I recently read a blog post on VentureBeat called “The lost generation of entrepreneurs.” The author asserts that today’s start-ups do not allow 20-somethings to develop entrepreneurial leadership skills. I can’t speak in generalities for all of today’s start-ups, but I can say that at Meltwater, this is simply not the case.
I’ve heard colleagues describe the International Management Trainee program at Meltwater as “entrepreneurship on a red carpet.” In other words, sales people who aspire to be managers at Meltwater receive start-up opportunities with the backing of a large organization (Meltwater recently reached $100M in sales).
Let me explain. True story: a highly-driven, 20-something joins Meltwater as an entry-level Sales Consultant with little relevant prior work experience. 6 months later, he is promoted to Sales Manager, leading a team of 4 new hires. He develops the talent in his team over the next few months, and 2 of his team members are subsequently promoted after working with him. Within 1 year of employment, he is sent off to the U.S. East Coast to open the Philadelphia office, then subsequently opens and manages the New York office, and eventually he opens Meltwater’s first South American office in Buenos Aires.
My colleague’s story is not unique within Meltwater. He’s not a fluke. There are literally hundreds of stories of professional development and opportunity within the company.
I had a chance to sit down with Meltwater’s CEO, Jorn Lyseggen, this afternoon. This is what he has to say about it: “Meltwater is a company that gives young people the chance to take on executive management responsibilities at a young age. Entrepreneurial projects include: opening new offices, expanding the company to new countries and the opportunity to be part of the founding teams of new products.”
So in summary, it is perhaps true that very few substantial start-ups nowadays allow 20-somethings to learn and develop company-building skills. Meltwater Group may be the exception. And, hopefully, successful Meltwater employees will become entrepreneurial advocates, mentors and serial starters down the road due to their experiences here.
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Great post Kimling! As a fellow 20 something (at least for a little bit longer) I can say that I’ve certainly been in an environment to develop entrepreneurial leadership skills.
I found the “Lost Generation” article to represent and interesting, but not fully thought through claim.
There might be a lack of successful and well-known, 20 something entrepreneurs that each of us read about, but I feel that this is a direct consequence of market conditions and opportunities, and not a lack of learning opportunities that can be fixed by celebrating individual successes.
Entrepreneurs faced the burst of the .com bubble and one of the worst financial collapses in history. As a result, there was a lack of funding opportunities and a significant increase in risk aversion. Not to mention the pessimistic environment created by the failures of their peers.
All they need is optimism, a glimpse of opportunity, and access to capital. I think the entrepreneurial spirit is alive and well and 20 somethings are leading the charge, but are just constrained by the current environment.
Most aren’t looking to be celebrated, they are just passionate about solving needs.
Great blog KL!
I am glad that Meltwater Group is still giving 20-somethings these entrepreneurial opportunities! What would we do otherwise?