Biography of Clark Landry: Entrepreneurial Journey and Angel Investing Success
Biography of Clark Landry:
Clark Landry, a prominent figure in the entrepreneurial
landscape, is based in Los Angeles. With a keen eye for promising
opportunities, he has emerged as a notable angel investor with a diverse
portfolio spanning over 100 early-stage technology companies. His investments
include notable entities such as The Trade Desk, Scopely, EdgeCast Networks,
and CREXi, among others.
Landry's entrepreneurial journey is marked by a string of
successful exits, contributing to the cumulative valuations of companies
exceeding $15 billion. This track record underscores his acumen in identifying
and nurturing high-potential ventures, showcasing his strategic foresight and
ability to capitalize on emerging trends in the technology sector. As a
seasoned investor, Landry continues to play a pivotal role in shaping the
landscape of innovation and fostering growth in the startup ecosystem.
Academic and Early Years: Shaping a Path of Achievement
Yale University:
From 1995 to 1999, this individual pursued their
undergraduate studies at Yale University, where they obtained a Bachelor of
Arts degree in Economics. Their time at Yale provided them with a strong
foundation in economic theory and analytical skills, preparing them for future
endeavors in the business world.
The Potomac School:
Prior to their collegiate journey, they received their early
education at The Potomac School. Spanning from 1984 to 1995, this period played
a formative role in shaping their academic and personal development. The
Potomac School equipped them with fundamental knowledge and critical thinking
abilities that would serve as pillars throughout their educational and
professional journey.
Clark Landry:
Throughout their academic journey, Clark Landry demonstrated
a commitment to excellence and a thirst for knowledge. Their academic
achievements at Yale University and The Potomac School underscore their
dedication to education and set the stage for a successful career characterized
by innovation and leadership.
Clark Landry: Serial Entrepreneur and Strategic Investor
Diverse Ventures and Strategic Acumen:
Clark Landry's entrepreneurial journey is marked by a series
of successful ventures and strategic investments across various industries. As
the co-founder of TagWorld, a pioneering social networking company, he played a
pivotal role in its acquisition by Viacom, showcasing his ability to identify
and capitalize on emerging trends in the digital landscape. Additionally,
Clark's founding investments in Adconion Media Group and Traffic Marketplace,
both acquired by Vivendi, underscore his strategic foresight and knack for
identifying opportunities in the rapidly evolving advertising sector.
Active Angel Investor and Portfolio Diversity:
Clark Landry is renowned for his active involvement as an
angel investor, with a diverse portfolio spanning cutting-edge technologies and
innovative startups. His investments include EdgeCast Networks, a leading
content delivery network, Burstly, an iPhone application monetization platform,
and EcoMom, a prominent seller of environmentally-friendly products catering to
moms and kids. Furthermore, his strategic stakes in Cloud Telecomputers,
Blacklots, ShopNation, LateNightShots, CityMommy, and Gotchoo reflect his
commitment to supporting disruptive ideas and empowering entrepreneurs across
various sectors.
Entrepreneurial Journey of a Nashville-Based Angel Investor
Diverse Investment Portfolio and Recognitions:
This entrepreneur and angel investor, now based in
Nashville, boasts an impressive track record of investing in over 130 private
companies. His portfolio includes notable names like Scopely, Crexi, and
AngelList, reflecting his keen eye for promising ventures. Recognized as the
TechFire 2019 Angel Investor of the Year and named a BetaBoom "Top 50
Angel Investor for Female and Diverse Founders," he is celebrated for his
contributions to the startup ecosystem and commitment to supporting diverse entrepreneurship.
Founding Ventures and Successful Exits:
With a rich history of founding and co-founding ventures, he
has played a pivotal role in shaping the digital landscape. As the co-founder
and advisor at Inspectiv, a cybersecurity company, and Maple Media, a mobile
apps roll-up backed by private equity, he has demonstrated his ability to build
and scale innovative businesses. Notably, his leadership as the co-founder and
CEO at Top Level Domain Holdings, a publicly-traded entity managing top-level
domains, underscores his entrepreneurial vision and strategic acumen.
Additionally, his founding roles in ventures like TagWorld and Adconion, both
of which were successfully acquired, highlight his knack for identifying and
capitalizing on emerging opportunities in the digital media landscape.
Advisor and Mentorship Roles:
Beyond his entrepreneurial pursuits, he is actively involved
as an advisor to several startups and investment firms, including Reitler
Kailas & Rosenblatt, Expert DOJO, and Madison Alley Global Ventures. His
expertise and guidance have been instrumental in shaping the growth
trajectories of emerging ventures, further cementing his reputation as a
seasoned mentor and industry expert.
Investment Banking Foundations
Chris's journey in entrepreneurship and investment is rooted
in his foundational experience as an Investment Banking Analyst at Barrington
Associates from August 1999 to December 1999. This role provides him with
crucial insights into financial markets and deal structuring, laying the
groundwork for his future ventures and investments in the technology and
finance sectors.
Online Gaming Expansion and Acquisition
Chris's expansion into online gaming and acquisition success
underscores his strategic investments. As Marketing Director at iwin.com from
December 1999 to October 2001, he manages marketing efforts for the online
games site, which is later acquired by Uproar, subsequently acquired by
Vivendi. His role in driving marketing initiatives contributes to the company's
growth and acquisition, highlighting his early successes in the digital
entertainment industry.
Social Networking Innovation and Acquisition
Chris's contributions to social networking innovation and
acquisition reflect his early-stage involvement in pioneering platforms. As
Co-Founder of TagWorld from May 2004 to December 2006, he oversees marketing
efforts, leading to its acquisition by Viacom. Moreover, his role as a Founding
Investor and Marketing Director at Traffic Marketplace from October 2000 to
February 2003 contributes to its success as an online advertising network,
ultimately leading to its acquisition by Vivendi.
Tech Industry Disruption and Acquisition Success
Chris's leadership in tech industry disruption and
acquisition success is evident from his roles at SHIFT and Top Level Domain
Holdings. As Co-Founder and Executive Chairman of SHIFT from March 2010 to May
2015, he develops software for brand marketing on social media platforms,
ultimately leading to its acquisition by Brand Networks. Similarly, his stint
as Co-Founder and CEO of Top Level Domain Holdings from August 2007 to March
2010 establishes the company as a publicly-traded entity on the LSE AIM,
securing significant investments and expanding its influence in web suffix
management.
Founding Ventures and Investment Success
Chris's founding ventures and investment successes underline
his entrepreneurial acumen. As a Founding Investor and former Board Member of
Commercial Real Estate Exchange, Inc. (CREXi) since October 2014, he
contributes to simplifying and expediting commercial real estate transactions.
Similarly, his role as Co-Founder & Advisor at Inspectiv since July 2018
highlights his commitment to enhancing cybersecurity. Moreover, his tenure as
Co-Founder of Maple Media from May 2016 to October 2017 demonstrates his
prowess in private equity-backed rollups of mobile apps, driving substantial
investments and acquisitions.
Venture Capital and Angel Investing
Chris Sang's venture capital journey takes off with Hawke
Ventures, where he serves as Managing Partner since June 2023. This
Nashville-based fund invests in early-stage martech, adtech, and ecommerce
companies, injecting capital ranging from $50k to $2M. Additionally, he
leverages Clover Leaf Ventures, a part-time vehicle for his angel investing
activities based in the Nashville Metropolitan Area since January 2021.
Collaborating with Reitler Kailas & Rosenblatt LLP as an Advisor since
February 2020, Chris ensures optimal legal support for his investments,
contributing to the firm's expansion into the Los Angeles venture ecosystem.
Biography of Clark Landry: Entrepreneurial Journey and Angel Investing Success
Shifting Roles: From Entrepreneurship to Venture Leadership
Venture Focus and Geographic Transition:
As the Managing Partner at Hawke Ventures, this individual
directs their attention towards early-stage ventures in martech, adtech, and
commerce enablement. Having relocated to Nashville after two decades in Los
Angeles, they bring a wealth of experience and expertise to their new role.
This strategic move underscores their commitment to fostering innovation and
supporting emerging startups in diverse sectors.
Extensive Investment Portfolio and Industry Recognition:
With a portfolio boasting investments in over 100 private
companies, including notable names like AngelList, Crexi, and 15Five, they have
established themselves as a prominent figure in the angel investing landscape.
Their contributions have not gone unnoticed, as evidenced by accolades such as the
2019 Angel Investor of the Year by TechFire and recognition as a "Top 50
Angel Investor for Female and Diverse Founders" by BetaBoom. These honors
underscore their dedication to championing diversity and innovation within the
startup ecosystem.
Entrepreneurial Roots and Continued Impact:
While now focused on venture leadership, this individual's
journey began as an entrepreneur and angel investor. Their entrepreneurial
spirit and strategic vision have propelled them to success in both realms,
laying the groundwork for their current role at Hawke Ventures. By leveraging
their extensive network, industry insights, and investment acumen, they
continue to make meaningful contributions to the growth and success of
early-stage ventures, shaping the future of martech, adtech, and commerce
enablement.
Entrepreneurial Journey: Building Ventures and Driving
Innovation
Inspectiv:
As a Co-Founder and advisor at Inspectiv, this individual
plays a pivotal role in shaping the trajectory of a cybersecurity company
focused on safeguarding digital assets. Their expertise and strategic guidance
contribute to the development of robust cybersecurity solutions, addressing the
evolving challenges of the digital landscape.
Maple Media:
At Maple Media, they serve as a Co-founder of this
private-equity backed initiative, overseeing the aggregation of mobile apps to
create a comprehensive digital platform. Their leadership in raising $30M from
private equity investors underscores their ability to secure resources and
drive growth in dynamic market segments.
SHIFT:
Their role as Co-founder and Executive Chairman at SHIFT
highlights their involvement in developing social media marketing software,
ultimately culminating in the company's acquisition by Brand Networks in 2015.
Their vision and leadership have positioned SHIFT as a key player in the
evolving landscape of digital marketing.
Top Level Domain Holdings (now Minds + Machines):
As the Co-founder and CEO of Top Level Domain Holdings, they
navigated the complexities of the digital domain, establishing the company as a
publicly-traded entity focused on managing top-level domains. Their strategic
vision and execution have contributed to the company's evolution and success in
the competitive domain management industry.
TagWorld:
Their involvement as a Co-founder at TagWorld reflects their
early foray into social networking, culminating in the company's acquisition by
MTV/Viacom. Their entrepreneurial spirit and innovative approach laid the
groundwork for TagWorld's impact in the burgeoning social media landscape.
Investment Ventures and Advisory Roles:
Beyond their entrepreneurial endeavors, they have played a
pivotal role as a founding investor in ventures such as Adconion, Traffic
Marketplace, Gradient X, and Crexi, contributing to the growth and success of
these digital enterprises. Additionally, their advisory roles with Reitler
Kailas & Rosenblatt, INK, Daash, and Expert DOJO underscore their
commitment to fostering innovation and driving strategic initiatives across
diverse industries.
Entrepreneurial Journey and Success:
Clark Landry is a seasoned entrepreneur and investor
renowned for his visionary leadership and successful ventures. With over a
decade of experience in online advertising and consumer internet ventures, he
has achieved multiple successful exits, cementing his reputation as a
trailblazer in the industry. Currently serving as the founder and executive
chairman of GraphEffect, a leading social media marketing company, Clark is
dedicated to revolutionizing advertising strategies and empowering clients to maximize
their impact on platforms like Facebook.
Top-Level Domain Holdings and Strategic Partnerships:
Among his notable endeavors, Clark Landry co-founded Top
Level Domain Holdings Ltd. (TLDH), a publicly-traded company listed on the
London AIM. TLDH specializes in securing and managing top-level domain names,
with ambitious projects such as .eco and .nyc. These strategic partnerships,
including collaborations with esteemed organizations like the Sierra Club and
Ed Koch, underscore Clark's commitment to leveraging technology for social and
urban initiatives, paving the way for innovative digital solutions with global
significance
Some companies where Clark Landry invested
- Acquicent - Media and Information Services (B2B)
- Quonsent - Network Management Software
- EdenFarm - Commercial Services
- 11 Honore – Clothing
- Activeloop - Systems and Information Management
- HoneyBook - Business/Productivity Software
- Monti Kids - Recreational Goods
- Social Native - Media and Information Services (B2B)
- Reaction Commerce - Software Development Applications
- Sideqik – well-known queue processing software
- Scopely – American interactive entertainment company
- ChowNow – online food ordering platform
- BringHub – contextual marketing platform
- Ninja Metrics - social analytics engine
Timeline of Clark Landry
1984 - 1995
- Received foundational education, fostering critical thinking abilities.
1995 - 1999
- Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics; developed strong foundation in economic theory and analytical skills.
May 2004 - December 2006
- Co-founded pioneering social networking company, leading to acquisition by Viacom.
- Adconion Media Group: Dates not specified
- Founding investments contributed to its success and subsequent acquisition by Vivendi.
October 2000 - February 2003
- Founding Investor and Marketing Director; contributed to its acquisition by Vivendi.
- Venture Leadership and Tech Industry Disruption:
March 2010 - May 2015
- Co-Founder and Executive Chairman; developed brand marketing software, acquired by Brand Networks.
August 2007 - March 2010
- Co-Founder and CEO; established as publicly-traded entity managing top-level domains.
Ongoing
- Invested in over 130 private companies including Scopely, BringHub, and ChowNow.
Recognition and Industry Impact:
- TechFire 2019 Angel Investor of the Year: Recognition for contributions to the startup ecosystem.
- BetaBoom "Top 50 Angel Investor for Female and Diverse Founders": Celebrated for supporting diversity in entrepreneurship.
