Ryan McDonough

Founder, Sometime Artist

CFO and co-founder @Accompany, acquired by @Cisco. Turnaround CFO @Ning, sold to Glam Media. Former seed VC. McKinsey trained. @Wharton School and @Haas School of Business.

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Thoughts

Raise Before You Raise

Fundraising is a constant focus for us as entrepreneurs, and it’s a topic that comes up nearly every time we meet. The startup world is filled with stories about founders pitching to dozens of VCs, going from meeting to meeting, before finally securing that elusive first round of funding. For those of us willing to invest in our networks, I completely disagree with this approach.

Thoughts

UC Launch

Yesterday, I had a chance to share some thoughts on my founder experience with Accompany with the latest LAUNCH Cohort.

Thoughts

Accompany Values

When we founded Accompany back in 2013, we decided to deliberately set our company culture. Before we even had a name, an office or even a first employee, we had our values.

May 10, 2018

Accompany Acquired by Cisco Systems

SAN JOSE, Calif. – May 1, 2018 – Cisco (NASDAQ: CSCO) announced today its intent to acquire Accompany, a privately held company based in Los Altos, Calif. The company provides an AI-driven relationship intelligence platform for finding new prospects, navigating the selling process, and strengthening relationships. Accompany Founder and CEO Amy Chang will join Cisco as senior vice president in charge of the Collaboration Technology Group.

Posts

Design

A Guide to Creating Your Own Nostalgia Machines

Explore the magic of blending nostalgia with modern technology! From the LEGO Mini Macintosh to the Streamocaster, discover how I recreate iconic retro devices using modern tools like Raspberry Pi, Mini vMac, and RetroPie. Whether it’s a Winberry 95 PC on your side table or a functional Polaroid Printer, this guide will help you revive the past with a modern twist. Start building your own nostalgia machine and bring your memories back to life!

Design

ADU Research

Tracking innovative ADU companies with a focus on practical and stylish design, with the potential for being a true in-law unit for aging-in-place. Explore my findings from brands like Tomu, Manta North, and Cerca.

Tinkering

Coffee

Anyone who has spent any time with me knows that I take my coffee very seriously. Over the years, I’ve developed an unhealthy obsession with making the perfect pour over at home and on the road. I’m a Blue Bottle loyalist from their early Oakland days and still appreciate my morning Bella Donovan.

Thoughts

Raise Before You Raise

Fundraising is a constant focus for us as entrepreneurs, and it’s a topic that comes up nearly every time we meet. The startup world is filled with stories about founders pitching to dozens of VCs, going from meeting to meeting, before finally securing that elusive first round of funding. For those of us willing to invest in our networks, I completely disagree with this approach.