Building Wealth for Empowering Small Businesses | Sheridan Claybourne, Lendtable

Today we sit with Luis Suarez, the founder of Sanarai, a startup focused on increasing access to high-quality mental health resources for the Spanish-speaking community. Originally from Mexico City, Luis moved to the US to pursue his MBA at Duke University. After struggling to find mental health support in Spanish during the COVID-19 pandemic, Luis recognized the need for better resources for the Latino community. With Sanarai, he aims to bridge the gap and provide culturally sensitive mental health services to Spanish speakers.

Luis shares his personal journey and the inspiration behind starting Sanarai. He highlights the significant gap in mental health services for the Latino population, with only 5% of mental health professionals speaking Spanish despite 13% of the population being Spanish speakers. He shares how they have built a two-sided marketplace connecting patients with mental health providers, focusing on relationship issues, anxiety, depression, and more. The team has leveraged resources like Google for Startups to grow their platform and ensure the highest quality of care for their users.

If your company is looking to scale its AI initiatives, head over to Tesoro AI (www.tesoroai.com). We are experts in AI strategy, staff augmentation, and AI product development. 

Founder Bio: 

Luis Emilio Suarez pursued his education at Colegio Vista Hermosa, and later attended Universidad Politécnica de Madrid from 2006 to 2011, where he obtained a degree in Mining and Energy Engineering. He then went on to study at Duke University - The Fuqua School of Business from 2015 to 2017, and received a Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.).

Luis has an extensive work history starting from 2010, when he worked as a Project Engineer at Soletanche Bachy. He worked as a Contract Manager at SENER from 2012 to 2016, and in 2016 he became an MBA Summer Intern at Kearney. He was later promoted to Management Consultant in 2017. Most recently, in 2020, he founded Sanarai and became its CEO.

Time Stamps:

02:51 Introduction and background of Luis Suarez
06:40 Challenges of serving the Latino market and expanding to Central and South America
09:46 Sanarai as a two-sided marketplace for mental health services
11:04 B2B2C model and partnerships with companies and community organizations
12:00 Strategy for creating and filling demand for therapists
14:20 Matching patients with therapists based on specialties
16:37 Building the technology for the platform started with an MVP.
18:54 How proven interest from therapists and clients led to building a customized platform.
20:20 Focusing on quality of mental health providers rather than the technology.
23:00 What does the Sanarai team look like today
26:32 How does Sanarai’s work mode work
29:27 Explaining 1871 as an incubator and shared space for startups
30:52 Sanarai experience with Google for Startups program
33:03 Funding and resources offered by Google for Startups
35:24 How to get in contact with the Sanarai team

Resources

Company website: https://www.sanarai.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/sanaraizen
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sanaraizen/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sanaraizen/

In this episode we sit with Veronica Crisafuli, the founder and CEO of Mo Technologies. Veronica shares her journey from a career in consulting to becoming an entrepreneur in the fintech industry. She discusses the problem she identified in the financial ecosystem - the lack of access to formal credit for a large portion of the global population. Veronica explains how she bridged the gap between her consulting background and the fintech industry by leveraging her knowledge of technology and her passion for financial inclusion. She introduces Mo Technologies, a fintech company that offers a credit core platform to enable clients to launch, operate, and scale their credit products. Veronica also highlights the importance of data and artificial intelligence in the underwriting process and discusses the competitive landscape in the fintech industry, including traditional banks and other fintech startups.

If your company is looking to scale its AI initiatives, head over to Tesoro AI (www.tesoroai.com). We are experts in AI strategy, staff augmentation, and AI product development. 

Founder Bio: 

Veronica Crisafuli is the CEO and Co-founder at MO Technologies. A creative mind that focuses on innovation in the digital space and financial inclusion. She worked as a strategic consultant for more than 15 years for important consulting companies dedicated to TMT and financial services, such as Bain & Company, Delta Partners, and Mastercard Advisor, where she led projects in South Africa, Argentina, United Kingdom, Brazil, Turkey, Czech Republic, Spain, and Colombia. Veronica started her entrepreneurial path on 2016, when she co-founded MO Technologies, a fintech that developed a patent-pending proprietary credit scoring technology based on machine learning, artificial intelligence and all cloud-based with a dream to democratize access to credit all around the world. As of July 27th, 2021, Veronica was appointed CEO at fintech MO. Additionally, from 2020 she co-founded KEO World: a fintech in the pure lending space.
She has been named one of the 10 Most Successful Businesswoman to Watch 2020 by CIOlook, and recently highlighted as one of the 10 Most Inspiring Businesswomen Making a Difference, 2021. Beyond Exclamation also named her one of the 10 Most Successful Women Renewing the Future in Technology, 2021.

Time Stamps:
 
03:15 Introduction and background of Veronica Crisafuli
06:47 Identifying the pain point in the financial ecosystem
09:35 Developing the software-based solution for credit issuance
12:32 Business model: Charging based on the amount of credit offered
15:46 Modular platform allowing customization for clients
18:55 Facing competition from both large financial institutions and fintech startups.
22:15 Collaborative models between big institutions and fintechs accelerate the adoption of new technologies.
25:30 Scalling the product, focusing on the Latin America Market 
27:07 Incorporating AI and machine learning in underwriting and data analysis.
28:47 Criteria for hiring technical roles
33:28 Remote work and finding tech talent in Latin America
38:46 Challenges in fundraising and adapting to market conditions
41:40 Changing fundraising strategies for a sustainable business
43:32 How to get in contact with the Mo Technologies Team
 
Resources

Company website: https://www.wearemo.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MoTecnologias
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/wearemo/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mo.cmp/

In this episode we sit with David Silva, a Colombian entrepreneur and community builder. David shares his background growing up in Cali, Colombia, surrounded by a vibrant community of artists, politicians, and intellectuals. He discusses his journey from studying software engineering to becoming a software engineer and eventually transitioning into the startup world. David also talks about the importance of community and how he founded Techqueria, a community for Latino individuals interested in tech.
 
The conversation then shifts to David's current venture, AWSM (“Awesome”), a venture studio focused on launching 100 startups in five years. David explains the need for more Latino leaders in the tech industry and the importance of funding and supporting underrepresented founders. He also discusses the challenges faced by Latino entrepreneurs and the need for mentorship and support networks.
 
Throughout the episode, David emphasizes the importance of collaboration, community, and empowering each other. He shares his vision for creating a strong network of Latino leaders and supporting startups in highly regulated industries such as finance and healthcare. David also highlights the potential of Latin American talent and the need for international collaboration in the tech ecosystem.
 
If your company is looking to scale its AI initiatives, head over to Tesoro AI (www.tesoroai.com). We are experts in AI strategy, staff augmentation, and AI product development. 

 

Founder Bio:
 
David Silva is a multi-faceted professional with a rich history of tech and business community contributions. David's diverse career is marked by innovation and leadership. He currently serves as the founder of Calima which is a dynamic executive community that fosters international business collaboration. Calima provides a unique platform that connects Latin American executives in the US and abroad both online and in physical spaces.  In addition, To his work at Calima.  David holds the position of CTO at AWSM awesome. His role involves deploying complex teams of business owners to efficiently launch innovative ideas with a particular focus on the accelerator community: community engagement, FinTech, and healthcare.  David's commitment to creating inclusive and supportive communities extends to his role as the founder of the tech area.
 
Time Stamps:
 
00:00 Introduction and background of David Silva
03:50 Getting into startups and learning new skills
06:47 Importance of learning management skills for engineers
09:21 Building the TechArea community
11:44 Empowering members to create their own events
13:14 Different key positions in the tech ecosystem
14:33 Disparity in funding opportunities for Latino and Black communities
17:38 Need to create more mentors and support networks
19:56 Working on launching 100 startups in five years
22:24 Different types of startup studios and incubators
25:10 International expansion without geographic restrictions
27:37 Attractiveness of living and working in Latin America
31:10 Introduction of a secret executive community for events and networking
34:14 Introduction of the Calima community with cultural significance
38:00 How to get in contact with the AWSM team

Resources
 
Company website: https://awsm.vc/;  https://caliman.org/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/awsmvc
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/awsmvc/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/awsmvc/

In today's fast-paced world, technology is constantly evolving, and consumers are always on the lookout for the latest gadgets. However, this obsession with newness has led to a significant amount of electronic waste, as people discard their old devices in favor of the latest models. ZeluCash recognized this wasteful trend and saw an opportunity to create a more sustainable and cost-effective solution.
 
Today we sit with Lucas Keen, the founder of ZeluCash, an Argentinean startup that specializes in the recommerce industry. With an MBA in Argentina and a background in startups, Lucas has extensive experience in the e-commerce and technology sectors. He launched ZeluCash in 2015 to address the wastage of valuable technology, such as smartphones, by creating a trading program where customers can trade in their old devices for new ones. Lucas is passionate about the circular economy and believes in giving products a second life.
 
Keen discusses the growth of the recommerce industry in Latin America and the impact of his company's trading program. He explains how ZeluCash allows customers to trade in their old smartphones for new ones, providing a more affordable option and reducing electronic waste. Lucas also highlights the importance of trust and transparency in the recommerce market and the role of technology in facilitating the buying and selling process. He shares his plans for expanding into Mexico and Chile and the potential for growth in the region.
 
If your company is looking to scale its AI initiatives, head over to Tesoro AI (www.tesoroai.com). We are experts in AI strategy, staff augmentation, and AI product development. 

 

Founder Bio:
 
Lucas Keen has 16 years of experience managing digital business in Latam.
He performed as a Sales Manager for 6 years at DineroMail (acquired by PayU in 2012) From 2011 to 2014 he was Country manager and investor at Ticketbis, European ticket exchange platform sold to eBay. He earned his MBA from IAE (Business school of Austral University) in Argentina.
 
Time Stamps:
 
02:57 Introduction and background of Lucas Keen
07:50 Initial challenges faced by ZeluCash
10:45 Expansion of ZeluCash product offerings
12:57 Zelu Cash’s impact on the market in Argentina
14:10 Embracing the circular economy concept
16:48 Using own and third-party technologies for flexibility and efficiency.
19:44 Finding the right developers to build out the product
22:00 Using a recruiting agency to improve the quality of talent and freelancers for projects.
24:50 Buying, pricing and selling based on daily market scans and phone conditions.
29:42 Leveraging retail companies for marketing on the buying side.
32:09 Implementing cost-saving processes with technology
34:08 Ensuring trust through software verification and customer reviews
36:11 Potential growth in the recommerce market in Latin America
39:26 How to get in contact with the ZeluCash team

 

Resources
 
Company website: https://zelucash.com/home
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ZELUCASH
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/zelucashlatam/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zelucash/
 

Today, we have the pleasure of introducing Camille Padilla, the co-founder of Vodium, a groundbreaking platform that has introduced the world's first virtual teleprompter. Based in Chicago, Illinois, Vodium operates as a transparent app seamlessly integrated into video conferences, enhancing the virtual communication experience. With Vodium, Camille and her team aim to bring back the sense of genuine human connection in the digital realm by helping users maintain eye contact and communicate with confidence.

Before her entrepreneurial venture with Vodium, Camille served as the vice president at a top boutique political media firm based in Los Angeles. In this role, she demonstrated exceptional skills as an operator and creative thinker, managing operations and budgets for multimillion-dollar ad campaigns. Her commitment to diversity and inclusion is evident in her leadership style, actively advocating for employees from diverse backgrounds and ensuring an inclusive and empowering workplace.

In this thought leadership article, we will explore Camille's innovative journey with Vodium, her experience in the political media landscape, and her commitment to fostering diversity and creativity in the workplace. We will delve into the main themes discussed in the podcast and analyze their implications and potential impact on the future of virtual communication.

If your company is looking to scale its AI initiatives, head over to Tesoro AI (www.tesoroai.com). We are experts in AI strategy, staff augmentation, and AI product development. 

Founder Bio:

Before launching VODIUM, Camille was Vice President at one of the top boutique political media firms. She likes to say she’s a conundrum because she’s a skilled operator and creative. Camille ran all the operations and budgets for multi-million-dollar ad campaigns. But she also wrote, directed, and produced national TV commercials. The idea of VODIUM came to her while she was conducting a video shoot over Zoom, and the first person she had to call was her best friend and roommate, Mary Mellor. Now VODIUM has been operational for three years.
 
Time Stamps:
 
03:02 Camille's Journey and the Birth of Vodium
09:18 Importance of Eye Contact in Virtual Communication
13:03 Challenges and Triumphs of Building Vodium
17:11 The Role of AI in Vodium
23:01 The Importance of Soft Skills in Virtual Communication
25:49 The Challenges of Building a Tech Startup
29:05 Securing Initial Investment and Finding a Development Firm
31:46 The Trade-off Between Hiring Developers vs. Software Development Shop
35:20 Navigating the Enterprise Market
38:12 The Decision to Partner with Avanade
45:38 The Journey to Raising 2 Million in Funding
50:34 How to get in contact with the Vodium team, future Plans and Final Thoughts

Resources

Company website: https://vodium.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vodium_com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/vodium-com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/vodium_com

 

In this episode, we interview Aaron Samuels, the Managing Partner, and Co-Founder of Collide Capital, a venture capital fund that invests primarily in black, Latin, and female founders. He has a diverse background, having worked as a spoken word artist, strategy consultant, product manager, and co-founder of Blavity, a media company focused on black culture and news.

 

Aaron Samuels shares his journey from being a spoken word artist to becoming a fund manager at Collide Capital. He discusses the structural obstacles faced by underrepresented founders in the tech industry and how his experiences at Blavity led him to start a venture capital fund. He emphasizes the importance of collaboration, passion, and the ability to build teams when evaluating startups. He also explains Collide Capital's investment focus on software, including enterprise, SaaS, fintech infrastructure, supply chain, and gen Z productivity. Aaron highlights the value-add services provided by Collide Capital, including their willingness to go the extra mile for their founders. He also shares insights on raising a fund, the importance of finding the right investors, and the need for a well-researched approach when pitching to LPs.

 

If your company is looking to scale its AI initiatives, head over to Tesoro AI (www.tesoroai.com). We are experts in AI strategy, staff augmentation, and AI product development.

Founder Bio:

 

Aaron Samuels is Founder and Managing Partner of Collide Capital. Prior to Collide Capital, Aaron began his career as a spoken word artist before working at Bain & Co. as a strategy consultant and TeleSign as a Product Manager. Combining his love for storytelling, strategy, and technology, Aaron co-founded and served as COO at Blavity, the largest global Black Media company, and AfroTech, the largest Black Tech conference in the world.

 

Time Stamps:

 

02:48 Background of Aaron and Collide Capital

04:43 Realization of structural barriers for underrepresented founders

08:44 Creating Collide Capital to invest in underrepresented founders

10:41 Blending operational and investment expertise at Collide Capital

12:28 Valuing collaboration and teamwork in founders

14:48 Founding companies out of passion, not logic or reason.

17:04 Seed stage investments focus on scaling existing solutions.

19:01 Chek size that best fit for new founders

20:57 Focusing on software, enterprise, SaaS, fintech, supply chain, and Gen Z productivity.

23:13 Value-added service is the founders' support and involvement.

25:05 Journey and comparison in raising funds to raise as a startup

28:31 Researching potential investors, convincing them that you're the best person for the job.

31:45 Considering fund size and track record when raising fund one

33:56 Looking for positive signs of success when investing in seed

35:25 How to get in contact with the Collide Capital team

Resources

 

Company website: https://www.collidecap.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/CollideCapital

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/collidecapital/about/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/collidecapital/

 

In this episode, we sit down with Shani Dowell, the founder of Possip, a groundbreaking platform that bridges the gap between parents and schools to enhance student outcomes. Dowell takes us on her inspiring journey, from her background in consulting to her passion for education and the founding of Possip in 2016.

 

Join us as Dowell discusses the challenges faced in improving student outcomes and explores the vital role parents and teachers play in achieving this goal. We delve into the future of education and the profound impact technology has on the industry. Dowell also shares insights on fundraising and emphasizes the significance of finding the right investors for long-term success.

 

Discover how Possip empowers parents by providing a platform for valuable feedback to schools. With its inclusive approach, more than half of the feedback received is in languages other than English, ensuring accessibility for non-English speaking parents. Through open-ended sentiment questions, parents can express praise, seek answers to questions, or voice concerns. The technology organizes this qualitative data into subcategories, offering quantitative insights without sacrificing the richness of feedback. The collected data facilitates decision-making at the district level, and schools receive tailored recommendations based on the feedback.

 

If your company is looking to scale its AI initiatives, head over to Tesoro AI (www.tesoroai.com). We are experts in AI strategy, staff augmentation, and AI product development.

Founder Bio:

Shani Dowell is a visionary entrepreneur and leader in technology and education. As the founder of Possip, her work helps revolutionize how schools and districts engage with their families, students and staff. A former middle school Math teacher, Shani started her career as a consultant at Bain & Co. and helped launch the Boston office of the Posse Foundation, a nonprofit organization that works to increase student retention and engagement on college campuses. Shani has also worked for education organizations across the country - seeking to create the strongest school possible for students, families, staff, and the broader community. Shani earned her BA at Howard University in Washington, DC, and her MBA at Stanford University.

 

Time Stamps:

03:08 Introduction to Shani Dowell's background

07:34 Paint point that led to the idea for Possip

09:21 The challenges of improving student outcomes

12:41 The role of technology in education

14:59 Use of text prompts and web links for parent engagement

16:56 Importance of building something you understand

19:56 Finding the right tech developer

21:16 Leveraging strengths in tech

24:08 Getting customers and understanding the education market

25:58 Finding the right price point for Possip

27:59 Business model and pricing

32:52 Fundraising journey and the importance of finding the right investors

35:40 Best fit investors for Possip

37:57 What’s coming next for Possip

39:56 How to get in contact with the Possip team

Resources:

Company website: https://possip.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/possipit

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/possipit/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PossipIt/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/possip/

 

In this episode, we delve into the inspiring journey of Mariana, a Peruvian entrepreneur, and her mission to promote diversity and create opportunities in the world of technology. Join us as we explore the origins of Laboratoria, a tech-based education and job placement company founded by Mariana and her partner. After returning to Peru to marry and start a business, Mariana's passion for merging technology and social impact led to the birth of Laboratoria. Discover how Laboratoria's goal to provide tech education, job placement, and mentorship for underprivileged youth has transformed the lives of disadvantaged young people, fostering inclusion and diversity in the tech sector.

 

As Laboratoria's web shop thrived, Mariana and her partner faced a significant challenge in building a diverse team of software developers. Recognizing the scarcity of such talent and the lack of diversity in the field, they seized the opportunity to empower women in tech. Hear Mariana's firsthand experiences of attending male-dominated tech meetups and the inspiration behind creating Labia, a boot camp designed to equip women with the skills needed to embark on successful careers in software development.

 

Join us as Mariana reflects on the changing landscape of software engineering in Peru and the positive impact that Laboratoria and Labia have had in bridging the gender gap. Learn how they have shattered stereotypes and inspired thousands of women to pursue careers in tech, creating a more inclusive and vibrant future.

 

If your company is looking to scale its AI initiatives, head over to Tesoro AI (www.tesoroai.com). We are experts in AI strategy, staff augmentation, and AI product development.

Founder Bio:

Mariana is the co-founder and President at Laboratoria, an organization empowering women who dream of a better future to start and grow careers in technology. Running bootcamp programs for women across Latin America, Laboratoria is helping shape a more diverse, inclusive, and competitive digital economy in the Region that can create opportunities for every woman to develop her potential. For her work as a social entrepreneur Mariana has received multiple recognitions, including being named one of Peru's leading innovators by the MIT, and one of the world’s most influential women by the BBC. She holds a BSc in International Relations from the London School of Economics and a Master's Degree in Public Administration from Columbia University in New York.

 

Time Stamps:

03:06 Mariana’s background and professional journey

05:17 Starting a web shop and discovering the world of software development

07:57 Exploring the need for diverse tech talent in Peru

10:58 Software development: the immersive boot camp program

14:33 Benefits of the women in tech program bootcamp

17:15 Types of customers and companies hiring Laboratoria alumni

18:39 Laboratoria business model for job placement boot camps

22:33 Laboratoria metrics and use of technology

24:10 Using technology to educate women in tech and incorporating it into business

28:12 Challenges of attracting tech talent for nonprofit education services company

30:26 Laboratoria upcoming plans for 2023

32:27 Skilling up women in AI and data science

34:25 How to get in contact with the Laboratoria team

Resources:

Company website: https://www.laboratoria.la/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laboratoriala/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/school/laboratoria/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Laboratoriala

 

In this episode we sit with Kerry Schrader, the co-founder of Mixtroz, a former HR executive with extensive experience in people management, who shares her journey of creating Mixtroz alongside her daughter, to address the challenge of making authentic connections at events. Kerry explores the origins of Mixtroz and the inspiration behind their innovative concept of "mixed introduction." She discuss the common issues faced by individuals at events, both before and during the pandemic, where making genuine connections with strangers seemed daunting. She also sheds light on how her passion for social engagement led her to create Mixtroz, events designed to foster meaningful conversations and connections.

 

The conversation takes an exciting turn as Kerry delves into the importance of meaningful connections in today's society, whether in-person or in virtual settings. Kerry shares the premise of Mixtroz and how their technology-driven platform aids individuals in making these connections effortlessly. She emphasizes that attending an event is only the first step while building relationships and having meaningful conversations is the other half of the equation. Kerry reveals how Mixtroz helps bridge this gap, allowing people to connect with those who truly matter.

 

As the discussion continues, Kerry highlights the prevalent tendency of individuals to stick to familiar faces at events, neglecting the opportunity to meet new people. Kerry elaborates on the idea behind launching Mixtures, a software platform specifically designed to assist event leaders in facilitating meaningful engagement. She emphasizes that while Mixtures isn't a one-size-fits-all solution, it serves as a valuable tool to help individuals forge deeper connections and foster a sense of community.

 

If your company is looking to scale its AI initiatives, head over to Tesoro AI (www.tesoroai.com). We are experts in AI strategy, staff augmentation, and AI product development.

Founder Bio:

Kerry Schrader BBA, MBA, is the co-founder/CEO of Mixtroz. She is the 37th Black Female to ever raise over $1M in pre-seed funding. Kerry has more than 25 years of experience positively impacting the human assets of large companies including Ford, Alcoa, and Sears Holdings Corporation. Mrs. Schrader is a former board member of Creative Startups, Birmingham’s Inaugural Mayor’s Small Business Council, and UAB’s O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center’s Advisory Board. She is currently a board member of the Forge Breast Cancer Survivor Center. In addition to being included in Inc. Magazine’s 2022 100 Female Founders list, Kerry and her daughter were named “Powerful Women” by Entrepreneur Magazine on their inaugural list and Kerry has been included in Forbes Next 1000. Most importantly, however, KERRY is a breast cancer survivor!

 

Time Stamps:

03:13 Kerry’s background and professional journey

05:34 Pain point on live events that led to creating Mixtroz

09:00 Maximizing engagement at events

11:10 Mixtroz technology for event organizers

13:24 Utilizing Mixtroz data to increase engagement

16:10 Event Planning and Targeting Customers

18:53 Power of Meaningful Social Connectivity in Mental Health Awareness

20:52 Enhancing Engagement in Virtual Events with Mixtroz Platform
24:41 Building an Engaging Event Platform

27:16 Journey of Bootstrapping and Fundraising for a Startup

32:58 Barriers to Raise Capital as a Black Female Founder

36:55 Overcoming Challenges to Launch a Tech Startup

41:32 Conversation on Supporting Black Companies and Female Founders

44:48 How to get in contact with the Mixtroz team

Resources:

Company website: https://www.mixtroz.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mixtroz/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mixtroz/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/mixtroz

 

 

In this episode, we sit with Sheridan Claybourne, an entrepreneur whose journey began at the age of 15 with a passion for startups and a knack for making profits. Discover how Sheridan's early success in acquiring and selling sneakers led him to launch his own company, Lendtable, and embark on a remarkable entrepreneurial career. Sheridan shares his experiences working in the finance industry, including stints at renowned firms like JP Morgan and Goldman Sachs. Tune in as he discusses his decision to leave these prestigious positions behind in pursuit of creating startups that could address the flaws he observed in the existing financial landscape. Learn how he identified opportunities to generate outside returns and provide non-accredited investors access to private equity funds through his FinTech ventures.

 

Explore Sheridan's diverse background, from working at a credit-boosting startup to becoming a machine learning product manager at Dropbox. Find out why he ultimately decided to forge his own path and how his varied experiences equipped him with the necessary skills to launch Lendtable. Discover how this platform is revolutionizing the way small and medium-sized businesses access financial services.

 

If your company is looking to scale its AI initiatives, head over to Tesoro AI (www.tesoroai.com). We are experts in AI strategy, staff augmentation, and AI product development.

Founder Bio:

 Sheridan is Co-Founder & CEO of Lendtable - the first platform for providing "wealth-building loans". Born in Chicago, Sheridan was the youngest African-American to ever get into Northwestern at age 15. Since enrolling in school, he built his first business (Snatcher - automatically buying and selling limited edition items/tickets) to $10million+ in revenue in 3 years. During which, he spent time working at Goldman and J.P. Morgan in their Special Situations Group. This ignited his passion for fintech and creating financial equality for all people. In its first 3 months, Lendtable raised $1million+.

 

Time Stamps:

 03:13 Sheridan’s background and professional journey

07:41 Exploring the possibilities of fintech to create a positive impact

10:59 Exploring wealth-building loans for 401k match and employee benefits

12:26 Benefits of debt financing for wealth building

14:35 Exploring guaranteed returns and artificial intelligence in financial platforms

16:46 Collecting data and leveraging third-party vendors

18:54 Direct-to-consumer 401k matching services

20:08 Significance of user interface and user experience in consumer-facing technology

21:21 Collaboration between co-founders to create a fintech business

25:43 Team makeup, fundraising journey, and learnings raising capital for a start-up

29:44 Seed and pre-seed round investment considerations for a startup

30:03 Identifying the best investors for a startup

32:13 Generating wealth through referrals and word of mouth

34:51 What’s next for the Lendtable team

35:54 How to get in contact with the Lendtable team

Resources:

Company website: https://www.lendtable.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lendtable/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lendtable/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lendtable

Twitter: https://twitter.com/lendtable