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Joe Marchese is a prominent investor and co-founder at Human Ventures, an early-stage venture fund and startup studio. He is also known for founding true[X], an advertising technology company acquired by 21st Century Fox, where he later served as President of Advanced Advertising Products.
Joe Marchese primarily invests in early-stage companies within consumer technology, media, and the future of work and commerce sectors through Human Ventures. He seeks innovative businesses that disrupt industries and create new consumer experiences.
Joe Marchese works as a co-founder and investor at Human Ventures, an early-stage venture fund and startup studio based in New York City.
Joe Marchese is the Co-Founder and Executive Chairman of Human Ventures and the CEO of Attention Capital, based in New York City, New York. He previously founded the advertising technology platform true[X], which he sold to 21st Century Fox for a reported $200 million. Following the acquisition, Marchese served as the President of Advertising Revenue at Fox Networks Group, where he managed a multi-billion dollar advertising portfolio before departing in 2019. Through Human Ventures, he currently oversees a portfolio of over 50 early-stage companies, recently raising more than $100 million for the firm's third fund in 2025. He serves on the board of directors for Clear Channel Outdoor and holds advisory roles with notable portfolio companies such as Maven Clinic. His current investment focus centers on consumer technology, enterprise software, and the attention economy.
Joe Marchese stands out as a visionary investor and co-founder at Human Ventures, an innovative early-stage venture fund and startup studio based in New York City. At Human Ventures, Marchese leverages his deep entrepreneurial and operational background to identify, support, and build groundbreaking companies from the ground up. His role involves not only capital deployment but also active mentorship and strategic guidance for portfolio companies, helping founders navigate the complex journey of scaling a startup.
Marchese's investment focus at Human Ventures is broad yet strategic, primarily targeting early-stage opportunities in consumer technology, media, and the future of work and commerce. He is particularly interested in businesses that are disrupting traditional industries, creating new consumer experiences, or leveraging technology to enhance efficiency and connectivity. His keen eye for market trends and disruptive potential makes him a sought-after partner for aspiring entrepreneurs.
Before co-founding Human Ventures, Joe Marchese built an impressive career as a serial entrepreneur and media executive. He is widely recognized as the founder of true[X], a leading advertising technology company that pioneered engagement-based advertising. Under his leadership, true[X] grew significantly, ultimately being acquired by 21st Century Fox. Following the acquisition, Marchese continued to play a pivotal role within Fox, serving as the President of Advanced Advertising Products. In this capacity, he was instrumental in shaping the future of television and digital advertising, driving innovation in how brands connect with audiences. His experience at Fox provided him with an unparalleled understanding of large-scale media operations and the challenges and opportunities within the evolving media landscape.
Marchese's journey began with a strong foundation in media, working at companies like MediaVest before venturing into entrepreneurship. This diverse background, spanning agency, startup, and large corporate environments, equips him with a holistic perspective on business development and market dynamics. His transition from operator to investor at Human Ventures reflects a commitment to fostering the next generation of innovative companies. Through Human Ventures' unique model, which combines venture funding with a startup studio approach, Marchese is actively involved in creating and nurturing ventures that aim to solve significant problems and create lasting value. His contributions are vital in shaping the portfolio and strategic direction of Human Ventures, solidifying his reputation as a key figure in the venture capital ecosystem.
