Category Visionaries

Johnny Dallas, CEO & Co-Founder of Zeet.co: $6M Raised to Power the Future of CI/CD & Deployment

Welcome to another episode of Category Visionaries — the show that explores GTM stories from tech's most innovative B2B founders. In today's episode, we're speaking with Johnny Dallas, CEO & Co-Founder of Zeet.co, a cloud-agnostic DevOps automation platform that has raised over $6 Million in funding. 
Here are the most interesting points from our conversation:
Teenage Prodigy to Tech Entrepreneur: Johnny Dallas began his tech career at 14, leading to an acquisition by AWS at 17 and becoming AWS's youngest engineer. This early exposure to DevOps challenges laid the foundation for Zeet.co.
Zeet.co's Mission: Zeet aims to simplify the deployment and management of cloud infrastructure, making DevOps accessible to developers regardless of their background in cloud technologies.
Inspiration and Ambition: Dallas draws inspiration from leaders like Furkon of Founders Inc., emphasizing the balance of ambition with generosity, a principle he incorporates into his leadership at Zeet.
Quake Book Influence: The Dark Forest series, a sci-fi trilogy, deeply influenced Dallas's perspective on scale and ambition, echoing the vast possibilities he sees for Zeet in the tech ecosystem.
Solving Personal Pain Points: Zeet was born out of Dallas and his co-founder's frustration with existing DevOps tools. Their solution now supports 70,000 developers, emphasizing the platform's impact and need in the market.
Vision for the Future: Dallas envisions a future where developers of any skill level can easily deploy and manage cloud applications across multiple platforms, democratizing access to cloud technologies and enhancing productivity in the tech industry.

Antoine Welter, CEO & Co-Founder of Circu Li-ion: $8.5 Million Raised to Build the Future of Battery Upcycling

Welcome to another episode of Category Visionaries — the show that explores GTM stories from tech's most innovative B2B founders. In today's episode, we're speaking with Antoine Welter, CEO & Co-Founder of Circu Li-ion, a battery upcycling company that has raised $8.5 Million in funding.
Here are the most interesting points from our conversation:
Antoine's Entrepreneurial Journey: Born in Luxembourg and raised partly in the US, Antoine's journey into entrepreneurship was influenced by early work experiences and a strong environmental ethos instilled by his mother. This background laid the foundation for his venture into solving global problems through technology and innovation.
Identifying the Problem: Circu Li-ion addresses the premature end-of-life recycling of batteries, a process that often sees batteries disposed of before their time. Their technology focuses on disassembling batteries to recycle components more effectively, tackling the "shit in, shit out" problem prevalent in the industry.
Innovative Solution: The company's approach combines software and hardware to create a battery library, enabling robots to handle a high variability of batteries. This strategy allows Circu Li-ion to work across a spectrum of battery types, from e-bikes and scooters to electric vehicles and energy storage systems.
Business Model and Impact: Circu Li-ion operates on a B2B model, partnering with major recyclers and OEMs to implement their upcycling process. Their solution not only offers a more sustainable alternative to traditional battery recycling but also presents a cost-effective option for businesses, promising up to 40% in savings.
Scaling and Operations: The company's growth strategy includes leveraging existing infrastructures to expand quickly and efficiently. By setting up small, modular processing units within partners' facilities, Circu Li-ion aims to navigate the regulatory and logistical challenges of battery recycling.
Overcoming Challenges: Antoine shares insights into navigating lows in the startup journey, including losing and subsequently winning back a significant deal, and the complexities of operating in a heavily regulated space.
 

Jonathan Schneider, CEO & Co-Founder of Moderne: $20 Million Raised to Build the Future of Code Remediation

Welcome to another episode of Category Visionaries — the show that explores GTM stories from tech's most innovative B2B founders. In today's episode, we're speaking with Jonathan Schneider, CEO & Co-Founder of Moderne, a code remediation platform that has raised $20 Million funding. 
Here are the most interesting points from our conversation:
Jonathan's Transition from Military to Tech: Before entering the tech world, Jonathan spent over eleven years in the US military, where he led convoy escort missions in Iraq and Afghanistan. This experience taught him valuable lessons in decentralized leadership and leading from the front, principles he applies to his role at Moderne.
Inspirational Leadership from Reed Hastings: Working at Netflix, Jonathan was inspired by Reed Hastings' visionary leadership and pragmatic approach to achieving long-term goals, including transitioning from DVDs to streaming.
The Genesis of Moderne: Moderne was born out of Jonathan's realization during his tenure at Netflix and VMware of the common pain points in code migration and remediation. This led to leveraging open-source technology developed during his Netflix days to address these industry-wide challenges.
Strategic Customer Acquisition: The first paying customer for Moderne came through a reference from VMware, highlighting the importance of network and reputation in the enterprise sector.
Unique Marketing and Branding Philosophy: Moderne's distinctive visual brand, inspired by the modern architectural style and incorporating vibrant colors and geometric designs, reflects Jonathan's belief in the importance of a strong, lasting brand identity.
The Importance of Staying True to Your Vision: Throughout the fundraising process and beyond, Jonathan emphasizes the importance of staying true to your company's core identity and vision, despite facing contradictory feedback from potential investors.

Snorre Jordheim Myhre, CEO & Founder of Plaace: $6 Million Raised to Build the Future of Location Intelligence

Welcome to another episode of Category Visionaries — the show that explores GTM stories from tech's most innovative B2B founders. In today's episode, we're speaking with Snorre Jordheim Myhre, CEO & Founder of Plaace, a prop tech company that has raised $6 Million in funding. 
Here are the most interesting points from our conversation:
International Roots and Consulting Foundation: Snorre's global perspective and consulting experience provided a unique skill set for tackling the complex challenges of the retail and property sectors.
Launching During the Pandemic: Plaace's launch coincided with the onset of COVID-19, presenting unique challenges and opportunities. The pandemic underscored the need for Plaace's services as retail spaces faced unprecedented pressures.
Early Funding and Growth: Navigating initial funding challenges, Plaace capitalized on Norway's supportive startup ecosystem, securing essential resources to fuel early growth and product development.
Collaborative Analytics in Prop Tech: Plaace introduces the concept of collaborative analytics to the location intelligence market, offering a novel approach to data-driven decision-making for retail location and property utilization.
Expanding Beyond the Nordics: With ambitions to scale globally, Plaace is strategizing its expansion, eyeing larger markets, including the potential complexities and opportunities of entering the US market.
The Vision for Vibrant Cities: At its core, Plaace aims to transform urban spaces by ensuring retail and service businesses thrive through better location decisions, ultimately contributing to the vibrancy and vitality of cities around the world.

Neil Serebryany, CEO & Co-Founder of Calypso AI: $38 Million Raised to Power the Future of AI Security

Welcome to another episode of Category Visionaries — the show that explores GTM stories from tech's most innovative B2B founders. In today's episode, we're speaking with Neil Serebryany, CEO & Co-Founder of Calypso AI, an AI security platform that has raised over $38 Million in funding. 
Here are the most interesting points from our conversation:
Origins in Intelligence and AI: Neil's experience in the US intelligence community revealed the vast potential of AI for data analysis and the significant security vulnerabilities that accompany AI's rise, inspiring the foundation of Calypso AI.
Early Challenges and Learning: The initial days of Calypso AI involved identifying and addressing the myriad vulnerabilities in AI systems, underscoring the nascent state of AI security and the company's role in shaping the field.
Market Education and Awareness: In the early stages, there was a significant challenge in convincing stakeholders of the imminent need for AI security solutions before the widespread acknowledgment of AI vulnerabilities.
Government as the First Customer: Having the government as an early customer provided substantial initial revenue and R&D collaboration opportunities but necessitated balancing government-specific solutions with broader enterprise needs.
Building Trust and Credibility: Calypso AI leveraged its government partnership as a credibility stamp in the enterprise domain, emphasizing the importance of showing tangible product value to build trust.
Navigating the Post-ChatGPT Landscape: The advent of generative AI and foundation models has significantly shifted the company's focus and messaging, aligning with the evolving AI risk landscape and enterprise needs for simplified, secure AI deployment.

Bryan Mahoney, CEO and Co-Founder of Chord Commerce: $40 Million Raised to Power the Future of E-commerce Data

Welcome to another episode of Category Visionaries — the show that explores GTM stories from tech's most innovative B2B founders. In today's episode, we're speaking with Bryan Mahoney, CEO and Co-Founder of Chord Commerce, an e-commerce data platform that has raised $40 Million in funding. 
Here are the most interesting points from our conversation:
From PowerPoint Hackers to E-commerce Pioneers: Bryan's entrepreneurial journey began in university, where a side project turned into a venture that led him deep into the world of e-commerce, setting the stage for his future endeavors.
Transition to Glossier and the Rise of Direct-to-Consumer Brands: Bryan recounts his transition from running an agency to joining Glossier, highlighting the brand's emphasis on technology and direct engagement with customers, which influenced his perspective on the e-commerce space.
Foundation of Chord Commerce: The inception of Chord Commerce was a pivot from a broader ambition to create a new type of CPG company, focusing instead on leveraging technology to empower other e-commerce operators with sophisticated data tools.
The Evolution of Chord's Offering: Initially a full commerce platform, Chord has honed its focus to become a commerce data platform, partnering rather than competing with established e-commerce infrastructure providers like Shopify and Salesforce.
Marketing Philosophy in B2B Ecommerce: Chord's approach to branding and marketing reflects a blend of enterprise-grade sophistication and the approachability of direct-to-consumer brands, aiming to resonate with e-commerce operators who value both robust technology and compelling brand experiences.
Future of E-commerce: Bryan shares his vision for the future of e-commerce as an increasingly experiential and omnipresent aspect of consumer life, emphasizing the importance of first-party data and personalized customer experiences across all touchpoints.

Matt LeDucq, CEO & Co-Founder of Forum Mobility: $423 Million Raised to Power the Future of Zero-Emission Trucking

Welcome to another episode of Category Visionaries — the show that explores GTM stories from tech's most innovative B2B founders. In today's episode, we're speaking with Matt LeDucq, CEO & Co-Founder of Forum Mobility, a zero-emission fleet solutions provider that has raised $423 Million in funding. 
Here are the most interesting points from our conversation:
Transitioning from Renewable Energy to Zero-Emission Trucking: Matt's extensive background in renewable energy and the trades shaped his perspective on the potential of zero-emission heavy-duty trucking, drawing parallels between early skepticism towards solar energy and current doubts about electric trucks.
Overcoming Skepticism with Vision: Despite facing skepticism similar to early doubts about renewable energy, Matt is confident that zero-emission trucking will become as ubiquitous as solar energy has, driven by undeniable environmental and community health benefits.
The Journey from Concept to Creation: The realization of the vast infrastructure investment needed to support California's zero-emission mandates spurred Matt to move from ideation in 2018-2019 to founding Forum Mobility in 2021, with a focus on addressing the regulatory push towards cleaner transportation.
Charging Infrastructure as the First Step: Matt emphasizes that building a successful zero-emission fleet solution starts with acquiring strategically located land for charging depots, underscoring the importance of understanding market dynamics and regulatory environments.
Providing Comprehensive Fleet Solutions: Forum Mobility distinguishes itself by offering trucks and charging as a service, aiming to make the transition to zero-emission vehicles seamless and affordable for truckers and fleet operators.
Navigating Policy and Regulation: Matt highlights the critical role of policy and regulatory engagement in the energy and transportation sectors, advocating for collaboration with competitors and policymakers to foster industry advancement.

Manik Suri, CEO and Founder of Therma: $30 Million Raised to Build the Cooling Intelligence Category

Welcome to another episode of Category Visionaries — the show that explores GTM stories from tech's most innovative B2B founders. In today's episode, we're speaking with Manik Suri, CEO and Founder of GlacierGrid (formerly known as Therma°), a cooling intelligence platform that has raised over $30 Million in funding.
Here are the most interesting points from our conversation:
Manik's Transition to Tech Entrepreneurship: From his roots in law and public service, Manik was motivated to pursue technology as a means to effect social change more dynamically outside the confines of government, focusing on public benefits through innovation.
The Inception of GlacierGrid: Recognizing the outdated methods in food industry temperature control, which led to significant resource wastage and operational inefficiencies, inspired the creation of GlacierGrid to modernize and optimize these systems.
Innovative Technology for Efficiency: GlacierGrid introduces IoT sensors and data analytics into refrigeration and HVAC systems, enabling real-time monitoring and adjustments that enhance energy efficiency and reduce unnecessary waste.
Overcoming Adoption Barriers: One of the key challenges GlacierGrid faces is convincing businesses to adopt new technology solutions amid numerous operational demands, despite the clear advantages of their system.
Growth Strategy: The company employs a strategic mix of thought leadership, direct sales, and digital marketing efforts to educate potential customers about the transformative benefits of intelligent cooling solutions.
The Power of Storytelling: Manik highlights the critical role that effective storytelling plays in both fundraising and marketing, considering it an essential skill that can be refined to inspire and mobilize change.

Batist Leman, CEO and Co-Founder of Azumuta: $3 Million Raised to Power the Future of Connected Workers

Welcome to another episode of Category Visionaries — the show that explores GTM stories from tech's most innovative B2B founders. In today's episode, we're speaking with Batist Leman, CEO and co-founder of Azumuta, a connected worker platform that has raised $3 Million in funding. 
Most interesting points from our conversation:
From Hobby to Startup: Batist's early start in programming at eleven and his evolution from working on small projects to founding Azumuta.
Identifying the Market Need: The inception of Azumuta was sparked by repeated requests for work instruction software from manufacturing companies, highlighting a clear market demand.
Iterative Growth and Development: The journey of Azumuta's growth was marked by gradual steps, from starting as an independent consultant to pivoting towards a service model for manufacturing software.
Inbound Marketing Success: Azumuta's growth has been significantly driven by inbound marketing, underlining the effectiveness of their content strategy and SEO efforts.
Overcoming Hiring Challenges: Batist shares his experiences with the initial challenges of building a marketing team and how hiring experienced professionals from HubSpot changed the game.
Future Vision for Azumuta: Batist envisions Azumuta playing a crucial role in making the manufacturing industry more productive by enhancing the capabilities of factory workers through better access to knowledge and instructions.

Aasim Saeed, CEO and Founder of Amenities Health: $10 Million Raised to Build the Future of Patient Engagement

Welcome to another episode of Category Visionaries — the show that explores GTM stories from tech's most innovative B2B founders. In today's episode, we're speaking with Aasim, CEO and Founder of Amenities Health, a patient engagement platform that has raised $10 Million in funding.
Most interesting points from our conversation:
Healthcare as a Foregone Conclusion: Aasim was virtually born into healthcare with two doctor parents but found his true passion at the intersection of healthcare, policy, and technology.
A Unique Path to Tech: Unlike many in tech, Aasim’s journey included a detour through med school, a master’s in public administration, and a stint in public policy, highlighting a non-traditional path to becoming a tech CEO.
Policy Meets Product: His work at Baylor, Scott & White Health as the lead of innovation rekindled his passion for making macro-level impacts through technology and product innovation within healthcare.
The Problem with Healthcare Engagement: Aasim observed a significant gap in how health systems manage patient engagement, particularly in making healthcare experiences as customer-centric as businesses like Amazon have done with retail.
Vision for Amenities Health: The aim is to transform patient engagement by treating every patient like a concierge client, significantly improving the healthcare experience.
The Challenge of Building Loyalty in Healthcare: Aasim is tackling the lack of true patient loyalty in healthcare by introducing a membership model aimed at ensuring no surprise billing, satisfaction guarantees, and transparent pricing.