In the world of investment and entrepreneurship, there are luminaries whose presence not only shapes industries but also inspires the very essence of success. One such trailblazer is Sheldon Inwentash, a name synonymous with astute investment, hands-on leadership, and a commitment to both business excellence and societal impact. With over three decades of experience and a formidable track record, Sheldon is more than just a CEO; he is a driving force behind the rise of disruptive technologies, a beacon of accessible leadership, and a passionate advocate for making a difference.

As the Founder, Chairman, and CEO of ThreeD Capital Inc., Sheldon is at the helm of a company that is truly changing the game. Known for identifying and nurturing businesses with transformative potential, Sheldon's keen eye for innovation has positioned ThreeD Capital Inc. as a frontrunner in the industry. What sets him apart is not just his extensive experience but also his uncanny ability to pick winners. His investment choices are a testament to his deep understanding of emerging technologies and market dynamics.

But Sheldon's leadership style is more than just numbers; it's about leading by example. He firmly believes in walking the talk. His philosophy revolves around creating a culture where no task is beneath the leader and accessibility is a cornerstone. "I'm involved and not remote," Sheldon affirms, emphasizing his commitment to being there for the people and companies he's associated with. For Sheldon, leadership is not about dictating; it's about collaborating, guiding, and ensuring that the entire ecosystem thrives.

Beyond the boardroom, Sheldon is driven by a higher purpose. Success, for him, transcends financial gains. It's about deriving joy from what one does, being a role model for others, and contributing to the betterment of society. Sheldon's passion for his work is intrinsic; there's no need for a morning motivation pill. "I have been driven from the get-go in my life," he states, underscoring the deep-rooted motivation that propels his every endeavor.

 

Below are the highlights of the interview:

 

Sheldon and ThreeD Capital: Investing in Disruption

After successfully leading Pinetree Capital Ltd. for a remarkable two decades, Sheldon embarked on a new venture around five years ago with the launch of ThreeD Capital. This new venture capital firm has a unique focus on disruptive technologies, setting it apart as more than just a traditional venture capital fund.

ThreeD Capital stands as an investment haven, offering a rare opportunity for individuals to access ground-floor investments that would typically remain hidden from the average investor's view. Sheldon emphasizes that ThreeD extends beyond the confines of typical venture capital funds, which tend to narrow their focus on specific verticals. In contrast, ThreeD's investment philosophy centers on the alignment of micro companies with their macro vision of the world.

Sheldon's strategic vision for ThreeD encompasses several pivotal areas. They have a keen interest in the green revolution, leading them to invest in Environmental, social, and Governance (ESG) companies. This includes a specific focus on electric vehicles (EVs) and battery recycling. The blockchain sector is another focal point for ThreeD, which believes in its potential to revolutionize currencies and financial decentralization. One noteworthy area within the blockchain is decentralized finance (DeFi), which offers peer-to-peer financial transactions with high yields, safeguarding against the erosive impact of inflation on purchasing power.

Biotechnology also plays a significant role in ThreeD's investment strategy. The exploration of longevity biotech, a frontier in the biotech industry, reflects their commitment to the evolving field of science. The goal is to unravel ways to extend human lifespans, aligning with the aspirations of those seeking longer, healthier lives. Sheldon underscores that these are precisely the kinds of opportunities that ThreeD is eager to invest in. While acknowledging the inherent uncertainty in this evolving landscape, the potential rewards are envisioned to be nothing short of spectacular.

In totality, ThreeD Capital has carefully cultivated six key investment verticals: Blockchain and Metaverse, AI and machine learning, Esports, Electric Vehicles, the Internet of Things, and Junior Resources. This unique array allows investors to access critical and trending industries through a single investment entity—ThreeD Capital, guided by Sheldon's insightful leadership and forward-thinking vision.

 

A Value-driven Investment Partner

ThreeD Capital stands out as a sought-after destination for businesses and entrepreneurs looking to align with success. Under the leadership of Sheldon, ThreeD is more than just a source of capital—it's a value-add investor. According to Sheldon, the company's involvement extends far beyond financial backing; they engage in advisory and mentorship work, working closely with their portfolio companies to help them reach their objectives and goals.

ThreeD's reputation as a discerning investor is a magnet for those seeking the right strategic partner to fuel their growth. Their track record is impressive, with numerous success stories emerging from their collaborations. Entrepreneurs who have tasted the fruits of success with ThreeD's support often return when embarking on new ventures. This serial entrepreneur attraction creates a unique bond that sets ThreeD apart—their proprietary deal flow is a testament to their value proposition.

Sheldon emphasizes that ThreeD isn't hesitant to step into the early stages of investment. This is a differentiating factor, as not every fund is willing to embrace the risk associated with these nascent opportunities. While some may shy away from the early stages, ThreeD thrives on them. They understand that taking calculated risks at this juncture is essential for innovation and growth. In many cases, there simply aren't enough players willing to take the leap. ThreeD steps up, committing a significant portion of its financial resources to these budding companies, sharing the risk and the potential rewards.

In a realm where timing and vision matter, ThreeD Capital has carved out a unique space. Their early involvement, combined with a history of successful partnerships, creates a powerful synergy. Businesses and entrepreneurs flock to ThreeD not just for the capital, but for the strategic partnership that can propel them to new heights. As Sheldon aptly puts it, "We are not just money; we're in the business of shaping success."

 

Navigating the Uncertainty

In the world of venture capital, risk is a constant companion. Sheldon, at the helm of ThreeD Capital, knows this all too well. Their focus on the earliest stages of an idea, often before there's a concrete reality or substantive evidence, is a testament to their appetite for risk. They engage when it's an idea on paper, a prototype, or a fledgling concept, and the path ahead is largely uncharted. This is particularly evident in industries like biotech, where the journey to a commercial drug is long and uncertain.

While many may consider such early-stage investments highly risky, Sheldon sees them differently and here's why: ThreeD Capital is not a distant investor. They roll up their sleeves, getting deeply involved in the destiny of the companies they support. Their hands-on approach allows them to shape the trajectory of these businesses, making strategic decisions alongside talented management teams. Furthermore, they come in at a low valuation, a testament to their keen sense of identifying opportunities.

Sheldon, a firm believer in the adage that "money is made when one buys," emphasizes that the right investment strategy offers a shield against market corrections and unforeseen black swan events. By entering at an early stage, their potential downside is limited, providing a level of protection even in turbulent times.

But amidst the successes and calculated risk-taking, Sheldon remains grounded in the reality that the unknown carries an inherent risk. The quest for innovation and groundbreaking solutions is filled with uncertainties, and ThreeD Capital's daring approach embraces this risk as an essential part of its journey. Their ability to turn early-stage ideas into thriving ventures underscores their knack for transforming risk into opportunity, forging a unique path in the ever-evolving landscape of investment.

 

Productivity and Innovation

The global COVID-19 pandemic has left no business untouched, presenting both challenges and unexpected opportunities. However, for Sheldon and his company, ThreeD, the pandemic year emerged as a remarkably productive and transformative period. Sheldon reflects on how the pandemic altered the dynamics of work and interactions, leading to unprecedented levels of efficiency and connection.

With the transition to virtual meetings and communication, Sheldon found himself able to conduct an impressive eight meetings a day, maintaining an effective dialogue across diverse business dealings. This newfound capacity allowed him to carefully distill the essence of each interaction, enabling deeper insights into their operations. Moreover, the pandemic inadvertently expanded his network, connecting him with a broader range of individuals.

Sheldon acknowledges that the pandemic came with restrictions on personal freedoms, but he highlights the significant adaptability it demanded. He sees the silver lining in this, recognizing that the productivity gains during this period, both personally and for ThreeD, were substantial.

A concrete example of this increased productivity and adaptability emerged in 2020 when ThreeD ventured into a partnership with a Quebec-based company with operations in China. The collaboration yielded a groundbreaking B2B app designed to match capital seekers with qualified lenders. This innovation rapidly gained traction, triggering a positive revolution in multiple industries, empowered by the newfound capabilities it provided to businesses.

 

Words of Wisdom

If Sheldon could go back and advise his younger self, he would emphasize the importance of patience. He recognizes that success requires diligent effort, even when it involves tasks that may not always be enjoyable. Doing thorough research, reaching out to a wide range of people, and verifying facts are essential in a world where misinformation is prevalent and some individuals fabricate stories for personal gain.

Sheldon acknowledges the advantages of today's digital landscape, where online resources provide a means to verify information and assess the credibility of individuals and businesses. This access to information wasn't as readily available in the past.

In essence, Sheldon's advice boils down to the value of putting in the necessary work and not taking shortcuts. Patience, coupled with a strong work ethic, is the key to success. By sharing this wisdom, he aims to guide his younger self and others to navigate the business world with a critical and diligent mindset.

 

Advice to Budding Entrepreneurs

Sheldon Inwentash, a seasoned entrepreneur, has a valuable message for those just starting on their entrepreneurial journey. He knows that perseverance is a fundamental quality that every budding entrepreneur needs to cultivate. Sheldon encourages them not to be discouraged by the word "No" and to persistently pursue their goals, especially if they believe wholeheartedly in their vision.

In every industry, from sports to the arts, there are countless stories of individuals who faced rejection and disappointment. Entrepreneurs, in particular, often feel that they haven't been given the opportunities they deserve. Sheldon's message is clear: when faced with setbacks, it's crucial to bounce back, rise from the "disappointment mat," and keep pushing forward.

Sheldon acknowledges that not every idea or approach will lead to immediate success. There will be failures along the way, but these failures are valuable lessons. They provide insights into why a particular idea might not have worked or why the timing or environment wasn't favorable. Embracing these lessons is a vital part of the entrepreneurial journey.

What sets successful entrepreneurs apart is their ability to learn, adapt, and evolve. Sheldon has observed that many individuals go through a process of learning, morphing, and pivoting. Life itself is an evolutionary process, and setbacks are an inevitable part of it. Sheldon's advice is rooted in this understanding: to persevere through challenges, to keep learning, and to use each experience, whether successful or not, as a stepping stone toward growth.

 

Embracing the Path of Continuous Growth

Sheldon Inwentash is a man with a relentless spirit. Despite his impressive achievements and significant contributions to various fields, he doesn't consider himself to have reached the pinnacle of his goals. There's still so much more on his agenda, and the idea of traditional retirement doesn't align with his philosophy.

To Sheldon, retirement isn't about stepping back from life; it's about having the freedom to pursue different passions and aspirations that may have been put on hold during his full-time career. He's not constrained by the typical boundaries of a fixed schedule. He handles his responsibilities with determination, allowing him to effectively manage his time and commitments. This sense of autonomy and control over his schedule fuels his motivation, eliminating the need for him to completely step away.

Sheldon's appetite for new challenges, growth, and making an impact is unquenchable. He's a builder at heart, whether it's in the realm of business, art, or philanthropy. His passion is a driving force, and he finds immense satisfaction and stimulation in the act of creating and shaping the world around him. His question is simple yet profound: If he's still passionate, if he's still engaged, and if he's driven by a desire to build, why would he stop?

This philosophy embodies the essence of a life filled with purpose and continuous evolution. Sheldon doesn't view himself as finished; he sees himself as an ongoing work in progress, always seeking new avenues to make a positive difference. He has a vision for the future, one that extends far beyond the confines of traditional retirement, and he intends to seize every opportunity that aligns with his passions and goals.

In Sheldon's world, there's always more to be achieved, more to be created, and more to contribute. His mindset exemplifies the spirit of lifelong learning, growth, and impact, setting a powerful example for those who aspire to follow in his footsteps. As long as there's a path to forge, a purpose to fulfill, and a legacy to build, Sheldon Inwentash will be there, driven by his unwavering enthusiasm and dedication to the art of continuous building.