Introduction
When you think of Austin, Texas, you might think of live music and barbecue, but the city is also home to one of America’s most influential tech entrepreneurs: Brett Hurt.
He’s not just a businessman; Brett is a visionary who has revolutionized how we shop online, share data, and build purpose-driven companies.
Early Life: Born to Build
Early Life: Born to Build
Brett was born and raised in Austin, Texas—a city that would later become the foundation of his entrepreneurial empire. His love for technology began at just 7 years old, when his dad gifted him a TI-99/4A computer. Instead of playing video games like most kids, Brett was writing code. By the time he was in middle school, he had already built and sold his first software program.
“I never wanted to do things the traditional way. I wanted to build things that made a difference.” – Brett Hurt
His early exposure to entrepreneurship came from his parents, both of whom ran their own businesses. This environment planted the seeds for a life of innovation and disruption.
Education: Where Passion Meets Knowledge
Brett earned his Bachelor’s in Management Information Systems from the University of Texas at Austin, followed by an MBA from The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania. This combination of tech and business savvy became the perfect blend for his future ventures.
Big Break: Founding Bazaarvoice
In 2005, Brett founded Bazaarvoice, a platform that changed the face of e-commerce forever.
At a time when online reviews were scattered and untrusted, Bazaarvoice brought authentic, user-generated reviews directly to retailer websites like Best Buy, Walmart, and Dell. Under Brett’s leadership as CEO, the company grew rapidly—helping brands understand the power of customer voices long before the rise of influencers and TikTok.
Bazaarvoice went public in 2012 and became a $100+ million revenue business with global clients.
data.world: Fixing the World of Data Collaboration
After stepping away from Bazaarvoice, Brett didn’t slow down. In 2015, he co-founded data.world, a public benefit corporation and certified B Corporation.
So, what is it?
data.world is like GitHub for data—a platform where data scientists, analysts, and organizations can share and collaborate on data to solve real-world problems. From fighting COVID-19 to improving city infrastructure, the platform empowers smarter decision-making through open, accessible data.
His mission?
“To build the most meaningful, collaborative, and abundant data resource in the world.”
And yes, he’s making it happen.
What Sets Brett Apart?
Brett isn’t just a startup guy. He’s a deep thinker, mentor, and community builder.
- He publishes raw, transparent essays on his blog, Lucky7.io, where he shares lessons on business, mental health, fatherhood, and conscious leadership.
- He’s a mentor to hundreds of founders and startups, advocating for ethical business and mental wellness.
- As an angel investor, he’s backed over 100 companies and consistently supports the Austin startup ecosystem.
Beyond the Boardroom
What you may not know is that Brett is also deeply into mindfulness and self-awareness. After struggling with depression during his high-growth business years, he became a vocal advocate for mental health—especially among entrepreneurs.
He often shares his routine of journaling, meditation, and self-reflection, inspiring others to redefine what success really means.
Awards & Recognition
Multiple exits and IPOs under his belt
Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year (2009)
Named to Fortune’s “40 Under 40”
Recognized by Forbes, TechCrunch, Inc., and Fast Company
Brett Hurt’s Legacy: More Than Just Profits
What makes Brett Hurt truly remarkable isn’t just his billion-dollar ideas—it’s the way he builds them.
He believes in businesses that serve both profit and purpose.
From redefining e-commerce with Bazaarvoice to democratizing data at data.world, Brett Hurt is building a future that’s smarter, kinder, and more collaborative.
Final Thought
If you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, Brett’s story is proof that you don’t have to choose between heart and hustle. You can build fast, scale big, and still stay grounded in values.
“Success without purpose is empty. But when you build with meaning, your business becomes a force for good.” – Brett Hurt
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