I don’t usually blog amount myself, but I recently updated my LinkedIn profile and have been bombarded by inquiries and well-wishes from friends and co-workers. Thanks everyone, it really helps. For those of you who don’t follow me on Twitter, here is what I’m up to…
In-Q-Tel
In July I left In-Q-Tel, the strategic investing arm of the CIA and US Intelligence Community. It was a happy parting and one of my best career experiences. In-Q-Tel is a national treasure and I would recommend it to anyone, both as an employer and a source of innovation solutions for the US government. A highlight was working with the Intellipedia team (If you meet Steve, Sean, or Don at a social media event, be sure to thank them for their dedication).
But after 3 years of the investing side … time for another start-up.
ManyWheels, Inc. – Look out, world!
Through a rather unique set of circumstances I began exploring challenges in the automobile transportation space. Ever drive past a half-empty truck hauling cars and wonder why the truck isn’t full? Every wonder why getting a car shipped is a harrowing experience for most people? Me too.
After due diligence with a large company in this space I applied to the National Science Foundation for a grant to develop technology to improve automotive transport efficiency. More on this in a few weeks.
For the past few months I’ve been trying to follow the advice I give to entrepreneurs: focus on the market. We’ve been vetting the opportunity with prospective customers and partners for the past few months, doing dozens of site visits, interviews, etc. We now understand the major problems, have a vision for the solution, and just last week incorporated ManyWheels.
The Motley Fool
I also returned to the Motley Fool this Summer to do some consulting on a couple of fun projects. It felt like homecoming, seeing many great friends that I missed. The company has done an incredible job keeping its culture intact while becoming a world-class business. I have no doubt it will become a premiere institution in the DC area.
(shameless recruiting plug: The Fool is an awesome place to work!)
So there you have it, my work life. In the last few months I’ve been working in the financial services, automotive, and intelligence sectors and volunteering with the most aggressive biotechnology initiative in world history.
You’re probably wondering about the common thread of all of this. Me too.
But in the meantime, I’m working like a maniac and having an absolute blast!
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Thanks for the update! Sorry I’ll miss ADG because I’ll be in San Diego. I’ll catch him on his next trip.