Startup Field Guide by Unusual Ventures: The Product Market Fit Podcast

Jyoti Bansal on how Traceable found product-market fit

Mar 19, 2025

Jyoti Bansal, CEO of Harnessio and TraceableAI, and co-founder of Unusual Ventures, shares his journey in software entrepreneurship alongside his long-time friend John Vrionis. They delve into the recent merger of Harness and Traceable aimed at revolutionizing the DevSecOps landscape. Jyoti reveals the insights that founded Traceable and emphasizes the iterative nature of achieving product-market fit. He offers valuable advice for early-stage founders, stressing the importance of customer discovery and resilience in building successful companies.

29:49

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Episode guests

Jyoti Bansal

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Episode notes

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Quick takeaways

Finding product-market fit is an iterative journey that requires constant validation and adaptation based on customer feedback and needs.

The strategic shift from a product-led growth model to traditional enterprise selling was essential for engaging larger organizations in cybersecurity.

Deep dives

The Journey to Product Market Fit

Finding product market fit requires validating and iterating on initial assumptions throughout the entrepreneurial journey. The discussion emphasizes that it is not a linear path; rather, it often involves pivoting based on customer feedback and market conditions. The journey highlights that despite having previous successes, entrepreneurs must remain flexible and willing to adapt their strategies when necessary. This iterative process is crucial in navigating the complexities of launching a new venture.

Intro

3min

Navigating the Path to Application Security

15min

Navigating Customer Discovery to Achieve Product-Market Fit

2min

The Iterative Journey to Product-Market Fit

2min

Transforming Software Engineering with AI

8min

Jyoti Bansal is the CEO of @Harnessio and @TraceableAI . He is also a co-founder of Unusual Ventures.In a special episode of the Startup Field Guide podcast, Jyoti sits down with John Vrionis – his co-founder and friend of 20 years — to discuss the recent merger of Harness and Traceable. This merger positions Harness + Traceable to create the most advanced AI-native DevSecOps platform in the world!Join us as we discuss:00:00 Product market-fit is a journey1:38 The recent merger between Harness and Traceable3:09 The insight that led to Traceable’s founding4:37 The technical inflection that Jyoti saw in 20197:46 The initial idea for Traceable11:39 Figuring out the right customer14:12 Iterating on Traceable’s GTM approach16:34 Advice for early-stage founders21:54 The big vision for Traceable + Harness25:56 One book all founders should read26:26 Jyoti’s advice on team-building27:55 Essential soft skill for founders28:55 Perspective on leadershipJohn Vrionis is the co-founder and CEO of Unusual Ventures.Unusual Ventures is a seed-stage venture capital firm designed from the ground up to give a distinct advantage to founders building the next generation of software companies. Unusual has invested in category-defining companies like Webflow, Arctic Wolf Networks, Carta, Robinhood, and Harness. Learn more about us at https://www.unusual.vc/.

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