The Peel with Turner Novak

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.

Ed Lando, Co-founder of Pareto Holdings and recognized as a leading angel investor, shares insights from his extensive experience investing in over 25 unicorns. He discusses strategies for building deal flow and the nuances of incubating startups, including key hiring tips and personal branding. Lando emphasizes investing in unconventional sectors and the importance of intuition in decision-making. He offers a fresh perspective on concentration versus diversification in investments, highlighting the emotional rewards of supporting early-stage entrepreneurs.

Tommy Nicholas, Co-founder and CEO of Alloy, dives into the challenges and triumphs of building a fintech platform for identity and fraud prevention. He discusses how consumer financial protections can paradoxically increase fraud and shares insights on achieving product-market fit through hands-on sales. Tommy reveals the emotional highs and lows of entrepreneurship and why the hardest parts of company building often yield the greatest rewards. He also reflects on the complexities of fundraising and the evolving landscape of fintech risk management.

Mike Murchison, Co-founder and CEO of Ada, an AI-powered customer service platform, shares insights from his journey in transforming customer service. He discusses the evolution of AI and its role in shifting perceptions of customer service from a cost center to a revenue generator. Murchison also highlights the challenges of integrating AI into existing teams and emphasizes the importance of management in AI-native companies. He shares lessons from his experience working multiple customer service jobs and offers advice on building effective AI agents.

Cam Doody, Co-founder of Brickyard and founder of Bellhops, discusses the rising trend of founders relocating to Chattanooga. He shares insights on how Brickyard creates a distraction-free environment crucial for achieving product market fit. Cam highlights the challenges of building a moving company amid fierce competition, revealing the struggles faced against U-Haul. He emphasizes the importance of a supportive startup ecosystem in Chattanooga and critiques traditional review systems for businesses, advocating for innovative marketing approaches that connect with millennial customers.

Eric Simons, Co-founder and CEO of StackBlitz, shares his insights on the meteoric rise of Bolt, a full-stack app builder, which skyrocketed to $20 million ARR in just two months. He recounts the seven-year journey, including the initial failure and lessons on capital efficiency. Simons discusses the importance of open-sourcing code and building a community, as well as the viral impact of a single tweet. He also dives into how AI will revolutionize software development, shaping the future of coding for non-developers.

Rick Zullo, founder of Equal Ventures, shares insights on a novel, thesis-driven approach to venture capital that prioritizes long-term viability over immediate traction. He discusses the challenges of seed investing today, emphasizing why traction can be misleading. Zullo explores the potential of AI, particularly how it can benefit private equity. He also delves into the Emerging Manager Circle he leads, shedding light on the struggles of new fund managers and the talent exodus from mega funds, offering a fresh perspective on fundraising and investment strategies.

Villi Iltchev, founder of Category Ventures and a seasoned investor in enterprise software, shares his inspiring journey from being an illegal immigrant to raising a $160m fund. He discusses the evolution of Silicon Valley and the mistakes that shaped his career, including the crucial importance of unit economics. Villi reflects on his experiences at Salesforce, his early bets on successful startups, and the challenges of selling tech companies. Packed with valuable insights, this conversation highlights the transformative power of perseverance and innovation in the tech industry.