Alex Banayan Author at Random House

Coach, advisor, and mentor to entrepreneurial leaders. In the course of my career, I have seen a pattern unfold. Within a few weeks of getting involved in a new enterprise as CEO, board member, or advisor, I'd get a call from someone carrying a big piece of the responsibility for the project, asking to talk about some of the more vexing/intangible issues. Though this conversation typically started out about project strategy, it quickly moved to the individual's goals, his or her sense of purpose and mission in life, and how to become more effective by connecting to core values. During these conversations, we got down to real, raw, human issues. Over time, I saw these people gain a deeper satisfaction in their work and lives by becoming more connected to their authentic selves. Not only were they more fulfilled, but their new outlook and consequent performance began filtering down to others, and the whole group became more productive and purposeful. I've been an angel investor, serial entrepreneur, and advisor to startups and large enterprises with game-changing ideas. I have started five companies that have pioneered software, VoIP, pattern recognition, and advertising technology, and I've developed award-winning products that were recognized globally for their innovation. I’ve been fortunate enough to organize, work with, and lead teams of brilliant people who are bursting with the talent, skills, and discipline to build world-class products, services, and companies.

Founder of a number of Startups. Currently Investor (hatchbrands, first stone ventures), M&A, Board Advisor. Mentor and Advisor to a number of startups in Canada, USA, Poland and Italy. Raising Money, Business Development and Networking is my specialty.

12 years and 80 M&A deals in Internet and SaaS leading to $1.5 billion in exit value to leading private equity firms such as Apax Partners. Chief Strategy Officer at two private equity backed internet companies. Responsible for growing enterprise value through strategic M&A, divestitures, capital raising, strategic planning and integration management. B.A. in English from Stanford University and MBA from UCLA Anderson School of Management.