Blue Ocean Global Technology Interviews Allan Grafman | CEO of All Media Ventures | Board Director and Leadership Fellow NACD

Allan Grafman is a seasoned media executive, board director, and investment banker with a track record of driving growth, monetizing intellectual property, and leading successful turnarounds for both public and private companies. As the Founder and CEO of All Media Ventures (AMV), established in 1996, he advises companies on capital raising, brand licensing, strategic development, and market expansion. Over his career, Allan has served on 12 boards and held senior leadership roles at Majesco Entertainment, Archie Comics, Hallmark Entertainment,Tribune Company and Disney/ABC Capital Cities, among others. He has also been a principal at Mercury Capital and CEO of Modelwire, a venture-backed ad tech firm. Allan holds degrees from Indiana University (BA) and Columbia University (MA, MBA) with honors in all three programs.

Tell us about your professional journey. What inspired you to build a career at the intersection of media, private equity, and investment banking?

My career journey has always lived at the intersection of business and content. It began as a teenager working as a radio DJ and ad seller in St. Louis,an early exposure to the commerce behind intellectual property. A brief detour into Russian studies at Indiana University expanded intellectual horizons, but the true passion remained: the business of media. Early experience in cable television led to roles in syndication, production, and later, private equity and investment banking. Throughout every phase, the focus remained consistent—monetizing content and intellectual property. Leadership roles followed in media and tech companies, along with capital raises and IP licensing for consumer goods. Underpinning it all has been a drive to communicate, connect, and convert ideas into value—a thread running through media, finance, and entrepreneurship.

What does a typical day look like in your role as CEO of All Media Ventures and Investment Banker at Oberon Securities?

My day typically spans three core channels: investment banking at Oberon Securities, media development at All Media Ventures, and my responsibilities as a board director.The banking work focuses on raising capital for clients; media efforts center on developing, funding, and producing creative projects often with international partners. Having served on 12 boards, governance brings its own duties. Balancing these roles demands prioritization and discipline. Some days revolve around film development; others require full focus on a capital raise. Progress often hinges on staying proactive. As Alexander Solzhenitsyn noted, knowing the destination helps navigate distractions. The variety makes each day dynamic and that’s the driving force.

You’ve led the restructuring and sale of a Nasdaq-listed public company and signed over 40 business development transactions. What have been some defining lessons from those high-stakes deals?

One critical lesson has been the importance of emotional intelligence in leadership and board dynamics. High-stakes environments are often charged with tension. Active listening, acknowledging concerns, and maintaining composure can shift outcomes from conflict to collaboration. Whether in the CEO seat or serving as board chair, reducing emotional friction and focusing on solutions helps drive alignment. Authority alone isn’t always the answer—building trust and getting to “yes” is far more effective. This philosophy has shaped both the board seminars led and the approach to complex transactions and teams.

The media and entertainment landscape continues to evolve with technology disruption and new forms of content monetization. What trends or opportunities in media, IP, or investment are you most excited about right now?

“Exciting” is a nuanced word. Several industry waves have already come and gone from the rise of cable and syndication to the current streaming age. Today’s technological shifts are certainly profound, but not every trend is positive. AI offers tremendous innovation but also brings risk particularly its capacity to manipulate public sentiment. Valuations have become inflated, often driven by hype. There’s real potential, but also real volatility. What stands out most is the innovation around monetizing content and IP so long as these developments strengthen, rather than undermine, democratic and cultural frameworks.

As an Operating Partner in private equity and now a Finra-registered investment banker, how do you differentiate yourself when working with PE/VC firms and their portfolio companies?

Early outreach to a network of over 400 private equity professionals sets the foundation. While others are skeptical, even a 1% response rate yields results, thanks to longstanding personal connections. Relationships built over decades matter. Having also sat on the investor side, there’s a unique ability to present opportunities in a clear, filtered way that respects investment criteria. This perspective helps deliver the right resources with greater precision and speed, something clients consistently value.

What advice would you give to your younger self — especially as you were building your early career in media, finance, and investment banking?

Balance matters. Life has been filled with unique and enriching experiences, both professionally and personally. But with four children and a busy career, the value of intentional focus becomes more evident in hindsight. To the next generation and to a younger self, the advice would be: find what you love, understand the industry’s trajectory, and commit fully, while remaining open to change. Flexibility has been a strength, but a touch more focus could have brought even greater clarity and impact.

With such a dynamic and high-pressure professional life, what are you most grateful for — either personally or professionally?

Gratitude runs deep. A loving marriage, four wonderful children, and a strong family upbringing provide daily perspective. Along the way, mentors, colleagues, and friends have offered invaluable support and inspiration. Morning gratitude is a daily tradition, recognizing the good that life continues to offer and honoring the people and opportunities that shaped the path.

Outside of leading deals and advising companies, what are some hobbies or interests that bring you balance or creative inspiration?

Reading is a major source of inspiration especially books on history, often finished within a week. Travel, language learning, and literature also play important roles. Physical activity, such as swimming, helps maintain energy and focus. Most important, though, is time with family, especially traveling together, which brings joy and lasting memories.

Is there a quote, philosophy, or guiding principle that has shaped your approach to leadership and life?

“Drill your well before you are thirsty.” Few ideas have had more impact. A phone call or email is one thing; a handshake and face-to-face meeting build lasting connections. Real relationships, built in advance, create meaningful opportunities down the line. Another guiding sentiment comes from a father’s tombstone: “He was a friend to all who knew him.” Relationships matter. Connection matters. Cultivating those bonds early and often is the foundation for both leadership and life.

Conclusion

Allan Grafman’s journey offers a unique blend of business acumen, creative vision, and a deep understanding of the evolving media and investment landscape. His ability to balance strategic leadership across investment banking, media ventures, and board governance underscores the importance of adaptability and emotional intelligence in navigating high-stakes environments. From monetizing intellectual property to raising capital and steering companies through disruption, Allan’s insights are grounded in decades of hands-on experience. As the lines between content, commerce, and technology continue to blur, leaders like Allan remind us that innovation must be balanced with responsibility. His perspective is not only a guide for entrepreneurs and investors, but also a call to shape a future that’s as thoughtful as it is transformative.