Frank Gruber

Cofounder & Co-CEO

2018

Established is a consultancy focused on helping organizations with their innovation, startup, and communication strategies. Created by the talent responsible for building the Tech.Co brand (acquired by an international publishing company), we're leveraging decades of experience to help our collaborators best further (or create) their brand & accomplish their most important goals.

Founding Partner and Managing Member

2017

We invest in a wide range of entrepreneurs and startups from cities across the United States. Our investment strategy focuses on companies that are positioned to make a positive impact on the world. We place particular emphasis on geographic and founder diversity, and we are especially interested in technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), space tech, health tech, fintech, climate tech, and food sustainability. Some of the companies in our portfolio include ShearShare, Klickly, Finmark, Proov, Jeenie, SoLo Funds, Oska Wellness, Atlantic Sea Farms, and many more.

Venture Partner

2012

NextGen is a network-driven venture firm for exceptional entrepreneurs. Our network of startup investors are leaders in the entrepreneurial community who use their collective skills and connections to support the growth of our portfolio companies. While national in scope, we have operations in Boston, NYC, DC, Chicago, Austin and Los Angeles with the goal of becoming one of the most active and connected investors in the world.

Author

2014

Entrepreneurship starts with an idea and a dream: a dream of a better world for others, and a life less ordinary for yourself. These days, more people than ever are full of world-changing ideas and, thanks to technology, have the means to bring them to life. But many ideas remain just ideas, and many dreams just dreams. Startup Mixology is first and foremost a book about turning your ideas into action. Once you've taken that first step, the journey has only begun. Startup Mixology tells it like it is — and it's not easy! You'll learn about the harsh reality of starting up: what happens when you offend your customers, get no attention, or run out of money. These are the stories you don't always hear in the media. Inside, you'll find the stories of companies like MakerBot, WordPress, Zappos, Basecamp, Uber, and more. Hear in their own words how they survived the startup phase, and learn from the straightforward and conversational Frank Gruber, who has met thousands of entrepreneurs and watched them grow their businesses. Startup Mixology takes you through the whole process from start to finish, so you can begin the incomparable journey of turning your great ideas into great startups.

Mentor

2010 - 2022

CEO & Cofounder

2006 - 2018

Founded as a simple community-building event, Tech Cocktail has morphed over the years into a full-fledged tech & startup media company as Tech.Co with millions of readers around the world. Tech.Co has hosted Tech Cocktail local mixers, breakfasts, conferences, festivals and other events across the country that have attracted thousands of attendees. Tech.Co was acquired by MVF Global in January 2018.

Member

2016 - 2018

Advisor

2015 - 2017

Acquired by Paradigm Tax Group in May 2017.

Advisor

2015 - 2017

Member | Class of 2016

2016 - 2016