Laurel Touby: A Career Journey from Advertising to Venture Capital
From the fast-paced world of advertising to the strategic heights of venture capital, Laurel Touby has built a diverse career defined by media expertise and entrepreneurial leadership. Her professional trajectory reflects a consistent ability to pivot across industries while maintaining a focus on corporate strategy and growth.
Early Career in Advertising and Journalism
Touby began her professional journey in June 1985 as a junior planner at Young & Rubicam, a global advertising agency. Through dedication and performance, she rose to the position of Senior Media Player within three years. During her tenure, she managed high-profile accounts, including Breyers ice cream and the AT&T calling card.
In September 1990, Touby transitioned into journalism, joining BusinessWeek magazine as a Staff Editor. In this role, she specialized in writing for the magazine's corporate strategy section, honing her ability to analyze business operations and market trends.
Leadership in Media and the Rise of Mediabistro
By 1995, Touby joined Glamour magazine as a contributing editor. She was responsible for writing and editing the "Getting Ahead Guide," a column focused on career advancement and financial management.
While contributing to Glamour, Touby expanded her influence by becoming the CEO of Mediabistro.com. This platform served as a comprehensive hub for media professionals, offering a suite of services including online education, employment classifieds, conferences, forums, and industry-specific blogs, most notably the popular TVNewser.
Touby's leadership at Mediabistro culminated in 2007 when the company was sold to Jupitermedia for $23 million. She continued her association with the company until June 2011.
Transition to Venture Capital and Public Speaking
Starting in 2012, Touby shifted her focus toward seed-stage startups—early-stage companies that are often in the process of developing their initial product. Her investment portfolio includes companies such as Appboy (now known as Braze.com), Credijusto, Electric.ai, and Fashion GPS (now LaunchMetrics.com).
Beyond direct startup investments, she is an investor in prominent funds, including Lowercase Capital and Pershing Square.
In addition to her financial ventures, Touby is an active public speaker. She shared her expertise on the business of innovation by hosting "Secrets of Successful Startups" on CBS Interactive.
Key Facts
- Advertising Roots: Started at Young & Rubicam in 1985, working on AT&T and Breyers accounts.
- Editorial Experience: Held staff and contributing editor roles at BusinessWeek and Glamour.
- Entrepreneurial Success: Led Mediabistro.com to a $23 million sale in 2007.
- Investment Focus: Specializes in seed-stage startups and funds like Pershing Square and Lowercase Capital.
- Media Presence: Hosted a startup-focused series on CBS Interactive.
| Period/Year | Organization | Role/Achievement |
|---|---|---|
| 1985–1988 | Young & Rubicam | Junior Planner to Senior Media Player |
| 1990 | BusinessWeek | Staff Editor (Corporate Strategy) |
| 1995 | Glamour | Contributing Editor ("Getting Ahead Guide") |
| Until 2011 | Mediabistro.com | CEO (Sold for $23 million in 2007) |
| 2012–Present | Various Startups/Funds | Seed-stage Investor |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which major accounts did Laurel Touby handle at Young & Rubicam?
During her time at Young & Rubicam, Touby worked on the Breyers ice cream account and the AT&T calling card account.
What was Mediabistro.com and what services did it provide?
Mediabistro.com was a website for media industry professionals that provided online education, employment classifieds, conferences, events, forums, and industry blogs like TVNewser.
How much was Mediabistro sold for and to whom?
Mediabistro was sold to Jupitermedia in 2007 for $23 million.
Which startups has Laurel Touby invested in?
Touby has invested in several seed-stage startups, including Appboy (now Braze.com), Credijusto, Electric.ai, and Fashion GPS (now LaunchMetrics.com).
What investment funds is Laurel Touby associated with?
She is an investor in Lowercase Capital and Pershing Square, among other funds.