Journey from Tech Support to Angel Investing: My Path to Finding Great Startups
When I started my investment journey in 2011, I had no idea it would evolve into what it is today: a deep passion for helping early-stage entrepreneurs bring their visions to life. In 2018, I founded MCMA Ventures with a mission to support innovation and nurture the next generation of transformative startups. My investment path, however, has been anything but conventional. The lessons I’ve learned along the way—and the risks I’ve taken—have shaped my perspective in unique ways. Whether you're an aspiring investor, a founder seeking funding, or simply curious about the angel investment world, I hope my journey offers insights and inspiration.
How It All Began
My professional journey began in 1998 as an independent tech consultant. I was comfortable in my routine, working with clients on various projects. But then, one of those clients reached out with a contract offer through Warner Bros. Little did I know that this single contract would lead to a 20-year chapter at the company.
My role at Warner Bros. came with a high degree of autonomy, allowing me to explore areas that interested me—cryptography and the emerging cypherpunk movement. However, it wasn’t until the 2008 financial crash that I began to see the flaws in traditional finance. Watching my 401k drop by over 60% for the second time in seven years was a wake-up call that prompted me to study economics and monetary systems.
That was when I first encountered Bitcoin.
The Bitcoin Awakening
When I first read Satoshi’s whitepaper, I was intrigued but cautious. I wasn’t sure if it would be secure or survive the test of time, and I was juggling a lot of welcome distractions: a new marriage, a growing family, and buying a house. It wasn’t until 2011, when I learned about Silk Road—the world’s first “dark net” marketplace—that I noticed something fascinating. Only Bitcoin was accepted as payment, and it was thriving in the most hostile environment imaginable.
That was the turning point. Having seen its potential, I discussed with my then wife about using our “speculative funds” to purchase this virtual currency called Bitcoin. Luckily, I married someone both smart and with an appetite for risk; she quickly understood its potential and agreed. We treated it like a startup investment and committed to holding it for at least five years, no matter what happened. In the meantime, I immersed myself deeper in the world of crypto, attending conferences and engaging in online forums. During the bull run of 2017, Bitcoin hit our target price, and I sold for our big exit.
As I continued to connect with the community, people began approaching me to invest in their projects. This led to my first startup investment in late 2016. I liked the founder, and his idea seemed promising. Then, as I witnessed him lose his way and spiral the company into oblivion, I learned my first big lesson: startup investing is a whole different ball game.
The Transition: From Corporate Life to Full-Time Investing
In 2018, I retired from Warner Bros., and my family and I relocated to Colorado. However, I wasn’t ready to "retire" from the world of work. Instead, I dove headfirst into investing. It had already found me, and it felt like a natural extension of the work I’d been doing in crypto. So, I became a full-time angel investor. At first, I wasn’t sure what the exact path would look like, but I knew I wanted to help dynamic founders and their world-changing startups.
After settling into my new home, I joined the Rockies Venture Club syndicate and received hands-on training in evaluating early-stage companies. I learned about measuring a company’s success, identifying key team dynamics, assessing early traction, and understanding the due diligence process. From there, I began syndicate investing, gaining practical experience and refining my approach.
What I’ve Learned About Successful Investments
As I gained experience, I focused more on my strengths and the industries where I had the most insight. I began evaluating companies and teams more critically, diving into data rooms and understanding what makes a company tick.
But one of the most important lessons I’ve learned is that successful investing isn’t just about capital—it’s about people. The best founders I’ve worked with have a unique combination of passion, resilience, and deep insight into their field. They aren’t simply pursuing profit but are deeply committed to solving a problem or creating something of lasting value. The ones who persevere—the ones who take the market’s punches and keep going—those are the founders who succeed. They’re not deterred by failure; they learn, adapt, and push forward. As an investor, my role is to identify these founders—those who will press on when things get tough and who have the clarity to pivot when necessary.
Reflecting on the Past
If I could go back and change anything, I would definitely have mined and bought more Bitcoin. I would have left Warner Bros. sooner, as there wasn’t much room for growth, and gone back to consulting or found new opportunities that pushed my boundaries.
I also would have taken more risks—especially when I was younger. The truth is that the world of investing and crypto keeps you humble. It forces you to confront your self-doubt and embrace the unknown. And that’s where real growth happens. It’s like anything else: you can’t let fear of failure stop you because most of your questions will either become irrelevant or answer themselves as you move forward.
Looking Forward: What’s Next
Today, I feel like I’m just getting started. My love for this field continues to grow, and I’m excited about the future. I’m especially eager to support the companies I’ve already invested in, helping them navigate the challenges of securing their next financing round and ensuring they’re positioned for long-term success.
I want to empower founders, helping them connect with the right people and resources and navigate the challenges of building a company. I'm also looking to lead deals and maybe even manage funds, focusing on the sectors I know best: crypto, entertainment, and tech. However, I remain open to exploring new opportunities and sectors where I can add value. For me, it’s about fostering an environment where both entrepreneurs and investors can thrive.
A New Chapter
Over the years, I’ve learned the value of sharing knowledge. That’s why I’m expanding beyond traditional investing into speaking, advising, and mentoring. This blog is part of that effort—to help other investors and founders learn from my experience. Whether you’re an angel investor looking for new perspectives or a founder seeking guidance, I’m excited to share this journey with you.
I’m optimistic about the future and the opportunities ahead. Let’s continue to learn, grow, and make an impact on the world together.
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