Ted Alling

Ted Alling is a Co-founder & Partner of Dynamo Ventures. Prior to Dynamo, he was the co-founder and former CEO of a $500M logistics business, Access America, that eventually merged with UPS subsidiary, Coyote Logistics.

In 2017,  Ted and his wife, Kelly, embarked on their true passion project, the creation of the Chattanooga and Knoxville Preparatory Schools which are all-boys public charter schools for middle and high school students. These institutions are designed to provide unique and impactful educational opportunities for the young men in the city’s urban communities.

Ted is an ardent supporter of his home of Chattanooga, where he resides with Kelly and their three children.

What’s one unpopular opinion you hold about investing or startups?

I am almost solely betting on the jockey rather than the horse. While the market has to be large and the problem worth solving, I’m ultimately placing my bet on the founders: their grit, conviction, and ability to execute. In my experience, great execution consistently outperforms a clever idea. I’m looking for teams with balanced skill sets but also have the resolve and resilience to build for the next decade, regardless of the inevitable ups and downs.

What do you believe the single most important trait in a startup CEO is?

I believe the most important trait a startup CEO can have is vision. It’s their responsibility to define a clear and compelling future for the company—one that rallies investors, employees, customers, and partners alike. A great CEO sees what others can’t yet see, painting a vivid picture of what success looks like and inspiring others to help bring it to life. Without that clarity and conviction, it’s difficult to build lasting momentum.

Who is the most influential person in your life?

The most influential person in my life is my wife. We got married right out of college and took a leap together, launching our third-party logistics company at a time when most were just beginning their careers. From day one, she’s been fully committed to every chapter of my entrepreneurial journey. We even used to go to truck stops on the weekends and talk to truck drivers to learn where they needed help on their backhauls. Heck, we would even get in the back of their cabs. She brings relentless dedication to everything she does, holding our marriage to the highest standard and working harder than anyone I know. She embodies the quote, “The way you do anything is the way you do everything.” I love her and am lucky to be married to her.