
leaving an enduring legacy of positive impact on society.
Operator Partners: Driving Innovation in Tech Startups
As a General Partner at Operator Partners, Turner invests in
technology startups at various stages, focusing on Pre-Seed, Seed, and Series A
rounds. Leveraging internal capital, Turner contributes to the growth and
development of promising ventures in the tech industry.
Angel Investor: Supporting Entrepreneurial Ventures
With a keen eye for innovation, Turner has been an active
angel investor since 2010, providing support to numerous startups across
different sectors. His investment portfolio reflects a commitment to nurturing
entrepreneurship and driving forward the future of technology.
OneOncology: Advancing Cancer Care
Turner served as a board member at OneOncology, a prominent
player in the oncology care landscape. Following its acquisition by TPG and
AmerisourceBergen in 2023, OneOncology continues its mission to provide
comprehensive and personalized cancer care to patients worldwide.
Flatiron Health: Revolutionizing Cancer Treatment
As the Co-Founder and former CEO of Flatiron Health, Turner
played a pivotal role in revolutionizing cancer care through data-driven
insights. Flatiron's acquisition by Roche in 2018 marked a significant
milestone in its journey towards improving patient outcomes and advancing
medical research.
Clover Health: Guiding Healthcare Innovations
Turner's tenure as a board member at Clover Health
exemplified his dedication to driving healthcare innovations. Through strategic
leadership and collaboration, Clover Health aimed to enhance access to quality
healthcare for individuals and communities.
Google: Pioneering Digital Solutions
During his tenure as a Product Manager at Google, Turner
contributed to the integration of Invite Media into the DoubleClick division,
facilitating the evolution of digital advertising solutions.
Online Ventures
Turner's entrepreneurial journey began with ventures like
Invite Media, EatNow.com, and CertificateSwap.com, where he honed his skills in
web development, e-commerce, and online marketplace management. His diverse
experiences laid the foundation for his subsequent success in the tech
industry.
Biography of Nat Turner: A Journey of Innovation Across Industries / Biography of Nat Turner / Nat Turner: investor
Conclusion: A Legacy of Innovation and Leadership
Nat Turner's career trajectory underscores his unwavering
commitment to innovation, entrepreneurship, and industry leadership. From founding
and scaling startups to driving transformative initiatives in healthcare and
technology, Turner's contributions continue to shape the future of various
sectors, leaving a lasting legacy in the realm of business and innovation.
Nat Turner: A Leader in Innovation Across Industries
Nat Turner is a prominent figure in the world of technology
and entrepreneurship, known for his leadership roles in pioneering companies
across diverse sectors. Currently serving as the CEO of Collectors, Turner
leads a holding company with a focus on the collectibles industry. Collectors
boasts ownership of renowned services such as PSA for trading card grading,
PCGS for coin grading, Wata Games for video game grading, and Goldin for
marketplace operations.
From Oncology to Technology: Turner's Career Journey
Prior to his role at Collectors, Turner co-founded and
served as the CEO of Flatiron Health, a groundbreaking technology company
dedicated to revolutionizing the oncology industry. Flatiron Health's mission
revolves around improving lives by leveraging insights gained from the
experiences of cancer patients. Turner's leadership guided Flatiron Health
until its acquisition by Roche in 2018, marking a significant milestone in the
company's trajectory.
Pioneering Advertising Technology: Turner's Entrepreneurial
Spirit
Before his tenure at Flatiron Health, Turner made waves in
the advertising technology sector as the co-founder and CEO of Invite Media.
Headquartered in New York City, Invite Media introduced the industry's first
enterprise advertising platform, enabling real-time buying and optimization of
online media. Google recognized the potential of Invite Media and acquired the
company in 2010, solidifying Turner's reputation as a visionary entrepreneur.
Angel Investor and Startup Advocate
Turner's influence extends beyond his executive roles, as he has been an active angel investor since 2010. With investments in over 250 startups, including notable names like BarkBox, Clover Health, Color Genomics, and Plaid, Turner demonstrates his commitment to fostering innovation and supporting emerging ventures in various industries.
Nat Turner: A Visionary Leader in Technology and
Collectibles
Nat Turner is a seasoned entrepreneur and business leader,
currently serving as the CEO of Collectors Holdings, a prominent holding
company with a sharp focus on the collectibles industry. Prior to his role at
Collectors Holdings, Turner made significant strides in the technology and
healthcare sectors.
Flatiron Health: Transforming Oncology with Technology
Before venturing into the world of collectibles, Turner
co-founded and led Flatiron Health, a pioneering technology company dedicated
to revolutionizing oncology care. Flatiron Health's innovative solutions aimed
to harness the power of technology to improve patient outcomes in the oncology
field. Turner's leadership was instrumental in guiding Flatiron Health to a
successful acquisition by Roche in 2018, where he continues to serve as
Chairman, ensuring the company's continued growth and impact.
Invite Media: Shaping the Future of Online Advertising
Prior to his involvement in healthcare technology, Turner
co-founded Invite Media, an advertising technology company based in New York
City. Invite Media made waves in the industry by developing the first enterprise
advertising platform for real-time buying and optimization of online media.
Google recognized the potential of Invite Media and acquired the company in
2010, solidifying Turner's reputation as a visionary leader in the tech sphere.
Angel Investor and Startup Advocate
In addition to his executive roles, Turner has been an
active angel investor since 2010, demonstrating his commitment to supporting
and nurturing innovation in the startup ecosystem. With investments in over 250
startups, Turner has played a pivotal role in fueling the growth and success of
emerging ventures across various industries.
A Legacy of Innovation and Impact
Turner's journey as an entrepreneur and investor reflects
his unwavering dedication to driving positive change and innovation. From
revolutionizing healthcare with Flatiron Health to shaping the future of online
advertising with Invite Media, Turner's visionary leadership continues to leave
a lasting impact on the industries he touches. As CEO of Collectors Holdings,
Turner remains at the forefront of innovation, leading the company's efforts to
redefine the collectibles industry and create value for collectors worldwide.
Some companies where Nat Turner invested
- BarkBox – subscription service providers
- Cedar – platform helps healthcare providers
- Clover Health – Clover Health Investments
- Color Genomics – health technology company
- Headway – building a new mental healthcare system
- Imagen – provider of technology-enabled diagnostic imaging services
- Immuta – Data Security Platform
- Oscar – health insurance company,
- Philo – American internet television company
- Plaid – financial services company
- Ribbon Health – building the infrastructure to transform healthcare decisions
- Workrise – Energy Company
- Vise – asset manager that helps financial advisors build, manage
- Zipline - American company that designs, manufactures, and operates delivery drones.
Timeline:
Early Entrepreneurial Success (2004 - 2010): Nat Turner's
entrepreneurial journey commenced with the sale of his first company, Invite
Media, to Google in 2010, marking the beginning of his remarkable career in the
tech industry.
Educational Foundation at Wharton (2004 - 2008): Turner's
academic pursuits at The Wharton School equipped him with the knowledge and
skills necessary to navigate the business world, laying the groundwork for his
future ventures.
Founding Flatiron Health (2012 - 2018): Turner co-founded
Flatiron Health in 2012, driven by a mission to revolutionize cancer treatment
through technology. The company's acquisition by Roche in 2018 marked a
significant milestone in its journey towards improving patient outcomes.
Transition to Collectors Holdings (2018 - Present): Turner
assumed the role of CEO at Collectors Holdings, a leading platform in the
collectibles industry, where he continues to drive innovation and create value
for collectors worldwide.
Investor and Board Member Roles (2010 - Present): Throughout
his career, Turner has been an active angel investor, supporting over 250
startups across various sectors. Additionally, he has served on the boards of
companies like OneOncology and Clover Health, contributing to advancements in
healthcare and technology.
Legacy of Innovation and Impact (2004 - Present): Turner's
entrepreneurial spirit and visionary leadership have left an indelible mark on
industries ranging from healthcare to advertising and collectibles. His
dedication to driving positive change and fostering innovation continues to
shape the future of business and technology.
