The VC/founder marriage analogy is weird, and other startup BS: Parker Conrad on the 20VC podcast
In this article
- 01. The highlights
This is the state of the startup world, according to our CEO Parker Conrad.
Parker joined Harry Stebbings on the 20VC podcast to discuss what makes his vision of a compound startup unique, the ethos behind the Rippling business model, and what founders should look for in their relationship with VCs.
The highlights
Why Rippling? Parker’s “aha” moment came when he realized that employee data is far more distributed across companies than people realize. Not simply relegated to HR and HR business systems, the data unites all facets of a business. When successfully orchestrated, it can help improve everything.
Compound startups like Rippling are not easy to build. But, as Salesforce has proved over the decades, such companies can be incredibly powerful.
One of the biggest challenges with selling a compound startup is nailing its core marketing message. Focus on the challenge at large, not the individual product features.
There is a commonly used metaphor in the VC / startup world—the relationship between a founder and their investors is like that of a marriage. Parker sees this relationship as more like the one you’d have with a general contractor; you may disagree, but those disagreements are not going to get you kicked out of your home.
Rippling is always looking for leaders who have the right mix of impatience, humor, and something to prove.
Disclaimer
Rippling and its affiliates do not provide tax, accounting, or legal advice. This material has been prepared for informational purposes only, and is not intended to provide or be relied on for tax, accounting, or legal advice. You should consult your own tax, accounting, and legal advisors before engaging in any related activities or transactions.
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