Global accelerator for passionate B2B startup founders
In this episode of the Tekpon SaaS Podcast, host Cristian Dina welcomes guest Cristobal Alonso, the CEO of Startup Wise Guys. Throughout the conversation, our guest shared his insights and experiences in building a successful ecosystem for startups and how they managed to invest in 420 startups.
Cristobal stresses the need to build a strong company, not just a product, by aligning on purpose, values, and vision. He criticizes those who rush into building without considering the overall company. Realistic expectations, especially regarding funding, are also highlighted as crucial. The CEO of Startup Wise Guys warns against assuming that past success guarantees future success and emphasizes the need to adapt and reinvent as the company grows. The speaker also stresses the significance of putting the right people in place and being willing to step aside if necessary during different stages of company evolution.
The importance of team building and recruitment is emphasized, with our guest recommending tracking potential candidates in advance and recruiting top talent early on. Cultural fit is seen as crucial, and various methods of assessing it are discussed, such as inviting potential hires to projects and events, mentoring, coaching, and having coffee meetings.
Networking is a key aspect of the accelerator ecosystem, and Cristobal focuses on the reciprocity of networks, where individuals help each other and the network as a whole. Building a powerful alumni network is deemed valuable in the long term, and he believes that their network has only extracted 25% of its value so far, with potential for further development.
Our guest details their venture capital model, which is focused on investing in sustainable businesses that can grow independently without constant funding. They refer to their model as the “middle class” and highlight their dedication to working hard for those companies.
Overall, this episode of the Tekpon SaaS Podcast provides valuable insights into the world of startup acceleration, investment, and building successful teams. Listeners gain knowledge on the importance of strong co-founder relationships, building powerful networks, hiring and team building, the VC model, and personal growth and reflection. Cristobal’s wisdom and experiences provide a wealth of valuable lessons for aspiring entrepreneurs in the SaaS industry.
