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Jules Pieri
CEO, Founder, Board Member, Investor, Fortune 500 Exec
Jules Pieri is an accomplished entrepreneur, investor, and business leader. She is currently an Investing Partner at XFactor Ventures, a role she has held since January 2019.26 XFactor Ventures focuses on investing in female founders and mixed-gender founding teams targeting billion-dollar market opportunities.4
Pieri is best known as the co-founder and former CEO of The Grommet, a product launch platform she led from inception to $60 million in revenue.4 During her tenure at The Grommet from April 2008 to June 2020, the company helped launch successful products like FitBit, GoldieBlox, and SodaStream.4
Some of Pieri's other notable roles and achievements include:
- Entrepreneur in Residence Emeritus at Harvard Business School13
- Board member for organizations like the University of Michigan Alumni Association and the American Economic Liberties Project1
- Author of "How We Make Stuff Now," named one of the "11 Must Read Books for Entrepreneurs" by Inc. Magazine in 20191
- Named one of Fortune's Most Powerful Women Entrepreneurs in 20131
Pieri's career spans various industries, including roles as:
- Vice President at Design Continuum
- President of Ziggs.com (later acquired by Reputation.com)
- Executive positions at major brands like Keds, Stride Rite, and Playskool1
She holds an undergraduate degree from the University of Michigan and is reportedly the first designer to graduate from Harvard Business School.1
Currently, Pieri serves on several boards and advisory roles, including:
- Advisory Board Member for Ada IQ, an AI-driven product design company4
- Board Member for Boston Design Vision at the City of Boston7
- Member of the President's Council Board at the University of Michigan7
Jules Pieri continues to be active in the entrepreneurial and investment ecosystem, supporting and investing in innovative startups through her role at XFactor Ventures.5
