3 Nov 2024
SaaSy Talk S02.16: The Birth and Growth of Sharesies: A Journey with Brooke Roberts
About The Guest(s): Brooke Roberts is the co-founder, director and 3EO (co-CEO) of Sharesies and mother of two. At Sharesies, their vision is to give someone with $5 and $5m the same money opportunities. Sharesies is a wealth app with over half a million investors who’ve collectively invested billions of dollars. Sharesies also partners with NZX and ASX listed companies so they can know and communicate to their retail investors, support with capital raises and provide staff share schemes.
Brooke is passionate about creating equal opportunities and business being a force for good—she puts a lot of focus on making sure Sharesies has a positive impact on people, customers, communities, and the environment. Brooke was the co-winner of the 2020 Women of Influence- Business award, alongside co-founder, Sonya Williams. Brooke was also awarded the 2022 NZ Hi-Tech Inspiring Individual and 2022 NZ Services Entrepreneur of the Year, alongside co-founders Sonya and Leighton.
Episode Summary: In this engaging interview with Brooke Roberts, co-founder of Sharesies, the discussion revolves around the birth and growth of the company. Brooke shares insights into the co-founding moment of Sharesies, the challenges and motivations they faced, the unique three-CEO model, decision-making frameworks, go-to-market strategies, early challenges, entering the Australian market, and the future vision of Sharesies. The conversation delves into the values, purpose, and mission driving Sharesies to provide financial empowerment for all users. By detailing the strategic decisions, challenges, and successes along the way, Brooke offers a glimpse into the intriguing entrepreneurial journey behind Sharesies.
Key Takeaways:
Brooke and her team conducted thorough research before launching Sharesies, focusing on understanding users' beliefs and experiences around money.
Sharesies started as an investment platform and has since evolved into a comprehensive wealth app, offering access to KiwiSaver, savings, insurance, and more.
The company's unique three-CEO model enhances decision-making and fosters collaboration among the founders.
Sharesies expanded into the Australian market, adapting their product to suit the regulatory differences and market needs.
Brooke envisions Sharesies as the heart of wealth and aims to provide financial freedom and empowerment to individuals globally.
Notable Quotes:
"The risk of not doing this is greater than doing it." - Brooke Roberts
"People want to be investors. They do feel left out, jargoned out. Those that are investors can have a way better experience." - Brooke Roberts
Chapters
0:00 The Birth and Growth of Sharesies: A Journey with Brooke Roberts
3:27 The Unique Three-CEO Model at Sharesies
7:32 Go-to-Market Strategy and Early Challenges for Sharesies
11:00 Fundraising Strategies and the Importance of Mission-Aligned Investors
15:18 Expanding Sharesies to Australia Amidst Regulatory and Market Challenges
22:34 Regrets, Surfing, and Sharesies' Future Vision
23:36 Sharesies' Evolution from Investment Platform to Comprehensive Wealth App
25:40 Quick fire-round
Subscribe on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/saasy-talk-unfiltered (https://www.linkedin.com/company/saasy-talk-unfiltered)
Subscribe to our Newsletter:
https://substack.com/@saasytalkunfiltered (https://substack.com/@saasytalkunfiltered)
Visit our Website:
https://saasytalkunfiltered.transistor.fm/ (https://saasytalkunfiltered.transistor.fm/)
Follow Ricky Sevta on Linkedin:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/rickysevta/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/rickysevta/)
Follow Sean Diljore on Linkedin:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/seandiljore/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/seandiljore/)
