Podcast by Paige Soya
16 October 2024
Hookit was acquired by KORE Software for much more than the $20 million they raised over three funding rounds.
But getting there was no walk in the park.
In this episode of High Stakes, K Street Managing Partner Paige Soya is joined by Scott Tilton, exited co-founder of Hookit.
They discuss:
• how Hookit got acquired for 2x the offer price
• why co-founders need to be aligned before the big close
• embracing the shift to becoming an employee after a merger
Connect with us here:
1. Scott Tilton: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tiltcore/
2. Paige Soya: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paigesoya/
3. K Street Capital: https://www.linkedin.com/company/kstreetvc/
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42:13
26 September 2024
Managing our digital footprints has become almost impossible without the right tech.
Personal data is more vulnerable than ever, and cybercriminals are ready to take advantage.
That’s where PrivacyHawk steps in — your defense against this growing digital chaos.
We're thrilled to have backed PrivacyHawk in its recent $3M funding round.
In this conversation with Aaron Mendez, CEO of PrivacyHawk, we discuss everything from dead weight on your cap table, the need for a better understanding of liquidation preferences, and why you're better off selling early rather than too late.
Connect with us here:
1. Aaron Mendes: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mendes/
2. Paige Soya: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paigesoya/
3. K Street Capital: https://www.linkedin.com/company/kstreetvc/
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45:40
12 September 2024
Building a company for exit? Prepare for the long haul.
In this encore episode, hosted by Paige Soya, Richard Leggett, former CEO of FrontierView, and lead investor Tom McCormick dive into the harsh realities of the world of M&A.
They share how they navigated the pressures of competing priorities, kept the business afloat during the pandemic, and avoided a fire sale by strategically positioning for a successful exit.
With candid insights on resilience, timing, and critical decision-making, this episode is a must-watch for entrepreneurs facing tough choices.
Note: This episode is a re-upload with added substance and a quick sneak peak into the conversation at the start. Enjoy!
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43:00
29 August 2024
In this episode of High Stakes, host Paige Soya dives in with Zach Axelrod, CEO of Redball Energy, uncovering the game-changing moments that shaped his entrepreneurial success. Discover:
• How financial leverage and perfect timing led to Zach's career-defining $100M exit
• Insider tips on maximizing returns from high-growth investments
• Crucial lessons on negotiation power dynamics and maintaining control
Zach's candid insights on market timing, profit-taking, and strategic flexibility are pure gold. Don't miss this masterclass in entrepreneurial wisdom!
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25:30
15 August 2024
Imagine thinking your startup is doomed, only to be acquired for $165M.
On this episode of High Stakes, Russ Hiddleston shares the wild ride that led to DocSend’s $165 million acquisition by Dropbox.
In this chat with Managing Partner Paige Soya, they discuss funding, exits, Russ’s next venture, Distill (hint: think Wikipedia but for company and people summaries).
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29:03
01 August 2024
In episode 12 of High Stakes, Paige Soya, Managing Director of K Street Capital, interviews Marcus Brauchli, co-founder of North Base Media and former managing editor at the Wall Street Journal, on the intricacies of investment exits. Marcus shares his extensive experience in the venture capital world, highlighting the lessons learned from both successful and failed exits. They cover the wide range of stories Marcus has to share on the importance of legal documentation, the complexities of international investments, and the various exit strategies companies may face. Marcus also emphasizes the necessity for founders to plan for exits from the beginning and maintain open communication with investors. Tune in for insightful advice on navigating the unpredictable landscape of venture capital exits.
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30:34