Spenser Skates - Challenging Big Ideas - [Founder’s Field Guide, EP. 42]

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">My guest today is</span> <a href="https://twitter.com/spenserskates?lang=en"><span style= "font-weight: 400;">Spenser Skates</span></a><span style= "font-weight: 400;">, CEO and co-founder of Amplitude Analytics. Spenser founded Amplitude in 2012 with a thesis that building the best product requires, deep cross-functional understanding of customer behavior. During our conversation, we discuss Spenser’s long history in programming and how his early experiences tie into his work today. We also explore the nuances of equity compensation, how different VCs can play a role in the success of a startup, and Spenser’s desire to see more direct listings vs. IPOs. While many founders follow the path of others, it is clear Spenser takes time to challenge the status quo.</span></p> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Before we transition to the episode, I wanted to highlight our newest series, Business Breakdowns. In this episode, you will hear how Spenser’s team worked with the meditation app, Calm, to optimize for customer growth. It was particularly interesting to hear this story after listening to the Calm breakdown. Find episodes of Business Breakdowns on your preferred podcast provider or on</span> <a href= "http://joincolossus.com"><span style= "font-weight: 400;">joincolossus.com</span></a></p> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">I hope you enjoy my conversation with Spenser Skates.</span></p> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">For the full show notes, transcript, and links to mentioned content, check out the episode page</span> <a href= "https://www.joincolossus.com/episodes/73422676/skates-challenging-big-ideas"> <span style="font-weight: 400;">here</span></a><span style= "font-weight: 400;">.</span></p> <p><strong>-----</strong></p> <p> </p> <p><strong>This episode is brought to by</strong> <a href= "https://www.dell.com/en-us/work/shop/deals"><strong>Dell Technologies</strong></a><strong>. Upgrade your business during Dell Technologies’ Black Friday in J