Zane Tarence, Partner and Head of Founders Advisors’ Technology and Business Services Group, is an experienced investment banker, entrepreneur and recognized expert on the growth and monetization of digital media, internet technology and software companies. Over the past 20 years, Zane has led and completed more than 87 technology deals, including facilitating the sale of some of the largest lead generation internet businesses in the United States.
Zane is a noted speaker with Vistage International and Convene. He is the founder of the preeminent SaaS and internet summit, Silicon Y’all. Zane is the author of “17 Reasons Your Company Is Not Investment Grade & What To Do About It“.
Career Background/Career Experience
Before joining Founders, Zane independently and successfully created and sold two technology businesses to publicly-traded companies, resulting in a keen understanding of the traits necessary to build a valuable company and close an exceptional deal. Zane has more than 25 years of experience as an operator, investor and dealmaker in the technology arena. Prior to becoming an entrepreneur, Zane began his career at IBM, where he learned the intricate workings of the company’s technology ecosystems and led its Internet consulting practice in the Southeast.
Education
Zane has a Masters in Organizational Management from Southern Christian University and received his Bachelors of Science in Business Administration from Auburn University. His securities credentials include series 79, 63 and 24 securities licenses.
Community Engagement
Zane currently is a Board member of Reliance Financial Group, Samford Universities Brock School of Business Advisory Board, Birmingham Venture Capital Board, EAP Mentorship, Alliance Consulting and Digital Media Holdings, Zane is involved with several ministries through various roles, including serving on the board of directors for Route 1520 Ministries, course instructor at Family Dynamic, member of the Marriage Ministries at Church of the Highlands, founding board member of 4:8 Fathers “Birmingham Purity Ball” and past board member of AGAPE of Central Alabama. He also is a member of the Technology Advisory Committee at Briarwood Christian School and a past judge for Alabama Launch Pad.
A native of Montgomery, Alabama, Zane lives in Birmingham with his wife Jamie and their three daughters, Ellie, Mary Judson, and Emma.