Stephen Forte

Founder & CEO, The BuildClub
Miami, Florida,United States
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Who Is Stephen Forte?

Total Experience99 years
CompanyThe BuildClub
CountryUnited States

Stephen Forte is a seasoned entrepreneur, venture capitalist, and technology executive with extensive experience in software development, strategy, and global markets. He is currently a Managing Partner at Fresco Capital, an early-stage venture fund that invests in technology companies worldwide, helping them scale and globalize. Before Fresco Capital, Stephen was the Chief Strategy Officer at Telerik, a leading vendor of developer tools and UI components, which was acquired by Progress Software. He has also held several CTO positions and co-founded multiple startups. Stephen is a prolific author, having written several books on application development and business, and is a renowned international speaker, frequently presenting at conferences on topics ranging from technology and entrepreneurship to venture capital and global expansion. He is also actively involved in mentoring startups and fostering innovation ecosystems.

How Did Stephen Forte's Career Path Shape Their Journey?

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

The BuildClub - Founder & CEO(2020 to Present)
YPO - Member - Chairman - Technology Network(2020 to Present)
Chief Executives Organization - Member(2019 to Present)
Stephen & Camilla Forte Foundation - Chairman(2016 to Present)
Forte Design Group - Co-Owner(2001 to Present)
AI Motion, Inc. - CEO and Chief Scientist(2016 to 2019)
Meridian Capital - Operating Partner(2014 to 2015)
Coats - Managing Director(2010 to 2014)
YCC Group - Chief Executive Officer(2008 to 2010)
Talon International, Inc - Chief Executive Officer & CTO(2005 to 2008)

What Are Stephen Forte's Key Achievements?

Co-founder and Managing Partner, Fresco Capital

Co-founded and leads Fresco Capital, a global early-stage venture capital firm investing in technology companies with a focus on education, healthcare, and work technology. He plays a key role in identifying promising startups and helping them expand into international markets.

Chief Strategy Officer at Telerik (Acquired by Progress)

As CSO, Stephen was instrumental in shaping Telerik's strategic direction, product innovation, and market expansion, contributing significantly to its growth and successful acquisition by Progress Software in 2014.

Published Author and International Speaker

Authored several influential books on software development (e.g., on topics like C#, .NET) and business. He is a highly sought-after speaker at major technology and business conferences worldwide, sharing insights on startups, venture capital, and global business strategy.

Multiple Startup Founder and CTO

Successfully founded and co-founded several technology companies, often serving as the Chief Technology Officer, demonstrating a strong track record in building and scaling tech products and teams.

Mentor and Advisor in the Startup Ecosystem

Actively mentors and advises numerous startups globally through various accelerator programs and direct engagement, helping them navigate challenges related to product development, fundraising, and market entry.

What's Stephen Forte's Educational Background?

Certificate of Completion, Business Administration and Management, General

Harvard Business School

Computer Software Engineering

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

USMC Officer Training

Naval Science Institute

MBA, International Finance

The George Washington University

USMC Officer Training

USMC OCS

BA, International Relations, Russian

University of Southern California

Buying Intent Signals for Stephen Forte

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Notable news
Hiring actively
Corporate Finance
Corporate Finance
Corporate Finance
Corporate Finance
Corporate Finance

Company Overview

The BuildClub
Total employees46
HeadquartersLos Angeles
Founded2016

The BuildClub is an on-demand digital marketplace revolutionizing how construction professionals procure building materials and equipment. It offers a vast catalog from numerous suppliers, enabling quick price comparisons, easy ordering, and typically same-day or next-day delivery directly to job sites. Their platform aims to save contractors significant time and money by streamlining the traditionally fragmented and time-consuming materials sourcing process.

The BuildClub Funding Information
Unknown - Total Funding Raised
$33M - Most recent funding amount
3 - Number of funding rounds
10 May, 2023 - Latest funding round
Lead Investors:
Brick & Mortar Ventures
Founders Fund
TenOneTen Ventures
Starting Line
FFL Venture Partners
Catapult Ventures

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