In this episode of the DevReady Podcast host Andrew Romeo sits with Rahul Moudgil, Co-Founder of Pactify, to explore the transformative changes in the creator economy. Rahul, who left Cambridge to pursue his passion for improving talent management processes, delves into the evolving landscape of influencer marketing and intellectual property. From navigating the complexities of brand deals to the shift from traditional advertising to niche influencer partnerships, Rahul shares his insights on how creators can better retain ownership and monetize their content. Tune in to discover the innovative solutions Rahul and Pactify are bringing to the table and gain valuable perspectives on the future of the creative economy.
Rahul recounts his unconventional journey from dropping out of Cambridge to launching a startup aimed at revolutionising processes for talent managers in the creator economy. He explains the challenges faced by these managers, who juggle multiple creators and often contend with lengthy and inefficient brand deal negotiations. Rahul underscores the need for enhanced infrastructure and practices to empower creators and ensure they retain control over their content, drawing parallels to the evolution seen in sectors like Web3.
Rahul’s interest in intellectual property (IP) and licensing was sparked during his university years after meeting the CEO of the Smiley Company, which owns the iconic smiley face trademark. This encounter led him to explore the monetisation of IP, reflecting on how companies like Smiley and Disney leverage their IP assets. He highlights the complexities and ethical considerations surrounding IP ownership, particularly for creators in social media and music. Rahul aims to address these issues through Pactify’s software solutions, designed to streamline licensing and administrative tasks for talent managers, thereby simplifying their currently fragmented workflows.
Joining the Antler accelerator program provided Rahul with critical insights into building a startup. He initially faced difficulties in defining his problem and finding a suitable co-founder but ultimately succeeded by refining his business strategy. Rahul and Andrew discuss the startup ecosystem, emphasising the importance of a sustainable business model and solving immediate customer problems over merely pursuing funding. Andrew shares his experience with customer-funded product development as an alternative to traditional capital raising.
The conversation also delves into the strategic importance of targeting specific markets rather than broad, unfocused goals. Rahul recounts his experience finding a co-founder through the Y Combinator directory and the value of partnering with someone experienced. Both Andrew and Rahul stress the importance of balancing long-term vision with adaptability, focusing on customer feedback to drive product development. They discuss the necessity of addressing real problems and delivering genuine value to attract both early adopters and long-term users.
Finally, Rahul provides a glimpse into his daily life as an early-stage startup founder, sharing how he navigates existential doubts and prioritises tasks. His commitment to democratising licensing fuels his drive and the team’s perseverance. The episode concludes with a discussion on the shifting landscape of influencer marketing, where Rahul highlights the growing influence of smaller, highly engaged influencers over traditional celebrities. He predicts a future where the creative economy will increasingly favor genuine, engaged partnerships, enabling creators to better monetise their unique contributions.
Topics Covered
- Challenges in the Creator Economy
- Intellectual Property (IP) Ownership
- Startup Ecosystem
- Targeting Specific Markets
- Balancing Vision and Flexibility
- Engaging with Customers
- Daily Life of a Startup Founder
- Evolution of Influencer Marketing
Important Time Stamps
- From Cambridge Dropout to Startup Founder: Rahul Moudgil’s Journey (0:07 – 4:49)
- From Smiley to Disney: The Billion-Dollar World of Licensing (4:50 – 11:09)
- Why Chasing Funding Isn’t Always the Answer: Rahul’s Startup Journey with Antler (11:10 – 16:43)
- Building a Startup: Rahul on Co-Founder Dynamics and Market Focus (16:44 – 22:14)
- Vision vs. Flexibility: Finding Balance in Startup Success (22:15 – 26:25)
- Building the Right Connections: Customer Conversations and Market Expansion (26:26 – 32:05)
- What Drives a Startup Founder? Rahul Moudgil on Vision and Motivation (32:06 – 35:56)
- The Evolution of Influencer Marketing: Rahul’s Vision for the Next Decade (35:57 – 42:47)
