Hey Fearless friend!

Thanks for subscribing to Stay Fearless or Die Trying. For those of you who are new to Fearless, I’m a former Radio Disney host and currently the founder of Be Fearless Inc, a reinvented career fair, and an influencer (I hate that word!) I consult for certain brands for whom I see a big future, and all of the above has paid my bills for the past 10 years. It’s been a long road and a lot of trial and error, but if there’s one thing I know, you don’t ever give up on your dreams.

When I was hosting Fearless Everyday, I had the opportunity to interview so many young people doing incredible things. Many whom I spot on Shark Tank and like to say I “scouted” them before their idea blew up!

Meet Gerardo Rodriguez: he has decade-long experience in startups, data, product, and analytics. Gerardo's entrepreneurial skill is highlighted in his co-founding of Fethr, a consumer social app, demonstrating an ability to craft engaging and impactful digital products. He’s been instrumental in guiding numerous startups toward significant growth and innovative breakthroughs. 

Q: What was selling a company at a young age like?

A: At a young age, starting and selling a company is a journey of profound personal and professional growth. It’s important to embrace the power of resilience and the art of learning from failure, as you’re forced to value the importance of vision, perseverance, and adaptability. Success isn’t just about the destination or the sale, it's about the lessons learned and the relationships built along the way which will ultimately set you up for the next big thing.

Q: Advice for working in venture capital?

A: My advice would be to cultivate a diverse skill set and network. Venture capital is as much about investing and understanding technology and business, as it is about people. Develop an keen eye for potential, and focus on what people, teams and dreams can do. It is also crucial to maintain a deep understanding of market dynamics, curiosity, continuous learning, and genuine relationships that span  the tech ecosystem.

Q: Trends in the current fundraising market?

A: There's a growing emphasis on socially responsible investments, where investors are  looking for profitability alongside alignment to broader social and environmental goals. In the broader investment landscape, there's a misconception that funding has become scarce. In reality, venture capitalists are not necessarily reducing their investments; instead, they're becoming more selective and strategic. They are prioritizing ventures that demonstrate clear merit and tangible results more than ever before. Early-stage venture capital is particularly thriving and serves as an excellent source of initial funding for startups. These early investments often attract substantial follow-on financing from family offices and high-net-worth individuals, underscoring their confidence in the growth potential of these ventures.

Q: On finding the proper co-founder/s…

A: Focus on founder fit first and foremost. A good co-founder should bring skills and perspectives that balance your own. Equally important is a shared vision, mutual respect, and alignment on your personal runway. Attend events, join communities, and engage with potential co-founders in real-world projects to gauge your compatibility. Remember, co-founding a venture is more than a professional alliance; it's a partnership rooted in trust, dedication, and a shared vision. While the focus on work is crucial, it's equally important to cultivate moments of lightness and camaraderie outside of work. These moments of relaxation and mutual enjoyment provide a resilient foundation, offering a source of strength and perspective during challenging times. Building this balanced relationship ensures that, even in tough situations, there is a well of positive experiences to draw upon, strengthening the bond and the business. 

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