 by Manny Larcher
Over the years, I've worn many hats—founder, consultant, investor, mentor, and operator—but if there's one constant that has guided me through every chapter of my journey, it's this: personal growth is the foundation for creating value in the world. Everything else—business wins, capital raises, strategic partnerships, even exits—flows from that inner alignment. Today, as I lead Colaeb, which recently launched its first Accelerator (with no charges and no equity dilution), serve in venture capital, and support early-stage founders across various industries, my focus is singular: developing myself and creating opportunities for others. And that's the only sustainable path to long-term impact. From Hustle to Alignment In the early stages of my career, like many entrepreneurs, I chased results. I was focused on moving fast, getting press, scaling up. That drive helped me exit a venture-backed startup in 2017 and cofound Stopwatch Creative, a consulting firm that guided multiple companies to exits of seven, eight, and even nine figures. But something shifted after that. I realized that real fulfillment didn't come from accolades or deal flow—it came from how I showed up each day. Was I aligned with my purpose? Was I contributing to others? Was I growing? Those questions led me down the path of deep personal development, and eventually, to launching Colaeb—a platform built not to scale ego, but to scale connection. Colaeb Was Never About Me Colaeb (short for "Collaborate and Elevate") was born during the pandemic, not as a product of ambition, but as a response to disconnection. I wanted to build something that helped people connect—clients seeking partners, founders seeking capital, and individuals navigating change. What started as a simple event and curated network has grown into a global platform supporting thousands of multi-passionate professionals and businesses. But more than anything, Colaeb became a mirror of my mission: to create meaningful, intentional opportunities for others to thrive. And that's something I'll never outsource. Venture with Vision In 2022, I joined a venture capital firm with a legacy spanning over two decades. It was an opportunity to bridge two worlds I care deeply about: early-stage innovation and deep community relationships. But even in venture, my philosophy didn't change. I was focused on finding real people building real things—especially those who historically had less access to capital, support, or networks. And I wanted to be more than a check—I wanted to be a mirror, a coach, a connector, and a partner in growth. Becoming vs. Arriving There's this illusion in entrepreneurship that once you hit a milestone—raise a round, land a big client, exit a company—you'll finally feel whole. But I've learned that growth is not about arrival. It's about becoming. That's why I invest in becoming a better listener, leader, and learner every day. I meditate. I read. I travel. I unplug. I mentor. I reflect. Through that process, I show up with clarity for my team, my partners, and my community, because the most powerful opportunity we can give others is the example of someone living with integrity, purpose, and presence. Right now, I'm only focused on two things:
If you're ready to level up your journey and build a career or company on your terms, check out the Colaeb Accelerator—a free, no-equity-dilution program designed to help multi-passionate individuals gain clarity, structure, and traction. Whether you're refining your pitch, launching a new service, or building a scalable brand, the Accelerator provides you with the tools, community, and guidance to grow. Comments are closed.
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