TEAM | Walk On Ventures

FROM OUR FOUNDERS

We know what it’s like to build something from scratch — because we have done it multiple times. In 2012, Joe, Fernando, and Matt co-founded Digital Media Solutions (DMS) and led it through every chapter of the entrepreneurial journey. We bootstrapped the company, partnered with private equity, raised capital, scaled quickly, took DMS public in a $756 million IPO on the NYSE (reaching over $1 billion in enterprise value), and ultimately returned the company to private equity-backed ownership. Most recently, we oversaw a successful transition out of our day-to-day executive roles.

Along the way, under our leadership, DMS became one of the nation’s leading digital performance marketing companies. It generated $2.7 billion in revenue, acquired 15 companies, and navigated complex capital markets—including securing a $250 million Term Loan B that was rated by S&P and Moody’s. We later led the company through a complex restructuring and a return to private ownership, backed by leading private equity partners.

We have lived the highs, the pivots, and the pressures of entrepreneurship — and we understand what it takes to grow a transformative company. That’s why, together, we started Walk On Ventures: to be the kind of partner we always wanted. Our goal is to bring more than capital to the companies we work with.

We want to bring our battle-tested experience, genuine empathy, and a commitment to helping founders go further, faster — with clarity, conviction, and the right support at every step.

MEET OUR TEAM

JOE MARINUCCI

I am the Co-CEO of a blended 3+2 family with my wife, Stephanie. As working professionals, we juggle a lot—starting with our five children, ranging in age from 2 to 16.

I graduated from Binghamton University in 1996 with a B.S. in Accounting. That foundation has given me an accounting mindset, a valuable skill set that I apply to both business and life.

I’m a competitor at heart—I understand what it means to push limits and test myself. It’s in my DNA. I was the captain of the collegiate wrestling team at Binghamton University. Over the past 25 years, I’ve completed four Ironman races, including the World Championship; raced as a member of Team USA at the ITU World Championships in 2009; climbed three of the world’s seven highest mountains; completed RAAM (Race Across America—a 3,000+ mile bike race across the U.S.) three times, winning the overall race in 2016; and finished the Leadville 100 MTB five times. Along the way, I’ve personally raised $250,000 for charity through these endurance events.

My personal and professional journey has shaped me into a committed leader in all areas of life. For me, leadership means maintaining a growth mindset, supporting others, and striving to be a genuinely good human being.

FERNANDO BORGHESE

I believe in showing up — every day — for myself, my family, and my team. My wife and I are raising three amazing daughters who inspire everything I do. Whether in business or life, I take pride in being a steady source of support, encouragement, and forward momentum.

I earned my B.A. in Political Science from Trinity College in 2001, where I competed on the rowing team. That experience as a student-athlete cemented my belief that hard work, commitment, and grit make anything possible.

I’m wired to push limits. I believe most boundaries are self-imposed — and with focus, consistency, and effort, they can be broken. In 2016, as a new cyclist, I completed and won RAAM (Race Across America), a 3,000+ mile bike race across the U.S. I later discovered triathlon in my 40s, drawn to the challenge of mastering three disciplines and tapping into the personal grit each race demands.

My personal and professional experiences shape who I am — as a husband, father, entrepreneur, and leader across all areas of life. I’m committed to helping others grow by leveraging the lessons earned on my life resume, so they can get where they want to go, faster.

MATT GOODMAN

As a veteran technology leader and Mar-Tech innovator, I offer a unique combination of deep technical knowledge, seasoned operational leadership, and strategic business insight to organizations seeking to scale, modernize, and operate with peak efficiency. I excel at helping my clients align their technology investments and stacks with overarching business goals, fortify data governance and security protocols, and implement streamlined processes that pave the way for sustainable, long-term growth. My particular expertise lies in harmonizing these technology strategies with core business objectives to drive transformation.

My impactful leadership and vision have been recognized with prestigious awards, including being named CIO of the Year by the Tampa Bay Business Journal and my selection as a 2024 Tampa Titan 100 honoree, a distinction celebrating top C-level executives for outstanding vision and leadership. Beyond my professional achievements, I am passionate about fostering innovation and actively contribute to our local innovation ecosystem by dedicating my time to mentoring emerging startups at the Tampa Bay Wave.

Educated at NYU’s Stern School of Business, where I focused on asset management during my MBA studies, and Syracuse University, where I earned dual degrees in Finance and Management Information Systems, I now call Tampa home. My greatest joy comes from spending time here with my wife and three daughters there.

SAM KIROVSKY

I'm an operator-builder with 18 years of experience helping executive teams turn bold visions into measurable growth. With a background in consulting and in-house leadership, I've streamlined processes, led complex transformations, and executed over 30 M&A deals end-to-end.

At Synergetics, I drove $1B+ in EBITDA improvements and optimized $200M in working capital. At IHS, I supported $1.5B in capital deployment across 10+ acquisitions, fueling 20%+ CAGR and 30%+ EBITDA margins. Most recently, I led the Transformation Management Office at Digital Media Solutions through its transition from public to private.

My rigorous, data-driven approach stems from my academic roots, holding a Master's in Economics from Boston University and a Bachelor's in Business Economics from the University of California, Riverside.

Outside of my professional life, I cherish my time in Boston with my wife and our two young daughters. I'm also an avid cyclist, and the discipline, endurance, and spirit of teamwork I've honed on countless rides are qualities I wholeheartedly bring to every client engagement. Here at Walk On Ventures, I'm dedicated to leveraging battle-tested experience, genuine empathy, and relentless follow-through to help founders go further, faster than they ever thought possible.