RS

Rob Schmults

General Partner at Blockchange Ventures

Brookline, Massachusetts

Invests in

Stages:

Sectors:

Locations:

  • Min Investment:

    $100,000.00
  • Max Investment:

    $5,000,000.00
  • Target Investment:

    $1,500,000.00

Education

Work Experience

  • General Partner

    2021

    A venture capital firm investing exclusively in early stage blockchain companies, protocols and applications that are trying to make a dent in the universe.

  • Advisor

    2018 - 2021

    A venture capital firm investing exclusively in early stage blockchain companies, protocols and applications that are trying to make a dent in the universe.

2019 - 2021

  • Board Member

    2019 - 2021

    Zabo is an API for connecting to any crypto exchange, wallet, protocol or account.

2018 - 2021

  • Executive Board

    2018 - 2021

    Served in an operating role for private equity firm focused on high-quality middle market companies in the Consumer and Business Services sectors. Actively assisted portfolio companies digital and marketing efforts as well as supporting diligence around potential investments as part of MidOcean Partners' Executive Board. The Executive Board is comprised of influential senior executives who have experience running large companies within MidOcean’s target sectors. These leading industry executives, who previously served as Chairpersons, CEOs, and in other senior management positions with leading companies and government entities, provide operational expertise and unique insights, including in-depth knowledge of industry dynamics, competitive landscapes and trends, that guide MidOcean’s investment themes and value creation strategies.

  • Board of Directors, Shop.org

    2015 - 2020

    Shop.org, the digital division of the National Retail Federation, is a member-driven trade association for e-commerce and multichannel retailers. Shop.org’s focus is to provide a forum for executives to share information, lessons-learned, new perspectives, insights and intelligence about online and multichannel retailing. Helped transition it into a full integration with the broader NRF operations.

  • Chairman, Digital Council

    2016 - 2018

    Served two year term as Chair of The National Retail Federation's Digital Council, a collaborative, networking group of digital leaders focused on the e-commerce, mobile and innovation functions in retail. These senior level experts from NRF member companies represent the breadth and diversity of the retail industry and give their time and knowledge to help advance their organizations, careers and the industry overall. Council members connect regularly through in-person meetings and events as well as through digital channels.

2013 - 2018

  • SVP, E-Commerce and CRM

    2015 - 2018

    Part of the executive leadership team, with responsibility for growing Talbots' e-commerce, mobile, online marketing, email, loyalty program, private label credit card, analytics, and CRM. Co-owner of Talbots' omnichannel strategy and initiatives.

  • VP, eCommerce

    2013 - 2015

    Initially brought in to re-build Talbots' e-commerce and mobile presences. Took over online and email marketing in March 2014

2010 - 2013

  • SVP Strategic Partnerships

    2010 - 2013

    Intent Media's machine learning platform processes real-time and historical data to predict user intent on billions of pages per month. Served as part of the management team with multiple responsibilities across business development, marketing, and product/market fit.

  • Chief Marketing Officer

    2008 - 2010

    Responsible for overall marketing, pricing, and online sales for leading provider of attraction passes for tourists visiting 14 North American destinations. Oversaw consolidation, relaunch, and expansion of web business responsible for 70% of company total sales. Increased conversion rate 30% even while cutting product discounting 50% compared to 2008 levels. Doubled repeat purchase rate. Drove overhaul of online marketing efforts that reduced customer acquisition costs even while growing sales coming from online marketing. Introduced stronger discipline around data driven management that helped company grow bottom line faster than topline in 2009. Crafted an approach for company's custom product solution that resulted in launching pilot in 3 months after languishing for 5 years. Pushed for expanded call center sales and offline sales which resulted in year over year growth of 700% and 60% respectively. Part of management team responsible for overall corporate direction and strategy and worked closely with board of directors on company plans and results. Smart Destinations was recognized as the fastest growing travel company on 2008 Inc. 500 list.

2004 - 2008

  • Vice President of Business Management.

    2004 - 2008

    Ultimate responsibility for ongoing account relationship with 30 client companies, including business planning (both strategic and tactical), operational execution, contract renewals, and follow-on sales. P&L ownership for well over $350 million in product sales as well as responsibility for driving incremental services revenues and follow-on sales. Balanced having authority and operational responsibility for GSI owned businesses (where GSI paid a licensing fee to retailers and brands sell under their name - e.g., Reebok, Dick's, NFL, Major League Baseball, etc.) as well as more typical service provider relationship with companies like Bath & Body Works, iRobot, and adidas. Led the management and development of a 40 person team, realigning and reinvigorating it to enable it to hit client, corporate, and P&L goals. Coordinated the delivery of end-to-end e-commerce solution, with authority over site operations, marketing, merchandising, and customer service, relying on both direct reports as well as both internal and external service providers. Sponsored or lead numerous sales improvement and/or cost reduction initiatives in areas such as promotions management, sites features/functionality, analytics, marketing optimization, and internal workflow that meaningfully improved bottom-line business results.

2003 - 2004

  • INDEPENDENT CONSULTING

    2003 - 2004

    Worked on a contract basis for a number of clients. Engagements included: Developing the initial positioning and market penetration plan for Offermatica (subsequently acquired by Omniture) Overseeing the content development for Shop.org's Online Merchandising Conference

  • EVP Global Markets

    1999 - 2003

    Part of senior management team of technology consulting and systems integration firm. Responsibilities included NY Office oversight; employee hiring, development, and mentoring; and corporate planning and strategy. Ran the retail practice and oversaw corporate sales and marketing efforts. Managed sales pursuit teams and client relationships with companies like American Airlines, Best Buy, Finish Line, and Martha Stewart. Attained annual run rate of $48 million in services revenue. Led offering development for retail and consumer manufacturing clients. Responsible for relationships with key technology partners and industry allies. Provided oversight and executive support for Munich office. Worked on strategy that transformed the company into Offermatica, a leading A/B testing software provider, subsequently acquired by Omniture and now known as Adobe Test and Target.