Helping Founders Take Charge of Their Startup’s Destiny

You don't have to navigate your hardest inflection points alone. With over 25 years of operating experience, I partner with founders to bridge the gap between vision and execution—so you can build value and stay in control of your destiny.

Eric Ashman

You Need An Experienced Advisor On Your Side

  • Led the sale of the Huffington Post for $315 million.
  • Executed a highly complex four-company merger to create Group Nine Media, unlocking a $100M strategic raise from Discovery Communications.
  • Raised $200 million over multiple rounds of funding across different stages and environments.
  • Built highly scalable teams from the ground up through periods of rapid growth to hit critical milestones.
Greentown Labs Member

Supporting the world's leading climatetech incubator community.

Cleantech Open Mentor

Guiding early-stage cleantech startups through commercialization and scale.

How I Can Help You Achieve Your Goals

Funding Your Vision

Equity, debt, and cash flow. We'll leave no stone unturned in executing a funding plan that supports your growth strategy.

Scalable Growth

Product-market fit is a constantly moving target. We’ll leverage proven methods to keep you on a scalable path to growth.

Exit Strategy

When to raise, when to scale, and when to sell. We’ll make a plan that maximizes value and achieves your goals.

Pivot to Profitability

When you’re no longer Default Investable, let’s pivot to Default Alive. Build value. Build your brand. Stay in control of your destiny.

How We Work Together

Strategy Sprints

Quick, focused interventions to solve a critical problem — whether it’s fundraising, breaking through a growth ceiling, prepping for an exit, or turning a cash-burning business toward profitability.

  • Ideal for: Founders who feel stuck and need an actionable plan — fast.
  • Duration: 8 weeks per sprint.
  • Outcome: A clear roadmap, investor-ready materials, or turnaround playbook.
Inquire about Sprints

Interim Executive Leadership

When advice isn’t enough, I step directly into your C-suite to help navigate complex transitions. I shoulder the executive burden so you can stay focused on the big picture.

  • Ideal for: Founders who need an experienced operator to lead key initiatives without long-term commitment.
  • Roles: CEO, President, or CFO — tailored to your stage.
  • Duration: Typically 3–6+ months.
Discuss Executive Roles

What Founders Say

theSkimm Logo

"Eric stepped into the president role during a pivotal leadership transition and immediately brought structure, stability, and momentum to the team. During an intense and high-stakes period for the business, he was a trusted strategic sounding board and a steady hand at the helm. His guidance was especially invaluable as we navigated the final stages of our acquisition. We couldn't have asked for a stronger partner during such a critical time."

— Carly & Danielle, Co-Founders, theSkimm
Nurture Genomics Logo

"Eric's lived experience across every facet of the startup journey has given me invaluable perspective. Our discussions were cathartic, reassuring me that the wild swings in a startup are normal and not mine to endure alone. He consistently arrives well-prepared and zeroes in on the central issues. I recommend him to any founder without hesitation."

— Hans Keil, Co-Founder, Nurture Genomics
M.M.LaFleur Logo

"Eric is the partner that every founder needs. He is part business coach, part therapist, part mentor. My company couldn't have made it to the other side without his help. I'm indebted to him."

— Sarah LaFleur, Founder, M.M.LaFleur
Thingtesting Logo

"Every call with Eric delivered incredibly strategic advice that left me with clear action items and a stronger sense of direction. These were among the most productive hours of the month, truly worth every minute for the hands-on experience and invaluable insights on pivots, fundraising, or any large strategic decision."

— Jenny Gyllander, Founder, Thingtesting