Advisor: Many (see CV re: Elliot Schwartz Consulting), Jan 2002- present / Director: Meliorleaf (Pty) Ltd, Jun 2015- present / NED: The Columba Foundation (USA), Sep 2016- Mar 2022 / Mentor: 6 x early stage business founders- see CV re: Seed Engine (business incubator), Jan 2016- Feb 2022 / NED: Ownsurance (Pty) Ltd, Jan 2016- Jun 2019 / Mentor: 8 x Entrepreneurs Organization (EO) members- (see CV), Jan 2009- Jun 2014 / Trustee: Redhill School (Johannesburg), Jan 2002- Dec 2012 / NED: ThreeByFour (Pty) Ltd, Jan 2003- Apr 2007 / Chairman: SBBW (Pty) Ltd, May 1999- Feb 2002 / NED: 12 x subsidiaries of Acuity Group Holdings, May 1999- Feb 2002 / Director: Acuity Group Holdings Ltd, May 1999- Feb 2002 / NED: Exceptional African Experiences (Pty) Ltd, Feb 1996- Jun 2000 / Director: SBBW (Pty) Ltd, Jan 1989- Apr 1999 / Director: J Walter Thompson Johannesburg (Pty) Ltd, Jun 1986- Dec 1988 / Director: Enterprise Communications & Consulting (Pty) Ltd, Mar 1983- May 1986
A good communicator and successful mentor, Elliot is willing and happy and to share his knowledge and experience. His particular skills are in business strategy, business development and growth, and marketing. But, having been in management and leadership roles in businesses ranging from start-ups (his own and others) to listed corporates, as well as a diversity of advisory and directorship roles spanning many industries, Elliot has broad experience in the critical aspects of business.
The University of Chicago Booth School of Business: Master of Business Administration (MBA), concentrations in finance and marketing, 1977 /
The University of Chicago, The College: Bachelor of Arts (BA), major in economics (studied under 3 professors who went on to win Nobel prizes, including Milton Friedman), 1976
I'm delighted to have joined Connectd, a platform that brings together start-ups, investors and advisors/NEDs – the latter being my interest. Having left full-time employment, I became a founding Non-Executive Director of a Community Interest Company and a Trustee of a local charity. I had also been looking for additional Non-Executive roles when I was introduced to Connectd. I was impressed by the sophisticated nature of the ecosystem, which enables searches for roles through detailed filters, as well as providing training through the NED Academy, help with CV writing, mentoring, template documents and other resources. Connectd also guarantees a placement with a business.
An additional feature of the platform is the Connectd Investor Community, where investors can interact, conduct due diligence, share deal-flow and learn together. The functionality allows like-minded investors to connect, with separate groups for each; to share deal flow (not just with companies on the platform) and to co-invest; to access partnerships such as Crunchbase membership and Vauban discount codes; and to create public or private groups.
I'm now working with a start-up that I was introduced to through Connectd, initially pro bono. There's a lot going on and a lot to do - we're raising funds and there's an exciting future in prospect!
Steve Hutchings
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Transition to Portfolio Advisor
Amazing experience and a perfect 'one stop shop' for those wanting to move towards a portfolio career and get everything they need to do that!
Christopher
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Transition to Portfolio Advisor
I highly recommend Connectd. I joined the Transition to Portfolio programme in 2023 and have enjoyed the content, lessons, and networking. In kicking off my portfolio and NED career I am already working with three startups via the Connectd platform.
James Scott
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Transition to Portfolio Advisor
I joined The Connectd Platform to continue to develop my portfolio career and so far to date its has delivered on that exact promise very quickly. I have already secured a board advisory role. The learning Resoruces are superb and very relatable, whilst offering secure and engaging online content.
I would actively encourage anyone looking to grow and develop their portfolio career to dive into The Connectd Platform.
Shaun Glanville
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Transition to Portfolio Advisor
I joined the Connectd platform back in October last year. I have completed a comprehensive Non Exec CPD course and have attended some brilliant seminars, webinars and networking events too. The easy to use platform and the personal touch of the Connectd team are the winning combination here. The support from everyone is first class. As I head into the new year looking for my first board or advisory role I can’t wait to get matched up with my first investor/start up!
Dawn Spencer
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Transition to Portfolio Advisor
