In the latest episode of the Iowa Tech podcast, host Kaylee Williams interviews Ryan Gerhardy, co-founder and CEO of Pitchly. The conversation begins with a light-hearted introduction to the Jethro’s Barbecue Studio, a new sponsor for the podcast. Ryan shares a humorous anecdote about his son’s nickname for Jethro’s, “The Man on the Menu.”
The discussion quickly shifts to Pitchly, a company that creates content from data by deploying agents that autonomously create, update, and publish content. Ryan announces their plan to launch a freemium model, allowing users to try the product for free. They explore the resurgence of the freemium model, particularly with AI tools, as a strategy to demonstrate value to customers.
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Ryan delves into how Pitchly’s technology is used by professional service firms, enabling them to streamline content creation for business operations like proposals and social media. He emphasizes the importance of playing to one’s strengths, sharing his background in venture capital and investment banking, which informed his approach to fundraising for Pitchly.
The conversation touches on the challenges of raising capital in Iowa, with Ryan stressing the importance of relationships and putting oneself out there. He advises entrepreneurs to attend events and build connections, sharing his own experience of meeting investors at Entrefest.
Reflecting on Pitchly’s journey, Ryan discusses the lessons learned, including managing team dynamics and the ever-changing nature of building a startup. He emphasizes the significance of thoughtful hiring and planning to ensure team success.
Looking ahead, Ryan is excited about the launch of their freemium offering and the potential to challenge industry norms by enabling users to deploy content agents. He concludes by encouraging entrepreneurs to proactively engage with the venture capital community and leverage resources available in Iowa.
Overall, the episode provides valuable insights into the entrepreneurial journey, highlighting the importance of leveraging strengths, building relationships, and adapting to challenges.