The document discusses the tension between growth and innovation in startups, particularly how organizational systems can stifle innovative efforts. It highlights Matt Switzer’s experience at Hootsuite in balancing innovation with operational alignment as part of the company’s rapid expansion. Key questions are posed about the purpose and structure of innovation teams in fast-growing organizations.

2. “Growth and innovation are the lifeblood of any startup. However
the systems, processes, and infrastructure necessary for growth
often end up killing innovation. Innovators in these fast growing
companies must make a critical choice: Align with the rest of the
organization and get the benefits of scale, or remain autonomous
and go it alone. Hootsuite has raised more than $200 Million and
grown to almost 1000 people in 6 years. As head of both Corporate
Development and Hootsuite’s Innovation Lab, Matt Switzer is no
stranger to managing this delicate balance. Matt will speak candidly
about the challenges and opportunities of leading an innovation
team within a high-growth startup.”

3. What is the role of an innovation team within a fast growing
organization?
Is an innovation team right for you? What stage should you
think about having one?
Should an innovation team align to the organization's systems,
processes and infrastructure, or remain autonomous and go it
alone?
1
2
3

4. Ma#
Switzer
VP
Corporate
Development
&
Labs
Hootsuite
Media
Inc.
h=ps://www.linkedin.com/in/ma=hswitzer