Startups For the Rest of Us

In this conversation, Anthony Eden from DNSimple shares his expertise on managing international contractors and the legal complexities involved. He discusses strategies for solo founders to improve their sales skills and emphasizes the importance of feedback for refining prototypes. The duo also explores how to find technical co-founders and weigh options between hiring developers versus partnering up. With practical tips and insights, they offer valuable advice for anyone looking to navigate the startup landscape successfully.

Brian and Scottie Elliott, the dynamic duo behind Gather, share their journey in transitioning their interior design app upmarket. They discuss hiring strategies, emphasizing the shift from task-based to project-based hiring, which enhances operational efficiency. The couple highlights the importance of focusing on customer success over mere revenue metrics. They also candidly reflect on the emotional challenges of losing a major enterprise deal, revealing insights into resilience and the need to understand customer feedback better.

Xander Castro, a key player at MicroConf since 2014 and a dedicated listener of the show, shares insights from the recent MicroConf Remote event. He discusses the challenges and triumphs of adapting in-person events to a virtual format. Attendees learned about pricing strategies, technical setups, and the importance of engaging presentations. Xander highlights successful ticket sales, innovative audience engagement tactics, and lessons learned for future events, aiming to improve connections in an increasingly digital world.

In the first part of Season 2, co-founders Brian and Scottie Elliott share their journey with Gather, a project management app for interior design. Brian's search for better software led to a collaboration with Scottie, who boasts over 20 years in the industry. They discuss their impressive $5,600 MRR and the thought process behind joining TinySeed for funding and mentorship. The duo candidly reflects on balancing personal values with business ambitions, and the nuanced approach to user engagement, blending optimism with realism in their entrepreneurial journey.

David Newell, a Senior Advisor at Quiet Light Brokerage, shares insights on SaaS valuations and the intricacies of selling SaaS businesses. He discusses the importance of treating your business as a sellable asset and highlights current market trends. Newell provides valuable lessons on Seller Discretionary Earnings (SDE) and revenue multiples, emphasizing the need for clean finances and documentation. Listeners will also learn about the best practices for sellers and what top buyers look for in a SaaS acquisition.

Discover the power of optionality from a captivating personal journey. Explore the story of Gary Gygax and the lessons learned from Tactical Studies Rules. Learn why maintaining flexibility in decision-making is crucial for startups. Unpack the importance of financial discipline during the early entrepreneurial stages. Hear about innovative alternatives to traditional office spaces and the importance of keeping personal expenses low for long-term success. This solo adventure is filled with insights that can shape your business path.

Mike Ritchie and Thabo Fisher, co-founders of SeekWell, share insights from their rapid customer acquisition journey. They reveal how they landed their first paying customer in just 30 days post-launch. The duo emphasizes the importance of listening to customer feedback, which led to a complete overhaul of their codebase. They discuss navigating pricing strategies, including a significant pricing revamp to better align with customer value. Their focus on customer needs drives growth and enhances usability, showcasing the essence of a customer-centric approach.

Wil Schroter, CEO and founder of Startups.com, shares his two-decade journey in the startup ecosystem. He discusses the significance of prioritizing output over hours worked to achieve true productivity. Wil also dives into the financial implications of selling companies and the evolution from client services to product-based offerings. Key insights include the strategic advantages of acquiring existing products and the importance of aligning professional choice with personal values for fulfillment. His candid reflections on entrepreneurship and its challenges are both enlightening and engaging.

Anthony Eden, founder of DNSimple, shares his insights on navigating the six stages of SaaS growth. The conversation begins with the crucial pre-launch phase and progresses through achieving product-market fit. Eden discusses the importance of customer feedback in disrupting established markets and building a user-friendly experience. He also emphasizes celebrating milestones, the need for structured roles during scaling, and the role of community engagement in fostering growth. Finally, they touch on strategies for sustainability and innovation in SaaS.

Asia Orangio, an expert in marketing and brand building, shares her insights on navigating the complexities of startup marketing. They discuss strategies for identifying the right marketing channels and provide feedback on freemium pricing models. The conversation also delves into the importance of brand identity versus branding, highlighting personal experiences that shaped successful strategies. Finally, they cover decision-making frameworks for choosing between starting a business and joining a startup, emphasizing fulfillment and opportunity costs.