Matthew Schissler has spent his career building companies, guiding investments, and helping people think long-term, but when asked what defines success, his answer has nothing to do with dollars. "I've never believed value begins or ends with money," Schissler says. "Net worth means nothing if there's no purpose behind it." This perspective, developed over two decades of leadership across biotech, private equity, and performance-based investing, offers a counter-narrative to conventional business metrics that prioritize financial outcomes above all else.
Schissler's approach was evident during his tenure at Cord Blood America, Inc., which he founded in 2003 and led through a decade of expansion. The company acquired multiple firms and built international partnerships, helping make cord blood banking a viable option for families in the U.S., Germany, Argentina, and beyond. While this growth brought scale and revenue, Schissler emphasizes that these were never the primary goals. "You can grow a business for numbers, or you can grow it because you believe in the outcome," he says. "The numbers follow. But the mission has to lead." This mission-first mentality has become a hallmark of his career, suggesting that sustainable business success is rooted in purpose rather than profit alone.
Since 2015, Schissler has managed private investment funds focused on high-potential companies in overlooked markets, applying a fundamentals-based strategy that prioritizes real value propositions and leadership teams committed to long-term building. He is also the founder of Work Your Core Investments, a fund focused on fitness franchises and performance-driven business models. His work spans industries, but the philosophy remains consistent: growth should always serve something bigger than itself. "I've worked with founders who wanted to flip something fast. I've also worked with founders who wanted to create something lasting. I'll take the second kind every time," Schissler says, highlighting a preference for enduring impact over short-term gains.
This values-driven approach extends to Schissler's board work, where he has served organizations ranging from science education nonprofits to regional airlines. He currently sits on the board of Aztec Airways, which connects South Florida to the Bahamas through scheduled and on-demand flights, and has supported the Las Vegas Natural History Museum while leading advisory efforts in Nevada's biotech sector. These roles, he notes, are chosen for alignment with his principles rather than prestige. "When I join something, it's because I see a reason to help," Schissler says. "Not because I need another line on a resume."
For business and technology leaders, Schissler's perspective challenges the prevailing emphasis on quarterly earnings and market valuations. His career—marked by risks, setbacks, and pivots—illustrates that real value is tested in difficult moments. "Anyone can look successful on paper. But when things don't go to plan, you find out who's really invested in what they're building," he observes. This insight reframes net worth as a measure of commitment and character rather than mere financial accumulation. "It's not what you have. It's what you keep showing up for," Schissler says. "It's how you lead when no one's watching. It's how you treat people when there's nothing to gain."
In an era where artificial intelligence and rapid technological change often prioritize efficiency and scalability, Schissler's focus on human-centric values offers a critical reminder. He views money as a tool rather than a scoreboard, arguing that its true worth lies in creating space to focus on what matters. "Use it well, and it creates space to focus on what really matters. But if you treat it like a scoreboard, you'll miss everything that counts," he cautions. As Schissler continues to manage private investments and advise growing companies, his emphasis on supporting ideas that last and people who care provides a framework for leaders seeking to balance innovation with integrity. "Real value isn't built overnight," he concludes. "It's earned, over time, by how you live."
