Podcasts about bootstrapped

Kölner Legenden-Alarm. Philip Kehela hat E-Commerce nicht nur gelernt – sondern gelebt. Vom Prime-Product-Manager bei Amazon zur Gründung von mokebo – einem Möbelbrand, das komplett auf Amazon gestartet ist und heute über 10 Mio. Euro Umsatz macht. Bootstrapped. Heute baut Philip nicht nur an mokebo weiter – sondern hat mit ONUA eine D2C-Fashion-Brand gestartet und berät mit mokeko andere Retailer im Marktplatzgeschäft. Eine Folge für alle, die Plattform-Game verstanden haben – oder es lernen wollen. Viel Spaß, Marven & Moritz Wir bei [abscale](https://www.abscale.de/) stehen für Daten. Für unsere Kunden realisieren wir Projekte zur datengetriebenen Conversion Rate Optimierung durch modernste A/B-Testing-Strategien. Hierbei agieren wir als Full-Service-Partner im Auftrag unserer Kunden und sorgen für zusätzliches Wachstum, losgelöst vom Werbebudget. In der Vergangenheit haben wir mehr als 35+ starke D2C-Brands betreut und für mehr als 20+ MIO€ Mehrumsatz gesorgt. [Webseite von abscale inkl. Pricing und kostenlosem Erstgespräch⁠ ](https://www.abscale.de/pricing)⁠ [LinkedIn-Profil von Marven ](https://www.linkedin.com/in/marven-hennecker/)⁠ ⁠[LinkedIn-Profil von Moritz⁠](https://www.linkedin.com/in/moritz-westerdorf/) [Hier gehts zum Podcast als Video-Format auf Youtube ](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYg6LQFF3WgdatmlE37o99g)[⁠Instagram mit Ausschnitten aus dem Podcast⁠ ](https://www.instagram.com/abscale.de/) Durchschnittlich erreichen wir für unsere Kunden:

Demi Marchese is the Founder and Head of Brand at 12th Tribe, a fast-growing fashion brand blending curated style with operational excellence to empower the next generation of confident women. With expertise in merchandising, marketing, and brand-tech integration, Demi turns creative vision into scalable systems that drive real growth.Bootstrapped from scratch, 12th Tribe reflects Demi's hands-on leadership across every function, from designing product drops to building workflows that streamline team execution. She's driven by a mission to not only create beautiful apparel, but to curate a lifestyle rooted in confidence, freedom, and community.Demi is also a systems thinker, embracing AI and automation to scale brand voice, streamline content, and optimize customer journeys. She's trained ChatGPT to mirror her own copy style, implemented AI-driven SMS segmentation, and continues to experiment with tools that bring brand and tech closer together.In This Conversation We Discuss:[00:40] Intro[01:00] Building a site before Shopify blew up[03:34] Testing demand without inventory risk[05:06] Leveraging organic social growth[07:09] Responding quickly to market shifts[08:57] Episode Sponsors: Intelligems & Electric Eye[12:01] Refocusing on your core customer[14:10] Scaling brand voice using AIWant more insights from top Ecommerce leaders? Our episode guest was a featured speaker at eTail Palm Springs 2025, sharing insights with top Ecommerce minds. If you want to be part of the next big discussions, join eTail Boston in August 2025 and/or eTail Palm Springs in February 2026!Learn more at eTail's official sites:etaileast.wbresearch.com/etailwest.wbresearch.com/Resources:Subscribe to Honest Ecommerce on YoutubeYour online vibe director + stylist 12thtribe.com/Follow Demi Marchese linkedin.com/in/demimarcheseBook a demo today at intelligems.io/Schedule an intro call with one of our experts electriceye.io/If you're enjoying the show, we'd love it if you left Honest Ecommerce a review on Apple Podcasts. It makes a huge impact on the success of the podcast, and we love reading every one of your reviews!

This week on Above The Fold, I'm in NYC catching up with my new friend and fellow startup nerd, Adam Simone—co-founder of Leaf Shave and Smoosh. We get into what it really means to build product-first brands and why having strong opinions might actually be a founder's best tool.We talk about his mechanical engineering background and how it led to building a shaving brand that doesn't suck, and why their second brand, Smoosh, turned into a surprise hit with a totally different audience.Adam breaks down the chaos and clarity of launching two brands with one small team, why TikTok turned on them (lol, truly), and how staying product-led keeps the vision clear—even when the market throws curveballs.If you're trying to scale something meaningful, juggle two brands, or just need a reminder that not every decision needs a focus group, this one's for you.Listen now for insights on product development, startup reality checks, and the joy of building weird stuff that works.

Justin Soleimani is the Co-founder and Co-CEO of Tumble, a Los Angeles-based company specializing in machine-washable, spillproof rugs designed for modern living. Before establishing Tumble in 2021, he worked as a consultant at Bain & Company, advising clients across various industries. Justin holds an MBA from Columbia Business School and a BA in Economics from Emory University, where he met his Co-founder, Zach Dannett. Under their leadership, Tumble has grown significantly, scaling to high eight-figures in revenue within four years. Zach Dannett is the Co-founder and Co-CEO of Tumble. Before Tumble, he served as the General Merchandise Manager and Buyer & Merchandiser for Outdoor Furniture at Noble House Home Furnishings, LLC and as an Investment Management Associate at BBR Partners. Zach earned his BBA in Finance from Emory University's Goizueta Business School in 2011, where he met his Co-founder, Justin Soleimani. In this episode… Breaking into the ecommerce ecosystem with a physical product — especially a large one like rugs — comes with unique logistical and financial hurdles. From expensive shipping costs to supply chain inefficiencies, many startups fail to develop a sustainable model. How did a product-focused, bootstrapped brand scale successfully without sacrificing profitability? Justin Soleimani and Zach Dannett, experts in DTC product development and operations, tackled this challenge head-on by designing a modular, collapsible rug that's easier and less expensive to ship. Justin and Zach spent over 15 months perfecting their design before launching, focusing on optimizing everything from the product's dimensions to its warehousing footprint. They emphasize the value of focusing on profitability from day one by cutting out unnecessary SKUs, refining your supply chain, and tailoring offerings to fit consumer needs and carrier constraints. In this episode of the Minds of Ecommerce podcast, Raphael Paulin-Daigle interviews Justin Soleimani and Zach Dannett, Co-founders and Co-CEOs of Tumble, about building a nearly nine-figure DTC brand. They share how product-first thinking drove early success using the value of modular design, shipping optimization, and bootstrapping strategies. Tune in for insights on crowdfunding, curated product assortments, and manufacturing challenges.

In this episode I sit down with Wade Foster, the founder and CEO of Zapier. We explore Zapier's unique path, from building its first integrations on nights and weekends in Missouri to scaling with minimal funding through Y Combinator. Wade shares how “don't hire till it hurts” became a guiding mantra, why Zapier embraced remote work early on, and how the rise of AI is unlocking new automation possibilities through Zapier Agents. Whether you're curious about seedstrapping, enterprise workflows, or the frontier of AI benchmarks, this conversation delivers practical insights for building a lean, innovative company.00:00:00 - “Don't Hire Till It Hurts” Mantra00:01:24 - The First Zap & Early Users00:03:42 - Joining YC & Minimal Funding00:05:09 - Profitability & Lean Hiring00:06:57 - SEO for Marketplace Growth00:08:10 - AI Agents & Unstructured Data00:10:28 - Enterprise Playbook & GTM00:13:14 - ARC Prize & Future of AGI00:17:29 - Remote Culture at Zapier00:20:29 - Seedstrapping Advice in AI00:25:09 - Reimagining Processes w/ AI00:28:54 - Final Insights & Future

Noah Greenberg grew a content-distribution product from zero to $1M ARR in just one year (and to $4M in 2 years) by focusing on a single channel most founders underrate: LinkedIn. He posted insights daily, highlighted key players in his industry, and made it impossible for prospects not to notice him.In this episode, Noah reveals the exact step-by-step playbook, including how to structure 3-month pilots for fast feedback, craft DMs that actually get replies, and pick the right content “watering holes” so your future customers come to you eager to sign. If you're a founder trying to figure out your go-to-market approach, you need to see what Noah did.______Why You Should Listen1. Turning LinkedIn into a Free PR Engine – Noah shows how daily micro-posts drive high-value leads without needing to go viral.2. Finding Your First 10 Customers with 3-Month Pilots – Short trials = instant feedback on who'll stay and who'll churn.3. Never Stop Triangulating – How 50 customer conversations per month reveal the right product, price, and packaging.4. Selling without Selling – The “this isn't a pitch” call that makes prospects lean in and ask, “Wait, how do we buy?”5. Earning Credibility at Scale – Noah's “watering hole” posts spark real engagement from decision-makers (and reel in 5-figure deals)._______KeywordsB2B Sales, LinkedIn Strategy, Early-Stage Growth, Founders' Playbook, Bootstrapped Startup, Content Distribution, Sales Prospecting, Pilot Contracts, Outbound Leads, Product-Market FitTimestamps(00:00:00) Intro(00:02:35) Stacker's Origin Story(00:06:00) How to generate warm leads(00:15:53) How to use LinkedIn for lead gen(00:21:42) No One Wants To Be Pitched(00:26:06) How to get feedback on pricing(00:38:08) LinkedIn Go-To-Market Strategy(00:42:20) Breaking Above The NoiseSend me a message to let me know what you think!

In this episode of Numbers and Narratives, Sean Collins sits down with Temilola Agbede, a seasoned e-commerce marketing expert with over 15 years of experience. Temi shares her journey from traditional retail to leading direct-to-consumer channels for major brands like Estée Lauder and innovative startups. The conversation dives deep into the evolving landscape of e-commerce marketing, exploring the delicate balance between data-driven strategies and brand building.Temi offers valuable insights on launching new brands, emphasizing the importance of brand positioning from day one. She discusses how to approach marketing differently for bootstrapped versus venture-backed companies, and shares creative strategies for reaching audiences organically. The episode also touches on the changing role of marketers, highlighting the need for a data-driven approach while not losing sight of brand building and customer connection.One of the most compelling takeaways is Temi's perspective on the future of direct-to-consumer (DTC) marketing. She challenges the notion that "DTC is dead," instead framing it as an essential channel rather than a strategy in itself. Tune in to expand your marketing toolkit and gain a fresh perspective on building successful online brands.

In this episode of the Startup CEO Show, host Mark MacLeod welcomes Dax Dasilva, the founder and CEO of Lightspeed Commerce, for a wide-ranging discussion on leadership, spirituality, and building a billion-dollar tech company. As Lightspeed celebrates its 20th anniversary, Dasilva reflects on the company's journey from a small team in Montreal's Gay Village to a global leader in commerce solutions. He shares how his personal growth, including his conversion to Judaism, has intertwined with Lightspeed's evolution, providing him with the spiritual foundation to navigate the challenges of scaling a tech company.Dasilva offers unique perspectives on creating an inclusive workplace culture, emphasizing the importance of allowing employees to bring their authentic selves to work. The conversation delves into Lightspeed's funding journey, from bootstrapping to venture capital to going public, with Dasilva providing valuable insights on each stage. He also discusses the company's acquisition strategy and the complexities of integrating multiple platforms. Dasilva opens up about his experiences with burnout and the importance of physical health in maintaining leadership stamina. The episode concludes with Dasilva explaining his decision to return as CEO and his vision for Lightspeed's future. This conversation is a goldmine of wisdom for entrepreneurs, offering a rare glimpse into the mind of a leader who has successfully balanced growth, innovation, and values over two decades.Tune in now to gain invaluable insights from one of Canada's most successful tech entrepreneurs.Since 1999, I have sat at the right-hand side of the leaders of high growth technology companies as either a CFO, VC or deal maker. I served as CFO for software companies including Shopify (NYSE: SHOP) and Freshbooks. As a CFO I experienced outright failures, wildly profitable exits, and everything in between.I was a General Partner in Real Ventures, Canada's largest and most active seed stage fund. My investments there include the fund's largest cash on cash and highest IRR returns to date. Most recently, I founded SurePath Capital Partners the leading investment bank for SMB SaaS companies where we did hundreds of millions in financing and exit transactions.Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/themarkmacleod/Connect on X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/markmacleod_Contact Mark: https://markmacleod.me/

In this episode of Forbes Talks, Forbes Associate Editor Alex York talks with Tessa Barton, founder and CEO of the Tezza, they delve into Tessa's journey as a creative entrepreneur. Tessa details how she and her husband, Cole, built Tezza from their small apartment without external funding for the first three years.Tessa also talk about how sharing her creative process openly and treating Tezza as a community, not just a product, helped grow Tezza's dedicated customer base. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Andrew White is the founder of FundApps, one of Europe's most under-the-radar success stories. Bootstrapped from a spare bedroom above a London pub, FundApps now monitors over $27 trillion in assets daily - roughly 17% of the world's total AUM. Today, it's a global reg-tech powerhouse, trusted by 5 of the world's 10 largest hedge funds and several of North America's biggest pension funds. Now, it's on track to become Europe's leading reg-tech unicorn. This is the captivating story of how an independent thinker built a values-driven business from the ground up, scaled globally, and never compromised. Listen to hear:• Why he turned down external funding• How bootstrapping became a long-term strategic edge• The moment that reshaped his idea of success• Why he hires for mindset, not credentials• How FundApps embedded purpose at the heart of its culture• Why he avoids meetings and believes indecision is the real killer• What it takes to serve the world's largest asset managers while staying true to your values Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ada Mockutė Jaime is the Chief Marketing Officer at Nordcurrent, the largest game developer and publisher from the Baltics. With over 800 million game downloads worldwide and a portfolio of hit mobile titles like Cooking Fever and Airplane Chefs, Nordcurrent has become a global gaming powerhouse—all while remaining completely bootstrapped. On this episode we talk about:How Nordcurrent scaled into a global gaming giant without any external funding, driven by adaptability and long-term thinking.What goes into launching a mobile game, from market research to year-long development and brutal early-stage testing.How Nordcurrent uses TikTok, player feedback, and grassroots engagement to fuel virality and loyalty.Ada's take on why most non-gaming apps miss the mark with gamification and what truly makes engagement work.The business model behind mobile games, balancing in-app purchases, ad revenue, and player churn.Lessons other businesses can take from gaming: A/B testing culture, creative iteration, and building around user psychology.==If you liked this episode or simply want to support the work we do, buy us a coffee or two, or a hundred, with just a few clicks at: https://buymeacoffee.com/pursuitofscrappinessFind all episodes on >  https://www.pursuitofscrappiness.co/Watch select full-length episodes on our YouTube channel > https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCP6ueaLnjS-CQfrMCm2EoTAConnect with us on Linkedin > https://www.linkedin.com/company/pursuit-of-scrappiness/===============Support the show

Ankaadia ist eine hochmoderne SaaS-Applikation („Software-as-a-Service“), die speziell für die Bedürfnisse von Personalserviceagenturen, Arbeitgebern aus dem Gesundheitswesen und der Industrie sowie internationalen Fachkräften entwickelt wurde, um für alle Beteiligten höchste Transparenz und Effizienz im Anwerbe-, Anerkennungs- und Integrationsprozess zu gewährleisten.

Guest: Ben Chestnut, Former CEO and Co-Founder of MailchimpIf you find yourself selling your startup, then Mailchimp co-founder Ben Chestnut has some important advice for you: Get a dog. When Intuit bought Mailchimp in 2021 for $12 billion, the company asked Ben if he wanted to stay on as CEO, but he chose to “walk off into the sunset” and let the new owners take over. After that, he estimates it took 6 to 12 months before he stopped checking his email, social media, and calendar with the same level of stress a CEO might have. Adopting a dog, he discovered, forces you to “get OK with the voices in your head."“After the acquisition, that's all I do, I walk the dog,” Ben says. “And the dog was good therapy ... No judgments from a dog.”Chapters:(01:09) - Growing slow (03:06) - The long journey (07:48) - Is money a burden? (09:35) - Building globally in Atlanta (11:22) - Ben's upbringing (12:59) - The first 10 years (17:58) - Scaling to one billion emails (19:22) - Freemium (23:32) - No equity (26:00) - Deciding to sell (33:55) - “I'm a sunset guy” (35:29) - Stress and support (37:25) - Time with the parents (39:07) - Get a dog (42:24) - The voices in your head (46:03) - Serial and “Mailkimp” (53:00) - Hiring interviews (57:14) - Fitness routines (59:27) - Lights off (01:01:46) - AI & reinvention (01:06:30) - The worst days (01:09:15) - What “grit” means to Ben Mentioned in this episode: Intuit, Wolt, DoorDash, LinkedIn, Dan Kurzius, Salesforce, ExactTarget, Pardot, Constant Contact, Rackspace, Free by Chris Anderson, Wired Magazine, Charles Hudson, the Freemium Summit, Drew Houston, Dropbox, Evernote, Phil Libin, TechCrunch, Brian Kane, Catalyst Partners, Georgia Pacific, Scott Cook, Bing Gordon, Vinay Hiremath, Loom, Joe Thomas, Caltrain, Flickr, Saturday Night Live, Droga5, Cannes Film Festival, Strava, Twitter, LinkedIn, Nvidia, Glean, Rubrik, Amazon AWS, and Mechnical Turk.Links:Connect with BenLinkedInConnect with JoubinTwitterLinkedInEmail: grit@kleinerperkins.com Learn more about Kleiner Perkins

In episode 84 of The Prakhar Gupta Xperience, Prakhar Gupta is joined by Paras Chopra, an entrepreneur and thought leader. Together, they explore a range of intriguing topics, from the role of intelligent blogs in shaping ideas to the evolving relationship between technology and survival. Paras and Prakhar discuss the impact of AI, the alignment problem, and how reality is shaped by both accidents and intentional decisions. The conversation also dives into the complexities of consciousness, language, and how the brain forms decisions and identities. Towards the end, they share insightful book recommendations and personal reflections that provide a deeper understanding of the world around us.Paras Chopra is the founder of Wingify, a leading SaaS company known for VWO (Visual Website Optimizer), a top A/B testing and conversion optimization platform. A passionate entrepreneur and thinker, he shares deep insights on startups, decision-making, and psychology.00:00 - Who is Paras00:00 - Who is Paras? 06:32 - The Journey of Bootstrapped vs. Funded Startups 15:16 - How False Ideas Distort Reality and Spark Offense 24:09 - How the Brain Processes Decisions and Constructs Identity 28:36 - The Hard and Soft Problems of Consciousness 47:22 - Language and Its Global Variations1:02:27 - The Pros and Cons of AI and LLMs 1:14:58 - The AI Alignment Problem 1:20:09 - How Technology Relates to Survival and Evolution 1:27:38 - Book Recommendations by Paras and Prakhar 1:36:35 - Paras's Final Comments for Prakhar

"The solution to every problem lies in the market, not the boardroom." Ashok Vashist shares a powerful lesson on the importance of staying grounded and understanding customer needs directly, rather than relying solely on theoretical discussions in boardrooms. This principle has guided WTI's success. Ashok Vashist is the Founder of WTI Cabs (Wise Travel India), one of India's leading B2B mobility solutions providers. He built WTI from scratch, starting with ad-hoc services in 2009, to a 400Cr revenue company which had an IPO in 2024, and is now expanding globally. Ashok's story is a testament to resourcefulness, customer-centricity, and the power of a "hungry" team. Key Insights from the Conversation:

Sam Shore is the co-founder of Typeshare, a writing platform made to create and publish text across the internet. Typeshare has made over $1m in revenue since it was started in 2021, with over 80,000 user, currently $34k MRR I'm speaking to Sam to find out how he started Typeshare as the first of 12 startups he was planning to build, and what made this stick.00:00 Intro01:10 Sam's entrepreneurial background02:03 Failed past projects03:31 12 startups in 12 months04:16 The idea for Typeshare05:38 Getting traction with Typeshare06:50 Getting to $15k MRR in 1 year with infuential partnerships09:52 How is Sam making sure he has fun with the business12:18 How to get better at writing online14:09 RecommendationsRecommendationsBook - Poor Charlie's AlmanackPodcast - ReworkIndie Hacker - Dmytro KrasunMy linksTwitterIndie Bites TwitterIndie Bites YouTubeJoin the membershipPersonal Website2 Hour Podcast CoursePodPanda (hire me to edit your podcast)This Indie Life PodcastSponsor - EmailOctopus

Jaimee Vilela is the Managing Director and Owner at Cooki Haircare. A D2C solid shampoo bar brand selling via their Shopify store and Wholesale. Founded in 2020 they grew 10x in 2024 from $170k to $1.1million, and are now on track to make 2025 their first $3million year. Hit PLAY to hear: ✅ How Jamie scaled Cookie Hair Care from 4 sales a day to a 7-figure business ✅ The Meta ads strategy that skyrocketed her eCom growth ✅ Why rebranding (not more ads) was the secret to massive sales ✅ How she ran the business solo—and why she doesn't recommend it ✅ How discovering her ideal customer—women embracing their gray hair—transformed her marketing strategy ✅ Why sustainability isn't a selling point anymore—and what to focus on instead Key timestamps to dive straight in: [03:40] From journalism to eCommerce entrepreneur. [06:47] Seamless eco-friendly haircare transformation. [11:56] "Betting on Rebrand Success". [15:03] Successful rebranding strategy insights. [18:31] Embracing gray: rebrand shift success. [23:20] Bootstrapped growth through teamwork. [27:09] Embrace opportunistic decision-making. [28:52] Listen to Jaimee's Top Tips! Full episode notes here: https://ecmp.info/531Download our ebook >> https://ecmp.info/ebook "500 Top Tips to Make Your eCommerce Business More Profitable" Download our new ebook... https://ecmp.info/ebook 500 Tips to Increase Your ProfitsGet all the links and resources we mention & join our email list at https://ecmp.infoLove the show? Chloe would love your feedback - leave a review here: https://ecmp.info/review or reply to the episode Q&A on Spotify.Interested in being a Sponsor? go here: https://ecmp.info/sponsor This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Spotify Ad Analytics - https://www.spotify.com/us/legal/ad-analytics-privacy-policy/

Tune in to another episode of The Pain Points Podcast, where we explore how Impressia Bank is changing the game for women entrepreneurs and the financial struggles that they face! In this episode, we sit down with Lauren Schellinger, VP/Regional Relationship Manager at Impressia Bank to discuss the financial roadblocks women-owned businesses encounter, the funding gap in traditional banking, and how relationship-based banking can be a game changer. Women are underfunded, underserved, and underestimated—but they're also powerful economic drivers when given equal opportunities.

Picture this: you're grinding away, trying to scale your business, but growth feels like pushing a boulder uphill. What if the problem isn't how hard you're working but what you're working on? Jason Ehrlich proves there's a smarter way: one that doesn't rely on burning out to level up. His journey from corporate life to founding two successful investment firms is filled with lessons on growth, risk, and strategic thinking.This episode is perfect for:Entrepreneurs looking to scale their businesses rapidly through acquisitions.Bootstrapped founders seeking strategies for predictable growth.Business owners interested in de-risking their growth plans with proven acquisition tactics.Investors who are curious about how acquisition entrepreneurship can deliver strong returns.Anyone contemplating their first business acquisition and needing real-world insights.Jason's background is unique: he didn't start out in venture capital or acquisitions. In fact, he and his wife spent years as digital nomads, traveling the world long before remote work was trendy. Through those experiences, he saw firsthand how businesses operate across different markets, sparking his interest in strategic investments.Strategic acquisitions have become a personal passion of mine because they offer something every entrepreneur craves: predictable growth and speed of execution. Instead of spending years building from scratch, acquisitions allow us to plug into existing revenue streams, established customer bases, and proven operations. It's like stepping onto a moving train instead of laying every piece of track yourself.Today, as the founder of Fruition Capital, Jason manages investments in both commercial real estate and small business acquisitions. His real value isn't just in writing checks—it's in spotting growth opportunities others miss, mentoring entrepreneurs, and helping businesses scale through strategic partnerships. His perspective is grounded, practical, and packed with insights that can help any entrepreneur think differently about growth.Why acquisitions can work so well for entrepreneursAcquisitions can be a growth shortcut. Instead of spending years building everything from the ground up, you're starting with systems, teams, and revenue that are already in place. That's why they're so effective at accelerating progress.You don't need massive capital to start. Many entrepreneurs assume acquisitions require a ton of money upfront. The reality is, there are ways to structure deals so you're not putting everything on the line. It's about being strategic and finding the right fit.It's not just about buying revenue - it's about stability. The best acquisitions come with loyal customers, proven operations, and a team that knows how to run the show. That stability can help you grow more predictably and reduce risk.You need the right people around you. Acquisitions aren't something you do on your own. Having investors or partners who bring strategic value, not just funding, is a game-changer. They help you navigate the process and avoid common pitfalls.Diversification creates resilience. By acquiring a business that complements your current operations, you're spreading risk. If one part of the market shifts, you've got multiple revenue streams to keep you steady.Why this mattersWhat I find fascinating about strategic acquisitions is their ability to de-risk entrepreneurship in ways organic growth can't always achieve. When you acquire a business, you're not just buying revenue - you're acquiring systems, customer relationships, and a proven market fit. In one of my past ventures, acquiring a smaller company gave us immediate access to a niche audience we'd been struggling to reach for years. That deal didn't just boost our bottom line; it accelerated our learning curve, allowing us to refine our value proposition almost overnight.Another powerful aspect of acquisitions is the leverage they create for entrepreneurs. I remember negotiating an acquisition where the business we were targeting had underutilized assets and an incredible team that just needed the right leadership. By integrating them into our existing operations, we didn't just grow faster—we created synergies that led to cost savings, enhanced productivity, and a stronger market position. Strategic acquisitions aren't just about growth; they're about optimizing every part of your business to perform at a higher level.Are you playing it safe or playing to win?If you're done settling for incremental growth, it's time to shift gears. I help entrepreneurs like you fast-track their business success through strategic acquisitions: identifying growth opportunities, mitigating risks, and creating scalable systems. The question isn't if acquisitions can transform your business. It's when you'll start. Let's make that happen now!

Rachit Khator is the founder and CEO of Stackby, a no-code spreadsheet and database app builder that allows business users to create powerful spreadsheet-like applications with data links, automations, and workflows. Rachit and his team of 34 employees live in Surat, India, north of Mumbai.  Stackby started when Rachit was working for a corporate venture firm in Michigan, doing repetitive manual data imports and analysis in Excel. He hired a developer to build a better tool and started to sell Stackby to early customers. They followed customer feedback to build an inexpensive and easy-to-use app that competes well with VC-funded competitors like AirTable for specific use cases.  This bootstrapped company has grown in 4 years to serve 75,000 free and paid business customers. Now they are profitable and growing at 15% per month, upselling free business users to paid plans. Rachit has big ambitions for Stackby to serve millions of customers–and be an example success story in the Surat software community. Links Rachit Khator on LinkedIn Stackby on LinkedIn Stackby website Podcast Sponsor – Full Scale This podcast is sponsored by Full Scale, one of the fastest-growing software development companies in any region. Full Scale vets, employs, and supports over 300 professional developers, designers, and testers in the Philippines who can augment and extend your core dev team. Learn more at fullscale.io. The Practical Founders Podcast Tune into the Practical Founders Podcast for weekly in-depth interviews with founders who have built valuable software companies without big funding. Subscribe to the Practical Founders Podcast using your favorite podcast app or view on our YouTube channel. Get the weekly Practical Founders newsletter and podcast updates at practicalfounders.com/newsletter.  

Tope Awotona is the founder of one of the few Black-owned startups to reach unicorn status, Calendly. The popular scheduling app is used by millions of people. Check out his story, and incredible example of leadership.I'd love to hear from you!Join our community, Please Hustle Responsibly: https://link.honeyandhustle.co/phrSupport the show:Upgrade to a paid membership, PHR+: https://link.honeyandhustle.co/phrplusTools we use to make this show: https://www.honeyandhustle.co/digitaltoolsSponsor The Podcast: https://www.honeyandhustle.co/sponsorsBuy The Interview Workbook for Storytellers: https://www.blurb.com/b/11662269-interview-workbook-for-storytellersConnect with Angela:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/AngelaHollowellLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angelahollowell/Twitter: https://twitter.com/honeyandhustle

Irene Chen and Matthew Grenby are the co-founders of Parker Thatch, a luxury handbag and accessories brand they bootstrapped to 8-figures over the course of 20 years. Matt's expertise spans tech, design, and marketing, while Irene brings deep fashion industry knowledge from working with powerhouse brands like Donna Karan and Calvin Klein.In this episode of DTC Pod, Matt and Irene share how they navigated the shift from an e-stationery startup to eventually finding product-market fit with their signature luxury bags. They discuss key lessons learned in bootstrapping—the importance of market timing, how to manage inventory risks, and why flexibility and systems are critical when growing a brand.Interact with other DTC experts and access our monthly fireside chats with industry leaders on DTC Pod Slack.On this episode of DTC Pod, we cover:1. Founding and Evolution of Parker Thatch2. Initial Business Concepts and Pivots3. Strategies for Managing and Allocating Inventory4. Importance of Flexibility in Business Operations5. Bootstrapping and Capital Allocation6. Building Systems for Scalability7. Marketing and Demand Generation Strategies8. Community and Customer EngagementTimestamps00:00 Matt and Irene's backgrounds before Parker Thatch 06:55 Starting an e-stationery business in 200007:43 Pivoting to selling physical stationery and home goods 9:00 Lessons on market timing and pivoting when starting a business11:51 Changing company name from iomoi to Parker Thatch13:52 Creating Parker Thatch's debut handbag18:19 Bootstrapping, capital allocation, inventory decisions22:08 Why early business success depends on flexibility and testing25:53 Introducing leather bags and streamlining production29:10 Why small businesses fail without systems32:29 Shifting to systems thinking to enable business growth35:07 Marketing strategies to drive customer demand37:01 Building community and brand identity around "functional luxury"42:34 Relationship dynamics as husband and wife co-founders45:55 Key focuses for 2025 and beyond with PTTV 47:48 Where to find and connect with Parker ThatchShow notes powered by CastmagicPast guests & brands on DTC Pod include Gilt, PopSugar, Glossier, MadeIN, Prose, Bala, P.volve, Ritual, Bite, Oura, Levels, General Mills, Mid Day Squares, Prose, Arrae, Olipop, Ghia, Rosaluna, Form, Uncle Studios & many more.  Additional episodes you might like:• #175 Ariel Vaisbort - How OLIPOP Runs Influencer, Community, & Affiliate Growth• #184 Jake Karls, Midday Squares - Turning Your Brand Into The Influencer With Content• #205 Kasey Stewart: Suckerz- - Powering Your Launch With 300 Million Organic Views• #219 JT Barnett: The TikTok Masterclass For Brands• #223 Lauren Kleinman: The PR & Affiliate Marketing Playbook• ​​​​#243 Kian Golzari - Source & Develop Products Like The World's Best Brands-----Have any questions about the show or topics you'd like us to explore further?Shoot us a DM; we'd love to hear from you.Want the weekly TL;DR of tips delivered to your mailbox?Check out our newsletter here.Projects the DTC Pod team is working on:DTCetc - all our favorite brands on the internetOlivea - the extra virgin olive oil & hydroxytyrosol supplementCastmagic - AI Workspace for ContentFollow us for content, clips, giveaways, & updates!DTCPod InstagramDTCPod TwitterDTCPod TikTok  Irene Chen and Matthew Grenby -  Co-Founders of Parker ThatchBlaine Bolus - Co-Founder of CastmagicRamon Berrios - Co-Founder of Castmagic

Sean Mooney welcomes Vinay Kashyap, Partner at Mainsail Partners, to explore the art and science of investing in and scaling bootstrapped software companies. With a focus on relationships, discipline, and resourcefulness, Vinay reveals how Mainsail supports entrepreneurs in building enduring businesses. Discover practical strategies for turning product-driven companies into market leaders, leveraging AI for growth, and navigating the fast-changing tech landscape with confidence.   1:07 - Vinay's journey into private equity, how his upbringing influenced his career, and the focus on bootstrapped software companies at Mainsail Partners. 6:45 - The value of long-term relationship building, Mainsail's proactive approach to sourcing investments, and why a three-to-five-year timeline is critical. 10:27 - What makes a great investment: strong growth metrics, durable product quality, and visionary, industry-experienced founders with a learning mindset. 16:29 - Transforming companies post-investment: building infrastructure, upgrading tech stacks, assembling top-tier teams, and implementing data-driven systems. 23:45 - Practical applications of AI within portfolio companies, including customer service transformations and developer productivity optimization. 32:13 - Preparing for a future shaped by AI and the importance of embedding cutting-edge technology into both operations and product offerings.   For more information on Mainsail Partners, go to  https://Mainsailpartners.com/ For more information on Vinay Kashyap, go to  https://www.linkedin.com/in/vinay-kashyap-3646173 For more information on BluWave and this podcast, go to https://www.bluwave.net/podcasts

Justin Duke is the founder of Buttondown, a simple email tool he launched in 2017. Justin was last on the podcast 2 years ago when he'd hit $15k MRR and just left his role at Stripe to focus on Buttondown. I was struck by Justin's well thought through approach to building. He makes calculated risks and shares a lot of his learnings on his blog, Applied Cartography (which is an essential read for any indie hackers).This episode I catch up with Justin to hear how he's grown the team to 8 people and his approach to building a company he loves. This is a cut down version of an hour long catch up I had with Justin available on the Indie Bites membership which is available at indiebites.com/membership, where we discuss his personal blog, how he structures his time as a new parent and we go deeper into hiring high agency unicorns.Timestamps00:00 - Intro01:58 - Buttondown growth03:40 - How to build a company you don't hate07:16 - Marketing and positioning Buttondown11:17 - Buttondown's unique home page approach13:45 - Building a business you enjoy15:32 - RecommendationsMy linksTwitterIndie Bites TwitterIndie Bites YouTubeJoin the membershipPersonal Website2 Hour Podcast CoursePodPanda (hire me to edit your podcast)This Indie Life PodcastSponsor - EmailOctopus

50% Cash, 50% stock. Bridget Harris grew You Can Book Me from 0 to $5M revenue over 12 years. David is building Capacity (previously at Answers.com which sold for ~$900M). Today, Capacity acquires YouCanBookMe in a big win for bootstrappers!

In this episode I am joined by David Habib, founder of Yo Mama's. Tired of bland, preservative-packed sauces that caused him relentless heartburn, David took matters into his own hands. Trading spreadsheets for saucepans, he founded Yo Mama's Foods in 2017 with a mission to create pasta sauces made from simple, honest ingredients—just like his mom would. Bootstrapped from his personal savings, David built a brand now found in over 25,000 stores worldwide, with tens of millions of jars sold and a #2 ranking for marinara sauces on Amazon. In this episode, hear how David scaled Yo Mama's into the fastest-growing pasta sauce brand in the U.S. without a penny of outside capital. Make sure to check out Yo Mama's at: https://yomamasfoods.com   Register for Starting Small Summit 2025: https://betheluniversity.edu/event/starting-small-summit-2025/ Sign up for Starting Small University to join our interviews LIVE and ask questions: https://startingsmallmedia.org/startingsmalluniversity Visit Starting Small Media: https://startingsmallmedia.org/ Subscribe to exclusive Starting Small emails: https://startingsmallmedia.org/newsletter-signup   Follow Starting Small: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/startingsmallpod/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Startingsmallpod/?modal=admin_todo_tour LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/cameronnagle   Thank you to this episodes mid-break sponsor, Heavenly Heat Saunas. This isn't just any sauna—it's the cleanest, healthiest infrared sauna on the market. No hidden glues, no off-gassing, and built with 100% Canadian Hemlock wood. Infrared heat penetrates deeper, getting my blood pumping, easing muscle tension, and setting me up for peak focus. Plus, it's low EMF and ELF, so I'm not trading my health for heat. And the best part? No electrician needed—just plug it in and you're good to go. Ready to upgrade your wellness? Use Code CAMERON for $600 off at HeavenlyHeatSaunas.com – Trust me, you'll feel the difference.  

Alex sold his last IoT startup for over $200M to Samsung. He felt the needed to build something much bigger, so he started BrightAI. The goal was to use AI and IoT to solve big problems for enterprises. A few years later, he bootstrapped to $100M in revenue across just 7 customers.  Last quarter, he raised $15M in venture funding. He shares how he closed million-dollar enterprise projects before building a product, why he refuses to go after just one vertical, and some of the biggest lessons he's learned after years building startups.Why you should listen:Why impact is the biggest driver for starting startups. How to find champions and get enterprise design partners.How AI and IoT can combine  to solve real-world issues.How to make sure you don't get stuck in a niche forever.How to tell if you're on to something in less than 18 months since launching. KeywordsSmartThings, Bright, IoT, critical infrastructure, pest control, AI, technology, innovation, entrepreneurship, product development, AI, pest control, multimodal AI, revenue streams, platform scaling, product-market fit, early-stage founders, entrepreneurship, sustainability, critical infrastructureSend me a message to let me know what you think!

Ever wondered how two guys with three broken scooters and a dream turned a garage startup into a nationwide delivery empire? Join Nick Foster and Tim Robinson from DeliverEasy as they reveal how they built a business that's now delivered over 10 million meals, all while navigating fierce competition from global giants like Uber. From bootstrapping in a Wellington garage to challenging industry norms, they share candid insights about entrepreneurship, wealth, and why money isn't always the ultimate goal. If you're curious about turning a risky idea into reality, this conversation might just inspire you. The duo gets real about the challenges of starting a business with almost no resources and advantage of being first to market. Episodes drop every Monday and Thursday in January. Subscribe to the Shared Lunch feed so you don’t miss a thing. Appearance on Shared Lunch is not an endorsement by Sharesies of the views of the presenters, guests, or the entities they represent. They are not financial experts and their views are their own. Shared Lunch is not financial advice. We recommend talking to a licensed financial adviser. You should review relevant product disclosure documents before deciding to invest. Investing involves risk. You might lose the money you start with. Content is current at the time of recordingSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the podcast we talk with Bruno about putting customers ahead of metrics, why there's still massive opportunity to build successful apps today, and how a server crash turned into an accidentally successful A/B test.Top Takeaways:

Have you considered raising venture capital or investment from outside investors into your startup? In today's episode we sit down with the founder of Choice Guard, a revolutionary medicare insurance brokerage agency. Levi will share his perspective of being a bootstrapped founder and dive into what that really means. Check out Choice Guard here - https://choiceguardinsurance.com/ Get more content from Brandon here - https://linktr.ee/getoveryourself_podcast?utm_source=linktree_profile_share<sid=7b2a59ae-aa30-44fc-8145-a6682a97a334

saas.unbound is a podcast for and about founders who are working on scaling inspiring products that people love, brought to you by https://saas.group/, a serial acquirer of B2B SaaS companies. Episode 36 is the special episode where Tim Schumacher takes over the hosting of the podcast to welcome Diamond Innabi, Principal of the Software Equity Group, an investment bank and M&A advisory serving the software and technology sectors. -----------Episode's Chapters----------- 00:00 - Introduction to SaaS Acquisitions 03:05 - Evaluating SaaS Companies for Acquisition 05:55 - The Importance of First Pass Success Rate 08:01 - Emotional Aspects of Selling a Business 10:03 - Preparing for a Successful Sale 12:05 - Choosing the Right Buyer 14:01 - Cultural and Strategic Fit in Acquisitions 17:00 - Valuation vs. Fit: Making the Right Choice 17:57 - Insights on Bootstrapped SaaS Companies 20:57 - Stories from the Acquisition World 25:00 - Conclusion and Future Outlook Tim Schumacher - https://www.linkedin.com/in/timschumacher/ Diamond - https://www.linkedin.com/in/diamondinnabi/ SEG - https://softwareequity.com/ Subscribe to our channel to be the first to see the interviews that we publish twice a week - https://www.youtube.com/@saas-group Stay up to date: Twitter: https://twitter.com/SaaS_group LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/14790796

In this conversation of Coffee with Closers, Dave Nevogt, the co-founder of Hubstaff, shares his entrepreneurial journey and the challenges he faced in building a successful software company. He discusses the importance of finding the ideal customer profile and how Hubstaff targeted agencies as their initial customer base. Dave also emphasizes the value of education and building an audience through content marketing. He shares insights on acquiring paying customers and transitioning to a paid model. Dave highlights the challenges of managing a remote workforce and the future of the gig economy. ▶️ How strong is your growth strategy? Find out for FREE with our Growth Score Quiz—get custom insights and a roadmap to scale. Take the quiz now!

Esben Friis-Jensen is the Co-founder and Chief Growth Officer at Userflow, a no-code builder for in-app onboarding and surveys that allows SaaS businesses to be more product-led. Userflow is 100% bootstrapped, and with just 3 people they have achieved 400+ customers and a 7-figure ARR (annual recurring revenue). Let's learn how they have been able to do this by having a product-led growth approach that focuses on the UI/UX of their product as well as building the strongest product possible. Show Notes [2:59] Do they just need a growth person, and how did the whole idea start? [5:35] Product-Led Growth facilitates the retention of direct customer feedback [8:13] What are the first big initial steps that he took to scale up his business? [11:43] You need to have a lot of integrity and certainty in what you're doing.You need to believe in the product that you're selling [14:15] How does he differentiate SEM from SEO? [17:12] What's the next big step that he took to 5x the business? [21:12] Esben walks us through how he refines value propositions [33:26] The more open your messaging is, the more different kinds of users you will have [42:44] How does his company maintain customer focus? [50:12] Esben's deliberate game plan for his business About Esben Friis-Jensen Esben Friis-Jensen is the co-founder of Userflow, a no-code platform for building onboarding guides and product tours.Before working on Userflow, he co-founded an application security platform called Cobalt. Additionally, he has a background as an Accenture consultant with more than three years of experience in test and deployment management of global IT implementations. Links Userflow Cobalt Monday Profile Esben's LinkedIn

Building a profitable CPG business is possible, but it takes a special product and business model. Join me as I sit down with Sean Hall one of my favorite bootstrapped entrepreneurs who founded Wellious as we talk through what it took to build a profitable business, how he carefully chose a category and built a product in a crowded category. Startup to Scale is a podcast by Foodbevy, an online community to connect emerging food, beverage, and CPG founders to great resources and partners to grow their business. Visit us at Foodbevy.com to learn about becoming a member or an industry partner today.

Learn how indigenous hip-hop duo Snotty Nose Rez Kids built their empire through storytelling, from hand-selling merch to running a global brand.Watch the full video interview on YouTube here. For more on Snotty Nose Rez Kids and show notes click here. 

This podcast explores the exciting and sometimes bizarre world of crypto AI agents, a new trend in the cryptocurrency space where AI-powered entities are influencing markets, creating content, and even launching their own projects. This episode focuses on Truth Terminal, a Claude-based AI agent that sparked the AI agent meme coin trend by promoting Goatseus Maximus (GOAT), a meme coin that quickly reached a $1 billion market cap. The podcast delves into the origins of GOAT, which stem from the "Infinite Backrooms" experiment where two AI chatbots were left to converse without human intervention. This experiment led to the creation of the "Goatse Gospel," a satirical, meme-based religion that Truth Terminal began promoting on X (formerly Twitter). This podcast will cover: ● The origins of the AI agent meme coin trend, tracing it back to Truth Terminal and the "Infinite Backrooms" experiment. ● How an anonymous developer, inspired by Truth Terminal, created GOAT, which quickly gained traction and sparked a wave of AI agent-related coins. ● The role of AI agents like Truth Terminal in promoting cryptocurrencies, potentially manipulating markets through their understanding of market trends and ability to generate targeted content. Listeners will gain insights into: ● The distinction between AI agents and traditional bots, highlighting the autonomy, adaptability, and advanced capabilities of AI agents. ● The potential dangers of AI agents in the crypto space, including their ability to spread misinformation, create artificial hype, and manipulate markets. ● The ethical considerations surrounding AI agents promoting meme coins and influencing market dynamics. Tune in to learn about the fascinating intersection of AI and crypto, the rise of AI agents as key players in the market, and the potential implications for the future of cryptocurrency  

Sound Bites "All boats rise in a rising tide." "You always want to go out on top." "I worked that plan every day for 12 years." "PE wants you levered up and hungry." "Good things happen to good people." "Business is a team sport." "Show up early and often, stay late." "Don't let what you want get in the way." Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Mark Drever and Accelerate Solutions 02:23 Mark's Journey: From Bootstrapping to Major Growth 07:15 Transitioning from Independent Business to Private Equity 12:26 Navigating Employee Growth and Leadership Changes 17:55 Timing the Exit: Building an Asset-Based Business 24:02 Understanding Business Dynamics: Asset vs. Lifestyle 27:24 Navigating the Sale: Strategic vs. Private Equity 30:55 The Importance of Business Structure and Clean Operations 33:14 Choosing the Right Partners: Lessons Learned 35:17 Reinvesting for Growth: The Role of Private Equity 38:34 The Future of Work: Remote vs. In-Person Collaboration 42:43 Advice to My Younger Self: Balancing Career and Life

Guillaume Moubeche is the Founder of Lempire, a company he has bootstrapped in the most competitive market in technology and scaled to a staggering $30M in ARR. Guillaume has never raised primary funding for the business but sold $10M of secondary at a $150M valuation. Guillaume is also an angel investor and and best selling author.  In Today's Episode with Guillaume Moubeche: 1. How to Build a Sales Machine: What is the biggest mistake founders make when crafting their ideal customer profile? What are Guillaume's biggest lessons in scaling from $0-$1M in ARR?  Why are most founders afraid to sell? What can they do to overcome this? What is the ultimate equation to success in sales? 2. How to Build a Content Machine: How does Guillaume come up with ideas for new content? How does he structure his content creation time?  How does Guillaume advise founders on which platform and content type they should focus on? What are the biggest mistakes they make? How does Guillaume think about content repackaging and reposting? What have been some of the biggest lessons in how to get the max out of existing content? 3. How to Build a Hiring Machine: Why does Guillaume think you should pay people well above market rate? What does it allow you to do as their employer? Why does Guillaume think in 90% of times, more people equals more problems? What have been Guillaume's biggest hiring mistakes? What did he learn? 4. Making $10M, Ironman and Family: How does Guillaume reflect on his own relationship to money? How has it changed post making $10M?  Why does Guillaume believe that endurance sports makes for better entrepreneurs? When asked if all the sacrifices were worth it, how does Guillaume respond? What does his life not have yet that he would most like?    

Getting investors or bootstrapping? That's one of the hardest decisions founders have to make. On one hand, raising capital has many benefits - you have a longer runway, more resources, and more cash to hire people and pay them well. It provides enough cash to get through the competitive hurdles to bring your product to market.  But outside capital comes with strings attached and having to please others and conform your business to the expectations of investors. That's why many founders choose not to go down the path of raising money and deliberately decide to bootstrap instead.  While it means you're operating in a resource-constrained environment, you get to retain more control and flexibility in the long-run. Bootstrapping your business means you have to be scrappy and do things a little differently, but it can work.  What are the things you need to stay on top of when you're bootstrapping? Why is product validation so important? How do you determine which funding model works for you?  In this episode, I'm joined by speaker, angel investor and founder of Product Plan, Jim Semick. He shares why he chose to bootstrap instead of taking the venture capital route and how to self-fund successfully.  Topics Covered; How to stay on top of your finances in a bootstrapped business Why it's critical to validate your product first  How to hire and pay developers as a bootstrapped business  Low-cost marketing strategies that don't need a lot of capital The value of having co-founder with complementary skills The right time to bring on an outside CEO   Guest Bio Jim Semick is a Product Management Expert, speaker, leader, angel investor and founder of Product Plan. He has over 20 years of experience turning ideas into real products that customers love. Jim's passion is identifying and launching successful SaaS products using a proven market validation process. The products he has helped launch continue to generate over $1 billion of revenue annually. Today Jim writes, lectures, and coaches on entrepreneurship, product management, and career decisions. To learn more visit https://www.jimsemick.com/ and connect with him on LinkedIn.   About Your Host Jayla Siciliano, Shark Tank entrepreneur turned real estate investor, excels in building brands, teams, and products. CEO of a bi-coastal luxury short-term rental company, she also hosts the Seed Money Podcast where she's on a mission to help early-stage entrepreneurs turn their ideas into reality!  Connect: Website: seedmoneypodcast.com Instagram: @jaylasiciliano Subscribe and watch on YouTube @seedmoneypodcast   Please rate, follow and review the podcast on Apple Podcasts and Spotify! Hearing your comments and questions helps me come up with the best topics for the show!   The information in this podcast is educational and general in nature and does not take into consideration the listener's personal circumstances. Therefore, it is not intended to be a substitute for specific, individualized financial, legal, or tax advice.  

Gamelight founder Günay Azer sits down with ‘How I Grew This' hosts Amanda Vandiver and Adam Landis to reveal the remarkable journey of transforming a bootstrapped startup into a mobile marketing powerhouse. In this episode, Günay shares how Gamelight's AI-powered platform revolutionizes user acquisition through sophisticated data analysis and personalized app recommendations. The conversation offers invaluable insights for anyone interested in mobile gaming, adtech innovation, and the future of AI-driven marketing strategies. Learn firsthand how Gamelight's cutting-edge approach is reshaping the mobile app marketing landscape through the strategic intersection of artificial intelligence, user behavior data, and targeted recommendation algorithms.

We've chatted with a VC-backed founder who is on the brink of closing shop. Listen to our reflections on this. Plus, a breakdown of latest Metacast features!Get Metacast podcast app for Android and iOS at https://⁠⁠⁠metacast.app⁠⁠⁠.Join the ⁠⁠r/metacastapp⁠⁠ subreddit.Segments[01:26] New features in Metacast[01:42] Sleep timer[06:21] Speed control[12:32] Grid view in playlists[15:37] Goals for the next month[17:07] Our chat with a VC-backed startup founder[28:56] Podcast and books recommendationsShow notesPodcastsGet Sleepy: Sleep meditation and storiesBroken Record with Rick Rubin, Malcolm Gladwell, Bruce Headlam and Justin Richmond7. Jason Fried on building products, calm companies and the Jeff Bezos investment - Builders Gonna BuildMy Dad Wrote A PornoThe Big Porn Debate (3 Experts Debate): The Unseen Dangers Of Nofap, The Adult Industry Is Exploiting Our Brains, How Porn Will Change Your Brain! - The Diary Of A CEO with Steven BartlettBooksObviously Awesome by April DunfordOtherLinkedIn post about speed control in audio by IlyaGet in touch

“Everyone has a use case for Hulken, and I think that's what makes it so relatable. The product basically markets itself,” says Alex Schinasi, the co-founder and president of Hulken, as she shares how her simple yet functional rolling tote became a viral sensation. Joining Lindsay Pinchuk in this episode, Alex reflects on her start as an entrepreneur in Israel, where she first learned the importance of responding to customer needs. From launching a side project during the pandemic to growing Hulken into a profitable business, Alex's journey challenges many common assumptions about what it takes to start a successful company. Is a large team really necessary? Or can resourcefulness and focus on a single standout product bring growth? Alex's story inspires entrepreneurs to start small, keep things straightforward, and rethink the need for external funding. Her approach is refreshingly practical, proving that anyone can build something meaningful with determination, adaptability, and a willingness to listen to the market.Quotes“Everyone has a use case for Hulken, and I think that's what makes it so relatable… the product basically markets itself.” (14:22 | Alex Schinasi)“You don't need the big fancy teams. You don't need the six-figure hires. You can hire freelance people for projects. And I say this all the time: figure out what you don't want to do and what you can't do, and find someone who can do it for you, and you will be paying them less than it would cost you to ‘pay yourself.' That's how you grow a big business. That's how you bootstrap a business… Hulken, it's only now, and we're almost at 20 million in revenue, that we're investing in our website. Not a dime was invested in that website until literally right now.” (18:18 | Lindsay Pinchuk & Alex Schinasi)“It's funny, there's that misconception that you need capital to start a company, but it's actually never been easier to start a company with nothing... You observed your customers and you made the pivot. In all of these situations, which is so important, you can just get started. The tools are there.” (20:27 | Alex Schinasi & Lindsay Pinchuk)“You somehow find the strength, right? I think that happens a lot as a founder—that things just seem impossible, and you just find it in you somehow and get through it.” (36:11 | Alex Schinasi)“If you overthink, you're never going to start. Nothing's ever going to be perfect, and you just have to be okay with that idea.” (38:35 | Alex Schinasi)Connect with Alex Schinasi: Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/alexschinasiGet on Lindsay's LIST here: https://lindsaypinchuk.myflodesk.com/foundherforumThere are still a few tickets left for Dear FoundHer... on Tour with Sunny and Jenn on December 2 in Wilmette, IL: https://dearfoundher.ticketspice.com/dear-foundheron-tour-presents-sunny-jennDon't forget to follow Lindsay on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lindsaypinchukPodcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How do leaders strengthen their emotional intelligence, especially in this political climate?Meet Adam Birnbaum!Adam is an Executive Coach for CXOs and High Potential Leaders. He is the Former Founder/CEO/COO/GM at Bootstrapped, VC-backed, PE-backed, and public companies.Adam believes that Leadership, at its core, is a journey of growth - team growth and personal growth. As an executive coach and advisor, he guides Founders and C-suite leaders (and their teams) at high-growth companies through this journey, helping them cultivate their strengths, confront their challenges, and lead with authenticity and conviction.During his time as an executive and leader in VC-backed, PE-backed, and public companies, Adam navigated complex organizational challenges, led high-performing teams, and drove strategic initiatives that resulted in significant growth. Adam is deeply invested in the journey of transforming leaders—helping them overcome their blind spots and maximize their growth potential. One of his most fulfilling experiences as an executive coach was guiding the CEO of a fast-growing tech company through a significant transition. Not only did they implement practical operational frameworks to improve business management, but also delved into his behaviors and competencies to navigate through his leadership challenges. Connect with Adam:Website: https://www.clearpath.groupEmail: adam@clearpath.groupListen to the Podcast, subscribe, leave a rating and a review:Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/emotional-intelligence-in-leadership-w-adam-birnbaum/id1614151066?i=1000676529091Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/35Bbyu3cDElFI3YYNEKIVEYouTube: https://youtu.be/Q5kza0grDM0

In today's episode, I sit down with Josh Haynam, the co-founder of Interact, a $3 million/year software company that's revolutionizing how businesses generate leads through online quizzes.Josh and I dive deep into how he bootstrapped Interact from the ground up (without outside funding) and scaled it to seven figures. He shares his journey from a struggling entrepreneur to building a thriving software company that helps businesses create engaging quizzes to attract and convert leads.We also talk about why quizzes are such powerful tools for lead generation and how you can use them to grow your email list and increase sales. Plus, we explore how artificial intelligence is transforming the quiz creation process, making it easier than ever to craft personalized and effective quizzes for your audience.If you're an entrepreneur looking to generate more leads, or if you're interested in the intersection of AI and marketing, this episode is packed with valuable insights that you won't want to miss.Listen to the full episode to hear:How Josh bootstrapped Interact to $3M/year without investorsWhy quizzes are a game-changer for lead generation and audience engagementPractical strategies for building quizzes that convertHow AI is shaping the future of quiz creationFREE Resources to Grow Your Online Business:The $100K Funnel Breakdown: https://www.gillianperkins.com/100k-funnel-breakdown-opt-inLearn more about Josh: https://www.tryinteract.com/blog/author/josh-haynam/Work with Gillian Perkins:Apply for $100K Mastermind: https://gillianperkins.com/100k-mastermind Get your online biz started with Startup Society: https://startupsociety.com Learn more about Gillian: https://gillianperkins.com Instagram: @GillianZPerkins

In this episode, host Sasha Orloff interviews Brad Wiskirchen about his journey with Kount, the AI-driven fraud prevention company he bootstrapped and sold to Equifax for $640 million, while sharing insights from his experience as a founder and now a partner at CVC Capital Partners. For full show notes, visit: https://highlightai.com/share/eec1be56-ae04-4afc-bb24-7ed8523b2176 --

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed, Tim Mercer.  He is the author of Forbes Books "Bootstrapped Millionaire."   He is also the CFO of Cadence Ventures, INC.  It is a boutique private equity firm that invests in private mortgage notes and offers "nontraditional" financing to real estate investors, builders, and developers. As a private lender with discretionary capital, we've become a reliable capital partner for real estate professionals needing execution and timely closings.  Tim has over two decades of experience in finance, real estate, and government contracting; Mercer is currently the CFO of Cadence Ventures, INC and IBOX Global, LLC, ranked #357 on Inc. 500's list of the Fastest Growing Companies.  Talking Points/Questions *1) Phases of entrepreneurship (i.e. solopreneurs, intrapreneurs, business owner, investor)2) The importance of financial literacy and how to level up your financial knowledge3) How government contracts can help scale your business4) Advice to small businesses seeking to get into government contracting5) Why real estate is the safest and most profitable investment 6) How to invest passively into real estate #BEST #STRAW    #SHMS    Support the show: https://www.steveharveyfm.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed, Tim Mercer.  He is the author of Forbes Books "Bootstrapped Millionaire."   He is also the CFO of Cadence Ventures, INC.  It is a boutique private equity firm that invests in private mortgage notes and offers "nontraditional" financing to real estate investors, builders, and developers. As a private lender with discretionary capital, we've become a reliable capital partner for real estate professionals needing execution and timely closings.  Tim has over two decades of experience in finance, real estate, and government contracting; Mercer is currently the CFO of Cadence Ventures, INC and IBOX Global, LLC, ranked #357 on Inc. 500's list of the Fastest Growing Companies.  Talking Points/Questions *1) Phases of entrepreneurship (i.e. solopreneurs, intrapreneurs, business owner, investor)2) The importance of financial literacy and how to level up your financial knowledge3) How government contracts can help scale your business4) Advice to small businesses seeking to get into government contracting5) Why real estate is the safest and most profitable investment 6) How to invest passively into real estate #BEST #STRAW    #SHMS    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Potential to Powerhouse: Success Secrets from Female Leaders, host Tracy Holland delves into the inspiring journey of Nancy Twine, the founder and CEO of Briogeo Haircare. As one of the few Black women to successfully launch, scale, and sell a global beauty brand, Nancy shares her incredible story, from her early days on Wall Street to building a hair care empire recognized worldwide. Her episode is packed with valuable insights on entrepreneurship, resilience, and the power of following your instincts. If you are an entrepreneur and feeling frustrated or blocked, this is a must-listen episode.  Episode Highlights: Nancy Twine's Early Inspiration: Discover how Nancy's mother, a chemist, influenced her love for product formulation and laid the foundation for Briogeo. From Wall Street to Sephora: Learn about Nancy's pivotal decision to leave a decade-long career at Goldman Sachs to pursue her entrepreneurial dreams. Building Briogeo: Nancy shares how she bootstrapped Briogeo for six years before securing private equity funding, leading to its successful acquisition by Wella. Lessons in Resilience: Nancy emphasizes the importance of maintaining a growth mindset and navigating challenges, drawing from her own experiences during the 2008 financial crisis. Empowering Female Entrepreneurs: Hear about Nancy's Dream Makers Founders Grant, a $1 million initiative to support underrepresented female founders in the consumer space. Future of Briogeo: Nancy discusses her vision for Briogeo over the next decade and the importance of staying innovative in a rapidly changing beauty landscape. Key Takeaways Nancy Twine's journey is a testament to the power of resilience, massive focus, and courage. There were times when she could have stopped, she could have talked herself out of pushing past fear, but she kept the build going - and look where it landed her. She has an ideal strategic partner in Wella and the ability to keep touching the lives of women everywhere, through her focus and giveback efforts.  Whether you're in the early stages of building a business or facing challenges along the way, her story serves as a reminder that with passion and perseverance, success is within reach.  Nancy's commitment to empowering women, particularly those from underrepresented or diverse backgrounds, highlights the impact of giving back and creating opportunities for others. Ready to take your entrepreneurial journey to the next level? Be sure to listen to the full episode and subscribe to Potential to Powerhouse for more inspiring stories from trailblazing female leaders. Don't forget to check out Nancy Twine's podcast, Makers Mindset, for additional insights and motivation. Connect with Us Subscribe to our Newsletter: Potential to Powerhouse Follow us on Instagram: @PotentialToPowerhouse

Welcome to another episode of Business Lunch! In today's episode, Roland and Ryan discuss the key differences between building a business for cash flow versus building it for a large exit. They dive deep into whether these two approaches are mutually exclusive, especially for bootstrapped businesses versus those with VC funding. If you're wondering how to maximize cash flow while preparing for an exit or striking the right balance between reinvesting and taking money out of the business, this episode is packed with insights to guide your decisions.Highlights:“If you're bootstrapped, you have a lot more flexibility than if you're funded.”“A healthy business kicks out large amounts of distributable cash regularly.”“Cash left in a company can lead to bloat and actually slow down growth.”“Exits aren't always what you anticipate—there's a lot more to the story.”Timestamps:00:36 – Introduction 00:55 – Can you build a business for both cash flow and exit?01:57 – Insights into the path you pick when seeking VC funding03:45 – Bootstrapped businesses and the flexibility they offer09:19 – How excess cash in businesses can lead to bloat11:35 – Cash flow management strategies: cash flow waterfall and budgeting12:34 – How VC-backed businesses affect the path to an exit14:06 – Building reserves for refunds and emergencies in cash-flow businesses16:20 – Getting regular distributions VS waiting for a big exit18:54 – ConclusionCONNECT • Ask Roland a question HERE.RESOURCES:• 7 Steps to Scalable workbook • Get my book, Zero Down, FREETo learn more about Roland Frasier