logo
episode-header-image
Aug 2025
18m 38s

The Sales Playbook for Founders | Startu...

Y Combinator
About this episode

Navigating B2B sales for the first time can feel slow and overwhelming.Drawing from his experience founding Monzo and GoCardless, YC's Tom Blomfield shares his playbook for running a tight sales process that lands real, recurring revenue. He walks through each step—free and paid pilots, opt-out contracts, long-term deals—and shows how to prove value and close customers.

Up next
Jun 19
Why Domain Experts Are Winning In The Age Of AI
Bryant Chou co-founded Webflow, which today powers around 1% of all websites on the internet. Now he's back in the current YC batch with Ploy, an AI-powered website and marketing platform that doesn't just build your site — it connects to your analytics, CRM, and search console t ... Show More
42m 42s
Jun 17
How To Pick A Startup Idea
Many founders get stuck trying to find the perfect startup idea before they commit. But the perfect idea doesn't exist in the abstract. The only way to find what works is to pick one, go deep, and get feedback from real customers.In this episode of Startup School, YC's Jon Xu bre ... Show More
11m 30s
Jun 10
"The CEO Must Be the Chief AI Officer"
Brex co-founder and CEO Pedro Franceschi believes most people still underestimate how much AI will change the way companies are built. AI isn't just another tool, it's a new foundation for building products, teams, and companies.In this episode of Lightcone, Pedro shares why he t ... Show More
54m 6s
Recommended Episodes
May 2024
Founder-Led Sales for Y Combinator Demo Day
E305: How to succeed with founder-led sales. This is from Sam Blond giving advice to a Y Combinator cohort preparing for Demo Day. The most common topic was founders figuring out how to close the first set of customers in time for DD. This was Sam's advice. #ycombinator #startups ... Show More
8m 56s
Jun 2022
Create a Framework For Sales Success, With AJ Bruno
🚀 Grow faster—GUARANTEED—with AI, FixerWes, & the right tech stack.The Sales Whisperer® Inner Circle → https://FixerWes.com📬 Daily insights: https://thesaleswhisperer.com/daily💼 https://www.linkedin.com/in/thesaleswhisperer/🤖 Best CRM for your business: https://CRM.FixerWes.c ... Show More
1h 1m
Sep 2024
#360 - Lead Playbook: The Perfect 5-Stage Sales Process
Mark walks Armand through his step by step B2B sales process MARK'S PATH TO PRESIDENT’S CLUB Chief Revenue Officer @ Catalyst Software Sr. Vice President of Global Sales @ Outreach Regional Sales Director @ School Specialty Planning & Student Development Sr. Account Management @ ... Show More
45m 53s
Aug 2025
MBA2661 Everything You Need To Know About Sales
<p>Sales gets a bad rap. If the word makes you think of pressure, persuasion, or slick tactics, you’re not alone. But what if selling could actually feel… good?<br /><br />In this lesson, Omar shares a refreshing take on sales—one built on clarity, trust, and genuine connection. ... Show More
14m 45s
Jun 2025
How to Craft a Great Sales Presentation
<p dir="ltr">Lightning Round: Top 10 Ways to Update Your Sales Strategy</p> <p dir="ltr">Question: Marquessa from Salt Lake City, Utah asks, "I work for a tech start-up and we are doing well - start-ups are a struggle - and while we have been well-funded, we need sales. We have b ... Show More
24m 44s
Oct 2024
Mastering Sales Foundations With Tom Hopkins (2 of 2)
<p>Tom Hopkins, "America's #1 sales trainer", returns to the Magnetic Marketing podcast to continue his coaching on the vital fundamentals of sales that every entrepreneur should know.</p> <p>From test questions, to handling concerns, to actually closing the sale, Tom expertly te ... Show More
53m 8s
Sep 2025
MBA2679 How To Set Up a Business for Success
<p>You’ve made a few sales, the idea’s got traction, and now you’re asking yourself what comes next. Turning a side hustle into a real business can feel overwhelming, especially when you're trying to avoid unnecessary costs or paperwork too soon. If you're ready to build somethin ... Show More
19m 12s
Mar 2021
MBA1734 Why You Should Start a Small Conference
<p>Yes, even during COVID.</p><p>Most countries now allow small gatherings. That’s a huge opportunity for entrepreneurs. By putting together a small networking opportunity, you can score big. </p><p>Your credibility will rise. Your network will grow. And you’ll get a strong reput ... Show More
10m 1s
Dec 2018
836: How to Get Bad Deals Out of Your Sales Funnel w/ Tom Williams
In this episode we talk to Tom Williams, CEO of DealPoint. Deals that will never close come at a huge opportunity cost to B2B sales teams. Tom shares how proactive, ongoing disqualification leads to more successful sales teams. He breaks down how to disqualify bad deals at every ... Show More
22m 13s