Because My Network Asked Me To

I will publish insights about startups, tech, entrepreneurs, and investing.

Firstly, you just met me. So here’s where I’m coming from:

I’m an entrepreneur by blood. I come from a family of entrepreneurs that came to America with nothing and built companies that help people on a daily basis; globally. I’ve been selling things since I can remember. Whether it was erasers in second grade (and getting in trouble at school) or selling my Dad’s employees D batteries wrapped in foil — or as I called it the ‘hand warmer’ — when I was five. In high school and college I produced videos for local businesses and I made some money — not much— but it was the process of making money that created satisfaction for me as opposed to the actual money made.

In the pre-tech era of my life I was fueled by passion. But passion failed me when I jumped head first into the tech world. My lack of knowledge was the reason I lost nearly half a million dollars on my first startup “FADM”, a Linkedin for artists later turned AngelList for film, later turned blackhole for money. Not to brush over this major life event like it’s nothing, but simply put it is my biggest most proudest failure!

And so began my crusade for knowledge. And I was very successful in this. I learned to code, product manage, design, business dev etc. I also learned the harsh lessons and realities of being an entrepreneur and investor. I became a better judge of character and thus much more comfortable in my own skin.

Imagine you can do anything you want, you have the resources, the support, the knowledge, the ambition, the ability to find product market fit but no ability to find your own fit within the universe.

After two years of learning, trying new things with an open mind, working within diverse startups and meeting new people in the LA tech scene I felt as though I didn’t progress much further than where I started. I had yet to release anything substantial in the market, grow a user base, raise money, and all the next steps you’re supposed to do according to the “VC Framework”. This insecurity grew in me like a cancer.

I made a typical Silicon Valley decision

I went to Peru in November and had a life changing spiritual awakening. I was not a spiritual person before by any means. And side note by the way, it’s not necessary to have a spiritual awakening, but for me it helped tremendously. I read this random quote on Facebook and it prompted me to buy a last minute ticket:

If you don’t change direction you may end up where you are heading.

In my lifetime I have pivoted substantially. Diving into ventures and endeavors head first — literally moving around LA from Santa Monica, to Downtown LA, Redondo Beach, San Pedro, and Palos Verdes. And I always maintained the same mind set, “I’ll figure it out as I go.”

And figure [some things] out I have. As I’m working with professionals in business today, across multiple industries and with a wide variety of companies ranging from startups to century old brands, I have had a lot of realizations even at just the age of 24. And as I’ve advised and mentored other founders in tech over the last six months, my network has been pushing me to write some articles and lend some advice.

I’m not wildly successful. I’m not in the triple comma club (one day though). I don’t believe in Unicorn hunting. But, I’m probably a lot like you. And I’ve gone ahead and made a lot of mistakes on your behalf, so don’t you want to hear what I have to report back to you?

My Medium articles aren’t your typical content marketing BS, bait click crap. It will consist of real, authentic lessons. Follow and recommend me here, follow my twitter (@sirjimathy), and you will gain valuable insights. I also like answering questions and hearing feedback.