Mershad Javan
Business Executive
Feldmeilen
Summary
Accomplished C-level executive with a proven 20-year history of leadership, growth strategy, and driving profitability in diverse industries such as SaaS, consumer services, and education. Successfully built businesses, managed large teams, and achieved three noteworthy exits. Extensive experience in scaling companies to $50M+ ARR and delivering an impressive 20x ROI. Proficient in M&A, operational efficiency, and guiding organizations towards global market leadership.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
8
8
years of post-secondary education
3
3
Languages
Work History
CEO/Executive Board Member (Reacquired)
Octiive
Zurich And California
02.2023 - Current
- Reacquired Octiive from UMG to rebuild and reposition dormant asset, achieving 35% increase in global sales and restoring profitability within 12 months.
- Expanded market share and enhanced catalog value, positioning company for high multiple exit (confidential, currently in due diligence).
- Implemented new operational strategies, increasing user retention by 20% and engagement metrics across the platform’s 100,000+ users.
- Strengthened industry partnerships and aligned with competitors to support long-term strategic goals.
Venture Partner
Privilege Ventures
Zurich
06.2022 - Current
- Played a key role in raising $150M across two funds, leveraging a global investor network and industry expertise.
- Provided strategic guidance to portfolio companies, optimizing operations and driving a 25% average revenue increase.
- Identified and cultivated investment opportunities, supporting due diligence and deal structuring for high-growth startups.
- Mentored founders and executive teams, enhancing scalability, market positioning, and investor readiness.
- Spearheaded strategic initiatives to position portfolio companies for successful exits or long-term growth.
CEO
Mictic AG
Zurich
02.2020 - 05.2022
- Transformed the company from idea phase to market-ready, achieving product launch within 12 months in a successful turnaround effort.
- Secured venture capital funding, attracting top-tier investors and driving growth opportunities.
- Streamlined team operations, increasing profitability by 30% and enhancing overall efficiency.
- Achieved 8 unique patents granted across multiple world regions, showcasing the company’s innovative approach and technological differentiation in the augmented reality space.
Founder/CEO
OCTIIVE
Los Angeles
01.2014 - 01.2020
- Founded and scaled Octiive to $50M ARR with 20x ROI exit, establishing it as a leading SaaS platform for global music distribution.
- Managed financial, operational, and strategic functions for team of 250 employees, delivering consistent year-over-year growth.
- Secured over $20M in funding, driving customer acquisition and retention strategies that increased active users by 40% year-over-year.
- Introduced innovative customer success programs, boosting client satisfaction and organizational culture.
- Drove profitability with thorough financial analysis and strategic decision making.
Vice President of Operations
Universal (UMG)
Los Angeles
01.2008 - 05.2013
- Managed operations for UMG, overseeing a team of 80+ employees and $400M in global sales.
- Led strategic partnerships and label services, positioning UMG as an industry leader in innovation.
- Delivered operational efficiencies that improved profitability by 20% year-over-year.
- Streamlined operations by identifying inefficiencies and implementing process improvements.
Chief Strategy Officer
Allied Business School (Exit, American University)
Orange County
01.2005 - 12.2008
- Oversaw marketing and sales strategies, leading to substantial growth in student enrollments and revenues.
- Developed and implemented scalable marketing campaigns, resulting in a 30% increase in lead conversion rates.
- Played a key role in the company’s successful acquisition, delivering a strong ROI for stakeholders.
- Optimized operational processes by leveraging technology and automation, reducing overall costs and increasing efficiency.
Education
MBA - Business Administration And Management
USC, Marshall School of Business
Los Angeles 05.2003 - 05.2006
Bachelor of Arts - Business Administration
University of California State Long Beach
Long Beach, California 09.1998 - 05.2003
Skills
International Business
Leader & Team Culture
Team Building
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
Strategic partnerships
Negotiation
Fundraising
Sales & Marketing
Business development
Financial acumen
Mergers & acquisitions
Strategic planning
Corporate leadership
Partnership expertise
Affiliations
- Executive in Residence, Kleiner Perkins
- Venture partner, Unlock Ventures
- Venture Partner, Privilege Ventures
- Entrepreneur Organization (Zurich Chapter)
- Octiive, Chairman of the Board
- Onescreener, Board Member
- Mentor, TechStars (Berlin)
- Mentor, Cult Tech Accelerator
- Mentor, Tenity (Zurich)
Timeline
CEO/Executive Board Member (Reacquired)
Octiive
02.2023 - Current
Venture Partner
Privilege Ventures
06.2022 - Current
CEO
Mictic AG
02.2020 - 05.2022
Founder/CEO
OCTIIVE
01.2014 - 01.2020
Vice President of Operations
Universal (UMG)
01.2008 - 05.2013
Chief Strategy Officer
Allied Business School (Exit, American University)
01.2005 - 12.2008
MBA - Business Administration And Management
USC, Marshall School of Business
05.2003 - 05.2006
Bachelor of Arts - Business Administration
University of California State Long Beach
09.1998 - 05.2003
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