overview
Joe has nearly a decade of experience in strategy and investing, most recently at Richard Branson’s family office, and started his career at OC&C Strategy Consultants. Joe grew up in Suffolk and broke a long-standing family tradition of working for the Fire & Rescue Service to pursue a career in business, including several entrepreneurial endeavours along the way.
meet Joe
Why did you choose True?
Because it’s different. Investors look for differentiation in the companies they invest in, but often don’t hold themselves to the same standard. True’s focus on consumer and retail alongside its unique business model as an investment and innovation firm places us in a strong position to identify and accelerate the most exciting opportunities. As a B Corp, True is also laser focused on sustainability in all senses of the word and that long-term orientation and cultural alignment were very compelling and something I wanted to be part of.
How would you describe your job to a five-year old?
I look for people building new things that other people want, and I do what I can to help them.
What do you love most and least about your job?
The thing I love most is meeting with and learning from entrepreneurs with an insightful vision of the future that challenges the way I think. The thing I love least is the inevitability that sometimes things don’t work out in the way we hoped.
Name an idea or company that reimagined a business or industry — one you wish you’d thought of.
AirBnB. It’s a great example of an idea that at the time sounded crazy and now seems so obvious. They created a world-class user experience for both the demand and supply side, built a category-defining global brand and completely upended the hospitality industry forever.
Which person or people helped shape and inspire who you are today?
Personally, my family gave me a solid foundation of values and my partner Carole is incredible on every level. Professionally, I am inspired by the hustle and grit of entrepreneurs who are shaping the future that we will all live in, even when nobody is watching.
True stories featuring Joe
Insight
To VC or not to VC… Exploring funding options
One of the most challenging times to raise funding is in the beginning, but luckily, there are many funding options available to early-stage startups. The current economic climate has intensified difficulties, and this is set to continue. But, raising from a VC isn't the only option, so we've laid out some other routes to consider.
relevant people
Mike Martin
Director, Investment
"Mike is highly effective and unflappable: a Zen Buddhist monk in investors' clothing (Patagonia gilet)."
