Sometimes dreamers and doers need a kickstart to help get them on the path to success. Scott McLeod, the 21-year-old founder of Pursuit.me, wants to provide that nudge.
McLeod’s new service matches would-be entrepreneurs with mentors, coaches and others who can help individuals achieve their dreams — whether it is starting a new business venture or displaying art in a neighborhood coffee shop.
“I built the tool because it has been inherently complicated as a young entrepreneur to find the people I need to accomplish my goals, whether business partners, mentors, or industry people,” says McLeod, an artist and Web designer who grew up in Renton.
We caught up with McLeod for the latest installment of Startup Spotlight, asking him our regular set of 12 questions.
Explain what you do so our parents can understand it: “We help people accomplish their dreams by connecting them to the resources and people they need at any point of their process, in turn to facilitate as much creation, inventing & entrepreneurship as possible.”
Inspiration hit me when: “I noticed that real true success in business comes from small tight knit complimenting teams with the same long term goals. I couldn’t find a way to showcase all of my dreams and goals easily and needed a way to find others who can really inspire, educate, and challenge me.”
VC, Angel or Bootstrap: “Bootstrap and looking for a non profit or philanthropy-focused angel or VC.”
Our ‘secret sauce’ is: “We are built for people not profit, and run on relentless passion, innovation, transparency, and teamwork with new ways of approaching company and user culture. Plus we have some things planned in the new year that we do not see anyone else doing.
The smartest move we’ve made so far: “Making our dreams and goals public.
The biggest mistake we’ve made so far: “Not targeting a specific niche.”
Would you rather have Gates, Jobs, Zuckerberg or Bezos in your corner: “Hard toss up, as The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation is incomparable in ability to do good, but Bezos has the ability to run a company well. Though I think what Bezos has planned for Amazon in many markets is in line with my vision of the future.”
Our world domination strategy starts when: “I’m working with any of the above to bring people together on a global scale.”
Rivals should fear us because: “Change is inevitable, and a transparent social platform built for the people will unify and accelerate our growth. If they were a real rival their values would share our goals and see no reason not to join us.”
We are truly unique because: “Founded with strong intentions and passion to provide a platform for people to connect over their dreams.
The biggest hurdle we’ve overcome is: “Finding people with shared values.”
What’s the one piece of advice you’d give to other entrepreneurs just starting out: “Do what you feel is right by carving your own version of success, avoid at all costs pursuing standard paths and measurements of success. A big part of this is being okay with failure, our society has instilled systems that make us afraid to put our selves out there, everyone not just entrepreneurs need to make mistakes, and learn from them quickly. If you’re not failing fast, you’re not challenging your self on a regular basis.”
