From building a successful career in investment banking in London and Italy to helping deep-tech founders turn groundbreaking science into world-changing companies, this is the story of Kevin Martelli - investor, advisor, and founder behind Delta Plus Ventures.
In this episode, John and Konsti sit down with Kevin to explore how character and conviction shape great ventures, why trust compounds faster than capital, and what makes a founder truly exceptional. They unpack lessons Kevin has picked up from over 500 conversations with founders, discuss how to build skills that give you optionality in your career, and how to build a life that keeps your curiosity alive.
Key Takeaways and Highlights
1. Character Over Plans. Kevin never pays much attention to business plans – he focuses on people. “Staring at numbers on Excel for too long can easily fool you into believing projections. Observing the character of a founder can be more insightful when assessing the chances of success of a bold dream.”
2. Conviction and Curiosity. The best founders hold strong beliefs combined with an unusual ability to listen. “You need both conviction and humility to learn in the same person – that’s rare.”
3. Care Deeply and Outlast Indifference. The job of a founder is to care deeply about the challenge/solution they are focusing on and to outlast others' initial indifference to their view of the world.
4. Trust Compounds Faster Than Capital. Kevin’s work is built on trust-based relationships: “I might be the first to believe in you, and the last to stop believing.”
5. Build Your Tribe Early. Build Your Tribe Early. Careers are shaped by mentors, not titles. Be intentional about the people you surround yourself with and how you build your “personal board of directors”.
6. Delta Plus Philosophy. Named after Sergio Marchionne’s quote: “What matters at the end of the day is to have made a positive difference.” In your interactions with others, it is both important and challenging to add real value and find win-win situations.
What We Learned
Konsti: Good careers are built by following energy – talking to people who make you want to do more.
John: Filtering is everything. The quality of your life = the quality of the people you choose to believe in.
Kevin: Your career and character are interlinked. You are the average of the founders and friends you spend time with – so choose wisely.
