Troy Carter

Called “the rare bridge between Silicon Valley and the Los Angeles entertainment industry” by Business Insider, Carter is currently leading multiple ventures at the intersection of tech, innovation and branding – today’s multi-billion dollar start-ups and tomorrow’s culture. Carter maintains investments in more than 80 companies through both Atom Factory and his early-stage VC firm Cross Culture Ventures. Backing entrepreneurs that are creating next generation tech and consumer products, CCV develops its portfolio through cutting edge cultural trend research, marketing, branding, digital marketing, social media strategy, and a global influencers network. Carter’s latest investments include companies ranging from subscription baby food delivery service Yumi to Catalyte, which uses AI to discover high-performing software talent. In addition to his own portfolio of companies, Carter is Global Head of Creator Services at Spotify, overseeing the company’s relationships with artists, producers, songwriters and record companies. His powerful presence in the business of music elevated him to Billboard’s Power 100, the annual ranking of the music industry’s top influencers.

At the core of Troy Carter’s inspiring story is his childhood in a tough neighborhood in West Philly where the art of the hustle began. “My mom was not able to buy us the expensive Air Jordans, so if I wanted something that was a little bit nicer, my brother and I had to go earn money for it,” he says. At 13, he started handing out leaflets at hip hop gigs. Later, as an aspiring rapper, he waited outside of Will Smith’s recording studio for months, standing in the snow and rain to pitch his latest recording. Eventually, Smith and Smith’s manager, James Lassiter made him an assistant, opening doors in the music, film and television industries. Carter went on to promote concerts in his hometown and join P. Diddy’s Bad Boy Entertainment. Several years later, he launched his own boutique management firm, nurturing the career of hip-hop sensation Eve. In 2007, he signed then-unknown singer-songwriter Stefani Germanotta. Carter transformed her into the global pop phenomenon Lady Gaga, pioneering the promotional power of social media in the process.

A believer in “grit and gratitude,” Carter is now giving back by creating opportunities for others. His venture fund leads the way in bridging the funding gap for minority entrepreneurs and creating VC fellowships for college students of color. He is a member of the United Nations Global Entrepreneur Council, Los Angeles Mayor’s Council for Technology, the Board of Trustees for the Aspen Institute and the Grammy Foundation. Highly motivating, with a passion for inspiring others, Carter energizes audiences with stories from his life and career. Always forward focused, he covers trends in culture, media, technology, marketing, branding, and other topics that will help you envision the future through the eyes of one of America’s true business visionaries. Read Less ^