RISING ICON #65: Hue Seth
What name do you prefer to be called?
Hue Seth
What are your pronouns?
He, His, Him
Where did you grow up?
I grew up in the Twin Cities, Minnesota
What city are you currently based in?
I am temporarily based in the Twin Cities, Minnesota
How do you typically introduce yourself to new people?
Hi I am Hue Seth, pleasure connecting. What’s your name and how are you?
What’s one thing you wish more people knew about you?
I’m an avid reader who enjoys complex ideas and conversations.
Who do you help?
I help a diverse range of stakeholders, primarily centered around business owners and entrepreneurs who are looking to raise capital efficiently and sustainably.
What are you building now?
I am building Smart Capital Network (SCN), a pioneering platform designed to democratize access to funding for entrepreneurs and business owners across various industries. Spearheaded by experienced professionals from investment banking and fund management, SCN offers a unique blend of services that cater to the needs of startups, middle-market companies, and investment professionals.
What were you building ten years ago today?
Ten years ago today, I was building an insurance business with three friends and selling health products as a side hustle.
What do you predict of yourself 10 years from now?
Ten years from now, I’d be 100% boots on the ground in Africa, consulting the various governments in attracting foreign investments. I’d also have a successful venture fund on roughly 1,000 cap tables in Africa’s critical sectors.
What’s a fact or statistic you wish everyone knew about your industry?
A key statistic that is particularly illuminative in the venture capital and startup industry is that less than 1% of startups that seek venture capital funding actually secure it.
Why do you believe the work you do matters?
Smart Capital Network is critical because it empowers entrepreneurs and business owners with the tools, knowledge, and network needed to raise capital. We democratize access to funding, enhancing opportunities for growth and innovation across industries.
Who is your mentor and what is the best advice they’ve given you?
I have several mentors, but one in particular has been genuinely there through and through. His name is Scott Gillespie. He introduced me to the concept of Nanos Gigantium Humeris Insidentes (Standing on the shoulders of giants). I’ve learned that the idea of “self-made” is a myth.
What piece of content about you or your company are you most proud of?
I launched a podcast three years ago, Hueman Media, where we decode the world of investment and business. We’re on YouTube; please listen when you get a chance.
What publication do you hope to appear in next?
I have three in mind: Forbes, Bloomberg, and the Wall Street Journal.
Who would you love to be interviewed by?
I would love to be interviewed by Bill Gates or Aliko Dangote.
If you had to give a TEDTalk tomorrow, what would the title be?
Audacity or Africa Renaissance
What award would mean the most to win?
Though I am not yet a father, I’m excited for the day my kids give me the best dad in the world award/title.
What makes zero sense to you?
Entrepreneurs with excellent opportunities approach investors as if they’re saviors vs potential partners who are also seeking opportunities.
What’s a word in your industry you hope gets re-evaluated?
Bootstrapping
What game are you changing?
Wealth distribution and Financial systems
What’s the next thing you’re a part of that you want to invite more people to participate in?
We host bi-weekly live Zoom Q&A calls. If you’re raising capital, consider joining one. Please contact me for more details.
Where can we follow you online?
Linkedin: Hue Seth https://www.linkedin.com/in/hue-seth-3478b3121/
What’s one thing that makes every leader better?
Empathy
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We’re grateful to each Rising ICON for their transformative work. Thank you, Hue, for sharing your story!
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“I’ve learned that the idea of ‘self-made’ is a myth.”
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