Startups For the Rest of Us

Don Pottinger, a former developer who swiftly became CTO and later acquired his company for just $1, shares an inspiring journey. He discusses transitioning from coding to leadership, the emotional challenges of layoffs, and dealing with a struggling cap table. Don reveals the complexities of taking ownership after a CEO's departure and the lessons learned through his experiences. He also reflects on launching a new startup, emphasizing the importance of mentorship and personal growth in the ever-changing tech landscape.

Hana Mohan, a dynamic SaaS founder, shares her transformative journey from bootstrapped to venture-backed success. She explores the decision-making process behind seeking venture capital for MagicBell and the vital role of hiring a Chief of Staff early on. Hana discusses marketing strategies that resonate today, the technology behind MagicBell, and the importance of partnering with the right investors. With insights on navigating the evolving startup landscape, she emphasizes collaboration as key for sustained growth.

The discussion dives into the age-old debate of focusing on one product versus juggling multiple ventures. Transparency takes center stage as they debate the benefits of sharing revenue metrics with early employees to build trust and engagement. Tackling common motivational hurdles, the hosts offer insights into maintaining consistency and how achievable projects can spark enthusiasm. They also unpack the nuances of success, emphasizing the mix of hard work, skill, and a touch of luck in one’s entrepreneurial journey.

Sol Orwell, a digital entrepreneur renowned for his growth strategies, discusses his journey with Examine.com, a site that now attracts millions of views monthly. He highlights the significance of customer interviews and building trust with transparency. The conversation dives into navigating the challenges of SEO and the impact of algorithm changes on traffic. Sol also shares insights into innovative marketing tactics and emphasizes the importance of authentic communication in retaining a large subscriber base.

Diving into the world of startups, they tackle the importance of operating agreements for co-founders and strategies for vesting when not working full-time. The discussions also shine a light on common cloud hosting solutions favored by SaaS entrepreneurs. Listeners hear insights from those struggling as young entrepreneurs, plus a compelling call to action for info products. Finally, they explore what it takes to sell a startup with over $1M in annual recurring revenue and offer tips on maximizing company valuation.

The TinySeed Fall 2021 application process for startups is unveiled, highlighting its unique mentorship and community-focused approach. Founders learn about the importance of product-market fit, holistic evaluation, and the benefit of being post-revenue. The conversation also explores the streamlined incorporation process via Stripe Atlas and clarifies preferences for B2B SaaS models over crypto startups. Insights into navigating the evolving landscape of startup funding and accelerator applications make for a compelling session for aspiring entrepreneurs.

Join Rob Walling as he shares valuable insights on enterprise sales and the importance of making wise decisions in startups. Discover the mantra 'measure twice, cut once' and how it applies to cutting-edge financial choices. Explore the elusive SaaS Holy Grails like expansion revenue and virality that drive growth. Plus, gain tips on navigating acquisition discussions and handling those tempting offers with finesse. A blend of wisdom and real-world experiences awaits!

In this discussion, Andy Cabasso, co-founder of Postaga and SaaS expert, shares insights from his journey launching on Product Hunt. He covers the importance of early user feedback and a free plan to attract initial customers. Andy reveals the evolution of Postaga from a DIY tool to a service-oriented platform. The podcast also dives into employing a done-for-you service model, reflecting on whether the Product Hunt launch was worthwhile, and the strategies that fueled a significant growth month.

Einar Vollset, an expert in hiring strategies, and Tracy Osborn, a community management specialist, share valuable insights on when to hire in startups. They discuss how to optimize roles for efficiency and the surprising productivity boosts of working while traveling. The conversation also touches on a Delta pilot's legal battle over app ownership and the shifting dynamics in advertising as Facebook faces user backlash. Plus, they explore the exciting developments in fintech with Square's new banking services.

In this discussion, Andrew Gazdecki, founder of MicroAcquire and former CEO of Bizness Apps, shares his entrepreneurial insights. He reveals why he sold Bizness Apps and how he built MicroAcquire to assist startups in navigating acquisitions. Andrew discusses the unique aspects of MicroAcquire compared to traditional brokers, key metrics since its launch, and strategic plans for the future. He also candidly addresses the challenges of bootstrapping a two-sided marketplace, emphasizing balance between personal life and business growth.