14 episodes

The Startup CEO Show hosted by coach and advisor Mark MacLeod, brings you veteran CEOs each week who have collectively had had billion dollar valuations, 9 figure exits, and millions in revenue each week.

Subscribe to join the leading podcast produced exclusively for the CEOs of high-growth startups and the VCs who back them.

This podcast offers concise, yet deep dives into specific themes within each episode, focusing on providing actionable insights for busy leaders. The format includes interviews with CEOs of VC and PE-backed tech companies, their investors, and other key industry figures, ensuring a rich and relevant listening experience for those looking to learn in short, impactful sessions.

About Mark MacLeod
Since 1999, I have sat at the right-hand side of the leaders of high growth technology companies as either a CFO, VC or deal maker. I served as CFO for software companies including Shopify (NYSE: SHOP) and Freshbooks. As a CFO I experienced outright failures, wildly profitable exits, and everything in between.

I was a General Partner in Real Ventures, Canada's largest and most active seed stage fund. My investments there include the fund's largest cash on cash and highest IRR returns to date. Most recently, I founded SurePath Capital Partners the leading investment bank for SMB SaaS companies where we did hundreds of millions in financing and exit transactions.

The Startup CEO Show Mark MacLeod

    • Business

The Startup CEO Show hosted by coach and advisor Mark MacLeod, brings you veteran CEOs each week who have collectively had had billion dollar valuations, 9 figure exits, and millions in revenue each week.

Subscribe to join the leading podcast produced exclusively for the CEOs of high-growth startups and the VCs who back them.

This podcast offers concise, yet deep dives into specific themes within each episode, focusing on providing actionable insights for busy leaders. The format includes interviews with CEOs of VC and PE-backed tech companies, their investors, and other key industry figures, ensuring a rich and relevant listening experience for those looking to learn in short, impactful sessions.

About Mark MacLeod
Since 1999, I have sat at the right-hand side of the leaders of high growth technology companies as either a CFO, VC or deal maker. I served as CFO for software companies including Shopify (NYSE: SHOP) and Freshbooks. As a CFO I experienced outright failures, wildly profitable exits, and everything in between.

I was a General Partner in Real Ventures, Canada's largest and most active seed stage fund. My investments there include the fund's largest cash on cash and highest IRR returns to date. Most recently, I founded SurePath Capital Partners the leading investment bank for SMB SaaS companies where we did hundreds of millions in financing and exit transactions.

    From Pain to Purpose: Erin Bury on Building a Business with Intention

    From Pain to Purpose: Erin Bury on Building a Business with Intention

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    SUBSCRIBE TO MARK MACLEOD'S NEWSLETTER: https://markmacleod.me/newsletter/
    ------------------------------
    In this episode of the Startup CEO Show, explore the power of long-term vision and work-life integration with our host Mark MacLeod and the inspiring Erin Bury, co-founder and CEO of the innovative estate planning platform, Willful.
    Tune in as Erin sheds light on rejecting hustle culture, creating ease for families with online wills, and steering a startup alongside her spouse. Discover how Willful is simplifying end-of-life planning and Erin's unique approach to leading a consumer brand and fostering a startup that values both profitability and a balanced lifestyle.
    Make sure to like, share, comment, and subscribe to stay updated with more fascinating episodes like this one from the Startup CEO Show!
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    ⏰Timestamps:
    02:20 - 05:49: Rejecting "Hustle Porn" for Work-Life Balance
    05:50 - 08:33: Willful's Origins and Market Disruption
    08:34 - 12:05: Overcoming Investor Doubts
    12:06 - 15:40: The Joys and Juggles of a Spouse-Run Startup
    15:41 - 18:15: Erin's CEO Strategy: Hiring, Vision, and Financial Stability
    18:16 - 22:10: Personal Time Management
    22:11 - 26:00: The Willful Couple's Work-Life Blend
    26:01 - 29:35: Startup Ecosystem as a Consumer Brand
    29:36 - 33:08: The Canadian Startup Scene
    33:09 - 36:45: Fostering a Sustainable Business
    36:46 - 40:25: Young Parents and Elderly Individuals
    40:26 - 43:10: Strategic Partnerships and Marketing in Estate Planning
    43:11 - 46:55: Life, Legacy, and Running a Startup
    46:56 - 50:26: The "Unicorn" Potential
    50:27 - 55:00: Intentional Living and the Reality of Entrepreneurship
    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/themarkmacleod/
    Connect on X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/markmacleod_
    Contact Mark: https://markmacleod.me/

    • 47 min
    Navigating Co-Leadership and Tech Innovations with Elizabeth Caley

    Navigating Co-Leadership and Tech Innovations with Elizabeth Caley

    In this episode of the Startup CEO Show, join Mark MacLeod and Elizabeth Caley for an insightful discussion with Elizabeth Caley, co-founder and CEO of Poppy. Learn how Poppy is revolutionizing indoor air quality with cutting-edge technology and bold leadership.
    Gain strategic insights as Elizabeth shares her journey from corporate to startup life, navigating product development, and embracing the chaos of entrepreneurship. Discover the power of clear communication, remote work culture hacks, and the magic of co-founder synergy.
    Don't forget to like, share, comment and subscribe for more insightful episodes like this!
    -----------------------------------------
    ⏰Timestamps:
    04:33 - 07:01: How the Pandemics Shifted Businessess
    07:01 - 11:11: Strategic Moves: Meta.com Acquisition
    11:11 - 14:54: Startup Success: Pandemic Agility
    14:54 - 18:55: Energy Efficiency: HVAC Optimization
    20:06 - 25:20: Seamless Transition to Remote Work
    25:20 - 28:01: Collaboration & Resilience
    28:01 - 31:50: CEO's Time Management: Maximizing Availability
    31:50 - 36:24: Inclusive Leadership: Empowering Sales
    38:06 - 42:34: Embracing Change: COO to CEO
    42:34 - 45:24: Career Evolution: Shedding Norms
    45:24 - 49:02: Diverse Journey: Consulting to Product Leadership
    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/themarkmacleod/
    Connect on X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/markmacleod_
    Contact Mark: https://markmacleod.me/

    • 44 min
    Conscious Investment and Startup Growth with Amar Varma

    Conscious Investment and Startup Growth with Amar Varma

    In this episode of the Startup CEO Show, join us as Mark MacLeod welcomes special guest Amar Varma, co-founder and CEO of Mantle, for a captivating discussion. Discover how Mantle is revolutionizing private asset tracking through innovative AI integration and fresh approaches.
    Gain strategic insights from Amar as he explores market opportunities for startups and the transition to an enterprise-driven model. Explore the complexities of investment strategy and the transformative potential of AI, all while delving into Amar's invaluable firsthand experiences in the startup world.
    Don't forget to subscribe for more insights on how to become a successfull startup CEO!
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    Key moments:
    00:00 - 04:39 Reimagining market with fresh approach and AI.
    04:39 - 08:23 A dominant player in finance.
    08:23 - 13:03 Becoming investor after previous experiences with no regrets.
    13:03 - 16:25 Invest wisely, be mindful about timing and luck.
    16:25 - 20:26 Embracing feedback, self-awareness, and professional growth.
    20:26 - 23:54 Understanding my process and transparent communication
    23:54 - 26:46 Identify winners by DNA and winning consciousness.
    26:46 - 29:29:Obsessive people find success in various domains.
    32:00 - 37:14: Considering alignment before investing in overpriced companies.
    37:14 - 41:05: AI progress with potential misuse concerning.
    41:05 - 43:11: Founder-led company going public.
    ------------------------------------------
    Since 1999, I have sat at the right-hand side of the leaders of high growth technology companies as either a CFO, VC or deal maker. I served as CFO for software companies including Shopify (NYSE: SHOP) and Freshbooks. As a CFO I experienced outright failures, wildly profitable exits, and everything in between.
    I was a General Partner in Real Ventures, Canada's largest and most active seed stage fund. My investments there include the fund's largest cash on cash and highest IRR returns to date. Most recently, I founded SurePath Capital Partners the leading investment bank for SMB SaaS companies where we did hundreds of millions in financing and exit transactions.
    Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/themarkmacleod/
    Connect on X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/markmacleod_
    Contact Mark: https://markmacleod.me/

    • 40 min
    From Burnout to Balance: Chris Savage's Strategies for Leadership

    From Burnout to Balance: Chris Savage's Strategies for Leadership

    Welcome to The Startup CEO Show with Mark MacLeod. In this episode we are diving into a truly enlightening conversation with none other than Chris Savage, the co-founder and CEO of Wistia.
    This time, we unpack the deeply rooted values that have shaped Chris's company, emphasizing the importance of genuine connections, personal growth, and integrity in leadership.
    We also explore into the importance of personal branding in today's social media landscape, with Chris explaining why CEOs should be building genuine profiles that resonate with their community.
    So grab your favorite beverage and enjoy this in-depth episode. Don't forget to subscribe to learn the best advice from the best startup CEOs.
    ------------------------------------------------------
    Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/themarkmacleod/
    Connect on X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/markmacleod_
    Contact Mark: https://markmacleod.me/

    • 58 min
    Competitor Analysis in an AI-Driven World with Jason Smith

    Competitor Analysis in an AI-Driven World with Jason Smith

    Welcome back to the Startup CEO Show with Mark MacLeod. In this episode, we dive deep with Jason Smith, CEO of Klue, into the gritty details of building and leading a tech company in the Competitive Enablement space.
    Connect with his story as we unravel the nuanced strategies of convincing C-suite executives of your product's value, the science of proving ROI through innovative attribution models, and the brave new world of AI's integration in business operations.
    Whether you're a startup CEO, a product marketer, or just someone passionate about the intersection of technology, leadership, and growth, this is an episode packed with wisdom you won't want to miss. So plug in and get ready to take notes - this is Startup CEO Show.
    ---------------------
    Key moments:
    00:00 - 04:21 How AI is facilitating the transition from raw intel to insight.
    04:22 - 08:48 Networking and promoting innovative thinkers for change.
    08:50 - 14:01 In a world with competitive radar, investors see potential.
    15:35 - 19:01 Comparing sellers' adoption of clue for sales.
    19:21 - 22:00 Focusing on building culture and customer satisfaction.
    22:08 - 24:40 Productivity at home, missing human connection.
    24:43 - 29:50 Leaders learn from mistakes, delegate for growth.
    30:00 - 33:01 Experience navigating VC world during COVID challenges.
    33:10 - 36:10 Harnessing competitor data, leveraging AI for insight.
    36:14 - 38:01 Platform insight still needed for specific competitive edge.
    41:11 - 45:01 CEO key advices on managing and growing a SaaS company
    45:02 - 48:15 Balancing work and family life with focus.
    ------------------------
    Since 1999, I have sat at the right-hand side of the leaders of high growth technology companies as either a CFO, VC or deal maker. I served as CFO for software companies including Shopify (NYSE: SHOP) and Freshbooks. As a CFO I experienced outright failures, wildly profitable exits, and everything in between.
    I was a General Partner in Real Ventures, Canada's largest and most active seed stage fund. My investments there include the fund's largest cash on cash and highest IRR returns to date. Most recently, I founded SurePath Capital Partners the leading investment bank for SMB SaaS companies where we did hundreds of millions in financing and exit transactions.
    Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/themarkmacleod/
    Connect on X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/markmacleod_
    Contact Mark: https://markmacleod.me/

    • 50 min
    Startup Resilience: How Notch Pivoted to Success with Jordan Huck

    Startup Resilience: How Notch Pivoted to Success with Jordan Huck

    Welcome to the Startup CEO Show, where we dive deep into the heart of startup leadership and growth. In this episode, join our host Mark MacLeod as he engages on a thrilling conversation with Notch's CEO, Jordan Huck, regarding the critical decisions and pivots that shape a startup's journey.
    We will explore the dynamic world startup leaders navigate daily and take a closer look at the challenges faced by companies as they brave new markets. We'll also focus on the relevance of sales and venture capital savvy in the Canadian startup scene.
    From discussing the emotional rollercoaster of passionate leadership to the cutthroat venture capital markets, we tackle the nuances of growth, value alignment, and the crucial need for personal growth outside one's comfort zone.
    Get ready to aprehend valuable lessons from a resilient startup CEO! And don't forget to subscribe for more insightful episodes like this.
    ----------
    Chapters:
    00:00 - 8:50 How to face challenging times while building a startup
    09:00 - 18:00 Honest journey, relationship building, finance automation.
    18:33 - 30:00 Adaptation is vital for business survival.
    30:09 - 45:00 Raising venture capital fuels growth.
    46:20 - 48:00 Challenges drive success, belief in ethical leadership.
    -----------
    Since 1999, I have sat at the right-hand side of the leaders of high growth technology companies as either a CFO, VC or deal maker. I served as CFO for software companies including Shopify (NYSE: SHOP) and Freshbooks. As a CFO I experienced outright failures, wildly profitable exits, and everything in between.
    I was a General Partner in Real Ventures, Canada's largest and most active seed stage fund. My investments there include the fund's largest cash on cash and highest IRR returns to date. Most recently, I founded SurePath Capital Partners the leading investment bank for SMB SaaS companies where we did hundreds of millions in financing and exit transactions.
    Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/themarkmacleod/
    Connect on X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/markmacleod_
    Contact Mark: https://markmacleod.me/

    • 48 min

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