Sharples co-founded HomeAway (formerly WVR Group) with Carl Shepherd in February 2005. In less than two years, he raised more than $200 million and acquired nine leading vacation rental websites, creating the worldwide industry leader for vacation rentals on the Internet.
Sharples is the former president and chief executive officer of IntelliQuest Information Group, a supplier of marketing data and research to Fortune 500 technology companies. There he pioneered the development of subscription-based statistical research services and electronic survey systems. The company was the fastest-growing market research firm in the nation during his tenure. He also completed two successful public offerings and the subsequent sale of the company.
An expert in technology brand strategy, Sharples has provided counsel to several market-leading companies, including Apple, Microsoft, IBM, Hewlett-Packard, Intel and Dell. He conceived of and hosted IntelliQuest’s annual Brand Tech Forum Conference (co-produced by The Wall Street Journal), which became the leading symposium in the industry.
Sharples was a consultant with Bain & Co earlier in his career, where he developed market and brand strategies for Fortune 500 companies. His is an angel investor through his company, Moose Pond, and has participated in the successful launch of numerous ventures. He earned a bachelor’s degree in math and economics from Colby College and a master’s degree from the Stanford Graduate School of Business.
