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Momentum Ventures: The Anti-Venture Capitalists

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Momentum Ventures is a technology company based in Montreal, Quebec. The company was founded in 2007 and has garnered a stellar back catalogue of brands that range from online streaming platforms to affiliate marketing platforms. Most recently, Momentum Ventures has set its sights on the online travel industry with the successful launch of FlightHub in 2012. The company, which does over $1.5 billion in annual sales and employs over 400 people has become one of the top names in online travel in Canada. We spoke with Momentum Ventures’ CEO Matthew Keezer:

Q: What was your inspiration for taking the traditional Venture Capital model and scrapping it in favour of Momentum Ventures’ model?

A: First and foremost, our team really loves to build successful businesses and we like to feel connected to the work we do here. We are not bankers, brokers, or investors. We build brands and products based on proven business models. Venture capital to me is essentially a capital investment crapshoot and feels like a disconnect from the process of actually building good businesses. It is an industry predicated on chance, where as at Momentum Ventures we have built seven successful businesses since 2007. We actually have a perfect record on that front and that’s because we rely on execution and strategy versus gambling on consumer adoption. I trust the team we have here and know we will not come up short when it comes to execution.

Momentum Ventures Related: Tech Coast Angels – The Strongest Angel Investor Network In The United States

Q: What qualities do you seek when evaluating entrepreneurs?

A: We want people with large and well developed skill sets who never stop learning and pushing themselves to be better. Essentially, we look for people who constantly excel. On the business side of course, but also in their day to day lives. I personally think this is one of the most important indicators of future success.

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Q: Are there any industries you are specifically targeting?

A: We certainly have an affinity towards online businesses. One great characteristic about an online business is the rate in which you can scale when you do find a winning formula. For example, retailers have to invest millions in infrastructure and personnel training at every step of their evolution. Online expansion is far more painless and can be very rewarding if the business is ready for the next step.

Q: How would you describe yourself at the beginning of your career? Would you fit the mould of the type of person MV is seeking?

A: I would like to think that I haven’t changed that much, although i’m pretty sure some people would totally disagree. When I started out, and I don’t think I’m much different now, I was eager and excited about virtually every aspect of what I was working on and it showed in the time I put into my work. As for whether or not I fit the profile of what we are looking for now, I’ve often thought about it and I’m still not sure!

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Q: What is the greatest career challenge you had to overcome?

A: The temptation to innovate too early. You can’t truly innovate until you are an expert. If you aren’t an expert, you’re just guessing and rolling the dice. Learn about everyone and everything that has come before you and catch up to what everyone else already knows within your targeted industry. From there, you stand a much better chance of bringing about meaningful innovation that can make your business stand out.

Q: What can we expect from Momentum Ventures in the future?

A: We want to find great people, invest in these individuals, and build winning businesses together. We aren’t concerned so much about the idea, because ultimately great people build great businesses and products when put in the right environment.

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