Founder, Filmmaker, Humanitarian, & VC: Reinvention through Purpose w/ Sean O'Sullivan, Co-Founder of MapInfo & Managing GP, SOSV

This episode of Outsider Inc. features Sean O’Sullivan, Co-Founder of MapInfo & Managing General Partner of SOSV. Host Ian Hathaway leads the conversation with the digital mapping pioneer, deep tech investor, and humanitarian, as he shares his extraordinary journey from co-founding MapInfo, a revolutionary digital street mapping system, to his role in creating the term 'cloud computing' with Net Centric and beyond. Sean's path includes a stint as a freelance war journalist in Iraq and the founding of Jumpstart International, a humanitarian organization. He later launched SOSV, the most active deep tech venture capital firm focusing on climate and human health. The discussion covers the importance of mission-oriented leadership, resilience, reinvention, and the significance of purpose in driving meaningful impact. 

 

Show Notes:

 

(03:26) Early Life and Resilience

(07:58) The Birth of MapInfo

(15:01) NetCentric: Pioneering Cloud Computing

(23:15) From Tech to Humanitarianism in Iraq

(27:11) Tragic Losses and Leadership Lessons on Purpose and Service

(32:32) Transitioning Back to Tech and Investment

(40:07) Building a Global Startup Ecosystem

(42:51) Beyond the Bio with Sean O’Sullivan

 

✅ Host: Ian Hathway - Co-Founder & Managing Partner, FOVC

✅ Guest: Sean O’Sullivan, Co-Founder of MapInfo & Managing General Partner of SOSV

 

Produced by Spellbinder Media. Executive Produced by Bridge Five Ventures. Copyright ©️2025, Bridge Five Ventures, LLC, All rights reserved.

 

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