Notion Podcast First Block: Interview with Ivan Zhao and Simon Last, Co-Founders of Notion
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Mar 20, 2024 Ivan Zhao and Simon Last, co-founders of Notion, share their intriguing journey of building a productivity tool from scratch. They discuss the delicate balance between product readiness and marketing strategies during the early days. The duo highlights the nurturing of a passionate company culture and the importance of user feedback. They also dive into the transformative impact of AI on tech, emphasizing curiosity and adaptability. Expect personal anecdotes that uncover entrepreneurial challenges and their vision for the future.
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Meeting and Hiring
- Simon Last met Ivan Zhao through a mutual connection, Toby Schockman, during an internship.
- Within hours, Zhao convinced Last to quit his internship and join Notion.
Defining Co-founders
- Co-founders aren't always those you start with but those who endure challenges together.
- Shared struggles solidify co-founder relationships.
Product Pivot
- Notion initially aimed to empower non-programmers but realized most people prefer off-the-shelf solutions.
- They shifted focus to integrating computing power within a user-friendly productivity tool.