

Jeff Lawson – How to Build a Platform - [Invest Like the Best, EP.158]
Mar 3, 2020
Jeff Lawson, Founder and CEO of Twilio, shares insights into building successful platforms. He emphasizes the importance of APIs in modern software development and explains how non-tech businesses can transition into this space. Lawson also discusses the significance of company culture and the concept of 'drawing the owl' as a metaphor for creative problem-solving. Additionally, he highlights the crucial role of customer intimacy and collaboration in product development, advocating for a workplace where values foster connection and innovation.
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How the Podcast Happened
- Patrick O'Shaughnessy learned about Twilio's API-first approach from a friend.
- He texted Jeff Lawson via a number on Twitter, which led to this podcast.
Draw the Owl
- Twilio's value "Draw the Owl" comes from an internet meme.
- It embodies the company's principle of figuring things out iteratively, as there's no instruction manual for innovation.
APIs as Building Blocks
- APIs are building blocks for software development, like AWS for computing, Twilio for communications, and Stripe for payments.
- These platforms have grown rapidly as businesses increasingly rely on software.