Love at First Startup: Kass and Mike Lazerow on Navigating Entrepreneurship

The Lazerows explore the realities of entrepreneurship, sharing their journey from founding Buddy Media to navigating the challenges of venture capital.

“It was never about the money. We look at investing as our way to help entrepreneurs and align interest. We win together, we lose together.” - Mike Lazerow

“Something that motivates me is helping others. It’s a form of gratitude” - Kass Lazerow

In a world where entrepreneurship is often glamorized, Kass and Mike Lazerow cut through the noise with raw, unfiltered insights on the latest episode of the Speed of Culture. Known for their significant impact on consumer-driven businesses, Kass and Mike discuss their journey from building successful ventures to becoming influential investors. In this episode, they reveal the challenges and triumphs of their entrepreneurial paths and share valuable lessons learned along the way.

Kass and Mike Lazerow bring a wealth of entrepreneurial expertise to the table when it comes to all items in the entrepreneurial journey. Mike, known for his pioneering work in social media marketing, and Kass, with her extensive experience in strategy and operational leadership, have co-founded several successful companies, including Buddy Media. Their collaborative approach and unique perspectives on business and technology have positioned them as thought leaders in the venture capital space. Together, they offer deep insights into the intersection of technology, consumer behavior, and business growth.

Tune into the latest episode or read the transcript below to learn more. Here are some top takeaways:

• Announcing "Shoveling $h!t: A Love Story" - Kass and Mike share the motivation behind their new book,  "Shoveling $h!t: A Love Story," aimed at guiding aspiring entrepreneurs through the tough terrain of building and growing a business. Drawing from their own journey, the book shares valuable lessons and insights, emphasizing that entrepreneurs who embrace the grind and love "shoveling" are unstoppable. Their passion and resilience allow them to overcome any obstacle. Embracing transparency and sharing real experiences are crucial for understanding the true nature of the entrepreneurial journey.

• The Reality of Entrepreneurship - Entrepreneurship is often glamorized on social media, focusing on the "sexy" aspects. However, the reality includes significant challenges like raising funds, hiring and firing employees, and dealing with setbacks. Mike highlights that the true entrepreneurial journey involves hard work, sleepless nights, and tough decisions. Initial funding is just the beginning of a demanding path requiring continuous adaptation and resilience. He shares personal stories about the emotional and mental toll of building a business, emphasizing the importance of perseverance and having a solid support system.
• The Art of Pivoting - The Lazerows share their experience with Buddy Media, emphasizing the critical importance of knowing when to pivot. Facing challenges with early iterations of their company, they had to shift their focus and strategy. Recognizing and responding to what wasn't working was key to their eventual success. They stress that regularly evaluating strategies and being ready to make necessary changes can be the difference between success and failure in business. The couple highlights the emotional resilience required to pivot effectively, as it often involves tough decisions and the willingness to abandon initial visions in favor of more viable paths.
• Building and Selling Buddy Media - The journey of building Buddy Media began as a small operation and eventually became a major player in the social media marketing space. Kass and Mike share the initial struggles of launching the company, from working out of their apartment to securing their first round of funding. They discuss pivotal moments that defined Buddy Media’s growth, including key partnerships, strategic pivots, and significant milestones. The eventual sale of Buddy Media to Salesforce in 2012 highlights the emotions, negotiations, and strategic decisions involved in the acquisition. This sale left a significant impact on their personal and professional lives, as well as the broader tech industry.
• The Foundation of Their Partnership - Trust and complementary skills are crucial in Kass and Mike’s partnership. Their ability to work independently while maintaining a shared vision has been key to their success. Mutual respect on a professional level further strengthens their collaboration. The couple emphasizes the importance of having a partner with complementary skills to foster a productive, trusting, and effective working relationship.
• Creating a Positive Work Environment - Kass discusses the significance of building a cohesive team and fostering a positive work culture. By understanding employees' personal challenges and aligning them with the right roles, companies can enhance productivity and job satisfaction. Investing in understanding your employees' strengths and challenges to create a supportive and effective work environment will grow into long term pay off.