By guest authors Irina Patterson and Candice Arnold This is the thirty-second interview in our series on financing for entrepreneurs. I am talking to Dave Whorton, the founder of Tugboat Ventures, an organization of investors who see themselves as not “venture capitalists” but rather as “mentor capitalists,” closer in spirit to the approach pioneered by
By guest authors Irina Patterson and Candice Arnold Irina: What other character traits are you looking for in an entrepreneur? Lewis: I certainly look for somebody who possesses the fundamental, rudimentary business skills and also has the undeniable passion and commitment to the cause that they are trying to be a player in or whatever
By guest authors Irina Patterson and Candice Arnold Irina: Any more thoughts on funding at different stages of business’ development? Lewis: If we are looking at something that’s a little more established, such as something related to microfinance or SME funding, we will look to fund at the later stage when there is more volume
By guest authors Irina Patterson and Candice Arnold Irina: But you will clearly be looking for some returns, right? Lewis: Absolutely, yes. We view this space from [the point of] recognizing that there are strong business models and strong opportunities that if and when applied to the right sector and segment, there is the ability