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Special Season: Inside Summit 2024 The Future of DTC ft. Nik Sharma, Coterie, De Soi, and TYB
10 september 2024 · 44 min
In this episode, we dive into the Future of DTC panel from this summer’s Inside Summit. This panel was moderated by our very own Claudia Laurie, who is also the founder of Prive, a leading eCommerce billing platform. Lees meer
In this discussion, the panelists explore the future of DTC, how to build authentic brand communities, building a celebrity brand, challenges and opportunities around customer acquisition and retention, and advice for brand founders and builders.
This conversation includes an incredible mix of perspectives from leading brands, agencies, and tech partners. Our panelists included:
Nik Sharma is widely known as “The DTC Guy,” a Forbes 30 Under 30 member, AdWeek’s Young & Influential, and a resource that brands and investors turn to for growth. Nik is the founder and CEO of Sharma Brands, where clients include Feastables, Jolie, Milk Bar, Everlane and more. Outside of Sharma Brands, Nik writes a newsletter to 50,000 investors, founders, and marketers and is also the co-host of Limited Supply, an award-winning marketing podcast.
Scout Brisson is the CEO of De Soi, a line of sparkling non-alcoholic apéritifs, co-founded by Katy Perry and Morgan McLachlan. Scout's professional journey spans over seven years in management consulting at McKinsey, and venture capital at M13.In 2020, Scout co-founded better-for-you CPG brand, DEUX, innovating a functional alternative with edible cookie dough.
Marissa Steinmetz is an accomplished digital product leader with 13+ years of eCcommerce and omnichannel expertise. She is currently the Head of Digital Product, eCommerce at Coterie and has spent her career helping well-known brands and businesses transform their digital enterprises, including Moda Operandi, Pernod Ricard, Drunk Elephant, and Target.
Breana Teubner is COO of TYB, a community rewards platform with customers like Glossier, Urban Outfitters, JuneShine, and Rare Beauty. Prior to TYB, she helped scale Skillz, the first pay-to-earn gaming platform to go pub…
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Special Season: Inside Summit 2024 The Future of Platforms Panel ft. Beli, Saturn, Landing, and Diem
3 september 2024 · 46 min
In this episode, we dive into the Future of Platforms panel from this summer’s Inside Summit. This panel was moderated by Alexandra York, Associate Editor at Forbes and a key figure behind the 30 Under 30 lists. Alexandra brings her expertise in covering young entrepreneurs and emerging brands to guide a discussion on the evolving digital platform space. Lees meer
In this discussion, the panelists explore the future of digital platforms, the impact of social commerce, and how they’re navigating challenges like AI integration, community engagement, and finding the right revenue models. They also share personal insights on pivoting, fundraising, and defining success in today’s competitive tech landscape.
Our panelists included:
• Emma Bates, CEO and co-founder of Diem, a social search engine pioneering a new, inclusive internet for women. With a background in partnerships at Away and community-building at Whalar, Emma is a recognized advocate for gender equity in the digital world.
• Miri Buckland, COO and co-founder of Landing, a social commerce app revolutionizing how Gen Z interacts with shoppable content. Miri's experience spans corporate strategy and consumer tech, with a passion for fostering creativity and community.
• Judy Thelen, CEO and co-founder of Beli, a platform transforming how consumers discover and recommend restaurants globally, with over 30 million ratings across 30,000 cities since its launch.
• Dylan Diamond, co-founder and CEO of Saturn, a calendar platform tailored for high school students, with significant backing from top-tier investors. Dylan’s journey includes a stint as Tesla’s youngest software engineer and recognition as a Thiel Fellow.
Let’s Open the Door!
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Special Season: Inside Summit 2024 Next Gen GenAI Panel ft. Tavus, Multimodal, Dynamo AI, Canapi Ventures, and GenAI Collective
29 augustus 2024 · 48 min
In this episode of The Room Podcast, we recap the Inside Summit x Gen AI Collective panel, moderated by Sriram Ramakrishnan. The panel featured Vaikkunth Mugunthan (Dynamo AI), Hassaan Raza (Tavus), Ankur Patel (Multimodal), and Lulu Chang (Canapi Ventures), who shared their insights on the challenges and opportunities in the AI landscape. Lees meer
Key questions discussed:
1. Career Journeys: What led each panelist to venture into AI or invest in it?
2. Fundraising for AI: How does raising funds for AI-focused startups differ from other ventures? What’s the investor perspective?
3. Enterprise Adoption: What hesitations do enterprises have regarding AI, and how can companies overcome them?
4. Building Sustainable AI Businesses: What are the keys to long-term success in AI?
5. Unlocking Mass Adoption: What needs to happen for AI to see widespread adoption in enterprises?
6.
This episode is a must-listen for those interested in AI’s growing role in enterprise and the practical steps to navigate this evolving field.About Gen AI Collective:
The Gen AI Collective is a community dedicated to fostering innovation and collaboration within the generative AI space. By bringing together industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and investors, the collective aims to accelerate the development and adoption of AI technologies that transform industries and improve human experiences. -
Special Season: Inside Summit 2024 Fireside Chat with KJ Sidberry of Google Ventures
21 augustus 2024 · 40 min
Episode Structure Lees meer
Introduction
KJ Sidberry's Background
Career Pivots and Decision-Making Frameworks
Advice for Founders
Insights for Funders
Industry Experience and Market Changes
Conclusion
Key Discussion Points
1. KJ Sidberry's Background
East Coast upbringing between Connecticut and NYC
Exposure to entrepreneurship and education through parents
Early rejection led to a pivot in career direction
2. Career Pivots and Decision-Making Frameworks
Pivot 1: Consulting to VC (Forerunner Ventures)
Three key priorities in decision-making
Pivot 2: Forerunner Ventures to GV
Prioritizing family and career growth
3. Advice for Founders
Importance of pre-existing relationships with investors
Three key traits that catch attention during pitches:
Magnetism
Deep curiosity
Founder-market fit
Tip: Consider using memo format for pitches
4. Insights for Funders
Red flag when evaluating founders: "Lack of paranoia"
How to be a good board member:
Speak less
Offer contextualized perspective
Stay informed between meetings
5. Industry Experience and Market Changes
Evolution of VC landscape since 2017
First deal experience: Alchemy43 (MedSpa company)
Current investment thesis: "Small communities that aren't actually that small"
Changes in the VC market since 2017
Predictions for emerging technologies (focus on AI)
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Special Season: Inside Summit 2024 Recap
13 augustus 2024 · 25 min
In this episode: Lees meer
Dive into the highlights of our intimate gathering of 120 talented friends from the DTC space
Get a taste of the dynamic perspectives and human connections that made Inside Summit unique
Preview the upcoming episodes featuring panel conversations with leaders in:
• Generative AI
• Consumer social platforms
• DTC
• And more!
We're thrilled to share how our pandemic side hustle has blossomed into a vibrant in-person community of impressive leaders. Join us as we recap the most powerful takeaways and key learnings from this extraordinary event.
Don't miss the rest of this 5-part series, releasing weekly, to experience the full impact of Inside Summit!
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S10E8: Pioneering Soda, Gut Health, and Lifestyle with Ben Goodwin, Co-Founder of OLIPOP
14 mei 2024 · 52 min
Welcome to the finale of Season 10 of The Room Podcast! In this episode, we're thrilled to sit down with Ben Goodwin, Co-Founder of OLIPOP, a pioneering beverage company at the intersection of taste and gut health. Ben takes us on a journey through his upbringing and how it shaped his worldview, his pivotal realization about lifestyle changes, and the catalysts that drove him to become a founder. Lees meer
Join us as we delve into the core product of OLIPOP and its unique approach to promoting gut health through delicious, low-sugar beverages. Plus, we explore the health components of OLIPOP's offerings, shedding light on the company's commitment to providing nutritious alternatives to traditional sodas rather than other more risky weight loss tactics.
Some key topics in the episode are; cultivating a community through strong branding and DTC marketing, gut health and beverage innovation of today, and observing consumer trends and demands while maintaining sustainable practices.
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Check out our guide to podcasting here!
5:03 - Where did Ben grow up and how did that shape his view of the world?
6:44 - What made Ben realize that he needed to change his lifestyle?
9:34 - Did Ben’s drive to make an impact lead him to become a founder?
12:37 - What lessons did Ben take from his early founding journeys?
18:56 - What is the core product of Olipop?
21:41 - What are the health components of Olipop?
26:41 - When did Olipop realize they had a skill for DTC marketing?
30:39 - Who was the first person to say yes to investing in Olipop?
32:53 - What advice does Ben have for founders looking to take on Venture Capital?
36:53 - What was a time in Ben’s career when things didn’t go as planned?
41:06 - How did Olipop think about creating a community through its marketing?
44:19 - How do Ben and Olipop feel about “get healthy quick” alternatives?
47:17 - What is Ben’s favorite Olipop flavor?
47:49 - What’s next for … -
S10E7: Enabling Scheduling Mastery for Every Professional with Matt Martin, Co-Founder of Clockwise
7 mei 2024 · 45 min
Welcome back to The Room Podcast! This week, we're excited to sit with and interview Matt Martin, Co-founder of Clockwise, a revolutionary productivity platform. Matt shares his career journey, detailing his evolution from tech enthusiast to the founding team of Clockwise, why he founded Clockwise, and his passion for properly utilized software. Lees meer
Matt elaborates on Clockwise's success in providing efficient scheduling solutions, leveraging advanced technology with intuitive design. In our conversation, we explore Clockwise’s approach, using AI to transform time management for professionals and reshaping the way individuals approach their schedules.
Throughout the episode, we explore key topics such as the evolution of Clockwise's go-to-market strategy versus adoption strategy, the seamless integration of AI technology with human workflows, and the recent importance and societal demand for inclusive solutions in the realm of professional productivity.
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Check out our guide to podcasting here!
5:03 - Where did Matt grow up and how did that shape his view of the world?
6:13 - Did Matt always think he was going to become a founder?
7:22 - How was Matt’s experience at Dartmouth and how did it shape his early career?
10:55 - What was Maatt’s first entrepreneurial endeavor and how did it go?
14:08 - What was the “aha moment” that encouraged Matt to start a business?
16:54 - What was the initial product of Clockwise?
20:40 - How did Clockwise reach Hallmark Brands such as Netflix, Uber, and Twitter?
23:38 - What was the go-to-market strategy of Clockwise and how did they proceed to drive adoption?
28:11 - Who was the first person to say yes to investing in Clockwise?
29:11 - When was a time in founding Clockwise when things didn’t go as planned?
34:37 - Why is now the time for AI calendar innovation?
39:09 - How have people begun using calendars differently and how has that shaped Clockwise’s pro… -
S10E6: Democratizing Life Management for Every Consumer with Meghan Joyce, CEO and Founder of Duckbill
30 april 2024 · 53 min
We are back with another installment of The Room Podcast! This week, we are joined by Meghan Joyce, the visionary CEO behind Duckbill, a revolutionary, AI-powered life management service. Listen in as Meghan shares her journey from pivotal roles at Uber and Oscar Health to founding Duckbill, where she's pioneering accessible solutions for the modern adult. Lees meer
We delve into Meghan's mission of democratizing access to assistance, exploring how Duckbill combines cutting-edge technology and human expertise to tackle life's endless time-consuming, and energy-draining tasks. Hear how Meghan's passion for addressing societal needs led her to redefine the concept of life management, making it more affordable and accessible for all.
In this episode, we explore insights and themes such as the balance of B2C versus B2B go-to-market, building cutting-edge AI platforms alongside human-driven services, and the societal shift towards inclusive support systems for working families.
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Check out our guide to podcasting here!
5:23 - Where did Meghan grow up and how did that shape her view of the world?
7:21 - Did Meghan always think that she was going to be a founder?
9:27 - How did Meghan's experience at Harvard play into her career trajectory?
12:39 - Why did Meghan join Uber and how was her experience with the company?
17:58 - How did Meghan go from Uber to Oscar Health?
20:26 - What did Meghan learn about growing a company at scale during her time with Oscar Health?
22:46 - What was the initial “aha moment” that inspired Meghan to star Duckbill?
26:03 - Is there a lesson learned from Harvard that Meghan thinks of often?
28:00 - What role does AI play in Duckbill’s product?
31:08 - Why did Meghan run an extensive beta and what advice would she give about going to market?
36:08 - Who was the first person to say yes to investing in Duckbill?
38:31 - Would Duckbill ever create its own AI product instead of ut… -
S10E5: Starting and Scaling a Venture Firm with Eva Ho, Co-Founder and Managing Director of Fika Ventures
23 april 2024 · 49 min
Welcome to the latest episode of The Room Podcast! Today, we have the privilege of hosting Eva Ho, the co-founder of Fika Ventures, a driving force in the tech startup ecosystem. Eva Ho is no stranger to breaking barriers, and in this episode, she offers candid advice for aspiring entrepreneurs looking to carve their own paths. Join us as Eva takes us through her journey from her early days in the tech industry to her current role as a trailblazing venture capitalist. Lees meer
In this episode, we explore the role of personal history in professional pathways, knowing when to leave and take the leap of faith as a founder, and the evolution of the emerging manager landscape. Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur, an aspiring fund manager, or simply intrigued by the inner workings of venture capital, this episode is packed with wisdom and inspiration from one of the industry's most respected voices. Tune in as Eva Ho shares her vision for the future of technology and entrepreneurship.
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Check out our guide to podcasting here!
5:33 - Where did Eva grow up and how did that shape her view of the world?
7:31 - Did Eva always think she was meant to be a founder?
9:17 - How has the culture around entrepreneurship changed over time at Harvard?
14:48 - What brought Eva to the tech industry?
17:50 - Why has Eva become an angel investor?
20:51 - How did Eva get involved with Susa?
22:18 - When did Eva realize it was time to leave Susa?
25:41 - What is the mission behind Fika?
27:26 - Who was the first team to say yes to investing in Fika?
29:35 - How does Fika decide what industries it invests in?
32:57 - When does Eva know it’s time to say yes to investing in something?
36:58 - What does Eva look for in a founder who encourages her to support them?
41:48 - Why is Eva passionate about All Raise and how has it shaped her career?
44:37 - What are some recent projects that Eva is excited about?
46:17 - Who is a w… -
S10E4: Art Basel Miami Rewind: An Interview with Daniel Betts, CEO of Blue Frontier, and Tosh Ernest, Head of SVB Catalyst 2045 [LIVE]
16 april 2024 · 51 min
This week, we are excited to return with another LIVE rendition of The Room Podcast! Last December Madison and Claudia traveled down to Miami for Art Basel to sit down live with some incredible guests. We are joined by Daniel Betts, founder of Blue Frontier Labs, and Tosh Ernest, Head of SVB Catalyst 2045, a new program started by SVB to further support under-represented founders across every industry. Lees meer
In this episode, we delve into Daniel's early career in the energy sector, where he recognized the pressing need for efficient air conditioning solutions. From merging fuel cell technology to founding Blue Frontier Labs, explore the intersection of digital and physical solutions in the cleantech space as Daniel shares his vision for a sustainable future and the transformative impact of investing in cleantech companies.
Plus, Tosh discusses the importance of founders forging strong banking relationships, such as SVB’s partnership with Daniel, to support startups through various stages of growth. Discover how SVB Catalyst 2045 empowers underrepresented founders and drives innovation in emerging segments, reshaping the entrepreneurship landscape.
This week's episode covers topics such as Blue Frontier’s innovative approach to air conditioning, the value of strong banking relationships, and the importance of diversity and inclusion in entrepreneurship.
For The Room Podcast in your inbox every week, subscribe to our newsletter.
Check out our guide to podcasting here!
8:16 - Where did Daniel grow up and how did that shape his view of the world?
9:26 - Did Daniel always think she was going to become a founder?
10:42 - Why did Daniel turn his attention to the energy problem space?
12:13 - How did Daniel’s prior work experience lead him to founding Blue Frontier?
15:17 - What was the initial product that Daniel and Blue Frontier launched?
17:46 - Who was the first person to say yes to investing in Blue Frontier?
19:13 - How is SVB uniquely positioned to best service fou… -
S10E3: Revolutionizing Wellness and Community with Julie Rice of SoulCycle and Peoplehood
9 april 2024 · 51 min
We’re back with another installment of The Room Podcast! In this episode, we're honored to host Julie Rice, the co-founder of SoulCycle and Peoplehood. Join us as Julie shares her journey from revolutionizing the fitness industry with SoulCycle to her latest venture, focused on strengthening human connections. Lees meer
We discuss the genesis of SoulCycle, exploring how it became a cultural phenomenon by fostering community and motivation beyond traditional fitness. Julie also sheds light on Peoplehood, a practice aimed at enhancing relationships through guided group conversations. Julie re-defined a category with SoulCycle and now she's doing it again with making self-workouts a habit in building stronger relationships with Peoplehood.
Key topics include finding your own entrepreneurial path, the importance of transparency and investing in people, and Julie's thoughts for founders thinking about acquisition or strategic partnership. Whether you're into fitness, entrepreneurship, or building connections, this episode offers valuable insights from a true trailblazer.
We're also excited to offer a special Peoplehood promo code for The Room Podcast listeners. Simply use the code "Peoplehood1" for one free Gather!
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Check out our guide to podcasting here!
5:32 - Where did Julie grow up and how did that shape her view of the world?
7:06 - Did Julie always think she was going to become a founder?
8:12 - What was the entertainment industry like when Julie was a part of it?
10:31 - What was the “aha moment” that led to the founding of Soul Cycle?
13:52 - How did Julie and Elizebeth come up with the product of Soul Cycle?
18:15 - When did Julie think that Soul Cycle had reached product market fit?
20:49 - How was word-of-mouth marketing impactful to the growth of Soul Cycle?
22:41 - What does it mean to get acquired or to sell or to chart an exit strategy and, what advice does Julie have for founders look… -
S10E2: The Next Wave in Digital Payments with Larry Diamond and ZIP
2 april 2024 · 44 min
Welcome back to The Room Podcast! In today's episode, we're thrilled to have Larry Diamond, co-founder of ZIP, joining us for an insightful conversation. Larry and his co-founder, Peter Gray, identified a critical gap in the market, leading to the birth of ZIP. This episode delves into the evolution of digital payments, exploring ZIP's role in providing seamless financial solutions for businesses of all sizes. Lees meer
In this episode, we discuss the transformative impact of ZIP on the fintech ecosystem, the importance of innovation in the digital finance space, and Larry's advice for budding entrepreneurs navigating the enterprise SaaS sector.
Tune in for an up-to-date discussion on the future of finance, transparent M&A strategies, and the vital role of user-friendly, secure financial solutions. Whether you're a fintech enthusiast or a budding entrepreneur, this episode is jam-packed with wisdom and inspiration.
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4:42 - Where did Larry grow up and how did that shape his view of the world?
6:27 - Did Larry always think he would become a founder?
7:45 - What key lessons did Larry learn early on in his career?
10:51 - When did Larry meet his business partner, Peter?
12:20 - Why did Larry and Peter start Zip?
13:35 - What was the initial product and go-to-market strategy of Zip?
16:27 - When did Larry realize they were having a successful product-market fit?
18:28 - Who was the first person to invest in Zip?
20:45 - What insights does Larry have from his experience of a unique capitalization structure?
23:35 - When was a time when things did not go as planned?
25:43 - What was Zip’s Go-To-Market strategy for their core customers?
27:42 - How does Zip consider banks stakeholders and partners in their ecosystem?
30:05 - How was Zip’s expansion into the US market?
31:32 - What advice would Larry give founders looking to break into the US market?
33:38 - How is … -
S10E1: Using Transparency and Innovation to Transform Wellness with Katerina Schneider and Ritual
26 maart 2024 · 43 min
Welcome back to another new season of The Room Podcast! Season 10 kicks off with an exploration into the world of health and wellness entrepreneurship featuring Katerina Schneider, the innovative founder and CEO of Ritual. Join us as we uncover the story behind Ritual, a company that revolutionized the supplement industry. Dive into Katerina's journey, her insights on transparency, and how Ritual's approach is reshaping the way we view vitamins. It's an episode filled with inspiration and a closer look at the visionary mind behind this wellness sensation. Lees meer
Key topics in this episode include; challenging traditional norms in an industry, the importance of transparency in wellness products, and products reflecting a commitment to consumers.
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5:03 - Where did Kat grow up and how did that shape her view of the world?
6:02 - Did Kat always think she was going to be a founder?
7:00 - How was Kat’s early career as an investment banker?
8:58 - How did Kat become the global lead of digital innovation at Universal Music Group?
11:04 - How did Kat’s career experience prepare her for being a founder?
13:14 - When did it occur to Kat that there was a gap in the market that she needed to solve?
15:45 - How did Kat think about other gaps in the healthcare ecosystem and did she feel uniquely positioned to solve them?
20:08 - What was Ritual’s first product/vitamin and how did the idea come around?
22:19 - What did Kat learn as an early mover in the direct-to-consumer healthcare space?
24:41 - Who was the first person to say yes to investing in Ritual?
26:14 - How was Kat’s experience of raising a family while starting a company?
27:54 - What was a moment in Ritual’s development where things didn’t go as planned?
30:26 - How has Kat’s experience been going omnichannel and bringing Ritual to retail?
33:10 - What is Ritual’s tech stack?
36:10 - What advice does Kat ha… -
Welcome to The Room!
17 februari 2024 · 4 min
Welcome to The Room Podcast! A series interviewing your favorite tech founders and funders. Lees meer
Our guests were in the room where it happened and they're sharing their stories.
The Room is hosted by Claudia Laurie and Madison McIlwain, two digital natives based in SF, who are challenging the status quo just like our guests.
WX Productions
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S9E8: Cristina Junqueira is Revolutionizing Digital Banking Services with Nubank
31 oktober 2023 · 42 min
Welcome back to Season 9 of The Room Podcast. In our final episode of the season, we sit with Cristina Junqueira. Cristina co-founded Nubank, a Brazilian fintech that revolutionized the industry with its user-friendly digital banking services. Nubank's transparent fee structures and mobile app have disrupted traditional banking, setting a new industry standard. Their innovative approach has made a significant impact, especially in Latin America, where Nubank has gained wide popularity. When NuBank went public in December of 2021 it was valued at 45 billion at IPO. Lees meer
In this episode, we discuss key themes for today's business world, including product diversification, innovation as a practical strategy, customer-centricity, problem-solving, and the importance of resilience in a dynamic environment.
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4:38 - Where did Cristina grow up and how did this shape her view of the world?
7:22 - When Cristina was younger did she always want to become a founder?
8:40 - Why did Cristina get an MBA and come to the U.S.?
10:27 - What were some learnings from Cristina’s early career?
13:41 - What was the “aha moment” that inspired Cristina and David to start Nubank?
16:19 - What was the initial product of Nubank?
18:48 - Why does Cristina think word of mouth was so important to the success of Nubank?
20:52 - What advice does Cristina have for any new founders in the fintech world?
22:23 - Who was the first person to say yes to investing in Nubank?
24:05 - How was the experience of starting a daily while also starting a business?
26:52 - Are there any memorable moments from the IPO of Nubank?
28:49 - What was a moment in Nubank's life cycle where things didn't go as planned?
31:40 - What should customers be excited about for the future of Nubank?
33:46 - What trends has Cristina seen over the past year as the global economy is shifting and how has that impacted what pr… -
S9E7: Christelle Rohaut is Matching Employers with Modern Office Spaces using Codi
24 oktober 2023 · 38 min
Welcome back to another episode of The Room Podcast! This week’s guest is Christelle Rohaut, the CEO and co-founder of Codi. Christelle and Codi are leading the way to happier urban living through innovative approaches encompassing remote work, sustainability, and intelligent urban design. That’s why Codi’s mission is to offer more flexible and secure office spaces, providing a convenient alternative to traditional office setups. Companies of all sizes use Codi to attract and retain talent, reduce commuting hassles, and adapt to evolving needs, contributing to a broader workplace revolution. Lees meer
In this episode, we expand on ideas such as personal transformation through parenthood as a catalyst for achieving business success, transforming underutilized neighborhood spaces into flexible hubs for businesses to share and revitalize local economies, and emphasizing in-person interactions, and streamlining operations to maximize supply and demand matching.
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4:29 - Where did Christelle grow up and how did that shape her view of the world?
5:00 - Did Christelle always think she would become a founder?
5:39 - Where does Christelle get her interest in cities?
6:39 - What is a key difference between cities in France and cities in the States?
7:51 - How has Christelle’s previous work impacted her journey as a founder?
10:26 - What was the earliest inception of what Codi could and should be?
12:16 - What was the “aha moment” that sparked the start of Codi?
13:38 - How has Codi’s core product evolved over time?
14:10 - What was Codi’s original cord product?
15:39 - How did Codi’s roadmap change over time?
17:50 - What does Christelle think about the current commercial real estate climate?
19:18 - How does Christelle adapt to changes in the commercial real estate market?
21:34 - How are startups plugging into the current commercial real estate landscape?
34:28 - How… -
S9E6: Optimizing Security and Compliance Using Vanta’s Trust Management for SaaS Businesses with Vanta CEO Christina Cacioppo
17 oktober 2023 · 38 min
We continue this season of The Room Podcast with another incredible guest, Christina Cacioppo, co-founder and CEO of Vanta. Vanta is an automated security monitoring platform that helps companies get SOC 2, HIPAA, or ISO certified quickly and easily. We and Christina share experiences working for Dropbox as she details what she learned from her time there and how that impacted her decision to start Vanta. Lees meer
In this episode, we learn more about topics such as transitioning from product manager to founder and the path of finding a problem to solve, product and marketing differentiation in the competitive landscape of enterprise SaaS and, building out an early enterprise Go-To-Market team in motion.
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Check out our guide to podcasting here!
4:10 - Where did Christina grow up and how did that shape her view of the world?
4:49 - Did Christina always think she was going to become a founder?
6:16 - How did Christina’s first jobs in venture impact her?
8:14 - What was the “aha moment” when Christina knew she wanted to start her first company?
10:30 - How was Christina’s experience at Dropbox?
13:14 - What was the “aha moment” when Christina knew she wanted to start Vanta?
14:17 - What is the core product of Vanta?
16:41 - What key problem is Vanta working to solve?
18:17 - How should a company think about the right time to get compliant?
19:59 - Who was the first person to say yes to investing in Vanta?
21:06 - What advice would Christina give founders thinking about getting started in the security space today?
22:42 What was a moment in Vanta's life cycle where things did not go as planned?
24:38 - How do Christina and Vanta consider differentiating themselves in the market?
28:29 - How did Christina think about building and scaling her company from a Go-To-Market perspective?
31:18 - How is Vanta thinking about AI?
32:18 - How can we build an ecosystem that works to achieve parity with SAS compan… -
S9E5: Powering the Future of Blockchain with Kathleen Breitman of Tezos
3 oktober 2023 · 42 min
We are back again with another episode of the The Room Podcast! We take a deep dive into blockchain technology with Kathleen Breitman, the co-founder of Tezos. Kathleen sets the stage for a fascinating discussion about Tezos' contributions to the blockchain space. We talk about Tezos’ self-amending nature and community-driven governance, how companies are tokenizing real assets on Tezos, and how these features drove Tezos to become a pioneering force in the blockchain industry. Lees meer
In this episode, we cover themes such as security in the early blockchain landscape, approaches to funding startups in the crypto space, self-governance in Web3, and the current regulatory environment.
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4:00 - Where did Kathleen grow up and how did that shape her view of the world?
4:50 - Did Kathleen always think she was going to become a founder?
6:46 - How did going to an all-girls school impact Kathleen?
8:29 - How did Kathleen end up working in the blockchain industry and what was the landscape like when she started?
12:14 - What was the “aha moment” that sparked the start of Tezos?
14:39 - What pushed Kathleen to make Tezos one of the first blockchains to leverage a proof of stake mechanism to provide high security and low energy usage compared to the popular proof of work chains?
16:30 - How was Kathleen’s fundraising journey for Tezos?
19:42 - What was a moment when starting Tezos when things didn’t go as planned?
26:25 - What is Kathleen looking forward to in the back half of 2023?
29:43 - What are Kathleen’s thoughts regarding some of the reputational damage that has been done by bad actors in the blockchain ecosystem?
32:38 - What are some current projects that Kathleen is looking forward to?
35:27 - How is Kathleen thinking about the relationship between self-governance and the current regulatory environment?
37:25 - How has Kathleen’s work in the blockchain ecos… -
S9E4: Guillermo Rauch, Co-Author of Next.js, is Revolutionizing Web Development with Vercel
26 september 2023 · 50 min
Hey, The Room Podcast Family! Lees meer
In this exciting episode of the series, we dive headfirst into the open-source world of tech entrepreneurship with Guillermo Rauch, the visionary founder behind Vercel and Next.js. Guillermo takes us on his incredible journey, from growing up in Argentina to moving to Switzerland to becoming a driving force in shaping the future of web development. He shares the pivotal moments that led to the creation of Vercel, the platform that's revolutionizing front-end development on top of the react framework.
Join us as we explore the tech landscape and gain insights into Guillermo’s journey from MooTools to Next.js to Vercel, many pieces of advice for founders in the open-source landscape about timing and fundraising, the future of open-source development alongside AI, and much more!
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4:29 - Where did Guillermo grow up and how did that shape his view of the world?
6:00 - Did Guillermo always think he was going to become a founder?
7:12 - What inspired the creation of MooTools?
9:13 - What was it like moving across the world to Switzerland and then to San Francisco after, especially during this “post .com boom”?
11:23 - What advice does Guillermo have for founders considering acquisition opportunities?
15:46 - How did Socket and Mongoose change the development landscape and what did Guillermo learn through co-authoring and contributing to those projects?
18:58 - What was Guillermo’s experience co-authoring Next.js?
22:26 - What was the “aha moment” that led to creating Vercel and the early Go-To-Market strategy with it?
27:56 - How was Guillermo’s transition from Next.js to Vercel and how do the two differ?
31:33 - How did Guillermo unlock his first enterprise customers and what advice does he have for founders who are also looking to make that leap?
35:05 - Who was the first person to say yes to investing in Vercel?
36:52 - W… -
S9E3: Julianna Lamb and Reed McGinley-Stempel are Unlocking Secure Authentication for Businesses of all Sizes with Stytch
19 september 2023 · 48 min
We are back again this week with another episode of The Room Podcast! This week we are joined by Julianna and Reed, the co-founders of Stych. TTopics in this episode include; the need for transparency and enabling conversations for potential M&A deals in the startup environment, the need for a more user-friendly and secure authentication method, and advice for other up-and-coming founders in the enterprise SaaS space. Lees meer
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Check out our guide to podcasting here!
5:00 - Where did Julianna and Reed grow up and how did that shape their view of the world?
7:27 - Did Juliana ever think that becoming a founder would be something she pursued?
9:47 - How did Reed relate to being a founder when growing up and what was his path from undergrad to becoming a founder?
12:32 - How did Julianna and Reed meet at Plaid?
17:38 - What was the “aha moment” that sparked the start of Stych?
22:05 - Who are the core buyers of Stych and what is the Go-To-Market strategy for Stych?
24:39 - What advice would Julianna and Reed give to new founders in the enterprise SaaS space?
27:39 - What advice do Julianna and Reed have for deciding if someone is a good partner?
32:10 - Who was the first person who said yes to investing in Stytch?
33:27 - What was a moment when things did not go as planned?
35:25 - What are some learnings from being the buyer persona for another startup that is looking to sell to another startup?
38:17 - What was/is the most successful growth channel? And how have Julianna and Reed thought about outbound versus
inbound marketing as a result?
40:25 - What's kind of next for Julianna and Reed personally?
42:44 - Who is a woman in your life that has had a profound impact on you and your career?WX Productions
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S9E2: Devo Harris, Founder of Adventr, Is Producing Success From G.O.O.D. Music to Building AI Brands
12 september 2023 · 46 min
Season 9 continues with another multi-dimensional guest. DeVon “Devo” Harris went from producing platinum records with G.O.O.D. Music to founding Adventr, an interactive AI-powered marketing tool that makes content more interactive to reach and connect with audiences more easily. “Adventr makes it easy to create smart, interactive video content that allows engaged viewers to connect with your message on demand.” Lees meer
In this episode we discuss; when to use the art of “fake it till you make it,” how to challenge other people’s perceptions, how to apply lessons from one industry to another, and the future of interactive content.
For The Room Podcast in your inbox every week, subscribe to our newsletter.
Check out our guide to podcasting here!
5:00 - Where did Devo grow up and how did that shape his view of the world?
6:27 - Did Devo always think he would become a founder?
7:10 - How did Devo find his passion for writing and producing music?
8:00 - What was Devo’s first job after college?
11:18 - How did Devo come up with the idea to start G.O.O.D. Music?
13:54 - What were some of the early highlights of G.O.O.D. Music?
17:27 - What lessons did Devo take from the music industry that he applies to being a founder?
21:30 - Was there ever a sense of satisfaction when receiving rewards for music?
23:12 - How did Devo feel when he joined Vimeo?
27:36 - What was the “aha moment” that sparked the creation of Adventr?
32:11 - Who are the buyers of Adventr and how did that impact the go-to-market strategy?
33:50 - Who was the first person to say yes to investing in Adventr?
35:44 - What was a moment when things didn’t go as planned?
37:08 - What’s next for Adventr?
41:14 - What work has Devo done with the Lehman program?
43:06 - Who is a woman in Devo’s life that has had a profound impact on him and his career?WX Productions
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S9E1: Iman Abuzeid and Incredible Health are Revolutionizing Healthcare via their Nurse Hiring Platform
6 september 2023 · 44 min
Welcome back to another season of The Room! We are kicking off Season 9 by diving into healthcare innovation and entrepreneurship with Iman Abuzeid, the visionary Co-founder & CEO of Incredible Health. Incredible Health partners with hospitals to hire nurses more effectively by flipping the recruiting standard on its head and having hospitals search for nurses instead of the other way around. Incredible Health is known for its software that sources experienced candidates, so recruiters have more time to interview and close candidates. Lees meer
In this episode topics include; what helped Incredible Health stand out in the healthcare labor marketplace, when to bring investors into your process, what impacts the pandemic is having on recruiting, and the future of the healthcare labor market.
For The Room Podcast in your inbox every week, subscribe to our newsletter.
Check out our guide to podcasting here!
4:52 - Where did Iman grow up and how did that shape her view of the world?
5:23 - Did Iman always think she would become a founder?
6:48 - How was Iman’s experience in college learning about healthcare?
8:51 - How did Iman’s experience in consulting assist her in healthcare?
10:46 - What lessons did Iman learn early on as a founder?
13:26 - How did Iman’s previous founding experiences impact what became Incredible Health?
14:18 - What was the early vision of Incredible Health?
16:16 - Why is it so important to have hospitals search for nurses instead of the other way around?
18:20 - What are some of the supply restraints in this market?
19:48 - Who was the first person to say yes to investing in Incredible Health?
22:22 - What value did investors and investment capital add to the journey?
24:11 - What are examples of a time when things didn’t go as planned?
26:32 - How did Iman approach selling to hospitals, a notoriously challenging clientele?
28:44 - What were some of the first hospitals to sign on and why did they?
30:21 - How does Increible Health balance keeping bot… -
The Room Podcast x Bessemer Venture Partners' Wish I Knew: Sarah Friar: Career lessons on community, conviction, and capital from Nextdoor’s CEO
17 juli 2023 · 39 min
While we are waiting for season 9, we are thrilled to share a podcast that we know you would love from our friends at Bessemer Venture Partners. Check out their podcast Wish I Knew's conversation with Nextdoor CEO Sarah Friar. Lees meer
Wish I Knew is about the revelatory, life-changing aha moments that founders, CEOs and leaders discover along their business journeys and why taking risks leads to growth. Presented by Bessemer Venture Partners.
From consultant to investor to CFO to CEO, Sarah Friar has a business acumen rivaled by few others. Today, Sarah Friar is at the helm of NextDoor, the social network that services over 300,000 neighborhoods globally. On Wish I Knew, she shared why you should pay attention to what you both love and hate about your job, why strong conviction in a market thesis can buoy you through hard times, and why it’s never a bad time to raise money. She shares how she navigated her career and trusted her intuition to make smart decisions along the way. Listen to all the Wish I Knew episodes at bvp.com/wish-i-knew and subscribe to them wherever you get your podcasts!
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S8E8: Ty Haney and Breana Teubner, CEO and COO of TYB, Share about the Future of Commerce by Leveraging Community as a Growth Chanel
23 mei 2023 · 52 min
In our season 8 finale, we explore the world of TYB, or Try Your Best, a community management platform that directly engages and rewards fans for taking action, founded by CEO Ty Haney, former founder and CEO of Outdoor Voices. Discover how TYB revolutionizes customer engagement, loyalty, and retention through its innovative platform. Explore their groundbreaking approach of using digital membership collectibles to create a sense of ownership and reward customers for their daily actions. Additionally, learn about Ty Haney’s path from being a brand founder with Outdoor Voices to launching TYB to further her mission of connecting brands and fans. Through TYB, Ty and Breana are seamlessly connecting engagement activity to purchase data, empowering businesses with valuable insights for small-scale and enterprise brands alike. Lees meer
In today's episode, we explore themes such as leveraging communities as growth channels, acquiring long-term customers in e-commerce given the current shifts in data regulation, and scaling effectively with an early-stage board.
For The Room Podcast in your inbox every week, subscribe to our newsletter.
Check out our guide to podcasting here!
5:42 - Where did Ty and Breana grow up and how did that shape their views of the world?
8:24 - Did Ty always think she would become a founder?
11:52 - How was Breana’s transition from Capitol Hill to founding and building a company?
13:43 - What was the “aha moment” that was the origin of Outdoor Voices?
16:42 - How did Banana Republic respond to other up-and-coming D to C brands?
19:32 - How did Outdoor Voices think about building community?
21:54 - What was the initial concept for Try Your Best?
24:06 - Who was the first person to say yes to investing in TYB?
24:45 - What was a moment in founding TYB when things didn’t go to plan?
29:03 - What is TYB’s core product?
33:45 - How does TYB work with skincare and fashion brands such as Topicals?
38:10 - What do Ty and Breana think of the up-and-coming e-com… -
S8E7: Yin Wu's Journey of Empowering Startups with Pulley's Equity Management Solutions [LIVE]
16 mei 2023 · 49 min
This week, we brought our conversation inside the room to a LIVE audience! Join us in this enlightening episode as we sit down with Yin Wu, the founder of Pulley, a groundbreaking company revolutionizing equity management for startups. Pulley provides innovative equity solutions that empower founders and streamline the complex processes of equity administration, cap table management, and employee equity grants. Lees meer
In today's riveting episode, we delve into the realm of cap table management, emphasizing the importance of adopting a long-term perspective. We also provide insightful guidance on building your inaugural sales team, challenge the notion of working smarter, not harder, and explore an additional theme of fostering a culture of innovation within your organization.
For The Room Podcast in your inbox every week, subscribe to our newsletter.
Check out our guide to podcasting here!
6:37 - Where did Yin grow up and how did that shape her view of the world?
7:12 - What was the inception of Yin moving out to California?
7:34 - When did Yin start having an interest in becoming a founder?
9:39 - What were some of the learnings from previous companies; Oven Labs and Echo Locker?
11:52 - What company did Yin apply to YC with?
12:54 - What advice would Yin give to founders about when is the right time to pivot?
14:07 - What was the “aha moment” that sparked the start of Pulley?
16:19 - Why cap tables?
17:23 - What is one common mistake that founders often make when dealing with cap tables putting together equity?
19:32 - How does Pulley help founders?
21:36 - Who was the first person to say yes to investing in Pulley?
22:36 - How was Yin’s experience fundraising during Covid?
23:40 - What advice does Yin have for founders beginning their fundraising journey?
25:32 - What was a moment when building Pulley that things didn’t go as planned?
26:49 - What tips does Yin have for making difficult decisions?
28:50 - What is Yin’s Go-To-Market strategy?
30:21 - How has Pulley … -
S8E6: How Rahul Vohra's Superhuman Revolution is Transforming Email for Professionals
9 mei 2023 · 47 min
Join us for an engaging conversation with Rahul Vohra, CEO and founder of Superhuman, the fast, efficient email client that has become a favorite among professionals. With its focus on productivity, Superhuman has revolutionized the way people manage their email, and has achieved a loyal following of users who enjoy its advanced features, such as keyboard shortcuts and the ability to snooze emails for later. Lees meer
In this episode, we explore the benefits of manual onboarding and how it has helped Superhuman build a loyal user base, Rahul shares insights on how to properly take advantage of the investment "game" and, how to navigate the current state of the seed stage for both founders and investors.
Articles referenced in the Episode:
Founders How to Stop Worrying and Love Being Acquired
How Superhuman Built an Engine to Find Product Market Fit
SuperHuman AI Announcement
For The Room Podcast in your inbox every week, subscribe to our newsletter.
Check out our guide to podcasting here!
6:20 - Where did Rahul grow up and how did he become introduced to computer science?
8:00 - Did Rahul always think he would become a founder?
8:40 - How did working as a game designer shape Rahul’s approach to building digital products?
9:56 - How many companies has Rahul founded and how were those experiences?
12:39 - How was Rahul’s experience founding Reportive?
16:30 - How are companies looking at productivity tools now versus 12 years ago?
17:48 - What was the “aha moment” that sparked the start of Superhuman?
19:38 - What inspired Rahul to include onboarding with Superhuman’s product?
21:48 - When did Rahul realize that Superhuman had a substantial product market fit?
25:04 - Who was the first person to say yes to investing in Superhuman?
26:47 - What advice does Rahul have for seed stage and Series A stage founders?
28:39 - What was a moment when things didn’t go as planned during Rahul’s founding journey?
29:45 - How did Rahul react when his acquisition by LinkedIn nearly fe… -
S8E5: How Postscript and Adam Turner Help E-Commerce Businesses Build Stronger Customer Relationships
2 mei 2023 · 47 min
In this episode, we sit down with Adam Turner, the CEO of Postscript, to discuss how his company is transforming the world of e-commerce. From boosting conversion rates to maximizing ROI, Postscript is the ultimate SMS marketing tool that's helping businesses achieve their goals. But don't just take our word for it - Postscript has raised over 106M to date from the likes of YC, Accomplice, Greylock, and more. Join us as Adam shares his experience starting a company with his brother and his insights on the ups and downs of direct-to-consumer marketing. Lees meer
Themes in this episode include the importance of building strong customer relationships and engaging with customers through personalized messaging, how Postscript is helping businesses maximize their ROI and drive revenue growth, and the future of the direct-to-consumer e-commerce space.
For The Room Podcast in your inbox every week, subscribe to our newsletter.
Check out our guide to podcasting here!
4:31 - Where did Adam grow up and how did that shape his view of the world?
6:02 - Did Adam always think he would become a founder?
7:26 - How did Adam become interested in the commerce enablement space?
11:20 - What did Adam learn from Stack Commerce that he carried with him to Postscript?
15:12 - Why in the late 2010s did SMS start to overtake email as a comms channel?
17:54 - What was the “duct tape version” of the first product for Postscript?
19:27 - How does Adam like running a business with his brother?
21:42 - Who was the first person to say yes to investing in Postscript?
23:05 - What was a moment in starting Postscript when things didn’t go as planned?
26:01 - How was Postrscript able to earn a million in revenue prior to using any YC money?
29:39 - How has Adam navigated competition and differentiation as his industry becomes more prevalent?
32:19 - Has Adam observed any changes in DDC companies marketing spending habits?
33:40 - Is Postscript considering incorporating AI into its product?
36:50 - What rol… -
BONUS: Exploring Coda's Innovative Approach to a Workflow Document with Founder Shishir Mehrotra [From the Archives]
25 april 2023 · 49 min
This week we are taking it back to one of our favorite episodes where we interview Shishir Mehrotra, founder and CEO of Coda. Coda is a venture-backed workflow tool valued at over $600 million dollars. With Coda, docs are now as powerful as applications. Although Coda was started in 2014, Coda is more relevant now than ever as a key player in 2020’s “future of work.” Coda continues redefining what it means to stay organized, engaged, and effective even in our remote-first culture. Lees meer
In this episode, we explore Shishir’s path to building one of the world’s most powerful work tools- where the flexibility of a doc is combined with the power of a spreadsheet and application. We’ll explore insights and themes such as prioritizing opportunities that foster personal growth, the benefits of building a company in stealth and, scaling a distributed workforce and culture well. Let’s open the door.
For The Room Podcast in your inbox every week, subscribe to our newsletter.
Check out our guide to podcasting here!
8:27 - Did Shishir always think he would become a founder?
10:39 - Before the Cloud was standard use, Shishir founded Entrata, a data center management tool. What data did Shishir store and how?
14:28 - What was it like fundraising right out of college?
17:32 - How was Shishir’s experience working at Google and Youtube?
23:15 - How did Shishir’s experience inspire his approach to starting Coda?
29:52 - How has the company culture changed as Coda has scaled?
33:52 - How will the return to work affect Coda and other companies?
38:43 - What is Shishir’s unique philosophy to frame big problems?
44:58 - How does Shishir balance work and family, especially during the pandemic?
46:56 - Who is a woman in Shishir’s life that had a profound impact on his career?WX Productions
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S8E4: Vlad Magdalin and Webflow are Revolutionizing Website Design by Making it Accessible to All
18 april 2023 · 46 min
Looking to discover the story behind one of the most successful website-building platforms in the industry? Tune in to this episode of The Room Podcast, where we sit down with Vlad Magdalin, the founder of Webflow, for an in-depth conversation about his journey from designing websites for clients to building a powerful platform that has revolutionized the way we create websites. To date, Webflow has raised over $335M in funding from the likes of Accel, CapitalG, Draper Associates, and YC. Lees meer
Join us as we delve into the early days of Webflow and the challenges Vlad faced in bringing his vision to life. We'll explore how Webflow has evolved over the years and the key features that have made it a favorite among designers and developers alike. Vlad also shares his insights on the future of web design and development, including his thoughts on the rise of AI and no-code tools and the importance of accessibility in creating inclusive online experiences.
In this episode, we discuss the importance of timing while building a startup and how ideas sometimes take years to come together, how Webflow established a multi-layered ecosystem for their customers and developers, and what’s ahead in the future of websites.
For The Room Podcast in your inbox every week, subscribe to our newsletter.
5:33 - How did moving to a new country at a young age shape Vlad’s view of the world?
7:59 - How did Vlad’s childhood shape how he operates as a founder?
10:02 - Why did Vlad love digital design and animation in college?
12:22 - How was Vlad’s first startup experience?
16:12 - What was the “aha moment” that sparked the start of Webflow?
20:48 - What encouraged Vlad to focus on Webflow full-time?
26:33 - Who was the first investor to say yes to Vlad and Webflow?
29:32 - Who are the core customers of Webflow and what was the initial go-to-market strategy?
34:48 - How does Vlad see Webflow's position in power and commerce beyond the storefront?
36:56 - How is Webflow thinking about the future… -
S8E3: Jaclyn Rice Nelson and her Expert Engineers at Tribe AI are Bringing Businesses into the Modern World of AI and Machine Learning
11 april 2023 · 47 min
Join us for another insightful conversation with Jaclyn Rice Nelson, the visionary CEO and founder of Tribe AI. Tribe AI is a firm that provides and connects AI and machine learning-focused engineers to businesses wanting to optimize their operations and make data-driven decisions. Jackie noticed a gap in the market where many specialized AI/ ML engineers were only hired via the occasional ad-hoc consulting gig. However, she knew there were countless companies that desperately needed the help of exactly these experts. She wanted to build a new market for leveraging AI experts. This was the birth of Tribe AI. Lees meer
Themes in this episode navigating the windy path to identifying a gap in the market, alternative ways to start, fund, and scale a startup, and the future of AI in today’s market, including a discussion on defensibility and IP. Let’s open the door.
For The Room Podcast in your inbox every week, subscribe to our newsletter.
5:45 - Where did Jackie grow up and how did that shape her view of the world?
8:07 - Did Jackie ever think she would become a founder?
10:11 - How was Jackie’s experience at Google?
13:45 - What is the origin of Coalition Operators' mission of empowering women investors?
17:47 - How did Jackie meet her cofounder?
21:50 - What was the “aha moment” that sparked the start of Tribe AI?
25:07 - How has the AI landscape been changing and what effect has that had on Tribe AI?
27:59 - How are companies utilizing Tribe AI?
29:16 - What was a moment in founding Tribe AI when things didn’t go as planned?
34:17 - How do Tribe AI and its engineers think about IP and ownership?
37:03 - What are some ideologies that Jackie has heard in regard to privacy in APIs?
40:10 - How is Jackie thinking about the application layer?
43:58 - Who is a woman who has had a profound impact on Jackie and her career?WX Productions
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S8E2: Sampriti Bhattacharyya the CEO and Founder of Navier Is Changing Maritime Transportation through Electrification and Nautical Autonomy
4 april 2023 · 42 min
Join us in this episode as we sit down with Sampriti Bhattacharyya the CEO and Founder of Navier. Sampriti shares her incredible journey of founding Navier, and her passion for sustainable and efficient watercraft technology. Discover how Navier's hydrofoiling boats are revolutionizing the boating industry, with advanced technology that delivers unparalleled speed, efficiency, and comfort. Lees meer
In this episode, Sampriti talks to us about the challenges that she faced in bringing this innovative technology to market, especially as an Indian woman, how Navier is addressing key sustainability concerns in the marine transportation sector, as well what inspired her to start Navier in the first place.
Whether you're a boating enthusiast or just curious about the future of sustainable marine transportation, this is an episode you won't want to miss!
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6:01 - Where did Sampriti grow up and how did that shape her view of the world?
7:02 - Did Sampriti always think she would become a founder?
7:53 - What drove Sampriti to move across the world for school?
11:45 - What did Sampriti study while at school?
13:08 - What inspired Sampriti to work on massive problems like nuclear energy?
15:08 - What was the “aha moment” that led to Hydroswarm?
16:49 - What caused Sampriti’s transition from Hyrdoswarm to Navier?
18:20 - What is the mission and core product of Navier?
21:18 - What are Sampriti’s thoughts on the Navier 30?
24:53 - What was the Go-To-Market strategy for Navier and how has it changed over time?
28:08 - Who was the first person to say yes to Navier?
29:23 - What advice does Sampriti have for new and underrepresented founders?
31:09 - When was a moment during the founding of Navier when things didn’t go as planned?
33:41 - Did Navier develop their software in-house and how was AI thought about in the process?
36:05 - Why is now such an important time to be looking at the geopolitics of the ocean?
3… -
S8E1: Cristóbal Valenzuela Brings Us into the Future of Creative Editing with Runway and their Generative AI-powered Suite
29 maart 2023 · 47 min
Welcome back to The Room Podcast! We start off season 8 by jumping straight into the modern era of audio and video editing with Cristóbal Valenzuela, the CEO and co-founder of Runway. Runway is “everything you need to make anything you want.” Lees meer
Runway makes the future of editing accessible to everyone by providing over 30 AI Tools to make your editing journey quicker and easier, from ideation all the way through post-production.
Themes in this episode include blending art and business to disrupt an industry, the added pressures of starting a successful business as a first-generation immigrant, and the future of generative AI at the hands of large language models such as Runway’s GEN1 model.
For The Room Podcast in your inbox every week, Subscribe to our newsletter!
6:06 - Where did Cris grow up and how did that shape his view of the world?
7:49 - Did Cris always think he would become a founder?
9:11 - What was Cris interested in building?
12:53 - How did Cris meet his cofounders?
15:20 - What was the “aha moment” that sparked the start of Runway?
17:29 - What is the core product of Runway and how is it different than when Runway began?
19:28 - How have early language models played a role in the Runway product suite?
22:08 - How has the Go-To-Market strategy of Runway evolved over time?
24:33 - At what point did Cris reach out to CBS and why?
25:54 - What was a moment during the creation of Runway when things didn’t go as planned?
29:49 - Who was the first person to say yes to Runway?
32:10 - In regards to AI and machine learning, what is the difference between generative and discriminative?
34:02 - What can users look forward to in “Gen-1” of Runway?
38:00 - how does Cris see things evolving between cloud services and edge apps?
39:45 - What advice would Cris give to investors looking in the AI space?
41:37 - How does Runway empower creators of all shapes and sizes?
44:23 - What advice does Cris have for new founders?
45:39 - Who is a woman that has had a profoun… -
S7E8: Edith Harbaugh on Unlocking Feature Flagging and Feature Management at Scale with LaunchDarkly
22 november 2022 · 47 min
In the season seven finale, we chat with Edith Harbaugh, CEO and Co-Founder of LaunchDarkly, the feature management platform which allows development teams to innovate faster by gradually releasing new software features to any segment of users on any platform. Edith speaks to the lessons she learned during her earlier career as a software engineer and product leader. She describes the key learnings she had in selling a product she ardently believed in to buyers who didn’t know yet why they needed her platform. Today, Edith has been named on the Forbes Cloud 100 list, Entrepreneur's 100 Women of influence list, and NASDAQ Female Leaders Council. Lees meer
Themes you expect in this week's episode include; the trade-offs to a development team of building vs buying, the need for feature management across startups and enterprises, and how trust drives your go-to-market strategy with early customers.
For The Room Podcast in your inbox every week, subscribe to our newsletter.
6:04 - Where did Edith grow up and how did that shape her view of the world?
7:19 - Did Edith always think she would become a founder?
8:38 - What did Edith learn when she stayed at her first job through an acquisition?
12:17 - What was the “aha” moment that encouraged Edith to launch LaunchDarkly?
17:59 - How did engineering and product teams manage feature flags before LaunchDarkly?
19:34 - When did Edith know it was time to leave TripIt and focus entirely on LaunchDarkly?
21:02 - How has the LaunchDarkly product evolved since its creation?
23:03 - Who was the first person to say yes to investing in LaunchDarkly?
25:13 - What was a moment in Edith’s journey where things didn’t go as planned?
29:26 - How did Edith earn the trust of the stakeholders she was selling to?
31:25 - Did Edith have to rethink her go-to-market strategy once she realized the trust factor in selling a product like Launch Darkly?
33:36 - What changed behind the scenes once LaunchDarkly hit its stride?
37:22 - How has the competitive l… -
S7E7: Samir Vasavada of Vise on Building a Fintech Unicorn and the Future of Investing
15 november 2022 · 42 min
Welcome back to another episode of The Room Podcast! We are so excited to share another inspiring conversation with the co-founder and CEO of Vise, Samir Vasavada. Lees meer
Vise is an AI powered asset manager that enables financial advisors to build, manage, and explain personalized portfolios for their clients. Vise is on a mission to create financial freedom for all with a platform that allows all investors, regardless of age, net worth, or geography, to access personalized, automated, and intelligent investments across all asset classes.
Samir started vise with his cofounder Runik when they were just 16 years old. After giving advice to finance professionals through expert networks, Samir and Runik decided to bootstrap the company before raising 128M from funds like Sequoia Capital, Founders Fund, and Bling Capital.
In this episode, we sit down with Samir and discuss topics such as advice for young or first-time founders, tips on fundraising & going-to-market, and the mission of Vise and future of tech-enabled investing. Let’s open the door.
For The Room Podcast in your inbox every week, subscribe to our newsletter.
4:45 - Where did Samir grow up and how did that affect his view of the world?
5:27 - How old was Samir when he started founding?
7:06 - How and why did Samir switch from making apps to consulting?
9:47 - What encouraged Samir to found Vise
12:25 - When did Samir know it was time to fully commit to Vise?
14:11 - What advice does Samir have for founders who are in the stage of turning their idea into an actual product?
17:51 - What is the mission behind Vise?
20:33 - Who is the team behind Vise?
23:31 - How did Samir convince investors to get in early on Vise?
26:49 - What advice does Samir have for businesses going through financial struggles?
30:26 - What was the go-to-market strategy for Vise?
32:39 - What roadblocks has Samir run into while growing Vise?
34:33 - What does Samir think of UBS acquiring Wealthfront?
36:57 - How will the market of investin… -
S7E6: Sarah Flint is Disrupting Footwear by Building Modern Luxury for Today’s Woman
8 november 2022 · 33 min
We are so happy to be joined by this week's guest, Sarah Flint. The Founder, CEO, and Designer of Sarah Flint, Inc. Sarah Flint proves that beauty doesn’t have to mean pain by creating comfortable and stylish luxury shoes for women who live any kind of lifestyle. Lees meer
When Sarah noticed a gap in the women’s shoe market, she began designing her own and she used her network to produce them at mass! She realized that it is time to consider the needs of the modern woman and she does this by creating luxury fashion designed by women on the go for women on the go. We chat with Sarah about her decision to go entirely online, to now opening up her own storefronts for the first time.
In this episode, we discuss themes such as breaking into an industry with a non-traditional background, what it takes to disrupt the luxury brand market, and the future of retail 3.0. Let’s open the door.
For The Room Podcast in your inbox every week, subscribe to our newsletter.
4:56 - Why did Sarah study fashion and what was her early career like?
7:43 - What led Sarah to approach Italian factories to produce her products?
8:56 - What type of person wears Sarah Flint shoes?
10:04 - Did Sarah always want to become a founder?
11:44 - What were the early stages of starting Sarah Flint, Inc. like?
13:59 - What brought on the decision to take the store completely online?
16:34 - How did Sarah make her decision on fundraising?
18:09 - What is Sarah Flint’s favorite Sarah Flint shoe?
18:54 - How has Sarah Flint, Inc. grown over the past few years?
20:13 - How does Sarah feel about the future of e-commerce vs. storefronts in regard to luxury fashion?
22:15 - What is Sarah’s strategy when picking locations to market in?
23:12 - What does ‘E-Commerce 3’ look like?
25:32 - Who was the first or most notable celebrity to wear Sarah Flint shoes?
26:25 - What advice does Sarah have for designers hoping to break into retail?
28:01 - What does it mean to be a ‘modern heritage brand?’
30:08 - What is next for S… -
S7E5: Kashish Gupta and Hightouch Leverage “Reverse ETL” When Building Your Modern Data Stack
1 november 2022 · 46 min
Joining us this week is Kashish Gupta, co-founder and CEO of Hightouch. Hightouch is a software for your data stack that syncs any data warehouse to the SaaS tools that your business runs on, making internal usage and sharing easier for everyone. Lees meer
Kashish talks to us about the current state of the modern data stack community and how the industry is constantly pushing forward. He describes how this plays into their sales tactic of “evangelizing” larger corporations by teaching them about “Reverse ETL” and how Hightouch works without pushing the sale.
We cover themes such as starting a company with two of his good friends and the procedures they take when it comes to decision-making, the perfect modern data stack, and how to sell your business when the product is something that no one has heard of yet.
For The Room Podcast in your inbox every week, subscribe to our newsletter.
6:00 - Where did Kashish grow up and how did that shape his view of the world?
8:08 - Did Kashish always want to be a founder?
9:27 - How did Kashish's education impact his professional goals?
13:08 - What is the story behind Mama’s Cooking?
15:01 - What was the “aha” moment that got Kashish thinking about Hightouch?
18:10 - How do businesses take advantage of Hightouch?
19:56 - How is Kashish's relationship with his partners, Tejas Manohar and Josh Curl?
21:28 - How do Kashish's and his partners split up responsibilities and tasks?
22:24 - How do Kashish and his partners handle things when there is a disagreement?
25:03 - What part of the go-to-market is Hightouch going to continue investing in?
27:58 - Who was the first person to say yes to investing in Hightouch?
29:51 - When is the right time for a company to embrace its data warehouse?
32:29 - What is Kashish's stance on the semantic layer?
34:38 - What are some tools in the modern data stack?
35:39 - What tools does Kashish recommend for a company building their modern data stack?
38:15 - What advice would Kashish give to an entreprene… -
S7E4: How Jamie Norwood and Cynthia Plotch of Stix Are Transforming Women’s Health, Starting With How Women Shop for Their Health Essentials
25 oktober 2022 · 41 min
We have another incredible episode in store with Cynthia Plotch and Jamie Norwood, the founders of Stix, the company transforming women's health experiences. Stix was founded to “create a convenient, discreet, and judgment-free way to get the products you need.” Lees meer
Cynthia and Jamie walk us through their negative personal experiences that drove them to create Stix. Plus, they share their ideas to evolve Stix past being just a DTC brand and becoming an entire community of women who can help each other with anything health related. Cynthia and Jamie also explain what led them to go down the VC route for funding this journey.
Themes in this episode include knowing when is the right time to fully commit yourself to your passion project, today’s women’s health climate, and what's next in DTC.
For The Room Podcast in your inbox every week, subscribe to our newsletter.
4:30 - What were the first few years of Jamie’s career like?
5:17 - What brought Jamie to Hungry Harvest and broke her into the world of D2C?
6:18 - How did Cynthia’s early career influence her decision to start Stix?
9:35 - Did Cynthia and Jamie always plan on being founders?
11:26 - When did Cynthia and Jamie know that they were ready to go full-time on Stix?
16:41 - How would Cynthia and Jamie describe Stix?
17:52 - What was the initial mission for Stix when Cynthia and Jamie founded it?
19:29 - How has Stix been connecting to its community and helping solve their problems?
23:30 - What prompted Cynthia and Jamie to raise VC funding?
25:39 - What advice would Cynthia and Jamie give to founders thinking about starting in D2C?
27:25 - What is the process like of getting an affordable product delivered discreetly to those who need it?
29:32 - Why is it so crucial for Stix products to be delivered discreetly?
33:16 - What does the future of D2C look like?
35:27 - What does Amazon acquiring One Medical mean for the future of health care?
37:54 - Who is a woman in Cynthia and Jamie’s lives that has had a prof… -
S7E3: William Santana Li and Knightscope are Using Robots to Drop Crime Rates on a Local and National Level
18 oktober 2022 · 49 min
This week we chat with another phenomenal guest, William Santana Li, the founder and CEO of Knightscope. Knightscope is the developer and manufacturer of autonomous security robots. Lees meer
William explains how and why Knightscope was created and why he believes that the future of national security is autonomous. William details his professional experience in the auto and motor industry and how even that couldn’t prepare him for the unorthodox lifestyle of a founder.
In today’s conversation with William, we chat about his unique founding story after being an entrepreneur and executive for 30 years. Plus, we dive into topics such as different ways to get funded, how robots are fighting crime in the U.S., and the future of robotics and technology in public safety. Let’s open the door.
For The Room Podcast in your inbox every week, subscribe to our newsletter.
4:48 - Did William have an interest in the vehicle and motor space from a young age?
7:51 - How was William’s early experience as a founder starting Knightscope?
9:45 - What did William learn during the fundraising process of Knightscope?
17:04 - Why is William so passionate about preventing crime and protecting the safety of Americans?
22:19 - How was the experience of starting from the ground and creating a legitimate robot?
26:10 - How is William staying focused on the blend of hardware and software with Knightscope?
28:19 - What advice does William have for a founder with a product that is starting locally but wants to go nationwide?
30:27 - When building Knightscope, was there a time when things didn't go as planned?
32:58 - How does William think that robots will change public safety and security?
36:55 - What does a Knightscope robot do to report crime and build safety?
39:31 - Why is it that William is the only male on the board for Knightscope?
45:57 - Who is a woman in William’s life that has had a profound impact on him and his career?WX Productions
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S7E2: Kelsey Mellard is Easing Access to Specialists in Health, Tech, Policy, and Product with Her Company, Sitka
11 oktober 2022 · 42 min
Season 7 continues with another incredible episode as we chat with Kelsey Mellard, co-founder and CEO of Sitka. Sitka is an online network of experts in medicine, technology, policy, and product with the goal of making access to specialists more available for all people. Lees meer
Kelsey talks to us about her initial career in healthcare, both public and private, and what that taught her before she began her journey of founding Sitka. Kelsey also details her experience of raising a baby and a company at the same time and how her investors felt when she broke the news.
The themes of this episode include; problems in the healthcare system and how Sitka is making a difference, the complexities of being a new mom while founding a company, and lessons learned in developing a core product and go-to-market strategies.
For The Room Podcast in your inbox every week, subscribe to our newsletter.
5:04 - How did beginning in the public sector help form Kelsey’s view of the world?
6:35 - What has Kelsey learned about the complexities of the healthcare system?
8:27 - How did Kelsey’s career drive her to start Sitka?
11:00 - Did Kelsey ever think she was going to become a founder?
12:16 - What problem did Kesley identify that encouraged her to create Sitka?
13:27 - What were some of the early days like in founding Sitka?
15:00 - What product did Sitka take to market?
16:42 - What lessons did Kelsey learn during the creation and evolution of Sitka’s core product?
18:36 - What was Kelsey’s fundraising journey like?
23:45 - What did Kelsey learn when developing her go-to-market strategy?
27:24 - What does Kelsey think will become the status quo five years from today that perhaps right now maybe would sound very unlikely?
30:47 - What did Kelsey’s investors say when she told them that she was having a baby while running the company?
36:49 - What is something that Kelsey is excited about moving forward?
38:10 - What should users and potential Sitka users be looking forward to?
39:17 - Who i… -
S7E1: Spencer Rascoff, Co-Founder of Zillow, Gives Advice for Entrepreneurs Amidst a Macroeconomic Downturn
4 oktober 2022 · 37 min
Welcome back to The Room Podcast. We kick off Season 7 with Spencer Rascoff, co-founder and previous CEO of Zillow. Spencer walks us through how he and the team came up with the idea for Zillow and the unforgettable “Zestimate” feature. Prior to Zillow, Spencer had been the founder of Hotwire, which sold to Expedia for $685 million. Currently, Spencer is an active angel investor in more than 100 companies and is incubating several more through his startup studio and venture capital firm, 75 & Sunny. He serves as executive chair of dot.LA, a news site covering the Los Angeles tech scene and he is co-founder and board chair of Pacaso, the company pioneering a new way to own a second home. Lees meer
In our conversation today, we explore insights and themes such as the art of a killer feature, like the Zestimate, managing team morale and execution amidst a macroeconomic downturn, and why the future of real estate is fractional.
For The Room Podcast in your inbox every week, subscribe to our newsletter.
5:05 - Where did Spencer grow up and how did that change his view of the world?
6:33 - Did Spencer always want to be a founder?
7:38 - What was the public opinion of the internet when Spencer was at Harvard?
11:23 - What did Spencer learn about being an entrepreneur from his experience at Harvard?
13:23 - What was the aha moment that sparked the launch of Zillow?
15:51 - How did Spencer and the team hone in on the specific product feature for Zillow?
19:04 - Did Big Data play any role in the start of Zillow? What was the data stack at the time?
21:15 - Who was the first external investor to say yes to investing in Zillow?
21:53 - What is the best case board dynamic?
26:04 - How did Spencer balance internal and external stakeholder management through his founding journey?
29:52 - What advice would Spencer give to entrepreneurs navigating “the early stages of our recession?”
31:49 - What is Spencer hoping to accomplish with Pacaso and “fractional ownership” of property?
34:08 - W… -
S6E8: Anvisha Pai and Dover are Automating the Recruiting and Hiring Process for the Businesses of Today
5 juli 2022 · 36 min
In our final episode of season 6 of The Room Podcast, we close out with another incredible guest, Anvisha Pai, Co-Founder and Chief Product Officer of Dover. Dover is a modernized recruiting platform that adapts to your business's needs to connect you with people that you would want to meet and that would want to meet you. Lees meer
In this episode, we and Anvisha discuss her journey as a multi-time founder growing up in Mumbai as the daughter of two doctors. Plus, Anvisha shares recruiting and hiring advice for start-ups and her thoughts on the future of work and hiring automation.
For The Room Podcast in your inbox every week, subscribe to our newsletter.
3:40 - Where did Anvisha grow up and how did that shape her view of the world?
4:50 - Did Anvisha always think she was going to become a founder?
6:35 - How was Anvisha’s training as an engineer helpful from a product perspective?
9:33 - How did Anvisha go from Product Manager at Dropbox to a multi-time founder?
12:28 - What were Anvisha’s takeaways from her experience at the Y Combinator?
14:23 - How does Dover automate the initial candidate sourcing?
18:19 - How was Dover's fundraising journey, how did that experience impact the team and what were some lessons learned along the way?
22:05 - How has a content marketing approach contributed to the growth of the customer base for Dover?
23:53 - How does Dover think about training data sets without creating a potential bias that can be embedded in the data?
25:59 - What positive and negatives come from scaling up from a leadership perspective?
28:40 - What is Anvisha’s perspective on the future of recruiting, given the context of the last two years?
30:21 - What is Anvisha excited about in Dover's near future?
31:55 - What's next for Anvisha?
32:55 - Who is a woman in Anvisha’s life that had a profound impact on her and her career?The Room Podcast is sponsored by our friends at Silicon Valley Bank and Cooley.
WX Productions
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S6E7: David Yuan, Founder and General Partner of Tidemark Capital, Discusses the Business of Launching a Venture Fund [LIVE at the EVCA Summit]
28 juni 2022 · 30 min
In this special episode of The Room Podcast, we get to listen LIVE as Madison interviews David Yuan, long-time investor and more recently, Founder and General Partner of Tidemark Capital. Tidemark is a venture capital firm built to serve category-leading technology companies as they succeed and scale. Lees meer
In this episode, Dave details how he went from investor to founder and is now a fund founder with Tidemark. Plus, we discuss focused investment themes, the people and processes needed to build a successful firm, and the future of fund transformation.
For The Room Podcast in your inbox every week, subscribe to our newsletter.
9:42 - Live Interview Begins
9:54 - Dave Introduction
12:25 - How was Dave’s early journey as a founder?
14:17 - How important is a founder's resume when selling themselves to investors?
16:02 - How does Dave think about pitching investment theses to LPs?
18:17 - When starting Tidemark, who did Dave go to for help?
19:40 - What is one thing Dave wished he knew starting the 2021 year?
23:04 - How does Dave think the LP market will change over the next 5 years?
26:21 - Who is a woman in Dave’s life that has had a profound impact on him and his career?The Room Podcast is sponsored by our friends at Silicon Valley Bank and Cooley.
WX Productions
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S6E6: Andrew Savage and Suma Brands are Guiding Retail Brands on Amazon to Their Full Potential
21 juni 2022 · 37 min
We are joined this week by Andrew Savage, Founder & CEO of Suma Brands, a commerce platform focused on developing marketplace brands, specifically on Amazon. Andrew is using his experience from helping establish early E-Commerce for Target and Amazon to guide other growing retailers to high-level success. Andrew and Suma Brands will “find, acquire, and help brands realize their potential.” Lees meer
In this episode, we chat about what is an “aggregator” in the sense of online retail and Andrew’s quintessential blend of focuses that most companies must adhere to; retail, tech, and content. Plus, Andrew shares his thoughts on the evolution of E-Commerce from its origin to now, and even some of his future predictions.
For The Room Podcast in your inbox every week, subscribe to our newsletter.
3:48 - Where did Andrew grow up and how did that shape his view of the world?
6:24 - Did Andrew always think he was going to be a founder?
7:28 - What was Andrew’s early career path like while focusing on E-Commerce?
10:52 - What were some “aha” moments while establishing early E-Commerce for Amazon and Target?
13:06 - How has Andrew's experience been, being a part of the Amazon ecosystem?
14:48 - What is Suma Brands and when did Andrew realize he wanted to found the company?
18:31 - What inspired the name of Suma Brands?
18:38 - What does it mean to be an aggregator, and does the term apply to Andrew’s business model for Suma?
20:43 - What separates Suma from its competition?
23:59 - Who was the first investor of Suma Brands and what was that experience like?
26:03 - What things are Suma Brands looking for when considering acquiring a retailer?
28:41 - Is Suma Brands focused on retail, tech, or something else?
30:46 - What trends is Andrew seeing in the E-Commerce ecosystem that will continue to gain traction over the next few years?
32:01 - What’s next for Andrew personally?
32:51 - Who is a woman in Andrew’s life that impacted him and his career?The Room Podcast is sponsored by our…
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S6E5: Lisa Bubbers, Co-Founder of Studs, is Bringing the Ear-Piercing Industry into the Modern Era with Integrated Piercing and Shopping Experiences
14 juni 2022 · 33 min
S6E5: Lisa Bubbers, Co-Founder of Studs, is Bringing the Ear-Piercing Industry into the Modern Era with Integrated Piercing and Shopping Experiences Lees meer
Our season continues with Lisa Bubbers, Co-Founder and Chief Brand Officer of Studs, the modern platform for ear-piercing and earrings. Studs is all about safe and accessible ear-piercing for all people. Plus they have an easy-to-use, refreshingly branded e-commerce website with every earring fashion choice available.
In this episode, Lisa talks to us about what “Earscaping” means to them, as well as what it’s like building a business with a complementary co-founder and the future of the modern shopping mall.
For The Room Podcast in your inbox every week, subscribe to our newsletter.
4:47 - Where did Lisa grow up and how did that shape her view of the world?
5:43 - Did Lisa always think she was going to become a founder?
6:51 - How did Lisa’s degree in Visual Studies from UPenn translate into her early work experience?
8:52 - What lessons did Lisa learn around the intersection of the digital and physical while working at Jonathan Adler and home Polish?
11:11 - What does the term “Earscape” mean to Lisa and Studs?
14:00 - How did Lisa meet her partner, Anna, and what got them started on the founding journey together?
15:27 - What advice would Lisa have for new founders looking for co-founders?
16:53 - Who was the first person to say yes to investing in Lisa and Studs?
17:48 - What was Lisa’s first piercing experience like?
19:07 - How is Studs thinking about the future of omnichannel retail?
20:18 - How did the pandemic affect Studs business?
21:46 - What is the feeling that a customer gets when walking into a Studs store?
23:10 - What does Lisa think the modern mall will look like in five years?
25:05 - What are some of the tools in Studs’ D to C tech stack?
26:29 - Has Studs considered a subscription model? Why or why not?
27:27 - What’s next for Studs?
29:09 - What’s next for Lisa?
30:18 - Who is a woman in Lisa’… -
S6E4: Sarah LaFleur, Founder of M.M.LaFleur, is Leading an Evolution of the Modern Women's Work Wear
7 juni 2022 · 39 min
We are returning this week with another incredible guest, Sarah LaFleur. Sarah came up with the idea to create comfortable and fashionable, professional attire for women because she herself found that whenever she was searching for work outfits, it seemed that fashion would always be sacrificed for comfort. Lees meer
In this episode, we discuss the current state of the apparel market and how things have changed so rapidly due to the evolution of the internet and e-commerce, the future of DTC from the brand and consumer perspectives, and how previous work experiences influence a persons fashion choices.
For The Room Podcast in your inbox every week, subscribe to our newsletter.
4:05 - What did Sarah take away from her college career, especially at Harvard?
8:17 - What was the fashion industry like at that time of Sarah’s early career?
12:24 - What was the aha moment when Sarah knew that she wanted to become a founder?
17:52 - What were some of the early supply chain processes of iterating and designing some of the first garments that were built for the “modern American woman?”
23:07 - What advice would Sarah give to founders who are looking to raise today in retail and e-commerce spaces?
23:34 - What advice would Sarah have to any founder today who might be thinking they’re going to disrupt retail?
27:04 - What does Sarah think the future of selling directly to the consumer is?
29:00 - Should women seeking to be mothers be freezing their eggs?
33:33 - Who is a woman in Sarah’s life that has had a profound impact on her and her career?The Room Podcast is sponsored by our friends at Silicon Valley Bank and Cooley.
WX Productions
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S6E3: Sandra Abrevaya and Her Husband Brian Are Making the Battle Against A.L.S. More Accessible to the Public
31 mei 2022 · 41 min
Season 6 continues with Sandra Abrevaya, CEO and co-founder alongside her husband, of Synapticure. Synapticure's mission is to make sure no one living with ALS is ever told, “I'm sorry, I can’t help you” because Brian and Sandra know firsthand how difficult it can be to receive ALS treatment. Lees meer
We chat with Sandra about balancing a romantic relationship and a business relationship with your significant other, what the current treatment options are for ALS patients, and how the COVID pandemic affected business in the medical field.
Check out Synapticure here!
For The Room Podcast in your inbox every week, subscribe to our newsletter.
3:48 - What convinced Sandra to go to Law School?
5:21 - What are Sandra's top three takeaways from her career in politics that she uses as an entrepreneur?
9:37 - Did Sandra ever think she was going to become a founder?
10:57 - What has Brian's journey with ALS been like and how did it lead him and Sandra to found Synapticure?
16:32 - Are there many options for treating ALS currently?
22:17 - Who was the first person to say yes to investing in Synapticure?
26:20 - What advice would Sandra give to a founder who is looking to build a mission-driven startup?
25:33 - What are some of those unique challenges in building a product and getting it into the hands of customers?
26:07 - How does Sandra interface with patients during this need-finding process?
31:14 - How did the COVID pandemic accelerate part of Synapticure’s roadmap?
33:37 - How does Sandra balance her romantic relationship and her business relationship with her husband?
36:16 - What’s next for Sandra and Brian?
37:49 - What’s next for Sandra personally?The Room Podcast is sponsored by our friends at Silicon Valley Bank and Cooley.
WX Productions
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S6E2: Julie Bornstein of Nordstrom, Sephora, and Stitch Fix Revolutionzlied Personalized Online Shopping with Her Own Startup, THE YES
24 mei 2022 · 48 min
Season 6 of The Room returns with Julie Bornstein, Founder and CEO of THE YES, a personalized web-based fashion retailer that works with hundreds of brands, large and small. Julie describes what she learned from her time at Nordstrom, Sephora, and Stitch Fix and how she was able to use those experiences to create THE YES. Lees meer
Julie gives advice to new founders and the best first steps to take to raise capital from investors. Julie also walks us through THE YES’s algorithm and how they continue to provide an accurate and personalized selection for each user, as well as future goals for the company. Plus, she shares her insight on the future of online retail and Web3/ e-commerce 3 in general.
For The Room Podcast in your inbox every week, subscribe to our newsletter.
3:58 - What was investment banking like when Julie was in college?
6:31 - What were some of the innovations that Julie brought to Sephora to make them the cutting edge brand they are today?
13:10 - How did Julie end up working with Stitch Fix?
16:35 - What was it like taking a company public after building it for over five years?
18:29 - What led to Julie founding THE YES?
22:30 - What does THE YES do?
24:00 - Who were the early partners that said yes to working with THE YES?
29:52 - What advice does Julie have for new founders?
29:47 - What goals did Julie set for THE YES early on, and how did she carry out her vision?
32:21 - How far are consumers from a fully personalized shopping experience?
26:48 - How does THE YES’s algorithm learn from picky users and continue to provide an accurate personalized selection?
36:25 - Who was the first brand to say yes to joining THE YES’s collection?
38:18 - What was a time when things didn’t go to plan while starting THE YES?
41:59 - What does Julie believe is the future of e-commerce?
43:44 - What’s next for Julie?
44:47 - Who is a woman in Julie’s life that had a profound impact on her and her career?The Room Podcast is sponsored by our friends at Silicon Valley …
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S6E1: Co-Founder & CRO, Shuo Wang, and Deel are Reimagining Payouts for Businesses on a Global Scale
17 mei 2022 · 33 min
Thank you for joining us for Season 6 of The Room Podcast! We are starting strong with our first guest, Shuo Wang. Her company Deel was evaluated at over $5 billion last year from their revolutionary work in remote work and international payrolling. Lees meer
Shuo joins us to talk about her experience at the Y Combinator and the impact it had on her work with Deel. Subjects continue with how the pandemic was a catalyst for the growth of Deel and what metrics Deel uses to track that success. Plus, we ask Shuo about her strategies for competitively innovating and expanding Deel.
For The Room Podcast in your inbox every week, subscribe to our newsletter.
4:12 - Where did Shuo grow up and how has that shaped her worldview?
7:01 - How did a Mechanical Engineering degree translate into founding?
8:21 - What encouraged Shuo and her co-founder to start thinking about global hiring?
10:40 - How was Shuo’s experience at the Y Combinator and what was the MMVP of the Deel product?
12:07 - What country first started using Deel’s services?
12:45 - What is the core product of Deel?
15:35 - Who was the first to say yes and invest in Deel?
16:20 - How would Shuo define her role as co-founder and Chief Revenue Officer?
17:15 - What was Shou’s strategy for competitively innovating Deel?
18:52 - What tips does Shuo have for founders who think they over perfectionists?
20:24 - What metric does Deel mainly use to track revenue?
21:25 - How did the pandemic affect the growth of Deel?
22:32 - When was a moment things didn’t go as planned in the Deel story?
24:45 - How does Deel plan for expansion?
24:53 - What does Shuo think the future of hiring looks like?
26:57 - What can look forward to for Deel?
27:59 - What is coming up for Shuo personally?
30:06 - Who is a woman in Shuo’s life that impacted her and her career?The Room Podcast is sponsored by our friends at Silicon Valley Bank and Cooley.
WX Productions
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Movers & Shakers S2E4: Naomi Shah, Founder and CEO of Meet Cute, Discusses the Future for Romantic Comedies
3 mei 2022 · 47 min
Season 2 of Movers & Shakers ends with another incredible guest, Founder and CEO of Meet Cute, Naomi Shah. Lees meer
Meet Cute is a “rom-com incubator.” Audio, written video, short-form video, long-form video, etc. Meet Cute produces them all. Naomi tells us what inspired the idea for Meet Cute and what it was like for her to raise funding at the start of her founding journey. Naomi also speaks on balancing inspiring other underrepresented founders while not being stuck in the box of a “female founder.”
Other themes discussed in this episode include turning an investment thesis into a company, the “girl boss” trope and what it means for founders, and the future of the romance genre. Let’s open the door.
Watch Extracurricular Here!
For The Room Podcast in your inbox every week, subscribe to our newsletter.
0:05 - Where did Naomi grow up and how did that impact her view of the world?
2:34 - Did Naomi always think she was going to be a founder?
4:10 - How did a mechanical engineering degree specifically translate into Naomi’s work?
7:50 - What was the initial aha moment for Meet Cute?
11:37 - In a few words, what is Meet Cute?
12:47 - What is Naomi’s favorite Meet Cute series that they’ve made?
14:43 - How was the process of getting the first funding for Meet Cute, and what did Naomi learn?
17:49 - What advice does Naomi have for new founders?
22:00 - How does Naomi balance paving a wave for underrepresented entrepreneurs, while also removing the stigma of being a “female founder?”
27:09 - How do we appropriately help make things more equal for underrepresented founders?
29:49 - What is Naomi’s favorite rom-com moment?
32:46 - How has a data-driven approach to storytelling helped unlock unexpected insights on consumers?
37:09 - What does the Netflix stock drop say about the volatility of the entertainment market?
40:19 - What's next for Naomi and her team at Meet Cute?
42:31 - Who is a woman in Naomi’s life that has had a profound impact on her and her career?The Room Po…
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Movers & Shakers S2E3: Entering the Venture Capital Ecosystem with Rachel Goddard, Partner at Cooley LLP
26 april 2022 · 34 min
Our mini-series, Movers & Shakers, continues with Rachel Goddard, a partner at Cooley LLP for over 22 years. Lees meer
Rachel walks us through her path to becoming a lawyer before becoming a partner at Cooley. She explains why she loves her job and what she and Cooley do to assist emerging managers to start their funds. Rachel also shares some best practices on things new managers might now know, like management fees and GP commitments.
We also get Rachel’s perspective on the next five years for venture funds in light of the past few years being a very hot market and non-accredited investors investing in venture funds.
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0:14 - Where did Rachel grow up and how did that shape her view of the world?
0:58 - Did Rachel always want to be a Lawyer?
1:41 - What was the pivot that led Rachel into law?
3:34 - How is Cooley focused on supporting venture capital?
6:04 - What comes up in early conversations with emerging managers?
8:43 - Rachel clarifies some of the terminology used to describe different stakeholders.
10:42 - What are the four documents that Rachel always starts with?
12:15 - What are some best practices on things like management fees and GP commitments?
16:31 - What is the definition of a smaller fund to Cooley?
17:21 - What are Rachel’s thoughts on non-accredited investors investing in venture funds?
20:25 - What do you think the next five years hold for venture funds in light of the past few years being a very hot market?
22:00 - What advice does Rachel have for first-time fund managers and underrepresented fund managers?
25:41 - What is coming up for Rachel, personally?
27:35 - Who is a woman in Rachel’s life that had a profound impact on her and her career?The Room Podcast is sponsored by our friends at Silicon Valley Bank and Cooley.
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