How do a psychotherapist and a psychologist with no tech background build a multi-million dollar coaching business and land a spot in Y Combinator? This episode takes you inside the story of Torch, a company revolutionizing professional development with a unique blend of coaching, software, and behavioral science. Co-founders Cameron Yarbrough and Keegan Walden, both veterans of the psychology and coaching world, share their journey from meeting at a psychotherapy training program to building a successful startup that has raised over $80 million in funding. They reveal the key ingredients behind their success: a shared passion for leadership development, a data-driven approach to coaching, and the invaluable experience of going through Y Combinator. But they also candidly discuss the challenges they faced, particularly the emotional toll of building a business and the importance of self-awareness and mindfulness for founders. This episode is filled with insightful advice for entrepreneurs and investors alike. Listen in to discover the power of effective coaching, the hidden “secrets” of the Y Combinator program, and the importance of personal development for navigating the complex world of startups. EPISODE IN A GLANCE -Introduction of Cameron and Keegan and Torch's Mission -How the Founders Met and Their Shared Background -The Catalyst for Starting Torch -The Story of How the Founders Reconnected -The Value of T-Groups and Its Impact on the Founders -The Early Days of Torch and the Decision to Apply to Y Combinator -Joining Y Combinator and the Importance of a Tech Co-Founder -Fundraising and the Impact of Rapid Growth -Keegan's Departure from Torch and the Co-Founder's Dilemma -The Importance of Addressing Burnout and Personal Growth as a Founder -The Impact of Work on Family Life -The Co-Founder's Dilemma -Transitioning Leadership Roles -The Role of Coaching in Leadership -Reflections on Y Combinator -The Importance of Self-Awareness for Founders ABOUT CAMERON YARBROUGH AND KEEGAN WALDEN Cameron is the co-founder and CEO of Torch, a company that provides professional development services to organizations through a combination of coaching, software, and behavioral science. He has a background as a psychotherapist and executive coach, working with notable tech founders like Garry Tan and Steve Huffman. Keegan is the co-founder of Torch and a psychologist who specializes in leadership development. He has a PhD and brings a deep understanding of the psychology of human behavior and its impact on success. CONNECT WITH CAMERON YARBROUGH AND KEEGAN WALDEN Website → https://torch.io/ LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/cameron-yarbrough-60579948/ LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/keegan-walden-ph-d-672ab9101/ LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/company/torch-labs ABOUT GABRIEL JARROSSON Gabriel Jarrosson is a seasoned investor and entrepreneur with over a decade of experience in the startup space and the General Partner of Lobster Capital. He has invested over $25M in Y Combinator startups. Having sold three of his own startups, he shares his expertise in his books "My Investor Secrets" and "Investing in Startups: x100 or Nothing." CONNECT WITH GABRIEL JARROSSON YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@lobstercapital Website → https://www.lobstercap.com/ LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabrieljarrosson/ Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/lobstercapital/ Tiktok → https://www.tiktok.com/@lobstercapital Stay ahead of the game with the latest startup insights. Subscribe to our newsletter for startup updates and actionable insights → https://lobstercap.ck.page/c34c61a155
