ACQ2 by Acquired

David Hsu, the Founder and CEO of Retool, has an intriguing background that combines philosophy and computer science from Oxford. He discusses the pitfalls of product-led growth, emphasizing the critical need for sales in finding product-market fit. Hsu shares insights on achieving significant ARR with lean teams and sustaining cash flow positivity while navigating growth. The conversation also touches on the implications of AI in entrepreneurship and the significance of intrinsic motivation for driving innovation. Tune in for practical wisdom from a tech visionary!

Sam and Shaan, co-hosts of the successful My First Million podcast, join forces with Ben and David to discuss the secrets of scaling a podcast. They explore the unique journey of Nintendo, delving into its rich history and what businesses really drive success. The conversation shifts to choosing the right podcast guests, balancing authenticity and brand growth, and the nuances of being a contrarian. Plus, they reveal what company they'd want to own and who they’d least like to compete against, wrapping up with insights into innovative business strategies.

Kamakshi Sivaramakrishnan, the Co-founder and CEO of Samooha, brings her rich tech background from Google, Microsoft, and LinkedIn to discuss the future of cloud data collaboration. She addresses the power of cloud data warehouses and the need for secure data sharing in multi-cloud environments. Kamakshi highlights the challenges enterprises face with data collaboration, the importance of a zero trust approach, and the role of user-friendly solutions for non-technical users. She also shares insights on leveraging company culture and innovation at Samooha.

Vijaye Raji, CEO of Statsig and former Facebook VP, shares his journey from leading Facebook's mobile ad development to launching his own startup. He discusses the agile transformation at Facebook and how those practices drive innovation and experimentation. Raji highlights the importance of foundational tools for startups aiming to bring big tech practices to smaller teams. He also delves into the balance between innovation and compliance in product development while navigating challenges like SOC 2 compliance.

Meghan Reynolds, Head of Capital Formation at Altimeter Capital and former global co-head at TPG, shares her expertise on the vital GP-LP relationship in venture capital. She emphasizes the strategic importance of capital formation beyond mere fundraising, highlighting the need for transparency and communication with limited partners. Meghan predicts significant changes in the investment landscape over the next decade, discussing how the dynamics of institutional investment and the expectations of LPs are evolving in response to market shifts.

Austin Federa, Head of Communications at the Solana Foundation and a seasoned crypto expert, delves into the essentials of self-custodying cryptocurrency. He highlights why it's the safest way to manage digital assets, especially amid market upheaval. The discussion includes the importance of controlling private keys, the risks of custodial platforms, and various wallet options. Austin also addresses the balance between security and user-friendliness in transactions, providing insights into advanced strategies for protecting assets in the evolving crypto landscape.

Jay Hoag, co-founder of Technology Crossover Ventures (TCV), shares captivating insights from his journey in tech investing since 1995. He recounts Netflix's transformative shift from DVDs to streaming, highlighting crucial decisions during challenging times. The conversation dives into customer retention strategies that emphasize easy cancellations and a focus on consumer experience. Hoag also discusses the mindset needed for investing through downturns, underlining resilience and strong leadership as key to navigating market challenges.

In a riveting discussion, Brian O'Malley, a partner at Forerunner Ventures, dives into the current landscape of consumer investing. He highlights how to navigate the macro environment and identifies the next generation of breakthrough consumer technologies. Brian emphasizes the importance of focusing on niche markets, illustrating how they can expand unexpectedly. He also shares insights on dealing with the evolving direct-to-consumer market and underscores the significance of understanding consumer behavior in a post-pandemic world.

Jaleh Rezaei, CEO of Mutiny and a former leader at Gusto, shares her inspiring journey from Iran to Silicon Valley success. She discusses the shifting landscape of B2B marketing, highlighting the importance of optimizing user experiences to maximize revenue. Jaleh emphasizes adapting growth strategies for profitability, especially in today's challenging economy. She also delves into her personal story, detailing her entrepreneurial path shaped by significant experiences and the role of community in overcoming obstacles.

Thomas McGannon, an LP at Kindergarten Ventures and host of The Unlimited Partners Show, shares insightful perspectives on venture capital. He discusses KV's significant investment in Vanta, emphasizing genuine interactions over traditional approaches. The conversation highlights the evolving landscape of cybersecurity and compliance automation, showcasing Vanta's innovative role. McGannon also explores the shift towards data-driven investment strategies, redefining what it means to partner effectively in today's competitive market.