John W. Daniels IV: Build a think tank to support young entrepreneurs

Chief executive officer, Pontem

I may have time to dream big since I’m only 12, but I don’t want to wait. If I could fast forward to being almost 40, my “40 Under 40” story would describe a young kid who was relentless not only for his own success but more importantly success for others.

One of my “now” dream-goals is building “Big Kids Business,” a think tank that builds a bridge across younger entrepreneurs to learn from, invest in and support each other. I always hear people say “that’s grown folks business,” and I think there should be a platform of exposure and investment to an emerging generation of entrepreneurs to be encouraged to think big about what inspires them.

So, in 25 years, I dream of a next gen of Big Kids Business, for Gen Alpha and beyond, with a community that supports them, and an established investment pool to grow more BHAGs. 

This column is part of “25 big ideas for Milwaukee and southeastern Wisconsin’s future,” a feature included in the BizTimes Milwaukee 25th anniversary issue. To read other contributions, visit biztimes.com/bigideas

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