Electrifying Growth Episode 28: Building Something Big and Giving Back

In our latest episode of Electrifying Growth, I had the privilege of speaking with Edison Operating Partner David Eisner, whose journey from a middle-class upbringing in Pittsburgh to becoming a Wall Street executive and entrepreneur offers a compelling look at what drives company growth. David’s experience leading TheMarkets.com and his views on mentorship and seizing opportunities provide invaluable lessons. Here’s a glimpse into what we discussed:

1. Understanding Growth from the Ground Up

David’s early days at Jefferies & Company, where he helped the firm grow its market cap from $100 million to $2 billion, set the stage for his later venture with themarkets.com. This platform was ahead of its time, redefining how institutional investors accessed financial information. "We took care to ensure entitlements for brokers in accessing their research," David said, showing the balance between innovation and user needs. Despite facing challenges after the Wall Street research blow-up, they managed a successful exit with a $300 million valuation in 2010.

2. Invest in Your Team for the Long Haul

 "When you're moving from startup to scale-up, make sure your team is prepared for the new journey and constantly evaluate and develop them," David advises. This approach isn’t just about filling roles but nurturing talent that can adapt and grow with the company. This also includes finding (or being!) a mentor. David shares a story about one of his mentees, whom he has guided for over 25 years with the goal of helping her become a millionaire.

3. The Human Element in Company Growth

David’s experiences show how critical a human-centric approach is to business growth. He stressed that selecting the right investment partner could significantly influence a company’s trajectory. For those seeking a middle-market growth equity partner, David suggests looking for partners with connection, commitment, and long-term vision.

David’s venture with themarkets.com exemplifies building for the future. He crafted a company that served its clients, faced challenges head-on, and emerged stronger. This long-term focus is something every entrepreneur should aspire to.

Key Takeaways

• As you move from startup to scale-up, continuously evaluate and develop your team to ensure they are prepared for the new challenges.

• Having a mentor who supports you through the ups and downs of your business journey can provide invaluable perspectives and foster personal and professional growth.

• Embrace versatility in your career to navigate varied challenges and seize unexpected opportunities.

• Public service roles can offer surprising career fulfillment and change your perspective on government work.