Alex furmansky
Growth Strategist
About ME
Taking the leap. Enjoying the flight.
I like tech, sailing, random walks through the city, simple vineyards, adventurous escapades, staring at airplanes, and impromptu whiteboarding...
I am founder of Budsies, Sparkology, and a handful of web apps. Budsies brings kids' artwork to life through adorable stuffed animals. Sparkology is a secret place for well-intentioned singles to meet each other (sold 2016).
Before the leap, I traveled the world to sell consumer tech for OpenPeak. I also helped raise a few pennies and learned how growth companies run. I know finance is out of fashion, but I’m proud of my Evercore finTech M&A beginnings and am glad to still be close with my old team. I’ve also worked at UBS, Lockheed Martin, and consulted other startups both formally and on park benches (preferred).
I learned to dream big at UPenn. Engineering, finance, entrepreneurship, math, and magna cum laude may complete your checkboxes... but it’s the lasting friendships and projects that inspired me the most.
Projects
Budsies
2013-Present
Built successful consumer brand for custom plush. Includes Budsies (custom plush of any character), Selfies (custom plush dolls of people), and Petsies (custom plush lookalikes of pets), as well as a bulk plush business.
Over 40,000 custom custom plushies have been created, and the company has been featured on Shark Tank, NY Times, Parents Magazine and countless other media outlets.
Grew the company from ideation on back of napkin to become the world's largest and fastest on-demand custom plush service. We have an incredible team that is building an awesome 21st century bespoke brand.
Petsies
2016-Present
Sparkology
2011-2016
New York's invite-only dating site for young professionals. With over 20,000 members, Sparkology set a new standard for singles. Sold business in 2016.
OpenPeak
2009-2011
Director of Business Development
Innovative technology company at the crossroads of media and communication.
Evercore Partners Investment Bank
2007-2009
M&A investment banking focused on the financial technology space, including the $2.55 billion dollar deal between E*TRADE and Citadel as well as the deal between NY Stock Exchange and NYFIX.
Other Projects
Board Positions
If I only knew then what I know now...
Areas of Expertise
Proof of Concept / Ideation
Product/Market Fit, Market Testing, Lean Startup Method
Growth Hacking
Viral, Social Media, PR, Paid Acquisition
Business Development
Strategy Value Creation, Outreach, Contract Negotiation
Business Coaching
Challenge, Inspire, Follow Through
reach out
I'm available for limited engagements (Under 5 hours weekly; $250/hr)
© 2016