The Kickstart Podcast

Advice for creative talent practices on the internet abounds. How can you know if these practices are a fad or if they'll generate success? To answer that, we're talking with someone who has adopted several unique initiatives for his team, including the famous four-day workweek. Join us in today’s conversation with Jamie Baxter, Founder and CEO of Qwick, and investor Curt Roberts of Kickstart (a VC firm for startups in Utah, Colorado, and the Mountain West) as we bring you both sides of a Perfect Pitch. In this episode, we’ll talk about:

• Why Jamie believes his company culture shouldn’t be right for everyone
• What happened when Qwick implemented a four-day workweek
• Curt’s advice for founders considering a shortened workweek
• Jamie’s hack for difficult conversations in his work and personal life

Running a startup is like building a car while you’re driving. We’re talking with an entrepreneur who does it all while staying buckled in. Join us in today’s conversation with Wade Anderson, President and COO of Elements, and investor Tanner Potter of Kickstart (a VC firm for startups in Utah, Colorado, and the Mountain West) as we bring you both sides of a Perfect Pitch. In this episode, we’ll talk about:

• Starters and joiners: why you don’t need to be a founder to be an entrepreneur
• The steps Wade took to determine whether Elements had product-market fit
• How investors look at product retention and usage data when evaluating a company
• Details on Wade’s feedback strategy and how it helps him remain self-aware

Among the difficult things founders have to face, layoffs may be the worst. We sat down with a CEO who draws back the curtain on a difficult but often necessary part of startup life. Join us in today’s conversation with PJ O’Neil, Co-Founder and CEO of Nomad, and investor Gavin Christensen of Kickstart (a VC firm for startups in Utah, Colorado, and the Mountain West) as we bring you both sides of a Perfect Pitch. In this episode, we’ll talk about:

• What makes Denver and the Mountain West ripe ground for founders
• Why PJ’s cold email pitch stood out to Gavin
• PJ’s experience in making difficult layoffs at Nomad
• Layoffs: what you should and shouldn't do

Entrepreneurs are expected to do it all. Run a company, develop great relationships with their investors, keep up with their personal life… all while needing to keep themselves together. But—like everyone else—founders struggle with their own personal battles. Today we’re talking with someone familiar. Someone who has overcome major challenges and reached success. Join us in today’s conversation with investor Gavin Christensen of Kickstart (a VC firm for startups in Utah, Colorado, and the Mountain West) for a special episode of Perfect Pitch. In this episode, we’ll talk about:

• Gavin’s diagnosis of Addison’s Disease & how he moved forward
• How entrepreneurs can learn to balance their personal trials with their startups
• Why you should use regret to fuel better decision-making
• Why Gavin believes we should be less impressed by working “overtime”

Trying to manage your personal and professional life is a delicate balancing act. And part of being an entrepreneur means sacrificing your personal time for success. Is there a way to achieve that ideal balance? We’re talking with someone who strives for intentional living and believes that the perfect balance is found by embracing imbalance. Join us in today’s conversation with investor Curt Roberts of Kickstart (a VC firm for startups in Utah, Colorado, and the Mountain West) for a special episode of Perfect Pitch. In this episode, we’ll talk about:

• Why Curt believes balance is never achievable, and how you can choose your imbalance to discover a “healthy tension” between priorities
• The art of saying “no” and Curt’s experience with his depression diagnosis
• How to determine a hierarchy of priorities
• The practice of compartmentalizing our time, rather than striving for balance

If you haven’t hit a roadblock on your startup journey then you haven’t actually started. Roadblocks are a predictably unpredictable part of starting a new venture and this episode dives into the minds of Jeremy Hanks, founder of Dsco and investor Dalton Wright, to explore how our approach to those early challenges to our businesses can bring us even closer to a perfect pitch. This episode explores:

• How founders can navigate early roadblocks
• Jeremy’s uphill battle with Dsco’s near close
• An investor’s viewpoint on when a founder is backed into a corner
• How flashes of brilliance can sometimes do more for your company than months of work

If there’s ever a setting where resilience is imperative, it’s a startup. But the combination of uncertainty, lack of control, and the intense pace of a startup can also often have a direct correlation to increased stress, which can in turn negatively impact resilience. It’s tempting to think the solution is to just to work harder. But is that really the best way to develop resilience? Today, we’ll talk with Founder Rob Nelson and investor Gavin Christensen to bring you both sides of a perfect pitch. This episode will explore:

• Signs that an investor looks for to recognize a scrappy founder
• Questions to ask yourself when making difficult decisions as a leader
• The importance of resilience and vulnerability, and why you need both to run a company
• The steps you can take to live intentionally, within your business and personal life

Every entrepreneur is trying to solve a problem with their startup. To prove you’re the person for the job, how do you become an expert yourself? We’re talking with an entrepreneur who has accomplished just that. Join us in today’s conversation with Alex Shamir, Co-Founder at Yofi, and investor Tanner Potter of Kickstart  (a VC firm for startups in Utah, Colorado, and the Mountain West) as we bring you both sides of a Perfect Pitch. In this episode, we’ll talk about:

• How Alex’s experience at Nike and Apple drove her interest in tackling data integrity and policy abuse in e-commerce
• The difference between understanding the problem your startup is solving and being obsessed with it
• Why entrepreneurs should trust their gut, iterate quickly, and make hard decisions, like firing when necessary, to drive success
• If investors consider the age of an entrepreneur when investing

To be a successful entrepreneur, you have to be adaptable. Sometimes so adaptable, that you’re completely rewriting the story of your company. To give insight on how you can remain motivated through it all, we’re talking with Rachel Hofstetter, CMO at Chatbooks, and investor Gavin Christensen of Kickstart (a VC firm for startups in Utah, Colorado, and the Mountain West) as we bring you both sides of a Perfect Pitch. In this episode, we’ll talk about:

• Adapting to new opportunities during career transitions
• Why quality over quantity is more important in a professional network
• The importance of storytelling in a startup
• How Rachel’s challenge of “The Year of Hustle” boosted her career

Being an entrepreneur is all about playing the long game and the best founders and their investors understand that the ups and downs of solving big problems require more than just big vision. It’s a combination of traits and practices that will carry you through the lean times. If you want to know what cockroaches and good entrepreneurs have in common, tune in to hear Founder Mike Peregrina of Homie and investor Curt Roberts to bring you both sides of a perfect pitch. This episode will cover:

• The 13 C’s of Entrepreneurship
• Why entrepreneurs should strive to be like cockroaches
• How to keep the investor/entrepreneur relationship healthy through difficult times
• The importance of looking “beyond the business” and nourishing your connections

Can VCs be founders too? We’re talking with Kickstart’s founding partners to understand how Kickstart…was kickstarted. Join us in today’s conversation with investors Gavin Christensen, Alex Soffe, and Dalton Wright of Kickstart (a VC firm for startups in Utah, Colorado, and the Mountain West), as we bring you both sides of a Perfect Pitch. In this episode, we’ll talk about: 

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• The slow grind of everyday life of Kickstart in the early days
• Why no one took Utah VCs seriously and how the partners helped change their mind
• Low points in Kickstart’s history and how the team survived
• What is next in Kickstart’s story…

Confused about the future of work? So are we. Until we talked with a founder who has advice on how entrepreneurs can bring their startups up to speed. Join us in today’s conversation with Dan Bladen, Co-Founder & CEO of Kadence, and investor Kat Kennedy of Kickstart (a VC firm for startups in Utah, Colorado, and the Mountain West) as we bring you both sides of a Perfect Pitch. In this episode, we’ll talk about:

• Dan’s pandemic pivot from Chargifi to Kadence
• Kat’s advice on how a founder can know whether they should “hang the towel” or pivot
• Details on Kadence’s fundraising announcement
• What Kat and Dan anticipate for the future of work

The first year of a startup’s life is crucial–and life or death decisions seem to be made on a daily basis. Whether it be fundraising, hiring, or simply getting people to care, you have a lot to juggle and today, we’re talking with a founder who can speak to it all. Join us in today’s conversation with Chris Hicken, founder and CEO of ‘nuffsaid and investor Gavin Christensen of Kickstart (a VC firm for startups in Utah, Colorado, and the Mountain West) as we bring you both sides of a Perfect Pitch. In this episode, we’ll talk about:

• Why Chris moved his startup from Silicon Valley to Silicon Slopes
• A startup’s biggest risk in “year one”
• How to get people to care about your startup and the biggest mistake founders make when fundraising
• How artistic skills can benefit your abilities as an entrepreneur
  

So many founders sacrifice to be able to get their startups off the ground, but not many of them move to Thailand to be able to make it happen. Today we’re talking with Josh Nielsen, Founder & CEO of Zencastr, a successful podcasting platform, and investor Gavin Christensen of Kickstart (a VC firm for startups in Utah, Colorado, and the Mountain West) to bring you both sides of a Perfect Pitch. In this episode, we’ll talk about:

• Josh’s scrappy journey of bootstrapping his startup in Thailand
• How to know if you’re ready for fundraising
• Finding product-market fit under intense time pressure
• Why investors value founders that are innovating in a space in which they are experts

It’s not uncommon these days to see startups born out of a desire to do a little bit of good in the world. And the good news is that businesses motivated by a social mission have a real appeal to both customers who like the idea of putting their money to good use, and investors who love the kind of focus and passion that comes from a founder on a mission. But balance is the key. So how do founders keep their startups profitable while being true to the heart of their social mission? Today we'll find out as we talk to Davis Smith, Founder of Cotopaxi, a Utah-based outdoor gear company, and venture capital investor Dalton Wright as we bring you both sides of a perfect pitch. In this episode, we’ll cover:

• Identifying your startup as a B-Corporation and how investors view B-Corp companies
• How being accountable to investors can actually improve your leadership performance
• Responding to fear with strategy
• Davis’s experience with asking his executive team to take a pay cut at the pandemic’s start

While all startups hope to be unique enough to stand out from the crowd, there are often multiple startups within the same category. What if your company doesn’t fit into a standard category? What if your mission is so unique you have to trailblaze your own path in the startup world? To get a better idea of how one niche company successfully did this and grew from seed money into a Series A–all within 20 months–join us in our conversation with Claravine’s CEO and founder, Verl Allen, and investor Gavin Christensen of Kickstart (a VC firm for startups in Utah, Colorado, and the Mountain West) as we bring you both sides of a Perfect Pitch. In this episode, we’ll talk about:

• An investor’s perspective on companies with a unique category fit
• Verl’s advice to founders whose startup is trailblazing a new niche in the market
• Why self-awareness is critical to being a founder
• How leaning into and growing with pain helped Verl grow as a leader
  

What does it take to be a success in the startup world? One quick google search and you're immediately aware that there are a lot of cooks in that kitchen. But there are some ingredients everyone can agree on. A healthy dose of purpose–the loftier the better–close connection to your customers and an awesome employee experience are necessary elements for growth and greatness. In this episode, we're talking with two founders who've found that magic sauce. Vanessa and Nate Quigley, co-founders of Chatbooks, a Utah-based social startup, will join us along with venture capital investor Gavin Christensen to bring you both sides of a perfect pitch. This episode will explore:

• How investors view strong founders with weak products
• Warning signs that a company is out of touch with its customers
• Building a positive employee experience with a strong PTO policy
• Why making time for personal conversations is vital for your startup

We’re digging into the value and potential pitfalls of strategic partnerships...and we’re not talking about choosing your pickleball partner carefully. In the scrappy, DIY world of startups, sometimes the need for leveraged power from an already established brand might seem like a cop-out, but sometimes it's exactly what the doctor ordered and brings things to the next level. To show us what it looks like when a startup lands a strategic partnership with one of the most well known brand leaders in the market, we’re bringing back Jeremy Hanks of Dsco and investor Dalton Wright of Kickstart (a VC firm for startups in Utah, Colorado, and the Mountain West) to bring you both sides of a Perfect Pitch. In this episode, we’ll talk about:

• Jeremy’s experience of Nordstrom approaching Dsco for a strategic partnership
• What leverage founders have when negotiating favorable strategic deals
• Details on Jeremy’s experience with Dsco’s sale & what’s next on the horizon
• Why Jeremy claims entrepreneurship’s “finish line” isn’t actually an exited company

Unicorn. If you’re an entrepreneur you’ve probably heard that term before. It’s a coveted title for companies valued at over $1B and it’s safe to say every founder dreams of hitting that status. But can that level of success actually work against you? Join us in today’s conversation with Dave Hersh, CEO of Mobilize and investor Gavin Christensen of Kickstart (a VC firm for startups in Utah, Colorado, and the Mountain West) to bring you both sides of a Perfect Pitch. In this episode, we’ll talk about:

• Why it’s dangerous for startups to get stuck in the “wannabe-unicorn” mindset
• Why founders should focus on being the “best” within their small-scale growth, rather than attempting to tackle an entire market
• What it means when Gavin claims that “dragons eat unicorns”
• Early warning signs that a company is beginning to lose focus

Being a founder is synonymous with facing rejection. What separates successful startups from the rest are founders who know how to work through that rejection. But how do you keep saying yes when the world is telling you to stop? Join us in today’s conversation with Ryan Smith, Founder and CEO of Recylops, and investor Curt Roberts of Kickstart (a VC firm for startups in Utah, Colorado, and the Mountain West) as we bring you both sides of a Perfect Pitch. In this episode, we’ll talk about:

• How Ryan managed being a college student, working his day job, and being a founder all at once
• Curt’s thoughts on student entrepreneurship and how “side hustles” can be problematic
• An investor’s perspective on the benefits and challenges of social entrepreneurship
• How a founder can know whether their startup is worth pursuing or if it’s time to throw in the towel

If you’ve ever wondered whether that passion project really is entrepreneurial gold worth fighting for or a hobby that should just stay in your garage, this episode is for you. This episode hosts Mark Frank, Founder & CEO of SonderMind, a Colorado-based mental healthcare company, and venture capital Investor Curt Roberts, Partner at Kickstart and will explore:

• How to decide if your idea is worth pursuing as a company
• Why passion is necessary for a startup
• How to highlight company vision in a pitch
• The importance of listening to your gut when making hires

One of our favorite parts of this podcast is learning more about our guest’s founder origin stories and how that inspires their business. Today we're talking with an entrepreneur who's building a solution inspired by a problem he faced as a student. Join us in today’s conversation with Wil Eyi, Founder & CEO of Toolbox, and investor Curt Roberts of Kickstart (a VC firm for startups in Utah, Colorado, and the Mountain West) as we bring you both sides of a Perfect Pitch. In this episode, we’ll talk about:

• How Wil’s immigration and college story impacted his startup
• The importance of spending time in the problem your company is solving
• An investor’s perspective on a startup’s pivot
• Why an obsession with your customer is a necessary component for a successful startup

Entrepreneurship can be a lonely road. And while you may feel you’re making decisions alone as a founder, it doesn’t have to be that way. This week, we’re talking with someone whose early and current mentors have guided him through his entrepreneurial journey. Join us in today’s conversation with Curtis Anderson, Co-Founder and CEO of Nursa, and investor Curt Roberts of Kickstart (a VC firm for startups in Utah, Colorado, and the Mountain West) as we bring you both sides of a Perfect Pitch. In this episode, we’ll talk about:

• How Curtis’ early mentors set him on a tech-focused path
• Why entrepreneurs should have a mentor (or a bench of mentors!)
• Advice for entrepreneurs trying to find a mentor and on being a good mentee
• The responsibility that entrepreneurs have to be a mentor

You did it. You got your first round of funding and you’re on your way...and then the landscape changes. Now, the outcome you promised to investors might not be possible. So what do you do to maintain their confidence in you? Join us in today’s conversation with Grant Gordon, Co-Founder and CEO of Artemis Health, and investor Dalton Wright of Kickstart (a VC firm for startups in Utah, Colorado, and the Mountain West) as we bring you both sides of a Perfect Pitch. In this episode, we’ll talk about:

• Intellectual integrity
• Finding and testing product-market fit
• How to adjust your strategy when the market changes
• Why you should schedule “meeting-free” zones

So here's an unexpected scenario. You've got your startup started up and you're busy and focused on building the best team and raising capital when you're blindsided by a legal battle with one of the world's most powerful companies. This doesn't happen all the time, but it does happen more than you might think. And today, we'll learn from someone who's faced it all: a major lawsuit, loss, and even bankruptcy–and what it took to bounce back even stronger. Join us as we talk to Neal Harmon, CEO and co-founder of Angel Studios and investor Dalton Wright of Kickstart (a VC firm for startups in Utah, Colorado, and the Mountain West) as they bring us both sides of a Perfect Pitch. In this episode we’ll talk about:

• Angel Studio’s legal battle with Disney
• How Neal pulled the company out of bankruptcy
• What Angel Studios and a Dr. Seuss character have in common (hint: it has to do with sticking it out!)
• Why investors prioritize a focus on a startup’s team and its leadership
  

As a founder, you're facing constant pressure to perform. Whether it's to your employees or your investors, you have a lot to prove. Now, imagine you're hired as a CEO for a startup that's had not one, not two, but five separate CEOs. This week, we're talking with someone who has filled those very shoes and has taken a struggling startup to one that's been acquired by a major enterprise. Join us in today’s conversation with John Munro, CEO of Chargeback, and investor Gavin Christensen of Kickstart (a VC firm for startups in Utah, Colorado, and the Mountain West) as we bring you both sides of a Perfect Pitch. In this episode, we’ll talk about:

• John’s transition from COO to CEO at Chargeback
• The mental impacts of a high pressure role
• An investors’ perspective of a startup that went from low-performance to acquisition
• Identifying whether your board is one you want to accept or change

Traditional offices are facing a renaissance of new technologies and co-working spaces. With the future of work changing so rapidly, we sat down with an industry expert. Someone who broke through a crowded market and found success by tweaking the recipe to an otherwise stale solution. Join us in today’s conversation with Arian Lewis, Founder and CEO of Kiln, and investor Curt Roberts of Kickstart (a VC firm for startups in Utah, Colorado, and the Mountain West) as we bring you both sides of a Perfect Pitch. In this episode, we’ll talk about:

• How remote work impacted Kiln’s beginnings, and why Kickstart invested
• Why Arian felt confident Kiln would break through the crowded industry
• Curt’s advice to young entrepreneurs and how age can impact their success
• What Arian anticipates for the future of work and shared office space
  

We have exciting news! Kickstart is welcoming a new general partner. Someone who grew a small and scrappy startup to a successful company valued at over $1.4B. And now, she’s taking the plunge into VC to magnify her impact from one amazing company to hundreds of amazing companies. You’ll get to hear a lot from her as the show’s newest investor expert. But today, it’s all about her! Join us in our conversation with investor Kat Kennedy of Kickstart (a VC firm for startups in Utah, Colorado, and the Mountain West) for a special episode of Perfect Pitch. In this episode, we’ll talk about:

• Becoming comfortable with being uncomfortable
• Why asking questions actually makes you appear more confident and competent
• Kat’s personal conversations with Mark Cuban & how he drove her excitement for venture capital
• Why Kat decided to shift to venture capital, and why she chose Kickstart

There’s no shortage of advice out there for founders. Just do a quick google search and you’ll find list after list of things “every entrepreneur should do,” or “10 rules of being a founder.” But what if you know doing things the way everyone else does isn’t right for you? And, how do you decide what is right for you and your company? To answer that, we’re talking with Denver-based Founder and CEO, Lee Mayer of Havenly and venture capital investor Curt Roberts to bring you both sides of a Perfect Pitch. In this episode, we’ll talk about:

• How founders can know when (and if) they’re ready for fundraising
• Lee’s experience with asking an early investor to resign from Havenly’s board
• When giving away control can actually benefit your startup
• Changing consumer behavior with persuasion

Negotiation. It's a five-syllable word that can instill fear in the heart of even the most adept entrepreneur and yet, it's a fact of everyday life in the startup world. You eat, sleep, and breathe your vision day in and day out, but when it comes time to bring that vision to the negotiation table, there are no guarantees. So, what does it look like to strike that golden balance between standing firm in what you and your company need while also knowing when it’s time to meet your partners in the middle? This week we're exploring what it takes to walk this fine line with Pura CEO and co-founder, Bruno Lima, and investor Curt Roberts of Kickstart (a VC firm for startups in Utah, Colorado, and the Mountain West) to bring you both sides of a Perfect Pitch. This episode we explore:

• Bruno’s top tips on negotiating with VCs
• Why lying to VCs about your fundraising backup plan is never a good idea
• How being humble can improve your negotiation skills
• The benefits of separating your professional and personal life
  

When a venture capitalist invests in a startup, they’re investing in more than just the company. A strong founder-market-fit is vital. And few understand that better than today’s guest. As a serial entrepreneur, he’s focused his attention on leadership and has broken the mold for what makes a successful CEO. Join us in today’s conversation with Jeron Paul, Founder and CEO of Spiff, and investor Gavin Christensen of Kickstart (a VC firm for startups in Utah, Colorado, and the Mountain West) as we bring you both sides of a Perfect Pitch. In this episode, we’ll talk about:

• What founder-market-fit is and why entrepreneurs and investors should care
• Pitfalls and benefits of a repeat founder
• Why a founder’s success hinges on self-awareness
• Jeron’s belief that you shouldn’t hire “culture fits”
  

While nothing fully prepares you to run a startup, there are a few things that can help. Like having a strong understanding of your customer base and passion for the problem you’re solving. Even better if you have a deep understanding and experience with the industry. But what if you come to the table without that experience? Is it possible to still be successful at solving the problem? And maybe the bigger question is, can you still get funding? If you’re wondering what it looks like to forge ahead despite a huge learning curve, this conversation is for you. Today we’re talking with founder Frank Wooten of Vence, a California-based startup and venture capital investor Curt Roberts of Kickstart to bring you both sides of a Perfect Pitch. This episode will explore:

• Why every CEO’s toolkit should include curiosity and open-mindedness
• Gleaning deep insights from your hobbies
• Why the objects in your rearview mirror are a competitive advantage
• Connecting with your customers
  

They say that one of the keys to success in start-up land–where predicting the future can seem nearly impossible–is to have the right people with you on the bus. Key people who can adapt and perform well despite the chaos and uncertainty. But there's no saying to guide us when the bus has two drivers who disagree about which directions to follow or who should take the wheel. Today we'll examine what it takes to stay the course when internal leadership strife threatens to off-road you and your company as we talk with Bret Larsen, Co-founder of eVisit, an Arizona-based SaaS company and venture capital investor Curt Roberts of Kickstart to bring you both sides of a Perfect Pitch. This episode will explore:

• How founders can manage tension on their leadership team
• The importance of identifying what co-founders goals are
• Identifying goals and values before choosing partners and team members
• Why prioritizing your personal life is essential to your professional success

It’s common knowledge that entrepreneurs put in long nights and sacrifice basically everything for the benefit of their companies. But here’s a curveball for you: if the success of your business meant stepping down as CEO...could you do it? Today we're talking to Matt Hoffman, the founder and former CEO of Monarx who stepped away to make room for growth and Jeremy Warren, the current CEO. They'll be joined by investor Gavin Christensen of Kickstart (a VC firm for startups in Utah, Colorado, and the Mountain West) to bring you both sides of a Perfect Pitch. In this episode, we’ll cover:

• How an entrepreneur can know if they’re the right leader for their company
• Insights on an investor and board’s reaction to an entrepreneur’s desire to step down as CEO
• Joining a startup as a CEO, when the company was previously run by someone else
• The importance of remaining transparent – having difficult conversations sooner rather than later

We’re welcoming a new voice to the show! This Kickstart investor started his career at powerhouses like Vivint and Nike. Today, he’s a product-market fit expert investing in tech-obsessed founders across the Mountain West. Join us in our conversation with investors Tanner Potter and Kat Kennedy of Kickstart (a VC firm for startups in Utah, Colorado, and the Mountain West) for a special episode of Perfect Pitch. In this episode, we’ll talk about:

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• How product has impacted Tanner and Kat’s careers—and how that experience manifests in their investing habits
• Advice to founders on creating their pitch decks and the importance of storytelling
• Why Kickstart didn’t hire Tanner the first time he applied (awkward)
• How product and sales have shaped the Mountain West ecosystem

We’re breaking our regular format with a new kind of episode, with a founder who is serving some spicy opinions on how an entrepreneur can succeed. Join us in today’s conversation with Taylor Margot, Founder and CEO of Keys, and investor Tanner Potter of Kickstart (a VC firm for startups in Utah, Colorado, and the Mountain West) as we bring you both sides of a Perfect Pitch. In this episode, we’ll talk about the following “hot takes”:

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• Why Taylor believes founders should stop listening to advice from investors (yes, this is on an advice podcast to entrepreneurs from investors!)
• Tanner’s suggestion for founders to list the top three reasons why their businesses will die on their pitch decks.
• Whether or not founders actually research the VCs they’re talking to (and if it matters!)
• Why VCs want to invest in entrepreneurs deeply embedded in a space rather than “trend-preneurs”

There has never been a more true axiom in the start up world than this: The only constant is change; and when things need to change, it’s up to the founder to get it done. This episode includes CEO and founder Rachel Nilsson of Rags and venture capital Investor Curt Roberts to give you both sides of a Perfect Pitch. This episode will explore:

• Rachel’s Shark Tank experience
• How to overcome a toxic hire on your executive team
• The importance of hiring slowly & firing quickly
• Why managing your mental health is vital for a successful company
  

If you could peek behind the curtain of the funding world, do you think that would make it easier or harder to follow your passion and take that leap of entrepreneurial faith? We’ll find out when we talk to MarketDial CEO and founder Morgan Davis, and investor Curt Roberts about what happens when a venture capitalist becomes a founder as we bring you both sides of a perfect pitch. This episode dives into how entrepreneurs can separate noise from signal as they navigate fundraising as well as insights into:

• The advantages and disadvantages of being a founder with a first person perspective on how investors think
• Signals from investors that an entrepreneur should both look for (and not look too far into) when fundraising
• Becoming VC-language savvy! How founders and entrepreneurs can become better acquainted with the VC-side of fundraising
• Why the benefits of competent work can often trump networkings
  

Startup sales—the phrase alone is enough to stress a founder out. We're bringing in two experts who will help unlock the secret to sales success. Join us in today's conversation with Aaron McReynolds and Ryan Harris, co-founders of Alysio, and investor Kat Kennedy of Kickstart (a VC firm for startups in Utah, Colorado, and the Mountain West) as we bring you both sides of a perfect pitch. In this episode, we’ll talk about:

• How Alysio nailed down big customers early on in their startup journey and their advice to founders struggling with customer acquisition
• The components that make a good sales organization
• Common blind spots that trip up sales teams
• Why Kat is so excited about Alysio’s financial model and how entrepreneurs can improve their company’s model

We talk a lot about how to grow your startup on this show. But once you’ve mastered the startup part, how do you ensure you don’t get left behind as a leader? Join us in today’s conversation with Dave Grow, CEO of Lucid Software, and investor Gavin Christensen of Kickstart (a VC firm for startups in Utah, Colorado, and the Mountain West) as we bring you both sides of a Perfect Pitch. In this episode, we’ll talk about:

• Why Dave was compelled to apologize to the first person he managed at Lucid Software
• How Dave developed the habit to “give away his legos”
• When it’s valuable to hire specialists versus generalists
• What mistakes Gavin has seen founders make that prohibit them from growing with their company

It’s easy to get caught up in defining your startup with industry buzz words. We’re speaking with a founder who is fighting against being placed in a box. Join us in today’s conversation with Riley Hughes, Founder & CEO of Trinsic, and investor Dalton Wright of Kickstart (a VC firm for startups in Utah, Colorado, and the Mountain West) as we bring you both sides of a Perfect Pitch. In this episode, we’ll talk about:

• Kickstart’s announcement on opening an office in Denver this summer
• What digital identity means and how it impacts you and your privacy
• How Riley transitioned from a scooter handlebar startup to sovereign identity
• Why entrepreneurs shouldn’t worry about being the “pioneer problem-solver” in a market
• Why many founders shy away from being labeled as a Web3 company

So often leaders worry about eliminating weakness. But is that practice outdated? There might be research to suggest otherwise. Join us in today’s conversation with Liz Ellis, COO and Chief Heart Officer of Angel Studios, and investor Dalton Wright of Kickstart (a VC firm for startups in Utah, Colorado, and the Mountain West) as we bring you both sides of a Perfect Pitch. In this episode, we’ll talk about:

• Startups can’t compete with “Google-level” salaries. So, how can you attract great talent?
• The importance of separating management and individual contributor career growth tracks
• Living by default, instead of by design: the key to avoiding burnout
• How to play to your employee’s strengths by delivering feedback in ways that work for them

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Founder journeys are never the same. Today we’re talking with someone who started their career as a musician, had a layover as a financial advisor, and is now a founder of a startup that is currently raising in one of the toughest fundraising environments we’ve seen. Join us in today’s conversation with Reese Harper, CEO of Elements, and investor Gavin Christensen of Kickstart (a VC firm for startups in Utah, Colorado, and the Mountain West) as we bring you both sides of a Perfect Pitch. In this episode, we’ll talk about:

• How Reese’s content creation helps him understand his customer’s better
• Gavin’s investor perspective on whether an entrepreneur should invest in thought leadership
• Reese’s tactical approach to attracting top-of-the-line talent to his exec team
• Advice for fundraising entrepreneurs when an investor says “no”