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Mar 18, 2022 · 25m · top-founders

Disco Helps Hundreds of Customers Facilitate Live Learning, Can They Beat Hopin?

Candice Faktor · 15m spoken Nathan Latka · 7m spoken
0:00 / 0:00

gold bands on the timeline = statements, start to end. Hover to read, click to jump. CC turns on captions

Nathan Latka interviews Candice Faktor, co-founder of Disco.co and former Wattpad executive, to explore how Disco provides an all-in-one live learning operating system, its hybrid monetization model, and its competitive differentiation against virtual event platforms.

How this conversation actually went

Every chapter scored 0–10 on four independent dynamics. Hover any point for the reasoning behind the score. Nathan holds 34.5% of the talking time here. How this is scored →

Nathan as informed peer 5.6 Guest teaching 4.1 Guest disagreement 2.1 Nathan pushing back 4.3
05100:0010:0020:001:15–4:08 · Nathan as informed peer 4/10 Applying Wattpad's Social Reading Model to Live Learning Nathan inquires how Candice's experience scaling Wattpad informed Disco's concept. Candice articulates the pedagogical science behind cohort-based live learning versus solitary consumption.4:09–9:11 · Nathan as informed peer 6/10 Defining Disco's Operating System and Enterprise Customers Nathan probes Disco's enterprise traction, round structure, and cap table equity splits. Candice defends raising a heavily oversubscribed seed based on vision and founder track record rather than early metrics.9:12–13:09 · Nathan as informed peer 7/10 Tiered Pricing Strategy and the Disco Studios Offering Nathan aggressively drills into GMV metrics, customer definitions, and plan conversion rates. Candice maintains message discipline by focusing on top creator earnings and qualitative value propositions.13:12–16:07 · Nathan as informed peer 6/10 Founderpath SaaS Valuation Tool Commercial Break Following an ad read, Nathan challenges Candice's vague claim of 10x team growth, prompting her to disclose a specific headcount of over 20 employees.16:07–19:15 · Nathan as informed peer 8/10 Dilution Management and Venture Capital Philosophy Nathan cites detailed financial history regarding Wattpad's valuation and exit to ask why Candice did not self-fund to avoid dilution. Candice highlights her own VC background and the strategic need for growth capital.19:16–22:18 · Nathan as informed peer 5/10 Disco's Competitive Wedge Against Hopin and Event Tools When Nathan compares Disco to virtual event platforms like Hopin, Candice rejects the comparison and details why live learning infrastructure requires dedicated merchandising and recurring business tooling.22:18–24:45 · Nathan as informed peer 3/10 The Famous Five Rapid-Fire Questions Nathan runs through the standard Famous Five rapid-fire questions, concluding with an agreeable wrap-up of Candice's career and Disco's milestones.1:15–4:08 · Guest teaching 5/10 Applying Wattpad's Social Reading Model to Live Learning Nathan inquires how Candice's experience scaling Wattpad informed Disco's concept. Candice articulates the pedagogical science behind cohort-based live learning versus solitary consumption.4:09–9:11 · Guest teaching 4/10 Defining Disco's Operating System and Enterprise Customers Nathan probes Disco's enterprise traction, round structure, and cap table equity splits. Candice defends raising a heavily oversubscribed seed based on vision and founder track record rather than early metrics.9:12–13:09 · Guest teaching 4/10 Tiered Pricing Strategy and the Disco Studios Offering Nathan aggressively drills into GMV metrics, customer definitions, and plan conversion rates. Candice maintains message discipline by focusing on top creator earnings and qualitative value propositions.13:12–16:07 · Guest teaching 3/10 Founderpath SaaS Valuation Tool Commercial Break Following an ad read, Nathan challenges Candice's vague claim of 10x team growth, prompting her to disclose a specific headcount of over 20 employees.16:07–19:15 · Guest teaching 4/10 Dilution Management and Venture Capital Philosophy Nathan cites detailed financial history regarding Wattpad's valuation and exit to ask why Candice did not self-fund to avoid dilution. Candice highlights her own VC background and the strategic need for growth capital.19:16–22:18 · Guest teaching 7/10 Disco's Competitive Wedge Against Hopin and Event Tools When Nathan compares Disco to virtual event platforms like Hopin, Candice rejects the comparison and details why live learning infrastructure requires dedicated merchandising and recurring business tooling.22:18–24:45 · Guest teaching 2/10 The Famous Five Rapid-Fire Questions Nathan runs through the standard Famous Five rapid-fire questions, concluding with an agreeable wrap-up of Candice's career and Disco's milestones.1:15–4:08 · Guest disagreement 1/10 Applying Wattpad's Social Reading Model to Live Learning Nathan inquires how Candice's experience scaling Wattpad informed Disco's concept. Candice articulates the pedagogical science behind cohort-based live learning versus solitary consumption.4:09–9:11 · Guest disagreement 2/10 Defining Disco's Operating System and Enterprise Customers Nathan probes Disco's enterprise traction, round structure, and cap table equity splits. Candice defends raising a heavily oversubscribed seed based on vision and founder track record rather than early metrics.9:12–13:09 · Guest disagreement 3/10 Tiered Pricing Strategy and the Disco Studios Offering Nathan aggressively drills into GMV metrics, customer definitions, and plan conversion rates. Candice maintains message discipline by focusing on top creator earnings and qualitative value propositions.13:12–16:07 · Guest disagreement 3/10 Founderpath SaaS Valuation Tool Commercial Break Following an ad read, Nathan challenges Candice's vague claim of 10x team growth, prompting her to disclose a specific headcount of over 20 employees.16:07–19:15 · Guest disagreement 2/10 Dilution Management and Venture Capital Philosophy Nathan cites detailed financial history regarding Wattpad's valuation and exit to ask why Candice did not self-fund to avoid dilution. Candice highlights her own VC background and the strategic need for growth capital.19:16–22:18 · Guest disagreement 3/10 Disco's Competitive Wedge Against Hopin and Event Tools When Nathan compares Disco to virtual event platforms like Hopin, Candice rejects the comparison and details why live learning infrastructure requires dedicated merchandising and recurring business tooling.22:18–24:45 · Guest disagreement 1/10 The Famous Five Rapid-Fire Questions Nathan runs through the standard Famous Five rapid-fire questions, concluding with an agreeable wrap-up of Candice's career and Disco's milestones.1:15–4:08 · Nathan pushing back 2/10 Applying Wattpad's Social Reading Model to Live Learning Nathan inquires how Candice's experience scaling Wattpad informed Disco's concept. Candice articulates the pedagogical science behind cohort-based live learning versus solitary consumption.4:09–9:11 · Nathan pushing back 5/10 Defining Disco's Operating System and Enterprise Customers Nathan probes Disco's enterprise traction, round structure, and cap table equity splits. Candice defends raising a heavily oversubscribed seed based on vision and founder track record rather than early metrics.9:12–13:09 · Nathan pushing back 6/10 Tiered Pricing Strategy and the Disco Studios Offering Nathan aggressively drills into GMV metrics, customer definitions, and plan conversion rates. Candice maintains message discipline by focusing on top creator earnings and qualitative value propositions.13:12–16:07 · Nathan pushing back 6/10 Founderpath SaaS Valuation Tool Commercial Break Following an ad read, Nathan challenges Candice's vague claim of 10x team growth, prompting her to disclose a specific headcount of over 20 employees.16:07–19:15 · Nathan pushing back 6/10 Dilution Management and Venture Capital Philosophy Nathan cites detailed financial history regarding Wattpad's valuation and exit to ask why Candice did not self-fund to avoid dilution. Candice highlights her own VC background and the strategic need for growth capital.19:16–22:18 · Nathan pushing back 4/10 Disco's Competitive Wedge Against Hopin and Event Tools When Nathan compares Disco to virtual event platforms like Hopin, Candice rejects the comparison and details why live learning infrastructure requires dedicated merchandising and recurring business tooling.22:18–24:45 · Nathan pushing back 1/10 The Famous Five Rapid-Fire Questions Nathan runs through the standard Famous Five rapid-fire questions, concluding with an agreeable wrap-up of Candice's career and Disco's milestones.

speaking balance: gold is Nathan, purple is the guest (3 minute bins)

0:00 · Nathan 42% · guest 58%0:00 · Nathan 42% · guest 58%3:00 · Nathan 19.4% · guest 80.6%3:00 · Nathan 19.4% · guest 80.6%6:00 · Nathan 35.8% · guest 64.2%6:00 · Nathan 35.8% · guest 64.2%9:00 · Nathan 28.5% · guest 71.5%9:00 · Nathan 28.5% · guest 71.5%12:00 · Nathan 64.9% · guest 35.1%12:00 · Nathan 64.9% · guest 35.1%15:00 · Nathan 43.8% · guest 56.2%15:00 · Nathan 43.8% · guest 56.2%18:00 · Nathan 22% · guest 78%18:00 · Nathan 22% · guest 78%21:00 · Nathan 9.8% · guest 90.2%21:00 · Nathan 9.8% · guest 90.2%24:00 · Nathan 59% · guest 41%24:00 · Nathan 59% · guest 41%
Sharpest disagreement ▶ 19:35 Rejecting the Hopin comparison

Candice firmly dismisses Nathan's premise that virtual event tools compete directly with Disco by contrasting one-off events with ongoing community learning businesses.

 Hardest push from Nathan ▶ 15:24 Pushing past 10x team spin

Nathan rejects Candice's vague PR answer about 10x team growth, bluntly pressing her until she provides an actual headcount number.

 Biggest teaching moment ▶ 19:35 Educating on learning OS architecture

Candice systematically explains the comprehensive software stack required for micro-schools and academies that event hosting platforms cannot fulfill.

 Nathan holds their own ▶ 17:38 Citing Wattpad's cap table and valuation history

Nathan demonstrates command of venture mechanics and Wattpad's specific exit numbers to question why a wealthy former executive would dilute equity.
the scores for every segment, with the reasoning behind each
ChapterTopicNathan as informed peerGuest teachingGuest disagreementNathan pushing backWhy
Applying Wattpad's Social Reading Model to Live Learning 4512 Nathan inquires how Candice's experience scaling Wattpad informed Disco's concept. Candice articulates the pedagogical science behind cohort-based live learning versus solitary consumption.
Defining Disco's Operating System and Enterprise Customers 6425 Nathan probes Disco's enterprise traction, round structure, and cap table equity splits. Candice defends raising a heavily oversubscribed seed based on vision and founder track record rather than early metrics.
Tiered Pricing Strategy and the Disco Studios Offering 7436 Nathan aggressively drills into GMV metrics, customer definitions, and plan conversion rates. Candice maintains message discipline by focusing on top creator earnings and qualitative value propositions.
Founderpath SaaS Valuation Tool Commercial Break 6336 Following an ad read, Nathan challenges Candice's vague claim of 10x team growth, prompting her to disclose a specific headcount of over 20 employees.
Dilution Management and Venture Capital Philosophy 8426 Nathan cites detailed financial history regarding Wattpad's valuation and exit to ask why Candice did not self-fund to avoid dilution. Candice highlights her own VC background and the strategic need for growth capital.
Disco's Competitive Wedge Against Hopin and Event Tools 5734 When Nathan compares Disco to virtual event platforms like Hopin, Candice rejects the comparison and details why live learning infrastructure requires dedicated merchandising and recurring business tooling.
The Famous Five Rapid-Fire Questions 3211 Nathan runs through the standard Famous Five rapid-fire questions, concluding with an agreeable wrap-up of Candice's career and Disco's milestones.

Statements from this episode (14)

Insight
Social learning succeeds through peer accountability and support, says Faktor
“The science of learning is that you actually learn better with people because people hold you accountable. They give you support. You're able to reflect more with them.”
Candice Faktor Mar 18, 2022 ▶ 2:43
Opinion
Future workforce skills diverge sharply from institutional education, says Faktor
“The skills that people are going to need in the future are so different than what they're being taught in institutional ed”
Candice Faktor Mar 18, 2022 ▶ 3:38
Assertion Supported
Zapier-owned MakerPad uses Disco to power its entire learning community
“Really big now organizations are using us, like MakerPad, which is the largest no-code school. It's owned by Zapier. We are the OS for their entire learning community”
Candice Faktor Mar 18, 2022 ▶ 4:32
Assertion Supported
Dribbble uses Disco as the operating system for Dribbble University
“Dribbble, the world's, you know, one of the world's biggest product design communities, they're using Disco to be the OS for their entire Dribbble University”
Candice Faktor Mar 18, 2022 ▶ 5:00
Assertion Partly supported
Disco raised a $5M seed round with Shopify and Solana angels
“In our last round we raised five million US and we have incredible angels as well. Lots of interesting folks from Shopify Lambda School, Solana, Endeavor, very interesting people who are participating.”
Candice Faktor Mar 18, 2022 ▶ 6:19
Assertion Supported
Disco's $750k pre-seed was backed by Wattpad executives
“That was just a friends and family, 750 K... I have Ivan as an investor. Huge fan of the Wattpad team. Also like the head of product, Tarun Secdeva as an investor.”
Candice Faktor Mar 18, 2022 ▶ 7:03
Assertion Not checkable as stated
Disco's seed round was 3x oversubscribed with $15M in investor interest
“We were three times oversubscribed for that round. We had, you know, fifteen million of interest.”
Candice Faktor Mar 18, 2022 ▶ 7:43
Assertion Not checkable as stated
Disco co-founders Candice Faktor and Chris Sukornyk split equity 50/50
“No, a hundred percent. Fifty-fifty all the way.”
Candice Faktor Mar 18, 2022 ▶ 8:50
Insight
Established creators prefer fixed SaaS subscriptions over revenue share models
“What's really appealing to the knowledge creators and organizations that are making a business out of live learning is they don't want you to take a huge chunk of their revenue. They want to pay you a SaaS fee”
Candice Faktor Mar 18, 2022 ▶ 9:26
Disclosure
The majority of active creators on Disco generate ticket sales
“Some have no sales, but the majority do. The majority.”
Candice Faktor Mar 18, 2022 ▶ 11:34
Assertion Not checkable as stated
Top Disco creators are on track to generate $1M+ in 2022
“We have some creators that are on track to do seven figures this year.”
Candice Faktor Mar 18, 2022 ▶ 11:45
Disclosure
Between 30% and 50% of Disco customers pay for SaaS subscriptions
“I would say it's about like in the range of between 30 to 50%.”
Candice Faktor Mar 18, 2022 ▶ 14:12
Prediction Not checkable as stated
Disco is on track to surpass $1M in revenue in 2022
“We are absolutely on track.”
Candice Faktor Mar 18, 2022 ▶ 15:06
Insight
Disco's platform replaces complex integrations of Hopin, Slack, and curriculum tools
“It's actually quite complex for people to sort of piece together a hop in with a slack with a, you know, curriculum tool. And so we just make it super simple in one place.”
Candice Faktor Mar 18, 2022 ▶ 20:41
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