While many founders obsess over stealth mode and secrecy, Verkada began with an open conversation. After opting into a simple email introduction from First Round partner Bill Trenchard, the founders called everyone who would listen — customers, friends, potential investors — to refine their idea. "In my earlier days with my first startup, I was always very secretive about it," Filip says. "By the time we did Verkada, we knew that's not how the world works. It's much more about how you execute and bring it to market."

In the early days before building out their partner ecosystem, the founders would personally handle installations to ensure customer success. Filip recalls flying to LA to install cameras at the Beverly Hills Equinox: “The gym closed at midnight, and they told us we had until 5:00 AM. Next thing I know I'm on a ladder pulling cable.” This hands-on approach paid off. That client kept growing with Verkada and 8+ years later they are still happy customers — using those very same cameras.