How does an online car retailer survive a trade war?

“I think for any entrepreneur that’s navigated the last five years, I don’t know if there was a worse time to be building a company.” Clutch found a new gear for its business after a post-pandemic lull … just in time for tariffs to hit. Dan Park (CEO) and Stephen Seibel (COO) join to discuss how the COVID-19 pandemic accelerated online car retail, how the end of cheap capital pumped their brakes, and how Clutch regained traction after a savvy market expansion. What has this journey taught them about how to prepare for whatever tariffs will do to the auto industry? Let’s dig in. The BetaKit Podcast is presented by Float. Float helps Canadian companies manage spend, automate expenses, and now, convert FX at rates 90% lower than the banks. Sign up in minutes and learn why Canada counts on Float. Related links: Clutch gears up for expansion with $100-million CAD Series B round Clutch cuts staff to extend runway, citing market conditions Clutch cut approximately 65 percent of its staff as online auto marketplaces gear down Clutch recovers valuation and eyes growth with $50-million Series D round