INVESTOR SPOTLIGHT: Marlon Stephen, Founding Partner, SquareCircle Ventures
Every month we spotlight people from our incredible network who support MATR Ventures and our mission to change the game in Venture Capital and actively invest in the Underestimated founder.
We are honoured to spotlight Marlon Stephen, Founding Partner, SquareCircle Ventures.
1. What was your biggest investment mistake? How did you overcome it?
My biggest investment mistake was not developing a legally binding term sheet — a contract for the deal. I learned to keep meticulous records of communications, activities and outcomes as a result, and shared those records with trusted actors.
2. What was the biggest factor that contributed to your success?
An interlocking triumvirate of perseverance, integrity and mentorship. I got success early in my journey, but learned a lot along the way, good and bad. Maintaining my integrity meant that I didn’t burn any bridges and I would often rebuild with mentors that became partners.
3. What was the one book that has influenced your path?
For me it was ‘The Autobiography of Malcolm X as told to Alex Haley’. It reminded me life is a journey.
In business there are two books that I always recommend
- ‘Eating the Big Fish: How Challenger Brands can compete against Brand leader’’ by Adam Morgan, Published by Wiley, 1999
- ‘Velocity. The Seven New Laws for a World Gone Digital’ by Ajaz Ahmed & Stefan Olander introduction by Sir Richard Branson.
4. Why have you chosen to invest in MATR Ventures?
We are pursuing a similar mission. Closing the wealth gap. Having all sectors of an economy work is good business. Matr Ventures is uncovering some of my blindspots.
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