In this episode of the Startup CEO Show, Mark MacLeod sits down with Bryn Jones, co-founder and CEO of PartnerStack, to explore the world of B2B partnerships and scaling a successful SaaS company. As PartnerStack approaches its 10-year anniversary, Bryn shares valuable lessons from his journey as a competitive swimmer turned entrepreneur. He discusses how the discipline and resilience he developed as an athlete translated into building a thriving business. Bryn provides a candid look at the challenges of creating a new category in the partnership space, including navigating relationships with analysts and adapting to market volatility.

The conversation delves deep into the intricacies of successful B2B partnerships, with Bryn emphasizing the importance of putting partners first and building relationships based on mutual value. He shares insights on identifying ideal partner profiles, setting up effective incentives, and the role of enablement in driving partnership success. Bryn also touches on the potential impact of AI in streamlining and optimizing partnership processes. The episode offers a wealth of practical advice for startups looking to leverage partnerships for growth, including the pros and cons of selling to early-stage companies.

Perhaps most compellingly, Bryn opens up about the challenges of managing rapid growth and the importance of addressing underlying issues rather than simply chasing numbers. He reflects on the personal and professional lessons learned during PartnerStack's journey, including the value of trusting one's instincts as a leader. Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of how partnerships can drive business growth and the key factors that contribute to long-term success in the SaaS world.

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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/

In this insightful episode of the Startup CEO Show, host Mark MacLeod sits down with Justin Herlick, co-founder and CEO of Pine, a digital-first mortgage platform revolutionizing homeownership in Canada. Justin shares his journey from working on Wall Street to Silicon Valley, where he gained invaluable experience at fast-paced startups like Blend.

He discusses how his time in San Francisco shaped his entrepreneurial mindset and inspired him to bring innovative fintech solutions back to Canada. Justin delves into Pine's mission to make homeownership more affordable and accessible, explaining how they're disrupting the traditional mortgage industry through technology and customer-centric approaches. He offers a fascinating look at the challenges of building a consumer-focused startup in Canada, including talent acquisition and fundraising hurdles.

Justin's strategic insights on go-to-market strategies, building trust with customers, and creating a competitive edge in a bank-dominated market are invaluable for aspiring entrepreneurs. Don't miss this episode packed with lessons on intentional career building, startup growth, and transforming traditional industries through innovation. Tune in now to fuel your entrepreneurial journey!

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/

In this captivating episode of the Startup CEO Show, Mark MacLeod sits down with Clive Kinross, the CEO of Propel Holdings, a company that's revolutionizing lending for underserved consumers. Clive shares his remarkable journey from South African chartered accountant to successful entrepreneur, detailing the founding and growth of Propel Holdings. With over a million customers served and $2 billion in loan originations, Propel has become a game-changer in the financial industry.

Clive discusses the company's innovative use of AI in credit assessment, allowing them to serve customers traditional banks often overlook. He emphasizes the importance of profitability, team loyalty, and maintaining a long-term perspective in business growth. Listeners will gain valuable insights into building a successful fintech company, navigating the challenges of going public, and maintaining a strong company culture through rapid growth.

Clive's story is a masterclass in entrepreneurship, demonstrating how a background in accounting can be leveraged to create a thriving business. Don't miss this opportunity to learn from one of the most successful CEOs in the fintech space – tune in now!

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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/