Founder's Story: Campus Cutbacks to Conviction Episode 212 with Brian Le, Founder of Need

Host: IBH Media
Release Date: May 5, 2025

Introduction

In Episode 212 of Founder's Story, hosted by IBH Media, Brian Le, the Founder and CEO of Need, shares his entrepreneurial journey, insights into disrupting college life, and the resilience required to navigate unforeseen challenges. This episode delves deep into Brian's motivations, the inception of his company, his experience with Y Combinator, and his optimistic outlook on the future of entrepreneurship and technology.

Brian's Background and Path to Entrepreneurship

Brian Le's journey into entrepreneurship wasn't a straight path. Coming from a family of electrical engineers, he initially pursued a technical career path, anticipating a future in academia or a specialized technical field.

Notable Quote:
"Growing up, I always thought I was going to go all the way through grad school, PhD and go into a career in either like professorship or something deep in the technical field."
[01:20]

However, Brian felt a disconnect between his personal aspirations and the traditional path his family envisioned for him. This internal conflict led him to explore his own ventures, eventually steering him towards entrepreneurship almost by accident.

The Birth of Need and Solving Campus Convenience

The spark for Need emerged from observing the inefficiencies in campus life, particularly the inconvenience students faced in accessing essential items swiftly. The launch of Bird Scooters at UCLA inspired Brian to conceptualize a solution that leveraged micro-mobility to address immediate needs on campus.

Notable Quote:
"When these bird scooters landed, it made it far easier to just, you know, be in the middle of something. ... realizing that need where say you're, you're making dinner and you forget the ingredient."
[03:30]

Recognizing the high-density population of campuses and the potential for economies of scale even within a confined space, Brian saw an opportunity to create innovative convenience stores tailored for college students, enhancing accessibility and efficiency.

The Y Combinator Experience

Brian's encounter with Y Combinator was serendipitous. Initially unaware of the accelerator's prestige, discovering it through a YouTube video piqued his interest, especially after learning about the success stories of companies like DoorDash, Reddit, and Airbnb.

Notable Quote:
"Being thrust into that world of venture capital, into entrepreneurship, into something that felt very legitimate, was very valuable for us as young founders."
[06:25]

Participating in Y Combinator provided Need with invaluable mentorship, exposure to top-tier investors, and a structured environment to refine their business model. Brian emphasizes the accelerator's role in legitimizing their venture and equipping them with the tools necessary for sustained growth.

Overcoming Challenges During the Pandemic

The onset of COVID-19 presented unprecedented challenges for Need. With campuses shut down and students sent home, Brian faced a critical moment where the company's revenue plummeted to zero amidst ongoing fundraising efforts.

Notable Quote:
"We had no idea what to do. ... a downturn like that is a perfect opportunity to capitalize and gain footing."
[10:27]

Despite the dire circumstances, Brian leveraged the slowdown to strengthen the company's foundation, focusing on enhancing their technology and reassessing their strategy. This period of reflection and adaptation ultimately positioned Need to emerge stronger post-pandemic.

The Power of Youth and Positive Outlook in Entrepreneurship

Brian attributes much of his resilience to his youth and the inherent optimism that comes with it. He contrasts the often cynical outlook of older entrepreneurs with the "blissful ignorance" and unbridled ambition of younger founders.

Notable Quote:
"Being delusional about the future that you envision is what I think would take you to success."
[14:45]

This optimistic mindset not only fuels his passion but also serves as a driving force behind Need's mission to create meaningful impact within the student community.

Building Community and Empowering Students

At its core, Need is more than just a convenience store; it's a community builder. Brian envisions a franchise model that empowers recent graduates and young entrepreneurs by providing them with opportunities to manage and operate their own stores.

Notable Quote:
"We're aiming to hire an entire workforce of students who service these stores, providing these job opportunities that are not your standard service job."
[15:41]

By offering competitive compensation and an engaging work environment, Need not only addresses immediate student needs but also fosters entrepreneurial spirit among its workforce.

Perspectives on College and Entrepreneurship

Brian holds a nuanced view of the role of college in fostering entrepreneurship. While he acknowledges that traditional academic education is valuable, he emphasizes the experiential learning and community-building aspects of college life that are instrumental in shaping entrepreneurial mindsets.

Notable Quote:
"Finding your circle, finding who you are, what you value, finding similar people to you to cultivate those values... is the value of college."
[23:28]

He advocates for leveraging college resources such as campus organizations, startup accelerators, and entrepreneurial fraternities to gain practical experience and network with like-minded individuals.

Thoughts on AI and Its Role in the Future

Brian approaches AI with a perspective that highlights its potential as an empowering tool rather than a replacement for human capabilities. Drawing parallels to historical technological advancements, he views AI as a means to enhance human productivity and creativity.

Notable Quote:
"I see it more as a tool to uplift humanity, to uplift our abilities and to allow us to focus on things that will continue impacting the world versus something that would replace us."
[25:25]

In Need, AI is integrated as a consultant and learning tool, aiding in business operations and strategic decision-making without displacing the human element essential to community engagement.

Conclusion: Brian's Vision and Contact Information

Brian Le's vision for Need extends beyond providing convenience to college students. He aspires to build a supportive community that uplifts its members through positive engagement, employment opportunities, and entrepreneurial empowerment.

Notable Quote:
"I want to cultivate this community to invest in young people... just being on the ground and serving the community in front of you."
[19:12]

For those interested in supporting Need or connecting with Brian, he encourages participation in their crowdfunding campaign and offers his contact information for inquiries related to entrepreneurship and engineering.

Contact Information:

• Crowdfunding Campaign: www.wefunder.com/needNED
• Email: bleedwestwood.com/need

Brian Le's story is a testament to the power of resilience, community-focused entrepreneurship, and the unwavering optimism of youth. His journey with Need exemplifies how identifying and addressing specific needs within a community can lead to impactful and sustainable business ventures.