Traction

Lloyed Lobo
Traction

On the Traction Podcast, we bring you discussions with founders and CXOs of the fastest-growing companies in technology, covering everything from product, marketing, innovation, fundraising and more through proven strategies for rapid growth. Presented by: Boast.AI R&D Tax Credit Software - https://boast.ai Launch - https://www.launchacademy.ca Traction Community - https://tractionconf.io

  1. $146M in Health Tech: The Unfiltered Playbook for Fundraising & Scaling in a Tough Market

    4 JUN

    $146M in Health Tech: The Unfiltered Playbook for Fundraising & Scaling in a Tough Market

    Innovation is the driving force behind unlocking better patient experiences and improving access to quality care. In this episode, Derek Streat, Co-Founder and Former CEO at DexCare, shares his journey of transforming healthcare access through innovative technology solutions. Derek dives into how DexCare optimizes the way health systems manage digital demand, making healthcare more accessible and efficient for both providers and patients. Specifically, Derek discusses: (03:09) The inspiration behind DexCare and its mission to streamline healthcare access. (08:52) Find one person who values your product before seeking product-market fit. (19:08) Use data to improve patient outcomes and efficiency. (25:22) Overcoming challenges in scaling a health tech startup. (31:02) Strong value attracts smart investors, even in tough markets. (36:12) Collaborate with talented people, not just your own ideas. (40:48) Closing cancer screening gaps improves health outcomes. (47:53) Digital platforms transform traditional healthcare models. (53:27) Experiment continuously; capital sustains the journey. (57:01) Key lessons from Derek’s health tech journey. Resources Mentioned: Derek Streat https://www.linkedin.com/in/derek-streat/ DexCare | LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/dexcare/ DexCare | Website https://dexcare.com/ This episode is brought to you by: Leverage community-led growth to skyrocket your business. “From Grassroots to Greatness” by author Lloyed Lobo will help you master 13 game-changing rules from some of the most iconic brands in the world — like Apple, Atlassian, CrossFit, Harley-Davidson, HubSpot, Red Bull and many more — to attract superfans of your own that will propel you to new heights. Grab your copy today at FromGrassrootsToGreatness.com. Each year the US and Canadian governments provide more than $20 billion in R&D tax credits and innovation incentives to fund businesses. But the application process is cumbersome, prone to costly audits, and receiving the money can take as long as 16 months. Boast automates this process, enabling companies to get more money faster without the paperwork and audit risk. We don’t get paid until you do! Find out if you qualify today at https://Boast.AI. Launch Academy is one of the top global tech hubs for international entrepreneurs and a designated organization for Canada's Startup Visa. Since 2012, Launch has worked with more than 6,000 entrepreneurs from over 100 countries, of which 300 have grown their startups to seed and Series A stage and raised over $2 billion in funding. To learn more about Launch's programs or the Canadian Startup Visa, visit https://LaunchAcademy.ca. Content Allies helps B2B companies build revenue-generating podcasts. We recommend them to any B2B company that is looking to launch or streamline its podcast production. Learn more at https://contentallies.com. #HealthcareInnovation #DigitalHealth #HealthTech #Product #Marketing #Innovation #StartUp #GenerativeAI #AI

    59 min
  2. The Rise of AI-Powered Fintech with Roy Luo of ICONIQ

    21 MAY

    The Rise of AI-Powered Fintech with Roy Luo of ICONIQ

    The venture capital landscape is evolving fast, and founders who don’t adapt will be left behind. Roy Luo, General Partner at ICONIQ, shares insights on the shifting dynamics of startup funding and what it takes to scale in 2025. With investments in companies like Figma, Canva and Ramp, Roy breaks down key trends in fintech, AI-driven business models and the future of venture capital. Specifically, Roy discusses:   (06:46) TCV provided key lessons in investing, founder relations and tech disruption. (11:25) How AI is transforming startups and the VC landscape. (17:00) How to evaluate product-market fit beyond just revenue metrics. (24:45) The importance of strong investor-founder alignment in building long-term partnerships. (37:44) Buyer pain points and trends guide investment decisions. (41:03) Lessons from high-growth investments like Ramp and FloQast. (53:04) The characteristics of successful startups and the importance of founder-market fit. (57:06) How identity and anti-fraud solutions are shaping the next wave of fintech. Resources Mentioned: Roy Luo https://www.linkedin.com/in/roybluo/ ICONIQ | LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/iconiq-capital-llc/ ICONIQ | Website https://www.iconiqcapital.com/growth This episode is brought to you by: Leverage community-led growth to skyrocket your business. “From Grassroots to Greatness” by author Lloyed Lobo will help you master 13 game-changing rules from some of the most iconic brands in the world — like Apple, Atlassian, CrossFit, Harley-Davidson, HubSpot, Red Bull and many more — to attract superfans of your own that will propel you to new heights. Grab your copy today at FromGrassrootsToGreatness.com. Each year the US and Canadian governments provide more than $20 billion in R&D tax credits and innovation incentives to fund businesses. But the application process is cumbersome, prone to costly audits, and receiving the money can take as long as 16 months. Boast automates this process, enabling companies to get more money faster without the paperwork and audit risk. We don’t get paid until you do! Find out if you qualify today at https://Boast.AI. Launch Academy is one of the top global tech hubs for international entrepreneurs and a designated organization for Canada's Startup Visa. Since 2012, Launch has worked with more than 6,000 entrepreneurs from over 100 countries, of which 300 have grown their startups to seed and Series A stage and raised over $2 billion in funding. To learn more about Launch's programs or the Canadian Startup Visa, visit https://LaunchAcademy.ca. Content Allies helps B2B companies build revenue-generating podcasts. We recommend them to any B2B company that is looking to launch or streamline its podcast production. Learn more at https://contentallies.com. #VentureCapital #StartupFunding #Fintech #Product #Marketing #Innovation #StartUp #GenerativeAI #AI

    1h 1m
  3. Using AI To Scale Smarter: Marketplace Strategy with Brian Rothenberg, defy.vc

    7 MAY

    Using AI To Scale Smarter: Marketplace Strategy with Brian Rothenberg, defy.vc

    Is generative AI rewriting the rules for how startups scale, hire and grow? In this episode, Brian Rothenberg, Partner at Defy.vc, explores how the resurgence of the Bay Area, the rise of generative AI and the future of marketplaces are reshaping the startup landscape. We revisit Brian’s 2017 talk on scaling marketplaces and analyze which lessons still hold true.  Specifically, Brian discusses: (02:54) Why defy backs early-stage founders with a strong operator mindset. (03:59) How the Bay Area has re-emerged as the epicenter of AI-driven innovation. (09:15) Applying AI to the most constrained side of a marketplace can unlock major growth. (12:37) Training-wheel tools can help onboard more users to AI in a business-friendly way. (15:46) Generative AI can likely handle 80–90% of tasks that once needed large teams. (20:11) AI performance may shift ratings to simple yes-or-no outcomes. (25:40) Verified identities could help filter fake content as trust declines. (31:55) AI may shift roles but will likely create new kinds of jobs. (35:00) Data privacy concerns are fueling cautious AI adoption and enterprise solutions. (40:42) Outcome-based pricing is overtaking traditional per-seat SaaS models. Resources Mentioned: Brian Rothenberg https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianrothenberg/ Defy.vc | LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/defy-vc/ defy.vc | Website https://defy.vc/ This episode is brought to you by: Leverage community-led growth to skyrocket your business. “From Grassroots to Greatness” by author Lloyed Lobo will help you master 13 game-changing rules from some of the most iconic brands in the world — like Apple, Atlassian, CrossFit, Harley-Davidson, HubSpot, Red Bull and many more — to attract superfans of your own that will propel you to new heights. Grab your copy today at FromGrassrootsToGreatness.com. Each year the US and Canadian governments provide more than $20 billion in R&D tax credits and innovation incentives to fund businesses. But the application process is cumbersome, prone to costly audits and receiving the money can take as long as 16 months. Boast automates this process, enabling companies to get more money faster without the paperwork and audit risk. We don’t get paid until you do! Find out if you qualify today at https://Boast.AI. Launch Academy is one of the top global tech hubs for international entrepreneurs and a designated organization for Canada's Startup Visa. Since 2012, Launch has worked with more than 6,000 entrepreneurs from over 100 countries, of which 300 have grown their startups to seed and Series A stage and raised over $2 billion in funding. To learn more about Launch's programs or the Canadian Startup Visa, visit https://LaunchAcademy.ca. Content Allies helps B2B companies build revenue-generating podcasts. We recommend them to any B2B company that is looking to launch or streamline its podcast production. Learn more at https://contentallies.com. #StartupGrowth #VentureCapital #Entrepreneurship #OutcomeBasedPricing #Product #Marketing #Innovation #StartUp #GenerativeAI #AI

    42 min
  4. Turning a Blog into a Multi-Million-Dollar Business with Alex Theuma of SaaStock

    30 APR

    Turning a Blog into a Multi-Million-Dollar Business with Alex Theuma of SaaStock

    Building a thriving SaaS community isn’t just about content — it’s about creating real, in-person connections that people keep coming back to. Alex Theuma, Founder of SaaStock, shares how he transformed a simple blog into one of the most influential SaaS conferences in the world. He unpacks the highs and lows of scaling a global event, from bootstrapping early growth to navigating expansion challenges. Specifically, Alex discusses: (05:02) Turning a simple blog into a SaaS community. (10:51)A SaaS community grew through blogs, emails and newsletters before events. (15:20) The biggest challenges and lessons from launching the first SaaStock conference. (22:28) The name SaaStock was inspired by Woodstock and came together instantly. (30:34) The risks and rewards of bootstrapping versus raising strategic capital. (33:56) How expanding too quickly nearly derailed SaaStock’s growth. (40:41) A strategic pivot to virtual events positioned the conference as an industry leader. (44:51) The SaaSop Founder Membership unites 70 CEOs through meetups and retreats. (49:45) The power of in-person meetups for fostering engaged communities. (51:48) A decade in, the vision for SaaStock is to 10x its impact and growth. Resources Mentioned: Alex Theuma https://www.linkedin.com/in/alextheuma/ SaaStock | LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/saastock/ SaaStock | Website https://www.saastock.com/ This episode is brought to you by: Leverage community-led growth to skyrocket your business. “From Grassroots to Greatness” by author Lloyed Lobo will help you master 13 game-changing rules from some of the most iconic brands in the world — like Apple, Atlassian, CrossFit, Harley-Davidson, HubSpot, Red Bull and many more — to attract superfans of your own that will propel you to new heights. Grab your copy today at FromGrassrootsToGreatness.com. Each year the U.S. and Canadian governments provide more than $20 billion in R&D tax credits and innovation incentives to fund businesses. But the application process is cumbersome, prone to costly audits, and receiving the money can take as long as 16 months. Boast automates this process, enabling companies to get more money faster without the paperwork and audit risk. We don’t get paid until you do! Find out if you qualify today at https://Boast.AI. Launch Academy is one of the top global tech hubs for international entrepreneurs and a designated organization for Canada's Startup Visa. Since 2012, Launch has worked with more than 6,000 entrepreneurs from over 100 countries, of which 300 have grown their startups to seed and Series A stage and raised over $2 billion in funding. To learn more about Launch's programs or the Canadian Startup Visa, visit https://LaunchAcademy.ca. Content Allies helps B2B companies build revenue-generating podcasts. We recommend them to any B2B company that is looking to launch or streamline its podcast production. Learn more at https://contentallies.com. #SaaS #CommunityBuilding #B2BEvents #Product #Marketing #Innovation #StartUp #GenerativeAI #AI

    54 min
  5. Scaling Past $100 Million With Speed and Precision with Dan Rogers of LaunchDarkly

    16 APR

    Scaling Past $100 Million With Speed and Precision with Dan Rogers of LaunchDarkly

    Scaling a company requires more than just great ideas — it demands execution, urgency and adaptability. In this episode, Dan Rogers, CEO of  LaunchDarkly, shares how he has built high-performance teams and driven sustained success, drawing from his experience leading growth at Microsoft, Amazon, Salesforce and ServiceNow. Specifically, Dan covers: (03:24) Dan’s passion for technology led to an early start and a journey to Silicon Valley. (06:01) Why owning a number early in a career builds strong leadership skills. (11:28) Technical audiences want guidance, not marketing — stay product-focused. (25:25) Why customer insights should shape business decisions, not pre-set playbooks. (27:19) The role of execution in validating strategy and driving competitive advantage. (30:33) Competition is a sign of success — embrace it as part of growth. (37:45) AI application releases need control; rolling back and adjusting prompts is essential. (43:04) The importance of maintaining innovation speed while ensuring software reliability. (47:50) How feature flagging and controlled rollouts help companies move fast without breaking things. (51:49) Longevity in business requires discipline — prioritize fitness, diet and personal time with the same intensity as work. Resources Mentioned: Dan Rogers https://www.linkedin.com/in/dan-rogers-a1717a/ LaunchDarkly | LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/launchdarkly/ LaunchDarkly | Website https://www.launchdarkly.com This episode is brought to you by: Leverage community-led growth to skyrocket your business. “From Grassroots to Greatness” by author Lloyed Lobo will help you master 13 game-changing rules from some of the most iconic brands in the world — like Apple, Atlassian, CrossFit, Harley-Davidson, HubSpot, Red Bull and many more — to attract superfans of your own that will propel you to new heights. Grab your copy today at FromGrassrootsToGreatness.com. Each year the US and Canadian governments provide more than $20 billion in R&D tax credits and innovation incentives to fund businesses. But the application process is cumbersome, prone to costly audits and receiving the money can take as long as 16 months. Boast automates this process, enabling companies to get more money faster without the paperwork and audit risk. We don’t get paid until you do! Find out if you qualify today at https://Boast.AI. Launch Academy is one of the top global tech hubs for international entrepreneurs and a designated organization for Canada's Startup Visa. Since 2012, Launch has worked with more than 6,000 entrepreneurs from over 100 countries, of which 300 have grown their startups to seed and Series A stage and raised over $2 billion in funding. To learn more about Launch's programs or the Canadian Startup Visa, visit https://LaunchAcademy.ca. Content Allies helps B2B companies build revenue-generating podcasts. We recommend them to any B2B company that is looking to launch or streamline its podcast production. Learn more at https://contentallies.com. #Leadership #StartupGrowth #SoftwareDevelopment #Product #Marketing #Innovation #StartUp #GenerativeAI #AI

    58 min
  6. Why the Future Belongs to Agentic AI with Daniel Saks, Landbase

    2 APR

    Why the Future Belongs to Agentic AI with Daniel Saks, Landbase

    The companies that win the next decade won’t just adopt AI — they’ll redesign how work gets done from the ground up. Daniel Saks, CEO and Co-Founder of Landbase, returns to share lessons learned from scaling two companies across two major technology waves. Daniel explores how the path from SaaS to agentic AI is not just a shift in tools, but a complete rethinking of how businesses operate, compete and grow. Specifically, Daniel discusses: (03:35) Daniel had early conviction in SaaS and saw it reshape business. (07:48) How his approach today targets SMBs, and not enterprises. (10:04) The intense competition in AI and how Landbase differentiates through deep talent, data, and execution. (16:34) Why the infrastructure war in AI mirrors the early cloud era. (19:53) AI can replace outdated service-based businesses. (21:24) “Reclaim your day” reflects Landbase’s mission to let humans focus on creative, high-value work. (23:39) Why value creation and timing still win deals — regardless of the tech wave. (28:41) Relevance beats personalization in outbound. (30:36) Why “move fast and break things” doesn’t work in a world demanding trust, values and governance. (36:26) AI will run on autopilot — with humans in control. Resources Mentioned: Daniel Saks https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielsaks/ Landbase | LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/landbase/ Landbase | Website https://www.landbase.com/ This episode is brought to you by: Leverage community-led growth to skyrocket your business. “From Grassroots to Greatness” by author Lloyed Lobo will help you master 13 game-changing rules from some of the most iconic brands in the world — like Apple, Atlassian, CrossFit, Harley-Davidson, HubSpot, Red Bull and many more — to attract superfans of your own that will propel you to new heights. Grab your copy today at FromGrassrootsToGreatness.com. Each year the US and Canadian governments provide more than $20 billion in R&D tax credits and innovation incentives to fund businesses. But the application process is cumbersome, prone to costly audits, and receiving the money can take as long as 16 months. Boast automates this process, enabling companies to get more money faster without the paperwork and audit risk. We don’t get paid until you do! Find out if you qualify today at https://Boast.AI. Launch Academy is one of the top global tech hubs for international entrepreneurs and a designated organization for Canada's Startup Visa. Since 2012, Launch has worked with more than 6,000 entrepreneurs from over 100 countries, of which 300 have grown their startups to seed and Series A stage and raised over $2 billion in funding. To learn more about Launch's programs or the Canadian Startup Visa, visit https://LaunchAcademy.ca. Content Allies helps B2B companies build revenue-generating podcasts. We recommend them to any B2B company that is looking to launch or streamline its podcast production. Learn more at https://contentallies.com. #AgenticAI #SaaS #ArtificialIntelligence #DataDriven #Product #Marketing #Innovation #StartUp #GenerativeAI #AI

    41 min
  7. $5B in Venture Deals: What Founders Need To Know with Nick Washburn of Intel Capital

    19 MAR

    $5B in Venture Deals: What Founders Need To Know with Nick Washburn of Intel Capital

    Venture capital isn’t just about funding — it’s about making the right bets at the right time. Nick Washburn, Senior Managing Director of Intel Capital, shares insights on founder-investor dynamics, venture capital strategies and the evolving landscape of AI-driven business models.  Specifically, Nick discusses: (03:34) The move from law to venture capital. (10:46) Companies are bought, not sold — startups must plan ahead for acquisition. (15:47) Product-market fit sparks growth, but scaling is the real test. (19:55) Investing without deep market knowledge leads to failure. (26:01) Data pipeline optimization is costly but crucial. (33:20) AI growth looks impressive, but true revenue quality is uncertain. (44:13) The last mile — packaging, experience and distribution — matters most. (56:19) There’s no single playbook — success depends on product and buyers. (01:23:59) Building genuine investor relationships starts with patience and an open mind.   Resources Mentioned: Nick Washburn https://www.linkedin.com/in/nick-washburn-32216226/ Intel Capital https://www.linkedin.com/company/intelcapital/ National Venture Capital Association https://nvca.org Kauffman Fellows Program https://www.kauffmanfellows.org Intel Capital https://www.intelcapital.com This episode is brought to you by: Leverage community-led growth to skyrocket your business. “From Grassroots to Greatness” by author Lloyed Lobo will help you master 13 game-changing rules from some of the most iconic brands in the world — like Apple, Atlassian, CrossFit, Harley-Davidson, HubSpot, Red Bull and many more — to attract superfans of your own that will propel you to new heights. Grab your copy today at FromGrassrootsToGreatness.com Each year the U.S. and Canadian governments provide more than $20 billion in R&D tax credits and innovation incentives to fund businesses. But the application process is cumbersome, prone to costly audits, and receiving the money can take as long as 16 months. Boast automates this process, enabling companies to get more money faster without the paperwork and audit risk. We don’t get paid until you do! Find out if you qualify today at https://Boast.AI Launch Academy is one of the top global tech hubs for international entrepreneurs and a designated organization for Canada's Startup Visa. Since 2012, Launch has worked with more than 6,000 entrepreneurs from over 100 countries, of which 300 have grown their startups to seed and Series A stage and raised over $2 billion in funding. To learn more about Launch's programs or the Canadian Startup Visa, visit https://LaunchAcademy.ca Content Allies helps B2B companies build revenue-generating podcasts. We recommend them to any B2B company that is looking to launch or streamline its podcast production. Learn more at https://contentallies.com #VentureCapital #Entrepreneurship #CloudInfrastructure #Product #Marketing #Innovation #StartUp #GenerativeAI #AI

    1h 26m
  8. The Rise of AI-Native Companies and Product Leadership with SC Moatti of Mighty Capital

    5 MAR

    The Rise of AI-Native Companies and Product Leadership with SC Moatti of Mighty Capital

    The most valuable asset in business today isn’t technology — it’s data. Those who control it, refine it and protect it will dominate their industries. SC Moatti, Managing Partner of Mighty Capital, shares insights on the evolving role of product managers, the impact of AI on product development and how businesses can leverage data to drive innovation and market leadership. Specifically, SC discusses: (2:50) Mighty Capital invests in top startups and connects them with 500,000 product managers. (5:08) Most waves of innovation, from the mobile era to AI and Web3, start with the same type of problem. (10:25) AI is reshaping patents and copyright laws, but machines will never own intellectual property. (11:58) Are we at a Napster moment with AI and how will it reshape business models? (16:04) Product managers will use AI agents to streamline work and decision-making. (20:05) Why product managers are now at the center of the data revolution. (24:17 The future of onboarding and why the best experience may require no onboarding at all. (32:15) The risks and opportunities AI presents in intellectual property, ownership and industry disruption. (37:08) The rising trend of AI-native companies and their capital-efficient business models. (40:12) The future of product managers is changing fast, with more growth ahead. Resources Mentioned: SC Moatti - https://www.linkedin.com/in/scmoatti/ Mighty Capital | LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/mighty-capital/ Mighty Capital | Website - https://mighty.capital Products That Count - https://www.productsthatcount.org Amplitude - https://amplitude.com This episode is brought to you by: Leverage community-led growth to skyrocket your business. From Grassroots to Greatness by author Lloyed Lobo will help you master 13 game-changing rules from some of the most iconic brands in the world — like Apple, Atlassian, CrossFit, Harley-Davidson, HubSpot, Red Bull and many more — to attract superfans of your own that will propel you to new heights. Grab your copy today at FromGrassrootsToGreatness.com Each year the U.S. and Canadian governments provide more than $20 billion in R&D tax credits and innovation incentives to fund businesses. But the application process is cumbersome, prone to costly audits, and receiving the money can take as long as 16 months. Boast automates this process, enabling companies to get more money faster without the paperwork and audit risk. We don’t get paid until you do! Find out if you qualify today at https://Boast.AI Launch Academy is one of the top global tech hubs for international entrepreneurs and a designated organization for Canada's Startup Visa. Since 2012, Launch has worked with more than 6,000 entrepreneurs from over 100 countries, of which 300 have grown their startups to seed and Series A stage and raised over $2 billion in funding. To learn more about Launch's programs or the Canadian Startup Visa, visit https://LaunchAcademy.ca Content Allies helps B2B companies build revenue-generating podcasts. We recommend them to any B2B company that is looking to launch or streamline its podcast production. Learn more at https://contentallies.com #ProductManagement #TechInnovation #DataDriven #Product #Marketing #Innovation #StartUp #GenerativeAI #AI

    42 min

About

On the Traction Podcast, we bring you discussions with founders and CXOs of the fastest-growing companies in technology, covering everything from product, marketing, innovation, fundraising and more through proven strategies for rapid growth. Presented by: Boast.AI R&D Tax Credit Software - https://boast.ai Launch - https://www.launchacademy.ca Traction Community - https://tractionconf.io

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