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Peter Sisson
Startup founder with 4 exits : CEO at CertifyIt : Stanford MS in AI
Peter Sisson is a serial entrepreneur and technology innovator with a remarkable career in the tech industry. He has founded multiple successful companies and is currently a Principal Venture Builder at Mach49.34
Early Career and Education
Sisson has a strong academic background in technology, having studied computer science at Cornell University and earned a master's degree in computer science and artificial intelligence from Stanford University.1 After initially working at AT&T Bell Labs, he pursued an MBA at Dartmouth's Tuck School of Business, which he credits as key to transitioning from a technical background to business management.1
Entrepreneurial Journey
Throughout his career, Sisson has launched and successfully exited several companies:
- WineShopper: His first startup, which partnered with 200 licensed wine distributors and was acquired by Wine.com1
- Mixonic: A media production company acquired in 20171
- Teleo: A click-to-call technology company acquired by Microsoft in 20051
- Line2: The first full-service phone app approved by Apple, which was acquired in 20181
- Yaza: His most recent company, a travel-focused interactive mapping app1
Professional Achievements and Recognition
In 2019, Business Insider named Sisson one of the most powerful LGBTQ people in tech.1 He is also known for his significant mentorship work, having helped 25 companies secure over $30 million in funding and create more than 140 new jobs through organizations like StartOut Growth Lab.1
Current Role and Impact
At Mach49, Sisson is involved in helping large companies address innovation challenges, particularly in areas like climate change and sustainable technology.34 His approach has always been about solving complex problems and creating sustainable competitive advantages.1
Personal Philosophy
Sisson is driven by a desire to fix broken systems and create meaningful innovations. As he puts it, "To create sustainable competitive advantage, you've got to solve hard problems and get way ahead".1 Beyond business success, he is deeply committed to mentoring and supporting the LGBTQIA+ entrepreneurial community.2