Adam Miller's Second Act

Christian Hetrick

Christian Hetrick is dot.LA's Entertainment Tech Reporter. He was formerly a business reporter for the Philadelphia Inquirer and reported on New Jersey politics for the Observer and the Press of Atlantic City.

Adam Miller's Second Act
Some of the companies and non-profits in Adam’s orbit

This is Part II of our deep dive on Adam Miller, one of LA’s most successful (and philanthropic) tech entrepreneurs. When we left off Adam’s story last week, he had just sold his Santa Monica-based HR tech company Cornerstone OnDemand for $5.2B in 2021.

(If you missed Part I last week, you can find that here.)

After 20 years of company building and an exit like Cornerstone’s, most of us would take a deep breath and think about retirement, or at least a very long vacation. But Adam Miller is not a guy who sits still. He embarked on Act II of the Adam Miller story. You can think of his second act in two parts: Social Impact and Entrepreneurship.

Social Impact

As early as college, Adam began work on homelessness fundraising and advocacy, which has remained a core area of focus to this day. While at Cornerstone, Adam prioritized serving on the boards of several nonprofits rather than sitting on corporate boards (as many other prominent CEOs do). Most notably, for nearly a decade, Adam was chairman of Team Rubicon, a veteran-led organization focused on disaster response. Team Rubicon has led over 500 operations in response to events like the devastating 2010 Haiti earthquake, Hurricane Sandy, the war in Ukraine, and many others. Team Rubicon is now one of the largest disaster relief organizations in the world, with over 160,000 volunteers, and hundreds of thousands of disaster victims served. He also helped create FARE, the world’s largest food allergy nonprofit.

Now that was all during his tenure at Cornerstone. After leaving, Adam stepped on the accelerator in his nonprofit work. Adam and his wife Staci dived deep into the mechanics of nonprofits. How were they structured? What is the state of the art? How can we most effectively translate dollars into results?

They found a few things, but two of the most important were:

  1. There had been little innovation in the space for years.
  2. Most effective charitable organizations were integrated across multiple dimensions from grant giving, to direct on the ground action, to political advocacy, to social impact investing.

Put a pin in 1, but based on 2, Adam and Staci founded 1P.org (1P stands for One Planet), which has dedicated its efforts to addressing intractable problems in our society. 1P.org has built concentric circles of focus from local (homelessness) to state-level (workforce development) to national (gun safety) to global (climate change), and operates different organizations attempting to solve each problem.

Most relevant to our LA community are the organizations focused on homelessness and workforce development, Better Angels, and LA-tech.org, respectively.

Better Angels’ mission is to end the epidemic of homelessness in Los Angeles by unlocking the power of the LA community. The organization is tackling homelessness from every angle, including providing micro-loans to prevent vulnerable Angelenos from becoming unhoused, creating an affordable housing REIT to build housing, and developing technology to better meet unhoused individuals where they are. To learn more or get involved with Better Angels, click here.

LA-tech.org is a nonprofit coalition of LA’s top tech companies built to expand economic opportunities for LA’s underserved communities. Adam conceived of LA-Tech’s core initiative following the murder of George Floyd: finding internships for 1,000 LA students of color at LA’s great tech companies. People thought he was crazy, but after two years, the organization has passed 950 internships and is now setting its sights on 1,000 new internships per year. To learn more or host interns at your company, click here.

As if all this philanthropic activity isn’t enough to keep one person busy, Adam has gone back to the world of entrepreneurship. Remember we said that during his research, Adam found nonprofits hadn’t seen much innovation in years?

Entrepreneurship (Again)

Adam is back in the founder/CEO seat. His new company is called Instil, and the company’s goal is to bring the tech infrastructure for nonprofits into the modern era. Instil is a mobile-first SaaS product that gives nonprofit operators visibility into donations, community, membership, volunteers, and data. The company is a for-profit business focused on nonprofit impact and has raised funding from top investors like LA-based Greycroft, Threshold, USVP and Bessemer Venture Partners.

So are we finally done cataloging Adam’s second act, with a multitude of nonprofit boards, running a full nonprofit himself, and starting a new venture backed software business? Of course not.

Adam is also incubating, advising and supporting additional startups where he serves as Executive Chair, including Groundswell, the “Robinhood of philanthropy,” and Clovers, a company reinventing the interview process. In addition, he continues to invest in early stage companies through 1P Ventures.

So how does Adam keep all this straight?

According to Adam things are easier today than they were in the Cornerstone days.

“Cornerstone was very complex - it had many different businesses, and by the end, I was spending 70% of my time on the road, traveling. Today we have amazing tools. I run everything with Zoom, Slack and Evernote. It also helps that I’ve gone through every stage of a company. I make decisions faster. It’s easier to raise money, easier to hire. I can do things in a fraction of the time.”

For the rest of us mere mortals, all we can do is watch with our jaws on the floor and hope to make a tenth of the impact that Adam has made and continues to contribute.

⏳Top Productivity Techniques for Entrepreneurs

In the busy world of entrepreneurship, staying productive is crucial for achieving success. With numerous tasks (and social media) competing for your attention, it can be tough to stay organized and focused. Fortunately, several proven productivity hacks can help you manage your time effectively and prioritize your workload. These strategies are backed by research and have been used by successful individuals in various fields. In this listicle, we’ll explore five effective productivity hacks, including the Pomodoro Technique and the Eisenhower Matrix, that can improve your work habits and enhance your entrepreneurial efforts.


The Pomodoro Technique

Developed by Francesco Cirillo in the late 1980s, the Pomodoro Technique uses a kitchen timer to break work into intervals, typically 25 minutes long, followed by short breaks. Cirillo named the method after the tomato-shaped timer he used as a university student, and it has since been adopted by many professionals and students to enhance focus and productivity. To implement it:

  • Choose a task to work on
  • Set a timer for 25 minutes
  • Work on the task until the timer rings
  • Take a short 5-minute break
  • After 4 pomodoros, take a longer 15-30 minute break

The Eisenhower Matrix

Named after former U.S. President Dwight D. Eisenhower, this prioritization method helps individuals categorize tasks based on urgency and importance. Eisenhower famously stated, "What is important is seldom urgent and what is urgent is seldom important," which underscores the value of distinguishing between these two aspects to effectively manage time and tasks. This prioritization method helps you focus on what's truly important by categorizing tasks into four quadrants based on urgency and importance:

  1. Urgent and important: Do immediately
  2. Important but not urgent: Schedule for later
  3. Urgent but not important: Delegate if possible
  4. Neither urgent nor important: Eliminate

Time Blocking

Time blocking is a technique used by many successful entrepreneurs, including Jack Dorsey and Cal Newport, to allocate specific periods for different types of work. By scheduling tasks in advance, individuals can minimize distractions and ensure they dedicate focused time to their most important responsibilities. This creates structure and helps minimize context switching. For example:

  1. 9-11 AM: Deep work on top priority project
  2. 11 AM-12 PM: Respond to emails/messages
  3. 1-3 PM: Meetings
  4. 3-5 PM: Administrative tasks

The Two-Minute Rule

Popularized by productivity expert David Allen in his book "Getting Things Done," the Two-Minute Rule states that if a task can be completed in two minutes or less, you should do it immediately. This approach helps prevent small tasks from piling up and cluttering your to-do list, allowing for a more organized workflow.


Batching Similar Tasks

Batching tasks is a technique used by many high-performing individuals, including writer Tim Ferriss, who advocates for grouping similar activities to minimize context switching. By focusing on one type of task at a time, such as responding to emails or making phone calls, you can increase efficiency and reduce mental fatigue.


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LA Startups Supercharging Cars and Dating 🚗⚡💑

🔦 Spotlight

Happy Friday Los Angeles!

EVgo Inc., a leading Electric Vehicle (EV) charging company based in West Los Angeles, has seen substantial growth under CEO Badar Khan. The company now operates over 3,400 fast chargers across 1,000 sites nationwide, strategically placed in high-traffic urban and suburban areas to enhance convenience for EV users. EVgo’s model focuses on owning and managing its charging stations to ensure a seamless experience, reflecting its commitment to supporting the mass adoption of electric vehicles and facilitating the transition to cleaner transportation.

In a different electrifying market, Joe Feminella, inspired by his own successful dating journey, launched the dating app, First Round’s On Me in El Segundo with $5 million in funding. This app differentiates itself by requiring users to schedule a date within 24 hours of matching, and after a soft launch in select markets, it expanded nationwide in 2024. As the dating app market faces criticism over algorithmic practices and premium features, First Round’s On Me aims to offer a more genuine and immediate dating experience. Both EVgo and First Round’s On Me exemplify how companies in different industries are addressing their respective market challenges with innovative approaches to improve user experience and engagement.


🤝 Venture Deals

LA Companies

  • 3DEO, a startup that specializes in 3D printing small, high-volume metal parts, raised a $3.5M Strategic Investment Round from Mizuhio Bank. - learn more
  • Spotter, a startup that underwrites creators and offers AI tools, raised a $7.4M Funding Round. - learn more
  • Cashmere, a lead generation startup for wealth managers, raised a $3.6M Seed Round. Canapi Ventures led, and was joined by Benchstrength, Plug and Play, The House Fund, and Courtyard Ventures. - learn more

LA Venture Funds

  • Crosscut Ventures participated in an $8.9M Series A Extension for Nostra AI, a startup that helps e-commerce businesses improve their website performance by speeding up load times. - learn more
  • Fika Ventures, an eight-year-old Los Angeles venture capital firm, has raised a fourth fund in the amount of $160 million to invest in early-stage B2B startups. - learn more

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      🍵☕️Top 6 Coffee Alternatives for Enhanced Productivity

      In the fast-paced world of startups and venture capital in Los Angeles, maintaining peak productivity is essential for founders and investors alike. As the hustle intensifies, many are seeking alternatives to traditional coffee that not only provide a sustained energy boost but also support overall health and well-being. The following list highlights some of the top-rated coffee alternatives that can enhance focus and productivity while minimizing the adverse effects of caffeine. These options incorporate adaptogens, superfoods, and gut-friendly ingredients, making them ideal choices for those looking to optimize their performance without the afternoon crash.


      Matcha

      Image Source: Jade Leaf Matcha

      Matcha is a finely ground green tea that offers a moderate amount of caffeine, along with L-theanine, which promotes relaxation without drowsiness. This combination can enhance focus and concentration, making matcha a suitable alternative for those looking to boost productivity without the jitters of coffee.

      Popular Brands: ReNude Chaga Matcha (60 mg caffeine), Golde Pure Matcha (60 mg caffeine), Organic Ceremonial Matcha - Teahouse Edition (30 mg caffeine)


      Dandelion Root Coffee

      Image Source: Amazon

      Dandelion root coffee is a caffeine-free alternative that mimics the taste of coffee. It is known for its potential to support liver health and digestion, which can contribute to overall well-being and productivity. The drink can help avoid the acidity and jitters that often accompany regular coffee, making it a gentler option for those sensitive to caffeine.

      Popular Brands: Dandy Blend (0 mg caffeine), Teeccino Dandelion Dark Roast (0 mg caffeine)


      Adaptogenic Drinks

      Image Source: MUD\WTR Masala Chai

      Adaptogenic beverages, which include ingredients like ashwagandha, reishi, and maca, are designed to help the body adapt to stress and promote mental clarity. These drinks can provide a sustained energy boost without the crash, supporting productivity throughout the day. They are often made with superfoods and spices that enhance both physical and mental performance.

      Popular Brands: MUD\WTR Masala Chai (35 mg caffeine), Four Sigmatic Think Coffee (150 mg caffeine), ReNude Chagaccino (0 mg caffeine)


      Golden Milk (Turmeric Latte)

      Image Source: Golde

      Golden milk, made from turmeric, ginger, and milk (or a milk alternative), is a caffeine-free option that can improve mood and reduce inflammation. The calming properties of this drink can help maintain focus and clarity, making it a great addition to a productive morning routine.

      Popular Brands: Golde Turmeric Latte Blend (0 mg caffeine), Blume Turmeric Blend (0 mg caffeine), Four Sigmatic Golden Latte Mix (0 mg caffeine)



      Chicory Root Coffee

      Image Source: Teeccino

      Chicory root coffee is an excellent alternative that satisfies the desire for a warm beverage without caffeine. It is rich in inulin, a prebiotic fiber that aids in digestion and promotes gut health by supporting beneficial bacteria. Chicory coffee has a nutty, earthy flavor and can help control blood sugar levels, contributing to overall energy and productivity throughout the day.

      Popular Brands: Anthony’s Instant Chicory Root (0 mg caffeine), Teeccino Chicory Coffee Alternative (0 mg caffeine)


      Yerba Mate

      Image Source: Guayaki Yerba Mate

      Yerba mate is a traditional South American herbal tea made from the leaves of the Ilex paraguariensis plant. It contains about 40-80 mg of caffeine per serving, which is less than a standard cup of coffee but enough to provide a gentle energy boost. Yerba mate is rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, and users often report feeling energized without the jitters or crashes associated with coffee. It has a unique, slightly bitter flavor and can be enjoyed in various forms, including loose-leaf tea and pre-brewed options.

      Popular Brands: Guayaki Yerba Mate (40-150 mg caffeine)


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