Jason Kirby. He Sold Liquid Sky software to Walmart six years ago, but became disillusioned when Walmart abruptly scrapped the company's ambitious plans.

Seeking a new direction, Jason joined Generation Esports, rapidly scaled it and exited three years ago. This last exit prompted Jason to reassess his priorities, leading him to focus on family, health and meaningful work.

This shift inspired him to found Thunder, a tech enabled investment bank and launch the fundraising demystified podcast. In this interview, Jason shares his journey from high stress startups to a life centered on fulfillment and purpose.

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TIME STAMPS:
00:00:00 : Overview of Jason’s Expertise

00:01:27 : Starting Liquid Sky

00:01:56 : Formation and Operational Beginnings of Liquid Sky

00:02:24 : The Vision and Mission of Liquid Sky

00:03:11 : Partnership and Expansion Efforts

00:03:37 : Business Philosophy and Personal Contribution

00:05:15 : Diverse Industry Experience

00:06:50 : Curious Nature and Learning Process

00:06:53 : Liquid Sky’s Rapid Growth and Sale to Samsung

00:08:05 : The Failed Acquisition by Samsung

00:10:17 : Crisis and Pivot Strategy

00:11:01 : Final Attempts for Acquisition and Survival

00:13:28 : New Strategy with Walmart

00:15:39 : Outcome and Life Post-Acquisition by Walmart

00:19:42 : Excitement about Walmart Gaming

00:20:25 : Transition to San Diego and New Opportunity

00:20:50 : Introduction to Generation Esports

00:21:48 : Investing Energy into Generation Esports

00:24:05 : Initial Reflection and Momentum

00:25:42 : Navigating the COVID-19 Challenges

00:26:28 : Series A Funding and Rising Tensions

00:29:06 : Decision to Leave Generation Esports

00:31:00 : Self-discovery and New Relationships

00:35:19 : Learning from Relationship Dynamics

00:36:00 : Considering the Next Move

00:36:10 : The Idea of Starting Thunder

00:36:42 : The seed for Thunder

00:37:18 : What Thunder does

00:39:02 : Thunder as a tech-enabled investment bank

00:40:21 : Introduction to the podcast "Fundraising Demystified"

00:42:00 : Origin of "Fundraising Demystified"

00:44:04 : The value of understanding venture capital

00:45:11 : Advice for post-exit founders considering new ventures

00:52:01 : Importance of risk tolerance

00:52:58 : Determining the endgame for new businesses

00:53:41 : Plans for Thunder

00:54:14 : Decision against starting another big business

00:55:04 : Balancing career and family priorities

00:55:48 : Balancing Family and Ambitions

00:56:07 : Introduction to Entrepreneurship in College

00:56:11 : Influence of Successful Entrepreneurs

00:56:35 : Reflections on Success and Family Time

00:56:39 : Closing Remarks