A highly regarded venture capitalist and an expert in private equity, Arturo Alvarez-Demalde has enjoyed immense success throughout his professional career and has been instrumental in developing countless opportunities on an international scale. Drawing on his vast industry experience and impressive academic credentials, Alvarez-Demalde is now a managing partner with AD4, overseeing and managing the firm’s daily operations as well as its overall business practices. In this leadership role, Alvarez-Demalde has AD4 poised for consistent growth for many years to come.
A graduate of Harvard Business School, Alvarez-Demalde is proficient in four languages and previously worked for Siemens AG in Munich, Germany, before becoming a founding partner of Leadgate. In addition to his wide-ranging international experience, Alvarez-Demalde has also been consistently involved in volunteer work along with a number of charitable endeavors. Alvarez-Demalde also serves on the board for ARIS (Asociación Civil de Apoyo a la Rehabilitación e Integración Social), a non-profit venture aimed at providing opportunities for education and economic empowerment to a number of disaffected populations.
Alvarez-Demalde has routinely championed a variety of causes relating to social justice and has become increasingly involved in creating broader educational opportunities for those who otherwise lack adequate access. In addition to this focus, Avarez-Demalde has cited the importance of science and technology as playing a potentially significant role in leveling the figurative playing field. It is partly for this reason that Alvarez-Demalde has sought greater opportunities through his position as an advisory committee member with Harvard University’s David Rockefeller Center for Latin American Studies.
How did you get started in this business? What inspired you to start this business?
I felt that AD4 represented an excellent opportunity to serve an area of the market somewhat lacking in the services we provide.
How do you make money?
We are primarily focused on private equity and venture capital, but we also provide a variety of other services as well.
How long did it take for you to become profitable?
We opted for a fairly aggressive approach in terms of our early-stage development and were profitable within a relatively brief period of time.
When you were starting out, was there ever a time you doubted it would work? If so, how did you handle that?
No, I had full confidence in myself as well as everyone else involved with AD4.
How did you get your first customer?
We actually sought out our first clients after a period of thorough research. We wanted to make sure we began by working with the best possible group of clients.
What is one marketing strategy (other than referrals) that you’re using that works really well to generate new business?
We’ve actually had quite a bit of success using several different collaborative marketing strategies.
What is the toughest decision you’ve had to make in the last few months?
Evaluating potential clients and making the final decision to proceed or not is never all that easy.
What do you think it is that makes you successful?
I always try to be fair and straightforward in everything I do.
What has been your most satisfying moment in business?
We have had a great opportunity through AD4 to work with some wonderful people, and for that I am unbelievably grateful.
What does the future hold for your business? What are you most excited about?
We plan on expanding, which means we will be able to support more clients and create more opportunities.
What business books have inspired you?
Rene Girard wrote a book called “Things Hidden Since the Foundation of the World,” and it has always had a profound influence on the way I approach entrepreneurship.
What is a recent purchase you have made that’s helped with your business?
We’ve invested in making continuing seminars on a variety of subjects available to anyone who is interested.
What is it you hope to achieve with AD4?
Ultimately, my goal is always to achieve the greatest possible good for all of the parties involved in any particular endeavor.