Jeff Ponders II
Principal at Invest Detroit Ventures
Jeff Ponders is an entrepreneurial and strategic leader known for delivering high-value products and services for consumers and brands. Passionate about leading teams, learning, problem-solving, and creative expression, he believes in combining effective strategies with creative solutions to benefit clients and partners.
His expertise encompasses a diverse range of specialties including marketing, ideation, strategy, business modeling, customer discovery, consulting, start-ups, digital media analytics, social media, entertainment, and keynote speaking.
Education-wise, Jeff studied Diploma in College Prep at Renaissance HS and pursued a B.S. degree in Entrepreneurship and Strategic Management at The Wharton School.
Throughout his career, Jeff has held various impactful roles such as Principal at Invest Detroit Ventures, Co-Founder and Investor at Commune Angels, Managing Partner at The Better Company, and Keynote Speaker at J. Alvin International LLC.
Additionally, he has served as CEO and Co-founder at Steamster, Entrepreneur In Residence at TechTown, Co-Founder at Fido Labs LLC, VP and Director of Innovation at Leo Burnett, Director of Innovation & Customer Experience at The Mars Agency, CEO and Founder of The Cookie App, among other significant positions.
Jeff's diverse experience also includes acting as a Stand-In/Actor at Sony Pictures Entertainment, Strategy Manager at New Media Strategies, Digital Strategist at Team Detroit, Mobile Marketing Supervisor at Carlson Marketing Group, Analyst in Strategy & Analysis at Digitas, Account Executive at AT&T Advertising Solutions, PR Intern at DL Media, and even as a Saxophonist at HotSauce Entertainment.