Dropping The Startup Safety Net
This is a big day for me. After a full-throttle experience building a marketing team with an Inc 500 company, I’m embarking on a new journey. The vision is set and I’ve dropped the safety net.
Here’s why. . .
For me, there’s no greater high, no deeper level of fulfillment, no bigger rush than building something that provides value. And there’s something about building a business with boundless potential that’s both inspiring and gratifying.
To build a startup—or to help build a startup—is the highest-leverage activity in which you could invest your time. Find the right fulcrum, then execute with the right amount of force, and the value you create can be exponential.
But you have to take a chance.
That’s why I’ve decided to take the plunge, and devote my full time and energy to Verge and other entrepreneurial opportunities. For the next 90 days, I’m intensifying efforts and attention to the team at Verge—designing plans, building systems, and executing on the vision. While we move the ball forward with that organization, I’ll also heed the advice from my closest mentors and take some time to truly explore the entrepreneurial landscape. As of today, I’ve broken my low-information diet to dive into books, travel, and relationships in a way that I never have before. And I’m excited!
At the same time, I already miss the energy and excitement of my former role as the Director of Marketing at Slingshot SEO. For the past year, one of my greatest joys has been working with each and every incredible person on the marketing team, most of whom I was fortunate enough to interview and hire myself. I learned so much from them as we took a blank canvas and turned it into something of real, measurable value.
From the three co-founders, who encouraged me to join as a director, to CEO Jay Love and the rest of the leadership team—I’ve never witnessed a more diverse and powerful combination of raw talent at a company. By blazing a trail, and attracting other top talent and partners to join in the adventure, they’ve built an exceptional organization. I look forward to continuing to collaborate with them through their continued support with Verge, the Orr Fellowship, and whatever else may materialize in the future.
I’ve been so, so fortunate to experience the high of building successful businesses—both as a part of a high-powered engine like Slingshot and from the driver’s seat of my own startups. I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to take the wheel with both hands and shift into the next gear as I start the next leg of my journey. I look forward to continuing to learn, succeed, fail, and evolve. And I will do a better job of sharing that experience with you here.
Keep bringing your brilliance and enthusiasm to Verge. Let’s keep working together to build a better-connected, execution-driven startup community. It’s time to swing big.
So, what’s your next adventure?
How can I help with what you’re working on?
Congrats Matt! I look forward to watching it all unfold.
Congrats Matt! Rock it!
“Find the right fulcrum, then execute with the right amount of force, and the value you create can be exponential.” Brilliantly true statement. Consistently amazed by the Indianapolis startup community. Verge is a perfect venue to harness all the innovation at work. Looking forward to your future developments, Matt.
Matt,
It’s great to meet someone with such a passion for networking and for building great things. I too look forward to the day when I can “take the plunge” and keep that in the back of my mind as I build my business. I look forward to keeping in touch with you and best of luck on your stealthy startups.
David Martin
Congrats!!
… I spy an isocket hoody
Congratulations, Matt! I love it when folks take the jump and respect them even further when they’re young and taking the plunge. Keep up the good work at Verge.
Even more great things are coming from this guy. You continue to raise the bar. I’m excited to follow your journey.
Some people become successful, yet others were born to succeed. I have no doubt that you will continue to impact the Indy tech community with innovative projects that come your way. Don’t forget to keep your shades close by, as your future is sure to be bright. Good luck!
Well, that’s all kinds of awesome.
How can I help?
Kick ass Matt!
Thanks for all the encouraging words, everyone! I feel pretty lucky to have folks like you in my corner.
I’ve been following you for a few years now and heard you had left SS to pursue Verge full time. Just thought I would drop in and wish ya luck!
Matt,
You’re going to have a blast. Almost exactly one year ago I had the good fortune of presenting at Verge. That experience helped to catapulted me into exactly the same position you know find yourself in.
Cutting the ties is not easy, but it’s one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. I’m sure you’re bound for great things.
Enjoy the ride and Best of Luck!
#toiletseatequality
Congrats Matt! Good luck in next couple of months.