VC | E526 | Path to Market: Adapting Sales Strategies for Startups and Enterprise with Fanny Talagrand of Stripe

In the latest episode of “Path to Market,” Natasha and Micah are joined by Fanny Talagrand, Head of EMEA sales for startups and SMBs at Stripe to discuss key sales strategies from startups to enterprises. Drawing from her extensive experience in global tech companies like Google Cloud and Stripe, Fanny emphasizes the importance of understanding user needs and journeys, leveraging user feedback, and the different dynamics between selling to startups versus enterprises.

She also provides advice for hiring the first sales reps, highlighting the need for candidates to be smart, driven, and coachable. She stresses the significance of onboarding processes and embedding new hires with users early on. Additionally, she explores how to balance product-led growth with enterprise sales and shares metrics to optimize sales performance.

Tune in to learn about:

• how to align sales strategies with the needs and journeys of different types of users;
• how PLG and enterprise motions can coexist with careful planning and differentiation in user journeys;
• why as companies grow, including a sales team becomes vital to extend market reach and support users who require more comprehensive solutions;
• and more practical strategies for founders looking to enhance their sales operations and build successful teams.

Here’s what’s covered:

• 00:00 Introduction to Fannie Talegrand
• 00:46 Fannie’s Career Journey
• 03:11 Comparing Sales Strategies at Google Cloud and Stripe
• 09:02 Product-Led vs. Enterprise Motion
• 12:13 Sales Metrics and Funnel Optimization
• 15:14 Differences in Selling to Startups vs. Enterprises
• 22:50 Hiring the Right Sales Leader
• 33:11 Onboarding New Sales Hires
• 38:51 Conclusion and Final Thoughts