The Peel with Turner Novak

Eric Vishria, General Partner at Benchmark Capital, dives into the world of rapid growth startups, particularly those hitting $100 million ARR in just a year, thanks to AI. He emphasizes the critical role storytelling plays in attracting investors, arguing that the best communicators often win in the competitive landscape. The discussion also covers the evolution of successful founder archetypes, parallels between tech booms, and the dynamic nature of venture capital today. Eric's insights illuminate how innovation continues to drive the future of investment.

Sanjit Biswas, Co-founder and CEO of Samsara, shares insights from his journey building two unicorns in the hardware space. He discusses how Samsara uses AI to improve physical operations, preventing over 200,000 deaths annually. The conversation dives into the importance of a customer-first approach over product-first thinking. Sanjit reflects on the challenges of hardware innovation, understanding product-market fit, and the power of customer feedback loops. Plus, get a glimpse into his experiences from Meraki's billion-dollar sale to Cisco.

Michael Kim, Founder of Cendana Capital, shares his insights into the world of venture capital. He discusses the critical traits of successful investors and how Cendana conducts due diligence on fund managers. Michael introduces his '60x rule' for returns and explains the competitive dynamics between seed and multi-stage funds. He also reveals how AI is reshaping fund management and why secondaries are crucial for early-stage ventures. Plus, he shares personal stories, including his challenging early days and his surprising hobby as a top gamer in Call of Duty.

In this engaging discussion, Mike Vichich, Co-founder and CEO of Pursuit, shares his insights on navigating public sector revenue streams. He delves into how AI is reshaping business models and government interactions, emphasizing the strange irony of rules designed to save taxpayer money actually leading to waste. Mike recounts his incredible journey with Wisely, transforming from a near-bankrupt startup to a $187 million exit while tackling hiring challenges and the dynamics of disagreement in teams. He also touches on the unique landscape of building startups in the Midwest.

Sam Ross, Co-founder and CEO of Numeral, shares insights from his impressive background in startup growth, including his experiences with early Facebook advertising. He discusses identifying business ideas through strong demand and the importance of establishing early social proof. Ross highlights why hiring a growth marketer first may not be ideal and shares how he raised Numeral's Series A in just four days. The conversation also delves into the complexities of sales tax and how AI is being leveraged to simplify tax compliance for businesses.

Spenser Skates dives into the pivotal role of data in product design and company growth. He shares insights on navigating the challenges of AI in B2B SaaS, the journey from startup to a $300M ARR, and the nuances of scaling while maintaining a vibrant company culture. The conversation also touches on strategic acquisitions, the significance of a strong board, and lessons learned during Amplitude's IPO. Plus, discover what people often misinterpret about Founder Mode and the importance of responsive software in today’s market.

Dan Lorenc, Co-founder and CEO of Chainguard, dives deep into the world of open source software security. He shares insights on the vulnerabilities that have emerged as open source gained popularity and discusses the impending threats of major cyber attacks. Lorenc also reveals how Chainguard scaled from zero to $40 million in two years, emphasizing the critical role of sales strategies. Additionally, he explores cloud computing's evolution, the complexities of software supply chains, and the potential impact of AI on software security.

Colin Sidoti, Co-founder and CEO of Clerk, discusses the challenges of building a developer tool for authentication and user management. He shares insights on navigating tough seed extensions and the pivotal demo that attracted venture capital. Colin reflects on the unique experience of starting a company with his brother, the ongoing evolution of user authentication, and the integral role of AI in improving efficiency. He emphasizes the importance of audacious goals, thoughtful design, and strategic partnerships in the startup journey.

Filip Kaliszan, Founder and CEO of Verkada, is revolutionizing physical security with AI-enhanced solutions. He shares how Verkada grew to nearly a billion in revenue and the challenges of early funding. Filip discusses the importance of innovative workplace culture, including their unique ‘software zero’ bonus policy and commitment to in-person work. The conversation also covers technological advancements in video surveillance, customer engagement strategies, and the company’s plans for future growth in the evolving security landscape.

Ofek Lavian, Co-founder and CEO of Forage, shares his journey of modernizing food stamp access for 42 million low-income Americans. He delves into the history of food stamps and the market barriers that hinder online adoption. Lavian recounts his experiences leading the EBT program at Instacart and the passion driving Forage's mission. The conversation highlights the emotional impacts of food insecurity and the vital role of innovative payment systems in ensuring dignity for users. Lavian’s insights reveal a trillion-dollar opportunity in transforming government payments.