The Room Podcast

Welcome back to a new season of The Room Podcast! To kick off Season 11, we're joined by Johnny Ho, co-founder of Perplexity, an AI-powered platform transforming the way everyday consumers interact with search. Johnny shares his path from competitive programming to entrepreneurship and offers insights into the development of Perplexity’s core product, which aims to deliver precise, reliable answers in a simple, intuitive way.In this episode, we covered topics such as how Perplexity uses AI to deliver accurate and reliable search results using multiple LLMs, building a user-first product in a competitive tech space, and the importance of finding investors who want to work with you in the right ways. Want to work with Perplexity? Apply here!(00:00) Introduction(05:05) Where did Johnny grow up and how did that shape his view of the world?(05:42) Did Johnny always think he was going to be a founder?(06:21) How did Johnny get into competitive programming?(07:23) What brought Johnny to start working at Quora?(08:06) What lessons did Johnny take away from his time at Quora?(08:49) How did Johnny meet his cofounders of Perplexity?(09:17) Why did Johnny, Arvin, and Dennis decide to start a company together?(10:01) Why did Johnny think Arvin and Dennis would be good partners?(10:56) What was the "aha moment" that inspired the core product of Perplexity?(12:04) Why was user interface so important to Johnny and the team?(13:26) What was the decision-making process behind implementing a unique feature allowing consumers to choose what LLM they use?(16:09) Who was the first person to say yes to investing in Perplexity?(17:06) What advice does Johnny have regarding picking the right investors to partner with?(18:11) What's a fun story or anecdote from founding Perplexity?(19:11) When should a founder consider trying a new idea/ altering their concept?(20:32) How is Perplexity's go-to-market strategy changing with its success?(21:39) How is Perplexity differentiating themselves from their competitors?(23:21) Is B2B selling a part of Perplexity's future plans?(24:51) How does Johnny get authentic reviews from customers?(26:03) What was a moment in Perplexity's life cycle when things didn't go as planned?(27:22) Is it possible that some of Perplexity's partners could be future competitors?(29:43) Has Perplexity created a governing board?(30:00) What's next for Perplexity?(30:59) What's next for Johnny Personally(31:45) Who is a woman in Johnny's life that had an impact on him and his career?For The Room Podcast in your inbox every week, subscribe to our newsletter.Follow us on Instagram Follow us on TikTok Check out our guide to podcasting here! Don't forget to subscribe to our channel on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Music!Brought to you by Perkins Coie and Mercury.**Mercury is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services provided by Choice Financial Group and Evolve Bank & Trust; Members FDIC.WX Productions

In this episode, we dive into the Future of DTC panel from this summer’s Inside Summit. This panel was moderated by our very own Claudia Laurie, who is also the founder of Prive, a leading eCommerce billing platform. In this discussion, the panelists explore the future of DTC, how to build authentic brand communities, building a celebrity brand, challenges and opportunities around customer acquisition and retention, and advice for brand founders and builders. This conversation includes an incredible mix of perspectives from leading brands, agencies, and tech partners. Our panelists included: Nik Sharma is widely known as “The DTC Guy,” a Forbes 30 Under 30 member, AdWeek’s Young & Influential, and a resource that brands and investors turn to for growth. Nik is the founder and CEO of Sharma Brands, where clients include Feastables, Jolie, Milk Bar, Everlane and more. Outside of Sharma Brands, Nik writes a newsletter to 50,000 investors, founders, and marketers and is also the co-host of Limited Supply, an award-winning marketing podcast.  Scout Brisson is the CEO of De Soi, a line of sparkling non-alcoholic apéritifs, co-founded by Katy Perry and Morgan McLachlan. Scout's professional journey spans over seven years in management consulting at McKinsey, and venture capital at M13.In 2020, Scout co-founded better-for-you CPG brand, DEUX, innovating a functional alternative with edible cookie dough.  Marissa Steinmetz is an accomplished digital product leader with 13+ years of eCcommerce and omnichannel expertise. She is currently the Head of Digital Product, eCommerce at Coterie and has spent her career helping well-known brands and businesses transform their digital enterprises, including Moda Operandi, Pernod Ricard, Drunk Elephant, and Target. Breana Teubner is COO of TYB, a community rewards platform with customers like Glossier, Urban Outfitters, JuneShine, and Rare Beauty. Prior to TYB, she helped scale Skillz, the first pay-to-earn gaming platform to go public - and was an executive at Walmart and Gap. She is an LP in two early-stage funds, Let’s Open the Door!

In this episode, we dive into the Future of Platforms panel from this summer’s Inside Summit. This panel was moderated by Alexandra York, Associate Editor at Forbes and a key figure behind the 30 Under 30 lists. Alexandra brings her expertise in covering young entrepreneurs and emerging brands to guide a discussion on the evolving digital platform space. In this discussion, the panelists explore the future of digital platforms, the impact of social commerce, and how they’re navigating challenges like AI integration, community engagement, and finding the right revenue models. They also share personal insights on pivoting, fundraising, and defining success in today’s competitive tech landscape. Our panelists included:• Emma Bates, CEO and co-founder of Diem, a social search engine pioneering a new, inclusive internet for women. With a background in partnerships at Away and community-building at Whalar, Emma is a recognized advocate for gender equity in the digital world.• Miri Buckland, COO and co-founder of Landing, a social commerce app revolutionizing how Gen Z interacts with shoppable content. Miri's experience spans corporate strategy and consumer tech, with a passion for fostering creativity and community.• Judy Thelen, CEO and co-founder of Beli, a platform transforming how consumers discover and recommend restaurants globally, with over 30 million ratings across 30,000 cities since its launch.• Dylan Diamond, co-founder and CEO of Saturn, a calendar platform tailored for high school students, with significant backing from top-tier investors. Dylan’s journey includes a stint as Tesla’s youngest software engineer and recognition as a Thiel Fellow. Let’s Open the Door!

In this episode of The Room Podcast, we recap the Inside Summit x Gen AI Collective panel, moderated by Sriram Ramakrishnan. The panel featured Vaikkunth Mugunthan (Dynamo AI), Hassaan Raza (Tavus), Ankur Patel (Multimodal), and Lulu Chang (Canapi Ventures), who shared their insights on the challenges and opportunities in the AI landscape. Key questions discussed: 1. Career Journeys: What led each panelist to venture into AI or invest in it? 2. Fundraising for AI: How does raising funds for AI-focused startups differ from other ventures? What’s the investor perspective? 3. Enterprise Adoption: What hesitations do enterprises have regarding AI, and how can companies overcome them? 4. Building Sustainable AI Businesses: What are the keys to long-term success in AI? 5. Unlocking Mass Adoption: What needs to happen for AI to see widespread adoption in enterprises? 6. This episode is a must-listen for those interested in AI’s growing role in enterprise and the practical steps to navigate this evolving field. About Gen AI Collective: The Gen AI Collective is a community dedicated to fostering innovation and collaboration within the generative AI space. By bringing together industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and investors, the collective aims to accelerate the development and adoption of AI technologies that transform industries and improve human experiences.

Episode StructureIntroductionKJ Sidberry's BackgroundCareer Pivots and Decision-Making FrameworksAdvice for FoundersInsights for FundersIndustry Experience and Market ChangesConclusionKey Discussion Points1. KJ Sidberry's BackgroundEast Coast upbringing between Connecticut and NYCExposure to entrepreneurship and education through parentsEarly rejection led to a pivot in career direction2. Career Pivots and Decision-Making FrameworksPivot 1: Consulting to VC (Forerunner Ventures)Three key priorities in decision-makingPivot 2: Forerunner Ventures to GVPrioritizing family and career growth3. Advice for FoundersImportance of pre-existing relationships with investorsThree key traits that catch attention during pitches:MagnetismDeep curiosityFounder-market fitTip: Consider using memo format for pitches4. Insights for FundersRed flag when evaluating founders: "Lack of paranoia"How to be a good board member:Speak lessOffer contextualized perspectiveStay informed between meetings5. Industry Experience and Market ChangesEvolution of VC landscape since 2017First deal experience: Alchemy43 (MedSpa company)Current investment thesis: "Small communities that aren't actually that small"Changes in the VC market since 2017Predictions for emerging technologies (focus on AI)

In this episode: Dive into the highlights of our intimate gathering of 120 talented friends from the DTC spaceGet a taste of the dynamic perspectives and human connections that made Inside Summit uniquePreview the upcoming episodes featuring panel conversations with leaders in:• Generative AI• Consumer social platforms• DTC• And more! We're thrilled to share how our pandemic side hustle has blossomed into a vibrant in-person community of impressive leaders. Join us as we recap the most powerful takeaways and key learnings from this extraordinary event.Don't miss the rest of this 5-part series, releasing weekly, to experience the full impact of Inside Summit!

Welcome to the finale of Season 10 of The Room Podcast! In this episode, we're thrilled to sit down with Ben Goodwin, Co-Founder of OLIPOP, a pioneering beverage company at the intersection of taste and gut health. Ben takes us on a journey through his upbringing and how it shaped his worldview, his pivotal realization about lifestyle changes, and the catalysts that drove him to become a founder.Join us as we delve into the core product of OLIPOP and its unique approach to promoting gut health through delicious, low-sugar beverages. Plus, we explore the health components of OLIPOP's offerings, shedding light on the company's commitment to providing nutritious alternatives to traditional sodas rather than other more risky weight loss tactics.  Some key topics in the episode are; cultivating a community through strong branding and DTC marketing, gut health and beverage innovation of today, and observing consumer trends and demands while maintaining sustainable practices.For The Room Podcast in your inbox every week, subscribe to our newsletter.Check out our guide to podcasting here! 5:03 - Where did Ben grow up and how did that shape his view of the world?6:44 - What made Ben realize that he needed to change his lifestyle?9:34 - Did Ben’s drive to make an impact lead him to become a founder?12:37 - What lessons did Ben take from his early founding journeys?18:56 - What is the core product of Olipop?21:41 - What are the health components of Olipop?26:41 - When did Olipop realize they had a skill for DTC marketing?30:39 - Who was the first person to say yes to investing in Olipop?32:53 - What advice does Ben have for founders looking to take on Venture Capital?36:53 - What was a time in Ben’s career when things didn’t go as planned?41:06 - How did Olipop think about creating a community through its marketing?44:19 - How do Ben and Olipop feel about “get healthy quick” alternatives?47:17 - What is Ben’s favorite Olipop flavor?47:49 - What’s next for Olipop?48:33 - Who is a woman in Ben’s life that had a profound impact on him and his career?WX Productions

Welcome back to The Room Podcast! This week, we're excited to sit with and interview Matt Martin, Co-founder of Clockwise, a revolutionary productivity platform. Matt shares his career journey, detailing his evolution from tech enthusiast to the founding team of Clockwise, why he founded Clockwise, and his passion for properly utilized software.Matt elaborates on Clockwise's success in providing efficient scheduling solutions, leveraging advanced technology with intuitive design. In our conversation, we explore Clockwise’s approach, using AI to transform time management for professionals and reshaping the way individuals approach their schedules. Throughout the episode, we explore key topics such as the evolution of Clockwise's go-to-market strategy versus adoption strategy, the seamless integration of AI technology with human workflows, and the recent importance and societal demand for inclusive solutions in the realm of professional productivity. For The Room Podcast in your inbox every week, subscribe to our newsletter.Check out our guide to podcasting here! 5:03 - Where did Matt grow up and how did that shape his view of the world?6:13 - Did Matt always think he was going to become a founder?7:22 - How was Matt’s experience at Dartmouth and how did it shape his early career?10:55 - What was Maatt’s first entrepreneurial endeavor and how did it go?14:08 - What was the “aha moment” that encouraged Matt to start a business?16:54 - What was the initial product of Clockwise?20:40 - How did Clockwise reach Hallmark Brands such as Netflix, Uber, and Twitter?23:38 - What was the go-to-market strategy of Clockwise and how did they proceed to drive adoption?28:11 - Who was the first person to say yes to investing in Clockwise?29:11 - When was a time in founding Clockwise when things didn’t go as planned?34:37 - Why is now the time for AI calendar innovation?39:09 - How have people begun using calendars differently and how has that shaped Clockwise’s product?42:20 - What’s next for Matt personally?42:52 - Who is a woman in Matt’s life that has a profound impact on him and his career? WX Productions

We are back with another installment of The Room Podcast! This week, we are joined by Meghan Joyce, the visionary CEO behind Duckbill, a revolutionary, AI-powered life management service. Listen in as Meghan shares her journey from pivotal roles at Uber and Oscar Health to founding Duckbill, where she's pioneering accessible solutions for the modern adult.We delve into Meghan's mission of democratizing access to assistance, exploring how Duckbill combines cutting-edge technology and human expertise to tackle life's endless time-consuming, and energy-draining tasks. Hear how Meghan's passion for addressing societal needs led her to redefine the concept of life management, making it more affordable and accessible for all. In this episode, we explore insights and themes such as the balance of B2C versus B2B go-to-market, building cutting-edge AI platforms alongside human-driven services, and the societal shift towards inclusive support systems for working families.For The Room Podcast in your inbox every week, subscribe to our newsletter.Check out our guide to podcasting here! 5:23 - Where did Meghan grow up and how did that shape her view of the world?7:21 - Did Meghan always think that she was going to be a founder?9:27 - How did Meghan's experience at Harvard play into her career trajectory? 12:39 - Why did Meghan join Uber and how was her experience with the company?17:58 - How did Meghan go from Uber to Oscar Health?20:26 - What did Meghan learn about growing a company at scale during her time with Oscar Health?22:46 - What was the initial “aha moment” that inspired Meghan to star Duckbill?26:03 - Is there a lesson learned from Harvard that Meghan thinks of often?28:00 - What role does AI play in Duckbill’s product?31:08 - Why did Meghan run an extensive beta and what advice would she give about going to market? 36:08 - Who was the first person to say yes to investing in Duckbill?38:31 - Would Duckbill ever create its own AI product instead of utilizing other popular AI products?41:11 - Where does Meghan think AI application technologies are going and where does Duckbill fit in?42:45 - How did Duckbill come up with their B2C go-to-market strategy and will they ever go B2B?44:42 - What was a moment when things didn’t go as planned during Meghan’s founding journey?47:08 - How does Meghan balance running a company while starting a family?49:45 - Who is a woman in Meghan’s life that has had a profound impact on her and her career?WX Productions