Avatar photo

Levi King

Levi King is the Executive Chairman and Co-Founder of Nav. Raised on a farm in rural Idaho, King is a self-taught, serial entrepreneur who has started seven different small businesses in the last 20 years. During this time, he had to work to overcome the same issues faced by most small business owners – access to capital, financing, and marketplace credibility. After getting a handle on how business credit works, Levi was able to get business loans and financing more than 30 times.

Prior to starting Nav, he co-founded Lendio, a business financing marketplace that links commercial lenders and small business owners. While at Lendio, Levi saw too many applicants get denied for financing or only get approved for financing they couldn’t afford. He realized someone needed to help business owners become better-qualified applicants, which led him to start Nav.

Levi’s has regular columns in Inc., Entrepreneur and Forbes, and is a frequent conference speaker and source for reporters covering small business, credit, lending and fintech.

Articles by Levi King

Article

How to Criticize Your Boss (and Not Get Fired)

I think I’m pretty good at taking criticism, but it didn’t come naturally. 20 years in business — as an underling, …

Article

Why Booze Should Be Part of Your Business Plan (Seriously)

St. Patrick’s Day is one of the biggest bar days across the land. This year at my company, we certainly participated — …

Article

How to Think Like a Psychopath and Succeed

This article originally appeared on Inc.com “Psychopaths,” writes research psychologist Kevin Dutton, “are fearless, confident, charismatic, ruthless and focused.” They’re …

Article

The 1 Thing You’re Getting Wrong About Company Culture

This article originally appeared on Inc.com Nav has been doing a lot of hiring. Recently, a colleague asked me how …

Article

Not an Early Bird? Here’s How Night Owls Can Still Find Success

I’ve never been an early bird. Early birds hit their stride at sunrise. As a night owl, my best ideas arrive …

Article

The 10 Commandments of Business Credit

Business credit may seem complex to learn and difficult to master, but gaining a solid understanding of just the basics …

Article

How to Spot Your Next Star Employee (It’s Not What You Think)

Star employees come in many forms, and one of my personal favorites is the underdog. Underdogs — competitors perceived to have …

Article

18 Quotes That Have Inspired Leaders for Thousands of Years

Sometimes a nugget of wisdom from the past can be energizing as a cup of coffee. Here are 18 of …

Article

Nav’s Promise to Small Business Owners

Dear Fellow Business Owner: I assume you’re here because you want to build a leaner, stronger, more profitable business. You …