How a Love for Tech Sparks Entrepreneurial Journey with Siqi Chen

In this episode of Entrepreneurial Excellence, we connect with Siqi Chen, CEO & CFO of Runway, for a deep dive into his entrepreneurial path marked by curiosity, grit, and a drive to create. From coding his first version of Minesweeper as a kid to building game-changing companies like Sandbox VR, Siqi's story is all about following passions, embracing unexpected pivots, and learning from every step along the way.

Siqi shares why storytelling is the heart of any successful venture and reveals how a clear, authentic narrative can make or break a business. At Runway, he’s crafted a vision that goes beyond software, focusing on tools that genuinely help people understand and elevate their work.

Tune in for real insights from an entrepreneur who understands that growth is as much about learning and evolving as it is about achieving!

Key Topics:

• Siqi Chen’s journey in technology and business
• Importance of storytelling in building companies
• Using AI and remote work for growth
• Building a strong team and company culture
• Keys to resilience and long-term success in entrepreneurship

Quote From The Episode: 

"The experience of operating as a founder is the constant, almost schizophrenic balancing act between two things that are in complete opposition and trying to make it work."

- Siqi Chen

Timestamp:

[00:00] Intro

[02:19] Siqi took us through his fascinating journey from being curious about tech to actually founding his own companies. 

[10:56] Reflecting on his journey, Siqi opened up about what it was like to build companies from the ground up—and eventually let them go when the time was right.

[20:10] Together, Adam and Siqi shared some deep insights into what it takes to build companies that aren’t just here for the moment but can make a lasting impact.

[29:54] Siqi gave us an inside look into how he’s been refining Runway’s story, shaping the company’s identity and vision.

[40:38] They dove into the qualities that set great entrepreneurs and successful founders apart, emphasizing the kind of mindset needed to make a mark.

[50:39] Siqi shared Runway’s core values, like “give a shit,” “raise the bar,” “build trust,” and “create clarity.” These principles define their work culture and the standards they hold each other to.

[01:00:16] Both Adam and Siqi highlighted the importance of self-awareness for founders—knowing your personality, strengths, and limitations can make or break a company.

[1:15:17] Outro

Connect with Siqi Chen:

LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/siqic

Website - https://www.facebook.com/founder

X - @blader

Instagram - @blader

Connect to Entrepreneurial-Excellence

Website - https://www.levy.company/entrepreneurial-excellence