Insights From a Global Investor with Eamonn Carey Ep 212 - The Global Discussion

The Global Discussion

Host Simon Hodgkins welcomes Eamonn Carey, an early-stage investor, partner, and board member at multiple companies, to The Global Discussion. Eamonn is a former Managing Director at TechStars and remains a current mentor. In addition, he is a General Partner at Tera Ventures and The Fund. Eamonn is also a Board Member at kencko and Click & Grow. Known for his keen insight into the startup ecosystem, he has invested in over 100 companies worldwide, covering industries as diverse as AI, gaming, drones, and consumer products.

A Journey to Founding Startups

Eamonn Carey’s entrepreneurial path took unexpected turns, starting with a passion for computers, a rockstar dream, and eventually studying journalism. His career in media led him back into the tech world as he noticed the early potential of digital platforms. During a visit to Korea in 2004, Carey’s mind was opened to the revolutionary power of mobile technology, sparking his desire to build something innovative. This inspiration led him to start his first business—a move that, at the time, was filled with uncertainty but shaped the rest of his career.

Carey discusses the ups and downs of his early ventures, sharing candid stories of both success and failure. He built and scaled companies in Europe, the US, the Middle East, and Asia, learning valuable hiring, sales, and product development lessons. His resilience allowed him to emerge stronger, eventually transitioning from being a founder to an investor and mentor for the next generation of entrepreneurs.

The Venture Capital Mindset

As a General Partner at Tera Ventures, Carey focuses on the early stages of a business—where the magic happens. He is passionate about helping startups move from an idea to a prototype and eventually to a successful, scalable product. Carey emphasizes the importance of understanding that raising venture capital means embarking on a long journey, often filled with continuous rounds of fundraising and scaling. He draws parallels between his experiences as a founder and his role as an investor, explaining that his insight into the trials of entrepreneurship makes him a trusted guide for early-stage companies.

Carey also highlights the importance of people when investing, stating, “Team is everything.” For him, the strength of the team behind a startup is more critical than the initial idea, as it is the people who adapt, pivot, and overcome challenges. He advises founders to build strong relationships, seek feedback from potential customers early, and remain curious and agile in their journey.

Learning from Failure and Looking Forward

One of the key takeaways from the conversation is Carey’s philosophy on failure. He believes that failure is tough but also a crucial part of growth. He encourages founders to view setbacks as learning opportunities and not be afraid to pivot when necessary. With the startup landscape evolving rapidly, particularly with advancements in AI and automation, Carey is excited to continue investing in innovative ideas while keeping an eye on the potential for deeper human connection in an increasingly digital world.

Carey is excited about future projects, including a new edition of his book, The Startup Lexicon, and the potential for working hands-on with startups to continue learning and exploring new technologies.

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