DealMakers: Entrepreneur | Startups | Venture Capital
Brian O’Kelley On Building A $1.6 Billion Company Acquired By Microsoft And Creating A Protocol To Measure And Lower Carbon Emissions In Digital Supply Chains
Dec 2, 2024
Brian O’Kelley, founder of multiple companies including AppNexus, shares his rollercoaster entrepreneurial journey, highlighting both triumphs and setbacks. He reveals the challenges of building a real-time advertising platform that led to a $1.6B acquisition by AT&T. O’Kelley discusses his new venture, Scope 3, aimed at decarbonizing digital supply chains, emphasizing the urgent need for sustainability. He also reflects on the importance of trust and relationships in entrepreneurship, showcasing how mentorship shaped his path.
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Quick takeaways
- Brian O'Kelley emphasizes the importance of emotional intelligence and people management in overcoming entrepreneurial setbacks and achieving success.
- His latest venture, Scope3, seeks to address sustainability in technology by reducing carbon emissions in digital supply chains through innovative energy efficiency solutions.
Deep dives
The Journey of an Entrepreneur
Brian O'Keele’s journey into entrepreneurship began during his college years at Princeton, where he and friends created an online ticket sales platform. Despite their enthusiasm and initial strides, they faced setbacks, including being outmaneuvered by the established Ticketmaster, leading to the company's downfall. Following a brief setback of living on a sofa after being fired from his own startup, O'Keele learned valuable lessons about emotional intelligence and leadership. This experience shifted his focus from technical knowledge towards managing people, which became crucial in his future successes.
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