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Megan Gardner
Advisor - Director - Entrepreneur
Megan Gardner is a dynamic and accomplished CEO adviser and board member specializing in fast-growing technology businesses. With an impressive background as a seasoned dealmaker, she has dedicated her career towards guiding CEOs through the intricate challenges of rapid growth while also celebrating their entrepreneurial victories. In 2013, Megan took a significant step in her career by founding Independent & Co, a consultancy firm whose portfolio spans North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia. Her focus is primarily on high-growth technology companies, with particular expertise in sectors such as e-commerce, fintech, API/SaaS tools, and healthcare. Over the past seven years, Megan has facilitated numerous rounds of fundraising and has orchestrated several significant transactions involving high-profile companies, including sales to industry giants like Oracle, IKEA, and Morgan Stanley Global Private Equity (24 Seven), as well as a successful public listing on the ASX.
As a prominent business innovator, Megan combines her extensive experience with a passion for applying disruptive technology to novel spaces and teams. One of her most notable achievements was as CEO and founder of Plum District, where she successfully raised millions in venture capital, expanded the digital marketing company to include operations in two dozen major cities, and grew the online member base to over one million individuals. Her leadership skills shone brightly as she managed a diverse team of more than 350 employees and contractors while collaborating with renowned retailers such as Target, Gap, and Whole Foods. Moreover, she established influential partnerships with tech titans like Facebook, Google, and Disney. Under her direction, Plum District garnered attention in some of the most respected media outlets, including The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and Bloomberg. Additionally, Forbes recognized Plum District multiple times as one of the top 100 websites for women, cementing Megan's influence in the entrepreneurial landscape.
In her current capacity, Megan serves on the boards of several prominent organizations, including Tinybeans (ASX: TNY), where she has played a critical role as a director. Additionally, she holds the position of Chair at Crown & Caliber and contributes her expertise as an independent board member and adviser for various firms, including Apiary and EverlyWell. Notably, she recently held the position of Chair for the Young President’s Organization Golden Gate, demonstrating her commitment to fostering leadership among young executives. In recognition of her achievements, Megan was nominated by Fortune magazine as one of the “Most Powerful Women Entrepreneurs” in 2011, highlighting her status as a role model in the business community.
Megan is also a highly sought-after speaker, having shared her insights at numerous prestigious conferences. She has participated in events hosted by The Wall Street Journal’s Women in the Economy series, NBCUniversal’s Women and Digital Symposium, and TechWomen, where she addresses critical issues facing women in business and provides guidance on entrepreneurship and leadership.
Before embarking on her successful entrepreneurial journey, Megan laid the foundation of her finance expertise on Wall Street as an investment banker for Deutsche Bank. In this role, she specialized in mergers and acquisitions for technology clients, gaining invaluable insight into the intricacies of financial transactions. She further sharpened her M&A acumen during her tenure at Ameriprise Financial, where she led long-term strategic planning processes while continuing to offer M&A advisory services.
Megan’s educational background provides an essential basis for her success. She earned her MBA from the prestigious Harvard Business School, where she honed her business acumen and leadership skills. Prior to that, she graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree from Smith College, further solidifying her foundation for the impactful career she has built.
Overall, Megan Gardner exemplifies an extraordinary blend of entrepreneurial spirit, financial mastery, and leadership capabilities. Throughout her distinguished career, she has not only empowered other technology leaders but has also made significant contributions to the broader business ecosystem. Her journey serves as an inspiring blueprint for aspiring entrepreneurs and professionals seeking to make their mark in the fast-paced world of technology.
