Dave Knox

Executive Director

2022

Transformed Northern Kentucky’s entrepreneurial ecosystem through strategic community building and innovation programming. Applied corporate marketing strategy principles to ecosystem development, creating scalable frameworks that other regions now replicate. Positioned Blue North as the bridge between traditional Northern Kentucky business community and emerging innovation economy, directly contributing to the region’s economic diversification beyond traditional manufacturing base. Key Leadership Achievements: • Launched SparkHaus, Northern Kentucky's Entrepreneurship and Innovation Hub, establishing Northern Kentucky as a recognized startup destination • Facilitated $50M+ in capital formation by connecting startups with investors, grants, and strategic partnerships • Mentored 200+ entrepreneurs through structured programming, resulting in Kentucky Entrepreneur Hall of Fame recognition as Mentor of the Year (2024) • Built strategic corporate partnerships leveraging CMO experience to connect Fortune 500 innovation teams with regional startups • Identified and capitalized on the emerging ETA market opportunity by launching CincyETA in 2023, building a 300-member community that supports entrepreneurs in acquiring existing businesses, establishing Cincinnati as a regional hub for acquisition-based entrepreneurship.

Executive Coach & Startup Advisor

2018

As a Venture Partner to multiple VC firms, I partner with C-suite executives across portfolio companies and Fortune 500 enterprises to architect growth strategies and navigate market disruption. This work is underpinned by advising three unicorn startups through hypergrowth phases, where I delivered measurable ROI through strategic planning, go-to-market optimization, and innovation roadmapping that drives sustainable competitive advantage and revenue growth. My expertise is amplified through extensive thought leadership and active governance: - Strategic Advisor: Marketing and Strategic Business Consultant for high growth start-ups, venture capitalists, and public companies. Experience in a wide range of industries from retail (GoPuff) and MarTech (Navistone) to Fintech (Riskalyze / Enfusion) and cybersecurity (A-LIGN / Reliaquest). - Keynote Speaker: Delivered over 3 dozen keynotes at major conferences and corporate engagements, translating complex innovation and growth strategies into actionable insights for executive audiences. - Board of Directors: Braxton Brewing, Hunt Club, The Bruery, Nichefire, Nettie Pickleball, and Ahalogy.

Founder

2012

Launched Brand Fusion to solve a critical market need: connecting innovative startups with enterprise marketing leaders seeking breakthrough solutions. Developed a unique curation model ensuring every interaction is strategically aligned, resulting in productive business development opportunities across nearly 3,300 meetings between 431 venture-backed startups and 297 major brands including P&G, Ford, Kroger, and Fidelity. Established Cincinnati as a national hub for brand-startup collaboration, demonstrating the power of strategic partnerships in driving business growth and innovation.

Senior Contributor, Forbes CMO Network

2019

Senior Contributor for Forbes CMO Network since 2019, providing strategic insights on how marketing executives can leverage startup innovation to drive business growth. My Forbes content explores emerging brand strategies, disruptive marketing technologies, and the evolving relationship between established companies and innovative startups - https://www.forbes.com/sites/daveknox/

Board Member | Co-Founder

2018

Board Member driving strategic initiatives for Main Street Ventures' mission to democratize entrepreneurship access in Greater Cincinnati, including launch of the Northern Kentucky Entrepreneur Fund. Provide governance oversight for multi-tiered funding programs supporting startups from prototype through revenue generation. Leverage extensive marketing and innovation background to evaluate investment opportunities, mentor portfolio companies, and develop programming that builds resilient founders. Champion inclusive ecosystem development with particular focus on empowering women and minority entrepreneurs to create lasting economic impact.

Strategic Advisor | Fullpen

2014

Strategic Advisor

2018

Managing Partner

2012

Co-Founder and Managing Partner of seed venture capital fund

Strategic Advisor

2023

The Ohio Angel Collective is a vibrant network of investors and startup enthusiasts dedicated to nurturing and growing the entrepreneurial spirit of Ohio.

Chief Executive Officer

2019 - 2022

Led acquisition and comprehensive relaunch of Nature's Aspirin Willow Balm as Nature's Willow, building scalable CPG brand around patented natural pain relief formula. Orchestrated end-to-end transformation including brand strategy, product development, distribution expansion, and marketing optimization. Generated significant ROI through strategic repositioning and operational improvements, executing planned exit strategy with controlling stake sale in January 2022 while retaining strategic board position.