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July 25 @ 9:30 am - 10:30 am PDT
FreeStartup Idea Validation: The Value of Being Your First Customer
When Itziar Diez-Canedo and her sister Maite co-founded Via, they set out to build a U.S.-based company with a team of engineers in Mexico City. As they navigated the complexities of employment laws, compliance, and currency exchange, they had a “lightbulb” moment: What if there was software that enabled small businesses to hire top talent globally with ease and confidence? This realization led to the creation of Via. The company flourished, and in 2023, it was acquired by Justworks to enhance its international hiring solutions.
In a webinar for Founders Network on July 25, Itziar, VP of International at Justworks, will lead an insightful discussion on startup idea validation and the value of being your own first customer. She will share key takeaways on testing and learning, addressing unmet needs, overcoming entrepreneurial challenges, and how these experiences shape her current role in driving Justworks’ go-to-market strategy for international solutions.
Don’t miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights from Itziar’s entrepreneurial journey and her expertise in international hiring.
About the Speaker:
Itziar Diez-Canedo is the Co-Founder of Via and VP, International at Justworks. In her role as VP, Itziar focuses on international go-to-market strategy
In 2017, Itziar and co-founder Maite Diez-Canedo launched Via to support small businesses hiring beyond borders. With strong customer relationships, a focus on local support, and a vision to grow, Itziar and Maite joined forces with Justworks, a technology company leveling the playing field for small businesses, to accelerate the company’s international solutions and bring them to more small businesses around the world. Prior to Via and Justworks, Itziar worked with startups from around the world as head of strategy for global startup programs at Citi.
Itziar earned her Master’s at Stanford University Graduate School of Business and currently lives in Miami.
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About Founders Network:
Founded in 2011, Founders Network offers lifelong peer mentorship to over 600 tech startup founders globally. Our platform, programs and high-touch service facilitate authentic experience sharing, warm introductions and long-term professional relationships. Additional benefits include over $500k in startup discounts and promotion to 2,000 newsletter readers. Members are located in San Francisco, New York City, Los Angeles, Vancouver, Toronto, London and other tech hubs. Each month our Membership Committee admits a new cohort of full-time tech founders who are nominated by an existing member. Learn more about us here
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All information shared within Founders Network is strictly confidential. We are built on a foundation of trust, and the community takes confidentiality seriously. Investors, members, and staff all share experiences and opinions off the record. In this roundtable forum, we continue to model our fnValues of Reciprocity, Humility, Authenticity and Inclusivity. Read more about our Privacy Policy here.
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