In the Room with Alex Konrad, founder of Upstarts Media
Welcome back to another episode of The Room Podcast! This week, Madison and Claudia sit down with Alex Konrad, former Senior Editor at Forbes and now Founder of Upstarts Media. After a decade covering technology and venture capital at Forbes, where he pioneered coverage from the Midas List to the Cloud 100, Alex has launched his own media company focused on telling the stories of early-stage founders and companies challenging the status quo. Key themes from this week’s episode include: Lessons from being in the room with tech titans, the future of media in an algorithm-driven world, and why conferences, as we know them, are Dead.
Tune in for a fascinating look at the changing media landscape and what it takes to build a modern media company from the ground up.
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T1: Lessons from Being in the Room with Tech Titans
Alex’s journey has taken him through the corridors of power in the tech world, where he has interviewed industry titans like Satya Nadella, Sam Altman and many more. One of the most striking insights he shared is the relentless drive and competitiveness that characterize these leaders. They are often so focused on winning that they can lose touch with the reality of their positions.
Alex details a time when Marc Beinoff, CEO of Salesforce, dared Alex to meet him in Japan. Alex found himself in a middle-seat, on his way to Tokyo, not one day later. Alex also recounted a moment when a CEO offered him a million dollars to quit journalism and take over their website. This encounter highlighted the stark differences in reality between tech leaders and the average person. Yet, despite their immense success, many of these figures remain insecure and driven, constantly seeking the next goal.
This relentless hunger is a common denominator among the most successful founders. While many of the titans which Alex has interviewed have achieved monumental success, they still operate with the same intensity as an entrepreneur early in their career. It is this innate drive to compete and excel that sets them apart. Alex emphasizes that while their lives may seem glamorous, they are still human, facing the same challenges and insecurities as anyone else. This duality of being both powerful and relatable offers a profound lesson: success does not shield one from vulnerability.
As for his favorite cover story, Alex remembers fighting to get Melanie Park, founder of Canva, on the cover of Forbes — before its billion dollar valuation and unicorn status.
T2: The Future of Editorial in an Algorithm-Driven World
As the media landscape evolves, particularly with the rise of AI and algorithm-driven content, Alex is at the forefront of reimagining how editorial work is done. He believes that traditional media has struggled to connect authentically with the startup community, partly due to a growing distrust stemming from overly positive coverage in the past.
In an algorithm-driven world, where audiences are increasingly consuming content through platforms like TikTok and Instagram, Alex argues that the key to success lies in building genuine relationships with readers. He aims to create a community around Upstarts Media that resonates with its audience, emphasizing the importance of taste and authenticity in content creation.
By leveraging AI tools for efficiency while maintaining a personal touch, Alex is navigating the challenges of modern journalism. He recognizes that while AI can assist in content generation, the unique voice and perspective of a human creator remain irreplaceable. The future of editorial, therefore, hinges on balancing technology with the human element, ensuring that content remains engaging and relevant.
T3: Why Conferences as We Know Them Are Dead
In discussing the future of conferences, Alex shared his vision for a new kind of event experience. He shares our belief that traditional large-scale conferences are losing their appeal, as attendees seek more intimate, curated experiences that foster genuine connections.
Alex’s approach to events with Upstarts Media is to focus on smaller, high-touch gatherings that resonate with the community. He aims to create boutique events that prioritize quality over quantity, allowing for deeper engagement and meaningful interactions. This shift reflects a broader trend in the industry, where attendees are increasingly looking for personalized experiences rather than generic networking opportunities.
As the landscape of conferences evolves, Alex’s commitment to creating authentic, community-driven events positions Upstarts Media as a leader in redefining how we connect in the tech space. By prioritizing the needs and preferences of attendees, he is paving the way for a new era of conferences that are more aligned with the values of today’s professionals.
Special thanks to our Season 12 sponsors, Perkins Coie and Mercury, who we are thrilled to partner with for a third consecutive season.
Mercury is the fintech ambitious companies use for banking* and all their financial workflows. With a powerful bank account at the center of their operations, companies can make better financial decisions and ensure that every dollar spent aligns with company priorities. That’s why over 200K startups choose Mercury to confidently run all their financial operations with the precision, control, and focus they need to operate at their best.
*Mercury is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services provided by Choice Financial Group and Evolve Bank & Trust, Members FDIC.
Perkins Coie is a leading full-service, international law firm known for providing high-value, strategic solutions for startups and investors. Lawyers in Perkins Coie’s Emerging Companies & Venture Capital practice support the most innovative entrepreneurs and investors in fast-moving and high-growth sectors across the country, addressing the myriad legal needs that arise when fundraising and scaling their businesses. The firm’s tailored legal services are informed by an understanding of each client’s discrete needs.
