Mark Gainey: Winning Through Negotiation with Strava co-founder

In this episode, Stan speaks with Mark Gainey, a highly successful tech entrepreneur who has built two prominent companies, Kana Software and Strava. Mark shares his journey from learning the art of persuasion and negotiating in the business world to managing a global fitness app with over 125 million users. We dive deep into the pivotal moments of his career, including his early experiences at TA Associates, his enduring partnership with co-founder Michael Horvath, and the critical decisions that shaped Strava's success. Gain insights into effective communication, raising venture capital, handling board conflicts, and internationally expanding a business. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or a seasoned professional, Mark's experiences and lessons are invaluable.0:00 - Mastering the Art of Persuasion0:25 - Introducing Mark Gainey: Tech Entrepreneur1:19 - Early Career and Lessons Learned1:51 - The Power of Cold Calling4:21 - Meeting Co-Founder Michael Horvath7:33 - Founding Kanna Software9:35 - The Importance of Formal Agreements12:14 - Pivoting to Success17:00 - Starting Strava: A New Venture18:50 - Building a Trusted Consumer Brand20:30 - Strava's Unique Customer Stories22:10 - Effective Communication with Co-Founders26:16 - Raising Capital for Strava28:46 - Navigating the Negotiation Process29:43 - The Importance of Choosing the Right Partners30:43 - Series B Funding and Unique Challenges32:52 - Aligning Interests with Investors37:28 - Board Conflicts and Leadership Changes40:54 - Strava's Financial Turnaround and Paywall Strategy52:31 - International Expansion and Cultural Nuances56:33 - Book Recommendations and Final ThoughtsHost Stan Christensen has spent his career working as a professional negotiator in a variety of arenas. He has also taught a popular course on negotiation at Stanford University for over twenty years. #Negotiation #markgainey #winning