Hernan Haro is investing in Founders who are in love with the world’s biggest problems, who lead by learning and embracing diversity.
This conversation is perhaps not what you might expect in a conversation with the Founder of a Venture Capital Fund. You won’t find any mention here of debt-to-equity ratios, asset valuations or how to scale rapidly for a successful sale.
What you will find is what Hernan Haro and I must say myself as well, believe is the essence of the kind of ventures that will transform our world. That brilliant, passionate, highly motivated people chose to start ventures that are orientated towards tackling the greatest challenges of our times because they are in love with problem.
In this discussion, we explore Hernan’s personal journey from software engineer in Buenos Aires, Argentina, to co-Founder in Silicon Valley, post-sale into corporate America and back to BA as founder of a social-impact investment fund. He reveals what his experience has taught him about what truly makes a ventures successful – the Founder. Not the idea, not the product, the Founder. Critically, where the Founder comes from, why they have chosen to apply their talents to tackle one of our many wicked problems, and how open they are to learning and continually reframing the solutions they develop to address their chosen challenge.
One of the true wonders of our world in this moment is the ability to connect with people across the globe, transcending geographic boundaries and cultural contrasts. I loved this conversation from start to finish. It’s been a great pleasure getting to know Hernan over the last 6 months since we met in a professional networking forum, and exploring our many aligned values, believes and shared purpose to play our part supporting those who lead by striving in creating a better world.
We look forward to hearing from you via our socials and emails is there’s anything you would like to discuss or share in response to this conversation. You can reach out to either of us via the links below.
Here’s a review of the key messages from this episode;
Trust
– The VC world is driven by trust, passion & aligned mindsets
– It took Hernan a long time to accept that faith, trust & confidence are what you need to prevail, knowing you will find a way.
Inclusion
– The lack of access to information & capital is deeply unfair
– The number of deals done with VCs where the Founder does not have a direct connection to the fund is less than 10%
– If you’re part of the 99% who doesn’t have a wealthy friend, your chances of getting funded are really low
Diversity
– The importance of diversity is overwhelming
– If you ask the same things of the same people, you’re going to get the same answers.
– We need to listen to the broadest range of people, because anyone can come up with the next big idea
– Who is going to solve the next big challenge? Is it going to be someone who has never struggled to make ends meet? It’s unlikely.
– The ones who are closest to the problems are the ones who understand it best
– You need to know how to lead in a diverse environment
Leading
– Hernan is investing in the Founder’s mission to solve a big problem
– They have to be in love with the problem, because the solution is likely to be wrong
– Hernan pays a lot of attention the story behind the Founders. Where have they come from & why have they chosen to do this?
– Founders need to be humble, so they can ask for help, and be coachable- Everyday Hernan’s co-Founder would ask, what did we learn today?
– Are potential Founders learners and listeners?
– As a Founder, if you look back at the way you are doing things 6 months ago, & you’re not at least a little bit embarrassed, you’re doing something wrong.
Follow Hernan via the links below;
https://www.linkedin.com/in/hernanharo/
Follow Tim and join the Better World Leaders community via the links below:
linkedin.com/in/timcollingslinkedin.com/company/better-world-leadersinstagram.com/timcollingslifedownsouthtimcollings-betterworldleaders.medium.com
As always, great thanks and appreciation to the team who contributed to bringing Better World Leaders to you;
To Brendan Ward for mastering, final production, composition and performance of original music throughout each episode.
To Cooper, Pat and the team at RadioHub studios for audio editing, technical support and creative guidance during the episodes that are recorded face-to-face.
You can find out about Radio Hub’s services here – https://www.radiohub.com.au/
To NokNok Studios for website design, hosting and advice.
Find out about NokNok’s awesome services here – https://www.facebook.com/NOKNOKstudios/
To Cirasa Design for logo and site graphics – Find our about Cirasa’s inspiring work here
This is the Better World Leaders, brought to you by 4iLeadership
