Not Another CEO Podcast | Organizational Efficiency Machines - David Karandish - Capacity

Organizational Efficiency Machines - David Karandish - Capacity - Episode #84

February 3, 2026 / 49:23/E84

Have you ever wondered how leaders manage to scale their organizations without being involved in every intricate detail? In this week’s episode, David Politis welcomes David Karandish, Founder and CEO of Capacity. Together, they delve into the art of building compound startups, scaling intricately interconnected businesses, and the profound role AI plays in today's market dynamics.

David introduces the idea of building "machines" within your organization. While this doesn't refer to physical machines, it's about creating efficient processes that can operate independently of constant human intervention.

Takeaways:

The Compound Startup Strategy: David Karandish introduces the concept of a "compound startup," a term coined by Parker Conrad that he has effectively applied at Capacity. The premise revolves around integrating various point solutions into a cohesive platform, reducing costs while maximizing the bundle's value.
Navigating Mergers and Acquisitions: Handling 14 company acquisitions in just three years, David shares his approach to successful mergers. He emphasizes the importance of each acquisition fitting into the broader company mission, fostering synergy rather than assembling a mere collection of brands.
Building Machines in Business Processes: David advocates for creating “machines,” repeatable processes that enhance efficiency and scalability within an organization.
Impact of AI on Business Operations: The discussion highlights the evolving landscape of AI solutions. While initial efforts centered around point solutions, the trend is shifting towards platform consolidation.
The Role of Communication Frameworks: David reflects on how establishing a structured cadence for goal setting and meetings has been vital at Capacity, ensuring alignment across 350+ employees worldwide.
Cultivating Entrepreneurial Ecosystems: David discusses his commitment to fostering entrepreneurial growth within St. Louis. Despite the city's historical challenges in securing late-stage funding, there is a burgeoning potential with the rise of local talent and incubation initiatives, ultimately aiming to transform St. Louis into a thriving tech hub.

Quote of the Show:

“By machine, I don't necessarily mean how you think like a physical idea, but I mean more repeatable processes that scale and remove as much human decision making outta the process as possible." - David Karandish

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