Tom Kippola

Tom Kippola is a co-founder and Managing Director. He helps executive teams with software innovations to rapidly build a strategic path for strong growth, sustainable competitive advantage, and attractive exit value.

Tom has advised the executive teams of numerous VC backed software companies, including: Rubric ($340M exit), Tealeaf (est. $500M exit), Servicesoft ($645M exit), nCircle ($210M exit), Tradex ($5.2B exit), Interwoven ($775M exit), ChargePoint ($2.4B SPAC exit), Elemental Technologies (est. $350M exit to AWS), and Zipwhip (pending $850M exit to Twilio). He is referred into his clients by various VC firms, including Silicon Valley Data Capital (SVDC), where he serves as a part time strategy venture partner.

Tom has also advised larger companies including Adobe (for Acrobat strategy in mid-90’s), HP, IBM, and Intel. He helped build the strategy enabling Nextel to post the 10th highest net margin among Fortune 500 cos., and to be acquired by Sprint for $35B.

Earlier he ran marketing for an AI startup, and sold networking solutions for a VAR. Tom graduated from the University of Michigan where he studied electrical engineering and business.

Tom is co-author of the top 10 business bestseller The Gorilla Game: Picking Winners in High Technology.