Annalise Dragic and Zoe Zhao, co-founders of Haselan software, discuss building a next-generation B2B vertical software serial acquisition company focused on family services. They emphasize the importance of friendship in co-founder dynamics, a long-term, capital-efficient approach, and an AI-native tech stack to create a 'company of companies' designed for enduring growth.
Summarized by Podsumo
The co-founders' partnership is rooted in a deep friendship built on shared values and trust, which they believe is crucial for a long-term business endeavor.
Haselan focuses on acquiring B2B software companies in the family services market, a niche they selected for its mission-driven impact and fragmented, paper-heavy operational landscape.
The company employs a highly capital-efficient model, designed for the long term by optimizing equity usage and aligning fully with value-aligned, permanent-capital investors.
They are pioneering an 'AI-native' approach, building custom AI tools (like their agent 'Luma') to automate repetitive tasks and enhance decision-making at the group and portfolio level.
Their unique incentive structure is designed for radical long-term alignment, placing a high bar on their own performance to ensure a true partnership with shareholders.
"It's actually very freeing to be the first of anything. You're not only obligated, but also free to make your decisions."
— Zoe Zhao
"Culture can be a multiplier for business results... when you have a team that is just humming together... that makes the business grow faster."
— Annalise Dragic
"We don't need to achieve a certain scale in three or five years for a quick exit. You're actually building something for the long run, so the starting point is actually... it doesn't require a lot."
— Zoe Zhao