Zoom Backs the Next Generation of Solopreneurs (Full Transcript)

[00:00:11] Speaker 1: You can demonstrate the value that you've added to the company. My goal is to make it more about who they are.

[00:00:17] Speaker 2: There's no company that does this.

[00:00:20] Speaker 3: So this is good.

[00:00:21] Speaker 2: Like wow, this could open a huge door.

[00:00:25] Speaker 4: Hey, we'll talk to you later.

[00:00:30] Speaker 5: Solopreneurs are different than your traditional small or medium-sized business. They're intentionally building their business around themselves. They're using technology to scale. They're not looking to hire big teams. Across the country, solopreneurs are creating highly sophisticated businesses that are powered by creativity, technology, adaptability, and even self-belief.

[00:00:58] Speaker 6: Stepping off that ledge to leave corporate America where things are figured out for you is like stepping off a ledge into the unknown.

[00:01:08] Speaker 5: We were looking out across the industry, and we realized that we had an opportunity. There wasn't a lot of people focused on the solopreneur. What if a solopreneur could become the next billion-dollar company?

[00:01:37] Speaker 7: So you're about to do what some of the world's biggest business leaders, innovators, disruptors, celebrities, and athletes, everyone from Jeff Bezos to Michael Jordan and Oprah Winfrey have done, which is ring the Nasdaq opening bell. So you're all ready today?

[00:01:55] Speaker 8: Back to 2010, the idea came. I really want to focus on human connections. At that time, I think about, hey, just literally one click, you can talk with anyone in the world.

[00:02:09] Speaker 9: So let's get a big round of applause as I invite Eric to the podium for some comments.

[00:02:17] Speaker 8: At that time, I think, do I need to find a co-founder? No need. I think I can deal with all kinds of issues because I learned a lot already. I think mentally, I already prepared myself very well. I just, yeah, just go ahead. Just do it. I was a solopreneur. So yeah. Today, we are back to celebrate another incredible milestone, Zoom's 15th anniversary. Zoom's mission has remained the same, delivering happiness to our customers. Whether you are a small business, a large global enterprise, thank you so much for trusting Zoom. Even if the journey was not as smooth, I did not give up. Reception is not a bad thing. It's essentially more like a practice for your perseverance.

[00:03:20] Speaker 6: Zoom's 15th birthday party seems like a time where we're kind of coming back to a lot of the reasons that I think Eric kind of set off on this journey, even for himself.

[00:03:31] Speaker 10: Hi, my name is Raina Abraham. I am founder and creative director of Brown Girl Mayday. I'm the founder of Bullfrog Recruiting Solutions.

[00:03:37] Speaker 4: I run Class Act Cats based out of Minneapolis, Minnesota.

[00:03:41] Speaker 5: For 50 was really an opportunity for us to help enable the next billion dollar solopreneur. And what we found is so much more incredible.

[00:03:50] Speaker 11: All of them are just so focused on their mission and what they're doing. They do not stop. They are just so motivated.

[00:03:57] Speaker 6: It was really important to us that we weren't just creating a national register of 50 solopreneurs to watch. They want community. And so we have set out to create a community for the solopreneurs. And what's happening for them is on a monthly basis, we have roundtables where they can get together, share ideas. You know, we anticipated hundreds of applicants, but instead got thousands.

[00:04:23] Speaker 3: I started this brand after struggling to find truly clean skincare options for my daughter who suffers with eczema.

[00:04:29] Speaker 12: I built this brand to create pride in public schools and also give back.

[00:04:33] Speaker 13: As a solopreneur, I am both the vision and the execution. Modern technology has allowed us to manage, connect, create.

[00:04:40] Speaker 14: Consumers are looking for authentic brands of culture and story.

[00:04:45] Speaker 13: Families are desperate for real solutions.

[00:04:49] Speaker 15: Hello everyone and welcome. The Solopreneur 50 is our way of recognizing and supporting the new generation of builders early. Our role in that is simple. We want Zoom to be a part of the connective layer that helps you operate, collaborate, grow and thrive.

[00:05:10] Speaker 8: Time has always been, as you know, the most fleeting resource for an entrepreneur. We only have 24 hours. Nobody has more than 24 hours. That's why over the past 15 years, we are very proud of what Zoom has become because our team works so hard. The goal is to help people like you so that you have more time, resources to focus on those tasks, those things that truly matter to you.

[00:05:40] Speaker 15: We're excited to get to know each of you better over the coming year, to learn about your businesses, understand where we can support you better and build a meaningful community together.

[00:05:51] Speaker 5: Over the course of the series, you're going to meet our solopreneurs.

[00:05:56] Speaker 1: We support thousands of employees all across the country. I have helped raise millions of dollars for nonprofits.

[00:06:02] Speaker 5: You'll learn about the trials and tribulations that they've faced on the path to their professional independence.

[00:06:07] Speaker 1: It's scary, but you have to push past that fear to move to that next level.

[00:06:11] Speaker 5: And what betting on yourself actually looks like for yourself.

[00:06:17] Speaker 16: I've worked so much, this is a dream come true.

[00:06:22] Speaker 5: For your clients.

[00:06:23] Speaker 11: I want to like hug you across the screen.

[00:06:25] Speaker 5: You can, yes, of course. And most importantly, for your family. This is just a confirmation that I'm doing what I'm supposed to be doing. It's a roadmap for anyone contemplating taking the same solo leap. And you'll discover how Zoom stands behind them. The funding, the tools and the guidance to turn a solo idea into something bigger.

[00:06:55] Speaker 6: Zoom started out as a company that allowed individuals to connect. And so it's a coming back to roots around individuals.

[00:07:06] Speaker 8: I think to build a company, you are going to face challenges. However, I can tell you, it's more exciting. Don't give up. Just move forward.