As a entrepreneur, musician and technologist, Matt Grippo has pursued an eclectic career that has led him to his current position as CEO of the Manhattan Producers Alliance. Grippo is also building a reputation as a leading voice on how traditional media companies can effectively integrate New Media development into their organizations.

After graduating from the University of California at Santa Cruz (home of the famous Banana Slug mascot) with a double honors degree in Computer Science and Psychology, Grippo moved to the San Francisco Bay Area and began a career in software development. His first job, in 1997, was with Peoplesoft as a member of their top-secret "Sonoma" R&D program. In the subsequent years, Matt would ride the Internet bubble while working as a Software Architect for the early stage companies Workday, ePropose and Classroom Connect. During this time, Grippo learned software development and management inside and out from some of the industries top minds and developed a passion for entrepreneurial ventures.

In 2004, Grippo moved to London to pursue an MBA at the top-5 internationally-ranked London Business School (LBS). His time at LBS coincided with the boom of "Media 2.0" and sparked his interest in the media industry. He co-chaired the 2005 London Media Summit which hosted the CEOs of Harper Collins (UK), Channel 4 (UK) and Arts Alliance Media as well as the UK Chairman for Media Arts and Culture. In 2005, Grippo consulted for Emap Consumer Media (a UK media powerhouse with properties in Television, Radio and Print) on some of their new media initiatives.

After receiving his degree from LBS, Grippo moved to NYC where he was introduced to Joe Carroll, founder of the Manhattan Producers Alliance (ManHatPro). Three months later, Grippo accepted the position of CEO at ManHatPro where he is in charge of general strategy, growth and financial management. Matt also continues to build his presence on the NYC media scene as a seasoned technologist and consultant focused on helping traditional media companies integrate new media successfully through process transformation.

Grippo is also an accomplished drummer and composer who has performed professionally since his teens. He has shared the stage with Maceo Parker, the Black Eyed Peas, KRS1 and Digital Underground. While still in high school, Green Day opened for his band, The Louies – who, interestingly, were more popular at the time! Grippo has played with his own quintet, The Grippo Collective, as well as New Sun Born, Kotoja, Five Point Plan and the SF Jazz Mafia. In 2003, Matt released his first solo album, Grippo – Circuits featuring musicians who have worked with Beyonce, Christina Aguilera, Boz Scaggs and Anastacia.