The online marketplace would vet the modern elders regarding their expertise and availability. Are these folks in their 50s, 60s, and beyond interested in being a fractional CMO, providing strategic consulting services, sitting on a board, or making a financial investment? The Boomer/GenXers would also be vetted for their modern elder qualities: are they as curious as they are wise? We (oops, I mean you) would also vet the young entrepreneurs (as well as VCs and private equity firms) regarding their openness to intergenerational collaboration and the soundness of their business plan.
Romantic matchmaking has been a big business for decades, so why not create entrepreneurial matchmaking across the generations? ChatGPT wasn’t very helpful in sourcing companies that are doing this well so maybe it’s time for you to take the leap. One of my favorites in this space is OpenWater (with the great tagline: Where Wisdom Meets Opportunity) started by MEA alum Paul Walborsky.
-Chip