Travis Meyer is a driven entrepreneur and finance executive with a passion for uplifting and empowering African entrepreneurs and businesses. He is the Founder and CEO of Thynk Capital Holdings, a boutique investment holding company focused on supporting the growth and success of African SMEs. Travis’s journey is marked by resilience, learning from failures, and a deep commitment to making a positive impact on the business landscape in Africa.
Background and Motivation
Travis hails from Cape Town, South Africa, and has a Bachelor of Commerce degree in Financial Management. His journey into entrepreneurship and finance began in his early years, driven by a desire for financial independence. He worked various jobs, from teller positions to starting his sales agency and a cellphone repair and distribution business. These early experiences instilled in him an entrepreneurial spirit.
However, Travis also faced challenges along the way. He was diagnosed with ADHD and dyslexia at a young age. While these learning disabilities presented obstacles, he turned them into strengths, developing dynamic problem-solving and creative thinking skills. His determination to overcome these challenges and succeed propelled him forward.
Travis’s motivation is deeply rooted in his background and experiences. He witnessed firsthand the importance of financial stability and planning when his family faced unexpected adversity due to his father’s near-fatal accident. This experience emphasized the significance of financial security in an uncertain world.
As a university student, Travis developed a keen interest in financial studies and management, recognizing that a strong understanding of finance is essential for entrepreneurs. He pursued a BCom degree with a major in Financial Management to lay the foundation for his future endeavors.
Learning Finance and the Investment Industry
Travis acknowledges that entrepreneurship often requires creative thinking and problem-solving but also a strong grasp of financial concepts. To succeed as an entrepreneur and make informed financial decisions, he realized that he needed a formal education in finance.
He describes this period as taking “one step back to take ten forward.” Travis enrolled in a BCom degree program, majoring in Financial Management. This formal education provided him with the foundational knowledge he needed to navigate the complexities of finance in the real world.
Importantly, his educational journey also opened doors to valuable conversations, mentorships, and opportunities. Travis learned from both successes and failures, referring to his losses as his “real-life MBA.”
Two significant mentors played a pivotal role in his career, ultimately becoming his business partners. Their guidance and expertise further shaped Travis’s understanding of finance and investment.
Accelerating Business Growth with Thynk Capital
Thynk Capital Holdings, founded by Travis Meyer, is a boutique investment holding company that specializes in the debt and equity capital markets. The company’s mission is to accelerate the growth of businesses while creating long-term value for investors. Thynk Capital achieves this by providing the essential resources and expertise that businesses need to succeed.
Thynk Capital’s client base spans various industries, including manufacturing, retail, finance, SaaS, eCommerce, and real estate. The company follows a “People, Opportunity, Success” philosophy, emphasizing the importance of working with entrepreneurs of integrity and potential for growth.
What Sets Thynk Capital Apart
Travis believes that what sets Thynk Capital apart is its team. The company’s team members bring decades of business experience and industry expertise to the table. Travis himself, as the CEO, combines entrepreneurial experience with a deep understanding of finance, giving him a unique perspective.
Thynk Capital’s Non-Executive Directors contribute invaluable insights in areas such as debt structure, mezzanine debt deals, private equity transactions, business development, and strategy. This diverse knowledge base allows the company to make informed decisions that align with the best interests of the businesses it invests in.
Inspiration and Continuous Learning
Travis draws inspiration from enabling entrepreneurs to achieve their full potential and run successful businesses. He understands that the entrepreneurial journey is filled with challenges and uncertainties, and he aims to provide the support and resources needed for entrepreneurs to thrive.
He also finds inspiration in everyday experiences, such as witnessing thriving businesses and seeing young individuals pursue their dreams. Travis believes that inspiration can be found everywhere, even in the smallest of things.
Favorite Books
Travis is an avid consumer of audiobooks and has several favorites, including:
- “Principles for Dealing with the Changing World Order: Why Nations Succeed and Fail” by Ray Dalio
- “The Snowball” by Alice Schroeder
- “What It Takes: Lessons in the Pursuit of Excellence” by Stephen A. Schwarzman
- “Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind” by Yuval Noah Harari
Advice for Future Finance Leaders
Travis offers two key pieces of advice:
- No Man Is an Island: Surround yourself with inspiring individuals and mentors who can guide you, teach you, and help you grow. Invest time in learning from those who know more than you, collaborating with peers, and giving back to others.
- Integrity Over Everything: Lead with integrity in all your endeavors. Seek out partners and colleagues who share this commitment to honesty and ethical conduct. Integrity is a lasting legacy that defines how people remember you.
In conclusion, Travis Meyer’s journey is a testament to the power of determination, resilience, and a commitment to learning and growth. Through Thynk Capital Holdings, he is making a meaningful impact on African entrepreneurs and businesses, providing them with the resources and expertise they need to succeed.