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Inventing What's Next
Invention is hard — and the next wave of software companies demand more than capital. They need the best capability and capacity to invent.
I work alongside founders and their leadership teams to invent, launch, and scale purpose-driven, AI-native businesses that matter. Sometimes I co-found, sometimes I partner, sometimes I serve on the board. Always, I bring the experience, conviction, and operating muscle to turn ambitious ideas into enduring products and companies.
My Philosophy
Every era of technology redefines how people use and interact with technology. In the 1990s, client-server computing and the internet redefined how the world worked and then did it again with mobile and SAAS/cloud. In each of these eras, I’ve helped define and build a wide range of platforms— from Windows (client and server) to Xbox to Xero — scaling across a wide range of stages from startups to scale-ups, to large scale businesses that must be transformed.
Today, AI is unlocking an equally profound era of invention. Athene Partners exists to build in this moment — to turn breakthrough technology into products, companies, and businesses that stand the test of time.
Because invention is hard.
Because speed matters.
Because strategy and execution are inseparable.
Because experience — and great people — make the difference.
Because building is better together.
How I Work
I partner with a small number of founder/CEOs and their leadership teams each year. My role adapts to what’s needed most:
- Product: shaping the roadmap and early product.
- Go-to-Market: nailing pricing and packaging, designing sales motion, refining value prop, building customer success, opening doors.
- People: recruiting, structuring, and scaling enduring teams.
- Capital & Partnerships: raising money, building alliances, unlocking growth.
Each quarter, we align on what moves the needle — then I work side by side with you and your leadership team to make it real.
Who I Partner With
Founders and teams on ambitious quests that inspire me. People building not just for the next funding round, but for enduring impact. Leaders who want a partner who shows up, leans in, and helps carry the load.
What Great CEOs Say.....
“I have worked with Bill for many years and continue to learn from him. I can always count on Bill to bring energy and thoughtful insight to everything he engages on. He connects product and go-to-market in a way few people can.”
- Satya Nadella (CEO, Microsoft)
"I have worked with many great leaders over the years and Bill stands out in his ability to see the broader picture and then go deep to drive transformation with speed and focus, catalyzing change from people to product to partnerships to financial architecture. He was a wonderful partner for me."
- Meg Whitman (CEO, eBay, HP, Quibi)
"Bill is one of those rare people who is able to elevate the performance of a leadership team by creating strategic clarity, reinforcing operational excellence, and amplifying the power of teamwork. He is purpose-driven. He is passionate. He is a servant leader. "
- Kevin Johnson (CEO, Juniper Networks, Starbucks)
"Bill stands in a class of his own among thought partners who can help navigate the challenges encountered by leaders in a hyper growth environment. Bill has brought an invaluable level of clarity through some of Color's most strategic decisions at the intersection of leadership, commercial strategy, and the promise we make to our customers. Few people match Bill's ability to apply timeless principles gleaned from experience to the unique nuances of each business to bring clarity of thought and action. He does his work with empathy, curiosity, and a smile, working not only with me but forming great partnerships with my leadership team"
- Othman Laraki (Co-Founder/CEO Color Health)
"When Bill presents his well considered thoughts everyone reaches for their pens and paper and gets to work on his suggestions. He is especially good at coaching execs on Product and Marketing strategies and people issues. It was an absolute pleasure to work with Bill, learn from his broad experience at the top of the IT industry and enjoy his sense of humour and high energy. Any company and company founder would be lucky to have Bill alongside them."
- Rod Drury (Founder/CEO, Xero)
Bill is a compelling blend of humility and intensity backed by clear thought.
His crisp questions and perspectives particularly in product and marketing are second to none and guided me in setting the strategic direction of my company, Fingermark, in a way that no could. Against the backdrop of Covid, we entered the US and global markets and won. He challenged me and supported me as a founder, as a strategic thinker, as a product leader. I often refer to Bill as my "sensei" and the term fits perfectly.
- Luke Irving (Founder/CEO, FingerMark AI
“As founder and CEO of a fast growing start-up, Bill has been an invaluable partner for me as I charted the course for Embroker. His ability to think multi-dimensionally, from product to GTM, people to operating model, and then dive into the weeds of execution sets an incredibly high bar for operating excellence, one that I have learned and benefitted from greatly. Finally, he is just fun to work with, always bringing insight, wisdom, and a smile to our discussions.”
- Matt Miller (Founder/CEO, Embroker)
"Bill possesses great wisdom born of experience that is broad in scope and traverses from the most universal strategic questions to detailed execution. He frames the big issues with incredible insight and then moves to action quickly. He is unique in his ability to communicate deep and wide across all functions and does so with intensity, humility, and passion. Everyone looks forward to interacting with Bill because he makes us better. He has increased the company's value significantly and is a great partner for me."
- Jeff Hudson (CEO, Venafi, Vhayu Technologies, MS2)
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