Recently I posted that the lack of venture capital in Montana is correlated with the lack of individuals that venture capitalists like to see running companies. And, that this is changing. The personal wealth explosion occurring in tech sectors on the left and right coasts is having a positive effect on Montana. It's leading to an influx of seasoned entrepreneurs seeking to build their Montana dream home, disconnect, stand in a stream whipping the water all summer and skiing all winter. That's an incredibly attractive proposition from a desk in LA or NYC. But it's hard to do. I regularly meet individuals who have gone down this path to find that they really miss the mental stimulation of their past lives. After swinging the pendulum from 12 hour work days to 12 hour play days, they need to swing back and find a personal center. We can point to many who, after taking a short retirement, are jumping back into the deep end of the pool - not just as advisors, board members or consultants - but as CEO's.
These individuals are, in combination with home-grown entrepreneurs, the future of high growth businesses in Montana.