How Levy Simplifies Operations for Established Startups: Insights from Octane AI’s Co-Founder

Running a business over the long term comes with an inevitable accumulation of operational complexities. Ben Parr, president and co-founder of Octane AI, an AI platform for Shopify and e-commerce brands, shares how Levy has become an indispensable partner for managing the endless operational tasks that pile up over time.

The Operational Overload of a Decade-Old Company

Octane AI is nearly a decade old, and over the years, the company has accumulated a vast number of operational responsibilities. These tasks, while necessary, are often time-consuming and far removed from the strategic focus of growing the business.

“When you have that much time, you accumulate so many little operations things that all add up to one giant mess.”

For Ben, these tasks range from managing state registrations to filing taxes, setting up insurance, and resolving accounting issues. Left unmanaged, these operational fires consume valuable time and mental energy.

The Time-Saving Magic of Levy

Levy alleviates this burden by handling tasks that Ben describes as both tedious and mentally draining. Some weeks, the time saved amounts to tens of hours, particularly for tasks that Ben has no desire to handle himself.

“I have no desire to deal with state registrations. There’s no universe where I want to think about state-by-state governance. Levy is magical for handling the stuff you really don’t want to do.”

By taking these tasks off his plate, Levy frees up Ben’s mental bandwidth, allowing him to focus on higher-value activities like growing the business.

The Endless Nature of Operations

Ben highlights a hard truth: operational tasks are endless. From government filings and state fees to accounting fixes and insurance setups, there’s always something requiring attention. Ignoring these responsibilities isn’t an option, as they inevitably catch up with a business.

“There’s always a new fire popping up. The government doesn’t care about the state of your business—you still have to file your taxes, pay your fees, and handle everything else.”

Levy ensures these tasks are managed efficiently, providing peace of mind and ensuring nothing falls through the cracks.

A Necessary Investment in Operations

For startups, operations aren’t optional—they’re a foundational part of running a business. Ben emphasizes why firms like Sequoia recommend putting operations in place early. As he points out, every business encounters operational challenges from the very beginning.

“If you’ve ever had to incorporate, deal with legal, or pay bills, you know operations are inevitable. Offloading those tasks is essential to opening up your brain for growing the business.”

Levy provides a reliable solution for outsourcing these operational headaches, allowing founders to focus on scaling and strategy rather than getting bogged down by administrative work.

The Cost of Not Having Levy

Without Levy, Ben describes a scenario where his mental energy and focus would be significantly diminished.

“If Levy didn’t exist, I’d just have a little bit less of my brain—and that’s not a fun feeling.”

The ability to offload these responsibilities to a trusted partner like Levy not only saves time but also preserves the mental clarity needed to lead a business effectively.

A Recommendation for Founders

Ben’s advice to other founders is clear: don’t underestimate the importance of investing in operational support early. The peace of mind and time savings offered by a partner like Levy can make all the difference, especially as operational tasks pile up over time.

“If you don’t want to do those things and want to open up your brain to growing the business, that’s where Levy comes in.”

Conclusion

For established startups like Octane AI, Levy is more than a partner—it’s a solution for the never-ending demands of operations. By managing the mundane but essential tasks, Levy allows founders to focus on what truly matters: growing their business.

If you’re looking for a way to streamline your operations and reclaim your focus, Levy might just be the key to unlocking your business’s full potential.

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