ACQ2 by Acquired

Wade Foster, the co-founder and CEO of Zapier, shares insights from leading a successful no-code integration platform without raising capital or maintaining a traditional office. He discusses the creative process behind transforming ideas into profitable products, the automation advantages that simplify operations, and the rise of no-code solutions. Wade also explores the nuances of remote work culture, highlighting communication and engagement strategies that foster a thriving team environment.

Nathan Baschez, author of the Divinations newsletter and former Head of Product at Gimlet Media and Substack, dives into the art of podcasting and business strategy. He emphasizes the importance of perseverance in creativity, noting that pushing through for just a bit longer can lead to breakthroughs. The discussion touches on innovative storytelling, the balance between metrics and creativity, and the iterative process of refining podcast content through listener feedback. Nathan shares insights on blending engaging narratives with detailed research to captivate audiences.

Chetan Puttagunta, a General Partner at Benchmark and a Star Wars enthusiast, joins for an adventurous review of 'The Rise of Skywalker.' They dive into its reception, character dynamics, and emotional depth, especially focusing on Rey and Kylo Ren. The conversation gets lively as they critique fan service and explore cinematic elements like Rey's lightsaber symbolism. Speculations about the rumored 'JJ cut' and the future of the franchise add spice, making it clear that the Star Wars saga continues to captivate multiple generations.

Steven Galanis, Co-founder and CEO of Cameo, shares insights from his journey in launching a platform for personalized celebrity video shoutouts. He discusses the evolution of how celebrities interact with fans, the unique entrepreneurial path from trading floors to tech, and the foundational elements that make Cameo successful. Galanis highlights the importance of community, authenticity, and adaptability in the tech landscape, showcasing how Cameo is redefining social media dynamics without relying on traditional advertising.

Vlad Magdalin, Co-founder and CEO of Webflow, shares his entrepreneurial journey, detailing his three attempts to start the company and the evolution of Webflow into a leading no-code platform. He emphasizes the significance of timing in startups, citing advancements in browser technology that made Webflow possible today. Vlad discusses the clear distinction between no-code and low-code solutions, advocating for the accessibility no-code offers to users. He also reveals future opportunities for entrepreneurs as the no-code movement expands.

Chetan Puttagunta, General Partner at Benchmark, dives into his investment philosophies and the unique structure of his firm. He discusses his first investment in MongoDB and lessons learned from tech giants like Elastic and Mulesoft. Chetan emphasizes the need for adaptability in a rapidly changing tech landscape, exploring the nuances of product/market fit. He highlights the importance of open communication with founders and how technology democratizes entrepreneurship, paving the way for innovation and growth.

In this conversation with Tracy Lawrence, founder and CEO of Chewse, she shares her innovative approach to company culture, emphasizing love and connection. Tracy discusses how she fosters playfulness in the workplace to combat burnout. They dive into the importance of mental health and vulnerability in leadership. Tracy elaborates on building community through food and the challenges of creating a fair workplace culture. Her insights into embracing authenticity and supporting fellow founders reveal a refreshing perspective on entrepreneurship.

Ramesh Johari, a Stanford professor and senior advisor to major companies like Airbnb and Uber, shares invaluable insights into the intricate world of marketplaces. He discusses how these platforms reduce friction for buyers and sellers, emphasizing the importance of trust and balance through strategies like escrow services. Johari further explores the evolution from service models to platforms and highlights the role of data in matching supply and demand. He also addresses the competitive landscape and the future of labor marketplaces, particularly the implications of AI and policy.

Startup studios are reshaping the venture landscape with innovative structures and collaboration among founders. The origins and evolution of these studios reveal a shift from traditional venture capital strategies. Discover how no-code solutions streamline development and enhance efficiency for non-tech founders. The ideation process fosters creativity through structured team involvement and rigorous validation of ideas. Key dynamics of scaling up a startup studio highlight the importance of community, founder-market fit, and adapting to the needs of emerging startups.

Join the hosts as they humorously navigate their Twitter feeds, sharing insights on tech trends and internet memes. They delve into the quirky side of urban living, discussing everything from indoor tents to billionaires' cultural impact. The conversation turns to the cult of wealth, critiquing the idolization of entrepreneurs like Jeff Bezos. They also explore the importance of compliance in podcasting and make exciting hints about their future series. Finally, audience feedback shapes their approach to storytelling, revealing listener preferences.