Founder; Former Viasat, MySpace
Jason Knapp has launched multiple successful startups with exits totaling more than $170 M. He co-invented Real-Time-Bidding (US Patent # 9886718), a foundational digital ad trading approach underlying the $100 billion programmatic advertising industry.
Jason previously co-founded Strategic Data Corp, which created one of the first sophisticated machine learning-based online advertising targeting platforms and was acquired by Myspace/News Corp (NASDAQ: NWSA) for $160 M. There, Jason and the team built one of the world’s largest advertising systems. The company and technology are now a part of Magnite (NASDAQ: MGNI).
Jason has implemented major strategic technology initiatives at HP, Intel, Citibank, Bank of America, and Comcast. He has held product innovation, technology, and design leadership roles at Viasat, where he introduced new digital monetization offerings across commercial air, emerging markets, and residential services; at Myspace, where he led a site redesign that tripled the number of active users; and at Viant, where he oversaw the creation of the Viant Ad Cloud and assisted with the company’s acquisition by Time Inc.
Jason is passionate about supporting San Diego startup companies; he is involved in several innovative startups as an investor and mentor and leads an Angellist syndicate. He is also active in the community, serving on multiple charity boards, including Casas de Luz, which builds homes for the working poor in Tijuana, and the Academic Foundation for Cultural Exchange.
He is currently the founder and CEO at CraftedPour.com, a multisided creator platform connecting craft cocktail creators, enthusiasts, and brands.