After 25 years working in the federal government, Pete Tseronis saw an opportunity for change.
His career took him through high-level roles with the Pentagon, the US Department of Energy, and the US Department of Defense which ultimately shaped his unique skillset: connecting dots and building bridges between people and ideas.
Today, he’s the Founder and CEO of Dots and Bridges, a company that enables emerging technologies to become tomorrow’s growth sectors. By connecting entrepreneurs with investors who can fund their ideas, Pete and his team work at the intersection of technology, infrastructure, and humanity to create positive societal impact.
We recently sat down to learn more about Pete, his story, and how he came to be on this new-found mission.
Can you tell us a bit more about Dots and Bridges and your role there?
My 25-year career with the federal government spanned multiple departments. In these roles, I was a connector, always helping establish partnerships and foster relationships.
I worked in the unique intersection of critical infrastructure–like waterways or roads–human needs, and government.
I started Dots and Bridges to keep facilitating relationships getwen entrepreneurs and investors, supporting start-ups and companies through every phase of the business lifestyle.
By connecting dots and building bridges between seemingly separate sectors—government and private ventures—we can keep working to improve critical infrastructure to support humanity.
Dots and Bridges is turning 7 years old this year and I’m excited to see where it goes. Our primary services are thought leadership and guided conversations, technology diligence, mentoring, and incubation resources.
What was the catalyst to start Dots and Bridges?
There were a few.
First, it was becoming increasingly challenging to support my family of six and live in the DMV on a fed salary. I had been picking up some teaching gigs at the University of Maryland for extra work, but that wasn’t a good long-term strategy.
But beyond that, I had achieved everything I wanted to in the government—I was at the C-level in my second cabinet-level agency. So I had to ask: what am I going to accomplish this year that I didn’t last year?
It was time for a change and I had a sense that I should go out and bet on myself. So, I started Bridges and Dots using the skills I developed working in government, but with a sense of purpose and accomplishment of doing it on my own while becoming a better father and husband.
Why do you focus on entrepreneurs and start-ups?
I see so many opportunities on both the entrepreneur side and the investor community side. There are tons of government grants and programs to support new businesses and startups, but so many people have no idea they exist.
I love helping people take advantage of these opportunities because it’s a really effective way to put taxpayer money to work for the greater good. It’s pushed out directly into industry or small businesses and benefits true entrepreneurs with passion for what they’re creating.
But a lot of people don’t know about these opportunities. Or, if they do, it can be confusing to navigate. So, I see a role to connect entrepreneurs and investors with both each other and other opportunities to move the needle in their industry.
What are the most rewarding aspects of your work? The most challenging?
The most rewarding aspect of my work is the curiosity I see all around me. And the best part is that I’m able to feed that curiosity and foster it through meaningful person-to-person connections.
Everyone has their own story and I love walking with people through the whole cycle of their business until their ideas come to fruition.
On the other hand, like all entrepreneurs, the biggest challenge is always being “on.” I’m always looking down the pipeline on both the front and back end to make sure things are going well. It can be exhausting.
What would you tell people trying to bet on themselves?
I have two main pieces of advice if you want to bet on yourself.
The first is to know it’s going to be a rollercoaster and to embrace it. There are highs and lows when you venture out on your own, with good days and bad.
I always try to reflect on how I can build and grow, even in those toughest moments where I’m fed up with everything. It really helps your mental resilience to expect and be prepared for both the amazing days and the challenging ones.
My second piece of advice is to get around some like-minded people who have similar goals and passions. They’ll help ground you and steer you in the right direction.
Or, they’ll just be a good listening ear when you need one.
How did you end up at Launch Workplaces? What has your experience been like?
A friend of mine worked at Launch for years and recommended it to me. I love it. Before then, I hadn’t even thought about having a professional space being an important next step in my company, but it has been.
Having somewhere professional for people to meet me has made a big difference and helped me feel good about my business.
And while I love the extra comforts Launch provides, the absolute best part is seeing my logo on my door—it makes all of this feel real.
Want to learn more about Dots and Bridges?
To check out what Pete and his team are working on, visit the Dots and Bridges website or YouTube channel. You can also connect with Pete on LinkedIn or by email at [email protected].
And if you want to learn more about our flexible office services or book a tour of a Launch Workplaces location, contact us today. We’d love to meet you and help answer any questions you have.
