Colin Donohue - CEO, Kernel Finance

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Work Background

KernelChief Executive Officer

Feb. 2024Tbilisi-Bangalore · Hybrid

Georgian VenturesFounder

Apr. 2018Tbilisi, GeorgiaStrategic advising for development of startup companies and ecosystems.

Startup GrindChapter Director

Sep. 2016Tbilisi, GeorgiaTbilisi was the top chapter in the world 2019 for total participants checked in at all events. Startup Grind is a global startup community designed to educate, inspire, and connect entrepreneurs. Startup Grind is powered by Google for Entrepreneurs. We host monthly events in more than 600 chapters in more than 120 countries featuring successful local founders, innovators, educators and investors who share personal stories and lessons learned on the road to building great companies. Our 1000-person volunteer team supports monthly fireside chat interviews, startup mixers and annual conferences connecting entrepreneurs with amazing startups and the people behind them, tap into a strong support network, form meaningful connections and gain inspiration for the startup journey ahead. Notable guests include Clay Christensen (Innovator's Dilemma), Marc Andreessen, Biz Stone (Twitter), Steve Blank, Ben Silbermann (Pinterest), Jessica Livingston (Y Combinator), Bill Maris (Google Ventures), Vinod Khosla (Kholsa Ventures), Dave McClure (500 Startups), Ali Pincus (One Kings Lane), Naval Ravikant (AngelList), Tony Conrad (About.me), Jeff Clavier (SoftTech VC), and Steward Butterfield (Slack). Startup Grind events attract founders, CEOs, developers, designers and technology professionals devoted to having an impact by creating companies with the potential to change the world. Startup Grind is hosted in cities around the world including Silicon Valley, San Francisco, Los Angeles, New York City, Singapore, Dubai, Stockholm, Tel Aviv, London and more.

Root Deeper Marketing: Adwords & Bing Certified PPC ManagementFounder & CEO

Nov. 2013 - Oct. 2020Athens, OHProfit-Driven Marketing rooted in Digital Analytics. We are a custom marketing consultancy focused on marketing strategy and management for companies that are serious about growing. As Principal Strategist I conduct analysis and develop marketing strategies which I either implement or delegate and supervise. In addition I do extensive training in partnership with Startup Accelerators, Chambers of Commerce, Small Business Development Centers, and others. Recognition for my leadership in the field includes: * Google Partner Community Ambassador (the only one in Ohio) * Google Small Business Community Advisor (the only one in the Midwest) * Google Rising Star (2015-17) *Anchor tenant, Ohio University Innovation Center Results have included 200% increase in conversions at lower CPA for clients YoY, and as high as 700% ROI on management fees.

Sustainable Forests RoundtableCommunications Consultant

Jun. 2013 - Jun. 2015In my role at NNFP I assist the Roundtable in leveraging social media and online communications tools to get messages about sustainable forests beyond the usual circles, and help communicate the relevance to more new audiences.

National Network of Forest PractitionersExecutive Director

Dec. 2007 - Jan. 2016Athens, OHLed an organization focused on rural economic development in forested communities. Grew the organizational budget by 300% in 4 years of the worst economic decline since the Great Depression. During this time, offset the departure of a long-time funder who supplied 80-90% of the overall budget with entirely new funding sources. Managed all aspects of organizational development and implementation for a small national nonprofit, from fundraising and program strategy to implementation and evaluation. Diversified the organization's funding to include new federal sources (Rural Development, OAO, and NRCS) as well as meaningful earned income streams from development consulting, web consulting, and business development consulting. Also led the organization in securing its first corporate donations and sponsorship revenue. Facilitated the development of a new strategic plan, which clarified numerous issues that had remained unresolved throughout the organization's 15+ year history. Attracted really smart, high-talent staff with diverse capabilities for senior management (including seasoned leaders 20+ years my senior) Developed program strategy and funding, then supported staff and community partners in undertaking high-impact landowner outreach and enterprise support work. Specific projects included: * An online marketing platform for value-added wood producers * Live workshops and webinars on online marketing * Enterprise development support for forest-related cooperative businesses * Financial analysis of different forest-related enterprises * Development of in-house consulting services lines for web marketing, communications, and video

Starpoint SolutionsFounder

Jan. 2005We help organizations increase their funding, capacity, and impact.

Bali KarmaFounder

Jan. 2005 - Dec. 2012Athens OhioA fair trade business bringing Arts, Attire, Gifts, and Jewelry from artists and craftspeople in Bali and nearby islands. Winner "Best New Business", Athens News (placed in other categories as well). Developed the "Hidden Treasures" neighborhood branding, and cooperative marketing initiative, including "Treasure Hunts" where customers received maps and got credit for each store they visited, resulting in prize giveaways. Managed online marketing, including an SEO effort which increased online traffic by 2000% and online sales by the same amount.

Rural ActionDirector of Conservation-Based Development Programs

Jan. 1996 - Dec. 2005Trimble, OHWe worked with rural communities in Appalachian Ohio to increase economic opportunities from natural resources, while encouraging sustainable management of those resources. Project activities focused on: * Increasing economic and ecological benefits from small woodlands * Undertaking communication activities to engage woodland owners in forest management * Enterprise Facilitation: working in low-income counties to identify and support potential entrepreneurs and micro-enterprises * Marketing and business development in sustainable and small agriculture Took the program from one staff to 15, and from no program to a variety of programs recognized nationally and showcased by the Ford Foundation and US Forest Service.

Other JobsVarious

Jan. 1986 - Dec. 1995I've had a wealth of other work experience including: Herding a mixed flock of goats and sheep in Arizona Naturalist Intern at Otter Lake Conservation School Naturalist intern at Glen Helen Outdoor Education Center Non-profit canvasser (door to door fundraising and education) Park manager for Hapgood Pond Recreation Area (the only park manager who was solo rather than in a team of two)- managed park, trained and supervised residential youth (including at risk) Group leader for Algonquin Backcountry Canoe Orientation (twice) Carpenter's apprentice, Carriage Hill Farm Earlier (high school and before) Landscaper (the hottest summer on record at the time...) Barista (that's what they kids call it these days) at various coffee shops Lab Technician at Aavid Laboratories Stable mucker (in exchange for riding lessons) Mac Donald's (polyester clothing model) And on and on. Sold wreathes for Boy Scouts, Christmas Cards for holiday money, etc.