Episodes
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Celebrating a decade of bootstrapping brilliance, I, Àlex, founder of MarsBased, am back behind the mic to share an emotional tribute to the journey we've shared. As we revel in a significant milestone, I'm incredibly grateful for the unwavering support from our clients, friends, and the wider community. The anniversary bash in Barcelona was an unforgettable affair, filled with poignant moments that underscored the collective effort that's helped us thrive in an industry that's often obsessed with the fast money game. Our steadfast commitment to an office-less model and sustainable growth has been our secret sauce, and there's a palpable sense of pride as I recount the values and culture that will propel us forward.
As we peer into the horizon, the future is abuzz with possibilities and challenges for MarsBased. After a much-needed respite, the podcast format is ripe for innovation, promising more spontaneous episodes that might just come to you from a plane en route to San Francisco. The company is gearing up for expansion and adaptation, from hiring fresh talent to huddling up in Andorra for a strategic retreat, all while fine-tuning our business acumen to better serve our evolving client base. We're embracing new technologies like Python and AI, and as always, focusing on the sustainable growth that's been our cornerstone. Strap in and join us on this exhilarating ride into the next decade of MarsBased, where innovation meets resilience.
Nice work, BuzzsproutGPT!Support the Show.
🎬 You can watch the video of this episode on the Life on Mars podcast website: https://podcast.marsbased.com/
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Explore the power of AI in streamlining content creation and productivity in our latest podcast episode. We're joined by Clemens Rychlik from Bourbon, where he serves as COO, and the man behind the Barcinno newsletter, diving into how AI, including ChatGPT, is reshaping tasks like proofreading and SEO optimization. Clemens shares his insights on using AI for authoritative content, while we discuss balancing client projects with our own. This episode is a must-listen for anyone using AI tools or interested in their potential.
We delve into how AI aids in language-related tasks such as transcription, translation, and grammar checking, highlighting efficiency boosts from tools like Otter, DeepL, and Grammarly. Àlex also shares how AI has revolutionized his Excel workflows and other day to day tasks, emphasizing the importance of human expertise in refining AI outputs and maintaining a brand's voice.
We conclude by examining AI's impact on SEO and content strategies, noting its quirks and the importance of accuracy in the digital realm. The episode also covers our hands-on experience with an internal prompt library, setting the stage for a future where AI and human creativity merge to produce impactful content as Marspace approaches its ten-year milestone.
We don't know if these show notes, generated 95% by an AI, would be seen as great in the eyes of Google, but what we know for sure is that we have the best audience in the world. Thanks a tonne for listening to our show!
By the way, we're celebrating 10 years in a few weeks. Make sure to send us questions for a special 10-years Q&A episode with the founders of MarsBased. Send them at [email protected]!Support the Show.
🎬 You can watch the video of this episode on the Life on Mars podcast website: https://podcast.marsbased.com/
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Missing episodes?
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Prepare to navigate the high-stakes world of mergers and acquisitions with insider expertise as Dimitri Steinberg and Brian Flynn from Founder Partners join me, Àlex from MarsBased, for a riveting discussion. In the ever-turbulent market of dwindling venture capital and faltering tech stocks, our guests share invaluable wisdom from their impressive careers on how to steer a company towards a lucrative sale or merger. We'll be revealing the art of reading between the lines during negotiations, the strategic finesse behind successful M&A, and why having seasoned pros at your side is a game-changer.
As we peel back the layers of M&A strategy, you'll discover why timing, organization, and information management are critical for startups looking to sell. Dimitri and Brian illuminate the intricate dance of revealing just enough to pique interest without oversharing early in potential partnerships. We also tackle the nuances of inbound acquisition offers, dissecting how to filter out the noise and recognize serious contenders. And if you're considering an advisor for your next business sale, you won't want to miss our insights on aligning incentives for a mutually beneficial outcome.
Finally, and after all the verbose AI-generated stuff, I've got to say that this is one of the most fun and insightful episodes I've recorded. The 60+ years of combined experience of these two gentlemen cannot be summarised in just one hour, so we will have to invite them again!Support the Show.
🎬 You can watch the video of this episode on the Life on Mars podcast website: https://podcast.marsbased.com/
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Embark on an entrepreneurial odyssey with Keyven Ferland of La Web Shop and uncover the raw and real narrative of a bootstrapped business's ascent. From the humble beginnings of a solo design freelancer to captaining a burgeoning Canadian Shopify and e-commerce development shop, Kevan doesn't hold back on the experiences that shaped his agency's success. Throughout our vivid conversation, we traverse the landscape of early client acquisition, the embrace of simplicity through a strategic pivot from SpreeCommerce to Shopify, and the impact of savvy salesmanship on regional e-commerce.
Join us as we crack open the playbook on the evolving role of technology in meeting client needs. Kevan shares cherished stories, from custom Ruby on Rails platforms to the recent surge of Shopify, painting a picture of how he steered his company through the initial skepticism surrounding new e-commerce solutions. Moreover, we delve into the potential of no-code developments and their repercussions on the future of web development, offering a lens into the business acumen required to flourish in the e-commerce domain amidst the unrelenting tides of technological change.
We don't just stop at tech talk; the episode also journeys into the human side of running an agency. Discover how Kevan's team has expanded beyond development into realms like support, launch services, and marketing, adapting to the ever-evolving demands of the industry. We also candidly reflect on the lessons learned from a harrowing technological setback, emphasizing resilience and the power of recovery. And for a sprinkle of global aspiration, Kevan and I muse over the dreams and strategies for working with international clients and the invigorating concept of client swapping between agencies. Tune in for this wealth of insights that could ignite the spark for your next venture.
Also, since no one reads these notes, we are just using AI to create them, but if you do read them and find this message somehow, shoot me an email at [email protected] and you'll make my day.Support the Show.
🎬 You can watch the video of this episode on the Life on Mars podcast website: https://podcast.marsbased.com/
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What can you achieve as an entrepreneur without leaning on venture capitalist funding? How can we communicate more effectively in the modern work landscape? Today's episode is a deep dive into the riveting world of bootstrapped businesses, communication, and entrepreneurship with our esteemed guest, Amir Salihefendic, the CEO and founder of Doist.
Amir breaks down his journey as a solo founder and unveils the secrets behind thriving in a competitive market without VC funding. He unveils the role of community and transparency in his business, highlighting the power of sharing and building in public. Our conversation also unravels the intricacies of asynchronous communication. While it may seem challenging, Amir argues that it's a pathway to more thoughtful and productive discussions. His insights on maintaining a successful business amidst a constantly changing tech world are an inspiring call to adapt and innovate relentlessly.
As we round up, Amir lends us a peek into the future, touching on the impact of AI in product development and his vision for seamless integration and functionality. He shares his thoughts on legacy building, setting a motivational tone for aspiring business owners. Whether you lead a small startup or a large enterprise, this episode is a gold mine of strategies and practical advice to help you navigate your business journey. Be ready to be inspired, challenged, and educated as we delve into the business world through Amir's lens.Support the Show.
🎬 You can watch the video of this episode on the Life on Mars podcast website: https://podcast.marsbased.com/
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Brace yourselves for a riveting dialogue with Francesc Font Cot, the dynamic serial entrepreneur who co-founded Incapto Coffee, Nubelo, and Bandit. We uncover the raw truth behind the glitz and glamour of startup life and explore the harsh reality that only two out of 10 startups survive. Francesc, with his decades of experience, offers a rare perspective on the elusive success of serial entrepreneurship.
We explore the metamorphosis of business models, emphasizing the criticality of revenue, profits, and cash flow. Francesc shares candid anecdotes from his venture with Bandit, shedding light on the triumphs and tribulations of his business journey. We also delve into the intriguing world of digital native vertical brands, crowdfunding, and venture capital funding for growth. Francesc and his co-founder Joaquim’s innovative ideas turned opportunities into thriving businesses, breaking new grounds in the coffee industry.
Lastly, we navigate through the challenging terrains of startup life, exploring the art of brand building under capital constraints. Francesc shares his superpower – the ability to stay calm and make the best decisions in the face of adversity. We explore his journey of creating and implementing a successful business model, highlighting the importance of understanding the value chain in the coffee industry. This is a truly enlightening conversation, highlighting Francesc's approach to marketing and selling her product, which sets her apart in the industry. A must-listen for anyone who's looking to make waves in the startup world.
The AI-generated captions for this podcast episode labeled Francesc as "Francesca Von Gott". What a truly epic name.Support the Show.
🎬 You can watch the video of this episode on the Life on Mars podcast website: https://podcast.marsbased.com/
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With our special guest, Khash Sajadi, the founder and CEO of Cloud 66, we're unlocking the story of a technology that transformed the world of software deployment. Imagine a world where developers are freed from the drudgery of repetitive tasks. Cloud 66 began as a solution to that exact problem, and Khash takes us on a journey from the early days of the company, through the evolution of its technology stack, to its present success.
We embrace the nitty-gritty details of technology, discussing everything from the revival of Rails-based startups to the pros and cons of microservices and monoliths. What are the implications of measuring technical debt as a key performance indicator? How does the availability of talent influence our choices in technology? Khash provides intriguing insights into these questions and more. Not just that, we delve into the emergence of Go as a popular programming language and the impact of containerization and Kubernetes on the industry.
But it's not all tech-specs and jargon. Khash regales us with the humorous story of how a small mistake led to him winning the 'Donkey of the Week' award at his company. To top it off, we tackle the often overlooked complexities of pricing for software-as-a-service (SaaS) companies, underscoring the importance of predictability and feature distinction. So, buckle up for a roller coaster ride through the highs and lows, the successes and mistakes, the serious and the fun facets of the software industry.Support the Show.
🎬 You can watch the video of this episode on the Life on Mars podcast website: https://podcast.marsbased.com/
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Ever wondered how a tech company rides the tumultuous waves of an industry in flux? Journey with us, as Àlex, founder of MarsBased, shares his company's evolution in managing a surge from one to two contracts a year to a whopping 10 short-term contracts. Get an inside look at the challenges, triumphs, and the newfound dynamism this pivot has injected into the company operations.
Unsure about the effects of the pandemic on tech prices? Listen up as we dig deep into the wider industry impact, discussing how businesses right from startups to corporates have been grappling with business adaptability. Hear out Àlex's insightful reflection on the reduced competition's influence on project pricing and the ripple effect it has had on businesses.
Get ready for a raw, real, and revealing chat about the trials, tribulations, and tenacity of the tech industry in these uncertain times. Buckle up, it's going to be an enlightening ride.
Totally generated with AI, all of the above.Support the Show.
🎬 You can watch the video of this episode on the Life on Mars podcast website: https://podcast.marsbased.com/
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In this episode, our good friend in and out of business, Josh Feldberg, interviews Àlex to discuss many topics for a good hour and a half.
Two friends discussing business, where the podcast host, Àlex, becomes the interviewee in a long, free-flowing and casual conversation across all topics, ranging from usage of social media and discussing politics there, to considering selling the business, passing through having side projects like a punk rock band and doing angel investing, and much more.
Josh, we know you won't read this, but if you do, market the sh*t out of this episode to help our podcast grow further with your marketing wizard skills!Support the Show.
🎬 You can watch the video of this episode on the Life on Mars podcast website: https://podcast.marsbased.com/
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The story of MarsBased can't be told without a city in particular: San Francisco.
Even though MarsBased started up in Barcelona, where the three co-founders are from and where most of the events pre-incorporation happened, San Francisco played a pivotal role.
In late 2013, Àlex quit his corporate job and left for a three month trip to SF to soak up as much technology, innovation and entrepreneurship as possible, and that's also where, among other things, Àlex found the first client for the company. That first client motivated us to incorporate the company and sped up the process of making MarsBased a reality.
Our CEO, Àlex Rodríguez Bacardit, explains why does he go every year to San Francisco and how he's built a brand and a network there throughout the years, from 2013 to 2023, through business development, friendship and lots of burritos.Support the Show.
🎬 You can watch the video of this episode on the Life on Mars podcast website: https://podcast.marsbased.com/
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We hosted Job van der Voort, CEO @ Remote, to discuss the status of remote work (obviously) but also derivates of this: employee benefits, async work, leadership, our day-to-day as CEOs of tech companies, services vs product and more.
Prior to founding Remote, Job served as the VP of Product at Gitlab, one of our reference companies when it comes to remote work, and now he's scaled his own venture to over 1000 employees worldwide to lead by example. Remote allows you to manage your HR needs for your remote team, from onboarding, to compliance and payroll, passing through employee benefits and much more!
For the first time in the history of this podcast, Àlex gets downright outclassed by Job's professional background, with LEGOs, neon lights and more! Check it out!Support the Show.
🎬 You can watch the video of this episode on the Life on Mars podcast website: https://podcast.marsbased.com/
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We have talked a lot about no-code back in the day, and far from being the technology that would render developers obsolete and take our jobs, it's become somewhat of a complement for quick experiments and lightweight MVPs.
Now, in light of the recent happenings with AI, we're sort of seeing the same narrative around AI replacing developers and taking our jobs and eventually destroying life on Earth as we know it... but is it real this time?
We discuss AI and no-code with Toby Oliver, CEO at Bravo Studio, a no-code tool that turns your Figma designs into apps. Toby was formerly the CTO at Typeform, so he knows a lot about what can be built with no-code or low-code.
A more technical episode than what we've been used to lately, but that's good for a change! Enjoy!Support the Show.
🎬 You can watch the video of this episode on the Life on Mars podcast website: https://podcast.marsbased.com/
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One of the downsides of running an agency, or a services-based company per se, is that you don't get media coverage. Only the biggest ones get some coverage but for us, small agencies, it's nearly impossible: we don't do B2C, we don't have products consumed by large chunks of population, most of our work is behind NDAs and also we don't raise funds.
The reality is that agencies are largely profitable and enjoyable businesses to run, even more so if you focus on value not on scale. Hence, we invited Jamon Holmgren (CTO and co-founder of Infinite Red) to jam on running a boutique agency like theirs.
We riff for about an hour, discussing NDAs, how to run boutique agencies, team crafting, React Native, lifestyle businesses and much more.Support the Show.
🎬 You can watch the video of this episode on the Life on Mars podcast website: https://podcast.marsbased.com/
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A couple of weeks ago, shit hit the fan. A bank run on Silicon Valley Bank had to be intervened because hundreds of companies pulled their funds out of this popular bank.
The US 16th largest bank, very popular among tech companies and startups, had to be sold because it became insolvent due to a series of bad decisions and their accumulated derivates.
We bring in our good friend Victor Horcasitas, CEO at Metropolitan Magazine and President of the American Society of Barcelona, to discuss the happenings and their consequences: how it all happened, what kind of regulations are in place, the decisions of former administrations that might've had an impact in this particular situation, predictions of the future, how to diversify banking risk for companies, and much more.
Grab a very cold clara and join us in this friendly conversation with Victor and Àlex!Support the Show.
🎬 You can watch the video of this episode on the Life on Mars podcast website: https://podcast.marsbased.com/
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We're excited to share this episode with you in which we talk to Kat O'Brien (Chief Partnerships Officer at ClimateTrade) about all things partnerships.
Kat has been operating in the partnerships and marketing sector of both startups and corporates in the last years - as a matter of fact, we met when she was CMO at Polaroo, a former client of MarsBased - and, to be honest, we have never discussed this topic on this podcast.
We've had our share of failed partnerships over the years because, quite frankly, we suck at partnerships. If we had met Kat before, we wouldn't have been so terrible at partnering with other companies.
We discuss KPIs for the partnerships, paid vs. free partnerships, who should spearhead these initiatives, reporting, selling to enterprise, finding the right key people to sign contracts... and more!Support the Show.
🎬 You can watch the video of this episode on the Life on Mars podcast website: https://podcast.marsbased.com/
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We bring in one of our references in UI/UX, Fabio Basile, to discuss freelancing in this sector. About time we discussed building a portfolio (with all the restrictions we can find as an agency: unlaunched projects, NDAs, etc.), choosing the right freelancer/agency for your project, red flags in clients AND in providers and much more.
Of course, we also discussed AI, because if not, we wouldn't be in 2023.
Join us in this very interesting conversation, with BLUNT opinions and "ahà" moments between two non-native English speakers who could've recorded this in Italian, but it would've been awkward for most of our audience. #customerfirstSupport the Show.
🎬 You can watch the video of this episode on the Life on Mars podcast website: https://podcast.marsbased.com/
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Kicking off the new year in great fashion with a solo episode of Àlex (CEO) doing a recap of our historic 2022 and some of the landmarks we've accomplished as a company and a look into 2023, with some hints regarding what we will research as a company and new technologies we will be tinkering with.
This episode is short and easy to digest, which comes in handy after two weeks of big and heavy meals. You're welcome.Support the Show.
🎬 You can watch the video of this episode on the Life on Mars podcast website: https://podcast.marsbased.com/
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This week, we didn't have a guest speaker either, so we decided to record a solo episode.
Àlex has addressed the team in an internal basecamp post to let us know that the company is very stable and that we're signing very long contracts with clients. That in mind, he gave us three things the company is doing to ensure more stability during this downturn of the market, where literally almost every company out there is firing employees left and right.
Listen directly from Àlex what is MarsBased doing to ensure stability, because it could be applicable also to other agencies and contractors/freelancers.
Also, someone tell him to stop recording episodes a few minutes before midnight.Support the Show.
🎬 You can watch the video of this episode on the Life on Mars podcast website: https://podcast.marsbased.com/
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One day you're a developer, like all the rest, and then you're not one of them anymore. That's what happens when you go up the management ladder in technical teams.
You still want to code and be cool, but you have to be focused on business, fundraising, managing people, putting processes into place and talking to partners and the leadership team or even the board. Definitely, not what a developer has to do.
In this episode, we discuss at length with Pau Minoves (ex-CTO at Typeform) and Xavier Noria (Rails Core Member) about the solitude of the managers, especially in remote environments.
There's some intrinsic solitude in what was mentioned in the first two paragraphs, but throw in full-remote working environments and BOOM, the perfect equation for developing solitude and other mental issues, if not dealt with carefully.
We talk about the pandemic, challenges of managing people remotely, impostor syndrome, communication styles, leadership in rough times, the importance of offsites and company retreats, and much more.
Also, this is the last episode Àlex recorded with his iconic brick wall background!Support the Show.
🎬 You can watch the video of this episode on the Life on Mars podcast website: https://podcast.marsbased.com/
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We had our friend Mark from AWS calling in from Websummit last year, we also had Jorge Jaramillo recording his podcast episode in a camper van, and now it's the time for someone to record from his car!
Jonas Rinde, serial entrepreneur in the Nordic region of Europe, and current CEO of Nomono, shares with us a masterclass of calculating risks and taking decisions at critical times, mixing his experience in extreme sports and high-level management in big corporations.Support the Show.
🎬 You can watch the video of this episode on the Life on Mars podcast website: https://podcast.marsbased.com/
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