Seja o protagonista da transformação na sua empresa - Julia Hartz, Eventbrite

TL;DR

Julia Hartz shares insights on entrepreneurship and company culture.

Transcript

e here so uh um I wanted to welcome uh Julia thank you very very much for taking the time to to join with us here you mentioned that uh you actually planned your trip uh in a way that you could be here with us today so really appreciate it uh we have a sensitive but also very important topic to cover today which is uh uh looking inside uh or inward... Read More

Key Insights

• Julia Hartz began her career in media as a television development executive at MTV before co-founding Eventbrite with her husband, Kevin.
• Eventbrite was founded on the idea of creating a self-service platform for event ticketing, filling a gap between traditional ticket providers and do-it-yourself methods.
• The company faced challenges during the 2008 financial crisis but emerged stronger by maintaining a lean, cost-effective approach and focusing on customer needs.
• Eventbrite's culture emphasizes communication, transparency, and adaptability, attracting a predominantly Millennial workforce.
• Hartz advises against trying to preserve a static company culture, advocating instead for a culture that evolves with its people.
• During the 2008 crisis, the company benefited from a talent influx as other businesses downsized, and Hartz views crises as opportunities for growth.
• Partnership and communication are key to Hartz's successful co-founding relationship with her husband, with a clear division of responsibilities to avoid conflict.
• Hartz emphasizes the importance of sustainability and respecting financial resources in building a long-lasting company.

Questions & Answers

Q: What was Julia Hartz's career before Eventbrite?

Julia Hartz started her career in media as a television development executive at MTV. She was responsible for finding and developing new shows, a role similar to a venture capitalist but in the television industry. Her experience in media exposed her to the rapid changes in technology, which eventually led her to co-found Eventbrite.

Q: How did Eventbrite respond to the 2008 financial crisis?

During the 2008 financial crisis, Eventbrite maintained a lean and cost-effective approach, which helped them survive and even thrive. They focused on customer needs and were able to attract great talent as other companies downsized. By the end of 2009, they had not only met but exceeded their financial plans, which impressed potential investors and led to successful fundraising.

Q: What is unique about Eventbrite's company culture?

Eventbrite's company culture is characterized by strong communication, transparency, and adaptability. Julia Hartz believes that culture should evolve with the people in the company, rather than being preserved in a static state. This approach has helped attract a predominantly Millennial workforce, who value mission-driven work and open communication.

Q: How does Julia Hartz view the role of crises in business?

Julia Hartz sees crises as opportunities for growth and improvement. During the 2008 financial crisis, Eventbrite was able to attract talented individuals who were leaving other companies. Hartz believes that maintaining an optimistic outlook and seeing challenges as opportunities are essential traits for entrepreneurs.

Q: What advice does Julia Hartz have for building a sustainable company?

Julia Hartz advises entrepreneurs to focus on building a sustainable business by maintaining a cost structure aligned with growth. She emphasizes the importance of respecting financial resources and making decisions that support long-term sustainability, rather than pursuing quick wins.

Q: How do Julia and Kevin Hartz manage their co-founding relationship?

Julia and Kevin Hartz manage their co-founding relationship by maintaining clear communication and dividing responsibilities to avoid conflict. They prioritize their personal relationship and family, ensuring that these aspects are not overshadowed by business demands. This approach has helped them successfully navigate both personal and professional challenges.

Q: What challenges did Eventbrite face when seeking investment during the financial crisis?

During the financial crisis, Eventbrite faced skepticism from investors who were hesitant to fund a company with a horizontal market approach. Despite presenting their business plan to 27 firms, they struggled to secure investment. However, their transparency and ability to meet their financial goals eventually attracted interest from Sequoia Capital, leading to successful fundraising.

Q: How does Eventbrite attract and retain Millennial employees?

Eventbrite attracts and retains Millennial employees by fostering a culture that values communication, transparency, and mission-driven work. Millennials are drawn to the company's compelling vision of connecting the world through live experiences. Eventbrite's emphasis on community and continuous improvement also contributes to a strong, supportive work environment that resonates with this generation.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Julia Hartz, co-founder of Eventbrite, shares her journey from a media executive to an entrepreneur, highlighting the challenges and successes along the way. She emphasizes the importance of a strong company culture and adaptability in navigating business challenges.

• Eventbrite was founded to fill a gap in the event ticketing market, offering a self-service platform. The company faced financial challenges during the 2008 crisis but emerged stronger by maintaining a lean approach and focusing on customer needs.

• Hartz discusses the importance of communication and adaptability in company culture, particularly in attracting Millennial talent. She also shares insights on entrepreneurship, the benefits of crises for business growth, and the dynamics of co-founding a company with her husband.