This insightful session with Matheus Freire delves into his entrepreneurial journey and how he became the mastermind behind multiple successful ventures. With a wealth of experience gained from founding and leading several companies, Matheus shares valuable insights on what it takes to succeed in the ever-evolving business world.
What are three things you think every entrepreneur should know?
As an entrepreneur, three fundamental qualities are essential for success: curiosity, resilience, and passion. Firstly, curiosity is the driving force that leads to exploration, innovation, and understanding of the complexities of your industry. Secondly, resilience is crucial because entrepreneurship is a challenging journey filled with setbacks and obstacles. It’s about returning stronger from failures and staying committed to your goals. Lastly, passion is what drives everything. The unwavering belief in your mission propels you forward, even in the face of adversity.
Tell us about the problem your business is solving and who your customers are
My journey as an entrepreneur started with a focus on serving the immigrant community in the United States. My first business venture addressed the need for efficient money transfer services from the US to Brazil, catering to the significant Brazilian immigrant population. After recognizing further unmet needs within this demographic, I expanded my business to provide lending and financing solutions for immigrant-owned companies, empowering individuals with limited access to traditional financial services.
What inspired you to become an entrepreneur, and would you do it again?
Entrepreneurship has been a part of me since my early years. Even as a child, I had an inclination toward entrepreneurship, whether it was selling bubble gum or engaging in various ventures. My drive, combined with my early exposure to the business world, fueled my ambition to become an entrepreneur. Despite the challenges and uncertainties, I fully embrace the entrepreneurial path and am venturing into new opportunities with unwavering passion.
Knowing what you know now, what would you have spent it on if someone gave you a million dollars when you started your business?
Looking back on my journey, I realize that investing more in technology and marketing initiatives would have improved my business. Advanced technology improves operational efficiency and enhances customer experience. Meanwhile, strategic marketing efforts can increase brand visibility and attract more customers. These investments could have accelerated the growth of my ventures and put them on a path to long-term success.
What is your proudest accomplishment as an Entrepreneur? (what’s your secret to that?)
I have achieved many significant milestones throughout my career, such as successfully facilitating exits and scaling operations. However, I am most proud of my personal growth and leadership development. I have worked hard to cultivate a culture of teamwork, resilience, and innovation within my ventures, which has been vital in achieving collective success. My secret to success lies in creating a collaborative environment where individuals feel empowered to thrive and contribute their unique talents towards shared goals.
What big goals are you looking to accomplish for this year? (What’s holding you back?)
My main focus for the upcoming year is expanding and scaling the current operations by exploring new markets. I want to attract more customers and increase loan disbursements, which will help establish our brand as a reliable financial partner for immigrant entrepreneurs. At the moment, the primary challenge is to finalize the launch of new initiatives and optimize operational processes to effectively accommodate the expected growth.
Matheus Freire is an exemplary entrepreneur who embodies resilience, innovation, and passion. He is committed to addressing societal needs and empowering underserved communities, making a meaningful impact in entrepreneurship. As he embarks on new ventures and pursues ambitious goals, his insights are valuable lessons for aspiring entrepreneurs navigating their paths to success.
