John P. Ball | Principal
John's career spans merger and acquisitions and capital formation as well as
executive level operational, advisory, and transactional responsibility in
public and private companies.
John is regularly acknowledged for his innovative insights and ability to
formulate timely and valuable strategies for mergers, acquisitions, products,
markets, and partnerships with particular emphasis on breakthrough ideas. For
more than 20 years, working with early-stage organizations and the world's
largest software companies alike, John has raised capital, led the development
of pioneering products, created and executed rational 'go-to-market' plans, and
woven together meaningful business partnerships.
Prior to founding Vérto Group, John led development and marketing for a provider
of e-business and collaborative commerce software solutions where he was a
member of the executive board, assisted in raising nearly $200 million, and
helped launch US operations.
Earlier, John was President and COO of a startup focused on developing and
marketing wireless communications and applications for the public services and
public safety markets. John secured funding from private equity and venture
capital while overseeing the development of industry leading solutions and a 10X
growth in revenue.
John's marketing and business experience includes professional advisory to
Microsoft where he assisted in the identification and selection of strategic
acquisitions, helped guide investments into The Microsoft Network, and aided in
the launch of new products and services. Prior to forming his executive advisory
firm, he helped start one of the earliest e-commerce initiatives where they
raised capital from private equity and a later public offering and subsequent
NASDAQ listing. During his tenure, John negotiated and secured unique licensing
and distribution agreements with Microsoft and many of the world's largest OEM
PC manufacturers.
John's experience includes leading or helping companies delivering web services,
application and development software, hardware, digital signal processors,
medical devices, business services, distance learning, and infrastructure.
John holds a BS in Environmental Engineering from the University of Colorado and
an MBA from the Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania.
Adams Price | Principal
Adams Price brings more than 15 years of experience in the business and
technology segments, including strategic business development, marketing, and
operations.
Prior to joining the Vérto Group, Mr. Price worked with Izodia
(formerly Infobank) in both the US and the United Kingdom as Sr. VP of
Operations where he was responsible for developing best practice techniques and
improving the effectiveness of sales and service delivery for the US and
European operations.
Prior to joining Izodia, Adams was managing partner of
Whittman-Hart, Inc., where he was instrumental in successful business
development; building the organization from 75 consultants and $9 million in
revenue to 145 consultants and $20 million in revenue. While at Whittman-Hart,
Inc., Adams also served as Principal and Director of Custom Applications,
Practice Leader in the AS/400 Practice, and developed the national relationships
with J.D. Edwards.
Adams' technical expertise advanced while undertaking several
system design and implementation projects as project manager with First Trust
Corporation and Rushmore Financial Group and Geneva Generics.
Adams earned his
BSCS in computer science from the University of Puget Sound and his MBA from the
University of Denver Daniels College of Business.
Mr. Price served on the board
of Nextschool.com before the Internet startup was sold to Michael Milken's
Knowledge Universe. Adams is involved in numerous civic activities, including
the Advisory Board of Denver, Denver Rotary, Metro Denver Chamber of Commerce,
the Metro Denver Network's workforce development council and the Center for
Information Technology and Innovation at the University of Denver.
Douglas D. Borne
For more than 20 years, Doug has demonstrated entrepreneurial leadership and
business expertise by founding three successful companies and providing
professional guidance to several more in the US, Europe, and the Pacific Rim.
Doug profitably sold his first two startups and guided the third effort to a
public offering and subsequent NASDAQ listing.
Prior to becoming a principal with Vérto Group, Doug gained extensive worldwide
experience in business development, renewal, and mergers and acquisitions while
working throughout Europe for several multinationals before returning to the US
to create and develop the US subsidiary operations of a London Stock Exchange
listed software and services company. Doug was later tapped to become a member
of the company's executive board and lead the worldwide business operations and
marketing efforts of the parent company.
Doug honed his skills in operations, finance, and business development while
working with some of the world's largest technology companies in sales and
operations before embarking upon his own entrepreneurial efforts, which included
starting one of the pioneering companies of e-commerce. Doug earned his BA in
Sociology from LSU and his MBA in Business Development and Finance from
Pepperdine University.