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Edward Clougherty
Founder - Software Design/Sales - Chief Operating Officer
Professional Background
Ed Clougherty possesses a remarkable and multifaceted background that spans a variety of sectors, bridging the realms of law, software technology, and business. With a career that began in the pre-dot com era, Ed has accumulated a wealth of experience that has contributed to his reputation as a seasoned leader and industry veteran. His career journey commenced at Northeastern University, where he began as a programmer, establishing a foundation in software development that would significantly influence his future endeavors.
His transition from software to law was marked by his role as a criminal investigator, where he worked within a District Attorney's Office. In this capacity, Ed honed his investigative skills, developing a keen sense of discipline and thoroughness required for managing sensitive investigations. This experience proved vital as he progressed into the burgeoning field of SaaS (Software as a Service) startups, enabling him to leverage his legal expertise alongside his technical skills.
As a co-founder of Copley Systems, Inc., an innovative EdTech company backed by Mark Cuban, Ed has played a pivotal role in leveraging data collection and analysis to enhance student success outcomes. His journey at Copley has seen him assume various critical roles, including legal advisor, platform designer, conference speaker, implementation director, chief privacy officer, and board member. This diverse catering underscores Ed's deep understanding of the technological landscape and his commitment to driving positive change in education through technology.
Before joining Copley Systems, Ed made significant contributions as a part of the Roxy Systems team, where he spearheaded efforts to forge groundbreaking merchandising partnerships with leading internet sites such as ESPN.com, ABCnews.com, NBA.com, and DIRECTV.com. His efforts helped Roxy.com reach an impressive 50% of the internet audience monthly, showcasing his ability to navigate the complexities of the digital marketing landscape successfully.
A pioneer in the tech industry, Ed was also instrumental in developing one of the first VOIP (Voice Over Internet Protocol) communication systems aimed at sales and service support, showcasing his forward-thinking approach and commitment to innovation.
Education and Achievements
Ed Clougherty's educational background is as rich and varied as his professional journey. He pursued a Juris Doctorate with a concentration in 4th Amendment Privacy Issues at New England Law, which provided him with a robust understanding of legal principles as they relate to privacy—a topic that is increasingly relevant in today’s digital age. His academic pursuits also include a Diploma in College Preparation from the Boston Public Latin School, as well as a diverse range of studies at Boston University, encompassing English, Early New England Colonialism, Transcendentalism, and Computer Science. This diverse educational foundation has equipped Ed with a unique perspective that informs his multifaceted career.
Ed's professional acumen has been recognized by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, which acknowledged his work as a “Promising Practice.” This distinction underscores Ed's ability to make substantial contributions to market disruption in various industries, particularly in the education sector.
Notable Achievements
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Co-founder and Chief Privacy Officer at Copley Systems: Ed has been fundamental in establishing and expanding Copley Systems, contributing to the company's goals of utilizing data for enhancing educational outcomes. His role as a chief privacy officer has involved ensuring compliance with legal standards in data privacy while driving innovation in EdTech.
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Vice President at Roxy Systems: As a co-founder and vice-president, Ed played a crucial part in forming key partnerships with leading internet platforms—relationships that proved instrumental in establishing Roxy as a significant player in the online space.
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Mentorship and Education: Ed has shared his expertise through lecturing on Data Privacy at prestigious institutions including Boston University School of Law, MIT, Vanderbilt Law School, UConn MBA Program, and Broward College, positioning himself as a thought leader in the intersection of law and technology.
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Market Disruption in EdTech: Over recent years, Ed has successfully worked with various organizations to move data insights into actionable outcomes, particularly in the EdTech sector. His commitment to using technology to facilitate academic success is evident in his multiple roles and ongoing projects that aim to transform educational experiences based on data-driven solutions.
In summary, Ed Clougherty's unique blend of legal acumen, technological expertise, and business savvy reflects a career devoted to innovation and leadership. His remarkable journey from programming at Northeastern University to his current role as a chief privacy officer exemplifies his ability to adapt, lead, and drive success in a rapidly evolving landscape. Ed's dedication to leveraging technology for positive change, particularly in education, underscores his commitment to empowering the next generation through data-informed strategies.
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Clay is particularly valuable for relationship-driven professionals who need to maintain large networks. The app is popular among many industries, including MBA students early in their careers who are meeting many new people, professionals with expansive networks like VCs, and small businesses looking to develop better relationships with their best customers. Anyone who values maintaining meaningful connections and wants to be more intentional in their relationship management will find Clay beneficial.
Clay offers competitive pricing in the personal CRM market. Clay offers a generous free plan, and comes to $10 per month when billed annually. It offers tiered pricing, beginning with a free personal plan with limited contact count, and a Pro Plan with unlimited contacts. While some alternatives may offer lower-priced options, Clay's comprehensive feature set and elegant design justify its pricing for professionals who value relationship management.
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Yes. Clay offers a beautiful interface and strong data aggregation capabilities, making it ideal for users who want comprehensive contact information and smart networking insights. Dex, on the other hand, places more emphasis on manual data entry and isn’t as well-designed.
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Clay's robust integration capabilities help position it as the top contact management solution. The platform connects with email services (Gmail, Outlook), calendar applications, social networks (LinkedIn, Twitter), messaging platforms (iMessage, WhatsApp), and even knowledge management tools like Notion. Clay has expanded its integrations catalog to include Zapier and Make.com support, allowing connections to thousands of other apps. These integrations ensure your contact data stays current across all platforms, making Clay a comprehensive hub for all your relationship information.
Clay's AI capabilities are at the forefront of personal CRM innovation. Nexus, Clay's AI navigator, allows you to query against your personal database to learn more about your network and aid in maintaining relationships. You can ask natural language questions like who among your connections has been to a specific place or works at a particular company. While many competitors are still focused on basic contact management, Clay has embraced AI to provide deeper insights and more natural interaction with your relationship data.
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