Startups For the Rest of Us

Colleen Schnettler, a developer and entrepreneur, co-founded Hello Query but faced significant challenges along her startup journey. She candidly shares the emotional impact of her co-founder breakup and the sense of crushing failure that followed. Colleen discusses the struggle to realign their product vision with market needs and the uncertainty of moving forward solo. Her insights on sacrifice, resilience, and the need for clarity highlight the complex landscape of entrepreneurship and personal growth.

Brendan Fortune, Director of Product Management at Customer.io, brings his wealth of SaaS experience to the discussion. He emphasizes the crucial role of product management in startups and shares frameworks for driving product success. The conversation dives into understanding customer behavior as the basis for product decisions. Brendan also discusses the innovative concept of pricing flywheels and how to establish a 'fair' value metric, illustrating the delicate balance of pricing experimentation for growth.

Colleen Schnettler, a developer and co-founder of Hello Query, dives into her startup journey focused on embedding custom reporting features in SaaS applications. She shares valuable insights gained from recent customer interviews that led to a pivotal shift in their strategy. The discussion highlights the balance between product quality and launching minimum features, as well as techniques for effective customer outreach. Colleen also reflects on the importance of understanding user problems, ensuring that their product aligns with real customer needs.

In a solo adventure, Rob dives into the tricky world of freemium strategies and when it might be best to avoid them. He tackles the transformative impact of AI on the SaaS landscape and the risks posed when larger players enter the market. There’s also a thoughtful discussion on how to handle growth plateaus and monetize effectively. Additionally, explore the complexities of spinning off products and the strategic considerations behind it. Tune in for practical insights to boost your software business!

Colleen Schnettler, a developer and entrepreneur, shares her journey as the co-founder of Hello Query, previously known as Hammerstone. She candidly discusses the emotional trials of co-founder conflicts and emphasizes the value of open communication. The conversation dives into their decision to pivot their product offering to a SaaS solution focused on internal reporting, highlighting the challenges and lessons learned along the way. Colleen also shares insights on finding product-market fit in a competitive landscape.

Lars Lofgren, an SEO expert with 15 years of experience, delves into the rapidly evolving landscape of SEO. He discusses how changing Google algorithms and the rise of AI content are reshaping strategies for online visibility. Key topics include the staggering revenue potential driven by SEO traffic, the emerging phenomenon of 'parasite SEO,' and essential adaptations for bootstrappers. Lars emphasizes balancing AI tools with authentic content creation as marketers navigate this dynamic environment.

Colleen Schnettler, co-founder of Hammerstone and an experienced developer, shares her journey from coding to managing. She discusses the tough pivot to a focused product stack and the development of a new reporting MVP. Colleen opens up about the complexities of transitioning roles, including the challenges of hiring and how it impacts team dynamics. Her insights reveal the struggles and rewards of being a manager, emphasizing the importance of feedback and communication for a thriving business.

Laura Roeder, founder of Paperbell and former creator of MeetEdgar, shares valuable insights for bootstrapped SaaS founders. She discusses practical steps for hiring your first team member on a budget and the importance of testing pricing with existing customers. Laura highlights targeted content strategies to attract leads and the significance of knowing your best customers. She also emphasizes leveraging limited resources effectively to build a pipeline of potential clients.

Colleen Schnettler, co-founder of Hammerstone.dev, is a self-taught Rails developer and military spouse. In this insightful discussion, she shares her journey from a stay-at-home mom to a tech entrepreneur. Colleen dives into the challenges of custom reporting, navigating product-market fit, and the ups and downs of startup life. She also reveals the motivations behind joining TinySeed and discusses the risks and ambitions ahead for her AI-powered chatbot business, which is evolving into Hello Query.

Einar Vollset, co-founder of TinySeed and an expert in SaaS investing, shares insights on startup investing strategies. He discusses the waning stigma around bootstrap funding and redefines success beyond billion-dollar exits. The conversation delves into deal flow dynamics, the tricky nature of valuations, and the importance of keeping optionality in investments. Einar highlights TinySeed's unique focus on capital efficiency in supporting ambitious B2B SaaS companies, contrasting it with traditional VC models.