Discover“HR Heretics” | How CPOs, CHROs, Founders, and Boards Build High Performing CompaniesDave Margulius: "Starting a Company Without VC Money is Like Starting a Religion"
Dave Margulius: "Starting a Company Without VC Money is Like Starting a Religion"

Dave Margulius: "Starting a Company Without VC Money is Like Starting a Religion"

Update: 2025-08-14
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In this episode of HR Heretics, Kelli and Nolan sit down with Dave Margulius discussing Quizlet's remarkable 18-year journey from a bootstrapped startup founded with teenage co-founders to a globally successful education platform, sharing insights on building company culture, managing young talent, transitioning from founder to board member, and maintaining mission-driven values while achieving sustainable growth.

*Email us your questions or topics for Kelli & Nolan: hrheretics@turpentine.co

For coaching and advising inquire at https://kellidragovich.com/

HR Heretics is a podcast from Turpentine.

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KEEP UP WITH DAVE, NOLAN + KELLI ON LINKEDIN

Dave: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davemargulius

Nolan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nolan-church/

Kelli: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kellidragovich/

Quizlet: https://quizlet.com/

TIMESTAMPS:

(00:00 ) Intro

(02:00 ) The $5 Trillion Education Opportunity

(04:06 ) Meeting Andrew - The 17-Year-Old Co-Founder

(06:04 ) CEO Transitions and Early Career

(09:11 ) Sponsors: Planful | Metaview

(12:10 ) Building a Teenage Team

(16:03 ) Managing Young Talent and Pure Adrenaline

(19:17 ) The Shift to VC Funding

(22:15 ) Company Culture and Values

(26:19 ) Mission vs ROI Balance

(29:05 ) 18-Year Journey and Staying Competitive

(32:01 ) Employee Value Proposition and Liquidity

(35:00 ) Competition and Market Position

(36:06 ) Closing Thoughts

(37:27 ) Wrap



This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit hrheretics.substack.com
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Dave Margulius: "Starting a Company Without VC Money is Like Starting a Religion"

Dave Margulius: "Starting a Company Without VC Money is Like Starting a Religion"

HR Heretics