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.

Smadex

Head of Account Management, US

BuzzCutt

BuzzCutt is a national app revolutionizing the way we discover and access non-alcoholic drinks. We've built one giant store finder map, integrated with 30+ brands, taking the guesswork out of finding enjoyable alc-free choices at bars, restaurants, and more. BuzzCutt celebrates that choosing to drink less or not at all (for any reason) shouldn't have to be an isolating experience. We're passionate about creating access points to NA drink options (that aren't just soda or juice!), empowering users to order confidently and NA brands to get more hands on their products in the wild.

@buzzcuttco
www.buzzcutt.co
Press: https://linktr.ee/buzzcuttco
Contact: olivia@buzzcutt.co

CEO, Co-Founder

Adikteev - app re-engagement platform

- Provided instrumental leadership and support to the US AM team, implementing essential processes and best practices to equip the team with tools to grow top mobile gaming client partnerships
-Managed a multi-million dollar book of business,  successfully expanding key partnerships through strategic relationship management, client service, and leadership
- Contributed to new business pipeline, personally selling in, onboarding and launching a handful of clients as a result of strong industry relationships

Senior Client Partner

Aarki

Managed key strategic account partnerships for mobile app developers across North America.

Lead Account Specialist

Sr. Client Services Manager

Client Services Manager

Rain the Growth Agency (formerly R2C Group)

- Managed national and local TV media for a breadth of national clients. 
- Excelled at shifting seamlessly between competing priorities to deliver against department and client goals.
- Proficient in every stage of buying process from building media plans, optimizing buys, making adjustments to schedules, and communicating with network and station representatives throughout the day to ensure media was running smoothly and effectively.

Media Buyer

Jr. Media Buyer

Assistant Media Buyer

Havas Media

- Translated marketing goals and brand positioning into media communication strategies and ideas that were inspirational and delivered results. 
- Linked qualitative and quantitative consumer data and research with consumer segmentation and media strategy approaches. Uncovered multicultural insights related to consumer, category, brand and channel usage.

Strategy Analyst

Havas Media Group

Strategic Planning Internship

Fuse

Ad Sales Internship

Dedicated and passionate account management team leader and client service champion thriving in fast-paced, dynamic environments. I excel in empowering teams while fostering meaningful client relationships, leveraging these connections to drive business growth. As a client service leader, I prioritize authenticity and empathy, anchoring my approach in building and guiding high-performing, growth-oriented teams.

With close to a decade of experience in strategic planning, media buying, and project management within advertising agencies, my trajectory led me to an exhilarating pivot into ad tech and mobile marketing in 2018. Over the past six years, I've championed client relationships and drove record growth in mobile user acquisition and retargeting campaigns for US accounts.

In 2022, my wife and I co-founded BuzzCutt, a pioneering brand and national app dedicated to promoting access to non-alcoholic drinks at bars and restaurants. BuzzCutt eliminates the uncertainty of enjoying a night out with friends by showcasing nearby venues that serve N/A brands. Regardless of the reason for choosing not to drink, BuzzCutt empowers users to confidently be out and order without hesitation.

Discover more about BuzzCutt at www.linktree.com/buzzcuttco

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The Battle

Alex Merutka

Olivia Sears

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