Dave BalterInvestor

United States - Boston, Massachusetts

I'm an innovation‐obsessed builder of companies, often as a Founder/CEO but occasionally as a Board Member, advisor or investor.

Active Investor. M&A Junkie.

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Currently I am CEO of Flipside Crypto, which provides business intelligence for blockchain organizations. Previously I led the Transactions (M&A and Partnerships) Team at Pluralsight, which I joined via the acquisition of Smarterer, a venture backed skills assessment startup I co-founded in 2010 and led as CEO since 2013.

I founded BzzAgent in 2001, a social marketing company that accelerates word of mouth to drive sales. BzzAgent was acquired in 2011 by dunnhumby, a division of Tesco PLC. Post acquisition, I acted as Global Head of Investments for dunnhumby and served on the organization's Global Executive Team until late 2013, when I stepped down to focus full time on Smarterer. I founded dunnhumby Ventures during my tenure at dunnhumby.

In 2016, I was named one of 30 Most Disruptive People in Boston Tech by Boston Magazine. In 2009 I was a Finalist (darn) for E&Y Entrepreneur of the year. In 2008, I was recognized as a Future Legend by the Ad Club.

In 2007, Harvard University dubbed me one of Boston’s “Hottest Technology CEOs.” I co‐founded the Word of Mouth Marketing Association (WOMMA) in 2004, and authored two books on the subject, Grapevine and The Word of Mouth Manual: Volume II. My most recent book is The Humility Imperative: Effective Leadership in an Era of Arrogance.

I'm an active investor as a Venture Partner at True Ventures, and have been an active angel investor in firms including Turo, NRG, Presto, Kettle & Fire and HelpScout. In 2011, I co-founded Intelligent.ly (with Sarah Hodges), a classroom space that helps star employees become managers.

find out more at thehumilityimperative.com