Lawrence Kao didn’t follow the straight path into entrepreneurship. A self-described “lost computer science student,” he blended technology, media, and community into a career building startups at the intersection of fandom, digital platforms, and e-commerce. From co-founding VC-backed ventures to leading creative studios, Lawrence has spent decades turning chaos into clarity—and passion into business models.

Now, as co-founder of The Companion, Lawrence is reimagining fandom not just as entertainment, but as connection, community, and even mental health support. His journey spans the early YouTube era, partnerships with studios like MGM, and a pandemic-era rebuild that placed purpose and people at the center.

In this episode, Lawrence shares lessons from scaling startups, why distribution always beats production, the “tattoo test” for brand loyalty, and how fandom can inspire both belonging and business.

This is a conversation about resilience, reinvention, and the power of community-driven strategy.

Here’s what’s covered:

• The “Tattoo Test”: what it reveals about true brand devotion

• Why distribution > production in digital media

• How to build healthier communities (and avoid “poo in the pool”)

• Lessons from YouTube’s early growth days and Copa90

• 40 pitches in 40 nights: saving a company under pressure

• The MGM/Stargate project and the risks of relying on one client

• Rebuilding The Companion during the pandemic

• Using fandom to combat loneliness and support mental health

• How founders can validate ideas with revenue, not just hype

• Staying close to customers, making hard calls, and finding the right mentors

Learn more about The Companion and Lawrence’s work to turn fandom into community (link here).