The Changelog: Software Development, Open Source

Getting to Resend (Interview)

Apr 4, 2024

Zeno Rocha, the mastermind behind the Dracula theme and co-founder of Resend, shares his inspiring journey blending entrepreneurship and parenthood. He discusses the transformative influence of becoming a parent and how it reshaped his approach to running a business. Zeno reflects on his Y Combinator experience and the intricacies of fundraising, tackling email challenges, and the future of Resend. With humor and honesty, he navigates topics like immigration, personal growth, and the unique dynamics of startup culture.

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ANECDOTE

Perspective Shift

Zeno Rocha's daughter changed his life perspective and influenced his professional decisions.
Moving to San Francisco and lacking family nearby impacted his and his wife's lives.

ANECDOTE

Kids Seeing Work

Adam Stachowiak's children only recently saw him working at a conference, understanding his job better.
They now understand why he locks himself in a room for hours.

ANECDOTE

Work Ethic Origins

Zeno Rocha's work ethic stems from watching his parents sell superhero costumes.
He hopes to show his daughter how digital work materializes, despite its lack of physicality.

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This week Adam is joined by Zeno Rocha — the creator of the beloved Dracula theme and Co-founder and CEO of Resend. They discuss his personal journey and the challenges of balancing work and family life, how becoming a parent has given him new perspectives and influenced his decision to start his own company, the role of citizenship and immigration in his journey, how he prepared for the Y Combinator interview, meeting Paul Graham, the challenges of sending email, and the future of Resend and the possibility of a Series A round.

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Featuring:

Zeno Rocha – Website, GitHub, X
Adam Stacoviak – Website, GitHub, LinkedIn, Mastodon, X

Show Notes:

Something missing or broken? PRs welcome!