Jason Kirby. He Sold Liquid Sky software to Walmart six years ago, but became disillusioned when Walmart abruptly scrapped the company's ambitious plans.
Seeking a new direction, Jason joined Generation Esports, rapidly scaled it and exited three years ago. This last exit prompted Jason to reassess his priorities, leading him to focus on family, health and meaningful work.
This shift inspired him to found Thunder, a tech enabled investment bank and launch the fundraising demystified podcast. In this interview, Jason shares his journey from high stress startups to a life centered on fulfillment and purpose.
_____________________________________________________
TIME STAMPS:
00:00:00: Overview of Jason’s Expertise
00:01:27: Starting Liquid Sky
00:01:56: Formation and Operational Beginnings of Liquid Sky
00:02:24: The Vision and Mission of Liquid Sky
00:03:11: Partnership and Expansion Efforts
00:03:37: Business Philosophy and Personal Contribution
00:05:15: Diverse Industry Experience
00:06:50: Curious Nature and Learning Process
00:06:53: Liquid Sky’s Rapid Growth and Sale to Samsung
00:08:05: The Failed Acquisition by Samsung
00:10:17: Crisis and Pivot Strategy
00:11:01: Final Attempts for Acquisition and Survival
00:13:28: New Strategy with Walmart
00:15:39: Outcome and Life Post-Acquisition by Walmart
00:19:42: Excitement about Walmart Gaming
00:20:25: Transition to San Diego and New Opportunity
00:20:50: Introduction to Generation Esports
00:21:48: Investing Energy into Generation Esports
00:24:05: Initial Reflection and Momentum
00:25:42: Navigating the COVID-19 Challenges
00:26:28: Series A Funding and Rising Tensions
00:29:06: Decision to Leave Generation Esports
00:31:00: Self-discovery and New Relationships
00:35:19: Learning from Relationship Dynamics
00:36:00: Considering the Next Move
00:36:10: The Idea of Starting Thunder
00:36:42: The seed for Thunder
00:37:18: What Thunder does
00:39:02: Thunder as a tech-enabled investment bank
00:40:21: Introduction to the podcast "Fundraising Demystified"
00:42:00: Origin of "Fundraising Demystified"
00:44:04: The value of understanding venture capital
00:45:11: Advice for post-exit founders considering new ventures
00:52:01: Importance of risk tolerance
00:52:58: Determining the endgame for new businesses
00:53:41: Plans for Thunder
00:54:14: Decision against starting another big business
00:55:04: Balancing career and family priorities
00:55:48: Balancing Family and Ambitions
00:56:07: Introduction to Entrepreneurship in College
00:56:11: Influence of Successful Entrepreneurs
00:56:35: Reflections on Success and Family Time
00:56:39: Closing Remarks
