Brian Halligan

Brian Halligan is an influential American executive, author, and entrepreneur, best known as the co-founder and former CEO of HubSpot, a leading software company specializing in inbound marketing and customer relationship management. He currently serves as the co-founder and general partner at Propeller Ventures, a climate tech venture fund he established in 2022, which focuses on investments in ocean-related technologies and sustainable innovations.123

Early Life and Education

Halligan was born in Westwood, Massachusetts, and received a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Vermont in 1990. He later earned an MBA from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Sloan School of Management in 2005.13

Career Highlights

• HubSpot: Halligan co-founded HubSpot in 2006, where he served as CEO until 2021. Under his leadership, HubSpot became a major player in the software industry, reporting $1.731 billion in revenue in 2022. He is credited with coining the term "inbound marketing" and has co-authored two books on the subject, including Inbound Marketing: Get Found Using Google, Social Media, and Blogs and Marketing Lessons from the Grateful Dead .134

• Propeller Ventures: In 2022, Halligan launched Propeller Ventures, directing a $100 million fund aimed at supporting startups focused on ocean innovation and climate technology. The fund has already invested in various companies developing sustainable technologies.24

• Teaching and Mentorship: Halligan is also a senior lecturer at MIT, where he teaches courses on entrepreneurial product development and marketing. He has received accolades for his mentorship and contributions to entrepreneurship education, including the Monosson Prize in 2023.34

Personal Interests

In addition to his professional achievements, Halligan is a passionate fan of the Grateful Dead and owns Jerry Garcia's iconic "Wolf" guitar. He is involved in various cultural and educational initiatives, including working on a film about John Perry Barlow, a prominent figure associated with the band.34

Halligan's extensive experience in technology and marketing, combined with his commitment to climate innovation, positions him as a significant figure in both the tech and environmental sectors.