Jeff Tennery

Jeff Tennery is a seasoned technology executive with over 35 years of experience in building successful ventures. He is widely recognized for his entrepreneurial spirit, leadership, and ability to deliver tangible results in complex settings.

Professional Achievements

Jeff is the founder of Moonlighting, a groundbreaking freelance platform that revolutionized the gig economy. Under his leadership, Moonlighting grew to become a leading platform, ultimately acquired by CareerGig in January 2021. He has also held senior executive roles at major corporations such as Verizon, AT&T, and Millennial Media, where he contributed to IPO and acquisition strategies.

Current Role

Jeff currently serves as the Chief Operating Officer at Alef, where he leverages his extensive expertise in the mobile application economy, venture capital advisory, and start-up mentorship to drive operational excellence and strategic growth.

Skills and Expertise

Jeff has expert-level skills in marketing, sales, leadership, human resources, legal, and software management and development. He also has strong working knowledge in project management, finance, accounting, systems, and more. His diverse skill set makes him a valuable resource for entrepreneurs and businesses at all stages of growth.

Mentorship and Community

Jeff has over three years of experience as an Entrepreneur-in-Residence (EIR), navigating the UVA Entrepreneurship ecosystem. He has a passion for mentoring founders and has been invited to platforms like Intro, where he provides startup counsel to entrepreneurs worldwide. He is a respected leader in the Charlottesville community and a proud father of five, including three UVA graduates.

What Sets Jeff Apart

Jeff’s unique ability to connect with founders and provide actionable advice is a key strength. As he puts it, "I have been invited to a company called Intro where founders from around the world book time with me for startup counsel and advice. I can do the same for Batten." His creative problem-solving skills, strong media relations, and public speaking expertise bring positive exposure and value to the organizations he supports.

Connect with Jeff

Learn more about Jeff Tennery and his work by visiting his LinkedIn profile.

Darden students and i.Lab founders can book a session with Jeff.