The Room Podcast

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

Welcome to the latest episode of The Room Podcast! Today, we have the privilege of hosting Eva Ho, the co-founder of Fika Ventures, a driving force in the tech startup ecosystem. Eva Ho is no stranger to breaking barriers, and in this episode, she offers candid advice for aspiring entrepreneurs looking to carve their own paths. Join us as Eva takes us through her journey from her early days in the tech industry to her current role as a trailblazing venture capitalist. In this episode, we explore the role of personal history in professional pathways, knowing when to leave and take the leap of faith as a founder, and the evolution of the emerging manager landscape. Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur, an aspiring fund manager, or simply intrigued by the inner workings of venture capital, this episode is packed with wisdom and inspiration from one of the industry's most respected voices. Tune in as Eva Ho shares her vision for the future of technology and entrepreneurship.For The Room Podcast in your inbox every week, subscribe to our newsletter.Check out our guide to podcasting here! 5:33 - Where did Eva grow up and how did that shape her view of the world?7:31 - Did Eva always think she was meant to be a founder?9:17 - How has the culture around entrepreneurship changed over time at Harvard?14:48 - What brought Eva to the tech industry?17:50 - Why has Eva become an angel investor?20:51 - How did Eva get involved with Susa?22:18 - When did Eva realize it was time to leave Susa?25:41 - What is the mission behind Fika?27:26 - Who was the first team to say yes to investing in Fika?29:35 - How does Fika decide what industries it invests in?32:57 - When does Eva know it’s time to say yes to investing in something?36:58 - What does Eva look for in a founder who encourages her to support them?41:48 - Why is Eva passionate about All Raise and how has it shaped her career?44:37 - What are some recent projects that Eva is excited about?46:17 - Who is a woman who has had a profound impact on Eva and her career?WX Productions

This week, we are excited to return with another LIVE rendition of The Room Podcast! Last December Madison and Claudia traveled down to Miami for Art Basel to sit down live with some incredible guests. We are joined by Daniel Betts, founder of Blue Frontier Labs, and Tosh Ernest, Head of SVB Catalyst 2045, a new program started by SVB to further support under-represented founders across every industry. In this episode, we delve into Daniel's early career in the energy sector, where he recognized the pressing need for efficient air conditioning solutions. From merging fuel cell technology to founding Blue Frontier Labs, explore the intersection of digital and physical solutions in the cleantech space as Daniel shares his vision for a sustainable future and the transformative impact of investing in cleantech companies. Plus, Tosh discusses the importance of founders forging strong banking relationships, such as SVB’s partnership with Daniel, to support startups through various stages of growth. Discover how SVB Catalyst 2045 empowers underrepresented founders and drives innovation in emerging segments, reshaping the entrepreneurship landscape.This week's episode covers topics such as Blue Frontier’s innovative approach to air conditioning, the value of strong banking relationships, and the importance of diversity and inclusion in entrepreneurship.For The Room Podcast in your inbox every week, subscribe to our newsletter.Check out our guide to podcasting here! 8:16 - Where did Daniel grow up and how did that shape his view of the world?9:26 - Did Daniel always think she was going to become a founder?10:42 - Why did Daniel turn his attention to the energy problem space?12:13 - How did Daniel’s prior work experience lead him to founding Blue Frontier?15:17 - What was the initial product that Daniel and Blue Frontier launched?17:46 - Who was the first person to say yes to investing in Blue Frontier?19:13 - How is SVB uniquely positioned to best service founders like Daniel as they tackle big problems and start their journey of building the next big thing?23:01 - Why is it important for founders to have strong relationships with their banking partners?24:44 - Why has Daniel’s relationship with SVB been so important to the success of Blue Frontier?26:32 - How does SVB help founders from inception to IPO and everything in between?28:39 - What was Daniel’s go-to-market strategy with Blue Frontier?31:07 - What advice would Daniel give other founders in the advanced energy technology space?35:22 - Why is Daniel excited about Cleantech?38:29 - What is SVB Catalyst 2045?41:34 - What are some upcoming exciting projects coming from Catalyst 2045?43:25 - Who is a woman in Tosh’s life that has had a profound impact on her and her career?46:26 - Who is a woman in Daniel’s life that has had a profound impact on him and his career?WX Productions

We’re back with another installment of The Room Podcast! In this episode, we're honored to host Julie Rice, the co-founder of SoulCycle and Peoplehood. Join us as Julie shares her journey from revolutionizing the fitness industry with SoulCycle to her latest venture, focused on strengthening human connections.We discuss the genesis of SoulCycle, exploring how it became a cultural phenomenon by fostering community and motivation beyond traditional fitness. Julie also sheds light on Peoplehood, a practice aimed at enhancing relationships through guided group conversations. Julie re-defined a category with SoulCycle and now she's doing it again with making self-workouts a habit in building stronger relationships with Peoplehood. Key topics include finding your own entrepreneurial path, the importance of transparency and investing in people, and Julie's thoughts for founders thinking about acquisition or strategic partnership. Whether you're into fitness, entrepreneurship, or building connections, this episode offers valuable insights from a true trailblazer. We're also excited to offer a special Peoplehood promo code for The Room Podcast listeners. Simply use the code "Peoplehood1" for one free Gather!For The Room Podcast in your inbox every week, subscribe to our newsletter.Check out our guide to podcasting here! 5:32 - Where did Julie grow up and how did that shape her view of the world?7:06 - Did Julie always think she was going to become a founder?8:12 - What was the entertainment industry like when Julie was a part of it?10:31 - What was the “aha moment” that led to the founding of Soul Cycle?13:52 - How did Julie and Elizebeth come up with the product of Soul Cycle?18:15 - When did Julie think that Soul Cycle had reached product market fit?20:49 - How was word-of-mouth marketing impactful to the growth of Soul Cycle?22:41 - What does it mean to get acquired or to sell or to chart an exit strategy and, what advice does Julie have for founders looking to sell?28:10- How did Julie and Elizebeth come up with the product of Peoplehood?33:56 - What can consumers expect from Peoplehood?39:57 - Where does Peoplehood lie on the spectrum of spiritual to tactical?42:35 - What can consumers look forward to in the future of Peoplehood?44:19 - What’s next for Julie, personally?45:53 - What is Julie’s favorite music to Soul Cycle along to?47:18 - Who was a woman in Julie’s life that had a profound impact on her and her career?WX Productions