Andrew Russell

In addition to founding Trigger Media in 2011, InsideHook in 2012 and Host Committee in 2012, Andy Russell is an initial member and a partner of Pilot Group, Andy serves as CEO at Trigger Media, CEO at InsideHook and Chairman of Host Committee.
At Pilot Group, Andy’s responsibilities are focused on digital media investing.
Through Pilot Group and other investment vehicles, Andy has been involved with over 50 tech investments including DailyCandy, Thrillist, TastingTable, Ideal Bite, PureWow, Nerdist (formerly GeekChicDaily), Zynga, Betaworks, Business Insider, Moveable Ink, Silicon Alley Insider, SailThru, RapLeaf, Room77, Huddler, Spongecell, LiveRamp, HomeRun, Greatist, AdRoll and Bounce Exchange.
Prior to Pilot Group, Andy was the youngest Partner at East River Ventures at age 28, where he focused on the Digital Media investment practice from 1999 to 2003.
At the age of 26, Andy co-founded the world-renowned restaurant/nightclub MOOMBA, called “the hottest new restaurant in the universe” by New York Magazine in 1997, which he sold in 1999.
Andy began his professional career in 1993 as an investment banking analyst and later associate at Chemical Bank (JP Morgan Chase), in the acquisition finance group, financing LBO’s under Jimmy Lee.
He received his BA from Cornell University in 1993, and his MBA from Columbia University Business School in 1999.
Andy currently serves on the board of directors of TastingTable, PureWow, DailySecret (now Savoteur), and Treat House.
He is also a Digital Media Strategic Advisor to Condé Nast and Advisor to Ground Signal and IfOnly.
Andy also serves as Chairman to the New York chapter of BUILD, a board member of The Mount Sinai Child Behavioral Health and Science Center and a board member of DMA (Direct Marketing Association).
Andy previously served as a board member of Thrillist, DailyCandy, DailyWorth, Barrington Broadcasting, Double-O Radio, OTX, NAMG (now Scout Media), Ideal Bite and American Media.