George Deriso

George Deriso is an experienced entrepreneur and consultant, recognized for his role as the Founder, Coach, Mentor, and Consultant at Cosmos Partners since February 2005. His work focuses on helping startups and coaching founders and leaders, leveraging his extensive background in technology, teaching, and entrepreneurship.1

Professional Background

• Early Career: Deriso began his career at AT&T for six years before transitioning to startups. After facing challenges with two failed ventures, he gained valuable insights while working for Apple for over a decade, where he learned how structured entrepreneurship can lead to success.1
• Current Role: At Cosmos Partners, he manages a network of associate consultants and specializes in acquisition strategy, capitalization strategy, and go-to-market strategies for small businesses. His consulting work is complemented by his role as an adjunct professor at the University of Colorado’s Leeds School of Business, where he taught management and entrepreneurship from August 2009 until June 2023.12
• Board Memberships: He has served on the boards of several organizations, including the Deming Center for Entrepreneurship and eTown.1

Education

Deriso holds a degree from California State University, Chico, which laid the foundation for his career in business and entrepreneurship.1

Recognition

Clients and students describe him as insightful and knowledgeable, often referring him to others due to his effective coaching methods. He has successfully raised capital, sold companies, and negotiated strategic deals throughout his career.1

Overall, George Deriso's diverse experience in both corporate environments and startups positions him as a valuable resource for entrepreneurs seeking guidance in navigating the complexities of business development.