I'm Drew, an early-stage startup growth and digital discovery specialist who has had the full 360-degree startup experience. I helped build a company from napkin to $10m+ in revenue, have been around the table when a company is acquired by Apple, and been solely responsible for the implosion of a promising adtech company.

what i'm working on

Head of Commerce

I joined the leading birthday mobile app, which helps tens of thousands of people become that friend who never forgets a birthday, to build its gifting marketplace, sourcing and managing key relationships.

I also lead organic growth efforts with an emphasis on search engine and app store optimization. I increased organic search traffic 17x.

Partner

In 2020, I launched cms to incubate e-commerce and media projects. In 2023, we began consulting, leveraging our digital discovery expertise to help early-stage projects go from zero to one. We've helped dozens drive sign-ups, downloads, and sales.

In 2020, I launched Commerce Media Studio to incubate e-commerce and media projects. In 2023, we started leveraging our digital discovery expertise in a consulting capacity, helping early-stage projects go from 0 to 1. We've helped dozens drive sign-ups, downloads, and sales.

Helping People with Online
Reputation Management

Helping People with Online Reputation Management

Especially New Founders

68% of all online activity begins with a search, which means major search engines are the gateway for how the world perceives you. I help people who are building companies, launching a speaking career, or generally trying to stand out, to make sure they can be found online. Learn more at FounderORM.com.

Writing About Tech and Business

Writing About Tech

Forbes, HackerNoon, ReadWrite, etc.

I’ve worked to learn from every step of my journey, both for my own growth and to share with the greater startup community. muckrack aggregates the latest.

angel investing & advising

Jomboy Media, Huedoku, HackerNoon

My Background

Sales & marketing @ microsoft

2009 - 2011

I worked to drive SMB and educational adoption of the new versions of Windows and Office.

Marketing Specialist @ color labs

2011 - 2012

Color Labs was a photo and video-centric social media platform co-founded by Bill Mguyen and Peter Pham and backed by Sequoia, Bain, and SVB. I Developed and executed the college campus user-acquisition campaign ahead of its acquisition by Apple in 2012.

Marketing lead @ vermont spirits

2011 - 2013

Vermont Spirits Distilling Co. is an award-winning distillery in Quechee, Vermont. I lead all marketing including digital and on-premise. VTSD became the official spirit of the Vermont Ski Association during my time.

VP, Business Dev. @ feathr

2013 - 2014

I was the first business hire at Feathr, which is now the leading non-profit marketing platform. I developed the initial revenue plan, formed a sales team, and lead business efforts.

founder & CEO @ benja

2014 - 2020

Benja was among the first movers in shoppable media. We built an ad format, e-commerce stores, and a personalized shopping mobile app. I was responsible for all business operations. Benja ultimately filed for bankruptcy in 2020 and I was convicted of securities fraud due to misrepresentations I made while fundraising. I now speak about my failures at Benja and the dangers of "fake it 'til you make it."

Benja was among the first movers in shoppable media. We built an ad format, e-commerce stores, and a personalized shopping mobile app. I was responsible for all business operations. Benja ultimately filed for bankruptcy in 2020 and I was convicted of securities fraud due to misrepresentations I made while fundraising. I now speak about my failures with Benja and the dangers of "fake it 'til you make it."

Get in Touch

e-mail me

drew@chapin.io

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drew chapin

digital discovery specialist

e-mail me

drew@chapin.io

Social

Threads

drew chapin

digital discovery