Jerry Ackerman is a marketing communications and business consultant, currently affiliated with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Venture Mentoring Service. During a 31-year career with The Boston Globe he was lead writer for the Globe’s Emerging Business section, helped develop its Technology section, and was a line editor. He has written extensively on technology, venture development, investment, and other business and industry issues, including in-depth analyses of emerging companies and factors driving their success. Previously as City Editor he was a key part of a team that won the Pulitzer Prize for Public Service for the Globe. He also has received numerous other journalism awards. He holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Northwestern University and was a Professional Journalism Fellow at Stanford University.