About Clifford “Cliff” Boro
Clifford “Cliff” Boro is a distinguished American entrepreneur, tech investor, and mentor known for his visionary leadership in the startup world. With a career spanning more than three decades, Cliff has been at the helm of groundbreaking ventures and continues to shape the future of technology and business. Cliff Boro is the Managing Partner of TurnTide Holdings, a venture studio dedicated to co-founding and supporting early-stage technology companies. In this role, Cliff leverages his extensive experience to guide new startups, providing not just capital but also strategic expertise to help turn bold ideas into thriving businesses.
Over the course of his 30+ year career, Cliff Boro has co-founded and led several successful companies. In the late 1990s, he launched Internet Financial Network, which later became Infogate – a real-time financial news service that was acquired by AOL Time Warner in 2003. He went on to co-found KidZui, a pioneering child-friendly web browser and online community for kids. Under his leadership as CEO, KidZui grew rapidly and earned multiple industry awards, catching the attention of Saban Brands, which acquired the company in 2012. These ventures are testaments to Cliff’s ability to identify unmet needs and build solutions that have lasting impact. For his work with KidZui and contributions to tech innovation, Cliff was honored by the White House in 2011 as a “Champion of Change,” highlighting his positive impact on the community through technology.
Cliff’s entrepreneurial journey also includes founding or playing key roles in ventures such as The Team Group (a technology startup accelerator) and Simplexity Ventures (a venture studio fund). He has helped numerous startups move from early concept to successful exit. Not only has he served as a CEO and founder, but he’s also been a mentor and board member for various companies – guiding fellow founders in industries ranging from software and media to education technology. Cliff’s leadership style is often described as energetic, inclusive, and forward-thinking. He thrives on collaboration and loves helping passionate innovators turn “napkin sketches” into real products and companies.
Beyond his business endeavors, Cliff Boro is deeply committed to community and philanthropy. He believes in using success as a platform to give back and inspire others. In his hometown of San Diego, he has been actively involved in philanthropic causes and community organizations – from supporting educational programs for youth, to serving as a board member for initiatives that assist individuals on the autism spectrum through improv comedy. This blend of entrepreneurship and empathy defines Cliff’s approach to life: he’s as excited about nurturing people as he is about nurturing ideas.
It’s this commitment to the next generation that sparked the creation of The Clifford Boro Next Founder Scholarship. As the founder of this scholarship, Cliff aims to encourage students who have that “spark” of entrepreneurship – those who aren’t afraid to question the status quo and create something new. Having blazed his own trail as a young founder (Cliff started his career on Wall Street and launched his first company in his twenties), he knows first-hand the value of courage, mentorship, and opportunity in shaping an entrepreneur’s journey. Through the scholarship, Cliff Boro is excited to hear students’ stories and help fuel their educational pursuits. In his own words, “I want to empower young founders to dream big and take the leap – because innovation waits for no one.”
Today, Cliff Boro continues to invest in startups, advise emerging entrepreneurs, and share his insights as a thought leader. He often speaks on topics of technology, leadership, and the importance of resilience and creativity. When he’s not working with the next generation of companies, Cliff enjoys sailing and finding inspiration in literature – a nod to his belief that great ideas often come from broad experiences and curiosity.
Clifford “Cliff” Boro’s career is a testament to the power of entrepreneurial spirit. From building companies that change industries, to championing community causes, to launching a scholarship for student innovators, Cliff’s legacy is one of building, leading, and giving back. Aspiring founders and students can look to his journey as proof that with vision and determination, one person truly can make a difference.