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How Sameer Dholakia Led SendGrid to IPO and Exit

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Manage episode 516160792 series 2505408
Content provided by Techstars. All podcast content including episodes, graphics, and podcast descriptions are uploaded and provided directly by Techstars or their podcast platform partner. If you believe someone is using your copyrighted work without your permission, you can follow the process outlined here https://podcastplayer.com/legal.

In this episode of the Give First podcast, Brad Feld sits down with Sameer Dholakia, partner at Bessemer Venture Partners and former CEO of SendGrid, the first Techstars company to go public.


When Sameer joined SendGrid, growth was slowing and the company was losing money. Under his leadership, it became a $250M business, went public, and was later acquired by Twilio.


Sameer shares the story of how his mother’s advice shaped his approach to leadership and why empathy and clarity became his greatest tools as a CEO. From his first days stepping into a nervous team, to navigating “oh sh*t” moments on the path to IPO, Sameer reflects on the lessons that defined his career, and how they continue to guide his work with founders today.


Sameer Dholakia ➡️ LinkedIn


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  continue reading

107 episodes

Artwork
iconShare
 
Manage episode 516160792 series 2505408
Content provided by Techstars. All podcast content including episodes, graphics, and podcast descriptions are uploaded and provided directly by Techstars or their podcast platform partner. If you believe someone is using your copyrighted work without your permission, you can follow the process outlined here https://podcastplayer.com/legal.

In this episode of the Give First podcast, Brad Feld sits down with Sameer Dholakia, partner at Bessemer Venture Partners and former CEO of SendGrid, the first Techstars company to go public.


When Sameer joined SendGrid, growth was slowing and the company was losing money. Under his leadership, it became a $250M business, went public, and was later acquired by Twilio.


Sameer shares the story of how his mother’s advice shaped his approach to leadership and why empathy and clarity became his greatest tools as a CEO. From his first days stepping into a nervous team, to navigating “oh sh*t” moments on the path to IPO, Sameer reflects on the lessons that defined his career, and how they continue to guide his work with founders today.


Sameer Dholakia ➡️ LinkedIn


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  continue reading

107 episodes

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