Daren Cotter: A Journey of Entrepreneurship, Investment, and
Innovation
Biography of Daren Cotter:
Daren started InboxDollars, a company that links consumers
and advertisers to mutual benefit. He began this venture while still in college
in 2000 and managed to grow the company's revenue to over $25 million annually.
Daren's Investment Approach
Daren Cotter, a seasoned tech entrepreneur and investor,
boasts a successful history of generating significant value for shareholders,
customers, and employees. His investment portfolio spans various sectors,
focusing primarily on Seed-stage B2B SaaS, Marketplaces, and Consumer Tech
companies. Additionally, he invests in pre-Seed to Series A stage funds through
VC Fund investments. If you're interested in discussing potential
opportunities, reach out to him through his website. Please note that he does
not respond to LinkedIn messages.
Daren's University Education
Daren attended Minnesota State University, Mankato, where he
earned a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in Computer & Information
Systems from 1999 to 2004. During his time at university, he also pursued a
minor in Mathematics.
Daren Cotter's Professional Journey
Tech Investor (February 2021 - Present):
Daren Cotter has been immersed in the world of tech
investment since February 2021, operating from his personal mini family office
in St. Paul, Minnesota. His primary focus lies in nurturing early-stage tech
companies and venture capital funds, aiming to support innovative ideas and
drive forward-thinking initiatives within the tech sector. For those interested
in reaching out to Daren, his contact details are available on his website.
Additionally, his current investments can be explored through his online
portfolio.
Advisory Board Roles:
Daren Cotter serves on the advisory boards of several
notable companies, lending his expertise and insights to help guide their
strategic direction. Among these are TicketRev, based in Miami, Florida, where
he has been advising since 2023, Pear Commerce in Minneapolis, Minnesota, where
he has been involved since 2021, and Omnia Fishing in Golden Valley, Minnesota,
a role he has held since 2021 as well. Through these advisory positions, Daren
contributes to the growth and development of these companies, drawing on his
extensive experience in the tech and business sectors.
General Manager at Prodege, LLC (May 2019 - February 2021):
In his role as General Manager at Prodege, LLC, based in St.
Paul, Minnesota, Daren Cotter oversaw the operations of InboxDollars, a leading
consumer rewards platform. He led the post-acquisition team and technology
integration efforts following Prodege, LLC's acquisition of InboxDollars.
Additionally, he was a key member of the company's leadership team,
contributing to strategic decision-making and driving growth initiatives within
the organization.
Founder & CEO of Inox Dollars (June 2000 - February
2021):
Daren Cotter's entrepreneurial journey began with the founding of InboxDollars, a pioneering company connecting consumers and advertisers through a unique rewards platform. Founded while Daren was still a college freshman in 2000, InboxDollars experienced significant growth under his leadership, achieving annual revenues exceeding $25 million. Over the years, the company expanded internationally and earned recognition on Inc. Magazine's Fastest Growing Private Companies list multiple times. In May 2019, InboxDollars was acquired by Prodege, LLC, marking a significant milestone in Daren's entrepreneurial career.
Daren's Leadership at The Turner Foundation
Daren Cotter currently holds the position of Chief Financial
Officer at The Turner Foundation. Before assuming this role, he served as Vice
President and Regional Manager at Fifth Third Bank.
Daren Cotter: A Journey of Entrepreneurship, Investment, and Innovation / Biography of Daren Cotter:
Recognition for Daren's Leadership
Daren's Tech Industry Recognition
In 2016, Daren received the Titans of Technology award for
CEOs, presented by the Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal. This prestigious
award acknowledges individuals who are driving innovation and excellence in
Minnesota's technology sector. Daren's leadership at InboxDollars contributed
significantly to the company's success and its impact on the local economy.
Daren Cotter's Investment Portfolio Overview
Daren's Investment Portfolio
Daren Cotter has made three investments across various
sectors, including Event Management Services, Insurance Distribution, and
Rehabilitation and Long-Term Care. All of his investments are in companies
based in the United States.
Key Statistics
Notable Investments:
- YourPath (Apr, 2023),
- Happied (Aug, 2022),
- Vertical Insure (Mar, 2023)
Recent Investments:
- YourPath (Apr, 2023),
- Vertical Insure (Mar, 2023),
- Happied (Aug, 2022)
Sector Distribution:
- Event Management Services (2),
- Insurance Distribution (2), Rehabilitation and Long-Term Care (1)
List of some Notable Investments
- YourPath (Apr, 2023)
- Founded Year: 2020
- Location: Saint Paul (United States)
2 Happied (Aug, 2022)
- Founded Year: 2018
- Location: Washington, DC (United States)
3. Vertical Insure (Mar, 2023)
- Founded Year: 2022
- Location: New York City (United States)
Some companies where Daren Cotter invested
- Refr Sports - Business/Productivity Software
- Yardstick - Network Management Software
- Vertical Insure - Business/Productivity Software
- Parallel Fluidics - Commercial Services
- Bridge - Financial Software
- Happied - Social/Platform Software
- Nice Healthcare - Clinics/Outpatient Services
- Service - Commercial Servicesm
- Branch - Financial Software
- TeamGeniun - Business/Productivity Software
- Naiku - assessment solutions for common and formative assessment.
- Coverlease – insights into commercial real estate markets
- FourCubed – iGaming Marketing Industry
- SpoonShot - Food and Beverage Advanced Analytics
Timeline of investor Daren Cotter life
1999 - 2004:
- Daren earns a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer & Information Systems from Minnesota State University, Mankato.
June 2000 - February 2021:
- Daren founds and leads InboxDollars to become a leading consumer rewards platform.
May 2019:
- InboxDollars is acquired by Prodege, LLC, marking a significant milestone in Daren's entrepreneurial career.
2016:
- Daren receives the Titans of Technology award for CEOs, recognizing his contributions to Minnesota's technology sector.
February 2021 - Present:
- Daren transitions into a Tech Investor role, focusing on early-stage tech companies and venture capital funds.
Present:
- Daren serves on advisory boards, holds the position of CFO at The Turner Foundation, and makes strategic investments across various sectors.
