WHR 3.238: Gerry Hays – Building a More Inclusive Future for Startup Investing

Episode Summary In this episode of the Work at Home Rockstar Podcast, Tim chats with Gerry Hays, the visionary founder of Doriot, who’s on a mission to democratize startup investing through his game-changing model: VentureStaking™. Broadcasting from his basement in Bloomington, Indiana, Gerry shares how he turned a frustrating experience raising capital into a 7-year quest to redesign the way innovation gets funded. You’ll hear how he’s helping everyday people gain a financial stake in the startups of tomorrow—without needing deep pockets or Silicon Valley connections. Who is Gerry Hays? Gerry Hays is a serial founder, educator, and creator of the patent-pending financial model, VentureStaking™. With over 25 years of experience launching and exiting companies, teaching entrepreneurial finance at Indiana University, and mentoring founders globally, Gerry’s passion is opening doors to venture investing for the 99%. He also authored The First-Time Founder’s Equity Bible, built the wildly popular Fantasy Startup® simulation, and developed the QAI certification to give everyday investors an on-ramp into private markets. Through Doriot, Gerry is unlocking startup ownership for a new generation of backers — all from the comfort of home. Connect with Gerry Hays: Website: https://www.doriot.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doriot/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gerryhays/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@doriot_venture Host Contact Details: Website: https://workathomerockstar.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/workathomerockstar Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/workathomerockstar LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/timmelanson YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@WorkAtHomeRockStarPodcast Twitter: https://twitter.com/workathomestar Timestamps 00:00 — Introduction: Meet Gerry Hays, CEO of Doriot, and the concept of venture staking 01:00 — Story of Success: How imagination sparked a 25-year entrepreneurial journey 04:15 — Lessons from Failure: Financial hurdles and the power of faith 07:00 — Mindset Matters: Why emotional resilience fuels long-term growth 11:30 — Organic Growth: Human connection, community, and trusting the process 18:40 — Tools & Practices: Staying even-keeled, planting mental seeds, and using marketing to grow 26:00 — Guest Solo: A new system of capital creation for the 99%, not just the elite 31:00 — Global Reach: Launching arenas for grassroots investment and problem solving 35:00 — Final Thoughts: Inspiration for aspiring founders and how to learn more