Going for Broke to Solve Remote Work's Problems with Erik Braund

Aug 25, 2025

Erik Braund, founder of Katmai, is on a mission to revolutionize digital connections beyond tools like Zoom. He reveals how spontaneous human interaction is crucial and explores the limitations of traditional video conferencing. With a focus on immersive, 3D environments, he shares his journey of bootstrapping Katmai to solve remote work challenges. Erik discusses the vibrant connections found in physical offices versus remote settings, emphasizing the need for community in digital workplaces, all while balancing his love for grunge music and Pomeranians.

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INSIGHT

Video Calls Lack Spontaneity

Erik Braund says video conferencing saved work but lacks emotional connectivity and spontaneity.
He argues grid-style meetings are unnatural and miss casual, unplanned interactions.

ANECDOTE

Bootstrapped Through Personal Sacrifice

Erik recounts self-funding Katmai and exhausting his savings while still doing editing work to pay payroll.
He turned his audio-video business into a web app by investing everything he had into the idea.

ANECDOTE

From $2,000 To Million-Dollar Funding

Erik describes nearly closing a large Series A and having only $2,000 personally before the first $15M wire arrived.
He received a lead investor who remains supportive after the transformative funding moment.

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Erik Braund is the founder of Katmai and his mission is to make digital connections way, way better than Zoom or Teams. His passions are grunge music and pomeranians.

Top 3 Value Bombs

1. Spontaneous human connection is missing from today’s video conferencing tools. Katmai solves that with immersive, 3D virtual office spaces.

2. Success doesn’t follow a blueprint. Erik bootstrapped Katmai through grit, creativity, and a willingness to go broke for the problem he believed in solving.

3. Culture, collaboration, and communication thrive in digital workplaces when there’s a real sense of place and not just another meeting link.

Experience the product. Check out Erik’s website and start a free trial - Katmai

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