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Brian O'Kelley is the CEO of Scope3 and Managing Partner of Hungry Beaver VC in New York City. Recognized as the inventor of programmatic advertising, he previously served as Co-founder and CEO of AppNexus, acquired by AT&T for $1.6 billion, and acted as CTO of Right Media before its $850 million sale to Yahoo. Additionally, O'Kelley led AdMeld as CEO prior to its $400 million acquisition by Google, and he founded Graphiq, which was later purchased by Amazon. Holding a computer science degree from Princeton University, he actively manages over twenty startup investments, recently backing Perplexity AI and launching a new fund for enterprise artificial intelligence tools. Today, his primary focus centers on decarbonizing the digital media supply chain through Scope3, which successfully raised a $20 million Series B round in late 2023.
Brian O'Kelley stands as a towering figure in the technology landscape, particularly renowned for his transformative contributions to the ad tech industry and his subsequent impactful role as an investor and advisor. As the co-founder and former CEO of AppNexus, O'Kelley built one of the most significant independent programmatic advertising platforms, fundamentally shaping how digital advertising operates globally. His journey from a pioneering entrepreneur to a strategic investor reflects a deep understanding of market dynamics and a keen eye for disruptive innovation.
O'Kelley's career began at Right Media, an early innovator in online advertising exchanges, which was later acquired by Yahoo!. This foundational experience provided him with invaluable insights into the nascent ad tech ecosystem. Leveraging this expertise, he co-founded AppNexus in 2007. Under his leadership, AppNexus grew into a powerhouse, offering a comprehensive suite of advertising technology solutions that empowered publishers and advertisers alike. The company became a critical alternative to the walled gardens of larger tech giants, championing an open and transparent internet. AppNexus's success culminated in its acquisition by AT&T's Xandr, and subsequently by Microsoft, solidifying its legacy as a cornerstone of modern digital advertising infrastructure.
Following the acquisition of AppNexus, Brian O'Kelley transitioned his focus towards nurturing the next generation of technology companies. He is now a highly active angel investor and strategic advisor, bringing his extensive operational experience and industry acumen to promising startups. His investment portfolio reflects a diverse range of high-growth sectors. O'Kelley maintains a strong interest in enterprise software, recognizing its potential to drive efficiency and innovation across industries. Artificial intelligence (AI) and B2B SaaS companies are also key areas of focus, where he seeks out solutions that leverage cutting-edge technology to solve complex business challenges.
Beyond these areas, O'Kelley has demonstrated a particular commitment to supply chain technology, co-founding Waybridge, a platform designed to modernize global commodity trading. This venture exemplifies his dedication to applying technology to traditionally underserved but critical sectors. His investment philosophy centers on backing visionary founders who are building scalable, impactful businesses with strong technological foundations. Brian O'Kelley's continued involvement in the tech ecosystem, both as an investor and a thought leader, underscores his enduring influence and commitment to fostering innovation. He remains a pivotal figure for entrepreneurs seeking guidance and capital to transform their ideas into market-leading companies.
Brian O'Kelley is a visionary tech entrepreneur and investor, widely recognized as the co-founder and former CEO of AppNexus, a pivotal independent ad tech company. He is now an active angel investor and advisor to numerous startups.
Brian O'Kelley primarily invests in early-stage technology companies, with a focus on enterprise software, artificial intelligence (AI), B2B SaaS, and supply chain technology. He also maintains an interest in the ad tech sector.
While Brian O'Kelley is no longer with AppNexus, he is actively involved as a co-founder of Waybridge and serves as an angel investor and advisor to various technology startups. He operates independently and through various venture partnerships.
