Jeff Ponders II

Jeff Ponders II is a Board Director at Alerje, a Detroit-based food allergy management innovation company.14 He brings a diverse background and extensive experience to this role:

Professional Background

Jeff Ponders II is currently a Principal at Invest Detroit Ventures.5 He joined ID Ventures in April 2021 as Principal of Portfolio Success, where he works closely with portfolio company founders to help them scale and reach major growth milestones.2

Prior to his role at ID Ventures, Jeff had a career spanning marketing strategy, entrepreneurship, and innovation:

• He began in marketing strategy and analytics, working with agencies like Digitas and Leo Burnett for major clients such as General Motors and Walmart.2
• In 2013, he founded The Cookie App, a MarTech startup.2
• He later led digital innovation at The Mars Agency and Griffon Ventures before launching the innovation practice at Leo Burnett.2

Entrepreneurship and Advisory Roles

Jeff is deeply involved in the Detroit entrepreneurial ecosystem:

• He serves as an Entrepreneur in Residence with TechTown.2
• He sits on the board of the New Enterprise Forum.2
• He is a co-founder of Commune Angels, a Michigan-based angel community supporting diverse founders and funders.2

Speaking and Thought Leadership

As a keynote speaker, Jeff leverages his unique experiences as a marketing executive, tech entrepreneur, and jazz musician to help organizations overcome challenges and achieve better performance.36 His speaking topics include:

• "The Jazz Master's Guide to Epic Performance"
• "Improvise to Innovate: Overcoming Challenges with Creativity"
• "The Jam Session: Perform Like a World-Class Jazz Band"

Education and Personal Life

Jeff is a graduate of the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania.2 He resides in the Detroit area with his wife and three children.2

In summary, Jeff Ponders II is a multifaceted professional who brings a wealth of experience in venture capital, entrepreneurship, marketing, and innovation to his role as Board Director at Alerje. His diverse background and commitment to fostering entrepreneurship in Detroit make him a valuable asset to the company's board.