James R. Smith is a results-driven sales and marketing executive with over 25 years of experience in digital media, technology, and SaaS startups. As Chief Growth Officer at the International Accelerator, James works closely with early-stage companies to help them scale, secure funding, and refine their go-to-market strategies. He leverages his expertise in customer acquisition, operational optimization, and digital marketing to guide founders through the challenges of growth, enabling them to reach key milestones and attract investors.

Before joining the International Accelerator, James held senior leadership positions, including Vice President of Sales at ContentMassive and Chief Digital Officer at Hearst Corporation, where he managed multi-million-dollar revenue streams and led high-performing teams across digital, media, and technology platforms. He has extensive experience in technology and SaaS, having consulted for startups in these sectors, helping them secure Series A and B funding while driving growth through data-driven marketing and customer acquisition strategies.

Known for his ability to simplify complex challenges and turn strategic insights into actionable plans, James has a proven track record of transforming business operations and scaling revenue. His deep expertise in both the technology and digital media spaces, combined with his mentorship and hands-on approach, makes him a trusted advisor to entrepreneurs and a key driver of success in the startup ecosystem. James continues to contribute to the vibrant Austin tech community, helping companies unlock their full potential and achieve long-term growth.