About Andrew
Andrew writes this blog – But who is this guy?
Bio & Background
I have a passion for helping entrepreneurs and small business. I’ve made more than my share of fund raising mistakes but thankfully I’ve learned from them too. There is no reason why it has to take you a year or more to raise money for your business – unless you can afford to spend that kind of time 
Having started three growth businesses, I raised over $20M of Funding – it was a tough and at times, a painful process because all the books and chats with friends who have done it before can only get you so far – I managed to raise those funds and after doing so – was chosen by the UK Government to sit on the board of Small Business Council and advise them on how to create more of a startup culture with an emphasis on fund raising. I eventually was asked to join the Small Business Investment Taskforce with key players in Venture Capital and Private Equity.
I was fortunate enough to attend and graduate from the Harvard Business School MBA and in my past life, worked at some of the best technology and brand building organizations in the world such as Siebel Systems (USA), Procter & Gamble (Europe) Ltd., and IBM (World Trade Asia).
Andrew was most recently included in a book by Stephen C. Harper (who I don’t believe I have ever met but thanks anyway Stephen!), “Extraordinary Entrepreneurship: The Professional’s Guide to Starting an Exceptional Enterprise” – You’ll find it in Amazon and other bookstores.
As the CEO/founder of three companies in the United States and the United Kingdom, Andrew has developed a deep appreciation for the challenges and joys of being an entrepreneur in various countries. Andrew secured Angel funding for his first company which was named one of United States ‘Top 10 Start-ups in 1999′ by a top Entrepreneurial magazine. ‘Business Week’ gave his company a product design award for its first product, later chosen to be included in the permanent collection at MOMA in NYC. Andrew and X-IT Products won an IP infringement legal case which resulted in the largest Corporate award for a company in Virginia State history.
Andrew has been an Advisor to the UK Government on entrepreneurial matters as a member of the Board of the Small Business Council (Department of Trade & Industry) and as a member of the Small Business Investment Taskforce looking at the Venture Capital Community, Private Equity firms and Small Business Investment Readiness; Businesses in Difficulty.
Andrew has advised and supported a number of entrepreneurs at the early stages.
A Harvard Business School MBA graduating in 1997, Andrew has also worked at world class technology and marketing organizations such as Siebel Systems (USA), Procter & Gamble (Europe) Ltd., and IBM (World Trade Asia)
Andrew is interested helping entrepeneurs and young growth companies.
Interesting Fact: Andrew also has a product he created in the permanent exhibition of New York’s Museum of Modern Art.
What Others Had to Say:
“Before all of the professional kudos, Andrew is one of the most enjoyable people I’ve had the pleasure of knowing. This enjoyment derives from his creativity, intelligence, wit and warmth. And in the workplace, these attributes made Andrew an extraordinarily creative and productive colleague.”
John McNulty, CTO, PocketThis, Inc
“Andrew is that rare breed of business leader with both entrepreneurial vision and practical sensibilities. He sees the forest and the trees. A pleasure to work for and with.”
Michael Makunas, Technical Lead, AdvisorGarage.com
“Andrew is a wonderful person with a bright intellect. Though he attended HBS, he does not carry the baggage that many of his peers do…he is completely unassuming. Andrew brings a cheerful demeanor to the most difficult of challenges and I would count myself as fortunate to work with him again.”
Tom McCullough, Director, Alliances, Siebel Systems
“At Siebel Systems, a company of razor-sharp professionals, Andrew stood out from the pack. His business savvy, professionalism, and personal warmth allowed him to build credibility at the highest levels of Siebel and key partners, delivering exceptional results in the midst of a strong economic downturn. I count Andrew as a trusted advisor, a dependable colleague, and a good friend.”
Tom Halle, Alliances Group Business Manager, Siebel Systems
CEO/Founder at OpenShelf
“Andrew Ive was my CEO at OpenShelf and a pleasure to work for. Andrew is a distinguished and talented entrepreneur with exceptional business acumen. Andrew has a unique ability to create market awareness and evangelize product offerings. Andrew’s visionary thinking and leadership helped fuel our product launch at OpenShelf.”
Peter Greenland, VP Sales
Brand Management at Procter & Gamble
“Andrew was highly creative and resourceful. During challenging periods his strength of character always shone through. He was good company and it doesn’t surprise me in the least that he has a successful career……and will continue to achieve!”
Richard Pechey, Brand Manager, Procter & Gamble
“I worked with Andrew during my MBA internship at Procter & Gamble. He was a great coach and mentor to me, and added a lot of value to my work experience. Since then, I have observed Andrew in a variety of roles and he impressed me both as an entrepreneur and a consultant.”
Tamas Fodor, Assistant Brand Manager, Procter & Gamble
When he has the time (rarely!), Andrew writes a blog:
Education
Harvard Business School
Awarded Harvard Fellowship and Scholarship
King’s College London, University of London
BSc Geography with politics
Specialties:
Helping entrepreneurs prepare to raise funds, Entrepreneurialism, Brand Development, Product Development, Business Model development, Venture Capital, Angel Investors, Advisor, Team Building, Alliances
Experience:
CEO/Founder at OpenShelf
(Privately Held; 11-50 employees; Internet industry)
CEO/Co-Founder at X-IT Products
(Privately Held; 1-10 employees; Consumer Goods industry)
Patent holder, Manufacturer and founder of company delivering Home Safety products. Specifically, the X-IT ladder.
Brand Management at Procter & Gamble
Turning around and launching new brands quickly became the focus
(Public Company; 10,001 or more employees; Consumer Goods industry)
New Product Development, Brand Strategy, Advertising, Promotions, Brand turnaround, market launches, Identity, Print, TV and Press, Team Building, Production & Project management
Interests:
Helping entrepreneurs create new businesses from concept to reality with an emphasis on fund raising with angel and venture capital investors
Groups and Associations:
- Former Board member – Small Business Council (Dept. Trade & Industry Advisory role), UK Government
- Small Business Investment Taskforce, UK Government linked advisory body
Honors and Awards:
Harvard Fellowship & Harvard Scholarship
Interested In:
- Advising
- Speaking
- New ventures
- Expertise requests
- Business deals
- Reference requests
Country:
Currently based in the USA but British by Birth and Happy to help entrepreneurs globally
Advisor:
Interested in having Andrew as an Advisor or having Andrew help you raise funds for your startup?
Connect through: http://www.andrewive.com/
