Max Smith

Max Smith has been a senior executive in digital media and technology companies for over 25 years for both private equity backed companies (World Color, Gartner, Warner Music, eMusic and Connexity) as well as venture backed companies (TechRepublic, LinkShare, Blip, and Maker Studios). Smith drove strategic growth plans that resulted in many successful exits including the World Color IPO, TechRepublic sale to CNET, LinkShare sale to Rakuten, Blip sale to Maker Studios, and subsequent Maker sale to Disney, and Connexity Bizrate Insights sale to Time Inc. Smith has created and managed strategic growth budgets as well as budgets to restructure, downsize and ultimately sell companies. In addition to driving organic growth and corporate restructuring, Smith has managed the acquisition and integration of over 40 companies during various business development roles. Throughout his CFO and Corporate Development roles, Smith has led many rounds of financing including angel, venture capital, IPO and debt (senior, subordinated, and asset based loans).

Most recently, Smith managed a short term funding plan leading to a strategic sale of Jash to Group Nine Media. The transaction reflected a substantial increase in value from Series A investment in August 2016.

Smith co-founded Talking Media Group, a platform connecting buyers and sellers of digital media, publishing and entertainment.

Smith has also served on non-profit boards including the The Broad Stage, Brooklyn Autism Center and the University of Michigan Club of New York Scholarship Fund. In addition, Smith served on the Board of Advisors for Songza Media, Inc.(sold to Google) and Upworthy.

Specialties: Corporate development, M&A, divestitures, restructuring, financial planning and analysis, digital media and marketing, business information services, capital raising including angel, venture, bank debt and IPO.