Madeline Sisson started her career at MathWorks as an Inside Sales Engineer, primarily managing accounts in the San Francisco Bay area, where she spent most of her day-to-day working with startups.
When provided with the opportunity to transition into the role of Startup Program Account Manager, she quickly accepted.
At MathWorks, Madeline currently works with startups directly, as well as collaborating through their partnership program – working alongside incubators and accelerators.
Focusing on early-stage companies, Madeline provides affordable support for startups ranging everywhere from 1-30 employees, across all industries.
Stephanie: In addition to providing a great product, what else does MathWorks do to support startups?
Madeline: Once a startup joins our program, our engineering team will work closely with them to learn more about their company’s goals. We’ll then help them figure out the best solution to get there – and even help them scale their product when it’s time.
Sometimes startups that come to us aren’t super familiar with the tools or know the best way to reach their end goal, so having that support available to them at no cost is a big benefit.
S: What is a common trend you’re seeing with successful startups MathWorks is currently working with?
M: Specifically, we are seeing a lot of success in the automated driving and drone area robotics industries. But overall, companies that are adopting the right tools and the right workflows early on in their development— and making use of all the resources available to them–have the highest success rates.
S: What is your favorite thing about Boston’s startup scene?
M: The diversity of companies and new technologies here. There are so many people working on impactful projects that can change people’s lives.
S: What do you consider one of your proudest accomplishments so far?
M: I’m proud of myself for joining the startup program here at MathWorks a few months ago, and now building it up to where we support a few thousand companies worldwide. Just watching these startups grow from ideas into successful companies is something that I find very rewarding.
S: What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced in your career to date, and what did you learn from it?
M: Taking on this brand new position within MathWorks has been challenging and has provided me with a great opportunity to grow. It’s been exciting to be able to take chances and ultimately figure out what can make this program successful.
S: What is the biggest takeaway you have had from this challenge?
M: There is no wrong way. It’s important to try all kinds of new and innovative directions. Find what works – and what doesn’t – and make it better. I think this lesson is important not just for myself – but also for the startups that we work with here at MathWorks.
S: What is one thing that you wish you knew at the beginning of your career that you now know?
M: It’s so important to get out there and build your network. Just meeting people and learning more about their challenges and what they’re working on, can really help build your career. It can also help you figure out what value you can provide in the startup community.
S: What is one piece of advice that you have for startups?
M: Explore every available resource that you have. So many companies, especially here in Boston, are creating resources and networks to support the startup community. Take advantage of them. Most people here in Boston are willing to help you – or at least introduce you to someone who can help you.
Rapid Fire Questions
What is your favorite thing to do in Boston?
Exploring new restaurants and checking out the food scene.
What is one startup myth you wish you could dispel?
That it takes a ton of money to get your project or idea started. I’ve learned that if you’re willing to put in the time and really utilize the resources and people available to you, you can build an incredible prototype or beta—without having ton o use a lot of capital.
If you could have one superpower, what would you choose? To not have to sleep. I just feel like there are never enough hours in the day to get everything done, do chores, and explore.
Choose a movie title for the story of your life
Work Hard, Shop Harder