By: Mark Wallace at: http://ift.tt/146186R
Chris, Miha and I just returned from two weeks Stateside. We invited friends from New Zealand and about a dozen other countries to Aspen for our thrice annual Seraph Meet Up.
For those readers that don’t know, Seraph is our virtual Angel syndicate… a group of global investors and entrepreneurs focused on early-stage opportunities. We correspond virtually most of the time, but on three occasions annually we get together in an exotic location to network, mastermind and discuss our business and investments.
It’s been exactly two years since our first Boots on the Ground gathering in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia and we wanted this one to be extra special…
We were hesitant to have an event in the US. We hosted previously in Mongolia, Cambodia, Fiji, Sri Lanka, and Singapore, so we figured that it might not be exciting enough.
I must say, though, that being back in the States for a couple weeks I found myself feeling a bit like a visitor in a strange and exotic land! Taking a bus in LA these days is every bit as strange as it is in Myanmar!
The best thing about the Meet Ups isn’t the exotic locations, the food or even the presentations, it’s the people. Our Seraph Members are some of the most interesting and engaging souls I’ve ever met.
I always learn something new from everyone I speak to, regardless of how many times we may have spoken before. Our vision of Seraph becoming a true mastermind group of global citizens investing, traveling and doing business together is really coming to fruition. It’s rewarding to be a part of the evolution.
A friend of mine, a first time attendee in Aspen made the comment that he had yet to meet someone at the event that he didn’t like. There were 75 people in attendance, so that was a nice compliment.
Ours is not a pretentious bunch, despite the fact that it’s an “investment-focused” group. We have folks from all walks, young and old, experienced and not so much… Regardless, they all “gel” and the energy is overwhelmingly positive.
Much was shared and much was learned…
Doug Casey opened for us, talking for an hour in his unique style, making us all think a bit about where we’re at geopolitically and economically.
Paul Rosenberg shared his philosophy and insights on everything from politics to digital privacy.
Our colleague Jeff Bone discussed the “singularity”, framing it in the context of multiple singularities instead of just one.
Chris Welsh, a recent speaker at the Bohemian Grove event, showed us how the oceans will be utilized in the future.
To close out our first day Chairman MW Sohn, former top executive at Ssang Yong Motors and Hyundai spoke to us about north Asian geopolitics, and why it’s important to global stability.
The following day we heard from top thought leaders in the crowdfunding industry, including Jason Best from Crowdfund Capital Advisors, and David Weild IV, former vice chairman of the NASDAQ. Both gentlemen were instrumental in crafting the legislation for the JOBS Act in the US, which legalized crowdfunding. Not to mention our friend and advisor Linley Davidson, a private equity specialist who consults with some of the wealthiest families in the world.
On day three we heard from a dozen of our Seraph portfolio companies. Rightscorp, a company that is helping to protect IP in the music and entertainment industries. Booktrack, a company that enables audio on eBooks, Sanguine Bio, an organization that collects blood from patients with chronic diseases to facilitate research and cures, and Puteko, a startup delivering a platform for augmented reality.
It was a jam packed event, and everyone came away with more than they expected. When it came time to leave we were already talking about the next time we’d all be together!
Chris and I are truly humbled by those that are involved with Seraph. Although it’s a limited group there are a few spots left. If you think it’s something that you might be interested in learning more about just drop us a note and we’ll reach out and have a conversation with you.
– Mark
“Don’t aim for success if you want it; just do what you love and believe in, and it will come naturally.” – David Frost
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