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Kent Wakeford
Co-Founder, CEO, and experienced executive in biotechnology and gaming
Kent Wakeford is a prominent entrepreneur and executive known for his role as Co-Founder and COO at Colossal Biosciences, a company focused on de-extinction and advanced biotechnology. He has a strong background in technology and business development, having previously held significant positions in various organizations.
Professional Background
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Colossal Biosciences: As Co-Founder and COO, Wakeford is involved in pioneering efforts to leverage biotechnology for de-extinction projects, including the revival of the woolly mammoth. His leadership aims to integrate cutting-edge science with practical applications in conservation and ecological restoration.
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tvScientific: He co-founded this performance advertising platform for connected TV, which helps direct-to-consumer (D2C) brands optimize their advertising strategies. The platform has attracted investments from notable firms like Norwest Ventures and Comcast/NBCU.
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Skillz Inc.: Wakeford served on the Board of Directors and was instrumental in the company's early growth as COO and President. Under his leadership, Skillz became a significant player in the mobile gaming industry, connecting millions of gamers through competitive platforms.
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AddThis: He was Senior Vice President at AddThis, where he led business development efforts that contributed to the company's acquisition by Oracle for $200 million.
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AOL: In his earlier career, Wakeford held a Vice President role at AOL, where he developed partnerships that generated over $1 billion in revenue.
Education and Skills
Wakeford's educational background includes legal training, having worked as an attorney specializing in entertainment and media transactions before transitioning into technology and business roles. His diverse experience spans legal, corporate strategy, and operational leadership.
Notable Achievements
- Successfully raised significant venture capital for various startups.
- Played a key role in establishing partnerships with major advertising agencies.
- Contributed to the rapid growth of multiple tech companies through strategic planning and execution.
Kent Wakeford’s career reflects a commitment to innovation in technology and biotechnology, positioning him as a leader in his field.