Industry veteran and sought-after strategist joins the company following a $200 million Series C fundraise to position ZenBusiness as a household name synonymous with entrepreneurial success
ZenBusiness, the only one-stop guided platform to help entrepreneurs launch, run, and grow a successful business, today announced the addition of award-winning brand strategist Michael Fanuele to lead brand marketing. Fanuele joins the team following a $200 million Series C funding round that valued ZenBusiness at more than a billion dollars. He will lead the company’s efforts to make ZenBusiness the most trusted and beloved partner for entrepreneurs.
“We’re living in the era of entrepreneurs, and I couldn’t be more stoked to join the movement. ZenBusiness is revolutionizing the fundamental physics of our economy by liberating people with big ideas to transform those ideas into life-changing businesses,” said Fanuele. “Far too many people find themselves trapped in a professional prison -- and we are here to provide millions with a path to entrepreneurial freedom.”
Fanuele has over 20 years of marketing experience, having led strategy for agencies like Fallon and Havas, where he became known for inspiring the teams behind work for Arby’s, Dos Equis, Cadillac, and more. Previous to ZenBusiness, Fanuele served as the President of Stagwell’s Media Assembly + GALE where he helped lead the integrated partnership between two world-class marketing agencies. Michael was also the Chief Creative Officer at General Mills, a role in which he inspired the big food company to be a good food company and led an agency review that was noted for its diversity requirements. Additionally, Fanuele is the author of the best-selling book, Stop Making Sense, a creative blueprint to help leaders and organizations with big ambitions succeed.
“We are excited for Michael to become the latest addition to the growing ZenBusiness family,” said Ryan Pitylak, co-founder and CMO of ZenBusiness. “As one of the world’s most successful brand strategists, he will play a critical role in ZenBusiness’s transformation into one of the most meaningful brands and help us further our mission of empowering people to live and work differently. We can’t wait to see what’s to come.”
Fanuele holds a BA from Vassar College and currently resides in New York with his family.
About ZenBusiness
ZenBusiness, a Public Benefit Corporation, is the only one-stop guided platform tailored for the entrepreneur’s journey to launch, run, and grow a successful business. Empowering the new generation of entrepreneurs, ZenBusiness provides innovative tools, fintech, and world-class educational resources to support millions of small businesses on their journey to success -- all at an affordable and clear price. By giving entrepreneurs what they need -- worry-free services, frontline support, and an all-inclusive platform -- ZenBusiness makes taking the leap towards building a better life as easy as possible, allowing business owners to achieve a state of Zen. Founded in 2017, ZenBusiness is based in Austin, Texas. Visit www.ZenBusiness.com and follow @zenbusinessinc for more information.
View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220107005036/en/
Contacts
Mike Loughran
MikeL@mbooth.com
