ACQ2 by Acquired

In this engaging chat, Jason Calacanis, an influential entrepreneur and angel investor known for launching the Launch Festival and his podcast, delves into his "secret master plan" for the Calacanis empire. He shares insights on productivity and managing their multifaceted activities. The discussion touches on community involvement in investing, the intersection of mentorship and competition, and the evolving landscape of venture capital. Jason also reveals his vision for democratizing investment opportunities and addresses the dynamics between investors and startups during uncertain times.

Shane Kovalsky and Vince Coppola, co-founders of Mystery, discuss their innovative Seattle startup that creates unique date nights and group outings. They share their incredible journey of pivoting from a fully booked business to facing the challenges of the pandemic, where they launched the successful 'Mystery Night In' and achieved record-breaking revenue. The conversation highlights themes of adaptability, creativity in business, and the importance of rapid decision-making in uncertain times, offering valuable insights for entrepreneurs.

Charles Hudson, the dynamic founder of Precursor Ventures, shares his journey of navigating the emerging realm of pre-seed investing. He discusses the evolution of funding rounds below a million and the challenges founders face in this landscape. Hudson emphasizes the importance of professional signals in venture success and highlights his unique approach to evaluating investments. He also reveals insights on building diverse teams and maintaining strong relationships in venture capital while adapting to current trends. A must-listen for aspiring entrepreneurs!

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.