Introducing Javier Soto as a Mentor for the Master of Science in Entrepreneurship
The Master of Science in Entrepreneurship is Foster’s new 12-month degree that embodies the startup process — from ideation and formation to execution and scale. It blends the best of business school education, practical content, world-class Seattle connections, and time in the program for students to get their startup off the ground. Our goal for students: turn that spark into reality.
Javier Soto
Retired, Angel Investor
I mentor students because at a minimum I can share my experience as an investor with them, so they see things from the other side of the table. At a maximum I would like to think that I can help them brainstorm and identify key risks and opportunities.
As a mentor, I excel at…
Analyzing the basics of the business model. Strategic positioning and risk assessment.
Don’t ask me about…
Specific tactical advice
The one thing people should know about me is…
I don’t believe in recipes for success, each venture is its own world. Nor do I believe I have the answers you seek. What I have is questions, experiences and the willingness to question it all until things makes sense.
My favorite entrepreneurial book, blog, podcast is…
“Hare brain, tortoise mind”, by Guy Claxton, for the right brain
“4 steps to the epiphany”, by Steven Blank, for the left brain
When I have free time, I…
Indulge in hobbies: Play with my cat, learn by coding, and enjoy tabletop board games with family and friends.
I manage everyday stress by…
Walking
If I’m going out to dinner, I’ll generally order…
Nothing fancy. You never know what hides below all that sauce!
As a kid, I was fascinated by…
Everything out of this world (space, technology, D&D, …)
As an adult, I’m fascinated by…
Pretty much the same stuff, plus the human condition.
The person I admire most is…
Right now, I’d say Carl Sagan
I describe myself as…
Curious, empathetic, creative, aspiring contrarian, and highly opinionated
My motto/tagline is…
For analytical founders: Humans are fun, embrace the weird!
For those whose brain leans right: Panic early, panic often, enjoy the ride!
