CEO of CoFoundersLab and now CMO of Onevest, Shahab Kaviani is well versed in the world of startups.

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During its individual operation, CoFoundersLab made several hundred successful co-founder matches for teams continuing to work on their startups. Additionally, it was recognized as the largest online community of entrepreneurs in the world with more than 35,000 people involved with the company. CoFoundersLab held over 175 events attended by over 15,250 people and after merging, continues to maintain one of the largest meeting outlets for beginning startup companies.

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Launched in July of 2014, based out of New York, New York, Onevest is the product of a merger between RockthePost and CoFoundersLab to increase the availability of startup opportunity and capital. Onevest works to introduce startup companies with interested investors as well as help to formulate teams of complimentary individuals for maximum results.

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Creating more than 5,000 introductions per month, with more than 15,000 investors and over 40,000 founders introduced to early-stage investors, Onevest looks to produce meaningful and long-lasting entrepreneurial relationships.

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“I consider myself lucky for being able to be a part of the business path I have chosen,” Kaviani said. “I’m not selling a mechanical product, but rather, I am helping people realize their dreams and working to help improve society. I can think of very few lines of work that are as rewarding and help to create consumers and people that can join together as much as this field allows.”

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There are relatively few people who break out and you need to ask yourself ‘Am I cut out for the uncertainty of my paycheck and are consumers going to be interested in this.’

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Onevest has been covered in Forbes magazine and highlighted in several technological-based publications as well as acknowledged by members of ABC’s popular program Shark Tank for their success and invaluable role that they play in the startup field. By scientifically matching entrepreneurs with complementary individuals, the online community is growing almost as fast as their interested companies. Providing networking opportunities in over 35 different cities across the nation, the company is using online relationships and networking to provide access to growing capital and startup growth, and connecting early-stage tech-based companies with accredited investors.

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“One in five marriages are happening online today,” Kaviani said. “This online method of communication is arguably a better way to meet a cofounder or to convince, educate and help other investors. Huge investors often look at a portfolio and don’t think of investing in startups. Out of 100 or so, only 1 or 2 would entertain the idea of investing in a startup. We are looking to change this and give general credited investors a way to discover and invest in these ideas.”

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Through the growth of this start up enhancing company and the merge between the two companies, Onevest was able to allow for more interactions than ever before and create associations that would not have previously been attainable.

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“Entrepreneurship provides a channel or outlet to create and allows you to leave the planet a better than you found it and raise the standard of living,” Kaviani said. “We’re empowering people to reach their full potential. What I do, I do for people, to set a good example for my kids and to create jobs and products for consumers.”

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Kaviani credits the majority of failed startups to founder related issues and the need to create the right combination of co-founders to make a startup successful and long-lasting.

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“Make sure that what you’re doing is something that should be done,” Kaviani said. “The sensationalism around startups is often misconstrued and the reality is that the process is really, really hard. There are relatively few people who break out and you need to ask yourself ‘Am I cut out for the uncertainty of my paycheck and are consumers going to be interested in this.’”

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“Be careful and thoughtful about who you build a team with, understand your weak spots and who you are working with,” Kaviani said.

 

After going through a merger as well as learning lessons in business that are still developing to this day, Kaviani expressed the fact that succeeding with a startup is difficult and can often be a slow and trying process.

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“It’s about mental toughness to persevere, finding something you are passionate about and undoubtedly believing in yourself and cutting through the people who are saying that you can’t do it,” Kaviani said. “Be patient, that’s why few people make it, you have to be intense, intentional and realistic with yourself.”