Episode 403 of The VentureFizz Podcast features Nick Ornitz and Shannon Kay, Co-Founders of Topline Pro.
Make something people want is the motto behind Y Combinator. It sounds simple, yet so many founders miss this fundamental requirement.
Topline Pro is a perfect case study in getting it right. They didn't fall victim to early false positives; instead, they listened, experimented, and successfully pivoted to solve a true, massive problem for an underserved market.
Topline Pro is building AI that empowers local home service pros to grow and scale their businesses. They provide a critical platform to help with the marketing, sales, and operations of running a business in the trades, allowing these business owners to focus on their craft.
The company recently announced a $27M Series B funding round led by Northzone, with new participation from Tactile Ventures, and Industry Ventures, alongside continued support from existing investors Forerunner Ventures, Bonfire Ventures, TMV, Flybridge, and BBG Ventures.
In this interview, we dive into:
* The inspirational backstory of Nick and Shannon and how they decided to build a company together after meeting at HBS.
* Their initial concept called Dwelling, the "false positive" they experienced, and the strategic pivot.
* Their time at Y Combinator and how early access to GPT opened their eyes to the potential of AI.
* The value that Topline Pro is providing customers and the exciting opportunities ahead following their Series B.
* Growth plans, hiring goals, and the culture they're building at Topline Pro.
* Advice for non-AI native companies that are starting to build out their own AI strategy.
* And so much more!
Episode Sponsor:
As a longtime champion of the local startup ecosystem, Silicon Valley Bank supports innovative companies with the solutions and financing they need through every stage of growth. With more than 1,500 bankers and relationship advisors, and $42B in loans as of Q2 2024 – SVB delivers the right people, service and resources to support your entire financial journey. Learn more at SVB.com.
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Episode 403 of The VentureFizz Podcast features Nick Ornitz and Shannon Kay, Co-Founders of Topline Pro.
Make something people want is the motto behind Y Combinator. It sounds simple, yet so many founders miss this fundamental requirement.
Topline Pro is a perfect case study in getting it right. They didn't fall victim to early false positives; instead, they listened, experimented, and successfully pivoted to solve a true, massive problem for an underserved market.
Topline Pro is building AI that empowers local home service pros to grow and scale their businesses. They provide a critical platform to help with the marketing, sales, and operations of running a business in the trades, allowing these business owners to focus on their craft.
The company recently announced a $27M Series B funding round led by Northzone, with new participation from Tactile Ventures, and Industry Ventures, alongside continued support from existing investors Forerunner Ventures, Bonfire Ventures, TMV, Flybridge, and BBG Ventures.
In this interview, we dive into:
* The inspirational backstory of Nick and Shannon and how they decided to build a company together after meeting at HBS.
* Their initial concept called Dwelling, the "false positive" they experienced, and the strategic pivot.
* Their time at Y Combinator and how early access to GPT opened their eyes to the potential of AI.
* The value that Topline Pro is providing customers and the exciting opportunities ahead following their Series B.
* Growth plans, hiring goals, and the culture they're building at Topline Pro.
* Advice for non-AI native companies that are starting to build out their own AI strategy.
* And so much more!
Episode Sponsor:
As a longtime champion of the local startup ecosystem, Silicon Valley Bank supports innovative companies with the solutions and financing they need through every stage of growth. With more than 1,500 bankers and relationship advisors, and $42B in loans as of Q2 2024 – SVB delivers the right people, service and resources to support your entire financial journey. Learn more at SVB.com.
Episode 396: Alasdair McLean-Foreman, CEO & Founder of Teikametrics
The VentureFizz Podcast
54 minutes 59 seconds
1 month ago
Episode 396: Alasdair McLean-Foreman, CEO & Founder of Teikametrics
Episode 396 of The VentureFizz Podcast features Alasdair McLean-Foreman, CEO & Founder of Teikametrics.
It’s another repeat guest! I think I’m up to 5 repeat guests on The VentureFizz Podcast and just like the 5-times club on Saturday Night Live, I might have to start thinking about getting some custom jackets made up for our repeat guests because they must be on to something special!
Take Alasdair, who… five years ago, back on Episode 153, shared some predictions around eCommerce that were mostly spot on. So, I was eager to get his point of view on what’s next especially in this radically evolving world of AI which we discuss at the beginning of our interview.
He has an interesting perspective as he was one of the first third-party sellers on Amazon and his company, Teikametrics, has a front row seat as the AI marketplace optimization platform for leading brands.
There’s a lot that we had to catch up on like their new patented GenAI technology that has the opportunity to shake up how brands scale on platforms like Amazon, Walmart, TikTok Shop, and Shopify.
He also recently brought on Sandie Hawkins, the former Head of TikTok Shop as the company’s President to help scale to the next level.
We cover all of these topics and more!
The VentureFizz Podcast
Episode 403 of The VentureFizz Podcast features Nick Ornitz and Shannon Kay, Co-Founders of Topline Pro.
Make something people want is the motto behind Y Combinator. It sounds simple, yet so many founders miss this fundamental requirement.
Topline Pro is a perfect case study in getting it right. They didn't fall victim to early false positives; instead, they listened, experimented, and successfully pivoted to solve a true, massive problem for an underserved market.
Topline Pro is building AI that empowers local home service pros to grow and scale their businesses. They provide a critical platform to help with the marketing, sales, and operations of running a business in the trades, allowing these business owners to focus on their craft.
The company recently announced a $27M Series B funding round led by Northzone, with new participation from Tactile Ventures, and Industry Ventures, alongside continued support from existing investors Forerunner Ventures, Bonfire Ventures, TMV, Flybridge, and BBG Ventures.
In this interview, we dive into:
* The inspirational backstory of Nick and Shannon and how they decided to build a company together after meeting at HBS.
* Their initial concept called Dwelling, the "false positive" they experienced, and the strategic pivot.
* Their time at Y Combinator and how early access to GPT opened their eyes to the potential of AI.
* The value that Topline Pro is providing customers and the exciting opportunities ahead following their Series B.
* Growth plans, hiring goals, and the culture they're building at Topline Pro.
* Advice for non-AI native companies that are starting to build out their own AI strategy.
* And so much more!
Episode Sponsor:
As a longtime champion of the local startup ecosystem, Silicon Valley Bank supports innovative companies with the solutions and financing they need through every stage of growth. With more than 1,500 bankers and relationship advisors, and $42B in loans as of Q2 2024 – SVB delivers the right people, service and resources to support your entire financial journey. Learn more at SVB.com.
