Kyle Blackwell
Founder / CEO
Experience
Sep 2021 - Feb 2024
2 years 6 months Berlin, Germany
Founder / CEO
Qwoll
- I co-developed an innovative product concept and founded a consumer e-learning startup with the mission to help busy adults efficiently learn about the liberal arts, humanities, and sciences.
- Led an organized outreach and fundraising process, resulting in €50k in public and private funding and acceptance into an international accelerator program.
- Initiated partnership conversations with leaders at 25+ universities and private businesses; recruited tech co-founder, several experienced advisors, and academic content collaborators.
- Released iOS / Android mobile app, iteratively learning from user feedback, design sprints, and market studies; designed AI features.
Apr 2019 - Sep 2021
2 years 6 months Berlin, Germany
Corporate Strategy & Business Development Manager
Axel Springer SE
- I advised senior management & the executive board on M&A and portfolio strategy and worked with portfolio companies on business development and product topics. Axel Springer is a PE backed holding of int’l media and classifieds platforms like StepStone, SeLoger, and Business Insider.
- Led business case, strategy, and pitch development to expand investment and focus in digital audio, resulting in 8x revenue growth in the space.
- Devised a strategic blueprint for corporate level tech partnerships, leading to agreements with Meta, Outbrain, and Snap.
- Developed relevant tech and GTM partnerships, leading efforts design and launch new €.5m B2B content business.
- Conducted market, buyer, and user research to strengthen sales and product strategies for our enterprise research products, contributing to 25% GMV growth.
- Contributed input to negotiation process for new production partnerships and corporate level software renewals, realizing improvement of terms by 7-10%.
Mar 2018 - Apr 2019
1 year 2 months New York, United States
Independent Consultant
Self & AlixPartners LLP
- Ad-hoc work which I engaged in while searching for a full-time role after my MBA.
- Utilized strong data analysis and presentation skills to help FT100 CFO client successfully identify, plan and implement $100m in annual operational savings.
- Worked with biotech SaaS company to source 100s of qualified sales leads at trade shows.
Sep 2013 - Jul 2015
1 year 11 months Washington, United States
Business Analyst
CGI
- I was an integral member of an ERP systems solution delivery team, collaborating with software developers, QA testers and clients to deliver an excellent end user experience. CGI is a multi-national enterprise software and IT consulting firm similar to SAP and IBM.
- Analyzed and presented key points and ideas for an approved $2m system upgrade to client, working closely with business development and project management team leads.
- Developed trust in nurturing C-level client relationships; successfully managed the implementation of custom financial reporting interface, collaborating with third party providers.
Summary
I’m a dynamic, growth-minded business developer with strong relationship building skills and experience across four continents. I possess a consultative selling approach and a cross-functional toolkit with a track record for solving complex commercial and operational challenges with technology. I’m passionate about AI and workplace transformation, enabling customers to realize maximum value from products.
Languages
English
Native
Spanish
Advanced
German
Intermediate
Education
Aug 2016 - Jul 2017
IE Business School
MBA, Strategy & Entrepreneurship · Madrid, Spain
Aug 2009 - May 2013
College of William & Mary
BBA · Finance & International Relations · Williamsburg, United States · 3.6 (cum laude)
Similar Freelancers
Discover other experts with similar qualifications and experience