Penulis: Darin H. Mangum

John Richards is a multifaceted leader with an impressive track record as an entrepreneur, investor, mentor, professor, and executive. As an entrepreneur, he has co-founded several successful ventures, achieving high-multiple exits and demonstrating a consistent ability to turn innovative ideas into thriving businesses. John is an active angel investor, having directly invested in scores of U.S.-based startups and mature ventures, as well as participating in hundreds more through investment funds. He exclusively invests in U.S. entities and does not entertain investment solicitations from businesses outside the country. A passionate mentor, John has dedicated significant time to guiding startup entrepreneurs, having mentored thousands of individuals over his career. His commitment to fostering entrepreneurial success extends into the classroom, where he serves as a professor, teaching lean startup methodologies at leading universities and sharing his extensive knowledge with the next generation of innovators. As a seasoned executive, John has held C-level roles with substantial early-stage experience, particularly in the Internet, software, and lean startup sectors. His focus has been on advertising and business services, leveraging his technical expertise to develop innovative solutions before transitioning full-time into management. John”s areas of specialization include accelerators, advertising, business strategy, entrepreneurial finance, lean startup methodologies, and strategic alliances. He also has expertise in B2B and B2C internet platforms, e-commerce, social entrepreneurship, and the intersection of technology and workplace dynamics. With his diverse experience and deep expertise, John Richards continues to be a driving force in the entrepreneurial ecosystem.