Let’s pull back the curtain on one of the most intriguing aspects of my thriller series – the parallels and divergences between the real-life tech watchdog and his fictional counterpart:
The Similarities:
- We both started as outsiders in the DC tech scene who became insider-critics. I did it through my Driven Forward blog as “Mr. Cranky,” while Greg uses his “Grumpy Geekster” persona. Both of us learned that the best way to spot fraud is to understand how legitimate businesses actually work.
- Our investigative methods align remarkably well. I used my experience as a turn-around CEO and angel investor to spot “glitter traction” – those fancy awards and PR buzz that masked failing businesses. Greg uses those same pattern recognition skills to identify when a startup’s shine is actually a smoke screen for criminal activity.
- Neither of us can resist poking the bear. When I received cease-and-desist letters from companies like Trustify, I saw them as badges of honor. Greg similarly views threats as confirmation he’s on the right track, though his threats tend to come with more firepower attached.
The Differences:
- While I worked with the FBI by providing blog posts and information that helped convict two CEOs of fraud, Greg gets actively entangled in investigations. My most dangerous weapon was my keyboard; Greg has to dodge actual bullets.
- My victories came through exposure and public accountability. When I helped take down fraudulent startups, it was through careful analysis and documented evidence. Greg’s world is more direct – his investigations often end in dramatic confrontations and sometimes physical altercations.
- My personal life never got entangled with my investigations. But poor Greg – his relationships, family, and personal safety all become fair game for his enemies. I merely risked lawsuits; he risks everything.
The Write Stuff: What makes both of our approaches work is authenticity. I brought real startup experience to my blog posts, having survived everything from early-stage ventures to public offerings. Greg brings that same lived experience to his investigations, understanding the ecosystem he’s navigating because he’s been part of it.
The key difference might be in our ultimate goals. I wanted to protect investors and maintain the integrity of DC’s startup ecosystem. Greg starts with similar intentions but gets pulled into a darker world where venture capital fraud is just the surface of much deeper criminal enterprises.
In creating Greg, I got to ask the question: What if Mr. Cranky’s investigations had gone deeper? What if instead of just exposing fraudulent startups, he uncovered their connections to organized crime? What if his blog posts threatened not just reputations but criminal empires?
The result is a character who shares my background and analytical skills but operates in a world where the stakes are literally life and death. Greg is what might have happened if I’d followed some of those suspicious startups down their darkest rabbit holes instead of just writing about them.
Though I have to admit – some of the real stories I covered as Mr. Cranky, like the CEO now serving an 8-year federal sentence, would fit right into one of Greg’s adventures. Maybe the line between fact and fiction in the DC tech scene was always thinner than we thought.
(And yes, both Greg and I still think most pitch decks belong in the fiction section.)
You can get your copy of the Greg Newsome Series books by linking here on Amazon.
