Eric Garland

Eric Garland is a prominent figure in the tech and entertainment industries, with more than 20 years of experience. He is the co-founder and managing partner at Smash Capital, a later-stage investment firm that focuses on high-growth consumer internet, software, and technology companies. Some of Smash Capital's portfolio companies include Epic Games (Fortnite), DraftKings, NOBULL, MANSCAPED, BYJU’S, Step, SonderMind, DuckDuckGo, and Reddit.

Before founding Smash Capital, Garland led venture and growth deals for The Walt Disney Company from 2014 to 2018. Prior to that, he led corporate venture for Live Nation. He also served as Live Nation's EVP Digital and established the company's corporate venture team, which managed Live Nation's fund. Garland started his entrepreneurial journey by founding BigChampagne Media Measurement, a big data analytics company that became a leading provider of digital marketing products and analytics to brands, Wall Street analysts, and the entertainment industry. Live Nation acquired the company, and Garland became Live Nation's Founder & CEO.

Garland has been recognized for his achievements and innovation in the tech and entertainment industries. He was named to Fortune's "40 Under 40," Fast Company's "World's Most Innovative Companies," and WIRED's "created the Nielsen Ratings of online music." He also serves on several advisory boards, including Fender Digital, USC Annenberg School, and the digital initiative of the Recording Academy (The Grammys).

Garland's experience spans across venture capital, private equity, CEO, general management of organizations, strategy, innovation, corporate venture, corporate development, M&A, post-merger integration, business operations, startups and entrepreneurship, strategic partnerships and business development, negotiations, deal structuring, and product development. He holds degrees from Rice University and Brown University.