Interview
with
The prevailing concept of work among startups is that to succeed, you need to push hard and work as much as you can. That's the way to build a startup. Naturally, you need to maximize the output, etc, but in general, it's all about working and spending countless hours just hustling hard, and that's how you get to, to the big win.However, there are companies that basically say, sod it, it doesn't have to be like that. We can grow. We can grow big. We can be successful. We can get acquired, as in the case of my guest's startup, by working just a couple of hours a day, and then dedicating the rest of the day to, well, basically life.
Carlos shares how Quaderno began as an invoicing tool for Stripe users before pivoting into a tax management platform in response to customer feedback and the evolving EU VAT landscape.
The pivot was a direct response to a customer's question about new VAT rules, showcasing Quaderno’s commitment to listening and adapting.
Carlos explains how the 2015 EU VAT changes—requiring sellers to collect tax based on customer location—drove Quaderno to develop core tax functionality.
Vendors suddenly faced the challenge of managing 28 different tax rates, and Quaderno stepped in to streamline this process.
Carlos highlights Quaderno’s 25-hour workweek, emphasizing that five focused hours a day are often enough to accomplish significant work.
This unique approach reduces burnout and aligns with the company's philosophy of work-life harmony.
Carlos shares how Quaderno’s culture is built on trust, allowing team members to focus on completing tasks without micromanagement.
Trust and autonomy form the foundation of Quaderno’s fully remote operations.
With a 25-hour workweek, prioritization becomes key. Carlos explains how Quaderno carefully chooses battles to maximize impact.
Growth is achieved by balancing ambition with realistic expectations and focused execution.
Carlos recounts how he ensured Quaderno’s culture was respected during acquisition by clearly communicating the company’s philosophy.
Transparency and alignment allowed Quaderno’s unique work environment to thrive under new ownership.
Carlos describes how Quaderno attracts experienced professionals who thrive in a self-managed, results-driven environment.
Clear communication about expectations during the hiring process helps identify candidates aligned with Quaderno’s values.
Carlos explains how Quaderno addresses growth challenges by hiring freelancers for short-term tasks or redistributing responsibilities within the team.
This approach ensures scalability without compromising the company’s values.
Carlos discusses his role in ensuring that Quaderno’s growth aligns with its core values while planning for the future.
Half of Carlos’ time is devoted to maintaining and scaling the culture, a critical focus as the company expands.
"You need to choose your battles. With 100 hours per month per person, you can’t waste time—priorities matter more than ever."