John Ramirez

Background

About John Ramirez

I have spent nearly two decades building companies, launching ventures, and mobilizing cross sector leaders in pursuit of world class partnerships. My work has directly attracted >$100M of investment and has resulted in successful IPO's, dozens of newly launched partnerships and initiatives, and 100s of improved leaders with enhanced perspectives and skills. My primary focus today is serving as a CXO or as a principal advisor for high-profile ventures and initiatives. Typically, I target early stage efforts that are transitioning from strategy to initial launch operations (i.e. going from pitch decks to resource allocation, including first hires, and primary in-market activities). Specifically, my work includes venture fundraising, growth strategy, go-to-market development (especially targeting large scale enterprise clients), and product development. Domain areas of expertise include hard tech, engineering, data and analytics (some precise AI use cases as well as general AI strategy), electrification and the future of mobility, digital manufacturing/advanced manufacturing, inclusive economic growth and local policy development in technology and growth.My background includes McKinsey consulting, leading economic development for the City of Chicago, and holding several CEO/CSO/CPO roles in successful ventures. I have an MBA with Honors from Chicago Booth, and both a BS and MS in engineering for the University of Illinois and Illinois Tech, respectively. I am currently helping to launch a new venture (in stealth) that bridges industry and academia to accelerate commercialization of frontier science and technology across the Midwest.