HolidayBlogging

Tag: founders

  • Poshmark CEO and Founder Announces Retirement from the Top Post

    Fashion resale marketplace Poshmark announced on Monday that its founder, Manish Chandra, is stepping down as CEO. Namsun Kim, who has served as executive chairman since April, has been appointed as his successor. 

    Chandra founded Poshmark in 2011 alongside his three co-founders in a garage in Silicon Valley. Under his leadership, the company went public, was acquired by Naver in 2022, and has grown to 150 million users to date.

    After nearly 15 years, he’ll transition to being a member of the board of directors. 

    In an email sent to users, Chandra wrote, “Leading this company has been the greatest honor of my professional life. Every success we’ve achieved, every challenge we’ve overcome, has been because of you. It’s been the privilege of a lifetime witnessing each of you grow, and it has truly inspired me every single day. From the bottom of my heart, thank you. For being the extraordinary community that you are, for your trust, your creativity, and for all the possibilities you continue to create together.”

    Kim comes from Naver, where he currently serves as president of investments. According to Chandra, Kim has been working with the founder since the beginning of this year to ensure the transition is “as smooth as possible,” he said. 

  • 6 key themes all business leaders need to address in 2022

    6 key themes all business leaders need to address in 2022

    To sustain business growth, it’s crucial to create key business opportunities. Don’t be so busy in your day-to-day that you miss them …

    Faced with staff shortages, supply chain disruption, and the continuing COVID-19 pandemic, we’re not quite out of the woods just yet. As we extricate ourselves from the Covid cocoon, it’s time for business leaders to step back from the day-to-day running of their business, and start focusing on the bigger picture. We talk to Nick Gold, MD, Speakers’ Corner to find out his opinion on what themes are important for your business in 2022?

    In terms of attributes, what do you think is going to be key to focus on this year?

    Environment, flexibility, culture — as employees continue to reassess their priorities in the wake of the pandemic, these company attributes have never been more important. And as business leaders, we have a responsibility to make sure we’re addressing the key issues that are important to our staff.
    In 2022, business leaders will find relationships at the heart of their success. To retain staff and grow your business, you’ll need to manage and build relationships with your employees better than ever before. The six themes I highlight all encourage these elements …

    Resist the urge to micromanage

    Most companies have been shaken by the pandemic one way or another. So it makes sense that as business owners, founders, and directors, the urge to protect our companies has never been stronger.
    That said, it’s important to take the time this year to step back from the routine running of your business. Not only will this give you time to reflect on the vision for your company, it’ll also give your staff an opportunity to shine. Let your talented team take the reins while you make plans to expand.

    Remember that leadership is about strength and vulnerability

    The idea of strong leadership has historically come hand-in-hand with macho imagery: a mighty commander whose troops follow them willingly into battle. But in the real world, good leadership is as much about vulnerability as it is about strength.
    Vulnerability in business means admitting you don’t have all the answers — and a great leader isn’t afraid to do that. Whether it’s discussing flexible working hours or a left-field business idea, business leaders should take the time to listen and assess issues that arise, and take a compassionate, measured approach to solving them.

    Discover the best of both worlds with home and office working

    There’s a lot said in the media about the pros and cons of full-time home-working and full-time office-working. But the press often gives sensationalist takes on nuanced issues like these. The truth is that there’s a happy medium to be found in flexible working.
    As employees seek to take control of their work/life balance, there’s been a shift in the power dynamic between staff and businesses. Staff want more flexible working. Businesses want to boost productivity and growth. The best way to get a result that works for everyone is to have a two-way conversation that’s open about the needs of both your business and your staff.
    It’s clear that both home-working and office-working models work — so it’s time to get the best of both worlds and discover what the future looks like for your business.

    Appreciate that your staff retention is no longer all about money

    At one time, businesses could compete for staff on one core asset: wages. With most companies offering similar working environments, it was easy for staff to be swayed by the prospect of higher pay.
    But employees have higher expectations now. Benefits like generous annual leave, flexible working, wellbeing support plans and a great corporate culture are high on the agenda when it comes to recruitment — and retention. To make sure staff stick around, business leaders need to find ways to make people feel like they’re part of a supportive, high-achieving team, and give them work that they’re proud to do everyday.

    Staff empowerment pays off in tough times

    The knock-on effect of the pandemic is far from over. The economy is still in recovery, and as we take a long-term look at the future of UK business, it’s clear there are still obstacles to be overcome.
    But tough times also offer great opportunities. In many cases, this comes down to how you choose to lead. Some business leaders hunker down and brace themselves for the hit — and that’s certainly one way to deal with it.
    But when faced with difficulties, it’s also an opportunity to embrace new ideas and encourage entrepreneurial thinking from your staff. It’ll give your team a sense of empowerment and responsibility — and can create great growth opportunities for your business, even in tough times.

    Inspire extra ideas from your team

    Ideas are powerful — and they don’t always belong to business leaders. Anyone can have a great idea, including the staff sitting outside your office right now. With a little encouragement and inspiration from the leadership team, you can empower your staff to future-proof your business.
    From motivational speakers to team building activities to sharing your vision for your business, there are tons of ways to inspire your staff. But it’s also important that they feel supported to come forward with suggestions and ideas for improvement, so you can benefit from their inspiration. Business leaders need to ensure they create the right culture at work so employees feel confident to share their ideas.

    Strive towards your business goals for 2022

    As well as growth, sustainability, and profit, all companies should have one goal in common: that their employees want to come to work.
    It’s fantastic that companies are accommodating home working and hybrid working to redress the power balance with their employees. But if you want to encourage staff to return to the office, you need to create a company culture that helps them thrive.
    When business leaders invest in building stronger relationships with their employees, they’ll see better staff retention, higher productivity, and happier employees. Now more than ever, leaders have to work alongside their staff to create the best possible work environment to cultivate success.

  • Ditch VC norms and find capital on your own terms at Disrupt 2025

    TechCrunch Disrupt 2025: The Chit‑Chat You Can’t Forget

    Picture this: October 27‑29 at Moscone West in sunny San Francisco. The city’s tech buzz is at its peak, and the Builders Stage is set to host a conversation that’ll shake off the usual VC‑centric script. We’re talking real talk about startup funding ways that don’t echo the same investor choir.

    Why It’s a Must‑See

    • Founders’ Perspective – Voices from the trenches share how they’re navigating capital outside the glossy VC world.
    • Diverse Investor Voices – Everything from angel mentors to late‑stage funders come together to give fresh, pragmatic insights.
    • Authentic Q&A – Forget the scripted boardroom; this is a live arena where questions get answers that actually make a difference.
    • Beyond the Echo Chamber – Learn how to tap into alternative funding streams without the same gatekeeping games.

    Get Ready to Drop the VC Cookie Cake on Your Own Way

    Do you want to know how you can get the money you need but still stay true to your vision? This panel is the place to find out. It’s a candid, conversational deep dive—no fro-zoomed presentations, only the kind of dialogue that makes founders nod and say, “Okay, that’s what I need.”

    So stack your calendar, grab a coffee, and tune in. The Builders Stage is about to set the table for a new kind of funding conversation—and you won’t want to miss it.

    TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 Gale Wilkinson, Erik Allebest, Kay Makishi

    Funding routes that don’t start in the Valley

    Funding Today: How to Pick the Right Path Without Losing Your Vision

    Founders now have a cornucopia of funding options—from angel angels to family‑office fountains—but choosing the right one can feel like picking the right pizza topping: one wrong choice and you end up with a disaster (or a delightful surprise).

    Meet the Decision‑Makers

    • Erik Allebest – CEO and co‑founder of Chess.com, the guy who turned a simple online game into a global chess empire.
    • Gale Wilkinson – Founder and Managing Partner of VITALIZE, the mastermind building the next generation of wellness tech.
    • Kay Makishi – Vice President at Lupoff/Stevens Family Office, the professional who knows how to keep a family legacy thriving while loading capital.

    What They’ll Cover

    Each expert brings a distinct flavor to the table:

    1. Erik talks about stick‑with‑your‑vision fund‑rising, especially when you’re pouring your soul into a product that deserves no compromise.
    2. Gale shares the private‑equity playbook—how to align investor interests with long‑term goals.
    3. Kay explains the family‑office angle, turning trusted relationships into strategic capital that keeps your sweat equity intact.

    Why It Matters

    No matter if you’re:

    • Bootstrapping and keeping control from day one,
    • Leaning on family‑offices that respect your mission, or
    • Navigating angel networks that love risk,

    this conversation translates into real‑world tactics. It tackles what’s showing up in today’s funding marketplace, the pitfalls to dodge, and how to match a route with your unique aspirations.

    The Takeaway

    Think of choosing funding like picking a combo meal at a menu: you want the best fit for your taste (or, in this case, your growth) without overpaying or compromising your flavor. Tune in to learn how to order that combo without losing your identity and keeping your cap table intact!

    Meet the speakers carving out new funding lanes

    From Checkmates to Major Bets: The Movers Shaping Today’s Startup Scene

    Erik Allebest: The Chess Master of the Online Gaming World

    Remember the thrill of making that perfect move on a college chess board? Erik Allebest turned that passion into a full‑time gig, creating Chess.com, which now boasts over 200 million proud users. What’s awesome is that this wasn’t the classic “raise a billion dollars from angels” route; it’s pure bootstrapping—a real‑world success story that’s still turning heads in the startup world.

    • Founded in 2007, Chess.com has grown from a hobby to a global community.
    • Stays free (and not super‑free) with optional premium features.
    • Has become the go‑to spot for aspiring players and seasoned masters alike.
    • Maintains a healthy cash flow without bleeding equity on that fancy VC round.

    Gale Wilkinson: Angel Investment with a Conscience

    Gale Wilkinson isn’t just a name in the funding world; she’s the person who’s turned “I want to help” into a portfolio of over 50 personal angel deals. Across more than 150 startups, she’s waded through just under $80 million of early-stage funding. This isn’t her typical portfolio for the sake of returns—she wants a positive impact behind every dollar.

    • Champion of diversity: pushing venture funding toward under‑represented founders.
    • First‑hand voice for companies that care about shared values.
    • Expertise in WorkTech: helping companies redefining workplace culture.
    • Wants more than money—her capital aims to drive real change.

    Kay Makishi: Your Global Investor Sidekick

    Kay Makishi sits in a New York‑based family office, but barely considers herself part of just one country’s ecosystem. The “cross‑border lens” she brings fuels an unmatched perspective: how high‑net‑worth folks in the US and Japan collaborate on startups that are designed for impact, not just profit.

    • Expertise in U.S. and Japanese markets: bridging opportunity gaps.
    • Works with HNW families who back ventures for both returns and meaningful change.
    • Helps founders understand diverse expectations and expectations per jurisdiction.
    • Has a knack for connecting the right people with the right opportunities.

    Bottom Line

    Who’s shaking up the industry? A bootstrapped Chess legend, a purpose‑driven angel, and a trans‑national investor. Together, they’re forging a future where success isn’t just about the bottom line, but the bigger picture.

    Skip the status quo and fund smarter

    Stop Waiting in the Queue – Grab the Shortcut to Startup Stardom

    TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 is where the real magic happens. Think of it like a cross‑fit class for founders: the payoff is huge, the sweat’s optional, and the results are downright impressive.

    Why You Should Not Skip This Session

    • Different Funding, Better Outcomes: Get the inside scoop on how today’s founders are rethinking money, and why it’s working.
    • Massive Savings: Pick your ticket now and pocket up to $668 back. It’s literally a smart spend.
    • Join 10,000+ Innovators: Be in the same room as the movers, shakers, and VC gurus who are shaping tomorrow.
    • Network Gold: Meet the people with the killer ideas—feel the hype, punch a few cards, and maybe find your next collaborator.

    Ready to Dive In?

    Snag your pass today and get ahead of the crowd. The next round is waiting—don’t be the one left on the sidelines.

    Tech and VC heavyweights join the Disrupt 2025 agenda

    Netflix, ElevenLabs, Wayve, Sequoia Capital, Elad Gil — just a few of the heavy hitters joining the Disrupt 2025 agenda. They’re here to deliver the insights that fuel startup growth and sharpen your edge. Don’t miss the 20th anniversary of TechCrunch Disrupt, and a chance to learn from the top voices in tech — grab your ticket now and save up to $600+ before prices rise.

    Tech and VC heavyweights join the Disrupt 2025 agenda

    Netflix, ElevenLabs, Wayve, Sequoia Capital — just a few of the heavy hitters joining the Disrupt 2025 agenda. They’re here to deliver the insights that fuel startup growth and sharpen your edge. Don’t miss the 20th anniversary of TechCrunch Disrupt, and a chance to learn from the top voices in tech — grab your ticket now and save up to $675 before prices rise.

    Hear It First: TechCrunch’s Big Splash in San Francisco

    When it’s happening

    Mark your calendars for a power-packed, three‑day blitz: October 27‑29, 2025 in the city that never stops buzzing.

    Why you should register – FREE!

    • Front‑row access to talks, workshops, and networking that will make your inbox jealous.
    • Inside scoop on the next wave of tech trends and investor hot‑favorites.
    • VIP swag – think branded gear that looks good on your desk and on your #TechCrunch profile.
    • One chance to win a cool prize for telling us what you think about the event.

    Got a minute? Take this quick survey

    We’re all ears. Your thoughts shape our content, and you’ll stand a shot at winning something pretty awesome. Just pick a few answers – it’s faster than scrolling through Twitter from a coffee break.

    Ready to jump in? Register now! Your feedback keeps us on the cutting edge, and your name could pop up in the winners’ announcement on the day of the event.