Steven Raucher, CEO and Founder of RapidDeploy, knows what it takes to build, scale, and successfully exit a company. But his journey wasn’t just about financial success, it was about impact, resilience, and staying true to the mission.

8 years ago, Steven set out to transform public safety technology, determined to make emergency response faster and more effective. He faced the brutal realities of scaling a startup, learned hard lessons about funding, and navigated the pressures of leading a high-growth company. Now, with RapidDeploy acquired by a strategic buyer, he reflects on the journey: what worked, what didn’t, and what founders need to know about building something that lasts.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• The long game: how Steven identified his ideal acquirer years in advance

• Why mission and market fit are just as important as technology

• The mistakes most founders make when scaling and fundraising

• How to transition from founder-led sales to a repeatable growth engine

• The role of a strong board in making the right strategic moves

Jump into the conversation:

(00:00) Introduction

(01:30) The acquisition and keeping the entire team intact

(05:00) How Steven predicted this buyer years in advance

(09:00) Balancing mission, impact, and commercial success together

(14:30) Early mistakes, fundraising lessons, and startup realities

(21:00) Scaling beyond founder-led sales and operational bottlenecks

(28:30) How a strong board shaped strategy and execution

(34:00) Leadership, resilience, and what’s coming next for Steven