Joe Gagliese

A born entrepreneur, Joe launched his first venture—selling recycled paintballs—when he was just 12. Later, his passion for technology and bringing ideas to life led him to partner with his high school friend, Mat Micheli. Together, they launched a series of ventures, including Viral Nation in 2014.

As Viral Nation’s Co-CEO, Joe has led the company’s transformation from a leading influencer marketing agency to a multi-faceted powerhouse that includes a full-service marketing and intelligence agency, a talent management service for creators, athletes and influencers, and a technology division. With representation in eight countries and the world’s largest managed influencer network, Viral Nation fuels growth for the world's leading brands including but not limited to: Disney, Anheuser-Busch, Baidu, Campbells, The Coca-Cola Company, Intuit, Logitech, Match.com, Meta Platforms (formerly Facebook), Microsoft, Tencent, Uber, and Vivid Seats.

A recognized expert in influencer marketing and social technologies, Joe is regularly cited in outlets including the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, WIRED, CNBC, Vox, Business Insider, Forbes, and Inc.

Joe’s lifelong passion to inspire and mentor rising entrepreneurs has led to him teaching marketing courses at institutions across North America and becoming the first Entrepreneur in Residence at University of Toronto’s Scarborough Management school. Partnering with the University of Toronto, Joe has launched and will sponsor a first-of-its-kind scholarship that doesn’t have a grade requirement but rather places higher value on recipients’ business acumen, potential and entrepreneurial instincts.