Today we’d like to introduce you to Andrew Batey.
Hi Andrew, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My wife and I have worked in the bar/restaurant industry on and off our entire careers in various capacities. I’m an entrepreneur in the tech space, and I’ve built several start-ups from the ground up. My family and I moved from Vancouver, Canada to Florida in 2022. Mocama quickly became our favorite spot on the island. We’d come every morning for coffee, brought our kids to all of the community events, and always found ourselves spending a lot of time here. When we found out they were about to go out of business, we knew we couldn’t let that happen! So my wife and I decided to take it on, with her tackling all front of house, and me handling back of house and distribution. Our main goal is to turn it around into the community space we knew it could and should be.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The business was riddled with debt, costs were out of control, staff morale was depleted, and the community had lost a lot of faith and trust in the business. We still find ourselves facing surprises here and there leftover from the past. We’ve made a ton of progress, but rebuilding is never easy! We’re lucky to have an incredible team in place that is really committed to overcoming any obstacle we run into.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m an accomplished tech entrepreneur with over 15 years of experience, contributing to major industry transformations across entertainment, social media, P2P, IoT, and blockchain innovation. I’ve raised over $150M for my own startups and filed more than 40 patents across seven countries in artificial intelligence, machine learning, and data infrastructure. As the Founder and Co-CEO of Beatdapp, I’m leading the charge against artificial music streaming fraud, helping artists and music labels recover billions in lost royalty revenue.
Throughout my career, I’ve founded 5 companies and scaled them to hundreds of employees with tens of millions of dollars in revenue. My companies have been featured in publications like Mashable, The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Fast Company, Wired, and TechCrunch. I’ve mentored numerous startups in LA, SF, NYC, and Vancouver, and invested in over 150 companies as a venture capitalist across multiple industries.
Outside of work, I enjoy teaching fourth-year Advertising and Marketing courses at various universities.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
My advice would be: 1) to cultivate loyalty by consistently demonstrating your support for others and upholding your commitments; 2) approach networking with authenticity and focus on building genuine connections rather than superficial interactions; and 3) to embrace curiosity as a driving force for growth and development.
1. Loyalty
My advice for those starting out is to show up consistently, be willing to offer help without expecting anything in return, and refrain from speaking negatively about others. Have your friend’s back and support them even if you think they are wrong. If it is someone you genuinely care about and want to maintain a connection with, show them with your actions, not just your words. Don’t say things you won’t actually do, and trust that what you say, no matter to whom, will circle back. People remember the ones who stand by them through thick and thin, and this loyalty often leads to reciprocal support and opportunities.I often tell my staff, the top characteristic I look for in people is loyalty.
2. Networking (the right way)
Networking isn’t about collecting business cards or meeting as many people as possible. It’s about forming genuine connections with individuals you naturally resonate with. Whether it’s a colleague, a server, or a high-profile figure, focus on building authentic friendships rather than viewing interactions as transactions. Invest time and effort into nurturing these relationships, as people are more inclined to do business with those they genuinely like and trust. Remember, one real connection will outweigh 100 distant acquaintances. Nobody remembers someone they met for 3 minutes at a networking event. Go deep, not wide. Show genuine interest in what they do and who they are, and build an authentic connection.
3. Curiosity
Remaining curious and continuously learning has opened doors to unexpected opportunities and enriched my journey. Embrace a mindset of lifelong learning and exploration, seeking knowledge in areas that pique your interest. Whether it’s through reading, taking courses, or engaging in new experiences. Cultivate a thirst for knowledge and a willingness to push your boundaries, as curiosity often leads to personal growth and professional advancement. This also ensures that you never grow bored, since you are always on the hunt for more.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.mocama.com
- Instagram: @mocamabeer
