Monetization & funding
We are an organization of business builders who have started, grown, and sold companies by monetizing brands through mobile, software, multi-platform marketing, and eCommerce. Our team applies expertise and invests time, resources, and capital into business ideas and brands to unleash their maximum revenue potential.

Monetization
We draw from a team of experienced consultants who specialize in strategy and tactical execution to drive the online monetization of both products and services.
Primary areas of focus encompass:
- Technology consulting
- Full cycle eCommerce
- Software Design & Development
- Online marketing
Additionally, we have an established network of business resources and strategic partnerships for our clients to leverage.






Funding
We utilize the right tools to examine product and consumer trends. This data assists in guiding both our funding initiatives and our clients’ paths towards increased profitability.
We collaborate with our clients through working sessions where we collectively review growth plans including market penetration, product / service development, market expansion and diversification.
We invest our resources and funding through:
- Joint Ventures
- Equity Alliances
- Non-Equity Alliances
- Revenue Sharing Models
Whether the end goal is to build and own or build and exit, we understand both paths because we have walked them.
Our experience


Michael Ackmann
Michael was previously a founder and owner of Ackmann & Dickenson, Inc. (A&D), which launched in 2007 and grew an average of 30% annually.
A&D’s unique breed of digital craftsmanship brought organizations to the forefront of technology by providing expertise in mobile, software and web development, user experience design, digital marketing, and eCommerce.
Serving a national client base across multiple industries, A&D had offices in Minneapolis MN, Phoenix AZ, and Charleston SC.
A&D was acquired by a national media conglomerate in 2016.
While at A&D, Michael was appointed to serve on the Board of Directors for the global non-profit organization, Matter.
Michael was previously a founder and owner of Ackmann & Dickenson, Inc. (A&D), which launched in 2007 and grew an average of 30% annually.
A&D’s unique breed of digital craftsmanship brought organizations to the forefront of technology by providing expertise in mobile, software and web development, user experience design, digital marketing, and eCommerce.
Serving a national client base across multiple industries, A&D had offices in Minneapolis MN, Phoenix AZ, and Charleston SC.
A&D was acquired by a national media conglomerate in 2016.
While at A&D, Michael was appointed to serve on the Board of Directors for the global non-profit organization, Matter.

Kevin Zinniel
Prior to cofounding Artisan Venture Lab, Kevin served as Vice President of Business Development at Ackmann & Dickenson, Inc. (A&D). Kevin has worked with numerous eCommerce and software startups at multiple agencies including during his time at A&D.
In 2019, Kevin left A&D to focus on =RANGE= golf, a startup apparel brand. The collection was featured in the new product zone at the 2020 PGA Show. Currently, =RANGE= has partnerships in place with dozens of golf clubs throughout North America including a co-branded apparel collection with Pabst Blue Ribbon.
Kevin serves as a member on the University of Minnesota Masonic Children’s Hospital (UMMCH) Advisor Board and the UMMCH Champions for Children Golf Committee.
Prior to cofounding Artisan Venture Lab, Kevin served as Vice President of Business Development at Ackmann & Dickenson, Inc. (A&D). Kevin has worked with numerous eCommerce and software startups at multiple agencies including during his time at A&D.
In 2019, Kevin left A&D to focus on =RANGE= golf, a startup apparel brand. The collection was featured in the new product zone at the 2020 PGA Show. Currently, =RANGE= has partnerships in place with dozens of golf clubs throughout North America including a co-branded apparel collection with Pabst Blue Ribbon.
Kevin serves as a member on the University of Minnesota Masonic Children’s Hospital (UMMCH) Advisor Board and the UMMCH Champions for Children Golf Committee.

John Standish
John brings nearly two decades of digital strategy, design, and development experience to the Artisan team. He has served on internal teams for large organizations and in leadership positions for top agencies. He delivers right-sized solutions that transform businesses through marketing and technology.
John is a member of the Program Advisory Committee for his alma mater, the University of Wisconsin Stout.
John brings nearly two decades of digital strategy, design, and development experience to the Artisan team. He has served on internal teams for large organizations and in leadership positions for top agencies. He delivers right-sized solutions that transform businesses through marketing and technology.
John is a member of the Program Advisory Committee for his alma mater, the University of Wisconsin Stout.