Matt Wilkerson
About Matt Wilkerson
Matt Wilkerson is the Co-Founder and CEO of Extern, where he has worked since 2019. He previously held the same position at Paragon One and has extensive experience in edtech, e-commerce, and finance.
Work at Extern
Matt Wilkerson serves as Co-Founder and CEO of Extern, a company he has been leading since 2019. Under his leadership, Extern has developed a new category of work experience known as 'Externships,' which aims to be more scalable and accessible than traditional internships. The company has created a turnkey software solution that simplifies the process of running Externships for organizations. Extern is backed by notable investors, including Y Combinator, Foundation Capital, Launch Fund, University Ventures, and Learn Capital.
Previous Experience at Paragon One
Prior to his role at Extern, Matt Wilkerson co-founded and served as CEO of Paragon One from 2015 to 2019. During his tenure, he focused on developing innovative educational solutions in New York. His leadership contributed to the growth and impact of the organization within the educational technology sector.
Education and Expertise
Matt Wilkerson studied at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), where he earned a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Computer Science & Engineering from 2000 to 2004 and a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Management from 2004 to 2005. He also participated in Y Combinator in 2017. His educational background provides a strong foundation for his work in the edtech sector.
Background in Finance and Consulting
Before entering the edtech industry, Matt Wilkerson gained experience in finance and consulting. He worked as a Media & Telecom Investment Banking Analyst at Morgan Stanley from 2005 to 2007 and as a Venture Capital Associate at Technology Crossover Ventures from 2007 to 2010. He also provided consulting services in Product Strategy and Corporate Development at New Pathway Education & Technology Group from 2014 to 2015, working in both New York City and Shanghai.
Achievements in E-commerce
In addition to his roles in education and finance, Matt Wilkerson co-founded AHAlife, an e-commerce marketplace. His experience spans over 20 years in the fields of edtech, e-commerce, and finance, showcasing his versatility and commitment to innovation across various sectors.