Michael Blend

CEO, Chairman & Co-Founder, System1
Santa Monica, California,United States
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Who Is Michael Blend?

Total Experience43 years
CompanySystem1
CountryUnited States

Michael Blend is a highly accomplished entrepreneur and executive with a distinguished career in the technology and digital media sectors. He is the co-founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of System1, a leading responsive acquisition marketing platform that he successfully took public on the NYSE (SST). With a deep expertise in advertising technology (AdTech), search engine marketing, and digital content, Michael has a proven track record of building and scaling innovative companies. Prior to System1, he co-founded and served as President of Demand Media (now Leaf Group), which he also helped lead through a successful IPO. His entrepreneurial journey began in the 1990s and includes co-founding Right Side of the Dot, a pioneering domain name portfolio company. Michael is recognized for his strategic vision in monetizing digital assets and his leadership in navigating the complexities of the public market.

Michael Blend LinkedIn pageCompany Website

How Did Michael Blend's Career Path Shape Their Journey?

Michael Blend's work history includes a series of influential roles in various companies. Here is a detailed list of his professional journey:

System1 - CEO, Chairman & Co-Founder(2013 to Present)
UCLA Samueli Computer Science & USC Marshall - Adjunct Professor (2016 to Present)
Stephenson Pancreatic Cancer Research - Director(2024 to Present)
Wellful - Director & Investor(2021 to Present)
Total Security Limited - Director & Investor(2016 to 2021)
Data Axle - Director & Investor(2017 to 2019)
Stuff Media (acquired by iHeartMedia) - Chairman & Co-founder(2016 to 2018)
Court Square Capital Partners - Executive Advisor(2013 to 2018)
Dynata - Director & Investor(2015 to 2017)
JDI Backup (acquired by NASDAQ: EIGI) - Director & Investor(2011 to 2014)

What Are Michael Blend's Key Achievements?

Co-Founder & CEO of System1 (Public Company)

Co-founded System1 in 2013 and, as CEO, scaled it into a leading customer acquisition platform. He successfully led the company to go public on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: SST) in 2022.

Successful IPO with Demand Media

As co-founder and President of Demand Media (now Leaf Group), he was a key figure in the company's growth and its successful Initial Public Offering (IPO) in 2011, a landmark event in the digital media space.

Pioneer in Domain Name Monetization

Co-founded Right Side of the Dot, one of the earliest and most successful internet domain name portfolio companies, demonstrating foresight in valuing and monetizing digital real estate well before it became a mainstream strategy.

Serial Technology Entrepreneur

Demonstrates a consistent track record of building successful technology companies from the ground up, starting with his first software venture, HotKeys, and leading multiple companies through significant growth, funding, and successful exits.

What's Michael Blend's Educational Background?

J.D., law

University of Chicago - Year 1990

AB, Mathematics, Philosophy

Duke University - Year 1985

Buying Intent Signals for Michael Blend

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Hiring actively
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Company Overview

System1
Total employees500
HeadquartersLos Angeles
Founded2013

System1 is a technology and data science company that operates a Responsive Acquisition Marketing Platform (RAMP). The company acquires and engages high-intent users by identifying and monetizing traffic across its owned and operated websites and third-party advertising networks. System1's portfolio includes well-known digital properties like MapQuest, HowStuffWorks, and Startpage, which it uses to connect consumers with relevant advertisers and products.

Company Website
System1 Stock Information
System1, Inc. is listed on the NYSE under the ticker symbol SST. The company went public on January 28, 2022

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