
← Silicon Slopes | Leaders Interviewing Leaders3 dec 2025 · 24 min
Founder and CEO of SponsorCX Jason Smith interviews Founder & Chairman Peak Capital Partners & Element Ventures Jeff Burningham
In this episode, Jason Smith, Founder and CEO of Sponsor CX, sits down with Jeff Burningham, a seasoned entrepreneur, investor, and mentor. Jeff shares his journey from starting a tech company as an undergrad at BYU to becoming a venture capitalist and even running for governor of Utah.
00:12 - Introduction and Guest Welcome
00:38 - Jason's Mentorship and Early Days of Sponsor CX
01:09 - The Decision to Go All-In on Sponsor CX
02:09 - Initial Investment and Early Support
02:52 - The Hero's Journey of an Entrepreneur
03:11 - Importance of Believing in the Founder
03:58 - Jeff's Venture Investing Philosophy
05:00 - Jeff's Background and Career Overview
07:09 - Running for Governor and Post-Political Journey
08:19 - Transition to a More Reflective Life
08:31 - Jeff's Investment Approach and Early Stage Focus