Political strategist, venture capitalist and being an entrepreneur: Meet Class of 2001 Alumnus Antonio Dixon

For the first time, a South Colonie Alumni Series article will be separated into a two-part conversation. After speaking with our latest candidate, it seemed only fair to do so. This Class of 2001 graduate has an extensive background in medical device sales, private equity, venture capital, world travel and entrepreneurism. He also has some solid advice for today’s graduates as they prepare to enter into the real world. Today, we’ll focus on Mr. Dixon’s educational and work experience background, while highlighting his experiences since leaving South Colonie CSD.

Class of 2001 graduate Antonio Dixon with City of Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner at a recent Solar Fi event.
Class of 2001 graduate Antonio Dixon with City of Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner at a recent Solar Fi event.

After graduating in 2001, Mr. Dixon pursued educational opportunities at Schenectady County Community College and then moved to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) where he pursued a Micro Master’s degree in Economics, Data, and Policy. Currently, he’s the Co-Founder/President of SolarFi, Inc. According to its website, the company is structured to revolutionize commerce, development and energy allowing for entrepreneurship, efficiency and sustainability. To learn more, visit here

Mr. Dixon’s work just doesn’t end there. He’s currently active investing and assisting entrepreneurs and balancing that perspective while being a venture capitalist and entrepreneur himself. He enjoys finding talent and ideas, while allowing them to be successful. He contributes his interest in business to a Colonie Central High School class called “Current Events” taught by Mr. Dunn. This particular class sparked his interest in the stock market and evaluating companies, large or small.

Stay tuned for the second part of this interview as it will center on Mr. Dixon’s interest in geopolitics. Learn about how he transformed that passion to work with governments throughout Africa to implement change. Mr. Dixon’s direction to his success wasn’t always following a simple plan and this interview will display some of those efforts, both globally and locally.

For now, enjoy his responses to today’s Q&A:

After leaving SC, where did your pathway take you? Any classes at SC that drove you in a certain direction?

My pathway took me to a variety of industries from telecommunication sales to renewable energy initiatives. The class that had the most impact was a current event class that provided me with the ability to learn about markets and stock prices, while gaining an understanding of foreign marketplaces.

With so many interests, where do you mainly concentrate your efforts today?

This is delicate, and challenging. As you broaden your horizons, it can become harder to focus. I try to evaluate what’s important now, what has an impact, and what can I do to be the top one percent in. 

From a professional development standpoint, what do you suggest today’s students understand prior to graduating?

Save money to travel, learn personal finance, and understand global marketplaces and culture.

How did you overcome obstacles in your career? Any advice for the Class of 2021 as they begin their pathway?

My key to success is trial, fail, and adjust. But, you should seek mentors who are where you want to be, and also try to learn from their mistakes. You should keep a digital journal of things that you succeed in and things that you fail in and revisit that every six months. The words will speak to you.