263. The Founding Story of Kickstarter — Community, Competition, and Customer-Obsession (Charles Adler)

Charles Adler of Kickstarter joins Nick to discuss The Founding Story of Kickstarter — Community, Competition, and Customer-Obsession. In this episode, we cover: Walk us through your background and path to tech. Growing up what inspired you most? How did the idea for Kickstarter begin? Was there an MVP - was there an initial target vertical? When did you know that it was working? What was the biggest mistake you made during the journey? When competition arose... did it scare you? Is Kickstarter today still delivering on the initial vision you and your co-founders had? What was the hardest part of growing a venture-backed company? What advice would you have for founders before selecting VC partners? Organic growth and categories? We often talk on the show about the importance of customer obsession, really knowing what they care about and spending time to understand that -- what has been your philosophy and approach w/ customers? Many founders and investors talk about the importance of diversity.  We talk about the importance of climate change and the environment.  We campaign for socio-economic equality.  How do you think founders (and investors) can be more intentional about building their beliefs into their business and their culture? What are you focused on now... tell us about Lost Arts? Why do it alone? Community has been a common thread/focus across many of your efforts.  Is community core to everything you do... if so why?