Terik Tidwell

Trailblazer
DISC Type : DI

Head of Platform & Ecosystem, AHA Ventures at American Heart Association

Charlotte, North Carolina, United States

Overview

Terik is a cross-sector leader who heads the Platform & Ecosystem for AHA Ventures. His expertise lies in building innovation ecosystems by connecting R&D, government, venture capital, and philanthropy. A Fulbright Fellow in Tech-Innovation, his career includes roles at the National Science Foundation and earning a Venture Capital certificate from UC Berkeley Law.

Outside of work, Terik is a passionate advocate for community advancement, notably serving as the board chair for the Foundation for Black Philanthropy. He is an avid reader with stated interests in books about science and its impact on society, such as "Chaos, Making of New Science. "

Interesting fact: Terik is a decorated U. S. State Department Fellow, having won Fulbright, Young Leaders of the Americas, and Global Innovation fellowships.

Personality Overview

Persuasive

Friendly But Fast

Assertive

They prefer to ensure that they are in control of the situation.  A combination of speed and relationship gets the best response from them. They are not against taking risks and can make tough decisions when required.


Topics They Care About

Innovation Ecosystems
His career focuses on building collaborative networks for innovation, from his work at the NSF and VentureWell to his current role building the platform for AHA Ventures.
Tech Commercialization
A core theme in his work, from teaching lean startup methods for the NSF's I-Corps program to his Fulbright focused on accelerating commercialization.
Inclusive Innovation
He has led numerous initiatives focused on broadening participation for underrepresented groups in the innovation economy, particularly through his work supporting HBCUs.

Media Appearances

Terik has no verified media appearances

Work History

3-2025
Head of Platform & Ecosystem, AHA Ventures at American Heart Association
1-2025 - 6-2025
Innovation Corps Adjunct at National Science Foundation (NSF)
11-2023 - 5-2024
Senior Advisor at Investor Catalyst Hub
7-2023
Member at NASEM Government-University-Industry-Philanthropy Research Roundtable
1-2023 - 6-2024
Director of Innovation Ecosystems at VentureWell

Education

Venture Capital Certificate from University of California, Berkeley - School of Law
1-2010 - 1-2011
Education details unavailable from Fordham Gabelli School of Business

More Information

Social Presence :

Prographics :

Exp : 10 Location : Charlotte, North Carolina, United States Job Level : Mid-senior Designation : Head of Platform & Ecosystem, AHA Ventures at American Heart Association
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Insights For Selling To Terik

During A Call Or A Meeting

DO's

  • Give them control of the sales process
  • Keep your pitch focused on the impact but nurture the relationship too
  • Use phrases like ‘your decision will’, ‘you will impact’ etc.

DONT's

  • Do not look like someone who doesn’t know what they are talking about
  • Don't make any commitments that you might not be able to fulfill
  • Don’t hesitate from asking them how they truly feel about your product

When Cold Calling

When Writing An Email

While Negotiating & Closing

    The secret to closing fast with Terik is

  • Relationship and product conviction matter equally, followed by a sense of achievement.
  • Will you ever get a clear answer from Terik

  • If they are not convinced, they will say no though in a friendly way.

Insights For Deal Planning

    How fast (or slow) will Terik move?

  • If you earn their trust and they develop faith in the product, they can make decisions quickly.
  • Can Terik take some risk or not?

  • If necessary, they will be ready to take risks.

You And Terik

Personality Compatibility


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