She Built a SaaS Company Accountants Actually Love — Without the Title, Degree, or VC Backing

Join us on this episode of Ambition Align where we dive deep into the entrepreneurial journey of Claire, the CEO and founder of Kipsy. With over 10 years of experience transitioning from Deloitte to BlackLine, then to a startup, and finally founding her own company, Claire shares invaluable insights. Find out about her innovative approach to leadership, the importance of maintaining a customer-first mindset, and how persevering through challenge after challenge brought Kipsy to where it is today. Learn about the behind-the-scenes of building and scaling a tech company, navigating mentorships, finding the right co-founder, and the essential lessons on maintaining work-life balance. Don’t miss out on this enlightening conversation!

00:00 Introduction to Success and Learning

00:18 Expensive Mistakes and Organizational Truths

00:34 Interview with Claire: Journey to Founding Kipsy

01:52 From Deloitte to BlackLine: Career Pivot

03:34 The Importance of Tools and Culture in Audit

06:55 Joining Lilt for Hands-On Experience

17:29 The Catalyst for Starting Kipsy22:05

Building Kipsy: From Idea to Execution

31:20 The Journey to the First Customer

33:01 Building Trust Through Feedback

38:57 Challenges and Growth in the Early Years

42:18 Balancing Personal and Professional Life

47:01 Fundraising and Strategic Decisions

54:57 Final Thoughts and Advice