Investor Sabrina Wu hosts Bobsled Co-founder and CEO Jake Graham for the latest episode of Founded & Funded. Jake is revolutionizing data sharing across platforms, enabling customers to get to analysis faster directly in the platforms where they work. Madrona co-led Bobsled's $17 million series A last year, which put the company at an $87 million valuation.

In this episode, Jake — who had stints at Neo4j, Intel, and Microsoft — provides his perspective on why enabling cross-cloud data sharing is often cumbersome yet so important in the age of AI. He also shares why you can't PLG the enterprise, how to convince customers to adopt new technologies in a post-zero interest rate environment, and what it takes to land and partner with the hyperscalers.

Transcript here: https://www.madrona.com/bobsled-cross-cloud-data-sharing/

(00:00) Introduction

(01:36) Why found a startup?

(03:00) The Genesis of Bobsled: From Inspiration to Reality

(05:26) Understanding Bobsled's Functionality: Cross-Cloud Data Sharing

(09:48) The Role of Cross-Cloud Data Sharing in the Age of AI

(13:05) Redefining the Modern Data Stack and Its Future

(18:04) Navigating Enterprise Sales and Partnerships in Tech

(23:22) Strategic Partnerships and Navigating the Hyperscaler Landscape

(29:40) Leadership Lessons and Vision for Bobsled