vern howard
entrepreneur, product guy, investor.

about me:
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//rochester, ny native: graduated high school at 16. worked at ups loading trailers for a year after hs.
//vcu grad: earned a computer info systems degree; focused on mathematics. the two college jobs I had to pay for college were janitor + math tutor.
//built capital one's 1st mobile app: launched to 5M+ users, hit the top 10 in app stores.
//founded a startup: raised $3M+ in vc from the uber co-founder, aol co-founder, paylocity founder and two family offices to launch the 1st ai multi-modal experience ahead of big research labs, scaled to 1,300 schools.
//lived in ny, va, dc, ca: each place added a layer to my perspective on life and business.
//bookworm: if it's bound, i've probably read it. Why Should All The White Guys Have All the Fun? is a favorite—it, Reginald Lewis was ahead of his time.
//cinephile: i am passionate about cinema + movies. i sold Larry David some pajamas once.
//vintage car enthusiast: Rebuilt a 1988 Alfa Romeo Milano 🍀 in college. there's something special about bringing an old machine back to life.

⚡️my superpower: i am an elucidator (which means): i'm a master at making the complicated uncomplicated.
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*******
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what i believe:
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//play long-term games with long-term people:
relationships and compound interest go hand in hand.
find your tribe, be vulnerable, and stick around for the long haul.
‍thanks Naval.
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//patience is the ultimate commodity:
great things take time and grit.
“fail fast” only works if you have the patience (and capital) to keep iterating.
the most valuable experiences build on themselves over time.
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//vision evolves through iteration:
first ideas are rarely perfect, but they're the foundation.
every iteration, whether on projects, relationships, or beliefs, teaches you something new.
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//luck is a factor:
success stories often have hidden "wizards behind the curtain."
create your own luck through hard work and staying open to opportunities.
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//small teams, big impact:
my best work started small and scrappy.
less ego, more collaboration—everyone pitches in.
forget the titles; focus on what really matters: the user experience.
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//authenticity is power:
in a world of copies, be the original.
silicon valley taught me the value of standing out.
avoid groupthink—it kills creativity.

//walking meetings and meals > boardrooms.
"touch grass..."
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*******
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investing:
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i’m into ai and consumer companies.
i'm around for strategic advice, product sessions, and sharing lessons learned the hard way.
i occasionally record all my thoughts here.
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