Glenn Lurie, AT&T Mobility and Synchronoss Technologies' former president and CEO, has built a remarkable career in the technology and telecommunications sectors. Having made significant contributions as a leader at both Synchronoss and AT&T,- Lurie has become a prominent figure in the industry.
In 2021, Lurie joined venture capital firm Stormbreaker Ventures as a partner. A veteran start-up advisor, Lurie supports Stormbreaker's mobility-focused companies, bringing a wealth of expertise in the mobility, telecom, and tech spaces alongside a people-first approach.
Glenn Lurie, AT&T Mobility and Synchronoss' Former CEO: An Overview
Earning a bachelor's degree in Business & Marketing from Seattle Pacific University ('87), Lurie's educational background laid the foundation for his professional journey and equipped him with a strong understanding of practices and principles that would prove invaluable throughout his career.
Lurie began working in the cellular industry in the early 1990s, taking on various sales and marketing roles with McCaw Cellular. His ability to drive results and build successful relationships propelled him into leadership positions. As his career progressed, Lurie took on executive roles in major corporations, including AT&T and Synchronoss Technologies.
Glenn Lurie Shares Thoughts on Amazon's Mobile Service Plans in CNBC Interview
While at AT&T, Lurie played a vital role in the exclusive partnership with Apple to launch the first iPhone, revolutionizing the mobile industry.
He also served as the president and CEO of AT&T Mobility and Consumer Operations and the president of the Emerging Enterprises and Partnerships Organization. In the latter role, he oversaw AT&T Digital Life, IoT and Aio (now Cricket Wireless).
In addition, Lurie was the president of AT&T's Emerging Devices Organization, now the Internet of Things Organization. His responsibilities in this role included identifying and managing strategic relationships with global companies and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) involved in emerging IoT ecosystems.
In 2018, Lurie became the president, CEO, and member of the board of directors of Synchronoss Technologies. Synchronoss operates in the digital content and communication sectors, providing organizations with multichannel transaction management solutions.
Throughout his career, Lurie has honed skills in strategic thinking, negotiation, and identifying emerging trends. His deep understanding of the telecoms industry and emerging technologies positions him at the forefront of innovation.
A New Frontier: Glenn Lurie's Transition to Stormbreaker Ventures
After his tenure at Synchronoss Technologies, Lurie decided to embark on a new chapter in his career. His passion for driving innovation and supporting start-ups led him to join Stormbreaker Ventures.
About Stormbreaker Ventures
Stormbreaker has built a robust international network since launching its first fund in 2020. Leading early-stage companies around the world are eager to have Stormbreaker as the first U.S. venture capital firm on their capitalization table.
The company has more than 40 active portfolio companies that, following the Stormbreaker investment, have raised more than $500 million of follow-on capital. These portfolio companies include:
Contractbook, a contract lifecycle management platform that simplifies the process of creating, signing, and storing contracts.
Metadata, which has created an operating system for business-to-business marketers that automates tasks.
Teal, which has a patented technology that allows a user to connect any device to any data network in the world.
Bright Security, an application security company that enables developers to take ownership of the actual security testing and remediation work early in the Software Development Life Cycle.
Arcade, a workplace engagement solution that helps increase sales revenues and employee performance.
Stormbreaker offers founders tangible tools and resources through its Founder SuccessTM process. The process allows founders to access Stormbreaker's network and combined experience and helps them break down the most pressing barriers to growth.
Glenn Lurie, AT&T Mobility and Synchronoss' Former CEO, Joins Stormbreaker Ventures
Lurie now works alongside Stormbreaker's Founder and Managing Partner Said Mia, general partners Andy Funk and Mark Freed, and venture partners Bart Lorang and Patrick Shutt. This team of veteran investors and operators has more than 150 years of combined experience.
As a Stormbreaker partner, Lurie identifies investment opportunities, provides strategic guidance to portfolio companies and leverages his network to connect start-ups with key stakeholders and potential partners.
Mia has called Lurie an accomplished and visionary leader and a champion of Stormbreaker's mission since day one. He highlights Lurie's "more than 30 years' experience scaling and leading multi-billion dollar businesses
Lurie joined Stormbreaker at the same time as Lorang, the company's new venture partner and Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) implementer. Mia acknowledged that both had "a multitude of options to consider for the next opportunity in their careers and each of them chose Stormbreaker."
Mia added, "Their experience as investors and operators sharpens our focus and gives us a meaningful advantage over other investors who share our perspective that the next wave of blockbuster companies will be in the mobility sector."
Glenn Lurie, Synchronoss and AT&T Alumnus, at Stormbreaker
Stormbreaker Ventures focuses on the mobility ecosystem, which covers a range of technologies and innovations that enable individuals and organizations to live and work in an increasingly connected world. The mobility sector encompasses:
The Internet of Things
Transport
Security
Computing and networking, including cloud services
Consumer and industrial devices and sensors
A.I. and Machine Learning
While the start-up ecosystem presents great opportunity, it also presents unique challenges, including correctly identifying start-ups with truly high growth potential amid the noise.
The firm strongly believes that, for their sector, they have a competitive advantage in Lurie. His background, track record and reputation attract top flight mobility opportunities to Stormbreaker in a way that isn't otherwise possible at other firms; top founders in the space are looking to work with Lurie specifically, bringing unparalleled sourcing to Stormbreaker.
Lurie's industry knowledge and network will prove critical in helping Stormbreaker assess the viability and scalability of potential investments, and connecting its portfolio companies with strategic partners. Lurie's skill in growing innovative businesses within larger organizations, which he demonstrated during his time at AT&T, also makes him an asset to Stormbreaker.
Given the rapid pace of technological advancement, Lurie and the Stormbreaker team will need to stay ahead of emerging trends and technologies to ensure that their portfolio companies can adapt and capitalize on market shifts.
Lurie employs a forward-thinking mindset in his work, inspiring colleagues to build for the future. Stormbreaker's Founder Mia has described this experience and perspective as paramount to the Stormbreaker portfolio.
The Three Ps: Glenn Lurie's People-First Approach
Stormbreaker prides itself on providing its founders with a level of support and diligence that is typically only available to entrepreneurs in large-scale private equity portfolios. Lurie's move to Stormbreaker and the expansion of its management team accelerates the firm's hands-on approach.
The approach aligns with Lurie's style and values. The former CEO leads according to his "three Ps" philosophy: people, purpose, and passion. Lurie defines each of the three Ps as follows:
People: People are the most crucial asset of any organization. A team of great individuals can contribute their unique experiences and perspectives to support an organization's success.
Passion: Passion for work is the motivation and love that a person has for what they do. This passion can drive them to navigate challenges and achieve wins each day.
Purpose: Purpose is when an individual understands how they contribute to the overall success of the organization.
Lurie honed this philosophy during his time at AT&T and carried it over to Synchronoss Technologies. He now applies his three P's at Stormbreaker.
Mia describes Lurie as "down to earth and guided by a strong set of values." In contrast to other, more cutthroat working styles, Lurie believes in a "no sharp elbows" collaborative approach that Stormbreaker shares. Lurie has brought his infectious enthusiasm for helping others to Stormbreaker.Mia added, "He puts people first and has been an incredible partner to the Stormbreaker ecosystem from the outset."
Glenn Lurie, AT&T Mobility and Synchronoss' Former CEO, and Stormbreaker's Future
Lurie's professional journey has included impressive achievements and transformative leadership in the world of tech and telecommunications.
From his early roles in sales and marketing to his executive positions at AT&T and Synchronoss, Lurie has consistently demonstrated his ability to drive innovation, forge strategic partnerships, and deliver exceptional results.
Now, Lurie is leveraging his business development experience and leadership ability to advise and nurture early-stage start-ups at Stormbreaker. Lurie's visionary thinking and rich industry expertise will guide the firm in identifying high-potential start-ups.
On top of this, his track record of driving growth and his extensive network of contacts will offer Stormbreaker's portfolio company's invaluable resources and connections.
In addition, Lurie's focus on emerging technologies and digital transformation aligns with Stormbreaker's interest in these areas. Research by McKinsey has found that mobility is "one of the hottest sectors," with start-ups and established OEMs investing in new technologies and transport options.
In his role as a Stormbreaker partner, Lurie has the potential to leave a lasting impact on the mobility landscape. His industry-specific expertise will be vital as mobility enters a new age of innovation, helping position Stormbreaker as a key contributor to the future of the market.
Learn more about Glenn Lurie, Synchronoss' former CEO and Stormbreaker partner.
