Satellites, Solar, and Selling PowerPoints | Even Kvelland @ Glint Solar

Even is a co-founder of Glint Solar, which is accelerating the solar revolution by helping developers identify optimal locations for building large solar parks. In this episode of Rockets & Radars, Even shares his journey from being unexpectedly "kicked out" of the US to founding a company that leverages satellite data to make solar development faster and more efficient. Even explains how Glint Solar helps customers quickly identify suitable land that isn't in conflict with nature for solar development. Get intro to Even: https://brdg.app/s/cfg21y ----------------------------------------------- Timestamps:(00:00) Introduction & Glint Solar Overview(01:50) Journey Before Founding Glint Solar(04:07) Finding Co-Founders Through Antler(05:25 Importance of Founder Alignment & Values(07:23) Using Satellite Data for Solar Development(09:36) When to Approach Space Accelerators(11:23) First Funding & Celebrating Frugally(15:23) The "Sell First, Build Second" Approach(20:46 Understanding Customer Problems(22:31) Building Close Customer Relationships(24:01) Handling Rejection & Persistence(27:56) Landing Their First Customers(30:46) Product Evolution & Pricing Strategy(35:36 Finding & Hiring Early Employees(41:40) Pricing Experimentation Strategies(45:31) Pitch Evolution From Seed to Series A(49:14) Building a Global, Diverse Team(53:32) Future Plans & Quick Fire Questions(57:42) Work-Life Balance Advice-----------------------------------------------Episode Takeaways:1) Validate Before Building - Use the "sell first, build second" approach- Started by selling PDF reports before building software- "We're not going to build it before we have validated it"2) Develop Founder Alignment Through Values- Spend time understanding each other's core values- "Spend time drilling down into what are some of the core things, like importance in your life"3) Find the Right Co-Founders for Your Stage- Look for complementary skills and personalities- "We were able to play on other people's strengths"4) Leverage Available Satellite Data- Use existing data sources like Copernicus- Join programs that facilitate access to satellite data5) Build Close Customer Relationships- Hire customer success early- "Spend time with customers, ideally sit next to them in their office"6) Price Strategically and Experiment- Test different pricing models with small customer segments- "Be clear on what you're trying to achieve and let that influence your pricing"7) Create a Diverse Team for Global Impact- Hire people with non-traditional backgrounds- "We wanted to make sure that we can build a diverse team"8) Balance Growth with Family Life- Set boundaries and protect family time- "I leave work fairly early... those three hours, those are holy"