Building software for YMCAs, JCCs, and recreation centers, and reimagining member experiences through AI-powered automation.
Lara Gilchrist, CEO at Traction Rec, joins Cheri Corbett, Partner at Pender Ventures to discuss management, payments and registrations of parks and recreation centers in the US. In the podcast Cheri and Lara talk about Traction Rec's spin out from its parent Traction on Demand in 90 days, what its like to have NFPs as your core customer base and how they are barreling head first with the use of AI and agents in the very near future of their product.
04:00
How today’s venture environment differs from the zero-interest-rate era.
05:00
From growth-at-all-costs to capital efficiency and measurable fundamentals.
08:00
Why revenue alone isn’t enough, and what repeatability, customer validation, and usage signals reveal.
17:47
Valuation expectations in 2026 - How pricing has normalized and why alignment between founders and investors is critical.
21:30
Separating genuine product differentiation from opportunistic positioning.
26:20
Product-market fit in a tougher market.
31:05
Fundraising strategy today: Process, preparation, and clear storytelling remain essential.
36:40
Shifting from milestone-driven fundraising to long-term value creation.
41:10
Advice for founders to focus on fundamentals, clarity of vision, and disciplined execution.
