Breakthrough Builders Following the Customer: Matt Kalish @ DraftKings
Matt Kalish saw an opportunity to bring avid sports fans like himself closer to the sports they follow. And out of that opportunity came DraftKings, the ubiquitous platform that has been a leading player in the growth of fantasy sports gaming.
In his talk with Jesse, Matt describes the conditions, insights, and strategic moves that positioned DraftKings for success. He discusses his early years as an entrepreneur and gaming enthusiast, the importance of product-led growth, and the innovations that DraftKings is bringing to the fan experience across sports leagues; all while offering advice on how to build in line with your own purpose.
(4:42) Matt’s early years before venturing into corporate America
(9:43) Discovering how to build products for “skin-in-the-game” fans
(13:16) Scaling from Daily Fantasy to other offers and experiences
(18:28) Using customer data to push advertisers, networks, and leagues to embrace experiential innovation
(21:46) Turning competency and passion into opportunity
(27:00) Keeping the customer at the center of everything
Guest Bio
Matt Kalish is President of DraftKings North America. Kalish co-founded DraftKings in 2012 and is accountable for all North America revenue, bringing together all marketing, operations, and related analytics functions.
Kalish has led his team to go beyond the industry standards by finding ways to improve DraftKings’ customers’ game experience by introducing more sports and ways to play, driving DraftKings towards offering the most comprehensive platform for skin-in-the-game sports fans available in the US. Moreover, he maintains a strong focus on DraftKings’ consumer protections to ensure the company maintains high standards of integrity and responsibility.
Helpful Links
DraftKings website
Matt’s podcast with Gary Vaynerchuk: Props & Drops
Forbes: The First Five Years of DraftKings
The Verge: DraftKings signs up real NFL players to use in ‘gamified NFT collections’
About DraftKings’ commitment to responsible gaming