E310 | Adapting as a Founder During Growth with Renan de Villiers

SummaryRenan de Villiers, CEO and co-founder of OSS Ventures, discusses his niche in B2B SaaS for manufacturing. He explains that manufacturing accounts for 25% of the world GDP and highlights the importance of software in factories. Renan shares his experience as a former factory director and how it led him to start a venture builder and investment firm focused on SaaS B2B for manufacturing. He emphasises the challenges of scaling executive talent in mature companies and the need for better incentive packages in the VC world. Renan also discusses the state of the economy, de-globalisation, and the future of manufacturing. The conversation explores the importance of hardware in tech companies, the challenges of scaling businesses, and the myths and realities of venture capital. It also delves into the personal journey of the guest and his sources of inspiration.takeawaysManufacturing accounts for 25% of the world GDP, making it a significant niche for B2B SaaS.Scaling executive talent is a challenge in mature companies, and better incentive packages are needed in the VC world.The US is decoupling from China, and there is a trend of reshoring and nearshoring in manufacturing.Energy and chip production are becoming increasingly important in the manufacturing industry. Hardware will play a significant role in the success of tech companies in the future.Scaling a business involves two major breaking points: transitioning from founder-led chaos to a more structured approach and managing the challenges of communication and processes as the company grows.Founders need to be willing to adapt and change as their company scales, and sometimes, that means letting go of the chaotic energy that fuelled the early stages.Ideas do matter in business, but they are nothing without execution.Success in life is measured by the impact you have on others.Recommended books: 'No Rules Rules' by Reed Hastings and 'Hunger, Famine, and Wealth' by London philosopher.Recommended podcast: 'Revenue Builder' for insights on revenue generation in B2B SaaS.Chapters(00:00) Introduction and Niche in B2B SaaS for Manufacturing(02:11) Scaling Executive Talent in Mature Companies(06:21) Challenges in Incentive Packages for VC-backed Companies(13:22) The Decoupling of the US from China(24:07) The Importance of Energy and Chip Production in Manufacturing(25:55) The Role of Hardware in Tech Companies(30:25) Scaling Challenges and Breaking Points(32:17) Adapting as a Founder During Growth(39:37) The Importance of Ideas and Execution(45:22) Measuring Success in Life(49:08) Timeless Inspiration from 'Meditations'(49:53) Debunking the Myth: Ideas Do MatterMentioned in this episode:Get Mind Your F**king Business

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Do you want to dive deep into the minds of those who dare? With an insatiable appetite for knowledge and a disdain for mediocrity, ‘Curious Leadership with Dominic Monkhouse’, is your fortnightly look into the mindsets of some of the world’s most trailblazing leaders. From seasoned strategists and investors to pioneering entrepreneurs and experts, I’ll explore their personal journeys, unorthodox decisions, and the lessons they've learned while shaping the future. About Dominic - Dominic Monkhouse is the founder of Monkhouse & Company. He scaled two UK tech firms from zero to £30 million in five years, coached 10 founders to successful exits, and published two books to keep others from making the same mistakes. He works with the 1% of founders committed to scaling—building elite teams, navigating the messy middle, and growing without drowning in chaos or losing control. His mission is to see 200 founder-led firms scale from 50 to 250+ employees, creating 300,000 jobs and £52 billion in revenue and reshaping the UK’s business landscape.