Startup Success: A Podcast for Founders & Investors

Today's guest, Krish Ramineni, Co-Founder and CEO at Fireflies.ai and a 2022 Fortune 30 under 30, joins us with his candid advice and insight gleaned from ​his success scaling Fireflies.ai - including two highly successful fundraising rounds. We discuss the importance of knowing when to pivot your ideas and how to use setbacks as feedback. We also delve into the value of discipline in fundraising and the benefits of leveraging existing relationships when seeking funding. We look at product-led growth — and how it can be incredibly successful. Finally, we'll provide tips and strategies for finding top talent in a slowing job market and offer guidance on effectively navigating these challenging times. Tune in for actionable insights and practical advice to help you succeed in today's challenging environment. Join us as we discuss the following: Being disciplined when fundraising and utilizing existing relationshipsDriving sales through product-led growthHow to hire and fundraise in today's economic climateKnowing when to pivot and treating every setback as feedback

As a Founder, it's easy to get lost in the day-t0-day chaos of growing your startup. Often, you end up taking shortcuts and sacrificing the well-being of yourself and your team — to the detriment of your company as a whole. Our guest today, AJ Yawn, Founder and CEO at ByteChek shares detailed suggestions on how to build a strong company culture and how you, as a founder, can optimize your mental health to set yourself up for success. Join as we discuss: Culture — why focusing on it early pays off with your teamThe 32-hour work week and the impact it has had on ByteChek's culture and productivity The importance of self-care — mental well-being and other healthy habits for foundersIdeas for a winning morning routine to set your day up for success

In today's episode, Lakshmi Shenoy, CEO of Embarc Collective, joins us to discuss the critical areas early-stage startups must pay attention to for success. Lakshmi makes a strong case for listening to data and why starting a company is similar to a scientific experiment. Lakshmi also shares how founders are tapping into Florida's economy to start and grow their companies and how Embarc Collective helps startups in their unique journey. Join us as we discuss:Critical priorities for early-stage startupsHow to identify blind spots as foundersFlorida and Tampa's startup scene and the opportunities thereEmbarc Collective - how they work with startups and why their model is so successfulIf you want to hear more episodes like this one, check us out on Apple Podcasts.If you don't use Apple Podcasts, you can find every episode here.Listening on a desktop & can't see the links? Just search for Startup Success in your favorite podcast player.

As a Founder, staying focused is key to achieving your startup's success. In today's episode, Kirin Sinha, Founder, and CEO, at Illumix, joins us to discuss how Founders can stay focused on their product, team and path and not lose focus in this ever-changing macro-environment.Join us as we discuss: How to work through and test your product hypothesis as a FounderToday's challenging macro environment and how to adjust Understanding your phase of fundraising and how to tailor your pitch for a successful round in today's fundraising climate Leading your team through today's murky market Using competitive advantages and not worrying about competitors to maximize growth 

Today's guest Dan White, the Co-Founder, and CMO at Clean Crop Technologies joins the show to discuss how he has overcome the challenges hardware startups face by finding product fit early and owning the manufacturing process. This episode is a must-listen for anyone involved in a hardware startup. Join us as we discuss: Challenges for hardware startups and how to solve for them including product fit Why getting close or owning your manufacturing proces can be a huge competitive advantage and how to do this effectively The importance of customer insights and feedback and why it is so important for hardware startups The future of AgTech and exciting possibilities in improving the supply chain

Rithvik Venna, Co-Founder & COO at OROS and member of the Forbes 30 under 30, joins us to discuss how a climb up a mountain in the Swiss Alps inspired a major change in outdoor apparel which led to groundbreaking innovation in material technology. OROS used Kickstarter to gather initial funding and test their concept and then went on to raise a successful seed and Series A round, and non-dilutive funding from the government for their innovation in material tech. Rithvik walks us through the reasons for their success and provides tips and advice throughout the episode. Join us as we discuss How to expand your target market for optimal scaling Non-dilutive government funding for your startup that increases shareholder value The other benefits of government funding around innovation and expanding uses cases/target market How to Build a Strong Founding Team and Why this is Important

Creating a healthy work environment is vital to building a successful startup. A key part of that is empowering employees by giving them a safe space where they know their voice is heard. Claire Schmidt, Founder & CEO of AllVoices, joins us to discuss the importance of establishing feedback loops for employees. Feedback loops help build strong teams, reinforce cultural values, and improve productivity. Join us as we discuss:  Employee Feedback Loops - what they are & how to set up The Power of Feedback for building a winning team culture Putting employees first - the key to a healthy workplace  Advice for founders on fundraising and finding balance This discussion with Claire Schmidt was taken from our show Startup Success. Find Claire on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/clairecschmidt/ or visit https://www.allvoices.co/.   Subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts or find every episode here. Listening on a desktop & can't see the links? Just search for Startup Success in your favorite podcast player.

Product led growth drives customer retention and expansion through the value of your product.  Today's guest, Shannon Curran, Director of Content and Brand Strategy at OpenView VC, shares today's key principles for product lead growth and how to build a community for a competitive advantage. Shannon also discusses who your first marketing hire should be and how to build out your marketing function. This is a must listen for founders wanting more insight on product fit and marketing.  We discuss: Your first marketing hire and how to build out your marketing team Ways to create and build product-led growth Growth model where product usage drives customer retention and expansion How to build a customer community for a competitive advantage  OpenView's 11 Product Led Growth Principles for the New Age   This discussion with Shannon Curran was taken from our show Startup Success. Find Shannon on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/shannon-sweeny-curran-55332942/ or visit https://openviewpartners.com Subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts or find every episode here. Listening on a desktop & can't see the links? Just search for Startup Success in your favorite podcast player.

It's a very special 50th episode of Startup Success!  Jeff Burkland, Founder and CEO of Burkland joins the show to discuss his in-depth experience working with startups as a fractional CFO and as a founder himself. Jeff shares common mistakes he has seen startup founders make in his consulting work and shares areas that helped with success. As a founder, Jeff also shares how a company's success and growth comes down to the core values the company has. Core values lay out the expectations of employees, how decisions, especially difficult ones can be made and how as your company grows, you learn to delegate your everyday responsibilities to those you bring in to scale with.  We discuss: Learning and adjusting from mistakes as CEO  Success through core values and making difficult decisions Accommodating your company's scale with your responsibilities    Elevate/delegate - tying your ability to scale with the founder's responsibilities This discussion with Jeff Burkalnd was taken from our show Startup Success. Find Jeff on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/jburkland/ or visit https://burklandassociates.com/  Subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts or find every episode here. Listening on a desktop & can't see the links? Just search for Startup Success in your favorite podcast player.

Benefits play an integral role in retaining and attracting employees, but for startups watching their cash runway, providing a strong benefit offering can be challenging. Alex X Frommeyer, Founder & CEO of Beam Benefits, joins us to discuss how startups can maximize their employee benefits within their budget. As a founder who has guided Beam from its early stage through its Series E, Alex also shares advice on building a strong culture which also plays an integral role in creating a winning employee team.  We discuss: How startups can use benefits to attract and retain employees without breaking their budget  The future of benefits and where founders should focus Developing Employee Culture - a key is setting and communicating expectations  Advice for founders in today's challenging landscape This discussion with Alex Frommeyer was taken from our show Startup Success. Find Alexon LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexfrommeyer/ or visit https://www.beambenefits.com/  Subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts or find every episode here. Listening on a desktop & can't see the links? Just search for Startup Success in your favorite podcast player.

Solo-founders can face major challenges, but our guest, Nathan Marz, Founder and CEO of Red Planet Labs, shows there are many advantages as well. Nathan has met the challenges with full force. From his days founding and scaling Backtype which was acquired by Twitter, to his success leading Red Planet Labs, he shares lessons learned and some excellent insight and advice for solo founders - and all founders out there!    We discuss: How to build momentum when fundraising The challenges and advantages of being a solo founder Tactical advice on leading a remote development team Other practical tips for growth Nathan has learned first-hand    This discussion with Nathan Marz was taken from our show Startup Success. Find Nathan on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathanmarz/ or visit https://redplanetlabs.com.  Subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts or find every episode here.  Listening on a desktop & can't see the links? Just search for Startup Success in your favorite podcast player.

From the football field to the board room, our guest is a former Super Bowl winning NFL player who now sits as a Managing Partner at Next Play Capital, a minority owned investment platform focused on investing in top-tier venture funds and venture backed companies with a focus on championing minority voices.  Former Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker, Ryan Nece, has a unique perspective towards identifying and fostering great founders and startups in the competitive VC marketplace. Ryan also shares some unique insight for founders and investors on how to find success. We discuss: How Ryan's history in the NFL has led to his success as a VC What makes a good investment and the importance of values   The traits of a successful founder and some important questions to ask yourself His mission to get more minority voices heard by VCs This discussion with Ryan Nece was taken from our show Startup Success. Find Ryan on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-nece-abb07b8/ or visit https://www.nextplaycapital.com/  Subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts or find every episode here. Listening on a desktop & can't see the links? Just search for Startup Success in your favorite podcast player.

Moving to Silicon Valley in 1998, our guest has served his time in the trenches of startup land. With several successful startups behind him, including the successful sale of E-Nor, now he's dedicated to sharing his knowledge and experience so other founders don't suffer the “same wounds and scars.”   Feras Alhlou is a highly sought-after mentor, advisor, and consultant to startups. He has also recently launched the YouTube channel, Start Up with Feras  In this lively and informative episode, we'll discuss: Being a leader vs being a manager How pivoting quickly leads to growth Failing fast and moving forward Pioneering remote work for a startup  The importance of giving back as a founder     This discussion with Feras Alhlou was taken from our show Startup Success. Find Feras on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/ferasalhlou/.    Subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts or find every episode here.  Listening on a desktop & can't see the links? Just search for Startup Success in your favorite podcast player.

In the early stages of a startup, much is riding on the strengths of the founding team. There is critical importance on creating a marketing function, placing members in the correct function and generating the most accurate buyer persona.  Without, and you've got a monster of a business on your hands.  Jeff Reynolds is the president of Reynolds + Myers as well as an investor, acclaimed writer of The Monster That Ate Marketing, and Y Combinator alum. He's leveraging his tech and marketing background to superpower both legacy businesses and startups. In this episode, we discuss: How to set-up your startup's marketing function correctly  Why generating the correct buyer persona is critical & how to do it  Practical suggestions for a successful scalable marketing team Best practices from The Monsters That Ate Marketing Why founders should embrace modern marketing to reduce chaos This discussion with Jeff Reynolds was taken from our show Startup Success. Find Jeff on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/thinkjeffthink/, or visit JeffReynolds.com. Subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts or find every episode here. Listening on a desktop & can't see the links? Just search for Startup Success in your favorite podcast player.

In this episode Alejandro Lozano, Founding Principal at Newtype Ventures, delves into the current market conditions and what founders can expect to see around fundraising: lower valuations, less favorable terms, and other ramifications. Alejandro shares advice on how founders can use these changing conditions to their advantage.   We discuss: How to fundraise and approach VCs in this market  What the rest of 2022 could look like for valuations Lower tech salaries, less favorable terms, and other predictions for this year Why and how this environment is actually a huge opportunity for founders This discussion with Alejandro Lozano was taken from our show Startup Success. Find Alejandro on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/in/alejandro-lozano-80914129/ or visit newtypeventures.com.   Subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts or find every episode here. Listening on a desktop & can't see the links? Just search for Startup Success in your favorite podcast player.

You may not know this but the government issues all sorts of grants and funding for startups in many sectors — sectors and products that would surprise you. This non-dilutive funding is an excellent option for many founders because the government does not take equity or intellectual property, and they can play a strong role in technology adoption. In this episode, Kevin Cammack, CEO at Aegis Creek, shares his experience and expertise of working closely with startups to secure funding from the government. We discuss: How to utilize government grants & other non dilutive funding for you startup  Ideas for selling to government agencies that can generate big wins for your startup Helping founders build sustainable business models      This discussion with Kevin Cammack was taken from our show Startup Success. Find Kevin on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/kcammack/ or visit https://aegiscreek.com/.    Subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts or find every episode here.  Listening on a desktop & can't see the links? Just search for Startup Success in your favorite podcast player.

If you've gone through it, you know—there's a lot of issues with the fundraising experience.  And if you haven't gone through it, you likely have a lot of questions about what you should do, who you should talk to, and how to get it all right.  Jason Furtado, Founder of Shoobx, has answers. After countless conversations with founders, lawyers, and investors, he has a 360-degree view of the fundraising process.  He explains how to standardize your process, organize your documents, and bring together all the necessary parties, and how you can use technology to do so.  We discuss: How to avoid pitfalls in the fundraising process How to organize and standardize the process Fundraising success stories  The value of mentors    Resources mentioned during the podcast: How To Fix The Broken Fundraising Process for Entrepreneurs   This discussion with Jason Furtado was taken from our show Startup Success. Find Jason on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/in/jasonfurtado or visit shoobx.com.   Subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts or find every episode here.  Listening on a desktop & can't see the links? Just search for Startup Success in your favorite podcast player.

The downturn that has dominated the new cycle doesn't bring a lot of positivity and can have investors and founders feeling nervous.   However, the financial flux doesn't need to be a negative. Sean Jacobsohn, Partner at Norwest Venture Partners, sees the positives within the changing market and how it can benefit companies with less competitors in a niche space.   In this special episode, Burkland's Founder and CEO, Jeff Burkland, talks with Sean about strategies for startup success, trends and outlooks for the future.   Sean's philosophy on why a strong go-to-market strategy is critical The current startup landscape and how investors are reacting How high valuation is affecting fundraising's demand environment Why a downturn can be a positive for founders in a niche market   This discussion with Sean Jacobsohn was taken from our show Startup Success. Find Sean on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/seanjacobsohn/ or visit https://www.nvp.com/.    Subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts or find every episode here.  Listening on a desktop & can't see the links? Just search for Startup Success in your favorite podcast player.

We've heard the news, we've seen prices going up, watched volatility in the markets and tracked other economic indicators.  Chances are, there is a downturn and possibly a recession on our horizon.  That doesn't mean it's time to panic. There are simple, actionable steps you can take now to prepare your startup to get through a downturn and build the best possible outcome for the future.  In this special episode, Burkland's Steve Lord, CFO Fintech Practice Lead, and Daniel Rosenbaum, Burkland Consulting CFO, give candid advice on preparing for a downturn and a reminder that this has happened before with companies making it through by taking the necessary actions.  We discuss: The upcoming downward trend or recession  How to prepare your startup for the future - actionable steps you can take now  Best practices for the three “C's”: cash runway, communication and contingency planning to survive a downturn or recession  This discussion with Steve Lord and Daniel Rosenbaum was taken from our show Startup Success. Find Steve on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevenblord/ and Daniel at https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-rosenbaum-b908ab4/ or visit burklandassociates.com.   Subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts or find every episode here. Listening on a desktop & can't see the links? Just search for Startup Success in your favorite podcast player.

No matter what industry you're in, one thing is true of every startup: They need funding. While venture capital may be the first thing that comes to mind, another powerful method for getting founders funded is angel investing. And whether you're a founder yourself or an investor looking to broaden your portfolio, angel investing is not to be overlooked. Today, we're speaking with Haley Bryant, GM at Golden Wok and Venture Partner at Hustle Fund, about all the ins and outs of angel investing and how to get started with this exciting avenue for securing capital. Join us as we discuss: The risks and rewards in angel investing How to find the 100x investments How Haley's passion for supporting founders from underrepresented communities translates into angel investing Why you need to create feedback loops This discussion with Haley Bryant was taken from our show Startup Success. Find Haley on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/in/haleymbryantor.   Subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts or find every episode here. Listening on a desktop & can't see the links? Just search for Startup Success in your favorite podcast player.

David Cowan, Partner at Bessemer Venture Partners, believes in a proactive investment approach. Unlike other VCs, David doesn't let the deal flow dictate where to invest. Instead, like other partners at Bessemer Venture Partner, he delves into research, attends conferences, and talks to experts on the bleeding edge of innovation to identify where there are new opportunities to make a difference in the world. With his investments, he has set his sights on big, future-defining topics such as climate change, quantum computing, space, sustainable agriculture, and cybersecurity. And as of a few weeks ago, 34 of those companies have reached IPO. Special co-host Marc Zablatsky, Managing Director of the CFO Practice at Burkland, joins the show to chat with David about his investment philosophy and what he's seeing in the startup landscape.  We discuss: The growing collaboration between governments and startups The immense power and potential applications of quantum computing 7 areas of innovation to combat climate change A uniquely proactive approach to investment David's new mockumentary Bubble Proof This discussion with David Cowan was taken from our show Startup Success. Find David on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/in/davidjcowan or visit bvp.com.    Subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts or find every episode here. Listening on a desktop & can't see the links? Just search for Startup Success in your favorite podcast player.

The startup journey is full of ups and downs, and to navigate them, founders need to have grit and resilience. Joshua Wöhle led one start up, Super Awesome, to a succes sful acquisition by Epic Games and is the CEO and Co-Founder of another, Mindstone Learning. He shares how to navigate growth issues, the challenges of being a founder and why continuous learning is an important part any successful startup founder's journey. We discuss: Details around Joshua's “super” acquisition and what he learned from the process Continuous learning - why it is important and how to succeed at it The importance of immediate feedback loops  What makes a good startup founder for the long-term This discussion with Joshua Wöhle was taken from our show Startup Success. Find Joshua on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/in/joshuawohle, on Twitter at @JoshuaWohl e or visit mi ndstone.com.   Subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts or find every episode here. Listening on a desktop & can't see the links? Just search for Startup Success in your favorite podcast player.

Employees want more.  In this new era of work, people are looking for transformation—to contribute to work that is bigger than themselves—and to keep them, employers must create a culture that clearly defines the mission and purpose of the company.  Gabrielle Bosché, Co-Founder of The Purpose Company and President of The Millennial Solution, helps people discover their purpose. She talks about the role purpose plays in employee fulfillment - both for attracting and retaining talent - and shares other insights into the millennial workforce.  We discuss: How purpose makes you a better employee and helps build better companies Why purpose is the key to attracting and retaining better talent How to work with the millennial generation  What most companies get wrong about onboarding and modeling behaviors  Resources mentioned during the podcast: The Purpose Factor  Keep Them Longer  7-Figure Purpose Facebook Group   This discussion with Gabrielle Bosché was taken from our show Startup Success. Find Gabrielle on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/in/gabriellebosche or visit purposecompany.co.    Subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts or find every episode here.  Listening on a desktop & can't see the links? Just search for Startup Success in your favorite podcast player.

Unless you've been through the startup journey before, it's difficult to know how, and just as importantly, when to acquire capital. With the right amount of capital from the right investor at the right time, you can significantly influence your company's growth. Carlos Antequera, and his firm, Novel Capital, help entrepre neurs solve that riddle. In this episode, Carlos shares how his early startup experiences led to the discovery of a gap in the funding ecosystem, and why revenue-based financing is an actionable alternative route for startups. Plus, he shares insights and advice for other founders on the startup journey. We discuss: The challenges startups face in acquiring capital to grow The gaps in the financial structure ecosystem How revenue-based financing works Other emerging trends in the startup ecosystem This discussion with Carlos Antequera was taken from our show Startup Success. Find Carlos on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/in/carlosantequera or visit novelcapital.com.    Subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts or find every episode here. Listening on a desktop & can't see the links? Just search for Startup Success in your favorite podcast player.

What will the future of work for startups look like? Increasingly, the workforce will be made up of freelancers. In fact, it's predicted that 60% will be freelancing by the end of 2023. To succeed in this new era of work, startups will need to foster a flexible workforce DNA—or risk becoming obsolete. Shahar Erez, Co-Founder & CEO at Stoke Talent, shares how startups should establish a freelance strategy, and how his company makes it easier to manage a freelance workforce. We discuss: Why & How the future of work is evolving Building a Talent Cloud to develop a hiring pool and recruit faster Benefits and improved ROI of using Freelancers How to establish a freelance strategy How Stoke can help This discussion with Shahar Erez was taken from our show Startup Success. Find Shahar on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/in/shaharer or visit stoketalent.com. Subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts or find every episode here. Listening on a desktop & can't see the links? Just search for Startup Success in your favorite podcast player.

As a startup scales, there's a difficult transition that entrepreneurs must make—from founder to CEO. Not making that adjustment can spell trouble for both the leader and the company as a whole. Educating us on how to navigate that transition is Alex Frommeyer, Founder & CEO of Beam Dental. He explains how early struggles led him to realize he needed to become a better leader and shares the lessons he learned while making the transition from successful founder to effective CEO. We discuss: How Alex's poor leadership nearly led to the demise of his company Why it's essential to transition from founder to CEO Two best practices for transitioning from founder to CEO Why defining your vision and culture makes everything else easier Mentioned during the podcast: What Makes a Successful Founder Into An Effective CEO? 5 Lessons From Someone Who's Been Through the Pitfalls This discussion with Alex Frommeyer was taken from our show Startup Success. Find Alex on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/in/alexfrommeyer or visit beam.dental. Subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts or find every episode here. Listening on a desktop & can't see the links? Just search for Startup Success in your favorite podcast player.

A lot has changed in the consumer startup market over the last couple of years. For one, SaaS enterprise investors who had dipped their toes into the consumer space are now starting to back away. But venture funding isn't the only way to grow a consumer brand and startup. In this episode, we're joined by two experts in the consumer startup space, Alexa Binns, Partner at Halogen Ventures, and Marc Zablatsky, CFO and Managing Director of Burkland's Consumer Group. They highlight some alternative financial avenues that are available to consumer startup founders, why it's so important for CPG to have a firm grasp on margins and inventory, and how to properly pitch investors on not only the brand, but the business. We discuss: How investment in consumer brands and startups has changed How you grow a CPG brand and startup today How equity and debt are intertwined in CPG The potential in the ecosystem around food tech and sustainable foods       This discussion with Alexa Binns and Marc Zablatsky was taken from our show Startup Success. Find Alexa on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/in/alexabinns or visit halogenvc.com. Find Marc on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/in/marczablatsky or visit burklandassociates.com. If you don't use Apple Podcasts, you can find every episode here. Listening on a desktop & can't see the links? Just search for Startup Success in your favorite podcast player.

In 2021 no single industry received more investment than financial services and most predict that 2022 will be another banner investment year for the Fintech sector. To guide you through the opportunities and challenges, special guest host Steve Lord,Burkland's Fintech Practice Lead, welcomes Travis Hedge, Co-Founder at Vouch Insurance (YC S19). The two discuss the Fintech startup sector, how the influx of talent impacts the industry, why you should look at your company through the lens of de-risking your business, and how the best investors support Fintech startups. We discuss: The trends in Fintech for 2022 The growing appeal of the Fintech sector The importance of de-risking your business How the best Fintech investors provide value to the business This discussion with Travis Hedge was taken from our show Startup Success. Reach out to Travis on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/in/travishedge and visit vouch.us for more information. If you want to hear more episodes like this one, check us out on Apple Podcasts. If you don't use Apple Podcasts, you can find every episode here. Listening on a desktop & can't see the links? Just search for Startup Success in your favorite podcast player.

When you're in the throes of startup life, it can be tempting to assume you know it all and go it alone. But according to Neil Sequeira, Co-Founder & Managing Director at Defy, that's a one-way ticket to ruin. As a startup founder, you have incredible resources at your disposal to obtain some much needed advice and perspective—from investors, from mentors, and from other founders and other companies. In this episode, Neil talks about how to build meaningful partnerships and tap into the collective knowledge of your ecosystem and offers a wealth of valuable advice for founders and entrepreneurs. We discuss: - How Defy approaches partnerships with founders - What's on Defy's radar for 2022 - How founders can build a good rapport with the board of directors - Some general advice for startups and founders This discussion with Neil Sequeira was taken from our show Startup Success. Find Neil on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/in/neil-sequeira-76739a40 or visit defy.vc. If you want to hear more episodes like this one, check us out on Apple Podcasts. If you don't use Apple Podcasts, you can find every episode here. Listening on a desktop & can't see the links? Just search for Startup Success in your favorite podcast player.

Before Alek Koenig launched Settle, he wanted to be sure of two things: Was he solving an actual problem and was he the right person to solve it?   Those two questions were key to ensuring product-market fit and founder-market fit, and ultimately, key to finding investors.  It turns out Settle is solving a major pain point for startups in desperate need of working capital, and with his extensive background in credit risk and lending, he was the right man for the job.  In this episode, he shares how he developed the product, how it solves a critical need for most startups, and how he navigated a successful Series B funding round.  We discuss: The importance of interviewing customers to uncover pain points Why you should look at your company and yourself through the lens of an investor How Settle attracted the first 30 customers Advice for hiring and choosing the right investor     This discussion with Alek Koenig was taken from our show Startup Success. Find Alek on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/in/alek-koenig and visit settle.com.   If you want to hear more episodes like this one, check us out on Apple Podcasts.  If you don't use Apple Podcasts, you can find every episode here.  Listening on a desktop & can't see the links? Just search for Startup Success in your favorite podcast player.

Not too long ago, companies in deep tech and healthcare were often overlooked for funding in favor of companies focused on consumer products and business innovation. Lu Zhang, Founder & Managing Partner of Fusion Fund, has worked to change that. As a solo founder of a medical device company, she has a unique perspective on how to lead a deep tech/healthcare company to a successful exit. Special guest host Jeff Burkland, Founder & CEO of Burkland, returns to chat with Lu about her experience as a startup founder, how her fund chooses companies to support, and her quest to bring more female and minority voices into businesses and startups. We discuss: - Why Fusion Fund focuses on tech and timing in early stage investments - How Lu leverages a CXO network for funding decisions - The benefits of fostering cognitive diversity on your team - Initiatives to empower female leadership in the boardroom This discussion with Lu Zhang was taken from our show Startup Success. Find Lu on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/in/luzhangvc, email her at luzhang@fusionfund.com or visit fusionfund.com. If you want to hear more episodes like this one, check us out on Apple Podcasts. If you don't use Apple Podcasts, you can find every episode here. Listening on a desktop & can't see the links? Just search for Startup Success in your favorite podcast player.

The founder is the only thing that matters in investing. That's according to Jack Greco, Founder at Cupule Ventures. Located in Buffalo, New York, he is one of the most active angel investors in the state. Jack has been using his vast resources to invest in companies focused on making the world a better place in some way. For him, the decision always comes down to the character and creativity of the founder. In this episode, he shares stories from his experiences as an angel investor, his philosophy on sustainability, and his advice for early-stage startups. We discuss: - What Jack looks for in investments - His experience collaborating with Techstars on a project - Jack's investment thesis centered around sustainability - Advice for up-and-coming founders Mentioned during the podcast: - Sign up for Buffalo Bridge This discussion with Jack Greco was taken from our show Startup Success. Find Jack on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/in/jacklgreco. If you want to hear more episodes like this one, check us out on Apple Podcasts. If you don't use Apple Podcasts, you can find every episode here. Listening on a desktop & can't see the links? Just search for Startup Success in your favorite podcast player.

While CMO of another startup, Angela Ferrante struck upon an exciting idea born from a common pain point: Was there a way to make B2B testimonial content more engaging by using high-quality video customer interviews? She took that classic lightbulb moment and spun it into the highly successful startup Laudable (YC S21). In this episode, she's sharing her hard-earned wisdom with us. She offers valuable advice on how to navigate early startup life, how Y Combinator works, how to fundraise, and more. Join us as we discuss: -The pain point that launched Laudable -The process of getting into Y Combinator -Demo Day and the remote fundraising experience -The importance of staying grounded and focusing your energy as a founder This discussion with Angela Ferrante was taken from our show Startup Success. Find Angela on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/angela-ferrante/ and visit laudable.com for more information. If you want to hear more episodes like this one, check us out on Apple Podcasts. If you don't use Apple Podcasts, you can find every episode here. Listening on a desktop & can't see the links? Just search for Startup Success in your favorite podcast player.

Recently, it was reported that cyber criminals are monitoring deal flow announcements and targeting affiliated startups. Moreover, according to stats, 50% of successful cyber attacks target small businesses. Needless to say, cybersecurity needs to be a top priority for startups these days. Brian Fritton, CEO & Founder at Havoc Shield, joins the show to talk about what you should be doing to protect your business. We discuss: -Why investing in cybersecurity is vital to the success of your business -Why startups struggle with cybersecurity - How security helps startups prevent revenue leaks and win business from enterprise clients -How Havoc Shield works with startups to stand up a cybersecurity strategy -His experience working with Techstars This discussion with Brian Fritton was taken from our show Startup Success. Reach out to Brian at brian@havocshield.com or on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/in/bfritton and visit havocshield.com for more information. If you want to hear more episodes like this one, check us out on Apple Podcasts. If you don't use Apple Podcasts, you can find every episode here. Listening on a desktop & can't see the links? Just search for Startup Success in your favorite podcast player.

Most startup founders share a potent passion and an infectious enthusiasm for whatever their project is about. It's that drive that propels them and their business forward. But at a certain point, running a business requires more than simply passion and love. It requires strategic planning and business development—and that's when today's guest usually enters the picture. Glenn McMahon, Managing Director at Portage Point Partners, joins the show to share how he helps founders scale their business and prepare for early funding rounds. We discuss: -The benefits of having a “thought partner” -The importance of evolving and expanding your offering -Being patient and selective when choosing investment partners -Why you shouldn't be afraid to ask for help This discussion with Glenn McMahon was taken from our show Startup Success. Reach out to Glenn at gmcmahon@pppllc.com or on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/in/glenn-mcmahon-127a00128 or visit portagepointpartners.com. If you want to hear more episodes like this one, check us out on Apple Podcasts. If you don't use Apple Podcasts, you can find every episode here. Listening on a desktop & can't see the links? Just search for Startup Success in your favorite podcast player.

The most challenging aspect of fundraising is telling a story around the numbers. Most founders excel at communicating their passion and communicating the need their product is solving for, but it's communicating the financials and the business dynamics—the FP&A—that often trip them up. Wouldn't it be nice if there was a software platform that could help you out with this? David Greenbaum thought the same thing while shepherding his previous startup, Boost Media, through fundraising rounds. There wasn't a platform at the time centered around financial models, so he built one—OnPlan—where he serves as CEO. Topics covered: -Combining the strengths of spreadsheets with engineering best practices -3 reasons to develop financial models -Why agility is the one true competitive advantage for startups -The value of thinking backwards and generating scenarios This discussion with David Greenbaum was taken from our show Startup Success. Contact David at david@onplan.co or on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/in/davidgreenbaum and visit onplan.co. If you want to hear more episodes like this one, check us out on Apple Podcasts. If you don't use Apple Podcasts, you can find every episode here. Listening on a desktop & can't see the links? Just search for Startup Success in your favorite podcast player.

Statistics show that by the time most women gain enough experience, sufficiently develop their expertise or their networks, they tend to reach a family-planning milestone in their personal lives. This, combined with the fact that women still carry most of the child-rearing responsibilities in traditional family settings around the globe, correlates with the low number of female founders in the business world. Andrea Ippolito, CEO & Founder of SimpliFed, joins us today to look deeper into this and discuss: - What other factors might be holding women back from starting their own companies - Her next-level Crunchbase articles and advice on approaching parental leave for all founders - The ups and downs of her unique journey as a female founder - The solution-oriented approach she's taking with Women Entrepreneurs Cornell Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast: - Andrea's first article on Crunchbase - Andrea's follow-up article This discussion with Andrea Ippolito was taken from our show Startup Success. Reach out to Sarah on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreakippolito/ or visit https://simplified.us for more information. If you want to hear more episodes like this one, check us out on Apple Podcasts. If you don't use Apple Podcasts, you can find every episode here. Listening on a desktop & can't see the links? Just search for Startup Success in your favorite podcast player.

“If we can make venture capitalists reflect society, then we can make the people who get funded reflect society as well.” That is the thesis statement behind Diversity VC, an international nonprofit aiming to make the venture capital industry more inclusive. In this episode, Sarah Millar, Principal at City Light Capital and the Head of the US Diversity VC, joins the show to discuss how Diversity VC came about and how organization is helping firms embrace and implement DEI policies with an eye towards a more equitable future. We discuss: - The origin of Diversity VC & Why It Matters - The Diversity VC Standard - An Action Plan the VC firms in the US can take - The Future VC Program - An Internship Program for Portfolio Companies - A Diversity Resource Library & Research on Current Diversity Funding This discussion with Sarah Millar was taken from our show Startup Success. Reach out to Sarah at sarah@diversity.vc or on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/in/sarah-c-millar and visit diversity.vc for more information. If you want to hear more episodes like this one, check us out on Apple Podcasts. If you don't use Apple Podcasts, you can find every episode here. Listening on a desktop & can't see the links? Just search for Startup Success in your favorite podcast player.

It's early days at your startup. As far as People Operations is concerned, you've probably considered your first tactical steps around payroll and tax compliance in every state where you have employees. But have you thought about the workforce policies you should be pursuing from a strategic standpoint right now in today's challenging work environment? Sara Schrage, Managing Director of Strategic People Operations at Burkland, joins the show to share what HR strategies startups should be focused on in today's challenging Covid work environment. Topics discussed : -Remote-first workforce strategies - mid-level management burnout and challenges and how to address them -Setting company goals early on Resources mentioned during the podcast: -Contact Sara and her team at hello@burklandassociates.com This discussion with Sara Schrage was taken from our show Startup Success. Find Sara on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/in/saraschrage. If you want to hear more episodes like this one, check us out on Apple Podcasts. If you don't use Apple Podcasts, you can find every episode here. Listening on a desktop & can't see the links? Just search for Startup Success in your favorite podcast player.

It's easy for CEOs and founding teams to get caught up in the minutiae of growing a startup and lose sight of building a robust finance function. But if you design it well from day one, it can free up the bandwidth for you to tackle the more complex issues that crop up during the startup journey. In this episode, special guest host Steve Lord, Head of Burkland's CFO, Fintech, and Knowledge Share Practice, speaks with the founding team from Mosaic about how to effectively build out a finance function, including the people and resources needed to make it successful. Our guests are: -Bijan Moallemi, Co-Founder & Chief Executive Officer -Joe Garafalo, Co-Founder & Chief Operating Officer -Brian Campbell, Co-Founder & Chief Product Officer Topics covered: -How and when startup founders should build out a finance team -How the tech stack should develop alongside finance -The challenges of systems integration This discussion with Bijan Moallemi, Joe Garafalo, and Brian Campbell was taken from our show Startup Success. The Mosaic founding team can be found on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bijanmoallemi/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/joe-garafalo-b3492a27/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/bcampbell89/ And on their website: mosaic.tech If you want to hear more episodes like this one, check us out on Apple Podcasts. If you don't use Apple Podcasts, you can find every episode here. Listening on a desktop & can't see the links? Just search for Startup Success in your favorite podcast player.

Not everyone can become a successful founder, but a successful founder can come from anywhere. The increasing number of amazing businesses sprouting up throughout the United States is prompting venture capitalists to seek out new ventures all over the country. In this episode, special guest host Jeff Burkland, Founder & CEO of Burkland, returns! He talks with Andy McLoughlin, Partner at Uncork Capital, about why this shift is occurring and what it means for the future of the startup ecosystem. Topics covered: -What makes a good founder -Helping startups navigate the changing landscape -Silicon Valley becoming more of a mindset than a place -Deciding on a remote, in-office, or hybrid model -Pitching on zoom This discussion with Andy McLoughlin was taken from our show Startup Success. Andy can be found on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andymcloughlin/. If you want to hear more episodes like this one, check us out on Apple Podcasts. If you don't use Apple Podcasts, you can find every episode here. Listening on a desktop & can't see the links? Just search for Startup Success in your favorite podcast player.

There's a multitude of new developments regarding fintechs — both on the company side as well as on the VC side. To break it all down, today's episode features Steve Lord, Fractional CFO, Fintech Practice Lead, and Chief Learning Officer at Burkland. He talks about recent fintech developments and what they mean for venture capital. Topics covered: -The growing demand for data and reporting -Changes to financial and accounting reporting -Fintech influence on the VC community -A greater emphasis on cybersecurity -The widening geographical reach of VC backing This discussion with Steve Lord was taken from our show Startup Success. If you want to hear more episodes like this one, check us out on Apple Podcasts. If you don't use Apple Podcasts, you can find every episode here. Listening on a desktop & can't see the links? Just search for Startup Success in your favorite podcast player.

In order to truly understand SaaS companies, you need to go beyond standard financial metrics, such as revenue and operating income, and dive into SaaS metrics. In today's episode, Debbie Rosler, Fractional CFO at Burkland, shares her thoughts on how startups should leverage top SaaS metrics. The audio for today's episode comes courtesy of a previously recorded webinar hosted by the Female Founders Alliance. JP Ferro, who handles Ecosystem Partnerships at Burkland, assisted the presentation. Debbie discusses: The top 10 SaaS metrics - and well explained How often you should track each metric Which metrics are most relevant by startup stage B2B vs. B2C SaaS metrics Check out the SaaS Metrics Simplified Webinar. This discussion with Debbie Rosler was taken from our show Startup Success. If you want to hear more episodes like this one, check us out on Apple Podcasts. If you don't use Apple Podcasts, you can find every episode here. Listening on a desktop & can't see the links? Just search for Startup Success in your favorite podcast player.

For a lot of investors, Silicon Valley is still the center of the world. But more and more, venture capital is drifting outside of the 100-mile radius of Palo Alto into emerging tech markets. Jonathan Tower, Managing Partner at Catapult, joins the show to explain how his venture firm approaches investments beyond Silicon Valley. He shares: The epiphany behind Catapult How Catapult sets up scouts in emerging markets Current trends in seed-stage venture capital and tech Advice for founders Visit Jonathan's blog and follow him on Twitter for more insights. This discussion with Jonathan Tower was taken from our show Startup Success. If you want to hear more episodes like this one, check us out on Apple Podcasts. If you don't use Apple Podcasts, you can find every episode here. Listening on a desktop & can't see the links? Just search for Startup Success in your favorite podcast player.

Anupam Rastogi transformed his passion for building and scaling startups into a career in venture capital over a decade ago. He's currently a Partner at Emergent Ventures, which focuses on seed and early-stage ventures, and he joins us in this episode to offer a VC-perspective into the startup ecosystem. We discuss: Emerging themes across the startup landscape Finding the right startups to invest in What early-stage VCs look for in a founding team Remote work - the multi-hub model Advice for early-stage founders This discussion with Anupam Rastogi was taken from our show Startup Success. If you want to hear more episodes like this one, check us out on Apple Podcasts. If you don't use Apple Podcasts, you can find every episode here. Listening on a desktop & can't see the links? Just search for Startup Success in your favorite podcast player.

In startup life, cash is king. That's why it's essential to ensure you're avoiding tax penalties and legal fines. One issue you might not have fully considered is employing out-of-state remote workers. To break down all the implications of having a remote workforce, we talk with two Burkland experts, Brian Lahargoue, with HR Services, and Ardy Esmaeili, Head of Tax Services. Topics covered: Legal implications for having remote workers Tax implications for having remote workers Managing culture and mental wellness remotely Where remote work is headed This discussion with Brian Lahargoue and Ardy Esmaeili was taken from our show Startup Success. If you want to hear more episodes like this one, check us out on Apple Podcasts. If you don't use Apple Podcasts, you can find every episode here. Listening on a desktop & can't see the links? Just search for Startup Success in your favorite podcast player.

The investment environment is tilted in favor of startups right now. And that means there's a high likelihood you'll be able to raise capital — in fact, it's as high as it's ever been before. In this episode, special guest host Jeff Burkland, Founder & CEO of Burkland, talks with his friend, Sid Trivedi, Partner at Foundation Capital, about the partnership between entrepreneurs and investors. Topics covered: How investors evaluate startups Building culture in a remote environment What sets apart the Bay area ecosystem Advice for evaluating investor fit This discussion with Sid Trivedi was taken from our show Startup Success. If you want to hear more episodes like this one, check us out on Apple Podcasts. If you don't use Apple Podcasts, you can find every episode here. Listening on a desktop & can't see the links? Just search for Startup Success in your favorite podcast player.

Some entrepreneurs wait too long to pivot their business to more fertile ground. Not Munjal Shah, CEO and Co-founder at Health IQ. In all of his ventures, he has found immense value in avoiding a narrow, locked-in view of his business. And in this episode, he talks about the importance of pivoting early if the data points towards a more sustainable business. What we talked about: Early startup successes with Like.com and Andale The power of pivoting early Finding a mission in life with Health IQ This discussion with Munjal Shah was taken from our show Startup Success. If you want to hear more episodes like this one, check us out on Apple Podcasts. If you don't use Apple Podcasts, you can find every episode here. Listening on a desktop & can't see the links? Just search for Startup Success in your favorite podcast player.

If you take a look at any major investment publication, you'll see that 2020 was a great Fintech fundraising year. Despite the pandemic, the VC community is excited for all of the new innovation in this space. Colin Kennedy, who just joined Ramp as Chief Business Officer, stops by in this episode to discuss how this accelerated momentum in Fintech has changed the space and whether it is here to stay moving forward. Some topics we discuss: -What direction is FinTech heading in the near future? -Accelerated trends in Fintech due to the pandemic -CFO and Head of Finance engagement with FinTech -Fintech consolidation and breadth of new product offerings This discussion with Colin Kennedy was taken from our show Startup Success. If you want to hear more episodes like this one, check us out on Apple Podcasts. If you don't use Apple Podcasts, you can find every episode here. Listening on a desktop & can't see the links? Just search for Startup Success in your favorite podcast player.

Hiring is always a major consideration for startups. But with the added challenges of last year, what does the hiring landscape for startups look like today? Jamie Ceglarz, Founder & Executive Recruiter for Guild Talent, joins us to talk about hiring trends and how to attract top talent in today's competitive hiring environment. What we talked about: - Why the competition for top talent is increasing - Hiring remote vs. hiring local - The leadership recruiting process - How to attract people to your company Get in touch with Jamie by email: jamie@guildtalent.com This discussion with Jamie Ceglarz was taken from our show Startup Success. If you want to hear more episodes like this one, check us out on Apple Podcasts. If you don't use Apple Podcasts, you can find every episode here. Listening on a desktop & can't see the links? Just search for Startup Success in your favorite podcast player.

It's the dream of every startup — to get acquired by a big internet company. But what is that experience really like? Marko Gargenta, Founder of PlusPlus.co, joins us to share what he learned when his previous startup, Marakana, was acquired by Twitter. He also shared other insights from his extensive startup career. Some topics we cover: -3 reasons why Marko agreed to let Twitter acquire Marakana -The importance of having a support network — like a founders group -Getting involved with startup groups like StartX and Sand Hill Angels -How building a startup with investors differed from building one without Want to reach out to Marko? -Follow him on Twitter -Follow him on LinkedIn This discussion with Marko Gargenta was taken from our show Startup Success. If you want to hear more episodes like this one, check us out on Apple Podcasts. If you don't use Apple Podcasts, you can find every episode here. Listening on a desktop & can't see the links? Just search for Startup Success in your favorit