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- Fides Entrepreneurship: Jacob Ciccarelli of Truthly and the next talk
Fides Entrepreneurship: Jacob Ciccarelli of Truthly and the next talk
Catholic Entrepreneurship Talks in the heart of New York
Luca Zocche
May 16, 2025
Thank You for an Incredible Night with Jacob Ciccarelli!
Last night’s event with Jacob Ciccarelli was one of the most spirit-filled talks we’ve had yet at Fides. From the moment the room filled to the final round of applause, the evening reminded us all that surrendering everything to God can bring more peace, clarity, and joy than the world ever promises.
As Jacob shared, “2024 was the most uncertain year of my life—and the most joyful.” That paradox sits at the heart of Christian entrepreneurship.
And it’s your support—through prayer, presence, and giving—that allows us to continue bringing these moments to life. Thank you for helping grow this mission.
3 “Golden Takeaways” from Jacob’s Talk:
1. The path to peace is paved with surrender.
“I had the least amount of income, and the least amount of anxiety. I finally gave everything—my career, finances, future—to God.”
After being laid off with four kids and rising expenses, Jacob turned down a stable job offer and instead prayed, fasted, and began asking God what to do next. On a retreat, the idea for Truthly came—an AI tool that helps Catholics evangelize with confidence and clarity.
2. Evangelization today requires boldness—and tools.
“I always felt on the defensive talking about my faith. So I built Truthly to help people share Catholic teaching in seconds.”
With AI’s growing presence in people’s spiritual searches, Jacob emphasized that Catholics must use this moment to bring truth to the forefront. His app, Truthly, pulls from the Catechism, Scripture, encyclicals, and the Church Fathers—vetting every answer through theological advisors and priestly collaborators. It’s already changing lives and helping people return to the Church.
3. Founding a mission-driven business begins in silence.
“You are the average of the five people you surround yourself with. But you also need to meet God in silence, in Adoration, and at daily Mass.”
Jacob encouraged everyone to return to the sacraments—and to make silence, prayer, and daily Mass non-negotiables. That, along with discerning friendships and seeking community, is where the Holy Spirit moves and guides mission-driven decisions.
He reminded us that every delay, disagreement, or detour in life can be an invitation from God. As he put it:
“It’s not happening to you. It’s happening for you.”
Final Reflection
Jacob’s witness was a reminder that Catholic entrepreneurship isn’t just about launching businesses—it’s about trusting God radically. When you root your mission in prayer, surround yourself with faith-filled people, and give Him everything, God moves mountains.
Let’s build more moments like this—together.
Support the next generation of Catholic entrepreneurs by clicking here to support us (Not Tax Deductible).
Upcoming Events
Female Founders & Investors Coffee with Marcela Vargas - Friday May 30th, 10:00AM-12:00PM
For Catholic Female Founders, Investors and Professionals
Join us for a coffee at Marcela’s new Coffee & Flower Shop, Tulips and Sips!
Originally from Mexico, Marcela a parishioner of Old Saint Patricks Cathedral will tell her story on:
What led here to open up her own coffee shop
What it means to be a female founder and Catholic
Her mission of creating a business that supports a community
Pierre Ferragu, Thursday June 5th at 06:45 PM
Our speaker for June is Pierre Ferragu Co-Founder & Managing Director of New Street Research and U.S Producer of the Bernadette Musical.
He has previously been interviewed by CNBC, Bloomberg & EWTN for his role as a Wall Street Analyst and launch of the Bernadette Musical outside of France.
Pierre will discuss how his journey from BCG to Wall Street to Broadway was shaped not just by professional ambition, but by a deepening Catholic faith. He’ll share how virtues like humility, patience, and trust in God’s timing have helped him navigate both the financial markets and reaching the opportunity of producing the Bernadette Musical in the United States. From co-founding a top global research firm to organizing monthly Jesus Runs for the homeless in New York, he’ll also offer insights on how to invest wisely in a fast-changing world—without losing your soul in the process.
Sign up here to confirm your attendance. *Location subject to change.
Catholic Founders & Investors Dinner Club W/Sean Fieler, Tuesday June 10th at 07:00 PM
An Exclusive Gathering of Catholic Entrepreneurs and Investors
To Fund, Scale, and Mentor the Next Generation of Catholic Entrepreneurs
🎤 Featured Speaker
Sean Fieler, President of Equinox Partners, a New York-based hedge fund, and Founder of the Chiaroscuro Foundation.
Sean’s mission is to reflect God’s light in a dark world through philanthropic work that many shy away from—including pre-conception pro-life advocacy and restoring the dignity of Catholic funerary practices.
👥 Who Should Attend:
Catholic founders and business owners looking to scale with integrity.
Investors seeking to support faith-aligned, mission-driven startups.
Entrepreneurs in search of mentorship, funding, or values-driven partnerships.
Sign up here to confirm your attendance. *Location subject to change.
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We would like to thank our Catholic owned beverage, food and book sponsors!
TAN BOOKS is our official book sponsor. At every speaking event you have the opportunity to win one of their books in our raffle!
Their mission and #1 priority as a company is to help people become Saints. They are the publisher of Saints lives, liturgical and devotional works, and classic titles on dogmatic, ascetical and mystical theology.
Experience the pleasure of Brazil 🇧🇷!
Trinitas Cellars is a renowned producer of Napa Valley Chardonnay and Napa Valley Cabernet.
Yesterday we were very thankful to them to have on offer their Family and Faith based collections which celebrate:
and
As part of their faith based collection they also have wines that celebrate Our Lady of Lourdes, Queen of Peace, the Jubilee as well as other Virgin Mary apparitions!
Foundations Marketing Group supports us with market strategy, donates alcoholic beverages for our events as well as provides space to us for hosting our events. If you’re looking for help to make sure your wine and spirits brand is eye catching, memorable and yields results check out their website.
If you are interested in becoming one of our sponsors please reach out to us at [email protected]