Tyler Tringas

Background

Tyler Tringas studied Economics at Florida State University. His early career involved roles in finance and technology, including a position as a Vice President at a quantitative hedge fund. This experience provided a foundation in investment analysis and market dynamics.

Major contributions

Tringas is the founder of Earnest Capital, an investment firm providing funding to early-stage bootstrapped and profitable businesses through its Shared Earnings Agreement (SEA). He is also the creator of the concept of 'Calm Companies,' which advocates for building sustainable, profitable, and long-term focused businesses as an alternative to the high-growth, venture-backed startup model. He previously founded and ran a SaaS company, Storemapper.

Impact on their field

Tringas's work has significantly influenced the landscape of startup funding and entrepreneurship. Earnest Capital and the Shared Earnings Agreement model offer a novel alternative to traditional venture capital and debt financing, particularly for founders seeking to maintain control and build businesses on their own terms. The Calm Company philosophy has grown into a movement, providing a framework and community for entrepreneurs focused on sustainability and profitability over rapid, often unsustainable, growth.

Current work/relevance

Tyler Tringas remains the Managing Director of Earnest Capital, actively investing in and supporting a global portfolio of founders. He is a prominent writer and speaker, continuing to advocate for the Calm Company philosophy through his essays and public appearances. His ideas on alternative funding and company building remain highly relevant as more entrepreneurs seek paths outside the traditional venture capital model.

Tyler Tringas is an entrepreneur, investor, and author best known for pioneering the concept of "earnable" assets and building a community around sustainable, small-scale entrepreneurship. Originally from the United States, he built a career spanning finance, technology, and startups before shifting his focus to helping others create businesses that offer freedom and flexibility.

Why they matter

Tyler’s key achievements include founding and successfully exiting his own business, which allowed him to achieve financial independence and location freedom. He then created a movement around "storemade" businesses—small, profitable companies that can be built and managed by a solo founder or small team. He is also a respected angel investor, backing numerous early-stage startups that align with his philosophy of thoughtful growth.

What they’re known for

Tyler is most famous for creating Earnest Capital, a pioneering funding alternative for bootstrapped and profitable startups. Unlike traditional venture capital, Earnest provides founder-friendly financing through instruments like the Shared Earnings Agreement, designed to align incentives without demanding equity or control. He is also known for:

Writing and sharing extensively about alternative business models

Hosting podcasts and interviews with successful solopreneurs

Building a highly engaged online community focused on practical entrepreneurship

Advocating for a more balanced, sustainable approach to building businesses