

Ep 106: Zac Bookman on Advice for DOGE & Building OpenGov into a $1.8 Billion GovTech Leader
31 snips Jan 23, 2025
Zac Bookman, co-founder and CEO of OpenGov, shares his journey from an anti-corruption litigator to leading a billion-dollar govtech company. He discusses the challenges of transforming government efficiency using tech innovations, especially in navigating bureaucratic hurdles. Zac offers insights on integrating AI for better government operations and provides advice on utilizing DOGE for meaningful reforms. With a strong emphasis on transparency and responsiveness, he highlights the importance of local leadership in driving change.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Government Software Purchasing Habits
- Governments primarily buy software for existing processes, not for envisioned ideal solutions.
- OpenGov initially focused on benchmarking, but pivoted to budgeting software to address actual government needs.
Prioritizing Product Quality in M&A
- OpenGov's M&A strategy prioritized product quality over revenue or customer footprint.
- This approach led to acquiring companies with strong products, even if they weren't located in Silicon Valley, contrary to John Chambers' initial advice.
Post Office Passport Experience
- Zac Bookman shares an anecdote about a frustrating experience at the post office with his baby.
- This highlights government dysfunction and the need for improved efficiency, a key focus of OpenGov.