Are you seeking invaluable tips on becoming a successful startup CEO?

SUBSCRIBE TO MARK MACLEOD'S NEWSLETTER: https://markmacleod.me/newsletter/

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In this episode, Mark MacLeod gets into an engaging discussion with Hiten Shah, the co-founder and CEO of Nira, exploring the myriad facets of leading and funding a startup. Hiten shares his experiences and philosophies, ranging from the necessity of aligning product development with customer feedback to the intricacies of venture capital and self-funding.

Discover the profound insights on venture capital investment, the vital importance of investor-founder alignment, and Hiten's unique approach to product innovation and company culture. This episode is perfect for aspiring entrepreneurs and seasoned executives alike, who are eager to learn from someone who has walked the challenging path of startup success.

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Key moments:

05:10 How to Build a Startup from Scratch

11:20 Advantages of Self-funding versus VC

14:45 The role of Investors

19:30 Strategies for Handling Risk and Investors

29:10 Remote Work and its Impact on Company Culture

32:40 Discussion on Customer Obsession

37:50 Challenges of raising money and the timing of investment pitches.

42:05 Understanding and Leveraging Investor Expectations.

47:00 Accountability in Remote Work and Transparency in Business.

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Since 1999, I have sat at the right-hand side of the leaders of high growth technology companies as either a CFO, VC or deal maker. I served as CFO for software companies including Shopify (NYSE: SHOP) and Freshbooks. As a CFO I experienced outright failures, wildly profitable exits, and everything in between.

I was a General Partner in Real Ventures, Canada's largest and most active seed stage fund. My investments there include the fund's largest cash on cash and highest IRR returns to date. Most recently, I founded SurePath Capital Partners the leading investment bank for SMB SaaS companies where we did hundreds of millions in financing and exit transactions.

Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/themarkmacleod/

Connect on X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/markmacleod_

Contact Mark: https://markmacleod.me/

Looking for the best Startup CEO insights?

SUBSCRIBE TO MARK MACLEOD'S NEWSLETTER: https://markmacleod.me/newsletter/

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In this episode, Mark MacLeod sits with Stephany Lapierre, the founder and CEO of Tealbook, as she recounts her journey from a background in consulting to becoming a trailblazing female founder in the tech industry.

They explore the evolution of Tealbook, emphasizing the importance of using feedback to drive decisions, the challenges of scaling technology, and the unique difficulties she faced as a solo female founder. The conversation also delves into the crucial support systems for women-led technology companies and the importance of community in fostering startup growth. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the highs and lows of startup leadership, especially from the perspective of a resilient entrepreneur working to bridge gender gaps in the tech industry.

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Key moments:

00:00 Introduction to Stephany Lapierre and Tealbook.

04:15 Discussing the transition from consulting to tech startup.

09:22 The role of feedback in decision making.

12:37 Challenges in scaling and technology development.

17:45 The support from Fresh Founders and Stand Up Ventures.

22:30 Gender challenges in the startup ecosystem.

27:00 Insights into hiring and building a company culture.

31:55 How the COVID-19 pandemic influenced business operations.

38:10 Navigating underfunding and technology scalability.

43:03 The importance of staying informed and understanding technology.

48:15 Final thoughts on leadership and future aspirations.

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Since 1999, I have sat at the right-hand side of the leaders of high growth technology companies as either a CFO, VC or deal maker. I served as CFO for software companies including Shopify (NYSE: SHOP) and Freshbooks. As a CFO I experienced outright failures, wildly profitable exits, and everything in between.

I was a General Partner in Real Ventures, Canada's largest and most active seed stage fund. My investments there include the fund's largest cash on cash and highest IRR returns to date. Most recently, I founded SurePath Capital Partners the leading investment bank for SMB SaaS companies where we did hundreds of millions in financing and exit transactions.

Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/themarkmacleod/

Connect on X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/markmacleod_

Contact Mark: https://markmacleod.me/

Looking for the best Startup CEO Insights?

SUBSCRIBE TO MARK MACLEOD'S NEWSLETTER: https://markmacleod.me/newsletter/

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In this episode, we’re joined by former Dribbble CEO, Zack Onisko, who shares his insightful experiences from leading one of the few remaining independently owned social networks designed specifically for designers.

Zack and host Mark MacLeod discuss his decision to step down, reflecting on a period of significant profitability and growth at Dribbble, achieved without the backing of venture capital. Making major career transitions, the impact of leadership on company culture, and the importance of aligning personal values with professional endeavors are some of the key topics of this episode. Join us for a compelling conversation that unveils the nuances of steering a tech enterprise through evolving landscapes and personal growth.

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Key moments:

00:00 Leaving Dribbble due to personal pursuits.

05:42 Silicon Valley raised CEO reflects on growth.

06:48 Talking to investors, company grew, profitable results.

10:11 Technology has shifted startup landscape, lowering expenses.

13:54 Email crucial for user acquisition and revenue.

18:00 Transition from investment banker to coach amidst COVID.

20:58 Transition from employee to successful entrepreneur for freedom.

24:27 Self-driven urgency led to company's success.

28:01 Learning from Andrew's entrepreneurial and investment approach.

30:29 Transitioned from startup operator to capital management.

36:43 Reinvesting profits to fuel company growth and acquisitions.

40:52 Shifted managerial style, focused on building trust.

42:10 Remote work offers efficiency and productivity benefits.

46:58 Found your insights helpful, want to explore further.

50:28 Joining Dribbble was a dream come true, looking to pursuit new ones

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Since 1999, I have sat at the right-hand side of the leaders of high growth technology companies as either a CFO, VC or deal maker. I served as CFO for software companies including Shopify (NYSE: SHOP) and Freshbooks. As a CFO I experienced outright failures, wildly profitable exits, and everything in between.

I was a General Partner in Real Ventures, Canada's largest and most active seed stage fund. My investments there include the fund's largest cash on cash and highest IRR returns to date. Most recently, I founded SurePath Capital Partners the leading investment bank for SMB SaaS companies where we did hundreds of millions in financing and exit transactions.

Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/themarkmacleod/

Connect on X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/markmacleod_

Contact Mark: https://markmacleod.me/