He flatlined for four and a half minutes, came back, and used that near-death clarity to grow Omaze 500% on just 10% more headcount.

Nathan Chan (0:01)

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You had to let go of 25% of your workforce just three years in to closing series B. Can you tell us a little bit more about that?

Matt Pohlson (1:10)

It was really hard because we were such a family. We'd overcome some of those obstacles at the beginning. We'd started to get a lot of progress. We were not doing well. And I just felt like it was my fault. We were almost out of money. I said, well, we can raise 250 pounds. They said, what's the most you've ever raised? I said, 18,000.

SPEAKER_3 (1:25)

From 18 grand to over 100 million for charity, Omaze co-founder Matt Pohlson would win over Arnold, Michelle Obama, even the Pope. But first, he needed one yes.

Matt Pohlson (1:37)

So we did that with Brian, and it raised 300,000. And that raised 1.7 million. And then we were on the map. I was like, oh, wow, that changes everything. The business just exploded. Revenue's grown 500% with only increasing headcount 10%. We have 100% repeat rate, but instead we're thriving.

Nathan Chan (1:52)

Something that we were told about you, which is crazy, is around your near-death experience.

Matt Pohlson (1:58)

I clinically died. I have this clear vision of coming back to the light. But the more I learn, the more I believe it.

SPEAKER_4 (2:07)

Hear the stories, learn the proven methods, and accelerate your growth and future through entrepreneurship. Welcome to The Foundr Podcast with Nathan Chan.

Nathan Chan (2:21)

Hey, I have a quick ask. If you're loving these episodes, leaving a quick review is honestly the best way to support us. It helps the show grow and means we can keep bringing you the Foundr stories and insights you tune in for. Please share it with a friend. Thank you so much. Now, let's get into it. So Matt, thanks so much for taking the time to speak with me today. The first question that I ask everyone that comes on is, how did you get your job, aka, how did you find yourself doing the work you're doing today?

Matt Pohlson (2:51)

Well, first of all, thank you for having me, Nathan. I love what you're putting out there. It's fun to be connected in LA, Melbourne.

So how did I get my job? The Omaze was started by me and my buddy, his name was Ryan, and we went to college together. We came down to LA to get into entertainment, specifically focused on cause content. Actually, I should back up. Like what Omaze does is we raise money and awareness for charity by offering a chance to win once in a lifetime experiences. So we've done everything from be mentored by Michelle Obama to ride in a tank with Arnold Schwarzenegger and crush things, to win a Lamborghini where Pope Francis handed you the keys, which was probably the craziest one we ever did. I done, I had to go to the Vatican and pitch Pope Francis, which was pretty surreal.

SPEAKER_4 (3:42)

It's crazy.

Matt Pohlson (3:43)

But yeah, but back to how we started. So when we were in school, it was a very inspiring time and went to this event that Magic Johnson was hosting for the Boys and Girls Club, where he was auctioning off the chance to play basketball with him and go to a Lakers game. But it was one of those things that's only available to the high net worth individuals sitting in the room. We were in the room, but not high net worth individuals who are like the guys who get invited last minute to fill the table.