Overcoming Communism and Cancer to become an early-stage VC

Designing Successful Startups

Bio

Vivjan Myrto is the Founder and Managing Partner at Hyperplane where he focuses on early-stage investments in software and full-stack companies, leading the firm's investments in Dover Microsystems, Soft Robotics, Modulate, Tive, Butlr, and others. Vivjan bootstrapped his first software company from his college dorm room and co-founded two additional companies before starting Hyperplane in 2015. He is an active member of the Boston entrepreneurial ecosystem and serves as the director of various non-profit organizations.

Intro

Vivjan Myrto, founder and managing partner at Hyperplane, shares his extraordinary journey from growing up in Albania under a harsh communist regime to navigating significant health challenges, including a battle with cancer, which ultimately shaped his resilient entrepreneurial spirit. He reflects on the lessons learned from surviving societal upheavals and how they instilled a deep determination to persevere and innovate. Vivjan emphasizes the importance of grit and adaptability in the startup world, highlighting that success often comes from being reactive to the present rather than overly focused on long-term predictions. As a venture capitalist, he discusses the unique dynamics of early-stage investing, especially in technology and deep tech sectors, and the significance of partnering with founders who possess both vision and market understanding. Through his experiences, Vivjan illustrates that the path to success is not only about capital but also about building strong relationships and navigating the inevitable challenges along the way.

Story

Vivjan Myrto's journey from his childhood in Albania to becoming a successful venture capitalist in Boston is a compelling narrative of resilience and determination. Born during a time of severe oppression under the communist regime, Vivjan's early experiences shaped his entrepreneurial spirit. By the age of seven, he was already starting his first business in a post-revolution Albania, where the transition from communism to capitalism opened up new opportunities. His passion for technology ignited when he got his hands on an IBM computer, leading him to discover coding and the early world of the internet. However, his journey took a significant turn when he was diagnosed with cancer at just 15 years old, prompting a move to Italy for treatment. Despite the challenges, Vivjan's mother believed in the potential for better healthcare in the United States, leading to their eventual relocation after a difficult visa process post-9/11.

Arriving in the U.S., Vivjan not only battled health issues but also navigated the complexities of starting anew in an unfamiliar environment. With determination, he learned English, pursued higher education, and eventually founded several companies, including Hyperplane, his venture capital firm focused on early-stage investments in technology. The conversation dives deep into the themes of grit, the importance of community, and the lessons learned from both failures and successes. Vivjan emphasizes the significance of adaptability in the fast-paced startup world, as well as the crucial role of a strong founding team and clear vision in achieving long-term success. His experiences underscore how overcoming hardship can foster resilience and innovation, ultimately shaping the future of entrepreneurship.

Takeaways

• Vivjan Myrto emphasizes the importance of resilience, shaped by his experiences in Albania and battling cancer.
• His journey illustrates that grit and determination are crucial for startup founders to succeed.
• Vivjan highlights the shift in venture capital, noting that seed stage investing is becoming more institutional.
• He believes that the ability to adapt quickly to changing circumstances is vital for entrepreneurs.
• Vivjan shares that early-stage companies often face significant risks when they begin to succeed.
• He encourages founders to focus on their core mission and not get ahead of themselves when achieving success.

Links

Vivjan’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vivjan/

Vivjan’s firm: https://hyperplane.vc

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Jothy’s book: https://www.amazon.com/Tech-Startup-Toolkit-launch-strong/dp/1633438422/

Site with podcasts: https://jothyrosenberg.com/podcast

YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@DesigningSuccessfulStartups

Jothy’s non-profit: https://whosaysicant.org

Jothy’s TEDx talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PNtOawXAx5A