In this conversation, Eric Franchi, co-founder of the successful advertising technology firm Undertone, shares lessons learned from his entrepreneurial journey. He discusses the critical importance of strategic hiring and the impact of key team members on company culture. Eric also dives into the unique challenges faced by ad networks amid industry shifts, the often anticlimactic nature of success, and navigating life after an exit. His reflections on personal reintegration and maintaining a balanced life in ad tech offer valuable insights for entrepreneurs.

Eric Franchi and Mike Cassidy discuss their journey of building Undertone from an agency to a successful ad network, reaching $100M in revenue. They share insights on key hires, GTM strategies, and scaling the business. The podcast touches on their childhood influences, the importance of agency partnerships, adapting in the evolving ad industry, navigating competition, and the challenges of hiring and growth in building a successful business.

In this chat, Eric Franchi, a general partner at venture capital fund Aperiam, shares his insights on the investment world. He discusses the key differences between being an operator and a VC, and what startups should expect from their investors. Listeners learn how to break into investing and the importance of networking for entrepreneurs seeking funding. Eric emphasizes the critical need for storytelling in investor pitches while highlighting the risks and rewards of angel investing. It's a must-listen for aspiring investors!