Y Combinator Startup Podcast #122 - Max Rhodes and Anu Hariharan
Apr 17, 2019
Max Rhodes, co-founder and CEO of Faire, discusses his journey from Square to revolutionizing wholesale with Faire, a platform connecting retailers with unique merchandise. He shares insights on adapting to the changing landscape for small businesses and the importance of product-market fit. Max delves into leadership challenges, the power of early hires, and strategic fundraising tips. Anu Hariharan adds her perspective as a YC partner, providing valuable advice on building strong teams and navigating the chaotic startup environment.
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Episode notes
Dental Drills from Brazil
- Max Rhodes left Square, against widespread advice, to explore various startup ideas.
- One such idea involved selling Brazilian dental drills, highlighting the risk of leaving without a clear vision.
Inventory Risk Insight
- Local retailers prioritize finding new products but limit them due to inventory risk.
- This risk stems from upfront costs and uncertainty about product success.
SMB Data Availability
- Online data on SMBs, including inventory and social media presence, has become more available.
- This data availability enables better inventory risk management through algorithms.
