Founder, funder, futurist. Focus: mission-driven companies tackling some of the world's biggest problems | Invented SKUNKLOCK, creating the 1B+ deterrent lock industry | Tackling the 7T+ wealth disparity crisis | Hiring!
About
I spend a lot of time thinking about what the world will look like in 10 years and what role I can play in creating that future. My background is deep-tech and quantitative finance, but I've built a career as a pragmatic entrepreneur and investor with a knack for exposing lies perpetuated in monopolistic industries and building companies to right the wrongs. I spend most of my vocational time founding, funding, and advising mission-driven companies that are tackling big existential problems.My first success was exposing the harsh truth that power tools can cut through any lock in just seconds: a reality purposefully concealed. I co-invented the SKUNKLOCK, the only bike lock that fights back with noxious chemicals to tackle this 10B+ global theft epidemic and pull the lid off a corrupted industry. SKUNKLOCK has since saved countless bikes and sparked the birth of the 1B+ deterrent lock industry. In 2018, I identified my unique position to contribute to the rapidly increasing wealth disparity and impending retirement crisis in America. There's a 7.1 trillion deficit in retirement funds, social security is estimated to run out by 2034, and financial literacy has dropped to a low of 16%. In 2022, outdated investing strategies saw their worst performance in 100 years.Meanwhile, digital media creators have become the new trusted sources for financial information—48% of Americans cite social media as their source of financial education. But, creators are not equipped with the tools, strategies, and support they need to help their followers achieve financial freedom, or navigate strict SEC regulations. Sidepocket is the only content-integrated investing platform transforming thousands of creators into financial educators, unlocking new revenue streams, while empowering their audiences with sophisticated strategies to achieve financial freedom safer and sooner.My work ethic and ethos are heavily influenced by my immigrant parents, who escaped communist Poland to find a better life. Entrepreneurs, especially immigrant entrepreneurs, are instrumental in creating a positive impact. I also enjoy empowering aspiring entrepreneurs by lecturing/mentoring at the Founder Institute, 500 Global, and the Alchemist Accelerator and helping deserving founders raise capital through American Pillar Partners and LvlUp Ventures.I live by a few simple mantras: only criticize what you're willing to fix yourself; don't follow your passion, bring it with you; do things just because they're hard, there's less competition; and if you encounter analysis paralysis, get more data.