Alex Merutka

Craftsman+

We built CRAFTSMAN+ to solve a very real, very overlooked problem: creative at scale.

Performance marketing doesn’t fail from bad media buying, it fails from stale creative. CRAFTSMAN+ is a creative tech company engineered to close that gap. We developed a proprietary content engine that automates high-impact, data-backed playable and interactive ads. Built for speed, scale, and measurable performance.

Our platform helps top mobile brands (and their growth teams) scale creative output across channels like Meta, Google, TikTok, and programmatic, without sacrificing quality or insights.

Partners include category leaders in gaming, fintech, and commerce. Deloitte Fast 500 (#330), Inc. 5000, and trusted by the best because we don’t just make ads—we make performance scale.

CEO | Founder

Node Ventures

Node Ventures backs early-stage companies where we can be a growth weapon, not just a check.

We specialize in companies where digital marketing is the unlock. With deep operating experience across user acquisition, creative automation, and adtech infrastructure, we help founders move faster, scale smarter, and build the systems that drive real traction.

Node isn’t a traditional VC, we're a strategic partner with execution DNA. If we invest, we’re in the trenches with you.

Founder

Node Media

Odin Stem Cells

Odin delivers regenerative stem cell treatments. Clinically backed, nationally scaled, and optimized for long-term health outcomes.

We’re building the future of regenerative medicine by making advanced stem cell therapy accessible across the U.S. Odin operates at the intersection of science, performance, and wellness. Helping patients repair, recover, and optimize from the inside out.

→ Nationwide delivery. Clinical precision. Life-changing results.

Chairman & Co-Founder

Member

Forbes

Forbes 30 under 30 

AppLovin

Strategic Consultant

Helped scale AppLovin from early-stage startup to $29B IPO—leading $2B+ in performance media across mobile, programmatic, and creative.

Joined as one of the first employees. Built and led the user acquisition and programmatic teams during a period of hypergrowth—managing global campaigns for top mobile titles and partners. Owned media strategy and creative performance at scale.

Played a critical role in AppLovin’s growth trajectory from Seed stage through its final private round (led by KKR), culminating in a $29B IPO.

→ Specialized in building systems that connect performance data with growth strategy—at billion-dollar scale.

Head of Programmatic

Director of Sales

Conversant (formerly Greystripe)

Acquired by Alliance Data Systems (ADS) for $2.3 billion in 2014. 

Provided digital media solutions ranging from desktop, mobile, cross-device, video, lead generation, and retargeting.

Account Executive

BrightEdge

Enterprise Business Representative

I build companies that move markets. Right now, that’s CRAFTSMAN+—a creative technology platform powering high-performance ads for the world’s biggest mobile brands.

We’re not just shipping more creatives—we’re rewriting how performance teams scale. Backed by partnerships with Meta, Google, and TikTok, we’ve engineered a platform that turns friction-heavy creative workflows into data-backed, scalable growth engines. It’s the reason we landed on Forbes 30 Under 30, Deloitte Fast 500 (#330), and Inc. 5000—and why top brands trust us to accelerate what actually moves the needle.

Before CRAFTSMAN+, I led user acquisition and programmatic at AppLovin—managing $2B+ in ad spend and helping scale the company from Seed to $29B IPO. I also founded Node Ventures, a startup studio backing breakout ideas with speed and unfair distribution.

Contributor to Bloomberg, Business Insider, and FoxNews. Member of YPO. Always building, always optimizing.

Derek Evjenth

Drivetrain

Drivetrain is a go-to-market as a service. We partner with startups to design their GTM strategy, sales methodology, process automation, and implement a best in class technology stack.

Alysio 2023 
Alethea 2023-2024
Aviatrix 2023
GOES 2024
Moxion Power 2023-2024
Modigie 2024
Savvy Security 2023
Scalestack 2024-present
Path Robotics 2024-present
Akooda 2024-present

Founder, GTM Sales Leader 

Akooda

AI-powered enterprise search - The one platform to connect all of your business applications.

Head of Sales

Path Robotics

GTM Advisor 

Scalestack

Pavilion

Executive Member

Treasure Financial

As the first sales hire I implemented the sales tech stack, hired the sales team, and designed the GTM motion. Reporting directly to the CEO we acquired 70+ customers in our first 12 months. The Treasure API is a treasury-as-a-service API that lets you embed actively managed yield generating products in your financial platform or marketplace.

Director of Sales 

Salesforce

Core account executive focused on the growth and success of Salesforce's top strategic, high-tech accounts with over 1000 employees

Strategic Account Executive - General Commercial 

Second Media

2014 INC5000 #613
2015 INC5000 #2298
2015 San Francisco Business Times Fast 100 #94

Acquired by VerticalScope Inc, December 2015

Co-Founder, Head of Sales

Praetorian Group

The Praetorian Group is the leading online media company in the public safety market. Properties are visited by more than one million first responders and public safety professionals every month. Praetorian is revolutionizing the way in which first responders train, access mission critical information and share information online. We are deeply committed to providing resources and cutting edge information that help first responders stay safer, become better informed and more effectively protect their communities.

With over 15 years of experience in sales, entrepreneurship, I am passionate about helping companies scale their go-to-market strategy and revenue engine. As the co-founder and principle of Drivetrain, I leverage my expertise in AI, CRM, and new media to provide go-to-market as a service to high-growth revenue teams. 

I have strong skills in new business development, customer relationship management, and I enjoy building long-term partnerships with clients and investors. I am always looking for new opportunities to learn, grow, and make a positive impact in the startup ecosystem.

Co-Founder & Principle 

Drivetrain is a go-to-market as a service. We transform Series A to Series E clients. 

As a team of former Founders, VP of Sales, Head of RevOps and Senior Executives who experienced exits, we’ve learned exactly what works and what doesn’t when it comes to building an efficient revenue engine.

taplio

The Battle

Alex Merutka

Derek Evjenth

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