Ralph Folz, Angel Investor

I am an entrepreneur, board director, and angel investor with deep experience building technology companies. In my most recent operating position, I spent 7 years as WordStream's CEO, joining just after its B-round of financing. The company achieved 6 years in a row on the Inc. 5000 list and was consistently named one of the best places to work in Boston. In 2018, we successfully sold the company to Gannett. In addition to my board work and angel investing, I spend time mentoring. I have been the lead independent director in many fast-growing venture-backed technology companies. I am an Entrepreneur in Residence at Harvard Business School, mentoring MBA students on their startups. I am a mentor with non-profit EforAll, which partners with communities to help underrepresented individuals successfully start businesses. In my post-operating career, I obtained my Coast Guard Captain's license, and I fish commercially for Bluefin Tuna off the coast of Cape Cod.