Matt Smith

Matt Smith (he/him) is the CEO of Tribe Pilot, an adventure planning app based in Bend, Oregon.12 As a serial entrepreneur, Smith took an innovative approach to funding his startup by implementing a Shared Earnings Agreement (SEA) with investors, which allows the company to remain local while still accessing necessary capital for growth.1

Career Highlights

• Founder and CEO of Tribe Pilot: Smith developed an adventure planning app that has seen rapid growth in the number of adventures planned through the platform.1
• Innovative Funding Approach: Implemented a Shared Earnings Agreement (SEA) with investors, allowing Tribe Pilot to maintain local control while rewarding investors.1
• Open-Source Advocate: Smith has open-sourced the legal documents for Tribe Pilot's SEA to encourage other local startups to adopt similar funding models.1

Entrepreneurial Philosophy

Smith's approach to business demonstrates a strong commitment to:

• Local Economic Development: By keeping Tribe Pilot in Bend, Oregon, he aims to contribute to the local tech ecosystem.1
• Sustainable Growth: The SEA model allows for rewarding investors without necessitating a traditional exit strategy.1
• Community-Minded Leadership: Smith is focused on growing his local team and improving the product to benefit users.1

Matt Smith's leadership at Tribe Pilot showcases his innovative thinking in both product development and business structuring, with a clear focus on sustainable, community-oriented growth in the tech sector.12