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Pete Blackshaw
Chief Executive Officer, Cintrifuse Syndicate Fund & Startup Incubator
Pete Blackshaw is a prominent figure in the startup and marketing sectors, currently serving as the Chief Executive Officer of Cintrifuse, a venture fund and startup incubator based in Cincinnati, Ohio. His leadership at Cintrifuse focuses on fostering innovation and supporting high-growth tech startups in the Greater Cincinnati area, with backing from major corporations such as Procter & Gamble and Kroger.12
Background and Career
- Education: Blackshaw holds an MBA from Harvard Business School and a Bachelor's degree from the University of California, Santa Cruz.
- Early Career: He began his career at Procter & Gamble, where he co-founded the company's first interactive marketing team. His innovative work earned him recognition as "Interactive Marketer of the Year" by Ad Age in 1998.23
- Nestlé: Before joining Cintrifuse, Blackshaw served as the Global Head of Digital Marketing and Social Media at Nestlé for nearly eight years. There, he was instrumental in developing digital strategies for major brands like Nescafé and KitKat, and he established several key initiatives including the Digital Acceleration Team.123
- Entrepreneurship: He founded PlanetFeedback.com, one of the first consumer feedback portals, which later merged into Nielsen BuzzMetrics. He also served as CMO at NM Incite, a joint venture between Nielsen and McKinsey focused on social media strategy.12
Contributions to Cintrifuse
Since joining Cintrifuse in November 2018, Blackshaw has significantly impacted the local startup ecosystem. Under his leadership:
- Cintrifuse has supported hundreds of startups, helping them secure substantial funding—over $320 million in 2021 alone.34
- He has emphasized building strategic partnerships with local universities and businesses to strengthen Cincinnati's position as a tech hub.34
Recent Developments
As of January 2024, Blackshaw announced plans to step down from his role at Cintrifuse to explore new opportunities related to artificial intelligence, particularly focusing on themes of AI, trust, and sustainability.34 His departure marks the end of a transformative five-year tenure aimed at elevating Cincinnati's status in the tech industry.
Publications and Recognition
Blackshaw is also an author; his book "Satisfied Customers Tell Three Friends, Angry Customers Tell 3000" discusses consumer behavior in today's market. He frequently contributes to Advertising Age and has received several awards for his contributions to marketing and consumer engagement.12
In summary, Pete Blackshaw is a seasoned executive with extensive experience in digital marketing and entrepreneurship, dedicated to enhancing innovation within Cincinnati's startup landscape.


