Dorm Room Tycoon (DRT)

By William Channer

What's Dorm Room Tycoon (DRT) about?

The podcast show that teaches you how to build a successful startup. Listen to fascinating interviews with industry leaders and learn how they did it. Hosted by William Channer.

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Dorm Room Tycoon (DRT) episodes:

05.25.2018
How to Be an Effective Leader with Claire Lew, Know Your Company
In this interview, Claire Lew talks about leadership, how to keep your team motivated and the things leaders should avoid. We also talk about the importance of building relationships with your customers and the real reasons why people buy from...
05.08.2018
Stoicism for Startup Founders with Bill Irvine, Wright State University
In this interview, Bill Irvine explains what it means to be a stoic. We discuss how to evaluate and pursue worthy goals and how to keep perspective during challenging times. We examine the necessity of failure in the pursuit of...
05.02.2018
How to Create a Company with Soul with James Freeman, Blue Bottle Coffee
In this interview, James Freeman reveals what it was like starting Blue Bottle Coffee. He explains the importance of pursuing simplicity and creating an overarching experience. We also talk about building a business that stands for something and what he...
04.22.2018
Why Building a Startup is Hard with Keith Rabois, Khosla Ventures
In this interview, Keith Rabois explains the importance of hard work and turning your startup into a smooth machine. We discuss management styles, the downfall of remote working and how to go about hiring talented people.
01.30.2018
How to Take a Company Public with Geoff Donaker, Yelp
In this interview, Geoff Donaker explains the details involved in taking a company public, from hiring a CFO through to collaborating with an accounting firm. We examine the job of the COO, the role of experimentation in the shaping of...
01.26.2018
The Art of Product Management with Michael Sippey, Medium
In this interview, Michael Sippey explains each stage of his product management process; research, idea validation and product iteration. We discuss the evolution of Medium and how to go about defining one’s vision and strategy.
01.17.2018
How To Stay Focused with Cal Newport, Author
In this interview, Cal Newport argues that focus is the new I.Q. in the knowledge economy and that individuals who cultivate their ability to concentrate without distraction will thrive. He provides practical examples to escape the being caught in the...
12.14.2017
How to Get Your First Users with Wade Foster, Zapier
In this interview, Wade Foster reveals how Zapier started and the way they got their first users. We talk about the best practices of getting customer feedback and where to find your best ideas. We also look at content strategy,...
12.03.2017
Launching a Profitable Business with Joel Gascoigne, Buffer
In this interview, Joel Gasgoine explains how to enter a competitive market and the importance of focus. We talk about experimenting with pricing, how pricing impacts churn and the best practices for launching multiple products. We also review his favourite...
11.26.2017
How to Make Product Decisions with Des Traynor, Intercom
In this interview, Des Traynor reveals Intercom’s product strategy and the central role vision formation plays within his company. We discuss prioritisation and the value of saying no to new features. We conclude with a review of the jobs to...
11.18.2017
How to Build Communities with Jeff Atwood, Discourse
In this interview, Jeff Atwood reveals what led to the success of Stack Overflow and how he managed to beat the incumbents. We discuss the importance of building software iteratively and how to gather the right feedback. We also talk...
11.12.2017
Building a Company on Your Terms with Chris Savage, Wistia
In this interview, Chris Savage explains how to achieve product-market fit, and the importance of rejecting short term opportunity to build long-term value. We also discuss his principle of profitability over growth and the future of video.
10.29.2017
Why Founders Need a Strategy with Brian Singerman, Founders Fund
In this interview, Brian Singerman explains why he doesn't have an investment thesis and why he’s agnostic to both sector and stage. We also discuss business strategy and the importance of finding a unique competitive advantage.
10.26.2017
How to Raise Money from Investors with Charles Hudson, Precursor Ventures
In this interview, Charles Hudson explains how seed investing has changed over the years. We talk about his process for raising money, the details of his new fund and the things founders should be cautious of when working with investors.
10.18.2017
How to Find Product Market Fit with Andy Rachleff, Wealthfront
In this interview, Andy Rachleff explains why big business opportunities are based off inflexion points and why founders shouldn’t pursue the obvious problem-solving ideas. We also discuss how CEOs can best balance personal decision making with the seeking of counsel...
09.16.2017
How to Build a Business with Jon Callaghan, True Ventures
In this interview, Jon Callaghan explains the basics of running a business and why it's all about creating value for the right customer. We talk about customer acquisition, laying the right foundation and raising money from the right investors and...
08.31.2017
How to Think about The Future with Kevin Kelly, Wired
In this interview, Kevin Kelly explains why he's optimistic about the future and the inevitable technological advancements that will play a pivotal role in our lives. We also explore virtual reality, artificial intelligence, and opportunities for entrepreneurs.
08.14.2017
How to Build Habit Forming Products with Nir Eyal, Author
In this interview, Nir Eyal explains how to build a product that sticks. We explore why engagement is initially more important than growth and the importance of user narratives to simplify the product experience.
07.18.2017
How to Succeed at SaaS with David Skok, Matrix Partners
In this interview, David Skok explains effective sale strategies and how people buy. We also discuss reducing churn, increasing retention and the importance of improving your sales funnel.
05.30.2017
How We Invest with Andy Weissman, USV
In this interview, Andy Weissmann shares the firm's investment thesis and how they spot investment opportunities. We also discuss the obstacles founders typically face when running a startup.
05.22.2017
Why Marketing is Everything with Mike McDerment, Freshbooks
In this interview, Mike McDermont explains what it takes to build a big business and why marketing is the key driver to success. We also talk about distribution, understanding your customer and thinking differently when it comes to finding...
04.19.2017
Preparing for Startup Growth with Sarah Tavel, Greylock
In this interview, Sarah Tavel explains the right way to grow your startup and the right way to listen to your users. She also reveals the difficulties of building a consumer-led product and how Pinterest was able to succeed.
04.12.2017
Building a Consumer Product with Alan Schaaf, Imgur
In this interview, Alan Schaaf explains how he acquired users, built something that resonated with a large audience, and why simplicity leads to a sticky product. We also talk about investing and staying focused.
03.27.2017
Scratching your Own Itch with Kevin Rose, Technology Investor
In this interview, Kevin Rose talks about his investments, pursuing new ideas, building products you love, dealing with failure and collaborating with talented designers and developers.
03.23.2017
How to Operate a Startup with Sofya Polyakov, Noun Project
In this interview, Sofya Polyakov shares what it was like to build a product and business from scratch and how to handle the day to day running of a startup. We also talk about community and raising money.
03.14.2017
How to Create The Future with Dennis Crowley, Foursquare
In this interview, Dennis Crowley explains Foursquare’s new SDK, Pilgrim, and why location intelligence is part of the internet's infrastructure. We also talk about persistence and the importance of having a strong vision.
03.13.2017
How to Acquire Users with Everette Taylor, Skurt
In this interview, Everette Taylor talks about good marketing practices, why empathy is critical and how to grow your user base through social media and testing.
03.11.2017
Spotting the Big Opportunities with Jason Calacanis, Inside
In this interview, Jason Calacanis talks about his startup Inside and why the publishing/media industry is in a bad state. We also talk about his investment syndicate, how he spots opportunities and and what he expects from founders.
03.10.2017
Building Products and Investing with Tony Conrad, about.me
In this interview, Tony Conrad explains his investing thesis and what he looks for in an entrepreneur. We explore the importance of networking and having an ecosystem. He also sheds light on how about.me was built and where it is...
03.04.2017
Pursuing Disruptive Ideas with Philip Rosedale, High Fidelity
In this interview, Philip Rosedale talks about the future of Virtual Reality (VR) and the role it will play in society. We also explore the business opportunities and technical challenges VR presents.
02.20.2017
The Right Metrics for Startups with Suhail Doshi, Mixpanel
In this interview, Suhail Doshi explains what it means to be data driven, what goes into tracking metrics and why you should do it from the get go. We talk about the difficulties of fundraising and why growth can be...
07.27.2016
When to Fundraise with Scott Belsky, Benchmark
In this interview, Scott Belsky reveals what it was like to sell Behance to Adobe and why it makes sense for certain startups to pursue funding. We talk about building a community and the importance of having empathy with your...
05.19.2016
How to Pitch Investors with Michael Seibel, Y Combinator
In this interview, Michael Seibel explains how to gain the interest of investors. He reveals how to effectively communicate the product and the market opportunity. He also reveals the common pitfalls founders face when it comes to fundraising.
05.03.2016
How to Make a Startup Video with Adam Lisagor, Sandwich Video
In this interview, Adam Lisagor explains how founders can communicate better and why underselling is an effective way to communicate. We look into the creative process of making a video and what’s required to make it successful.
02.07.2016
Investing in Europe with Ciarán O’Leary, BlueYard
In this interview, Ciarán O'Leary talks about his new fund, BlueYard Capital and his plans for investing in the European scene. We look into the realities of being a founder in Europe and evaluate the level of opportunity available within...
01.31.2016
Niche to Win with Dave McClure, 500 Startups
In this interview, Dave McClure highlights the importance of taking a niche approach when launching a product. We touch on the main differences between 500 Startups and Y Combinator before analysing the growth and customer acquisition methods that help startups...
01.27.2016
Making the Right Choices with Danielle Morrill, Mattermark
In this interview, Danielle Morrill reveals what it was like pivoting to work on Mattermark. We then explore why founders should take a long term approach and be committed to an idea. We also delve into acquiring customers, pricing and...
01.19.2016
Writing on Medium with Steven Levy, Backchannel
In this interview, Steven Levy opens up on why he joined Medium and what it’s been like working as part of the team. We talk about the changing world of journalism and what he believes needs improving within it. We...
01.13.2016
How to be Customer Driven with David Cancel, Drift
In this interview, David Cancel shares his thoughts on how to communicate with customers to gain essential and unique insights. He then evaluates the merits of working with investors vs bootstrapping, before offering his judgement on what makes for good...
12.23.2015
How to Grow your Startup with Josh Elman, Greylock
In this interview, Josh Elman defines what it means to grow and why it all starts with building a habit around your product. We also delve into the importance of onboarding and how to get users.
12.21.2015
The Perils of Fundraising with Mark Suster, Upfront Ventures
In this interview, Mark Suster covers a wide range of startup issues and the problems that can occur when fundraising. He also explains why competition is a good thing and the importance of marketing and sales.
12.20.2015
People and Techology with Esther Dyson, HICCup
In this interview, Esther Dyson outlines the health issues we face today and what we can do to solve them. In the second half of the interview we discuss entrepreneurship, investing and why it all begins with people.
12.17.2015
Being a Serial Entrepreneur with Philip Kaplan, DistroKid
In this interview, Philip Kaplan explains how to sell a startup and the benefits of bootstrapping. He also emphasises the importance of having a strategy for getting users before pursuing an idea.
12.17.2015
Learning the VC Game with Jeff Clavier, SoftTech VC
In this interview, Jeff Clavier explains how to determine your market size and what’s required to take a company public. He also reveals what he looks for in founders and shares what a typical day looks like for a VC.
12.16.2015
Designing with Rigour with Aarron Walter, MailChimp
In this interview, Aarron Walter explains the importance of research and designing for emotion. He also reveals how to build things people want and how to work effectively with other people.
12.15.2015
Managing Startup Growth with Zach Sims, Codecademy
In this interview, Zach Sims, Co-founder of Codecamedy explains how to operate in a competitive landscape. We also take a deep look into managing growth pains and what it’s really like to be a CEO.
12.14.2015
Building a Startup in Europe with Boris VvZ, The Next Web
In this interview, Boris, Founder of The Next Web explains the business side of building a publication and how they experimented with advertising. He also shares how startups can get PR and the harsh realities of being an entrepreneur in...
12.13.2015
How to Build a Community with Matt Mullenweg, WordPress
In this interview, Matt Mullenweg explains how he built a community and ecosystem around WordPress. He outlines the importance of connecting with users and building a simple product. We then touch on building a sustainable company and dealing with...
09.02.2015
Executing on your Vision with Scott Heiferman, Meetup
In this interview, Scott Heiferman reveals why it’s all about the product and vision. He also talks about the right types of business models to adopt and why getting early momentum is key for startup success.
09.02.2015
On Writing Well with Malcolm Gladwell, The New Yorker
In this interview, Malcolm Gladwell explains his writing process and where good ideas come from. He reveals what makes a great writer and why making mistakes is normal. He then outlines the importance of editing and being self-critical.

What's Dorm Room Tycoon (DRT) about?

Download our free app to listen on your phone

Dorm Room Tycoon (DRT) episodes:

How to Be an Effective Leader with Claire Lew, Know Your Company

Stoicism for Startup Founders with Bill Irvine, Wright State University

How to Create a Company with Soul with James Freeman, Blue Bottle Coffee

Why Building a Startup is Hard with Keith Rabois, Khosla Ventures

How to Take a Company Public with Geoff Donaker, Yelp

The Art of Product Management with Michael Sippey, Medium

How To Stay Focused with Cal Newport, Author

How to Get Your First Users with Wade Foster, Zapier

Launching a Profitable Business with Joel Gascoigne, Buffer

How to Make Product Decisions with Des Traynor, Intercom

How to Build Communities with Jeff Atwood, Discourse

Building a Company on Your Terms with Chris Savage, Wistia

Why Founders Need a Strategy with Brian Singerman, Founders Fund

How to Raise Money from Investors with Charles Hudson, Precursor Ventures

How to Find Product Market Fit with Andy Rachleff, Wealthfront

How to Build a Business with Jon Callaghan, True Ventures

How to Think about The Future with Kevin Kelly, Wired

How to Build Habit Forming Products with Nir Eyal, Author

How to Succeed at SaaS with David Skok, Matrix Partners

How We Invest with Andy Weissman, USV

Why Marketing is Everything with Mike McDerment, Freshbooks

Preparing for Startup Growth with Sarah Tavel, Greylock

Building a Consumer Product with Alan Schaaf, Imgur

Scratching your Own Itch with Kevin Rose, Technology Investor

How to Operate a Startup with Sofya Polyakov, Noun Project

How to Create The Future with Dennis Crowley, Foursquare

How to Acquire Users with Everette Taylor, Skurt

Spotting the Big Opportunities with Jason Calacanis, Inside

Building Products and Investing with Tony Conrad, about.me

Pursuing Disruptive Ideas with Philip Rosedale, High Fidelity

The Right Metrics for Startups with Suhail Doshi, Mixpanel

When to Fundraise with Scott Belsky, Benchmark

How to Pitch Investors with Michael Seibel, Y Combinator

How to Make a Startup Video with Adam Lisagor, Sandwich Video

Investing in Europe with Ciarán O’Leary, BlueYard

Niche to Win with Dave McClure, 500 Startups

Making the Right Choices with Danielle Morrill, Mattermark

Writing on Medium with Steven Levy, Backchannel

How to be Customer Driven with David Cancel, Drift

How to Grow your Startup with Josh Elman, Greylock

The Perils of Fundraising with Mark Suster, Upfront Ventures

People and Techology with Esther Dyson, HICCup

Being a Serial Entrepreneur with Philip Kaplan, DistroKid

Learning the VC Game with Jeff Clavier, SoftTech VC

Designing with Rigour with Aarron Walter, MailChimp

Managing Startup Growth with Zach Sims, Codecademy

Building a Startup in Europe with Boris VvZ, The Next Web

How to Build a Community with Matt Mullenweg, WordPress

Executing on your Vision with Scott Heiferman, Meetup

On Writing Well with Malcolm Gladwell, The New Yorker