John Foley, Director of Client Relations, is an executive with over 20 years experience in both startup and established companies. Mr. Foley began his business career in 1984 as an entrepreneur. John was a co-founder of The CX Computer Exchange Inc. in Woburn, Massachusetts. CX Computer Exchange Inc. was a franchise model business with a mission to create a retail category for pre-owned computer hardware. Mr. Foley's partners purchased his equity interest in the franchise operation after the startup phase was completed.

John made the transition to Wall Street in 1985 when he became Vice President of Fixed Income Sales and Marketing for Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette/Autranet Division. After four years in New York, Mr. Foley returned to small business by founding The Connecticut Brewing Company Inc.—the first microbrewery in the State of Connecticut. In 1992 John joined the Thamesway Corporation, a subsidiary of Barclays PLC (U.K.), to structure and execute their inaugural (U.S.) sales and marketing campaign. Instinet Corporation (New York) purchased Thamesway in 1994 and Mr. Foley was chosen to lead Business Development for the independent research division of this global ECN. John left Instinet in 1997 to found Startup Advisors. The firm, based in New Canaan, CT, was formed to work with startup and early stage companies either through joint venture, partnership, or direct equity participation.

In 1999, Mr. Foley was hired by Ried, Thunberg & Co. Inc., an economic research boutique based in Westport, CT. Mr. Foley was recruited to direct a global turnaround initiative, create custom products, and leverage core competencies and structure exit strategies as director of Global Business Development. In 2004 upon completing the corporate reorganization, Ried, Thunberg & Co. was sold to ICAP Garban (U.K.) the world's premier electronic interdealer broker. John continued with the organization, post-buyout, to lead the corporate transition and integration through December of 2007. John has been providing business development, marketing and public relations services to startup/early stage companies as well as non-profits since January 2008.

Mr. Foley received a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in 1984 from The University of Notre Dame. He is a lifetime member of the National Eagle Scout Association, Member of the U.S. Squash Association, and is on the Advisory Board of the Irish Heritage Society.