Katja Gagen

Director Corporate Communications

2024

Founding Member

2024

GTM, Communications and Marketing

Operating Partner - Marketing & Communications

2023 - 2024

Joined the operating team at Playground Global to lead the marketing and communications function for this early-stage, deep-tech venture firm and support portfolio companies across automation, robotics, AI, quantum computing, infrastructure, decarbonization, life sciences, and engineering biology. 𝗞𝗲𝘆 𝗔𝗰𝗵𝗶𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀: ► Developed marketing, communication, and PR plan; executed content strategy with Substack newsletter, portfolio company stories, and thought leadership pieces; created brand awareness and credibility internally and externally. ► Achieved 30% increase in social media followership in the first 6 months, established a regular media coverage cadence, and implemented essential processes leading to consistent media coverage, increased social media engagement, and regular content production. ► Facilitated portfolio companies in securing top-tier media coverage, speaking engagements, and industry event participation, with involvement in investor days, speaker coaching, and content creation. ► Created a 600-contact shared media list across functions and verticals for targeted news outreach, expanding reporter lists through research and collaboration with PR agencies. ► Wrote and led communication / PR strategy and execution for the firm’s $410M Fund III announcement.

Senior Director, External Communications

2022 - 2023

Tapped to lead external communications at Brex, focusing on the launch of a new spend management platform set to become a major recurring revenue source. In this role, I played a pivotal role in establishing processes for brand building, awareness, and credibility, managing global initiatives and PR and communication budget. 𝗞𝗲𝘆 𝗔𝗰𝗵𝗶𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀: ► Formulated and executed an external communications strategy as global SaaS and credit card provider with pilot customers like DoorDash with 9K employees, SeatGeek, Empire Portfolio Group, Superhuman and more utilizing press releases and owned content for enhanced brand awareness and credibility. ► Initiated and led analyst relations, establishing key relationships with firms such as IDC, Gartner, Spend Matters, and Forrester. Coordinated participation at CFO conference, arranging meetings with Gartner analysts to strategically present Brex and enhance engagement. ► Assumed responsibility for published content, overseeing blog posts and executive contributions. Streamlined process, ensuring a consistent flow of public pieces. ► Headed communication during SVB crisis, garnering coverage in 100+ national and international media outlets. Orchestrated PR strategy and execution as Brex jumped in with plan to raise $1.5B emergency bridge credit line ► Spearheaded media relations for Empower launch, securing coverage in Forbes, Fortune, TechCrunch, Bloomberg, and The Wall Street Journal; earned congratulations displayed on NASDAQ tower.

Principal & Head of Marketing

2015 - 2022

Established the marketing function at TCV, developing the firm’s brand foundation and narrative and implementing a comprehensive marketing plan. Directed marketing strategies and execution, fostering collaboration across diverse functions. 𝗞𝗲𝘆 𝗔𝗰𝗵𝗶𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀: ► Systematized and directed marketing efforts as assets under management surged from $12B to $27B. Led marketing for portfolio clients in tech sector, driving revenue growth from under $30M to $100M, $1B, and beyond. Worked with technology companies across B2B and B2C, including Airbnb, Alarm.com, Netflix, Rapid7, and Spotify. ► Put TCV on the map, establishing brand foundation, positioning, and launching new website. Initiated 2 podcasts, including co-hosting "Growth Hacks". Orchestrated in-person and virtual events, hosting 30 webinars during the pandemic. ► Achieved >95% success rate in securing interviews and implemented daily media summaries. ► Established analytics systems for media relations, portfolio touch points, and social media metrics, achieving 70% YoY increase in LinkedIn followers. Optimized databases, software tools, scorecards, and dashboards to monitor marketing campaigns. ► Spearheaded production of two top-ranked podcast series on Spotify, iTunes, SoundCloud, Podcasts.com, and more. ► Launched successful CEO summit and played leading role in building CEO community. Hosted subsequent summits with exceptional sessions, networking opportunities, attendees, and high-profile speakers like Reed Hastings, Michael Dubin, Michelle Peluso, and more. ► Managed Customer Acquisition Forum with GTM and sales leaders from companies like Facebook/Meta, Rapid7, HashiCorp, Gainsight, Dollar Shave Club, and more. ► Integral role in launching and building brands of startups and growth stage companies: developed marcom plans, brand messages, and marketing materials, and organized webinars and roundtables. Managed crisis comms and reputation building for portfolio companies.

VP Marketing

2014 - 2015

As the VP of Marketing at General Catalyst Partners, a VC firm specializing in early-stage and growth equity investments, I directed marketing efforts for the firm and supported companies like Airbnb, BigCommerce, Datalogix, Demandware, Airbnb, Stripe, HubSpot, Warby Parker, and many more. 𝗞𝗲𝘆 𝗔𝗰𝗵𝗶𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀: ► Established and systemized marketing function, elevating company's brand from little recognition to top-tier, positioning firm prominently for entrepreneurs. Developed and drove execution of marketing and PR plan. ► Introduced and implemented marketing tools and content creation frameworks, laying foundation for brand building. Instituted regular marketing and media summaries, scorecards and dashboards to track activities and measure impacts. ► Spearheaded successful rebranding effort, redesigning website, logo, and marketing materials. Expanded social media presence and managed vendors/PR agencies to implement effective communication plans.

Senior Executive Communications Manager for Cisco's President, Development & Sales (50k employees)

2010 - 2014

As a Communications Team Leader at Cisco, I led the communications efforts for the President of Development and Sales, managing a team of 40,000+ employees. In this role, I oversaw IoT communications teams and general marketing, driving company and senior executive communications across various domains, including technology innovations, business strategies, sales, new products, engineering, events, and M&As. 𝗞𝗲𝘆 𝗔𝗰𝗵𝗶𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀: ► United IoT communications teams by fostering collaboration through aligning diverse groups under common goals and standard operating procedures (SOPs), while assigning clear roles and responsibilities. ► Authored the president's Goldman Sachs Tech Conference presentation and managed the president’s communication, positioning him as a leading spokesperson on innovation. ► Led communication strategies for internal sales meetings, crafting impactful keynote addresses for 3,000 sales leaders and preparing 9 presentations for 20K global attendees, achieving the highest scores for "The President's" vision. ► Prepared 100+ customer executive presentations for Cisco’s EBCs, highlighting Cisco’s new technologies and worked with account teams to maximize Cisco’s business potential. ► Developed marketing communication strategies and messages for several company acquisitions.

Vice President, Marketing

2008 - 2009

In my role as Vice President of Marketing at DCM, I undertook the challenge of defining and leading the marketing function for the VC firm with offices in the U.S. and Asia, specializing in early-stage startups. I oversaw PR, graphics, video production, and events teams, managing external agencies, advertising vendors, and graphic designers. 𝗞𝗲𝘆 𝗔𝗰𝗵𝗶𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀: ► Positioned and supported DCM and portfolio companies in product announcements and customer wins across diverse industries, including China’s largest Wiki site and retailer, on-demand payroll, software security, and biopharma. ► Co-authored fundraising presentation and roadshow materials, contributing to a successful raise of over $500M. ► Collaborated with the chairman of the National Venture Capital Association to develop a widely recognized 4-pillar plan. ► Orchestrated annual meeting for 150 limited partners, overseeing production of 15 videos showcasing portfolio success across the US, Europe, China, and Japan.

Vice President, Marketing

2006 - 2008

As Vice President of Marketing, I formulated and executed an integrated marketing and communications strategy for the global private equity firm and diverse portfolio, covering investments, M&As, IPOs, fundraising, and fund closings. I oversaw 5 global PR agencies in the U.S., Europe, and Asia and collaborated closely with portfolio companies across multiple sectors, providing PR, investor relations, and team hiring support. 𝗞𝗲𝘆 𝗔𝗰𝗵𝗶𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀: ► Differentiated the firm to attract top entrepreneurs, shareholders, and partners by enhancing market positioning with media, analysts, and business leaders. Presented partners as thought leaders and experts.

Marketing Director

2000 - 2006

Led marketing and executive communications teams for US CEO and team of managing directors. Managed the firm's and partner's branding, thought leadership, speaker engagement/opportunities, and media relations. Worked closely in the areas of public relations, analyst relations, and investor relations.