Wilfred Hirst

Entrepreneur • Advisor • Creative

Experienced entrepreneur and creative professional with a proven track record of building innovative startups, providing strategic advisory services, and creating compelling visual content. Passionate about technology, business development, and artistic expression.

Areas of Expertise

SEO/AIO Optimization

With 15 years in SEO from agency roles to independent work, I focus on practical optimizations for search engines and AI, drawing from real-world projects.

Brand Design

I learned brand building from Sigur Rós—one of the most influential artist groups—and the founder of early dot-com success Gazelle, shaping consumer-facing identities.

Website Build

Self-taught developer with hands-on Node.js and React experience. I leverage modern AI tools and frameworks to build efficient, scalable web applications from concept to deployment.

Content Strategy

At an agency, I created content strategies for Fortune 500 companies like AIG Travel Guard, Interim HealthCare, and Nasdaq, emphasizing targeted, effective planning.

Fundraising

In my current role at FTFC, I help founders prepare for investors; we've supported clients in raising over $25 million in funding.

Sales

My career began in retail sales, followed by a year of door-to-door work that taught empathy—a foundation for my approach to building relationships and closing deals.

Portfolio

VONA

D2C
-
Co-founded D2C wellness brand with Sigur Rós, expanding CBD products to 5 countries

CellSprings

Mobile Health
-
Biotech platform for cellular research and development

Vynfred

D2C
2017 - Present
D2C print store for original artwork and creative designs

KXFM

Logo Design
2024
Logo redesign capturing 60s nostalgia and Laguna Beach vibes using Procreate

Philly2illy

SEO/AIO, Web Development
2025
Website design and SEO optimization for Boston-based DJ using Firebase hosting

Makker Clothing

D2C Fashion
2015 - 2017
Kickstarted magnetic keychain product that grew into sustainable clothing D2C company

Harmonix Health

Brand Design / Website
2023 - 2024
Brand design and website build for health platform

BlueSkyATG

Website / SEO
2024
Website development and generative garment tool for D2C brands

Mint400

Content Creation
2024
Content creation and coordination for racing events

Sierra

Content Production
2024
Content production and coordination services

Work Experience

Positions

Sr. Venture Advisor

FTFC

- Present

Strategic advisory services for startups seeking investment readiness and growth acceleration.

Co Founder Managing Director

VONA

-

Built and managed a D2C wellness/CBD brand with the band Sigur Rós which sold internationally.

Sr. Manager Demand Generation

Predictive Index

December 2018 - January 2019

Managed demand generation strategies and marketing campaigns for talent optimization platform.

Director, Client Strategy

Brafton

November 2013 - January 2017

Directed client strategy and content marketing initiatives for B2B marketing agency.

Marketing Coordinator, Mobile Health

Nuance Healthcare

November 2011 - January 2013

Coordinated marketing efforts for mobile health technology solutions and healthcare platforms.

Education

B.S. Marketing / Entrepreneurship

Suffolk University

2009

Founding member Suffolk Entrepreneurship Club, Dean's List 2008 and 2009

Mechanical Engineering (Freshman Year Courses)

Rochester Institute of Technology

2005

Engineering House Freshman President, Active member of RIT Theater Company

Skills

Technology

  • Node.js & React Development
  • Product Strategy
  • System Architecture
  • Data Analytics

Business

  • Strategic Planning
  • Team Leadership
  • Business Development
  • Fundraising

Creative

  • Brand Development
  • Visual Design
  • Content Strategy
  • Digital Art