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Derek McKenna

Principal Sports Partnerships & Ventures Executive specializing in content, IP, and brand growth

Axis Venture PartnersRensselaer Polytechnic Institute13 Years ExperiencePrincipal LevelWorks On-Site

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About

Founder-sourcing and relationship-development operator with experience from CAA, skilled at cold outreach and long-cycle nurturing that converts into active opportunities. Recently leveraged a former colleague relationship to support a sports equipment startup's Series A by sourcing strategic VC introductions, and has evaluated early-stage products (e.g., 3D-printed custom mouthguards) through founder discovery and top-level financial review.

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Key Strengths

  • High-volume founder sourcing across LinkedIn, niche communities, and referrals
  • Turns warm relationships into actionable fundraising opportunities (Series A VC introductions)
  • Cold outreach that converts skepticism into engagement through clear value articulation and actionable plans
  • Structured founder discovery focused on founder quality + differentiated approach vs. market
  • Organized pipeline tracking and follow-up discipline to prevent drop-offs
  • Cross-stakeholder communication and tailored weekly partner updates using CRM visibility

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Experience

Principal & Strategic AdvisorAxis Venture Partners · Jan 2025 – Present
Partnerships & Ventures Executive, CAA SportsCreative Artists Agency · Jan 2021 – Dec 2024
Trainee, Talent Business VenturesCreative Artists Agency · Nov 2018 – Jan 2021
Colorado Avalanche Account ExecutiveKroenke Sports and Entertainment · Jul 2018 – Nov 2018
Sales ConsultantCisco · Jun 2013 – Jul 2018

Education

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institutebachelor, Information Technology (Business & Entrepreneurship concentration) (2013)

Awards

  • Magna Cum Laude - Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

Skills

Stakeholder ManagementBusiness DevelopmentStrategic PlanningData AnalysisCross-Functional CollaborationBrand PartnershipsNIL & Venture StructuringIP/Content Strategy & PackagingRights Holder & League RelationsTalent RepresentationGo-to-Market Strategy & ExecutionIntegrated Partnership DevelopmentOTT & Streaming DistributionBranded ContentExperiential Activations

Languages

English

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ConsultingStakeholder ManagementGo-to-Market StrategyContract NegotiationBusiness Development

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Connect with Derek

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Typically responds within 24 hours

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Derek McKennaPrincipal Sports Partnerships & Ventures Executive specializing in content, IP, and brand growth
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