In this episode of Founder@50, Jeremy sits down with Tom Matta, a dynamic entrepreneur whose journey from the steel mills of Pittsburgh to the sunny shores of Hawaii is nothing short of inspiring. With a background in material science and engineering from Carnegie Mellon, Tom’s career took a fascinating turn as he pivoted from metallurgy to the world of startups. From his early days at Capital Technologies to his pivotal role in the early days at Carta, Tom’s story is a testament to the power of adaptability and vision.

Tom’s career is a tapestry of diverse experiences, from his internship at a US Steel melt shop to co-founding StatEasy, a media platform for high school sports. His journey through the tech landscape includes stints at Booz Allen Hamilton and his current role at Forecastr, where he continues to innovate in the financial planning space. Along the way, Tom has crossed paths with industry icons like Henry Ward and Manu Kumar, learning invaluable lessons that have shaped his entrepreneurial spirit.

* Discover how Tom’s internship at US Steel led him to pursue an MBA and ultimately shift his focus to tech and entrepreneurship.

* Learn about Tom’s experience at Capital Technologies, where he worked on groundbreaking microwave-assisted hydro processing technology.

* Hear how Tom’s role at eShares (Carta) saw him grow from the 12th employee to a key player in a company with over 2,000 employees.

* Explore Tom’s insights on the importance of finding product-market fit, as learned from his startup StatEasy.

* Understand the impact of mentorship from industry leaders like Manu Kumar and how it influenced Tom’s career trajectory.

As Tom shares his journey, listeners will find a wealth of insights into the world of startups, tech innovation, and the art of pivoting in one’s career. Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur or a seasoned professional, Tom’s story offers a fresh perspective on navigating the ever-evolving landscape of business and technology. Tune in to hear how Tom’s experiences and connections have shaped his path, and perhaps find inspiration for your own journey.