Today, Sean interviews Matt Wilson, an accomplished entrepreneur and venture capital investor. Matt shares his inspiring journey, starting from his early entrepreneurial ventures as a child shoveling driveways and running a coffee business, to his innovative role in launching Calgary Beer Week and a successful craft beer membership program. As the founder of Allied Venture Partners, Matt offers valuable insights into the world of angel investing.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Many successful entrepreneurs begin by bootstrapping their businesses, building a minimum viable product (MVP) with limited resources before seeking external funding. This approach allows founders to retain equity and control over their vision.

• When evaluating investment opportunities, prioritise the founder's ability to adapt and persevere. A strong founder can navigate challenges and pivot as needed, making them a crucial factor in the success of a start-up.

• Building relationships with local businesses and communities can provide valuable resources and support. For example, partnering with restaurants or breweries can help launch events without significant upfront costs.

• It's essential to assess whether your business model aligns with the venture capital model. Not all businesses require venture funding; many can thrive through revenue generation or other financing methods.

• Effective marketing, such as building a strong online presence and capturing high-quality visual assets, can enhance brand credibility and attract sponsorships, ultimately leading to successful events and business growth.

BEST MOMENTS

"The best entrepreneurs that I see come across my desk are the ones that they've been bootstrapping for the last six to 12 months. They've got an MVP in market."

"It kind of puts a new spin on early stage entrepreneur, right?"

"If you can bootstrap some type of MVP, get it into market, get a handful of customers, then you own all the equity in your company."

"You really got to bet on the people in the team early on, in my opinion."

"There's always room for a number one and a number two in the market."

HOST BIO

Meet Your Host: Sean O’Hara, MBA – Entrepreneur, Sales Strategist, and Relentless Business Optimist.

With over 20 years in the trenches—working with businesses ranging from scrappy startups to Fortune 1000 giants — Sean brings a rare mix of strategic insight and real-world experience to every conversation. Known for his sharp sales acumen and down-to-earth style, he doesn’t just talk business—he lives it and loves it!

Sean’s superpower? Asking the right questions, then stepping back to let the wisdom flow. His curiosity-driven interview style unlocks actionable insights, powerful stories, and the kind of truth today’s entrepreneurs actually need.

If you’re serious about building a business that lasts, Sean’s the guide you’ll want in your corner.

This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/