Perfect Pitch by Kickstart

Advice for creative talent practices on the internet abounds. How can you know if these practices are a fad or if they'll generate success? To answer that, we're talking with someone who has adopted several unique initiatives for his team, including the famous four-day workweek. Join us in today’s conversation with Jamie Baxter, Founder and CEO of Qwick, and investor Curt Roberts of Kickstart (a VC firm for startups in Utah, Colorado, and the Mountain West) as we bring you both sides of a Perfect Pitch. In this episode, we’ll talk about: Why Jamie believes his company culture shouldn’t be right for everyone What happened when Qwick implemented a four-day workweek Curt’s advice for founders considering a shortened workweek Jamie’s hack for difficult conversations in his work and personal life

Confused about the future of work? So are we. Until we talked with a founder who has advice on how entrepreneurs can bring their startups up to speed. Join us in today’s conversation with Dan Bladen, Co-Founder & CEO of Kadence, and investor Kat Kennedy of Kickstart (a VC firm for startups in Utah, Colorado, and the Mountain West) as we bring you both sides of a Perfect Pitch. In this episode, we’ll talk about: Dan’s pandemic pivot from Chargifi to Kadence Kat’s advice on how a founder can know whether they should “hang the towel” or pivot Details on Kadence’s fundraising announcement What Kat and Dan anticipate for the future of work

One of our favorite parts of this podcast is learning more about our guest's founder origin stories and how that inspires their business. Today we're talking with an entrepreneur who's building a solution inspired by a problem he faced as a student. Join us in today’s conversation with Wil Eyi, Founder & CEO of Toolbox, and investor Curt Roberts of Kickstart (a VC firm for startups in Utah, Colorado, and the Mountain West) as we bring you both sides of a Perfect Pitch. In this episode, we’ll talk about: How Wil’s immigration and college story impacted his startup The importance of spending time in the problem your company is solving An investor’s perspective on a startup’s pivot Why an obsession with your customer is a necessary component for a successful startup

Traditional offices are facing a renaissance of new technologies and co-working spaces. With the future of work changing so rapidly, we sat down with an industry expert. Someone who broke through a crowded market and found success by tweaking the recipe to an otherwise stale solution. Join us in today’s conversation with Arian Lewis, Founder and CEO of Kiln, and investor Curt Roberts of Kickstart (a VC firm for startups in Utah, Colorado, and the Mountain West) as we bring you both sides of a Perfect Pitch. In this episode, we’ll talk about: How remote work impacted Kiln’s beginnings, and why Kickstart invested Why Arian felt confident Kiln would break through the crowded industry Curt’s advice to young entrepreneurs and how age can impact their success What Arian anticipates for the future of work and shared office space

When a venture capitalist invests in a startup, they’re investing in more than just the company. A strong founder-market fit is vital. And few understand that better than today’s guest. As a serial entrepreneur, he’s focused his attention on leadership and has broken the mold for what makes a successful CEO. Join us in today’s conversation with Jeron Paul, Founder and CEO of Spiff, and investor Gavin Christensen of Kickstart (a VC firm for startups in Utah, Colorado, and the Mountain West) as we bring you both sides of a Perfect Pitch. In this episode, we’ll talk about: What founder-market-fit is and why entrepreneurs and investors should care Pitfalls and benefits of a repeat founder Why a founder’s success hinges on self-awareness Jeron’s belief that you shouldn’t hire “culture fits”

We have exciting news! Kickstart is welcoming a new general partner. Someone who grew a small and scrappy startup to a successful company valued at over $1.4B. And now, she’s taking the plunge into VC to magnify her impact from one amazing company to hundreds of amazing companies. You’ll hear a lot from her as the show’s newest investor expert. But today, it’s all about her! Join us in our conversation with investor Kat Kennedy of Kickstart (a VC firm for startups in Utah, Colorado, and the Mountain West) for a special episode of Perfect Pitch. In this episode, we’ll talk about: Becoming comfortable with being uncomfortable How asking questions makes you appear more confident and competent Kat’s conversations with Mark Cuban & how he drove her excitement for venture capital Why Kat decided to shift to venture capital, and why she chose Kickstart

As a founder, you're facing constant pressure to perform. Whether it's to your employees or your investors, you have a lot to prove. Now, imagine you're hired as a CEO for a startup that's had not one, not two, but five separate CEOs. This week, we're talking with someone who has filled those very shoes and has taken a struggling startup to one that's been acquired by a major enterprise. Join us in today’s conversation with John Munro, CEO of Chargeback, and investor Gavin Christensen of Kickstart (a VC firm for startups in Utah, Colorado, and the Mountain West) as we bring you both sides of a Perfect Pitch. In this episode, we’ll talk about: John’s transition from COO to CEO at Chargeback The mental impacts of a high pressure role An investors’ perspective of a startup that went from low-performance to acquisition Identifying whether your board is one you want to accept or change

Being a founder is synonymous with facing rejection. What separates successful startups from the rest are founders who know how to work through that rejection. But how do you keep saying yes when the world is telling you to stop? Join us in today’s conversation with Ryan Smith, Founder and CEO of Recylops, and investor Curt Roberts of Kickstart (a VC firm for startups in Utah, Colorado, and the Mountain West) as we bring you both sides of a Perfect Pitch. In this episode, we’ll talk about: How Ryan managed being a college student, working his day job, and being a founder all at once Curt’s thoughts on student entrepreneurship and how “side hustles” can be problematic An investor’s perspective on the benefits and challenges of social entrepreneurship How a founder can know whether their startup is worth pursuing or if it’s time to throw in the towel

Entrepreneurs are expected to do it all. Run a company, develop great relationships with their investors, keep up with their personal life… all while needing to keep yourself together. But—like everyone else—founders struggle with their own personal battles. Today we’re talking with someone familiar. Someone who has overcome major challenges and reached success. Join us in today’s conversation with investor Gavin Christensen of Kickstart (a VC firm for startups in Utah, Colorado, and the Mountain West) for a special episode of Perfect Pitch. In this episode, we’ll talk about: Gavin’s diagnosis of Addison’s Disease & how he moved forward How entrepreneurs can learn to balance their personal trials with their startups Why you should use regret to fuel better decision-making Why Gavin believes we should be less impressed by working “overtime”

Entrepreneurship can be a lonely road. And while you may feel you’re making decisions alone as a founder, it doesn’t have to be that way. This week, we’re talking with someone whose early and current mentors have guided him through his entrepreneurial journey. Join us in today’s conversation with Curtis Anderson, Co-Founder and CEO of Nursa, and investor Curt Roberts of Kickstart (a VC firm for startups in Utah, Colorado, and the Mountain West) as we bring you both sides of a Perfect Pitch. In this episode, we’ll talk about: How Curtis’ early mentors set him on a tech-focused path Why entrepreneurs should have a mentor (or a bench of mentors!) Advice for entrepreneurs trying to find a mentor and on being a good mentee The responsibility that entrepreneurs have to be a mentor