Jason Atkins: from accountant to co-founder of Cake.

Having worked as an accountant at and after university, Jason knew that he wanted to be a business owner in the tech space.

Short Cuts is an interview series in which Upside participants answer eight quick questions about their background, ambitions, and the superpower they’ve always wanted.

Having worked as an accountant at and after university, Jason knew that he wanted to be a business owner in the tech space.

When he met Kim, his co-founder, the two set off on their venture, promoting innovation and entrepreneurship by helping startups face the often slow and painful process of managing their equity and staying compliant.

Cake, founded in 2018, currently operates in Australia and Singapore, with the UK, India, and the US coming soon. 

Jason lives near the Gold Coast with his wife and two children.

Jason, who did you look up to when you were younger?

Quite a few sports people, like Michael Jordan and Greg Norman, and my grandpa.

And who do you look up to now?

Elon Musk, Simon Griffiths, the Canva crew, the Startmate crew. People who care and take action.

Tell us about the most valuable life lesson you’ve learned so far.

Reading How to Win Friends and Influence People gave me the most valuable lesson: don’t argue; everyone thinks they’re right.

Describe what success looks like to you.

Being healthy and content and spending my time on things I choose, with people I like.

Tell us about something that you’re curious about at the moment.

The impact of the decline in the power of the US empire’s - Ray Dalio inspired.

What brings you joy?

Time at the beach, or almost anywhere, with my kids.

How would you describe your leadership style?

Helping great people do their best. Empowering them and providing support and accountability.

If you could have one superpower, what would it be?

The ability to understand the universe.

---

We’re all a work in progress.

Upside Founder Programs help founders become the very best leaders for their businesses as they grow from late Seed stage and Series A to Series B, and beyond. Applications for the 2022 program have closed. Join the waitlist for 2023 now and you’ll be the first to know when applications open.

Upside Founder Programs are proudly supported by KPMG High Growth Ventures and Microsoft.