Lucy Guo, Stephen Ibaraki: From Zero to Unicorn - What it Really Takes to Build Fast | EDGE 2026
EDGE 2026 Excerpts
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11-Feb-2026
In this session, Lucy Guo outlines the tactical principles behind building and scaling high-velocity companies.
From MVP discipline and prioritization frameworks to proprietary data flywheels, AI integration, hiring strategy, and investor selection, Guo presents a direct and operational blueprint for accelerating growth.
The discussion also explores founder psychology, the risks of premature exit thinking, and why long-term vision and tenacity differentiate billion-dollar founders from smaller-scale operators.
This session offers a pragmatic framework for leaders building in fast-moving, AI-driven markets.
Key Takeaways:
• Build and validate quickly before scaling resources.
• Subtraction and prioritization accelerate execution.
• Proprietary data compounds into defensible advantage.
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