Source: Fortune
Summary
Chris Hulatt and two friends dropped out of a coveted graduate program to launch Octopus Investments in 2000 with just $25,000 in savings. They spent months cold-calling potential investors, facing rejection, but eventually secured $2 million from 85 people. Today, Octopus Investments manages over $13.2 billion, with 70% of funds targeting climate change, quality of life, and inequality. The company is part of the Octopus Group, which employs 14,000 people and serves 11.3 million customers.
Our Reading
The numbers tell one story.
Octopus Investments’ success is attributed to the founders’ persistence and refusal to give up, which they call the “Terminator gene.” Despite facing rejection and uncertainty, they continued to cold-call investors and eventually secured funding. The company’s focus on socially responsible investments has contributed to its growth. The founders’ story serves as a lesson in the power of small wins and the importance of perseverance.
They picked up the phone and kept dialing.
Author: Evan Null
