Guiding Success: The Role of Mentorship in Paul Sterriker’s Investment Philosophy

Mentorship plays a key role in how Paul Sterriker invests. Anyone who’s built something from scratch understands the value of good advice and a little guidance. This is especially true for entrepreneurs in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), a region full of both promise and hurdles. In this environment, support can be crucial, and this is where Sterriker’s work becomes so important.

Paul Sterriker isn’t a typical venture capitalist. He’s an entrepreneur with decades of experience. He’s lived through the challenges of launching and growing businesses—the risks, the errors, the lessons learned. Now, he uses this experience to mentor and invest, helping new entrepreneurs navigate the difficulties of building and scaling their ventures.

So, if you’re an entrepreneur seeking guidance or inspiration, keep scrolling to unveil the valuable insights of Paul Sterriker.

Q: How do you balance being a mentor and a venture capitalist?

Paul Sterriker: It’s a fine line, but I think the two roles complement each other. As an investor, I’m looking for startups that show potential and resilience. As a mentor, I’m helping them get there. When you invest in someone, it’s not just about the financial side—it’s about supporting their growth. The better they do, the better the investment performs, so mentorship naturally fits into the process.

Q: What do you think makes a good mentor?

Paul Sterriker: A good mentor listens first. It’s not about coming in with all the answers. You need to understand where the entrepreneur is coming from, what they’re struggling with, and what their goals are. It’s also about being honest. Sugarcoating doesn’t help anyone. If there’s a problem, address it head-on—but in a way that’s constructive, not discouraging. And finally, a good mentor stays curious. You have to keep learning so you can offer relevant advice.

Q: Paul, you’ve been an entrepreneur yourself. How does that shape your approach as a mentor and investor?

Paul Sterriker: It’s everything. When you’ve been through the ups and downs of building something from scratch, you know how much guidance matters. I’ve made mistakes, had sleepless nights, and learned things the hard way. So, when I work with entrepreneurs, I’m not coming in from the sidelines—I’ve been where they are.

My philosophy is simple: share what you’ve learned, but also respect that the entrepreneur’s journey is their own.

Q: What’s something you see entrepreneurs struggling with that mentorship could fix?

Paul Sterriker: Honestly, a lot of it comes down to focus. When you’re in the thick of it, it’s easy to get distracted by the next big idea or overwhelmed by the problems in front of you. A good mentor can help you tune out the noise and zero in on what matters.

The other big one is perspective. When you’re close to a project, it’s hard to see it objectively. A mentor brings fresh eyes and can point out things you might’ve missed. Sometimes, it’s the smallest tweak that makes the biggest difference.

Q: What’s your take on mentoring entrepreneurs who might not succeed?

Paul Sterriker: Failure is part of the process. Not every business is going to succeed, and that’s okay. What’s important is what the entrepreneur takes away from the experience. Some of the most successful founders I’ve worked with didn’t get it right the first—or even the second—time. If I see someone with resilience and a willingness to learn, I’m still all in. You don’t just mentor businesses; you mentor people.

Q: What role does cultural understanding play in your mentorship?

Paul Sterriker: It’s huge. You can’t mentor someone effectively without understanding their context—their market, their audience, and the challenges unique to their region. In the MENA region, for example, personal relationships and trust are everything. You have to approach mentorship with sensitivity to those dynamics. It’s not just about giving advice; it’s about building a connection.

Q: What’s next for you in terms of mentorship?

Paul Sterriker: I’m always looking for new ways to connect with entrepreneurs. Right now, I’m exploring more structured mentorship programs and events where founders can not only learn from me but also from each other. Peer mentorship can be just as powerful as guidance from someone with decades of experience. My goal is to create a community where everyone feels supported and inspired.