Who is Martin?
And why does he have a site? That is a very long story. Too long for here. Let’s just say that this place is no longer about the first mountain of the ego. I am heading up the second mountain and this a place for my meditations to remind myself of the important things on the journey. I write these for myself, if you find them useful, you are welcome. If not, keep going, you will find your way.
” I believe in creativity over consumption. Health over wealth. Simplification over optimization. Range over specialization. Understanding over certitude. Respond with kindness. Do the next right thing, it is all you can do. I believe in always growing, know thyself. I know I am not my feelings alone. Choose your reaction thoughtfully. I am consciousness. I give what I want to receive.”
Martin Gabriel Tobias
I was born in 1964 and grew up in Seattle, Florida, Connecticut, and Oregon. In my youth, I started a profitable Kool-Aide stand at the age of 5, had a landscaping business, newspaper delivery route, and have been a pizza chef, bartender, farmhand, door-to-door bible salesman, day trader, and computer salesman.
Some people label me a serial entrepreneur and venture capitalist. I have been an early investor in many fast-growing markets including digital media, clean tech, consumer internet and advanced health and fitness. As CEO, I have created over $3B in equity value, raised over $500M including a NASDAQ IPO, and generated hundreds of millions in revenue. As an investor, I have been a Venture Partner, a Limited Partner and angel investor in over 80 early stage companies including Google, Docusign, Tesla, Ignition Partners, RRE Ventures, and Unlock Ventures. I now focus full time on my family, private equity investing, writing, surfing, motorcycle riding, and biking.
I have a bachelor’s degree in marketing and computer science from Oregon State University (go Beavers). I hold two technology patents. My companies and I have been profiled in numerous media outlets including The Wall Street Journal, Newsweek, Businessweek, Entrepreneur, BBC, LA Times, Fast Company, Business Insider, The Doctors, NPR, CNBC, Wired, and more. I starred in the 1998 motorcycle documentary “Biker Dreams”. I am the founder with my brother David of ReTree, an environmental charity and am involved in a number of charities through the Martin Tobias Family Foundation and blog for myself here.
I believe in Playing Through Life.
I have a wonderful Partner in life. Three amazing daughters from unicorns to university. I love them beyond words.