The Twenty Minute VC (20VC): Venture Capital | Startup Funding | The Pitch
20VC: The $5BN Company Built from the Belgian Countryside | The Story of Odoo: The Company with No Plans to Sell, IPO & Their Billionaire Founder Who Does Not Care About Money with Fabien Pinckaers, Founder & CEO @ Odoo
Feb 12, 2025
Fabien Pinckaers, the visionary Founder and CEO of Odoo, shares his unconventional journey from a young software creator to leading a $5BN company based in Belgium. He discusses the flaws of traditional management, advocating for title-less structures and unique hiring practices focused on talent over age. Fabien reveals his indifference to money, explaining his reluctance to sell or IPO. He also reflects on the rejections from VCs, imparting lessons on pitching and the significance of remaining private to foster innovation.
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Quick takeaways
- Fabien Pinckaers emphasizes that traditional management structures and titles are outdated, advocating for a culture of autonomy and responsibility at Odoo.
- Odoo's impressive growth, achieving $650M in ARR, is attributed to its ability to adapt business models while focusing on community engagement and profitability.
Deep dives
The Power of Obsession in Entrepreneurship
Success in entrepreneurship often stems from a deep obsession with one's business, as exemplified by the founder's unwavering commitment to Odoo. The passion behind building something impactful highlights the importance of dedication and hard work, particularly in the tech industry. Even at a young age, the founder demonstrated entrepreneurial instincts, starting a software company as a teenager motivated not by profit but by the desire to create and innovate. This unwavering focus is presented as a crucial factor in overcoming obstacles and achieving significant growth.
