Sign In

Matt Armstead

Closing the gap between invention and return!

Professional Background

Matt Armstead is a distinguished entrepreneur, senior executive, strategic investor, and advisor dedicated to guiding big companies towards adopting the agility and innovative spirit of startups. With a wealth of experience in business development and strategic vision, Matt excels in helping early-stage companies not only accelerate their growth but also find their unique market fit while forging meaningful partnerships with industry giants. His impressive contributions span across various sectors, where he applies his expertise in transforming nascent ideas into tangible outcomes and ultimately scaling them into viable businesses.

Passion for Innovation and Consumer Engagement

At the heart of Matt’s professional endeavors is a deep-rooted passion for facilitating better consumer engagement. He leverages cutting-edge media, applications, and technology to enhance how companies connect with their audiences. Understanding the critical role data and analytics play in today’s business environment, Matt is driven by the idea that great products should generate rich, actionable insights. He often likens this powerful combination to the beloved pairing of chocolate and peanut butter; when businesses leverage data effectively, they can make more informed decisions that foster growth and sustainability.

Education and Achievements

Matt's academic foundation is rooted in his Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications and Business Management from The University of Toledo. His educational background equipped him with the necessary skills to navigate the complexities of today’s business landscape.

Throughout his career, Matt has held numerous leadership and advisory positions that have honed his competencies and expanded his influence. Notable roles include serving as the General Partner and Studio GM at 1870 Ventures, where he played a crucial role in nurturing startups and guiding them through their growth phases. Additionally, as a Partner at Horizon Two Labs, Matt contributed to numerous projects that aimed to bridge the gap between innovative ideas and market readiness.

In his capacity as the Executive Director and founding member of Fintech71, Matt has been instrumental in fostering a vibrant ecosystem for fintech startups, offering mentorship and resources to propel their success. His entrepreneurial spirit led him to co-found Root Insurance Company, where he helped redefine consumer engagement in the insurance sector. In this role, he showcased his ability to drive innovation in traditional industries by harnessing technology and data.

Moreover, Matt’s advisory roles with companies like LifeBio and his involvement with community efforts, such as the Chuck Ealey Foundation, illustrate his commitment to impactful mentorship and philanthropy. His strategic insights have also been sought after by organizations like Zipscene, where he served as the Head of Corporate Development, further highlighting his versatility and expertise in different business environments.

Over the years, he has continued to mentor emerging entrepreneurs as a part of various incubator programs, including 1492 TechColumbus and 10-xelerator, sharing his wealth of knowledge to enable others to reach their full potential.

Memberships and Collaborations

Matt’s extensive career is complemented by his involvement in numerous organizations, showcasing his commitment to collaboration and innovation. He has been pivotal in the founding and growth of multiple ventures, including Ohio Transparent Telecom, where he served as the Chief Growth Officer, demonstrating his knack for scaling operations and enhancing consumer connectivity.

As a co-founder of Founders Factory and a partner in Lumos Innovation, Matt has played a strategic role in supporting startups and seed-stage companies, providing them with the necessary resources to thrive in competitive markets. His contributions to BYBE Inc. as an investor and board member further exemplify his dedication to supporting visionary ideas that drive industry advancements.

Continuous Innovation and Growth

Matt’s forward-thinking approach has made him a sought-after Corporate Innovation Consultant at Singularity University, where he assists corporations in navigating disruption and exploring innovative paths. His extensive experience in mobile marketing, data acquisition, analysis and segmentation, as well as SaaS and mobile applications, positions him as a valuable resource for companies looking to modernize their marketing strategies.

In summary, Matt Armstead is not just an entrepreneur; he is a catalyst for innovation and growth. His diverse background across various sectors, combined with his passion for empowering others, makes him a respected figure in business development and strategic investment. As he continues to push the boundaries of what is possible, Matt is sure to leave an indelible mark on the industry by helping businesses engage with consumers in more effective and meaningful ways.

Related Questions

How did Matt Armstead develop his expertise in consumer engagement and marketing strategies?
What innovations has Matt Armstead implemented to help large companies act more like startups?
Can Matt Armstead share insights on his experience as a founder of Root Insurance Company?
In what ways has Matt contributed to the growth of fintech startups through Fintech71?
What lessons has Matt learned from his extensive career in both corporate and startup environments?
Matt Armstead
Add to my network

Location

Columbus, Ohio Metropolitan Area