Independent & Co

Megan Gardner is a sought-after CEO adviser and board member for fast-growing technology businesses. A seasoned dealmaker, she is dedicated to helping CEOs navigate the challenges of rapid growth and to celebrate entrepreneurial victories. She founded Independent & Co in 2013 and the company’s portfolio now spans North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia. Her focus is on high-growth technology companies, especially in the e-commerce, fintech, API/SaaS tools, and healthcare sectors. In just five years, her portfolio companies have successfully completed numerous rounds of fundraising and several transactions, including sales to Oracle, IKEA and Morgan Stanley Global Private Equity (24 Seven) and a public listing on the ASX. As a business innovator, Megan focuses on applying disruptive technology to new spaces and teams. As CEO and founder of Plum District, Megan raised millions in venture capital, expanded the digital marketing company to two dozen cities, and grew the online member base to more than one million people. Megan managed over 350 employees and contractors, worked with top retailers like Target, Gap, and Whole Foods, and created partnerships with Facebook, Google, and Disney. Under her leadership, the company was featured in The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and Bloomberg. Forbes also repeatedly listed Plum District as one of the top 100 websites for women. Megan serves on a number of boards, including Tinybeans (ASX: TNY), Crown & Caliber (Chair) and DoubleNetPay. In addition, she operates as an independent board member and adviser for Apiary, EverlyWell, and others. She is the Chair of the Young President’s Organization Golden Gate. In 2011, she was nominated by Fortune as one of the “Most Powerful Women Entrepreneurs.” She regularly speaks at conferences, including The Wall Street Journal Women in the Economy, NBCUniversal Women and Digital Symposium, and TechWomen.