In every ecosystem there is a central figure. For some it's a river that animals congregate around, or a tree where birds flock to stay dry in the rain. For the Chicago startup ecosystem, the central figure is Alan Matthew. Alan is more your typical hippy than your typical techy, although they sometimes seem similar. He wears his long greying hair in a ponytail that rests on his shoulders.
There are many reasons as to why Alan seems to attract so much success and successful people around him. The first and foremost would be his kindness towards all who approach him. Regardless of the stage or viability of the firm, Alan will always find time and kind words. Yet no firm can escape his ever critical gaze. That gaze is coupled with his sharp commentary on what he believes should be changed or augmented to ensure viability.
I had the pleasure of sitting down with Alan to hear about his beginnings and how he started in the startup world. I have had the pleasure of speaking with him many times, but it was eye opening to hear about his humble beginnings. How Alan was able to work his way up from a runner at the exchange to starting his own VC fund ‘Tribal Ventures’.
Listen to the full show at:
http://theentrepreneurialreport.com/
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