The Kickstart Podcast

So here's an unexpected scenario. You've got your startup started up and you're busy and focused on building the best team and raising capital when you're blindsided by a legal battle with one of the world's most powerful companies. This doesn't happen all the time, but it does happen more than you might think. And today, we'll learn from someone who's faced it all: a major lawsuit, loss, and even bankruptcy–and what it took to bounce back even stronger. Join us as we talk to Neal Harmon, CEO and co-founder of Angel Studios, and investor Dalton Wright of Kickstart (a VC firm for startups in Utah, Colorado, and the Mountain West) as they bring us both sides of a Perfect Pitch. In this episode we'll talk about: Angel Studio's legal battle with Disney How Neal pulled the company out of bankruptcy What Angel Studios and a Dr. Seuss character have in common (hint: it has to do with sticking it out!) Why investors prioritize a focus on a startup's team and its leadership

It's common knowledge that entrepreneurs put in long nights and sacrifice basically everything for the benefit of their companies. But here's a curveball for you: if the success of your business meant stepping down as CEO...could you do it? Today we're talking to Matt Hoffman, the founder and former CEO of Monarx who stepped away to make room for growth and Jeremy Warren, the current CEO. They'll be joined by investor Gavin Christensen of Kickstart (a VC firm for startups in Utah, Colorado, and the Mountain West) to bring you both sides of a perfect pitch. In this episode, we'll cover: How an entrepreneur can know if they're the right leader for their company Insights on an investor and board's reaction to an entrepreneur's desire to step down as CEO Joining a startup as a CEO, when the company was previously run by someone else The importance of remaining transparent – having difficult conversations sooner rather than later

Negotiation. It's a five-syllable word that can instill fear in the heart of even the most adept entrepreneur and yet, it's a fact of everyday life in the startup world. You eat, sleep, and breathe your vision day in and day out, but when it comes time to bring that vision to the negotiation table, there are no guarantees. So, what does it look like to strike that golden balance between standing firm in what you and your company need while also knowing when it's time to meet your partners in the middle? This week we're exploring what it takes to walk this fine line with Pura CEO and co-founder, Bruno Lima, and investor Curt Roberts of Kickstart (a venture capital firm for startups in Utah, Colorado, and the Mountain West) to bring you both sides of a Perfect Pitch. This episode we explore: Bruno's top tips on negotiating with VCs Why lying to VCs about your fundraising backup plan is never a good idea How being humble can improve your negotiation skills The benefits of separating your professional and personal life

They say that one of the keys to success in start-up land–where predicting the future can seem nearly impossible–is to have the right people with you on the bus. Key people who can adapt and perform well despite the chaos and uncertainty. But there's no saying to guide us when the bus has two drivers who disagree about which directions to follow or who should take the wheel. Today we'll examine what it takes to stay the course when internal leadership strife threatens to off-road you and your company as we talk with Bret Larsen, Co-founder of eVisit, an Arizona-based SaaS company, and venture capital investor Curt Roberts of Kickstart (a VC firm for startups in Utah, Colorado, and the Mountain West) to bring you both sides of a Perfect Pitch. This episode will explore: How founders can manage tension on their leadership team The importance of identifying co-founder goals Identifying goals and values before choosing partners and team members Why prioritizing your personal life is essential to your professional success

While nothing fully prepares you to run a startup, there are a few things that can help. Like having a strong understanding of your customer base and passion for the problem you're solving. Even better if you have a deep understanding and experience with the industry. But what if you come to the table without that experience? Is it possible to still be successful at solving the problem? And maybe the bigger question is, can you still get funding? If you're wondering what it looks like to forge ahead despite a huge learning curve, this conversation is for you. Today we're talking with founder Frank Wooten of Vence, a California-based startup and venture capital investor Curt Roberts of Kickstart to bring you both sides of a Perfect Pitch. This episode will explore: Why every CEO's toolkit should include curiosity and open-mindedness Gleaning deep insights from your hobbies Why the objects in your rearview mirror are a competitive advantage Connecting with your customers

It's not uncommon these days to see startups born out of a desire to do a little bit of good in the world. And the good news is that businesses motivated by a social mission have a real appeal to both customers who like the idea of putting their money to good use, and investors who love the kind of focus and passion that comes from a founder on a mission. But balance is the key. So how do founders keep their startups profitable while being true to the heart of their social mission? Today we'll find out as we talk to Davis Smith, Founder of Cotopaxi, a Utah-based outdoor gear company, and venture capital investor Dalton Wright as we bring you both sides of a perfect pitch. In this episode, we'll cover: Identifying your startup as a B-Corporation and how investors view B-Corp companies How being accountable to investors can actually improve your leadership performance Responding to fear with strategy Davis's experience with asking his executive team to take a pay cut at the pandemic's start

What does it take to be a success in the startup world? One quick google search and you're immediately aware that there are a lot of cooks in that kitchen. But there are some ingredients everyone can agree on. A healthy dose of purpose–the loftier the better–close connection to your customers and an awesome employee experience are necessary elements for growth and greatness. In this episode, we're talking with two founders who've found that magic sauce. Vanessa and Nate Quigley, co-founders of Chatbooks, a Utah-based social startup, will join us along with venture capital investor Gavin Christensen to bring you both sides of a perfect pitch. This episode will explore: How investors view strong founders with weak products Warning signs that a company is out of touch with its customers Building a positive employee experience with a strong PTO policy Why making time for personal conversations is vital for your startup

There's no shortage of advice out there for founders. Just do a quick google search and you'll find list after list of things "every entrepreneur should do," or "10 rules of being a founder." But what if you know doing things the way everyone else does isn't right for you? And, how do you decide what is right for you and your company? To answer that, we're talking with Denver-based Founder and CEO, Lee Mayer of Havenly and venture capital investor Curt Roberts to bring you both sides of a Perfect Pitch. In this episode, we'll talk about: How founders can know when (and if) they're ready for fundraising Lee's experience with asking an early investor to resign from Havenly's board When giving away control can actually benefit your startup Changing consumer behavior with persuasion

There has never been a more true axiom in the startup world than this: The only constant is change; and when things need to change, it's up to the founder to get it done. This episode includes CEO and founder Rachel Nilsson of RAGS and venture capital investor Curt Roberts from Kickstart Fund to give you both sides of a Perfect Pitch. This episode explores:Rachel's Shark Tank experienceHow to overcome a toxic hire on your executive teamThe importance of hiring slowly & firing quickly in a startupWhy managing your mental health is vital for a successful startup

If you've ever wondered whether that passion project really is entrepreneurial gold worth fighting for or a hobby that should just stay in your garage, this episode is for you. This episode hosts Mark Frank, Founder & CEO of SonderMind and Investor Curt Roberts, Partner at Kickstart and will explore: How to decide if your idea is worth pursuing as a companyWhy passion is necessary for a startupHow to highlight company vision in a pitchThe importance of listening to your gut when making hires