Subscribe here https://newsletter.fundsandfounder.com/subscribeIn this episode of Funds and Founders, we sit down with Sarah Loretta, a former nonprofit worker turned digital architect. Sarah shares her journey from making $40K at a nonprofit to building a successful digital systems business through Notion templates and consulting.Learn how Sarah:- Started freelancing with no website or business plan- Landed 40 clients in her first 6 months through strategic networking- Turned a $47 Notion template into $120K+ in revenue- Built her entire client base through referrals with zero marketing- Leverages tool certifications and partnerships for business growth- Transitioned from design work to high-ticket systems consultingWhether you're a freelancer looking to scale or an entrepreneur building systems, Sarah's insights on creating multiple revenue streams and building valuable partnerships are not to be missed!Watch the full episode  @FundsAndFounders  Timestamps:0:00 - Intro & Where to Find Sarah1:00 - Early Entrepreneurial Journey4:13 - Landing First 40 Clients in 6 Months7:46 - Video Production & Freelance Work11:34 - First Big Website Project ($1,800)15:07 - Taking the Leap from 9-520:48 - Journey from Design to Business Operations29:32 - Finding & Monetizing Notion41:03 - Building Multiple Revenue Streams46:54 - Template Business Success ($120K+)59:06 - Current Pricing Model & Strategy1:02:41 - Tech Stack & Tools Breakdown1:06:54 - Three Essential Resources for Beginners1:09:42 - Interesting Recent Learning1:13:13 - Final Thoughts & Wrap-up#entrepreneur #business #startup #podcast #marketing #notion #sale #tools #aspirations #founder #freelancing

Subscribe here https://newsletter.fundsandfounder.com/subscribeIn this episode of Funds and Founders, we sit down with Joshua Rosario, founder of J.Rozario, also has a luxury custom shoe brand. Joshua shares his journey from a shoe enthusiast with over 500 pairs to launching his own high-end shoe company.Learn how Joshua:- Turned his passion for quality footwear into a business- Navigates the challenges of educating customers about craftsmanship- Uses innovative hand-painting techniques to create unique designs- Leverages e-commerce and custom 3D configurators to sell bespoke shoes- Balances craftsmanship with scalability in a luxury brandWhether you're a fashion enthusiast or an aspiring entrepreneur, Joshua's insights on building a luxury brand and educating consumers are not to be missed!Timestamps:0:00 - Introduction and Joshua's background2:00 - Early entrepreneurial experiences and learning about human behavior7:22 - The journey from shoe enthusiast to brand founder12:45 - Explaining the J.Rosario brand and custom shoe process17:30 - Challenges of educating customers about shoe quality22:05 - The technology and craftsmanship behind J.Rosario shoes27:40 - Marketing strategies and early sales experiences32:15 - Balancing quality, craftsmanship, and scalability37:50 - Tech stack and tools for running an e-commerce business42:30 - Advice for aspiring entrepreneurs47:15 - Lessons learned from mentorship52:00 - The importance of hunger alignment in business56:45 - Closing thoughts and where to find J.Rosario online#entrepreneur #business #startup #podcast #marketing #ecommerce #sale #scalability #aspirations #founder

Subscribe here https://newsletter.fundsandfounder.com/subscribeIn this episode of Funds and Founders, we sit down with Becca, co-founder and COO of Workweek, a rapidly growing B2B media company. Becca shares her journey from customer success roles to building a multi-million dollar media business. Learn how Becca:- Transitioned from The Hustle to co-founding Workweek- Built a portfolio of niche B2B media brands- Leverages the "knowledge expert paradox" to create valuable content- Manages remote teams and builds company culture- Balances work and personal life as a founderWhether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or looking to scale your media business, Becca's insights on content creation, audience building, and business growth are not to be missed!Timestamps:0:00 - Introduction and Becca's background1:06 - The start of Becca's entrepreneurial journey2:19 - Transitioning from employee to founder mindset4:09 - Building a strong co-founder relationship5:51 - Managing conflicts and decision-making as co-founders8:28 - From idea to launch: The birth of Workweek12:02 - The "knowledge expert paradox" in B2B media14:51 - Building and scaling niche B2B media brands18:42 - Strategies for content creation and distribution22:34 - The importance of authenticity in content26:44 - Team building and remote work culture31:35 - Insights on newsletter growth and audience building37:35 - The role of personal branding for founders41:26 - Balancing work and personal life as an entrepreneur45:54 - Tech stack and tools for running a media business50:51 - Resources for aspiring entrepreneurs56:38 - Exciting developments and future plans for Workweek59:30 - Closing thoughts and how to connect with Becca#MediaStartup #ContentCreation #B2BMarketing #Entrepreneurship #WorkweekMedia #podcast #startup #founder

Subscribe here https://newsletter.fundsandfounder.com/subscribeIn this episode of Funds and Founders, we sit down with Brennan Bliss, CEO of Propellic, a digital marketing agency specializing in SEO for the travel industry. Brennan shares his journey from building websites as a teenager to running a multi-million dollar agency. Learn how Brennan:- Started his entrepreneurial journey at 13 years old- Scaled his agency to 25 team members- Niched down to focus on the travel industry- Manages a remote team and builds company culture- Balances work and personal life as a CEOWhether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or looking to scale your existing business, Brennan's insights on agency growth, hiring, and financial management are not to be missed!Timestamps:0:00 - Introduction and Brennan's background2:20 - Early entrepreneurial experiences and website building5:34 - Lessons learned from early financial mistakes10:22 - The journey from web design to SEO agency15:19 - Niching down to focus on the travel industry22:02 - Team building and managing a remote workforce26:44 - The process of scaling and hiring for an agency32:57 - Insights on the travel industry and marketing strategies41:26 - Long-term goals and future of Propellic46:36 - Marketing tests and LinkedIn conversation ads49:36 - Tech stack and tools for running an agency54:13 - AI applications in agency workflows56:32 - Book recommendations and resources for entrepreneurs59:45 - The cost of mis-hires and importance of a good hiring process1:02:42 - Balancing work and personal life as an entrepreneur1:06:07 - Closing thoughts and how to connect with Brennan#AgencyGrowth #DigitalMarketing #SEO #TravelIndustry #Entrepreneurship

Subscribe here https://newsletter.fundsandfounder.com/subscribeIn this episode of Funds and Founders, we sit down with Tomer, a former structural engineer turned serial entrepreneur. Tomer shares his journey from designing skyscrapers to building multiple successful businesses, including an e-commerce brand, a virtual staffing agency, and an innovative product company. Learn how Tomer:- Transitioned from a 9-to-5 job to entrepreneurship- Built a 7-figure e-commerce business- Successfully launched a product on Kickstarter- Developed and scaled a virtual staffing agency- Balances multiple businesses and projectsWhether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or looking to scale your existing business, Tomer's insights on product development, e-commerce, and business growth are not to be missed!Timestamps:0:00 - Introduction and Tomer's background3:06 - The importance of business models in entrepreneurship7:52 - Transition from engineering to e-commerce12:02 - Insights on private labeling and wholesale18:42 - The birth of Sableflow and product development process26:28 - Balancing business relationships with family and friends31:16 - From concept to finished product: The Sableflow journey37:05 - Kickstarter campaign strategies and lessons learned42:39 - The transition to Effortless Hire and virtual staffing46:10 - Common mistakes business owners make with virtual assistants49:29 - Misconceptions about offshore hiring52:27 - The importance of hiring before creating SOPs55:24 - Three valuable resources for entrepreneurs59:20 - Startup tech stack and tools1:01:24 - Favorite entrepreneurial stories and lessons1:06:13 - Closing thoughts and where to find tomer's businesses

Subscribe here https://newsletter.fundsandfounder.com/subscribeIn this episode of Funds and Founders, we sit down with Jon, former CEO of Hyperlinks Media and current organizer of Tiny Talks in Austin. Jon shares his journey from starting an SEO blog in high school to building and selling a successful digital marketing agency, and eventually launching a community-driven event series. Learn how Jon:- Built a 7-figure SEO agency from his dorm room- Pivoted to content marketing and affiliate sites- Knew when it was time to exit his business- Started Tiny Talks and grew it to 200+ attendees- Balances passion projects with financial successWhether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or looking to scale your existing business, Jon's insights on SEO, content marketing, and community building are not to be missed!Timestamps:0:00 - Introduction and Jon's background2:31 - Starting an SEO business in high school7:17 - Scaling the agency and hiring employees12:03 - Pivoting to content marketing and affiliate sites18:42 - Deciding when to exit the business22:34 - The origin of Tiny Talks27:41 - Memorable Tiny Talks stories32:25 - The importance of in-person connection37:29 - Running Tiny Talks as a passion project41:33 - Advice on finding your niche45:22 - Book recommendations for entrepreneurs49:51 - Event planning tips from "The 2-Hour Cocktail Party"54:26 - Closing thoughts and where to find Tiny Talks#podcast #digitalmarketing #seo #contentmarketing #communityservice #community #entrepreneur #business

Subscribe here https://newsletter.fundsandfounder.com/subscribeIn this episode of Funds and Founders, we sit down with Ryan Atkinson, CEO and co-founder of Spacebar Visuals. Ryan shares his journey from working at an aquatic center to becoming a growth specialist at HubSpot, and eventually launching his own successful video production agency.Learn how Ryan:- Started multiple podcasts to network with entrepreneurs- Built a 6-figure agency in less than a year- Uses cold outreach to land high-value clients- Manages a remote team and builds company culture- Balances multiple projects and businessesWhether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or looking to scale your existing business, Ryan's insights on sales, marketing, and agency growth are not to be missed!Timestamps:0:00 - Introduction and Ryan's background3:45 - The power of podcasting for networking and personal growth7:22 - Transitioning from side hustle to full-time business10:15 - Building an agency vs. creating a SaaS product14:30 - Client acquisition strategies and outbound marketing19:05 - Email marketing tactics and closing deals23:40 - Pricing strategies and maintaining margins28:15 - The challenges of running a service-based business32:45 - Tech stack and tools for running an agency35:20 - Book recommendations for entrepreneurs38:30 - The importance of rereading books42:33 - Why Ryan moved to Austin and who should consider it46:37 - Exciting future technologies (AI video generation)48:47 - Podcast post-production and marketing tips53:42 - Closing thoughts and where to find Ryan online

Subscribe here https://newsletter.fundsandfounder.com/subscribeIn this captivating episode of Funds and Founders, Catalin, co-founder and CEO of Linnify, joins us to discuss his journey as a serial entrepreneur and product development expert. Catalin shares valuable lessons from his experiences with previous startups and offers advice on avoiding "shiny object syndrome" while staying focused on long-term goals. Whether you're a budding entrepreneur or an established founder, this episode is packed with practical wisdom for navigating the startup landscape. In this insightful conversation, we explore:👉 Linnify's mission to simplify life through innovation👉 The challenges of taking ideas from concept to product-market fit👉Strategies for effective product validation and market research👉Common pitfalls founders face when launching new products👉The pros and cons of focusing on personal brand vs. company brandWatch the full episode on  @FundsAndFounders  #Entrepreneurship #ProductDevelopment #StartupAdvice #RemoteWork #innovation Timestamps:00:00:00 Introduction and Linnify's mission00:04:29 Product validation and market research00:11:58 Founder pitfalls and early startup experiences00:24:52 Managing remote teams and company culture00:27:33 Misconceptions about offshore development00:32:08 Future plans for Linnify00:39:52 Personal brand vs. company brand00:43:24 Catalin's support system00:45:02 Startup tech stack and tools00:47:24 Discussion on recommended resources for entrepreneurs00:48:05 Question from previous guest about entrepreneurial moment00:49:33 Catalin's question for future guest00:50:13 Host shares anecdote about previous guest's entrepreneurial moment00:50:56 Discussion on the impact of first business check00:51:17 Where to find Catalin online00:51:42 Closing remarks and future plans

Subscribe here https://newsletter.fundsandfounder.com/subscribeJoin us as we sit down with Hunter Burkey, Partner at Next Level Valet and CEO of Next Level Security. Hunter shares his incredible journey from living in his car to building two successful businesses in Austin, TX.👉Hunter's early struggles and how he turned his life around👉The birth of Next Level Valet and its rapid growth👉Expanding into security services during COVID-19👉Challenges of scaling a business and managing 300+ employees👉Innovative employee engagement strategies👉The importance of adaptability in entrepreneurshipWatch the full episode on  @FundsAndFounders  #Entrepreneurship #BusinessGrowth #AustinStartups #ValetService #SecurityBusiness0:00 - Introduction of Hunter Burkey and his current roles0:35 - Brief mention of failed business attempts1:10 - Hunter's experience being homeless and living in his car9:10 - Discussion about failed businesses and lessons learned17:06 - Addressing fears and challenges in the early days of the business19:07 - Major setback: losing a significant client and nearly shutting down30:40 - Handling the challenge of parking 2300 cars per night35:48 - Current size of the valet company (approximately 150 employees)41:20 - Insight into company culture and employee communication42:37 - Transition from valet services to starting a security company47:30 - Introduction to Formula One events through valet connections49:23 - Hunter's involvement with the F1 travel team50:53 - Construction Security55:08 - Scaling the company1:00:00 - Closing remarks

In this captivating episode of Funds and Founders, Nikhil, CTO and co-founder of Hylio, shares the inspiring journey of building an innovative drone company. From their initial focus on drone delivery to pivoting into agricultural applications, Nikhil reveals the challenges and triumphs of creating cutting-edge drone technology. Tune in to discover:- The evolution of Hylio from a drone delivery concept to a leader in agricultural drone solutions- Overcoming technical and regulatory hurdles in the drone industry- The importance of perseverance and adaptability in entrepreneurship- Insights into scaling hardware production and navigating complex sales processes- The role of co-founders and support systems in startup successWatch the full episode on funds and founders.

In the latest episode of Funds and Founders, Jessi, founder of Downland, reveals how agrotourism and regenerative agriculture could revolutionize land management and food production. Discover how matching landowners with next-generation land stewards can restore landscapes and create sustainable business models. Tune in to explore:- The journey of building an AgTech startup from scratch- How to leverage your unique strengths and network in entrepreneurship- The crucial balance between mission-driven goals and venture capital expectations- Strategies for validating your business model and preparing for fundraising00:46 - Entrepreneurial journey06:05 - what a land steward does and their responsibilities?09:33 - Agrotourism12:48 - Decision of taking passion to a full time job16:48 - how did you get a hundred customer interviews?20:52 - Regenerative farming26:30 - Understanding the customer wants in a business29:36 - Journey of a Solo founder33:25 - Eliminating the uncertainty and challenges in the entrepreneur journey34:47 - Crossfit journey42:34 - Product Development Strategy for a Marketplace Startup47:26 - Finding the right partners and right advisors54:13 - Fundraising process1:02:33 - Rapid fire question1:09:15 - Question for the future GuestSubscribe now and hit the notification bell to Funds and FoundersMentions:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessi-roesch-rhymes-with-fresh/Check out the Funds & Founders Community:Reach out to Abhi at [email protected]: fundsandfounderspodcast.com

Simran Singh narrates his entrepreneurial journey from his college days at Duke University to co-founding Zogo, a financial education platform which was eventually acquired by Peak Six. He elaborates on the challenges of early-stage startups, the pivoting of Zogo, and decision-making processes related to product development and market targeting. Simran also introduces his new venture, SwayStack, while providing valuable insights on growth, partnerships, and maintaining an entrepreneurial mindset. Additionally, the episode explores influential books like 'Poor Charlie's Almanac' by Charlie Munger, favorite tools and tech stacks like Notion, JIRA, GitHub, Figma, Google Drive, AWS, and Dynalist, and shares advice on resilience, support systems, and customer engagement. The conversation wraps up with anticipation of the next guest's insights into the role of mentors or advisors. If you’re looking for the motivation and insight needed to build a successful startup, this episode is for you.Key Takeaways:• How will you know when to invest in an initial MVP?• Calculating market size to predict scalability• How working with private equity can be beneficial to your long term visionKey Timestamps:(00:00) - Introduction(01:31) - Simran’s Indian Family Influence(04:40) - Challenges and Learnings from Zogo(14:39) - Navigating Early MVPs(29:25) - Balancing Risk and Stability(35:50) - Zogo's Business Development Strategy(36:23) - Sales and Marketing(38:36) - Total Addressable Market (TAM)(46:50) - Acquisition by Private Equity(55:27) - Post-Acquisition Reflections and New Ventures(59:12) - Rapid Fire Questions and Resources(01:07:40) - Final ThoughtsKey Topics Discussed:Funds and Founders, Austin Texas, Abhinav Sinha, entrepreneurs, startups, venture capitalMentions:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/esimran/Check out the Funds & Founders Community:Reach out to Abhi at [email protected]: fundsandfounderspodcast.com

Having been with SXSW for 35 years, Hugh Forrest, the Chief Programming Officer and Director of the Interactive Section of South by Southwest (SXSW), shares the origins and growth of Austin's largest conference and festival. He discusses the event's roots in 1987, modeled after the New Music Seminar in New York City, and its evolution into a major cultural and tech convergence. Hugh recounts the challenges faced in the early years, the festival's impact on Austin's ecosystem, pivotal moments like Johnny Cash's appearance and Twitter's launch, and the continued shift from a music-dominated event to an extensive tech and creative industry platform. The conversation also delves into the future of SXSW, including the upcoming challenges with the Austin Convention Center's reconstruction and the continuous adaptability of SXSW to reflect Austin's dynamic trends. Listeners will gain insights into the intricacies of event programming, the significance of perseverance in the startup ecosystem, and the broader economic and cultural impact of SXSW. If you’re looking for the motivation and insight needed to build a successful startup, this episode is for you.Key Takeaways:• What makes South by Southwest different from other conferences?• Making unconventional ideas a reality while turning something nobody wants or has value into value• What does it take to host and grow a large, successful networking conference?• Is AI in a hype cycle?Key Timestamps:(00:00) - The Origins of SXSW(01:48) - Challenges and Early Successes of SXSW(05:17) - Hugh's Journey with South by Southwest(08:24) - The Evolution of South by Southwest(20:08) - SXSW’s Impact on Austin's Ecosystem(27:43) - SXSW’s Programming and Structure(39:17) - Future Changes for SXSW(40:51) - Adapting to Austin(42:38) - Emerging Trends and Technologies(49:12) - Creating Successful Events(56:29) - Importance of Human Connection(59:25) - The Evolution of SXSW(01:03:33) - Final Thoughts and ResourcesKey Topics Discussed:Funds and Founders, Austin Texas, Abhinav Sinha, entrepreneurs, startups, venture capital, South by Southwest, Southby, SXSWMentions:Website: https://www.sxsw.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hughforrestCheck out the Funds & Founders Community:Reach out to Abhi at [email protected]: fundsandfounderspodcast.com

Vikas is an experienced entrepreneur, advisor and the Managing Director of Frisco Analytics. In this conversation, he discusses the importance of selecting good advisors and how he identified gaps in the tech consulting space to grow his successful company later acquired by Huron. Vikas gives insights on how to build the right team, and sales strategies, navigate acquisitions and foster the right team culture. Finally, he shares his experiences with acquisition processes, incentive structures in consulting, managing multiple ventures and the value of direct feedback and the growth dynamics in the tech industry.Key Takeaways:• Choosing experienced advisors to save on finances and time• Identifying what’s missing on the team and choosing members with the right culture fit• Addressing incentive structures in consulting as a worker retention strategy• Insights into the acquisition process for consulting teams• Addressing the need for direct and honest feedback• Navigating the complexities of managing multiple venturesKey Timestamps:(00:00) - Introduction(04:55) - Building a successful consulting business(07:30) - Scaling and managing growth as an Investor(09:05) - Proven incentive structures in the consulting space(15:17) - What is product market fit?(21:24) - The company acquisition journey and post-sale experience(33:48) - The process of underwriting a deal(35:21) - When does one need an exit strategy?(39:17) - Deal flow, evaluation and selection criteria used to issue funding(48:29) - Strategic investment roadmapsKey Topics Discussed:Funds and Founders, Austin Texas, Abhinav Sinha, entrepreneurs, startups, venture capital, product-market fit, acquisition, team building strategyMentions:Website: https://www.friscoanalytics.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vikas-punna-94b33216/Check out the Funds & Founders Community:Reach out to Abhi at [email protected]: fundsandfounderspodcast.com

Vinay Chandrasekaran, founder of Frontek Solutions, Crayon’d, and Layerpath, shares his fascinating journey from learning HTML as a teenager in India to becoming the CEO of a successful SaaS company. Vinay delves into his entrepreneurial motivations, experiences at Zoho, and the essential role of community, mentorship, and resilience. He also discusses raising venture capital and emphasizes the importance of energy, passion, and mindset. Additionally, Vinay reflects on how his endurance sports endeavors have shaped his discipline and mindset and explores the idea of merging his tech expertise with sports training. The episode concludes with his thoughts on manifestation and public speaking. If you’re looking for the motivation and insight needed to build a successful startup, this episode is for you.Key Takeaways:• What’re the first three steps a founder should take in building a startup?• What does failing fast look like in the startup ecosystem?• When will you know to raise venture capital?• What is the role of a Chief Focus Officer?Key Timestamps:(00:00) - Introduction(03:18) - Building Frontex Solutions(06:12) - The Role of Community in Entrepreneurship(08:23) - Building a Founding Team(10:32) - Joining Zoho(14:36) - Travel and Personal Growth(20:48) - Returning to Entrepreneurship(25:57) - The First Thing Startups Should Do(31:53) - Bringing an Idea to Market(34:49) - The Importance of Founder Fit(41:13) - Raising Venture Capital(51:19) - Burnout and Support Systems(53:41) - Closing ThoughtsKey Topics Discussed:Funds and Founders, Austin Texas, Abhinav Sinha, entrepreneurs, startups, venture capitalMentions:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ivinayc/Check out the Funds & Founders Community:Reach out to Abhi at [email protected]: fundsandfounderspodcast.com

Alberto Silveira is a seasoned engineering leader with a diverse career spanning companies like IBM, Kaplan, Amplify, OnDeck, and currently, HireVue. He is also the author of the book, Building and Managing High Performance Distributed Teams. Alberto discusses the differences between leading small and large engineering teams, the importance of creating a positive engineering culture, and the nuances of hands-on leadership. He also shares his passion for distributed teams, the challenges of scaling team culture in a remote environment, and his philosophy on balancing immediate deliverables with long-term team health. Alberto reflects on his career journey, the lessons learned from writing his book on high-performance distributed teams during the pandemic, and offers advice on overcoming organizational challenges by taking an inclusive leadership approach. Key Takeaways:• How can you humanize work culture in a remote environment?• How can you create focused teams to improve delivery and outcome?• How the Iron Triangle allows founders to align product, engineering and design teams• Identifying problems and suggesting solutions empowers team members and builds a strong team cultureKey Timestamps:(00:00) - Introduction(04:40) - Hands-On Leadership as a CTO(08:45) - Defining and Building Engineering Culture(010:44) - Challenges of Scaling and Remote Work(25:49) - Balancing Change and Delivery(31:39) - Engineering vs Product Leadership(37:27) - The Iron Triangle Concept(39:18) - Importance of Design in Product Development(43:06) - Building High-Performance Distributed Teams(48:57) - Leadership and Team Motivation(60:26) - Entrepreneurship is a JourneyKey Topics Discussed:Funds and Founders, Abhinav Sinha, Abhi, Austin Texas,, Venture Capital, Ecosystem, Culture, Company Values. Collaboration, Distributed Teams, Scalability, Engineering, Technical, Product, Leaders, Product-Driven, Early-Stage, SaaSMentions:LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/asilveira/Mentions: Who: Building and Managing High Performance Distributed Teams, The A Method for Hiring by Geoff Smart and Randy Street, Lean Inception, Scale UpCheck out the Funds & Founders Community:Reach out to Abhi at [email protected]: fundsandfounderspodcast.com

Aaron Trahan, founder of Performance Mindset Coaching, discusses the fundamental differences between a coach and a mentor. Aaron shares his journey to becoming a coach, emphasizing the importance of having a coach for achieving personal and professional breakthroughs. The conversation delves into identifying signals for needing a coach, finding the right coach, and getting the most out of the coaching relationship. Aaron also highlights the value of structured systems like OKRs for setting and achieving goals, and the necessity of prioritizing tasks effectively. The episode concludes with actionable insights on how to incorporate coaching strategies to accelerate growth and navigate entrepreneurial challenges. If you’re looking for the motivation and insight needed to build a successful startup, this episode is for you.Key Takeaways:• Why mimicking your mentor's journey can be a pitfall• The advantages of professional coaching over traditional mentorship• How to unlock your distinct potential• Strategies to forge your own path to success in the competitive worldKey Timestamps:(00:00) Introduction(01:29) Aaron's Journey to Coaching(03:39) Coaching vs. Mentoring(05:55) Finding and Utilizing a Good Coach(09:59) Knowing When You Need a Coach(15:36) Breaking Through Personal Barriers(33:06) The Importance of Accountability in Achieving Goals(36:52) Leveraging Coaching(40:29) The Power of Prioritization(43:28) The Warren Buffett Priority Story(48:26) Frameworks and Operating Systems(56:03) The Importance of Morning Routines(59:26) ConclusionKey Topics Discussed:Funds and Founders, Austin Texas, Abhinav Sinha, entrepreneurs, startups, venture capital, coaching, mentoring, coach, mentor, goal setting, achievement. operating systems, routinesMentions:Website: https://performancemindsetcoaching.co/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaron-trahan-6135909Check out the Funds & Founders Community:Reach out to Abhi at [email protected]: fundsandfounderpodcast.com

YJ Lin is a key player in the Austin startup ecosystem. He graduated from the University of Houston and is deeply involved with communities like Ascend Austin and the Executive Council Network. Currently, he is the Chief Fun Officer of York's Game Pieces, and Senior Program Manager at Dell for Startups. Over the past decade, YJ has orchestrated city-wide events across North America through nonprofit and corporate entities, focusing on uniting community leaders to build stronger, sustainable ecosystems. YJ specializes in startups, culture, and volunteerism, emphasizing the importance of community, mentorship, and finding the right support systems for personal and professional growth. His dedication to fostering collaborative environments drives ecosystem development and connected human experiences. If you’re looking for the motivation and insight needed to build a successful startup, this episode is for you.Key Takeaways:• Explicitly defining one’s role in growing a sustainable community• Recognizing the importance of building strong communities and ecosystems for collaborations• Finding balance through mapping out a life plan• Why is it important to have the three builders, a Rainmaker, Conductor, and Expert in your business?• How to leverage the 4 P’s of Mentoring to foster your communityKey Timestamps:(00:00) - Introduction(05:05) - Who is YJ Lin?(07:30) - Challenges and Realizations in an Entrepreneur’s Journey(12:21) - Community and Ecosystem Building(14:03) - What a Harvard Study Can Teach You About Happiness(25:27) - What’s All of This For?(30:32) - YJ’s Big Realization(32:38) - The Power of Community Collaboration(37:07) - Challenges in Building Community Ecosystems(43:56) - The Importance of Mentorship and Support Systems(45:55) - The 4 P’s of Mentoring(49:44) - What Type of Builder Are You?(50:56) - What Makes Us Human?Key Topics Discussed:Funds and Founders, Abhinav Sinha, Abhi, Austin Entrepreneurs and Founders, Venture Capital, Ecosystem, Community, Relationships, Sustainable Community, Community Building, Leverage, Collaborative VisionaryMentions:Website: https://yjlin.co/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yjlinco/Mentions: The Paterson LifePlan Process by Peter Drucker and Tom Paterson, Austin Stars Facebook group, Born To Build (Jim Clifton and Sangeeta Bharadwaj Badal)

Jeff Eversmann is an experienced design engineer, fractional CFO at Miranti Growth, and GP at Longview Tech Ventures. Drawing from his career across various high-level roles, Jeff explains the continuum from product market match to alignment and finally to fit. He discusses examples, especially Uber's market strategy, and elaborates on how early-stage founders should approach achieving and measuring product market fit. He shares insights into venture capital dynamics, emphasizing the importance of founder-investor compatibility, effective fundraising strategies, and the critical role of executive coaching. Key Takeaways:• Signals, tools, data and metrics early-stage founders can use to assess product-market fit• Importance of achieving customer validation before Series A funding• Why balancing investor advice with the founder's vision is crucial• How founders can effectively network and use their connections for successful fundraising• Ways to determine pivot points and avoid distractions during a product’s life cycle• Understanding venture capital and early-stage investment dynamicsKey Timestamps:(00:00) - Introduction(00:50) - Defining Product Market Fit(05:25) - Product Market Fit Challenges for Early-Stage Founders(08:20) - Customer Discovery and Validation(09:58) - Raising Series A and Selecting Suitable Marketing Channels(13:35) - Dealing with Investor Pressure in Decision-Making Processes(16:45) - Longview Tech Ventures Investment Criteria(21:46) - Challenges of First-Time Founders(23:30) - Market Sizing and Unit Economics(28:32) - Raising a VC Fund(32:50) - Understanding Internal Product Updates(33:14) - Raising Funds and Communicating with VCs(38:59) - Importance of Founder-VC Alignment(42:17) - Dealing with Awkward Pitching Moments(47:24) - Building Startups and Raising CapitalKey Topics Discussed:Funds and Founders, Abhinav Sinha, Abhi, Austin Entrepreneurs and Founders, product-market fit, customer validation, early-stage investments, Series AMentions:Website: https://www.merantigrowth.com/https://www.longviewtechventures.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffeversmann/Mentions: War of Art by Steven Pressfield, The Mom Test by Rob Fitzpatrick, The Innovator’s Solution by Clayton ChristiansenCheck out the Funds & Founders Community:Reach out to Abhi at [email protected]: fundsandfounderspodcast.com

Ben James and Dylan Mankey from Tubular Networks discuss their journey from their initial meeting at HomeAway to co-founding Tubular Networks. Ben shares his extensive background in product management, having worked at companies such as National Instruments, VRBO, and Magic Leap, while Dylan talks about his engineering leadership roles with experience at companies like Expedia, HomeAway, and MapMyFitness. The conversation delves into how they decided to partner up, overcoming co-founder conflicts, and the importance of the right dynamics in a startup. Ben and Dylan share insights on building a prototype, gaining their first customer, and validating their idea. They describe Tubular Networks' mission to decarbonize the transportation of goods through a city-scale infrastructure of robotic delivery systems. They also discuss the challenges of hardware startups, the importance of failing fast and learning quickly, and the support systems that have helped them, including the significant influence and advice from their spouses.Key Takeaways:Ways to demonstrate VR concepts before creation to impress first customersNegative impact on health from working excessively and relentlessly pursuing opportunitiesChallenges with pitching solutions to unacknowledged problemsOvercoming legal obstacles in the hardware businessBalancing opportunities with big companies and focusing on smaller contracts for stabilityIntentionally choosing a team that’s comfortable learning new skills and making decisionsAdvantages of using off-the-shelf components for prototyping to reduce the cost of learningEmphasis on the importance of viewing failures as opportunities to gather fresh insightsImportance of balancing carbon footprint considerations with scalability and societal impactPromoting a culture of respect at all decision-making levels for strong founder dynamicsRecognizing the importance of humility and clear feedback to build a strong teamBoldness to seek input from various trusted sources at critical stages of growthKey Timestamps:(00:00) Introduction(06:27) The Vision and Mission of Tubular Networks: Revolutionizing Delivery(07:40) Validating the Vision: From Prototype to First Customer(20:37) Navigating the Startup Journey: Challenges, High Points, and Learning(25:57) The Art of Building a Hardware-Software Startup(30:25) Innovative Cost-Saving Measures and the Spirit of Jugaad(32:32) Embracing Failure as a Learning Tool(34:53) Long-Term Vision for a Sustainable Future(38:39) Navigating the Challenges of Decarbonization(45:05) Co-Founder Dynamics and Decision-Making(48:46) Leveraging Technology and Advisor Insights(52:25) Support Systems and Advice for EntrepreneursKey Topics Discussed:Funds and Founders, Abhinav Sinha, Abhi, Austin Entrepreneurs and Founders, Venture Capital, Untold Stories, robotic delivery, tubular networks, Letter of Intent (LOI), decarbonization, carbon footprint, prototyping, Robot Operating System (ROS), Co-Founder dynamicsMentions:Website: https://www.tubular.network/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-p-james/   https://www.linkedin.com/in/dylan-mankey/

Mark Fallows is a seasoned advertising professional and founder of Fabrica Collective. He is also a creative collective based in New York, now operating from Austin. Mark shares his early career journey in advertising, including his roles at Oracle and McCann, and his motivation behind founding Fabrica Collective. He emphasizes the importance of lifelong skill development, drawing on Michelangelo’s philosophy of never stopping learning. Mark delves into current learning pursuits such as AI's exponential growth, navigating the internet more effectively, and understanding the vital role of community in the face of modern challenges like social media and AI. Reflecting on various global experiences from living in Scotland to Iran, Mark discusses the community's evolving nature, the impact of the pandemic on community dynamics, and the reimagining of neighborhoods post-COVID. From exploring the histories and mechanics behind technology and creativity to engaging deeply with the idea of building and nurturing communities locally while being globally connected, Mark provides rich insights into adapting and thriving in a rapidly changing world. The conversation also touches on the challenges and insights from running a podcast, 'The Impossible Network', aimed at storytelling and building connections through serendipitous encounters.Key Takeaways:Embracing life-long learning as an opportunity for continuous growth and self-discoveryUnderstanding the technological impact of AI, biotech and IoT convergence as it transforms work and life cyclesReconnecting to build community and collaborate effectively post-pandemicReimagining community in a global-local balance post-industrial era, focusing on human connectionNavigating the challenges of launching a startup too soonEmbracing serendipity by taking unconventional paths to open unexpected opportunitiesUse of podcasts as a means to build trust, community and meaningful relationshipsExploring various creative avenues which lead to engaging with skilled professionals and holding enriching conversationsHow maintaining a positive mindset during a career setback can have transformative outcomesKey Timestamps:(00:00) Introduction(01:34) The Philosophy of Lifelong Learning(02:48) Exploring Current Learning Curves: AI, Internet, and Humanity(05:07) Redefining Community in the Modern World(09:36) Comparing Community Vibes: New York vs. Austin(14:57) The Journey from Advertising to Founding Fabrica Collective(22:32) Navigating the Challenges of Running Fabrica Collective(28:09) Lessons Learned from Pundit Club to Fabrica(33:46) The Genesis and Evolution of The Impossible Network Podcast(42:03) The Impact of Personal Stories in Podcasting(48:53) The Power of Networking Through Podcasting(53:10) Support Systems and Personal Growth(56:20) Recommendations for Aspiring Entrepreneurs(01:03:50) Reflecting on What Makes Us HumanKey Topics Discussed:Funds and Founders, Abhinav Sinha, Abhi, Austin Entrepreneurs and Founders, Venture Capital, Untold Stories, The Impossible Network, General Purpose Technology (GPT), story telling, community buildingMentions:Website: https://fabricacollective.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markfallows/ Resources: 1, 000 True Fans blog post by Kevin Kelly, Wait but Why Blog by Tim Urban, Viktor Frankl’s book - Man's Search for Meaning

Stacey Stubblefield is a former entrepreneur in residence at Curious Minds Inc, who co-founded TeleSign, a company born out of the incubator. Stacey shares her unconventional journey from considering law school to embracing technology and entrepreneurship, leading to the creation and eventual acquisition of TeleSign by BICS. Stacey discusses the challenges and milestones of growing TeleSign, from early idea testing to hitting significant revenue milestones and navigating the complexities of selling the company. The conversation covers the importance of choosing the right co-founders, the impact of mentorship and advisory roles, and insights into the current startup ecosystem. Stacey also touches upon her current stealth company project and advises aspiring entrepreneurs, emphasizing the value of resources like AWS, social media platforms for networking, and the necessity of staying informed and adaptable in the tech industry.Key Takeaways:Embracing unconventional paths as an entrepreneurImportance of ideation and experimentation in early startup stagesLearning from incubator experiences to shape future business strategiesThe process of identifying an idea with the potential for successChoosing co-founders with complementary skills for a balanced teamHow to transition smoothly from incubator to independent operationsOvercoming scaling challenges and celebrating growth milestonesUtilization of modern tools and networking to stay informed and adaptableKey Timestamps:(00:00) Introduction(01:56) From Law School to Tech Incubator: A Pivot into Entrepreneurship(07:41) Navigating the Startup World: Lessons from the Incubator(12:01) Founding TeleSign(16:21) Co-Founder Dynamics and the Importance of Complementary Skills(19:34) Transitioning from Incubator to Independent Company(22:56) Scaling Challenges and Milestones in TeleSign's Journey(26:59) Rethinking Leadership and Decision to Sell(31:29) The Complex Journey of Selling a Company(34:23) Navigating the CFIUS Process and Challenges(36:40) Post-Sale Reflections and Adjusting to New Roles(40:44) Exploring Identity Fraud and Generative AI Challenges(45:20) Leveraging Modern Tools and Networking for Success(53:06) ConclusionMentions:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stacystubblefield/Key Topics Discussed:Funds and Founders, Abhinav Sinha, Abhi, Austin Entrepreneurs and Founders, Venture Capital, Untold Stories, C Corp Registration, Quantum Encryption, Tech Company Acquisition Check out the Funds & Founders Community:Reach out to Abhi at [email protected]: fundsandfounder.com

Sky King shares his journey from being a digital marketing specialist to founding his own company, Modern Stoa. King discusses his early career, his experiences with companies like Onnit and Aubrey Marcus, and his transition into the podcasting world with creations like 'Creator of Curiosity' and 'Sky King's Mental Playground.' He dives into the importance of media incentives aligning with societal benefits, leveraging capitalism for change, and his observations on the media's evolving landscape. Additionally, Sky offers insights into podcast monetization, his approach to representing podcasters in ad deals, and the potential for NFTs and new monetization models in podcasting. Throughout, King emphasizes the significance of creating sincere and impactful media, leveraging technology for better content monetization, and his mission to build a society where media serves the audience's best interest.Key Takeaways:The importance of aligning media incentives with societal benefitsThe evolution of advertising and its impact on society and the changing landscape of mediaBridging the gap between podcasters and advertisersWays to unlock new monetization opportunities in the media industryInsights on understanding audiences and implementing effective marketing strategiesBrand strategies in podcast advertising, the unique challenges and opportunities facedThe future of podcasting and innovative monetization strategies to enhance content creationThe power of podcasts and  content creation in building audience connectionsThe intersection of capitalism, media, and society, and the need for impactful, sincere contentKey Timestamps:(00:00) Introduction(01:58) Exploring the Impact of Media and Advertising on Society(06:18) Modern Stoa: Bridging Podcasters and Advertisers(15:02) Strategies for Brands and Podcast Audience Engagement(24:33) The Future of Podcasting and Content Creation(28:22) The Power of Podcasting and Audience Connection(30:17) Innovative Monetization Strategies for Podcasts(30:34) Exploring the Potential of NFTs in Podcasting(36:39) Building a Community and Future with Podcast Listeners(38:11) The Evolution of Media Consumption and Its Future(47:40) Personal Insights and Advice for Aspiring Podcasters(52:08) Closing Thoughts on Creating Impactful MediaMentions:Website: https://modernstoa.co/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sky-king-13394b3a/Check out the Funds & Founders Community:Reach out to Abhi at [email protected]: fundsandfounderspodcast.com

Soundarya Balasubramani, an NIT Trichy and Columbia graduate, writer, and founder of Unshackled.club, details her journey from India to the U.S. Her career shifts from Salesforce to entrepreneurship, and even ventures into writing, including her blog Curious Maverick and books 'Admitted' and 'Unshackled'. The discussion spans her motivations, the importance of writing in her professional growth, insights into self-publishing, navigating U.S. immigration, and her latest decision to step back from Unshackled.club to focus on writing. Soundarya provides valuable advice for immigrant entrepreneurs and shares her vision for her next writing project, leveraging her experiences and challenges to guide and inspire others in their personal and professional journeys. Key Takeaways:The persistence and resilience it takes to navigate the hardships of U.S. immigrationWhat to consider when applying for an O1 visaThe power of writing a journal for clarity of thought, problem-solving and emotional processing and the app that’ll make it easy to maintainUnderstanding the book writing process and marketing as a self publishing authorHow to strategically use social media to market yourselfThe act of writing on paper, particularly journaling, serves as a powerful tool for Key Timestamps:(00:00) Meet Soundarya: A Journey from India to Authorship(03:10) The Power of Writing: From Personal Therapy to Professional Tool(08:21) The Transition from Corporate to Creative: Soundarya's Leap into Authorship(15:51) Navigating the Complex World of Self-Publishing and Editing(21:30) The O-1 Visa Saga: A Tale of Persistence and Resilience(26:29) A Return to Roots: Soundarya's Time in India and Reflections on Life(30:27) Comparing the Self-Publishing Journeys of 'Admitted' and 'Unshackled'(38:30) Immigration: From Application to Approval(47:47) Transitioning Roles: From Founder to Writer(51:50) Support Systems and Startup Tech Stack: A Founder's Toolkit(56:42) Final Thoughts and Future ProjectsKey Topics Discussed:Journaling, author, legal immigration system, ONA visa, O1 visa, H1B, L1, EB2 National Interest Waiver, RFE, UnshackledMentions:Website: https://www.unshackled.club/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/soundarya-balasubramani/Unshackled: A Practical Guide For Highly-Skilled Immigrants To Thrive In The United StatesCheck out the Funds & Founders Community:Reach out to Abhi at [email protected]: fundsandfounderspodcast.com

Chris De Ayala, a UT McComb School of Business graduate working in banking, specifically in venture debt at the Bank of California shares insights into the role of venture lending, emphasizing its value to VC-backed startups by offering non-dilutive capital to extend their runway post-equity rounds. He details the ideal timing for startups to seek venture debt, the factors influencing the amount of debt a startup can secure, and the importance of the relationship with VC firms in this process. The discussion also covers the changing landscape of venture debt, the impact of recent economic shifts on startups and investments, and the evolution of the Austin startup ecosystem. Chris highlights the negotiation aspect of venture debt terms, the strategic use of venture debt for growth without dilution, and the bank's perspective on venture debt as a tool for deposit growth and long-term customer relationships.Key Takeaways:Providing debt solutions to VC-backed startupsRole of venture debt as a non-dilutive capital source for early-stage companiesIdeal timing for seeking venture debtRelationship between equity round size and available venture debtBank's criteria for assessing startups with an emphasis on investor syndicate and runwayHow to negotiate venture debt termsGrowth of venture debt spaceCompetition between traditional banks and neo-banksTrends and changes in the Austin startup ecosystemImportance of building networks in the venture financing industryMentions:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-de-ayala-39976a125/Check out the Funds & Founders Community:Reach out to Abhi at [email protected]: fundsandfounderspodcast.com

Jake O'Shea, currently a Principal at Antler in Austin, delves into his rich background in the startup ecosystem. With experiences ranging from director roles at Capital Factory to mentoring at accelerators, Jake discusses the vibrant startup ideas and trends in Austin, emphasizing the ubiquitous role of AI in modern software development. He sheds light on Antler's industry-agnostic approach to investing, focusing on founder potential over specific sectors. Jake also touches upon the critical importance of knowing your customer base and making decisions regarding value propositions, rather than jumping straight into product development. He discusses the nuances of venture capital, offering insights into the dos and don'ts of early-stage fundraising and the significance of founder-market fit. Jake highlights emerging AI applications, from personalized learning to headless applications, and the potential for AI to redefine software interactions through natural language processing. A must-listen episode for aspiring entrepreneurs and anyone interested in the intersections of AI, startups, and venture capital.Key Takeaways:Conviction and thorough customer research are key to creating value as an entrepreneurBuilding a supportive community fosters collaboration and growth for entrepreneurs in AINetworking and Fundraising Insights for Founders to create valueUnderstanding investor risks and founder execution capabilities can influence funding decisionsInvestors prioritize founder execution, building conviction amidst market and tech risksInvesting in post-product market fit fuels growth and helps seize adjacent opportunities for expansionMeasuring product success through retention and engagement validates the right value propositionFuture tech and how they will reshape interactions and revolutionize tech engagementDe-risking your startup: market, technology, and executionThe future of AI: personalized learning and verticalized softwareMentions:Website: https://www.antler.co/Website: https://jakeoshea.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jake-oshea/

In episode 15, Mike Ditson joins us today to talk product management, sales, and innovation! Currently, Mike is the VP of Product Strategy at Envato Group and a lecturer in product management. He shares valuable insights on the importance of sales for product leaders, how to approach building a competent sales team, especially for founders without a sales background (identifying well that we’re all in sales) and provides advice for early-stage companies and product market fit. Moreover, Mike discusses the evolution of top-of-the-funnel strategies in B2B SaaS, his perspective on learning and adapting to changes in the tech landscape, and highlights the potential impact of Gen AI on product management. Wondering how to set pricing, how to get customers, and the ends and outs of product management? Then this is the episode for you!Key Takeaways & Timestamps:(01:50) Welcome to Funds and Founders: Meet Mike Ditson(02:41) How Can a Founder Get Good at Sales? (Or Find Someone Who Is.)(05:24) Building a Competent Sales Team for Startups(10:46) Transitioning from Product Management to Leadership(19:53) The Art of Pricing in B2B SaaS(24:02) Understanding Product Market Fit in B2B SaaS(31:27) Navigating the Complexities of Selling to Universities and Enterprises(32:33) Evolving Strategies in B2B SaaS Marketing(35:36) The Importance of Building Reference Customers Early On(39:00) Adapting to the Changing Landscape of Product Management(39:32) Leveraging AI and Tools in Product Management(45:08) Recommendations for Early Product Managers and Founders(50:01) Exploring the Impact of Generative AI on Content CreationMentions:Mike’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikeditson/ Dollarizations Discipline Crossing the Chasm The Acquired Podcast Disciplined Entrepreneurship Orbit from MITCheck out the Funds & Founders Community:Reach out to Abhi at [email protected]: fundsandfounderspodcast.com

Episode 14 features Ken Platt, an experienced entrepreneur and advisor with a rich history in operations, supply chain management, and startup leadership. Ken shares insights into his entrepreneurial journey that began later in life, sparked by his exposure to diverse businesses during the Y2K project era. He details his evolution from corporate projects to being deeply involved in the startup ecosystem during the dot-com bubble in Austin. Ken discusses the thrills and challenges of startup life, emphasizing the value of collaboration, the visibility of success and failure, and the sense of direct impact one can have in a startup environment. He transitions into discussing his role in various companies, including Wayport, where he contributed to pioneering public Wi-Fi spaces, and his learning curve in the venture capital world. Ken also touches on the importance of operational efficiency, strategic resource allocation, and the advantages of leveraging existing technologies over attempting to reinvent the wheel. He provides valuable advice for entrepreneurs navigating acquisitions, emphasizing the importance of understanding value and strategic negotiation. Finally, Ken shares his current focus on SmartPak Systems, a startup aiming to revolutionize inventory management for emergency medical services with RFID technology, highlighting his passion for solving real-world problems through innovation. You don’t want to miss this chat!Key Takeaways:Entrepreneurship requires a yearning for it.Don't reinvent the wheel, stick with your core competencies.How has the nature of startup capital changed over the years?What problem are you solving with your product?Know your value!It's okay to say "I don't know."Keep yourself open for randomness and opportunities!Timestamps:(00:00) Trailer(01:30) Meet Ken Platt: A Journey Through Startups and Innovation(03:18) The Allure of Startups: Challenges and Rewards(05:04) Embracing Chaos: The Operations Perspective(05:52) First Startup Venture: The Wi-Fi Revolution with Wayport(11:17) Navigating Startup Challenges: Funding, Innovation, and Scaling(23:06) Advent Networks: Lessons in Product Development and Customer Focus(31:45) The Intel Acquisition: A Learning Curve(37:06) Navigating Acquisitions: Insights and Advice(40:17) The Power of Negotiation and Understanding Value(43:15) Advising Startups: A Blend of Challenges and Triumphs(44:56) SmartPak: Solving Real-World Problems with RFID Technology(50:24) The Austin Startup Ecosystem: A Supportive Community(53:09) Believing in Yourself: The Entrepreneur's Creed(54:49) Embracing Randomness and Opportunity(56:18) Connecting and Networking: The Heart of CollaborationMentions:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ken-platt-11a4361/Resources: SmartPak Systems, F.I.E.S.T.A.

Scott, a seasoned C-level executive, draws from a diverse background in business leadership and organizational transformation. Originally aspiring to a career in finance, his trajectory shifted after witnessing the events of September 11th, leading him to navigate a path of resilience and mentorship. With a strategic vision and executive acumen, Scott excels in driving organizational growth and fostering team excellence, leveraging deep subject matter expertise and creative problem-solving. Throughout his career, he has achieved notable successes in designing sales training programs, driving go-to-market strategies, and leading transformational change, earning a reputation as a highly sought-after advisor and mentor in the startup community. Today Scott discusses what it takes to develop focus, nurture mentorships and think differently about the problems you’re facing. Key Takeaways:The success of a business depends largely on the dedication of the foundersThe importance of having passion and clarity on the actual problem being solvedHow to ask for help through mentorshipSkills improvement through learning something new to keep up with your industryThe wealth of knowledge lies within the people you surround yourself with, choose wiselyHow to become a good menteeWays to support underserved communities and make resources accessible to themPlanning for the unknown to keep the project on track and stay ahead of the curvePractical feedback and unique perspectives from outsiders are healthy for business growthVulnerability is a strength, not a weaknessHaving the flexibility to change the way you approach problems in a work settingMentions:Website: https://myworkout.ai/Social Media: FB, X, IG - @myworkoutCheck out the Funds & Founders Community:Reach out to Abhi at [email protected]: fundsandfounderspodcast.com

Lauren Pearl is a Fractional CFO/COO and Advisor who graduated from Boston University and NYU Stern where she did her MBA. She has a rich background in financial modeling and has a unique perspective on growing profitable startups. She is a 2x founder and recently started Pearl and Elmore, an offsite programming company. She was the Director of Strategy and Finance at Trail and Bits, CEO and co-founder of Roost Homes, an ex-Deloitte Management Consultant, and currently teaches financial modeling at NYU Stern. Key Takeaways:Forward-thinking strategies to keep businesses on trackKnowing when to seize opportunities for growthImportance of MVPs and idea validationAwareness of what to invest in in your first MVP and what to avoidConnecting the dots and understanding relevant metrics Getting clear on actionable steps for tangible resultsBuilding financial models that enable sound investment decisionsMapping the math for a clear bird’s eye viewBuilding systems that work for youStaying connected to a network with other start-uppers for accountability and guidanceMentions:Website: https://www.laurenpearlconsulting.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurenepearl/Check out the Funds & Founders Community:Reach out to Abhi at [email protected]: fundsandfounderspodcast.com

Curtis Dean is the founder and creative director for Strangers Only, a lifestyle clothing brand and is also a coach helping people maximize their potential and design the lives they want. He is a positive thinker with a unique perspective on life. He has spoken at Soho houses and shared his deep knowledge on various topics.Key Takeaways:Identifying rewarding opportunities within your ecosystemBuilding a reputation that speaks for itself in the marketplaceImportance of MVP (minimum viable product) and idea validationKnowing when to seek help for business growth and sustainabilityFinding the lesson in every messy business situationThe power of human connection in salesHaving clarity and a solid strategy for your businessChange of perspective and learning to take advantage of current obstaclesReadjusting to align with a new audience and what it takesMentions:Website:  https://www.bydean.co/                https://strangersonly.co/Social Media: https://www.instagram.com/strangersonlyclothing/                       https://www.instagram.com/thecurtisdean/Check out the Funds & Founders Community:Reach out to Abhi at [email protected]: fundsandfounderspodcast.com

Steven Puri is a multipreneur who launched his career in the film industry and is also the founder of Sukha Company, previously known as Centred.  He started Centropolis Effects. a CGI company then exited and has held multiple senior roles in big film companies like 20th Century Fox and DreamWorks. He is a chief strategist and has supported various startups and other companies. Key Takeaways:Adapting the office concept to the hybrid world through an appWhy filling the gaps with smarter minds than yours will benefit the companyTrust is a commodity which is not always present in the film industryScalability as a factor that affects film industry growth and its restrictionsInvesting in marketing to build a brandHow to leverage knowledge to get a foot into doors of opportunityHiring for the culture versus skillset to build a powerful teamFinding the lesson in every experience, success or failure in businessBuilding a product/service that is community-focused for problem identification and solutionHow to handle change that affects the future of a company like a professionalReasons to have important conversations and company tracking activity for accountabilityHaving the ability to focus on the tasks that move the needleMentions:Website: https://www.thesukha.co/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steven-puri-b0714436/Check out the Funds & Founders Community:Reach out to Abhi at [email protected]: fundsandfounderspodcast.com

Daniella Rosa is the founder of Aiea Golf, an athleisure lifestyle brand for women golfers. She also was the owner and designer of cutclothing.com. Daniella has held various marketing roles in her career in the auction industry. As she hit the ceiling in her career she made an instant decision to switch and start a brand and this has been a great learning experience that she shares in this episode. She shares how to upskill through experiential learning, leveraging your knowledge to secure breakthrough opportunities and the challenges and resilience required to grow a brand.Key Takeaways:Creative thinking while transitioning through careersThe harsh reality behind the scenes for auction housesUpskilling through experiential learning and on-the-job researchChallenges of working in the auction industry and how to skirt around the red tapeLeveraging inherent knowledge to secure career growth opportunitiesThe transformative power of storytellingThe relationship between strategy and business growthHow to choose a team that understands the visionImportance of written agreements and following procedureMentions:Website: https://www.aieagolf.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniellarosa/Check out the Funds & Founders Community:Reach out to Abhi at [email protected]: fundsandfounderspodcast.com

Brian Mayoral has been the number one peak performance strategist for Tony Robbins for over six years and is currently the CIO and founder of his agency called Sellup. As an avid sales manager and leader early on in his career, Brian joins us on Funds and Founders to discuss what he’s learned when it comes to selling yourself, common fears entrepreneurs encounter in sales, the varying types of founders, and actions you’re currently engaged in that could be holding back the growth of your company.Key Takeaways:Common fears about sales and how to overcome themHow the rebound effect in cold calling can increase your revenueDoes a company grow to the level of the founder’s psychology and limitations?What’re the different skill sets for growing companies at various sizesWhat’s the best way to make your company’s product better?How Brian landed a gig working for Tony Robbins. It took more grit than you’d think…A lesson to do the things you’re resistingCan you be driven by money as an entrepreneur?Being a tactician vs a visionary as a founderWhy firing someone might not be the best decision for your company, but them as wellHow focusing on one particular problem can set your company up for successMentions:Website: https://www.wesellup.com/salestrainingBrian’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianmayoral/Alex Hermosi PodcastPatrick Red David PodcastCheck out the Funds & Founders Community:Reach out to Abhi at [email protected]: fundsandfounderspodcast.com

Lekan Olude is a distinguished Nigerian entrepreneur best known for co-founding Jobberman, West Africa's leading job search engine. In 2021, he founded Motherboard, a comprehensive employee benefits platform, further solidifying his impact on the Nigerian business landscape. He’s a previous guest on the podcast in which we wanted to continue the conversation to expand upon Lekan’s immigration from Africa to the States. Today, expect to learn what it takes to create community as an introvert, build brand value, and align with venture capitalists.Key Takeaways:Navigating the culture shock of migrating to the US.How is the US economy structured differently than the rest of the world?Building community as an introvert through hosting mini parties.Community is leverage. Man was never made to go alone.Providing value doesn’t have to be anything more than sharing what you have to offer.The difference between brand value and online presence, and how to establish yourself in each.This life is not a rehearsal. Make the most of your one chance.Questions to ask to understand why a venture capitalist is investing in you. Mentions:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/oludeolalekan/Other Mentions: AppSumoCheck out the Funds & Founders Community:Reach out to Abhi at [email protected]: fundsandfounderspodcast.com

In this episode, serial entrepreneur, investor and founding partner of Anti-VC, Saleem Ahmed, joins us in an engaging discussion about his transition from an unfulfilling career in engineering to founding successful startups. In addition to Anti-VC, Saleem founded Jrop and Zown. Today, Saleem discusses what many founders tend to underestimate about building a startup, finding mission alignment with co-founders, bootstrapping vs raising capital, and how to actually generate revenue in your startup.Key Takeaways:How to tell if you’re a serious entrepreneurHealthy partnerships with VCsFinding the right co-founderCreating mission alignment throughout your teamEnsuring peaceful legal dissolutions Issues with relying on venture capital for a lifelineReasons why founders choose to go and secure grantsBuilding a powerful network via LinkedInDefining product market fitBootstrapping vs raising moneyMentions:Website: https://www.antivc.co/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/antivc/

In this episode, Brandon Tigges, the CEO of Job Machine, shares his journey as an entrepreneur, and the valuable lessons that have shaped his career in sales and marketing. He portrays the picture of a resilient military child. He gives an insight into his transformative experiences in creating a failed marketing agency and then working for a robotics startup that exposed him to understanding customer problems, scope projects, and margins. Now Brandon helps military veterans find jobs and has come full circle from his military roots.Key Takeaways:Understanding your customer’s problem firstSetting goals that challenge you to take the necessary actionHow talking to customers can save you time and moneyAchieving product-market fitFiguring out what to give up to achieve your set financial goalsPicking jobs that give the best learning experiences Why your product is your business model, not your productMentions:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandon-tigges/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/weaponsgradehuman/Check out the Funds & Founders Community:Reach out to Abhi at [email protected]: fundsandfounderspodcast.com

In this episode, we sit down with the founder of Training Layers, Bret Sears. He shares his entrepreneurial journey, from running a financial services company to building TrainingLayers, a ground-breaking software training platform. We delve deep into the learning curve involved in building a SaaS product from the ground up and how Bret navigated these challenges. He shares how they prioritize a comprehensive user journey while also providing insight into their upcoming product, Sequence. He reflects on the importance of adaptability and resilience in entrepreneurship and offers some invaluable advice for future founders.Key Takeaways:Elements that drive people towards career success How to hold an effective conversation that connects peopleGoal-setting frameworks that get people unstuckHow to be deliberate about particular actions for a specific outcomeFiguring out the true capital factoryThe difference between an onboarding system and a user journeyWhy crafting a story that people can identify with is importantMentions:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bret-siers-%E2%96%B6-11a81b5/Other Resources: Capital Factory, DocuSign, Jira, ClickUp, Slack, ChatGPT, GitHub

Marc Nathan is the Vice President of Client Strategy at Egan Nelson LLP, specializing in Emerging Technology and Venture Capital. With a robust background in the Texas Technology and Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) startup community, he serves as a mentor to early-stage startups, providing expertise in fundraising strategy, connecting with investors, and offering general strategic advisory for seed and early-stage fundraising. As the founder of T-Squared Agency, Marc supports clients with comprehensive growth strategy and funding resources, contributing his experience in business strategy, capital acquisition, digital marketing, customer development, and strategic partnerships. Recognized as a 'Super Connector,' Marc publishes the Texas-Squared Startup Newsletter, showcasing his commitment to connecting Tech and CPG startups with vital funding and legal support within the Texas startup ecosystem.Timestamps:(00:04:26) - What got Mark involved in startups and entrepreneurship(00:06:27) - The changes Mark has seen in the startup ecosystem over the past 20+ years(00:08:24) - Common traits Mark has noticed amongst entrepreneurs (00:09:19) - What Mark learned from founding an angel VC firm(00:13:14) - The importance of community for founders and entrepreneurs(00:18:22) - Mark's advice for founders looking for a mentor (00:28:39) - How Mark got involved with the CPG community(00:37:17) - The importance of building a personal brand and online presence(00:52:47) - Mark's advice on creating a calendar of startup events  (01:05:27) - How founders should approach reaching out to VCs(01:09:51) - Mark's perspective on the pressure for startups to raise VC funding(01:11:26) - Mark's recommendations for resources founders should use(01:13:10) - Mark's everyday software stack(01:15:17) - Mark's mission and when he realized that was his mission(01:17:47) - Where to find more from Mark and his upcoming South by Southwest eventsMentions:Marc’s LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/marc1919Marc’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marc1919/Other Mentions: Techstars, Capital Factory, Texas Squared Startup Newsletter, Consumer VC Summit, Wake Up CPG, Michael Best and Frederick Law Firm. South by Southwest, TechCrunch, My First Million Podcast, All In Podcast, Naval RavikantCheck out the Funds & Founders Community:Reach out to Abhi at [email protected]: fundsandfounderspodcast.com

Lekan Olude is a distinguished Nigerian entrepreneur best known as the co-founder of Jobberman, West Africa's leading job search engine. Born and raised in Ogun State, he pursued his education at Obafemi Awolowo University, earning a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science. With a diverse career that includes experiences at Goldman Sachs and TeleMobile Nigeria Limited, Olude has not only played a pivotal role in the tech industry but has also served as the Special Adviser on Job Creation and Youth Empowerment to Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun. In 2021, he founded Motherboard, a comprehensive employee benefits platform, further solidifying his impact on the Nigerian business landscape.Key Takeaways:Pursuing entrepreneurship early on without capitalGrowing the conviction to pursue your ideaIndicators you’re right or wrongIdentifying product market fitBuilding your company for an exitHitting global recognition and 1 million usersEconomic downturns and layoffsFocusing sustainability rather than "startup mentality"The questions to ask yourself to take your idea from concept to launchLeveraging domain expertiseMentions:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/oludeolalekan/Other Mentions: How to Hone Your Mind, How to Win Friends and Influence People, Teams of Teams, Good to Great, Great by ChoiceCheck out the Funds & Founders Community:Reach out to Abhi at [email protected]: fundsandfounderspodcast.com