Welcome to Found
Welcome back to Found, where we dive into the stories behind startups. This week, I’m joined by Carly Zakin and Danielle Weisberg, the co-founders and co-CEOs of theSkimm, a digital media company delivering news through a newsletter targeted at millennial women.
A Glimpse into the Founders’ Background
Carly Zakin and Danielle Weisberg are no strangers to the world of digital media. They’ve been at the forefront of navigating the ever-changing landscape for over a decade now. With their unique perspective, they’ve managed to create a niche that resonates deeply with millennial women.
Filling a Market Gap
The Idea Behind theSkimm
When asked about what inspired them to create theSkimm, Zakin and Weisberg shared a common vision: "We wanted to fill a market gap. There was no dedicated platform catering to millennial women’s interests." They recognized that this demographic was underserved and craved a space where they could engage with news, entertainment, and lifestyle content in one place.
Riding the Roller Coaster of Digital Media
Navigating the Industry’s Turbulence
Over the past decade, the digital media landscape has experienced its fair share of ups and downs. With algorithms constantly changing, consolidation among players, and a shift towards streaming services, navigating this terrain can be daunting. Zakin and Weisberg acknowledged these challenges: "It’s been a roller coaster. There have been times when we questioned whether our strategy would pay off."
Pitching to Male VCs
Breaking Stereotypes
One of the most significant hurdles they faced was pitching their millennial women-focused product to male Venture Capitalists (VCs). Zakin and Weisberg discussed how they had to work harder to convince investors that their platform was viable: "We encountered some skepticism. Some VCs didn’t see the value in targeting this demographic."
Being Co-CEOs
The Benefits of Shared Leadership
Zakin and Weisberg decided early on to be co-CEOs, a move that might have raised eyebrows but has proven to be a winning strategy for them: "We share responsibilities. It’s not just one person making all the decisions." This approach allows them to tackle challenges together, leveraging each other’s strengths.
The Benefits of Co-CEOship
- Diverse Perspectives: Having two CEOs with different viewpoints ensures that no single perspective dominates.
- Shared Workload: Responsibilities are divided, allowing for more efficient decision-making and workload management.
- Improved Communication: Regular discussions and shared goals foster open communication.
Conclusion
Navigating the ever-changing landscape of digital media is a challenging yet rewarding experience. With their unique blend of leadership style and a deep understanding of their audience, Zakin and Weisberg have successfully carved out a space for millennial women in the digital world. As we continue to explore the stories behind startups, we’re reminded that innovation often comes from filling market gaps.
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