

Notion Podcast
Notion
Candid conversations with the people shaping the world of technology — from pioneers of computer history to founders at the world’s leading startups. For more information, visit: https://www.notion.so/blog/topic/first-block
Episodes
Mentioned books

52 snips
Oct 28, 2025 • 28min
First Block: Interview with Ant Wilson, Co-Founder and CTO of Supabase
In this insightful discussion, Ant Wilson, Co-Founder and CTO of Supabase, shares his journey from struggling entrepreneur to leading a booming open-source platform. He dives into the importance of building a community-driven roadmap and how solving personal problems inspired Supabase's creation. Ant emphasizes the entrepreneurial power of authentic relationships, highlights the role of memes in developer marketing, and reveals how a fully remote culture fosters productivity and communication. His candid advice on prioritizing customer needs and embracing feedback is invaluable for aspiring founders.

33 snips
Oct 28, 2025 • 22min
First Block: Interview with Fabian Hedin, Co-Founder and CTO of Lovable
Fabian Hedin, co-founder and CTO of Lovable, shares his journey from running Minecraft servers to launching a platform that enables app and website creation through AI. He discusses their astounding growth from $1M to $100M ARR in just eight months. Fabian elaborates on the importance of timing in AI product launches, maintaining a hands-on approach as a CTO, and leveraging AI to streamline development processes. He also argues that it's a perfect time for startups to thrive in the AI space by focusing on current capabilities.

18 snips
Sep 29, 2025 • 26min
First Block: Interview with Brendan Foody, Co-Founder & CEO of Mercor
Brendan Foody, Co-founder and CEO of Mercor, transformed an AI-powered recruiting platform from $1 million to $100 million in just 11 months. He discusses his unusual start selling donuts and how that sparked his entrepreneurial drive. Brendan dives into the challenges of scaling teams and the innovative ways to modernize hiring. He also shares insights on navigating the wild emotional journey of startups and the critical need for a long-term vision while leveraging AI for efficiency and growth.

34 snips
Jul 22, 2025 • 28min
First Block: Interview with Varun Anand, Co-Founder of Clay
Varun Anand, co-founder of Clay, discusses his journey in the world of go-to-market strategies and AI integration. He emphasizes the significance of finding product-market fit through creativity rather than just hard work. Anand shares insights on transitioning from a sales-led to a self-serve model, focusing on customer feedback and innovation. He highlights the role of diverse hiring practices and stresses the importance of maintaining authenticity in entrepreneurship amid the rise of AI. Tune in for valuable tips for startup growth!

50 snips
Jun 17, 2025 • 24min
First Block: Interview with Michael Truell, Co-Founder & CEO of Cursor
Michael Truell, Co-founder and CEO of Cursor, shares his journey in creating an AI code editor that’s become a lightning-fast success. He delves into the decision to pursue a solution before identifying a problem and breaks down the unconventional path his team took, focusing on product over process. Truell discusses the explosive growth of Cursor, the challenges of early hiring, and the philosophy of maintaining focus in a rapidly evolving landscape. He concludes with valuable advice for aspiring founders in the AI era.

72 snips
Mar 20, 2024 • 50min
First Block: Interview with Ivan Zhao and Simon Last, Co-Founders of Notion
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.

Feb 22, 2024 • 45min
First Block: Interview with Adeyemi Ajao, Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Base10 Partners
This podcast episode delves into Adeyemi Ajao's journey as an entrepreneur, immigrant in Silicon Valley, and investor. Topics include co-founder relationships, building an authentic community, learning to be a CEO, the positivity of Silicon Valley, and the ultimate diversity. Ade shares insights on company growth, embracing diversity, and his daily routine and career philosophy.

Jan 10, 2024 • 47min
First Block: Interview with Vlad Magdalin, Co-Founder and CEO of Webflow
Vlad Magdalin, Co-Founder and CEO of Webflow, discusses the early days of Webflow, sustainable growth, hiring principles, user feedback, the 'no-code' revolution, and more in this entertaining and informative podcast.

5 snips
Dec 19, 2023 • 40min
First Block: Interview with Daniela Amodei, Co-founder of Anthropic
Daniela Amodei, Co-Founder & President at Anthropic, discusses building a strong team of founders, navigating role changes, and the importance of feedback in scaling a company. They also explore advancements in AI, the challenges of building a product in the AI space, responsible scaling, and the balance between work and personal life.

11 snips
Dec 6, 2023 • 47min
First Block: Interview with Mathilde Collin, Co-Founder & CEO of Front
Mathilde Collin, Co-Founder & CEO of Front, discusses hiring first employees and the importance of radical transparency. They explore designing a better work email experience, self-confidence and gender disparity, gathering feedback for product iteration, building customer connections, and the significance of flexibility and transparency for startups.


