In this episode, guests Julia and Kevin Hartz join Kristen O'Brien and Pete Flint to discuss the prerequisites of going public, private vs public companies, and market trends. They delve into the world of SPACs, the process of selecting business partners, and the future of venture capital. The Hartz couple also shares insights on transitioning from executive to CEO, and reframing Eventbrite's business model.
Julia and Kevin Hartz co-founded Eventbrite, a website that allows users to create, share, and join events worldwide. In this episode of the NFX Podcast, the two join NFX Partner Pete Flint to discuss their founder journey, financing, fundraising, scaling, unicorn status, and a deep dive on the little-known details of taking a tech company public via SPAC.
Launched in 2006 and headquartered in San Francisco, Eventbrite has navigated through the pandemic with a refocused strategy and a leaner cost base. In September of 2018, Julia took Eventbrite public, making her among the few women to lead the successful initial public offering of a technology start-up.
(0:00) Introduction and welcoming guests Julia and Kevin Hartz
(5:32) Discussion on the prerequisites and process of going public
(12:32) Debate on private vs public companies and market trends
(16:46) Exploration of SPACs and Kevin Hartz's journey into the SPAC world
(21:26) Insights on choosing the right partners for a business journey and deciding between IPO, direct listing, or SPAC
(31:16) The future of venture capital and challenges in finding durable businesses for SPACs
(32:41) Transitioning from executive to CEO: Insights from Julia and Kevin Hartz
(40:17) Reframing Eventbrite's business model and shift to investment
(41:48) Closing remarks and outro
