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**From delivering newspapers in 4th grade to raising millions for real estate and co-founding a thriving co-working space—James Wahba’s journey is nothing short of inspiring.**🚀
In this episode of Funds & Founders, James shares:
✅ How his childhood paper route taught him business fundamentals 📈
✅ Raising $13M at 25 for real estate development 🏗️
✅ Building one of NYC’s most iconic co-working spaces 🚀
✅ Lessons from working alongside startups like Uber, Instacart, Stripe, Airbnb
✅ Why co-founder conflicts are one of the biggest startup killers 😨
If you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, real estate investor, or startup founder, you don’t want to miss this one!
Timestamps:
00:00 - Welcome to Funds & Founders!
00:20 - James Waba’s entrepreneurial journey begins
01:14 - Growing up in Connecticut and learning business from a paper route
02:18 - The business lessons from his first job 📜
03:14 - Learning about customer retention and revenue at a young age
05:10 - From paper route to film school & shooting concerts 🎥
06:35 - Starting one of the first online streaming sites (before YouTube!)
07:54 - Partnering with Microsoft & early struggles of internet startups 💻
09:12 - Raising funds & the early days of NYC tech
12:22 - Competing in the pre-YouTube era—how streaming was built back then
16:04 - Shutting down the startup and pivoting to real estate development
17:08 - Converting industrial property to high-value waterfront real estate
19:52 - Raising $13M for a real estate project at 25
22:11 - The 2008 market crash hits—what happened next?
25:46 - Lessons learned: How to survive market crashes
28:49 - Bootstrapping vs. raising VC: What should startups do?
31:07 - The reality of investor expectations & startup funding
32:55 - Pivoting from real estate to co-working spaces 🏢
35:49 - How James built one of NYC’s top co-working spaces
39:32 - Uber, Instacart, and Airbnb worked here—what was it like?
41:14 - Why taking equity over cash would have been the best move
44:08 - The rise and fall of the co-working space model
46:50 - How to build a real, engaged community (not just a Slack group)
49:21 - Challenges of managing a co-working space & scaling it
51:34 - What James is building in Austin & his new boutique hotel project
54:45 - Rapid fire Q&A: Advice for founders, resources, and more
58:07 - Best books for entrepreneurs 📚
1:00:39 - What’s missing in the Austin startup ecosystem?
1:01:34 - Final thoughts & where to connect with James
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In this episode of Funds and Founders, we sit down with Rajesh Sawhney—a seasoned investor, advisor, and the founder & CEO of GSF—who’s backed over 135 companies. Rajesh shares deep insights on what first-time founders need to know, the art of achieving product–market fit, and the unique dynamics of the Indian startup ecosystem. Whether you’re just starting out or already deep in your entrepreneurial journey, Rajesh’s practical advice on early validation, team building, and strategic execution is invaluable.
Learn how Rajesh:
Evaluates startup potential by spotting early traction and customer validationDetermines the right stage to raise funds and scale a businessSupports founders through hands-on mentorship and strategic guidanceNavigates the differences between local and global startup ecosystemsAdapts his investment approach in a rapidly evolving tech landscapeTimestamps: 0:00 – Introduction: Meet Rajesh Vijay and his journey as an investor and founder
9:10 – From Idea to Product: How early validation sets the stage for success
19:50 – Tips for First-Time Founders: Balancing passion with pragmatic execution
27:45 – Understanding Product–Market Fit: Recognizing early indicators and challenges
41:24 – Funding Stages: The importance of small validations before big bets
51:20 – Evaluating Founders: Key traits like decision-making, team building, and adaptability
63:10 – The Role of Angel Investors: Mentorship and strategic support for startups
76:50 – The Indian Startup Ecosystem: Regional insights and the nuances of market dynamics
87:30 – Regulatory Impact: Adapting to policy changes for sustainable growth
95:45 – Final Thoughts: Embracing a long-term vision in an ever-changing landscape
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In this episode of Funds and Founders, we welcome back Justin, founder of Fantasy Elect, a cutting-edge political gaming startup. Justin dives into his journey over the past year, tackling fundraising challenges, optimizing user acquisition, and building a trust-driven remote team. Gain actionable insights on scaling a startup in the political arena and preparing for upcoming elections.
Learn how Justin:
Navigated fundraising in a volatile marketTailored user acquisition for B2B and B2CLeveraged strategic partnerships and VC relationshipsSelected the best cities and events for growthPivoted from fantasy sports to political engagementFostered a remote team culture based on trustTimestamps: 0:00 - Introduction & Year in Review
2:50 - Fundraising Challenges
5:32 - Choosing the Right City
9:04 - Fundraising Lessons
12:47 - Cold Emailing Strategies
15:09 - Current Fundraising Focus
16:53 - Event Optimization
21:25 - Ecosystem Insights
22:29 - Pivoting Customer Acquisition
24:32 - Early Lessons
25:44 - First Three Months vs Now
29:45 - Importance of Marketing
34:09 - Continuous Marketing & Feedback
38:24 - Planning for Elections
42:41 - Engagement in Off-Cycles
46:04 - Exploring New Marketing Channels
49:12 - Time Management
55:09 - Team Culture & Trust
57:06 - Remote Work vs In-Person
59:04 - Future Plans & Insights
Follow Funds and Founders:
Website: https://www.fundsandfounders.comTwitter: @fundsandfoundInstagram: @fundsandfoundersYouTube: Funds and Founders
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In this episode of Funds and Founders, we sit down with Garrett and Brian from Lucid, a consulting firm specializing in pitch decks and brand clarity. Garrett and Brian share how they combined their complementary skill sets—spanning design, operations, and growth—to help founders overcome the challenge of communicating complex ideas simply.
Learn how they:
Refined their own co-founder “dating” process before teaming upDeveloped a framework for uncovering a company’s true mission, vision, and valuesHelp founders craft investor-ready pitch decks—even for highly technical productsDistinguish “brand” from “culture” and why both matter for scalingApproach growth strategy differently for B2B vs. B2C startupsWhether you’re an early-stage founder seeking investment or a seasoned entrepreneur refining your pitch, Garrett and Brian’s insights on clarity, branding, and storytelling are not to be missed!
Timestamps: 0:00 – Introduction and overview of Lucid 2:05 – How Garrett & Brian met and became co-founders 7:00 – Defining “clarity” and why founders struggle with it 12:40 – Business philosophy: getting to the “why” behind your startup 16:35 – Why technical founders need help explaining complex ideas 21:05 – When to invest in brand clarity vs. staying lean 26:10 – B2B vs. B2C: differences in messaging and traction 30:40 – Examples of effective (and ineffective) mission statements 35:50 – Branding vs. culture: how they intersect and why both matter 40:35 – The “spark moment” behind launching a startup 45:10 – Avoiding “cargo cult” thinking and learning real lessons 50:05 – Pivoting and the emotional toll of entrepreneurship 55:00 – What VCs really look for in a pitch deck 1:00:05 – Essential resources: Sequoia format, Venture Deals, and more 1:05:00 – Growth strategies: Revenue Architecture and the brand canvas 1:10:25 – The personal “why” and mental health in entrepreneurship 1:15:30 – Early-stage brand vs. Series A brand requirements 1:20:15 – Staying focused on real revenue-driving activities 1:25:05 – Wealth building, skill development, and time freedom 1:30:10 – Support systems: the Austin startup community 1:35:00 – “What would make you quit?” Parachute question from the previous guest
1:38:00 – Wrap-up and where to find Lucid Consulting
#entrepreneur #company #venturecapital #investors #business #pitchdeck #brand #investment
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In this episode of Funds and Founders, we sit down with Moby, a seasoned paid ads specialist who helps startups and established businesses alike accelerate their growth through strategic advertising. Moby shares his journey and dives deep into:
Determining the right time to start running paid ads—and why timing is crucialChoosing between Google, LinkedIn, Facebook, and other platforms based on your audienceUnderstanding key metrics like CTR and conversion rates to gauge campaign successCrafting compelling offers, landing pages, and funnels that convertAvoiding common pitfalls and maximizing ROI with a data-driven approachWhether you’re looking to launch your first campaign or refine your existing strategy, Moby’s insights on funnel design, audience targeting, and the art of testing are not to be missed!
Timestamps
0:00 – Introduction and Moby’s paid ads background
1:16 – When is the right time to invest in paid ads?
2:36 – Finding product-market fit vs. message-market fit
6:09 – The 80/20 of setting up your first paid ads campaign
8:36 – Paid search vs. paid social: Key differences and considerations
14:03 – Defining search intent and picking the right keywords
18:05 – Budgeting for ads and what metrics to watch
22:05 – Understanding funnels and lead qualification
26:45 – Tracking ROI: Cost per lead, cost per meeting, and RoAS
31:30 – Crafting offers and packaging: Why it matters
36:55 – Common mistakes to avoid when running ads
39:56 – Brand awareness campaigns vs. direct response tactics
43:09 – The importance of creative testing and ad copy
47:15 – Why landing page experience can make or break conversions
50:42 – E-commerce vs. B2B: Ad strategy differences
54:03 – Overcoming qualification hurdles with leads
56:31 – Final tips to refine your paid ads funnel
59:27 – Conclusion and wrap-up
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In this episode of Funds and Founders, we sit down with Aaron, a performance coach who helps founders and entrepreneurs optimize their business execution through OKRs (Objectives and Key Results). Aaron shares deep insights on goal setting, prioritization, and creating effective business frameworks.
Learn how Aaron:
- Helps founders set realistic yet ambitious 12-month goals
- Creates frameworks for breaking down long-term vision into actionable steps
- Guides teams in implementing effective OKR systems
- Balances personal and business priorities for sustainable growth
- Transforms company execution through priority management
Whether you're just starting your entrepreneurial journey or leading an established company, Aaron's practical approach to goal setting and execution is invaluable for any business leader!
Timestamps:
0:00 - Introduction & The importance of strategic planning
1:24 - Fundamentals of effective goal setting
3:37 - Choosing the right time horizon for goals
5:48 - Setting realistic 12-month targets
10:41 - Balancing ambition with reality in goal setting
15:44 - Priority management and maintaining focus
21:25 - Taking action vs over-planning
26:50 - Understanding and implementing OKRs
34:37 - Getting leadership team alignment
39:19 - Quarterly planning and execution strategies
46:00 - Defining and tracking success metrics
55:59 - When and how to adapt your vision
58:30 - Recommended resources for goal setting
1:00:24 - Creating freedom through effective business systems
Connect with Aaron:
Website: performancemindsetcoaching.co
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In this episode of Funds and Founders, we sit down with John Davison, founder of StartupLandia, a hybrid venture studio and development shop. John shares his journey from being a Bay Area engineer to helping early-stage founders build sustainable products. Learn how John:
Helps founders validate ideas before writing codeReduces engineering costs through strategic tool selectionNavigates the impact of AI on product developmentStructures development teams for optimal efficiencyBalances technical implementation with business needsWhether you're a technical founder or a business person looking to build a product, John's insights on sustainable development and founder success are invaluable!
Timestamps: 0:00 - Intro & StartupLandia's Mission 2:32 - When Founders Need Technical Help 6:20 - Why Pre-Development Work Matters 9:54 - Validating Ideas Before Building 12:42 - AI's Real Impact on Development 16:40 - The Truth About Software Costs 20:35 - Importance of User Experience 29:10 - Working with Technical Founders 33:20 - Structuring Development Teams 42:37 - Global Development Perspectives 47:09 - Building Support Systems 1:02:06 - Resources for Founders 1:07:09 - Austin Tech Ecosystem 1:10:42 - Contact & Final Thoughts
Connect with John: Website: startuplandia.io Twitter: @JCDavison LinkedIn: John Davison
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In this episode, we sit down with Preeya, COO of Beehive, to discuss her journey from being a VP at a large tech company to joining Beehive as employee. Learn how she helped scale the company from seed stage to Series B, growing from 8 to 80+ employees. Priya shares insights on startup operations, remote work culture, board management, and making the leap from big tech to early-stage startups.
Priya shares how she:
Transitioned from a VP role to an early-stage startupHelped scale Beehive from 8 to 80+ employees through Series BBuilt and maintains a successful remote-first company cultureNavigates board management and metric trackingApproaches goal setting and prioritization in a high-growth environmentWhether you're considering joining a startup or already in a leadership role, Priya's insights on scaling operations and building successful teams are invaluable!
Timestamps: 0:00 - Introduction and Background 3:29 - Evaluating Early-Stage Companies 6:18 - First 90 Days at a Startup 8:41 - Transitioning Industries 11:22 - Understanding the Chief of Staff Role 14:16 - Red Flags When Joining Early-Stage Companies 16:38 - Compensation Structure in Startups 21:57 - Scaling from 8 to 80 Employees 29:06 - Remote vs In-Person Work Culture 31:42 - Prioritization and Goal Setting 34:27 - Board Management and Metrics 48:39 - Importance of Mentorship 55:04 - Future of Beehive 56:15 - Book and Resource Recommendations 57:21 - Support Systems for Startup Life 58:09 - Personal Growth and Freedom
Connect with Preeya: Email: [email protected] Website: https://beehive.com
#startup #tech #leadership #entrepreneurship #careeradvice
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In this episode of Funds and Founders, we sit down with Dean Elazab, a former big law attorney who now helps startups navigate the legal landscape. Dean shares insights from both sides of the table, having built and sold his own startup before becoming a lawyer.
Learn how Dean:
Guides founders through critical legal decisionsHelps protect founder & employee equityNavigates complex term sheets and financing roundsDemystifies preferred stock and liquidation preferencesCreates founder-friendly legal structuresBalances growth with legal protectionWhether you're just starting out or raising your next round, Dean's practical insights on startup law and founder protection are not to be missed!
Timestamps: 0:00 - Intro & Dean's Background 4:57 - When to Bring in Legal Help 10:32 - Common Legal Mistakes & Horror Stories 15:06 - Understanding IP Protection 20:48 - Initial Legal Setup for Startups 29:17 - Term Sheets & Negotiation 37:05 - Safe Notes & Bridge Rounds 45:48 - Understanding Stock Classes 54:05 - Exit Scenarios & Liquidation 1:02:42 - Resources for Founders 1:08:33 - Support Systems & Final Thoughts
Connect with Dean: Website: elazablegal.com Twitter: @DeanElazab
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In this episode of Funds and Founders, we sit down with Damian Longoria, founder of Hubble - a marketplace connecting artists with live event opportunities. From sleeping in his car to building a music tech startup, Damian shares his journey with raw honesty.
Learn how Damian:
Discovered problems in the music industry through event organizingNavigated early development setbacks with offshore teamsApproaches building without technical co-foundersBalances vision with practical executionViews Austin's evolving music sceneThinks about product development and go-to-marketKey takeaways for founders on validating ideas, working with development agencies, and building in the music industry space.
Timestamps: 0:00 - Introduction & Background 2:51 - Start of Entrepreneurial Journey 15:16 - Early Development Challenges 30:26 - Co-founder Search & Dynamics 41:09 - Vision for Next 12 Months 46:17 - Building in Austin's Music Scene 48:05 - Founder Resources & Support 54:01 - Tech Stack & Infrastructure 55:28 - Perception vs Reality 59:08 - Closing Thoughts
Connect with Damian: Email: [email protected] Instagram: @hubblecys Website: hubblecys.com
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In this episode of Funds and Founders, we sit down with Sarthak Kaul, founder at GigPay and host of the True Calling podcast. Sarthak shares his unique perspective on finding purpose in the startup world and why the 0-to-1 journey keeps calling him back.
Learn how Sarthak:
Transitioned from VC in Singapore to startup operationsBuilt and managed remote teams across continentsLaunched a successful podcast exploring purpose and callingApproaches product development and team managementBalances entrepreneurship with personal growthNavigates fear and builds courage in the startup journeyWhether you're questioning your career path or building your own venture, Sarthak's insights on finding purpose while building valuable businesses are essential listening!
Timestamps: 0:00 - Introduction & Background 3:45 - Why Choose Startups Over Big Tech 7:16 - The Truth About 0-to-1 Stage 10:01 - Finding Insights & Building Solutions 21:25 - Balancing Passion with Practicality 27:25 - Courage vs Fear in Entrepreneurship 35:26 - Flow State & Peak Performance 42:31 - Walking as Meditation 45:46 - Three Essential Resources for Finding Your Path 50:57 - Building Your Support System 51:54 - Managing Remote Teams 56:35 - Closing Thoughts
Connect with Sarthak: Podcast: True Calling (Available on Spotify & YouTube) LinkedIn: Sarthak Kaul Company: GigPay (Now hiring!)
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In this episode of Funds and Founders, we sit down with Ash, co-founder of Wolf.xyz, who recently closed their Series A round. Ash shares his journey from building a successful staffing platform in Chile to his current venture in B2B SaaS.
Learn how Ash:
Built and scaled a staffing platform to cover one-third of SantiagoNavigated international markets between Chile and the USTurned a product failure into a successful exitMade the transition from bootstrapped to VC-backedApproached hiring and team building post-fundingLearned valuable lessons through multiple startup attemptsWhether you're a first-time founder or serial entrepreneur, Ash's insights on building in different markets and knowing when to pivot are not to be missed!
Timestamps: 0:00 - Intro & Early Entrepreneurial Journey 3:09 - First Failed Venture & Lessons 5:29 - Product Market Fit Definition 10:31 - Moving to Chile & Building Elephants 15:33 - Scaling in Santiago 20:48 - US Market Entry & Challenges 24:19 - Decision to Exit 29:17 - Building Wolf.xyz 37:05 - TechStars Experience 46:54 - Views on VC vs Bootstrapping 54:05 - Post-Series A Focus & Hiring 59:29 - Startup Ecosystem Differences 1:02:02 - Tech Stack & Tools 1:04:20 - Closing Thoughts
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In 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 consulting
Whether 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 Sarah
1:00 - Early Entrepreneurial Journey
4:13 - Landing First 40 Clients in 6 Months
7:46 - Video Production & Freelance Work
11:34 - First Big Website Project ($1,800)
15:07 - Taking the Leap from 9-5
20:48 - Journey from Design to Business Operations
29:32 - Finding & Monetizing Notion
41:03 - Building Multiple Revenue Streams
46:54 - Template Business Success ($120K+)
59:06 - Current Pricing Model & Strategy
1:02:41 - Tech Stack & Tools Breakdown
1:06:54 - Three Essential Resources for Beginners
1:09:42 - Interesting Recent Learning
1:13:13 - Final Thoughts & Wrap-up
#entrepreneur #business #startup #podcast #marketing #notion #sale #tools #aspirations #founder #freelancing
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In 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 brand
Whether 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 background
2:00 - Early entrepreneurial experiences and learning about human behavior
7:22 - The journey from shoe enthusiast to brand founder
12:45 - Explaining the J.Rosario brand and custom shoe process
17:30 - Challenges of educating customers about shoe quality
22:05 - The technology and craftsmanship behind J.Rosario shoes
27:40 - Marketing strategies and early sales experiences
32:15 - Balancing quality, craftsmanship, and scalability
37:50 - Tech stack and tools for running an e-commerce business
42:30 - Advice for aspiring entrepreneurs
47:15 - Lessons learned from mentorship
52:00 - The importance of hunger alignment in business
56:45 - Closing thoughts and where to find J.Rosario online
#entrepreneur #business #startup #podcast #marketing #ecommerce #sale #scalability #aspirations #founder
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In 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 founder
Whether 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 background
1:06 - The start of Becca's entrepreneurial journey
2:19 - Transitioning from employee to founder mindset
4:09 - Building a strong co-founder relationship
5:51 - Managing conflicts and decision-making as co-founders
8:28 - From idea to launch: The birth of Workweek
12:02 - The "knowledge expert paradox" in B2B media
14:51 - Building and scaling niche B2B media brands
18:42 - Strategies for content creation and distribution
22:34 - The importance of authenticity in content
26:44 - Team building and remote work culture
31:35 - Insights on newsletter growth and audience building
37:35 - The role of personal branding for founders
41:26 - Balancing work and personal life as an entrepreneur
45:54 - Tech stack and tools for running a media business
50:51 - Resources for aspiring entrepreneurs
56:38 - Exciting developments and future plans for Workweek
59:30 - Closing thoughts and how to connect with Becca
#MediaStartup #ContentCreation #B2BMarketing #Entrepreneurship #WorkweekMedia #podcast #startup #founder
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In 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 CEO
Whether 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 background
2:20 - Early entrepreneurial experiences and website building
5:34 - Lessons learned from early financial mistakes
10:22 - The journey from web design to SEO agency
15:19 - Niching down to focus on the travel industry
22:02 - Team building and managing a remote workforce
26:44 - The process of scaling and hiring for an agency
32:57 - Insights on the travel industry and marketing strategies
41:26 - Long-term goals and future of Propellic
46:36 - Marketing tests and LinkedIn conversation ads
49:36 - Tech stack and tools for running an agency
54:13 - AI applications in agency workflows
56:32 - Book recommendations and resources for entrepreneurs
59:45 - The cost of mis-hires and importance of a good hiring process
1:02:42 - Balancing work and personal life as an entrepreneur
1:06:07 - Closing thoughts and how to connect with Brennan
#AgencyGrowth #DigitalMarketing #SEO #TravelIndustry #Entrepreneurship
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In 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 projects
Whether 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 background
3:06 - The importance of business models in entrepreneurship
7:52 - Transition from engineering to e-commerce
12:02 - Insights on private labeling and wholesale
18:42 - The birth of Sableflow and product development process
26:28 - Balancing business relationships with family and friends
31:16 - From concept to finished product: The Sableflow journey
37:05 - Kickstarter campaign strategies and lessons learned
42:39 - The transition to Effortless Hire and virtual staffing
46:10 - Common mistakes business owners make with virtual assistants
49:29 - Misconceptions about offshore hiring
52:27 - The importance of hiring before creating SOPs
55:24 - Three valuable resources for entrepreneurs
59:20 - Startup tech stack and tools
1:01:24 - Favorite entrepreneurial stories and lessons
1:06:13 - Closing thoughts and where to find tomer's businesses
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In 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 success
Whether 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 background
2:31 - Starting an SEO business in high school
7:17 - Scaling the agency and hiring employees
12:03 - Pivoting to content marketing and affiliate sites
18:42 - Deciding when to exit the business
22:34 - The origin of Tiny Talks
27:41 - Memorable Tiny Talks stories
32:25 - The importance of in-person connection
37:29 - Running Tiny Talks as a passion project
41:33 - Advice on finding your niche
45:22 - Book recommendations for entrepreneurs
49:51 - 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
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In 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 businesses
Whether 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 background
3:45 - The power of podcasting for networking and personal growth
7:22 - Transitioning from side hustle to full-time business
10:15 - Building an agency vs. creating a SaaS product
14:30 - Client acquisition strategies and outbound marketing
19:05 - Email marketing tactics and closing deals
23:40 - Pricing strategies and maintaining margins
28:15 - The challenges of running a service-based business
32:45 - Tech stack and tools for running an agency
35:20 - Book recommendations for entrepreneurs
38:30 - The importance of rereading books
42:33 - Why Ryan moved to Austin and who should consider it
46:37 - Exciting future technologies (AI video generation)
48:47 - Podcast post-production and marketing tips
53:42 - Closing thoughts and where to find Ryan online
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In 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 brand
Watch the full episode on @FundsAndFounders
#Entrepreneurship #ProductDevelopment #StartupAdvice #RemoteWork #innovation
Timestamps:
00:00:00 Introduction and Linnify's mission
00:04:29 Product validation and market research
00:11:58 Founder pitfalls and early startup experiences
00:24:52 Managing remote teams and company culture
00:27:33 Misconceptions about offshore development
00:32:08 Future plans for Linnify
00:39:52 Personal brand vs. company brand
00:43:24 Catalin's support system
00:45:02 Startup tech stack and tools
00:47:24 Discussion on recommended resources for entrepreneurs
00:48:05 Question from previous guest about entrepreneurial moment
00:49:33 Catalin's question for future guest
00:50:13 Host shares anecdote about previous guest's entrepreneurial moment
00:50:56 Discussion on the impact of first business check
00:51:17 Where to find Catalin online
00:51:42 Closing remarks and future plans
- Daha fazla göster
