ACQ2 by Acquired

Dive into the complexities of company building post-investment. Discover how VCs engage deeply with their portfolio companies, from governance to strategic planning. Learn about the evolving roles of board members, the importance of brand reputation, and how strong networks foster startup growth. Exploring the delicate balance of providing value versus stepping back, this discussion highlights the emotional intricacies of co-founder dynamics and critical decisions like pivots. Plus, the mantra: Don't Freak Out!

Join Will Thorndike, author of 'The Outsiders' and a savvy private equity investor, as he delves into the secrets of successful outsider CEOs. He shares his journey of interviewing these elusive leaders and discusses how their capital allocation strategies can inform modern businesses. The conversation tackles the evolution of metrics like EBITDA in today’s tech landscape and highlights the importance of effective communication during mergers. Thorndike also reveals innovative approaches and ethical considerations in the pharmaceutical industry, enriching the insights on leadership and performance.

Kevin Hartz, founder of Eventbrite and early PayPal investor, joins Troy Steckenrider, co-founder of A* and AONE, for an insightful deep dive into SPACs. They explain how SPACs provide an alternative to traditional IPOs with streamlined processes and greater accessibility for innovative startups. The duo highlights the evolving landscape of SPACs, including their implications for venture capital and investor relationships. They also explore due diligence, the PIPE process, and the strategic role of SPACs in democratizing access to the public markets.

Join Hamilton Helmer, the author of 'Seven Powers', as he dives into the intricacies of business strategy and competitive advantage. He discusses the transformative journeys of giants like Netflix and Tesla, illustrating their bold moves from traditional roots to innovative futures. The conversation also explores the balance between strategy and operations, the importance of cultural dynamics in competition, and the powerful concept of counter positioning in tech. Discover how adaptation and clarity can drive success in today’s fast-paced market!

Dive into the nuts and bolts of venture capital decision-making! Learn about the intricate processes that shape investment choices and the crucial elements like market dynamics and founder evaluation. Discover the importance of founder-market fit and how personal connections can influence negotiations. Explore the challenges of recognizing minor opportunities that could yield significant growth, all while balancing confidence and strategy. This is a fascinating look behind the curtain of what really drives VC investments!

Nick Kokonas, CEO of Tock and co-founder of the Alinea Group, dives into the challenges independent restaurants face against giants like DoorDash and Uber Eats. He shares revolutionary strategies for restaurateurs, emphasizing the importance of owning customer data and innovative pricing models. Kokonas discusses groundbreaking ideas to reduce no-show rates with deposits and how Tock's adaptive strategies during the pandemic are reshaping customer experiences. His insights into blending technology with hospitality reveal a new era for the food industry.

Sarah Tavel, a General Partner at Benchmark with a rich background in consumer investing and early Pinterest days, shares her insights on navigating the landscape of consumer investments. She discusses the 'hit-driven nature' of consumer markets while emphasizing the importance of user happiness over vanity metrics in driving sustainable growth. Tavel also delves into marketplace hierarchies, critiques traditional investment strategies, and explores the evolving potential of social platforms, highlighting the need for engagement and community in today's market.

Dive into the intricate world of venture capital and discover the sourcing process that's vital to investment success. Learn about the emotional challenges faced by VCs and how to adapt strategies in a fast-paced landscape. Explore the differences between generalist and thesis-driven investing, along with the evolving marketing strategies reshaping the industry. This engaging discussion sheds light on the importance of diversity in investment networks and the role of personal branding in today’s competitive environment.

Join Patrick Campbell, founder and CEO of ProfitWell, a leader in SaaS profit optimization, as he unpacks the nuances of pricing strategies. He shares how effective pricing drives growth and retention, the challenges startups face, and the role of data in shaping pricing models. Patrick also touches on the delicate balance of transitioning loyal customers during pricing changes and offers insights from his own entrepreneurial journey of bootstrapping ProfitWell without venture funding. Get ready for a masterclass in monetization!

In this conversation, Anna Collins, former GM of Prime Membership at Amazon, shares her extensive expertise in high-performance hiring. She emphasizes the importance of structuring interviews for both creativity and connection, arguing that chaos hinders human interaction. Anna discusses Amazon's unique interview processes, including the role of bar raisers, and compares them to Microsoft’s methodologies. With insights drawn from her career across various industries, she offers actionable strategies for building strong teams and enhancing candidate experiences.