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Howard Lerman is a highly successful entrepreneur, best known as the founder and former CEO of Yext. He is also an active angel investor, supporting early-stage technology companies with his extensive experience and strategic insights.
Howard Lerman primarily invests in early-stage technology startups, with a strong focus on SaaS (Software as a Service), artificial intelligence (AI), and enterprise software solutions. He seeks companies with innovative ideas and strong growth potential.
Howard Lerman founded Yext and served as its CEO for many years, guiding it to become a public company. While no longer CEO, he remains connected to the tech ecosystem as an active angel investor and advisor, leveraging his entrepreneurial background to support new ventures.
Howard Lerman is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Roam, a Managing Partner at Austen Partners, and an active angel investor based in Miami, Florida. He previously co-founded the digital presence platform Yext in 2006, serving as its CEO for fifteen years and guiding the enterprise software company to a 2017 initial public offering that reached a peak market capitalization of approximately $5 billion. Prior to stepping down from Yext in 2022, he co-founded multiple technology startups and earned a Bachelor of Arts in History from Duke University. In November 2023, Lerman launched his virtual workspace startup Roam out of stealth mode, securing a $30 million Series A funding round led by Sequoia Capital. His current focus centers on scaling B2B SaaS platforms and directing early-stage venture investments across the broader technology sector.
Howard Lerman is a distinguished figure in the technology and investment landscape, widely recognized as the visionary founder of Yext and a prolific angel investor. His career is marked by a consistent track record of identifying market needs, building innovative solutions, and scaling successful enterprises. As an angel investor, Lerman brings this wealth of experience and strategic insight to a new generation of startups, helping to shape the future of technology.
At the core of his professional identity is his role as the founder of Yext. Lerman launched Yext in 2006, transforming it from a local listings service into a leading digital knowledge platform that helps businesses manage their information across the digital ecosystem. Under his leadership, Yext grew exponentially, eventually going public and establishing itself as a critical tool for enterprise clients seeking to control their brand presence online. His tenure at Yext showcased his ability to navigate complex market dynamics, innovate rapidly, and build a robust, scalable business model. While he has transitioned from his CEO role, his foundational impact on Yext remains undeniable.
As an angel investor, Howard Lerman's investment focus areas are deeply rooted in his entrepreneurial background. He primarily targets early-stage technology companies, with a particular emphasis on Software as a Service (SaaS), artificial intelligence (AI), and enterprise software solutions. Lerman is drawn to disruptive ideas that address significant market challenges and possess strong potential for growth and scalability. He looks for passionate founders with clear visions and the execution capabilities to bring their innovations to fruition. His portfolio often reflects a belief in foundational technologies that can empower businesses and improve operational efficiency.
Lerman's career background is a testament to his entrepreneurial spirit. Before founding Yext, he co-founded and successfully exited several other technology ventures. These include IntraLinks, a leading provider of secure content collaboration solutions for financial institutions, and WhatIfSports.com, an innovative sports simulation platform. These early successes provided him with invaluable experience in product development, market strategy, and team building, all of which he now leverages to mentor and support his portfolio companies. His journey illustrates a consistent drive to create value through technology and a keen eye for emerging opportunities.
While specific public details of all his angel investments can be private, his reputation as a savvy investor in the enterprise tech and AI space is well-established. He is known for not just providing capital, but also strategic guidance, leveraging his extensive network and operational expertise to help startups navigate their early growth phases. Howard Lerman continues to be a pivotal force in the tech community, both through his legacy at Yext and his ongoing commitment to fostering innovation as an angel investor.
