Dan sits down with Natty Zola, Partner at Matchstick Ventures. Matchstick Ventures invests in early-stage technology companies in rapidly growing yet under-served startup ecosystems “between the coasts.” Before joining Matchstick, Natty co-founded Everlater, a travel startup backed by Techstars which eventually merged with Mapquest. Later he served as Managing Director of Techstars Boulder, guiding 63 companies through the accelerator, including transformative startups like Veho, Soona, and Tilt.
Dan and Natty discuss Natty’s entrepreneurial journey, from launching Everlater to shaping the Techstars accelerator and eventually transitioning to venture capital. They delve into the evolution of Techstars, the dynamics of building community within the startup ecosystem, and Matchstick Ventures’ unique approach to investing in high-potential founders. The conversation also explores pivotal lessons learned from working with exceptional CEOs, the art of pivoting in business, and how to foster resilience in startups. The conversation highlights the importance of mentorship, strategic thinking, and building businesses with a long-term vision for impact.
Click here to learn more about Natty Zola and Matchstick Ventures: https://www.matchstickventures.com/
To nominate a founder or to nominate yourself as a future guest speaker on our podcast, please send an email to contact@loudbearproductions.com.
