James Barrood Email & Phone Number

At Innovation+, I've spearheaded the creation of a curated global community dedicated to empowering and connecting entrepreneurs and innovators worldwide. Our mission is multifaceted:Nurturing and enhancing entrepreneurial ecosystems: We foster environments where innovation thrives, supporting the growth of startups and the evolution of established organizations.Strengthening and diversifying the entrepreneurial workforce: We believe in the power of diversity and inclusion to drive innovation, ensuring that our community reflects a broad range of backgrounds and perspectives.Assembling and highlighting innovative leaders: We showcase the trailblazers and visionaries who are driving change and shaping the future across various industries.Cultivating and coordinating collaboration: We facilitate meaningful partnerships between large organizations and startups, fostering innovation through collaboration and knowledge sharing.Connecting and empowering relationships: We bring together stakeholders from the private, public, and nonprofit sectors to address society's most pressing challenges, leveraging the collective expertise and resources of our community.Innovation+ serves as a catalyst for positive change, empowering individuals and organizations to make a lasting impact on the world. Join us as we continue to innovate, collaborate, and drive progress together.https://innovationplus.us/

New Jersey, New Jersey, Us

As an Advisor at Tech Council Ventures, I work closely with early-stage companies, offering strategic guidance in innovation, growth, and investment. I also help connect new ventures as well as strategic partners and institutional investors with the firm.My role involves leveraging years of industry expertise to help startups navigate complex challenges and scale effectively in a competitive marketplace.Through collaboration with founders and investors, I focus on identifying and capitalizing on opportunities within high-growth sectors, particularly in technology, healthtech, and sustainable business models. I support venture-building initiatives, help refine business strategies, and assist in creating pathways for long-term success.Being part of Tech Council Ventures allows me to contribute to the thriving innovation ecosystem by bridging the gap between visionary ideas and tangible business outcomes.Key Contributions: - Advising on venture capital strategies for startups across various industries. - Supporting portfolio companies in their growth and scaling efforts. - Cultivating connections between entrepreneurs, investors, and industry leaders.Tech Council Ventures continues to back and mentor startups, making significant investments in companies that are driving innovation forward.https://techcouncilventures.com/

New Brunswick, New Jersey, Us

In my role as an Advisor at Jumpstart NJ Angel Network, I play a pivotal role in guiding early-stage startups through the critical stages of their development. Jumpstart NJ is a dynamic angel group that connects high-potential entrepreneurs with experienced investors to fuel innovation and business growth across diverse sectors.In this capacity, I provide strategic insights to help startups secure the funding and support they need to grow. My experience in venture capital, innovation ecosystems, and startup advisory allows me to assist founders in refining their business models, building scalable strategies, and positioning their companies for long-term success.I work closely with a network of entrepreneurs and investors, evaluating opportunities in technology, healthtech, and other high-impact industries, aiming to foster sustainable business growth in the region and beyond.

Jersey City, New Jersey, Us

As head of the Tech Council and a key ambassador of innovation in the regional business community, we nearly doubled membership (2019 was best year since 2006) and accelerated revenue growth by adding dozens of new corporate sponsors. During my tenure, we engaged over 20,000 tech professionals and business leaders at our events, and raised the Council's profile as the community's lead collaborator by building strong relationships with ecosystem influencers, partner organizations, educational and government institutions. With a focus on partnerships, digital/social media and integrated marketing, under my leadership the Council amplified our activities and brand while providing forums for effective networking and resources to help entrepreneurs and executives grow their companies. Our programs have driven connections, funding and opportunities in New Jersey, New York and Philadelphia for thousands of companies, both local and national. In addition, with the launch of our $55 million Tech Council Ventures Fund, which I helped fund raise for, we are able to fund and support a more robust and diverse entrepreneurial pipeline.

Teaneck, Nj, Us

From 2003 to 2014 I led the top ranked entrepreneurship center at Fairleigh Dickinson University's Silberman College of Business. I developed, fundraised for and managed many of the Institute’s innovative academic and outreach programs since 1997. I was active in the regional entrepreneurial and business communities and was recognized as the 2008 Small Business Advocate (NYER) and among the state's 'Forty Under 40 Business Achievers' by NJBIZ business journal. I frequently spoke at regional business events and has appeared on MSNBC, ABC, My9, NJN (Voices of Innovation) and News12. I was the editor of the book, Entrepreneurship and Innovation: Global Insights from 24 Leaders and co-author of the book, Lessons from the Great Recession. I sit on several boards, including the NJ State Chamber of Commerce, the R & D Council of New Jersey, US Chamber of Commerce's Center for Entrepreneurship, Entrepreneur Hall of Fame - Induction Committee, Innovation New Jersey, National Association of Corporate Directors-NJ, and the advisory board of a private firm. I was also a member of the Council on Competitiveness, the Business Council of the United Nations, National Collegiate Inventors and Innovators Alliance, and the Center for Non-Profits. I have been a columnist for NJBIZ, have written articles for Entrepreneur magazine and newspapers/news sites, including BusinessInsider.com and the Star-Ledger, NorthJersey.com, and The Providence Journal, University Business and was widely quoted both regionally and nationally (USA Today). I have a background in small business/family business and the real estate and automobile industries, as well as marketing and e-business expertise.

Ba, Economics

Mba