Carl Grant is a leading business development expert with over 25 years of experience working with some of the most prestigious organisations. During his time as the Head of Global Business Development at Cooley, Carl played an instrumental role in growing the business’s revenue from $310M to $2B. Having established a reputation as a highly accomplished business development expert, Carl is now a popular speaker and mentor who is regularly invited to share his expertise on business growth.
Carl began his career as Washington Director for NewsTalk Television at Gannett, a media production company that is part of the USA Today Network. During his time with the network, Carl was responsible for establishing the 24-hour national cable television network remote bureau and increasing its household distribution from two to 32 million. He then joined the Fairfax County Economic Development Authority as a Business Development Manager, where he managed the Capital Attraction Program, doubling the number of venture capital firms in Fairfax County.
In 1998, Carl landed the role of Executive Director of Technology at PWC, where he acquired 85 new clients, increasing the company’s total market share in the technology sector by 33%. This was followed by the role of Vice President of Business Development at Eyecast, where he was responsible for managing alliances to create new distribution channels. In 2001, Carl became the Vice President of Business Development and Board of Directors for CyberCFO, helping fuel the company’s growth and expansion in four offices across the US. Most recently, Carl co-founded Capital Raise, a platform helping companies at the growth stage obtain capital, which he runs alongside his role as Chief Executive Officer for Connexa Partners.
A distinguished business development expert with a proven track record of business growth across the companies he has worked for, Carl is a much-demanded mentor who offers cutting-edge training to the next generation of professionals. He is also an accomplished speaker who provides highly impactful presentations on networking, business development, finance, relationships, and divine wisdom.
How to hire Carl Grant
Contact the Champions Speakers Agency to provisionally enquire about hiring Carl Grant for your next event, today. To get in touch, simply call an official booking agent on 0207 1010 553 or email us at [email protected] for more information.
** We do not accept requests for autographs, signed merchandise, fan mail, birthday messages or any other non-commercial contact with the speakers or acts. Each speaker on the website may not have necessarily worked with Champions in the past but are known to perform such engagements within the industry.
Carl Grant's official speaking topics include:
- Networking (where to network, follow up, how to stay top of mind)
- Business Development (time management, setting aside time to build and nurture your network, where to network, follow up, how to stay top of mind)
- Faith (personal Christian testimony, faith in the workplace)
- Finance - Equity Basics for Entrepreneurs
- Finance - How to Raise Capital (angel, venture capital, family office and private equity)
- Divine Wisdom for Business
- Relationships (putting others first)
Official Feedback from In-Person & Virtual Events
Carl is a professional and engaging speaker across a number of business topics including tech start-ups and financing. He also speaks with transparency about his faith and how it has fueled his work and his family life. Carl has had a huge influence on my life and my business - highly recommend him as a speaker! - Lee, Executive Peer Group Facilitator
I have worked with Carl providing mentorship to emerging companies in the DC region for many years. We have also worked together for nearly 15 years on the DC Metro High Tech Prayer Breakfast. I have been fortunate enough to have heard Carl speak many times over the years and can say that he is an engaging and concise speaker that is adept at connecting with an audience. I'd be thrilled to have him speak at any event that I was involved with. - Brad, Director, Emerging & Private Company Services, PricewaterhouseCoopers
Carl and I have worked closely together at FITCI, where he has served on my Board now as the in-coming Chairman, Chaired my Investment Committee. Together Carl and I have created some great programs (Reality Check and Funded & Brews). Since we are both problem solvers and creative types we come up with a new idea every time we speak. Carl is an excellent speaker, very engaging. He’s the connector of all connectors and knows everyone in the DC area. Although Carl has great skills and talents I think he’s finest quality is his integrity. From just the short time that I’ve known him he’s a man of his word. - Kathy, CEO, Frederick Innovative Technology Center
Carl is a very well regarded and highly-networked executive in the early-stage technology start up community. I've gotten to know Carl both personally and professionally and can attest to his integrity and professionalism. I recently engaged Carl as an executive speaker. After the event, my group sang accolades about Carl's captivating, personable, genuine and engaging style. I highly recommend him for professional speaking engagements. - Rich, Senior Director, M&A, Dentsu
I had the pleasure of speaking on a panel with Carl at SXSW and he was an excellent co-panelist! An eloquent speaker, Carl is able to improvise when necessary, take cues from co-panelists, stay on topic and keep an audience engaged. Well-versed in law, business, tech and venture financing, Carl is a versatile speaker for any organization or event. He's also a high-quality person with a gift for accessible authenticity that audiences appreciate. - Monica, CEO, ZentLaw
- 2022 - Chief Executive Officer, Connexa Partners
- 2022 - Co-Founder, CEO, Capital Raise
- 2021 - Founding Board Member, Austin Venture Association
- 2002 - 2022 - EVP, Global Business Development, Cooley LLP
- 2020 - Host, Rainmakers
- 2019 - Host, Faith@Work Podcast
- 2014 - Managing Director, Co-Founder, Kiwi Venture Partners I, LLC
- 2013 - Advisor, Triblio
- 2006 - Founding Board Member, Sonabank
- 2001 - Vice President, Business Development & Board of Directors, CyberCFO
- 2000 - Vice President, Business Development, Eyecast
- 1998 - Executive Director - Technology Industry, PWC
- 1996 - Business Development Manager, Fairfax County
- 1995 - Washington Director, NewsTalk Television, Gannett
- 1995 - Major Airborne Infantry Officer, US Army