Derek Distenfield, MBA

Derek Distenfield, MBA is the Managing Director at FG Ventures, a venture capital firm.3 He is known for his expertise in driving growth and innovation in startups and established organizations.

Professional Background

Derek co-founded GSD Venture Studios, a venture studio based in Menlo Park, California, in 2019.1 Prior to this, he launched and sold Cult Following, a successful marketing and brand-building agency.1 He also served as the COO for 360 Payments, where he managed various aspects of a $2 billion payments company.1

Entrepreneurial Experience

Derek has a diverse background spanning startups, governments, nonprofit organizations, and corporations ranging from $0 to $2 billion in value.1 He is recognized for his ability to handle ambiguity and complexity while introducing revolutionary ideas that lead to explosive growth.1

Achievements and Roles

• Bunker Labs: As a growth strategist, Derek transformed this incubator for veteran entrepreneurs into a prominent national brand.1
• FG Ventures: He currently leads the tech accelerator program at FG Ventures, leveraging his extensive experience and network.2
• Investor: Derek has been involved in seeding more than 350 companies and has worked with both domestic and international investors.2

Skills and Expertise

Derek is known for his ability to:

• Drive sales and scale organizations
• Prepare startups for fundraising
• Work with technology companies at various stages (from $0 to $2 billion)
• Provide mentorship and guidance to entrepreneurs

Public Speaking and Mentorship

Derek is frequently engaged as a keynote speaker, advisor, and mentor in the startup and entrepreneurial ecosystem.1

Derek Distenfield's LinkedIn profile (username: derekdistenfield) reflects his current position as Managing Director at FG Ventures, showcasing his ongoing commitment to fostering innovation and growth in the startup world.3