The Everything Feed - All Packet Pushers Pods TCG054: Framing Up the Future of Infrastructure-as-Code and User Experience with Cory O’Daniel
Jul 23, 2025
Cory O’Daniel, Co-Founder & CEO of Massdriver, discusses the evolving landscape of Infrastructure-as-Code and user experience in tech. He shares insights on building a startup amid post-COVID challenges, from fundraising to competition. The conversation delves into the complexities of cloud technologies and the necessity for user-friendly IaC tools. Cory also reflects on the journey from gaming to cloud computing, highlighting innovation's role in infrastructure management and the importance of mentorship in navigating the tech startup ecosystem.
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From Farm Life to Tech Startup
- Cory grew up on a tobacco and apple farm but shifted to tech inspired by software development and networking.
- Early on, he automated tedious data entry at a hospital that led to a promotion and career change.
Bar Encounter Sparks Startup Move
- Cory met a software developer in a bar who inspired him to move to California for startup culture.
- He quit his job and landed his first job in an early-stage startup working with cloud migration.
Rapid Growth and Needed Pivot
- MassDriver grew rapidly in YC with nearly half a million ARR in 10 weeks but faced challenges as AI disrupted traditional outreach.
- The product had to pivot to allow customers to upload their own infrastructure as code to retain users.
