Podcasts about whispered

Lumber is revolutionizing how construction companies manage their workforce through a comprehensive back-office automation platform. With over $21 million in funding, the company is addressing critical challenges in an industry where 41% of the workforce will retire by 2031, leaving a massive knowledge and labor gap. In this episode of Category Visionaries, we spoke with Shreesha Ramdas, CEO and Co-Founder of Lumber, about his journey from serving the tech industry to tackling one of the most transformation-resistant sectors in the economy. Topics Discussed: Lumber's origin from 200+ customer discovery interviews with construction firms The company's focus on back-office automation versus field management Lumber's multi-channel marketing strategy emphasizing events and content The challenge of change management in construction technology adoption How AI is creating new opportunities to modernize legacy workflows The company's vision of building a knowledge graph for construction workers GTM Lessons For B2B Founders: Lead with value in customer discovery, not just research requests: Shreesha hired an SDR to set up 200 meetings with construction firms, but didn't just ask for their time. Instead, he offered concrete value - either an industry best practices guide or one year of free service if they helped shape the product. This approach appealed to early innovators who wanted to be part of industry transformation. B2B founders should always answer "what's in it for them" before asking prospects to invest their time in discovery conversations. Events require 60-day pre-and-post commitment for success: Lumber generates 30% of its leads from industry events, but Shreesha emphasizes that showing up isn't enough. They start outreach two months before events, targeting previous attendees with promotional activities like free tickets or after-party invitations. During events, they focus on booking demos on-site rather than leaving follow-ups to chance. Post-event, they dedicate 60 days to aggressive follow-up because "those leads age faster than anything else." B2B founders should treat events as 4-month campaigns, not 2-day activities. Use AI to solve change management challenges, not just productivity: Rather than forcing manual timesheet users to adopt mobile apps, Lumber uses AI to digitize handwritten timesheets with 94% accuracy. This eliminates the change management barrier while gradually transitioning users to digital workflows. Shreesha noted that change management is "the toughest thing about construction industry" because workers are focused on building, not adopting new tools. B2B founders in traditional industries should use AI as a bridge between old and new workflows rather than demanding immediate behavioral change. Position against established category leaders, not alongside them: Lumber deliberately positions itself as the "back office" solution while Procore owns the "field management" category. Shreesha explained that back offices are "always thinly staffed" but "always overwhelmed" with regulatory compliance, payroll complexity, and worker management. Rather than competing directly with Procore's field focus, they created their own category serving CFOs, controllers, and payroll admins. B2B founders should identify underserved buyer personas adjacent to established categories rather than trying to displace category leaders directly. Leverage vertical AI opportunities to rewrite industry rules: Shreesha sees AI as the reason construction tech is finally attracting significant investment. The key is using AI to "rewrite the existing rules" rather than just digitizing current processes. For construction, this means taking workflows that have been manual for decades and reimagining them entirely. B2B founders should look for AI applications that fundamentally change how work gets done in their vertical, not just make existing work more efficient.   //   Sponsors: Front Lines — We help B2B tech companies launch, manage, and grow podcasts that drive demand, awareness, and thought leadership. www.FrontLines.io The Global Talent Co. — We help tech startups find, vet, hire, pay, and retain amazing marketing talent that costs 50-70% less than the US & Europe.  www.GlobalTalent.co   //   Don't Miss: New Podcast Series — How I Hire Senior GTM leaders share the tactical hiring frameworks they use to build winning revenue teams. Hosted by Andy Mowat, who scaled 4 unicorns from $10M to $100M+ ARR and launched Whispered to help executives find their next role. Subscribe here: https://open.spotify.com/show/53yCHlPfLSMFimtv0riPyM   

BackOps AI is transforming supply chain operations by automating the human-intensive processes that plague logistics companies daily. With $8 million in funding, the company has developed AI-powered solutions that autonomously resolve supply chain issues like damaged shipments, delivery problems, and vendor inquiries. In this episode of Category Visionaries, we sat down with Sean McCarthy, Co-Founder and CEO of BackOps AI, to explore how his experience at Amazon led to building an AI platform that handles 80% of supply chain problems without human intervention. Topics Discussed: BackOps AI's mission to remove human capital from supply chain issue resolution The evolution from Amazon shipping experience to founding an AI automation company Building and launching the Relay product for autonomous problem resolution Targeting 3PLs and industrial companies with high-volume, repetitive supply chain issues The changing sentiment around AI adoption in supply chain operations Strategic vision to become the central system of record for supply chain operations GTM Lessons For B2B Founders: Target problems that scale with volume: Sean discovered that whether customers were nine-figure Amazon sellers or shipping 50 packages daily, they all faced identical supply chain problems. This universality across different company sizes and tech stacks validated the market opportunity. B2B founders should look for problems that persist regardless of customer sophistication or existing technology investments, as these represent fundamental market gaps rather than feature requests. Build prototypes that fail 50% of the time and still get customers: BackOps secured their first paying customer within 30-45 days despite having prototypes that "50% of the time just didn't work." Sean credits this to showing tangible ROI potential even with imperfect technology. B2B founders should focus on demonstrating clear value proposition over perfect execution in early stages - prospects can envision the full potential if the core value is evident. Position against human labor, not just competitors: BackOps rarely competes against other software solutions. Instead, they compete against hiring additional warehouse staff or outsourced development agencies. Sean explains customers evaluate them against "maybe they were planning on opening a new warehouse and adding two or three headcount." B2B founders should identify whether their primary competition is human labor or alternative solutions, as this fundamentally changes positioning and pricing strategies. Leverage domain expertise for customer development: Sean's Amazon background provided immediate credibility and a network of potential customers in 3PLs and fulfillment. His firsthand warehouse experience allowed him to articulate problems with authority. B2B founders should systematically leverage their professional background not just for product insights, but as a channel for early customer development and validation. Avoid generic AI positioning in favor of specific use cases: Sean emphasizes the challenge of selling AI products that "can kind of do anything" versus traditional software with clear functions. BackOps focuses on showcasing specific problems they've solved for similar businesses rather than generic "agentic workflow" messaging. B2B founders in AI should lead with concrete use cases and customer outcomes rather than technical capabilities or broad AI potential. Plan the system of record roadmap from day one: While BackOps launched with Relay, Sean has a clear vision to become the central nervous system that eliminates the need for "18 different systems." He positions this as their path to avoid commoditization and create defensible value. B2B founders should design their initial product as the foundation for a broader platform that consolidates multiple point solutions in their target market.   //   Sponsors: Front Lines — We help B2B tech companies launch, manage, and grow podcasts that drive demand, awareness, and thought leadership. www.FrontLines.io The Global Talent Co. — We help tech startups find, vet, hire, pay, and retain amazing marketing talent that costs 50-70% less than the US & Europe.  www.GlobalTalent.co   //   Don't Miss: New Podcast Series — How I Hire Senior GTM leaders share the tactical hiring frameworks they use to build winning revenue teams. Hosted by Andy Mowat, who scaled 4 unicorns from $10M to $100M+ ARR and launched Whispered to help executives find their next role. Subscribe here: https://open.spotify.com/show/53yCHlPfLSMFimtv0riPyM   

  AidKit is revolutionizing how emergency aid and government benefits reach people in need. Having distributed over $350 million to more than 500,000 individuals and small businesses, the company is addressing critical inefficiencies in government aid systems during a time of unprecedented policy upheaval. In this episode of Category Visionaries, CEO Brittany Christenson shares how AidKit is building technology that delivers aid with dignity while navigating a rapidly changing political landscape that includes the dismantling of USAID, proposed cuts to SNAP and Medicaid, and plans to shift disaster relief responsibilities from FEMA to state and local governments. Topics Discussed: AidKit's origin story as founders built the platform to solve their own emergency aid distribution challenges during the pandemic The current political climate's impact on government aid programs and how it's creating both challenges and opportunities How outdated procurement processes and billable-hour consulting models create systemic inefficiencies in government aid systems The false trade-off between fraud prevention and accessibility in aid distribution Using AI and big data to simultaneously improve fraud detection while making aid more accessible Building technology that reduces administrative burden for both caseworkers and aid recipients AidKit's partner-first approach to business development and customer relationships The company's unique alignment between revenue objectives and social impact metrics GTM Lessons For B2B Founders: Build from your own pain point and expand organically: AidKit's founders created the platform to solve their own emergency aid distribution challenges during the pandemic. When neighboring states asked to use their system, they recognized the broader market opportunity. B2B founders should pay attention when their internal solutions generate external interest—this organic demand often signals strong product-market fit and can provide a natural path to scale. Challenge industry pricing models that misalign incentives: Brittany identified that the prevalent billable-hours consulting model in government aid creates perverse incentives that discourage efficiency and innovation. AidKit deliberately structured their pricing to reward successful outcomes rather than time spent. B2B founders should examine whether traditional industry pricing models align with customer success and consider alternative structures that better incentivize the outcomes customers actually want. Leverage disruption as a growth catalyst: Despite the challenges posed by massive government aid cuts and policy changes, Brittany views the disruption as creating opportunities to build better infrastructure. She notes that "there is never massive disruption without opportunity." B2B founders should develop frameworks for identifying and capitalizing on market disruptions rather than just defending against them. Use technology to eliminate false trade-offs: AidKit demonstrates how AI and modern data sources can simultaneously improve fraud prevention while making aid more accessible—previously seen as competing priorities. Brittany explains that "in 2025 with AI, those trade-offs don't exist." B2B founders should look for areas where technology can resolve longstanding industry tensions and create solutions that deliver multiple benefits previously thought to be mutually exclusive. Align business metrics with customer success: AidKit's revenue model directly correlates with the amount of aid distributed and number of people served. This creates perfect alignment between business growth and social impact. B2B founders should structure their business models so that their success metrics directly align with customer success metrics, creating sustainable growth that benefits all stakeholders. Focus on procurement reform for government sales: Brittany emphasizes that procurement reform is essential for getting better technology into government systems. She notes the need to make procurement "more navigable for better tech solutions" instead of relying on "custom built monolithic systems that are incredibly expensive to maintain." B2B founders selling to government should engage with procurement reform conversations and position their solutions as alternatives to traditional, expensive custom builds.   //   Sponsors: Front Lines — We help B2B tech companies launch, manage, and grow podcasts that drive demand, awareness, and thought leadership. www.FrontLines.io The Global Talent Co. — We help tech startups find, vet, hire, pay, and retain amazing marketing talent that costs 50-70% less than the US & Europe.  www.GlobalTalent.co   //   Don't Miss: New Podcast Series — How I Hire Senior GTM leaders share the tactical hiring frameworks they use to build winning revenue teams. Hosted by Andy Mowat, who scaled 4 unicorns from $10M to $100M+ ARR and launched Whispered to help executives find their next role. Subscribe here: https://open.spotify.com/show/53yCHlPfLSMFimtv0riPyM   

  Rhumbix is pioneering the field workforce management category in construction, transforming how contractors capture real-time data from job sites. With $46 million in funding raised, the company has evolved from a wearables IoT startup to becoming a leading mobile-first SaaS platform serving mid-market and enterprise construction companies. In this episode of Category Visionaries, we sat down with Zach Scheel, CEO and Co-Founder of Rhumbix, to explore the company's journey from Stanford dorms to creating an entirely new software category for the construction industry's underserved field workforce. Topics Discussed: Rhumbix's pivot from wearables IoT technology to mobile workforce management software The challenge of digitizing paper-based processes in a traditionally analog industry Building founder-market fit in construction tech through authentic industry experience Navigating the 2022 funding freeze and achieving profitability through strategic cost-cutting Creating the "field workforce management" category and educating the market The evolution from founder-led sales to scalable go-to-market operations Strategic decision to move upmarket for higher ASP and better unit economics GTM Lessons For B2B Founders: Let the market dictate product-market fit, not your vision: Zach emphasized that "the founder doesn't get to dictate product market fit. The market dictates product market fit." After conducting 100+ customer discovery calls, Rhumbix pivoted from their original wearables IoT concept when customers consistently said they'd pay immediately for digital time cards instead. B2B founders must listen to market signals over their initial product vision and be willing to pivot when customers clearly articulate a different, more urgent need. Find intrinsic motivations in early customers: Rhumbix secured their first customers by identifying intrinsic motivations beyond the product itself. One customer was a tech-savvy IT director excited about digitizing workflows, while another was a fellow veteran who wanted to support Zach's veteran-founded company. B2B founders should look beyond product fit and identify personal or professional motivations that drive early adopters to take risks on unproven solutions. Be intentional about market segment alignment: Zach's most important go-to-market decision was pivoting upmarket to focus on customers willing to spend $5K-$10K rather than trying to serve everyone. Small customers were "a drag on professional services and customer success" compared to larger ones. This strategic focus led to higher NPS scores, more evangelistic customers, and increased referrals. B2B founders must align their product development, pricing, and go-to-market strategy around a specific market segment rather than pursuing a "sell to anyone" approach. Leverage founder-market fit for category creation: In construction, an industry skeptical of technology vendors without domain expertise, Zach's authentic background as a Navy veteran who managed construction projects was crucial for credibility. His "workers first" positioning wasn't just marketing—it influenced product decisions and resonated with industry buyers who could spot inauthentic positioning immediately. B2B founders entering traditional industries should leverage authentic domain expertise as a competitive advantage in both sales and product development. Embrace pivots as smart business strategy, not failure: Initially viewing pivots negatively, Zach learned that "almost all successful companies have pivoted" and that experienced entrepreneurs use pivots strategically to find product-market fit. When they updated investors about moving away from hardware to pure SaaS, the response was overwhelmingly positive due to better unit economics and reduced complexity. B2B founders should reframe pivots as intelligent responses to market feedback rather than admissions of failure.   //   Sponsors: Front Lines — We help B2B tech companies launch, manage, and grow podcasts that drive demand, awareness, and thought leadership. www.FrontLines.io The Global Talent Co. — We help tech startups find, vet, hire, pay, and retain amazing marketing talent that costs 50-70% less than the US & Europe.  www.GlobalTalent.co   //   Don't Miss: New Podcast Series — How I Hire Senior GTM leaders share the tactical hiring frameworks they use to build winning revenue teams. Hosted by Andy Mowat, who scaled 4 unicorns from $10M to $100M+ ARR and launched Whispered to help executives find their next role. Subscribe here: https://open.spotify.com/show/53yCHlPfLSMFimtv0riPyM   

Cloudastructure has raised over $57 million to transform video surveillance from a passive recording tool into an active crime prevention platform. What started as a solution born from a laptop theft in a South of Market office has evolved into an AI-powered service that protects multifamily properties across the country. In this episode of Category Visionaries, we spoke with Rick Bentley, founder of Cloudastructure, about his unconventional path to building a category-defining company—from working at the legendary General Magic to self-funding his startup by working as a contractor in Baghdad. Topics Discussed: How a laptop theft incident revealed the fundamental flaws in traditional video surveillance systems The breakthrough moment when Google open-sourced TensorFlow in 2015 and its impact on computer vision Cloudastructure's pivot from broad security applications to finding product-market fit in multifamily properties The company's unique crowdfunding success, raising $35 million from 13,000 individual investors Building a hybrid AI-human monitoring system with guards operating from India The technical evolution from basic object detection to holistic, cross-camera intelligence using LLM-like systems GTM Lessons For B2B Founders: Timing technology waves requires patience and resourcefulness: Rick spent over a decade keeping his cloud video vision alive before the infrastructure caught up. He recognized that Moore's Law would eventually make broadband faster than video files would grow larger, solving the technical constraints. He funded the company through consulting work, including a dangerous stint in Baghdad, demonstrating that sometimes founders need to get creative about survival during technology transition periods. B2B founders should identify self-resolving technical limitations and prepare to bridge the gap through alternative revenue streams. Vertical expertise beats broad horizontal approaches: Cloudastructure's breakthrough came when they hired Whitney, a VP of sales with deep multifamily industry relationships. She brought not just contacts but intimate knowledge of purchasing processes, budgets, and pain points specific to property management companies. Rick noted, "She knew what their budgets were, what their approval processes were, what their pain points were." B2B founders should prioritize hiring salespeople with vertical domain expertise over generalist sales talent when targeting specific industries. Product-market fit emerges from pain intensity, not market size: The multifamily space proved ideal not because of its size, but because of the acute pain property managers experience. Rick explained the stark difference: "The next morning you could have a dozen people in your leasing office because their cars got broken into last night" versus "an email that says these guys showed up, we did a talk down, they ran away." B2B founders should prioritize markets where their solution prevents catastrophic scenarios over those with mild inconveniences, even if the latter appears larger. Crowdfunding can validate B2B concepts when VCs miss the opportunity: After traditional VCs dismissed Cloudastructure as too late to market, Rick raised $35 million through crowdfunding with 13,000 individual investors. This approach not only provided capital but validated market demand from a broader audience. The success came from clearly articulating the value proposition to non-technical investors who could understand the basic premise of preventing crime versus just recording it. B2B founders facing VC skepticism should consider alternative funding sources that might better appreciate their value proposition. Build the full stack when integration creates competitive advantage: Cloudastructure didn't just provide software—they built the entire monitoring infrastructure, including training guards, developing custom interfaces, and managing the complete service delivery. Rick emphasized, "You can't just hop on Fiverr or whatever and say, I need someone to do this. You need to build the tools for them." This vertical integration created defensible value that pure software solutions couldn't match. B2B founders should consider owning more of the value chain when seamless integration significantly improves customer outcomes.   //   Sponsors: Front Lines — We help B2B tech companies launch, manage, and grow podcasts that drive demand, awareness, and thought leadership. www.FrontLines.io The Global Talent Co. — We help tech startups find, vet, hire, pay, and retain amazing marketing talent that costs 50-70% less than the US & Europe.  www.GlobalTalent.co   //   Don't Miss: New Podcast Series — How I Hire Senior GTM leaders share the tactical hiring frameworks they use to build winning revenue teams. Hosted by Andy Mowat, who scaled 4 unicorns from $10M to $100M+ ARR and launched Whispered to help executives find their next role. Subscribe here: https://open.spotify.com/show/53yCHlPfLSMFimtv0riPyM   

Samotics is pioneering a revolutionary approach to industrial asset monitoring, delivering condition, performance, and energy efficiency insights for hard-to-reach industrial equipment without requiring sensors to be installed on the machines themselves. Founded by Simon Jagers, the company has developed Electrical Signature Analysis (ESA) technology that monitors over 10,000 machines by analyzing electrical data captured remotely, enabling companies to prevent unplanned downtime and save 10-20% energy without compromising performance. In this episode of Category Visionaries, Simon shares the fascinating journey from a failed AI-first approach to discovering breakthrough technology that's now being integrated with ABB drive systems to create the data fabric for smart factories of the future. Topics Discussed: The evolution from data-driven AI approach to hardware-enabled sensorless monitoring How railway switch monitoring led to the breakthrough discovery of remote electrical signature analysis Samotics' strategy of targeting hard-to-reach assets in extreme industrial environments The challenge of creating the "sensorless condition monitoring" category in a vibration-dominated market Building a service-heavy go-to-market model in an AI-first technology company Partnership strategy with ABB to integrate ESA technology into drive systems GTM Lessons For B2B Founders: Target the "either us or nothing" market segments: Simon's breakthrough came from identifying industrial assets operating in extreme conditions where traditional monitoring was impossible or impractical. ArcelorMittal's conveyor moving steel plates across a 1500°C blast furnace exemplified this perfectly - they had two choices: Samotics' unproven technology or no monitoring at all. B2B founders should actively seek market segments where incumbent solutions physically cannot compete, creating natural "blue ocean" opportunities. Focus on unique positioning rather than universal applicability: Initially, Samotics tried to monitor every type of machine possible, believing their AI could handle any scenario. Simon learned to focus specifically on the 25% of rotating equipment that operates in extreme or hard-to-reach conditions where their remote sensing advantage was undeniable and easy to communicate. B2B founders should resist the temptation to be everything to everyone and instead dominate the specific use cases where their solution provides clear, defensible advantages. Embrace service components even in technology-first companies: Despite starting as an AI company with inclinations to automate everything, Samotics discovered that the human service element - having mechanical and electrical experts bridge AI findings with customer needs - became one of their most appreciated product components. They now deliver hardware, AI, and dashboards as a service with regular customer calls and visits. B2B founders should test whether adding high-touch service elements enhances rather than detracts from their technology value proposition. Build category credibility through scale and proof points: Simon emphasizes that category creation requires time, credible data, and real-world examples at scale. With over 10,000 machines monitored, Samotics can now make credible claims about accuracy and effectiveness. The category definition evolved from internal team alignment to external market education. B2B founders attempting category creation must first achieve meaningful scale and documented success before expecting market adoption of their category framework. Use enemy-based positioning strategically in early stages: Samotics initially positioned aggressively against traditional vibration-based monitoring, using humor and edge to grab attention from early adopters who appreciated the contrarian approach. However, Simon notes this was effective primarily for reaching experienced early adopters who understood the technology's limitations but were drawn to unique solutions. B2B founders should consider enemy-based positioning as a tactical tool for early adoption rather than a long-term brand strategy.   //   Sponsors: Front Lines — We help B2B tech companies launch, manage, and grow podcasts that drive demand, awareness, and thought leadership. www.FrontLines.io The Global Talent Co. — We help tech startups find, vet, hire, pay, and retain amazing marketing talent that costs 50-70% less than the US & Europe.  www.GlobalTalent.co   //   Don't Miss: New Podcast Series — How I Hire Senior GTM leaders share the tactical hiring frameworks they use to build winning revenue teams. Hosted by Andy Mowat, who scaled 4 unicorns from $10M to $100M+ ARR and launched Whispered to help executives find their next role. Subscribe here: https://open.spotify.com/show/53yCHlPfLSMFimtv0riPyM   

We hear this question a lot lately: How do we Save America? Whispered in grief and shouted in frustration. From parents afraid for their trans kids, from exhausted teachers, from faith leaders trying to hold shattered communities together. We hear it from the hearts of people who love this country—not so much for what it has been, but for what it could be.Saving America is not about taking it back. It's about bringing it forward. Into love. Into justice. Into healing. Where do we begin?Send us a private message. *Note: INCLUDE YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS if you'd like us to answer. :-) Support the show

Troy Helming is building the future of infrastructure with EarthGrid, a company developing an underground super grid network of tunnels across North America using revolutionary plasma torch technology. As a serial entrepreneur who founded two unicorns in the renewable energy space, Troy brings decades of experience in wind and solar power to solving one of the most critical infrastructure challenges of our time. EarthGrid has raised $63 million and secured an $18 billion joint venture commitment from the Kuwait Investment Authority to build 10,000 miles of underground tunnels over the next decade. Topics Discussed: EarthGrid's mission to build an underground super grid network using plasma torch excavation technology The massive infrastructure challenge of transmission line development in the United States Troy's journey from early solar exposure 45 years ago to founding multiple renewable energy companies The regulatory breakthrough of becoming a telecommunications utility in 46 states Overcoming the "supply problem, not demand problem" with over 20,000 potential customers in their pipeline The $18 billion joint venture with Kuwait Investment Authority's Enertech subsidiary Plasma torch technology's ability to cut through hard granite and other materials conventional machines cannot handle The vision for moving freight and eventually people through underground tunnel networks GTM Lessons For B2B Founders: Choose industries with structural supply-demand imbalances: Troy has successfully built three consecutive companies where demand far exceeds supply, eliminating the need for traditional sales teams. He specifically targets infrastructure sectors where "the need is so acute and there aren't that many companies doing it, and the ones that are, the demand exceeds the supply." B2B founders should research industries with massive unmet demand and limited competition, particularly in infrastructure where the barriers to entry are high but the market need is desperate. Solve regulatory risks early through strategic positioning: Rather than fighting regulatory battles, Troy transformed EarthGrid into a regulated telecommunications utility, gaining rights to build under public roads in 46 states representing 97% of US GDP. This strategic move eliminated the primary risk factor that kills most infrastructure projects. B2B founders should identify their biggest regulatory or compliance risks early and find creative ways to work within existing frameworks rather than against them. Build resilience through failure conditioning: Troy's experience with rock climbing and American Ninja Warrior taught him to "overcome the fear of people looking at you when you might fail" and to "shake it off, get back up and go again." After pitching over 2,000 times with a 97% rejection rate, he learned to treat fundraising as a numbers game rather than personal rejection. B2B founders should actively seek experiences that condition them for repeated failure, whether through athletics, public speaking, or other challenging pursuits that build mental resilience. Validate demand before building supply: EarthGrid already has "close to 20,000 potential customer contacts" and over 50 signed letters of intent before fully commercializing their technology. Troy validates market demand through extensive research and customer outreach before investing in full product development. B2B founders should spend significant time understanding their market's pain points and securing early customer commitments before building complex solutions. Leverage personal capital for strategic advantage: Troy's ability to "wait to start your company until you have enough money in the bank" prevents short-term financial pressures from forcing poor strategic decisions. His personal investment in EarthGrid (part of the $63 million raised) demonstrates commitment to investors while providing operational flexibility. B2B founders should consider how personal financial runway affects their ability to make optimal long-term decisions rather than being forced into suboptimal short-term choices.   //   Sponsors: Front Lines — We help B2B tech companies launch, manage, and grow podcasts that drive demand, awareness, and thought leadership. www.FrontLines.io The Global Talent Co. — We help tech startups find, vet, hire, pay, and retain amazing marketing talent that costs 50-70% less than the US & Europe.  www.GlobalTalent.co   //   Don't Miss: New Podcast Series — How I Hire Senior GTM leaders share the tactical hiring frameworks they use to build winning revenue teams. Hosted by Andy Mowat, who scaled 4 unicorns from $10M to $100M+ ARR and launched Whispered to help executives find their next role. Subscribe here: https://open.spotify.com/show/53yCHlPfLSMFimtv0riPyM   

Carmen Li spent decades in financial services across trading floors and data companies before spotting a massive inefficiency in the AI/compute economy. After managing global data partnerships at Bloomberg, she witnessed AI startups struggling with unpredictable compute costs that could swing their margins from healthy profits to devastating losses overnight. Drawing parallels to how airlines hedge oil prices through futures markets, Carmen realized that compute—despite being one of the fastest-growing commodities—lacked basic risk management tools. Within months of leaving Bloomberg, she built Silicon Data into the world's first GPU compute risk management platform, raising $5.7M without ever creating a pitch deck and publishing the industry's first GPU compute index on Bloomberg Terminal. Topics Discussed: The systemic problem of compute cost volatility destroying AI company margins Why compute lacks the risk management tools available in every other commodity market Building the world's first GPU compute index and benchmarking service Raising venture capital without pitch decks through product-first demonstrations Operating as a solo non-technical founder leading a team of engineers The unique buyer dynamics when selling to CTOs, portfolio managers, and AI researchers simultaneously GTM Lessons For B2B Founders: Price on value, not cost, and let customer conversations reshape your understanding: Carmen admits that every client conversation changes her valuation of the product's impact, typically making it bigger than initially thought. She prices based on the value delivered rather than cost structure. B2B founders should remain flexible in their value proposition and pricing as they learn more about customer impact through direct engagement. Product demonstrations beat pitch decks for technical buyers: Carmen raised $5.7M without ever creating a pitch deck, instead letting prospects interact directly with her product and writing a simple memo. For technical products solving complex problems, demonstrating actual capabilities often proves more effective than polished presentations. B2B founders should prioritize building working products over perfecting sales materials. Embrace being the "dumbest person in the room" for learning velocity: Carmen describes consistently being the least technical person in rooms full of CTOs, AI researchers, and GPU experts, but leverages this as a learning advantage. She asks hard questions and co-creates products on the fly based on these conversations. B2B founders should view knowledge gaps as opportunities for rapid learning rather than weaknesses to hide. Target systemic problems that span multiple sophisticated buyer types: Silicon Data serves everyone from chip designers to hedge funds to AI companies, requiring Carmen to handle technical GPU questions, financial modeling queries, and AI workflow concerns in single meetings. This breadth creates natural expansion opportunities and defensibility. B2B founders should look for problems that affect multiple stakeholder types within their target market. Leverage unique background intersections to spot obvious-but-overlooked opportunities: Carmen's combination of financial services expertise and data company experience let her quickly identify that compute needed the same risk management tools available in every other commodity market. The solution was "extremely intuitive" to her but invisible to others. B2B founders should examine how their unique background combinations reveal opportunities others might miss.   //   Sponsors: Front Lines — We help B2B tech companies launch, manage, and grow podcasts that drive demand, awareness, and thought leadership. www.FrontLines.io The Global Talent Co. — We help tech startups find, vet, hire, pay, and retain amazing marketing talent that costs 50-70% less than the US & Europe.  www.GlobalTalent.co   //   Don't Miss: New Podcast Series — How I Hire Senior GTM leaders share the tactical hiring frameworks they use to build winning revenue teams. Hosted by Andy Mowat, who scaled 4 unicorns from $10M to $100M+ ARR and launched Whispered to help executives find their next role. Subscribe here: https://open.spotify.com/show/53yCHlPfLSMFimtv0riPyM   

Minoa is pioneering the value intelligence category, helping B2B companies transform how they sell by connecting product capabilities to customer outcomes. With $2.7 million in funding, the platform enables go-to-market teams to build personalized business cases at scale and move beyond feature-selling to value-based selling. In this episode of Category Visionaries, I sat down with Max Elster, CEO and Founder of Minoa, to explore his journey from product manager at CSP Co to building a platform that bridges the disconnect between product development and go-to-market execution. Topics Discussed: Minoa's evolution from solving internal product-to-GTM communication challenges The emergence of value engineers as a new role in B2B organizations Building and co-creating the "value-based selling tools" category on G2 Leveraging customer advisory boards for evangelism and network growth The shift toward AI-powered personalization in B2B sales processes Mid-funnel optimization strategies for reducing deal drop-off rates GTM Lessons For B2B Founders: Co-create categories with platforms early: Max successfully worked with G2 to establish the "value-based selling tools" category within six months by building genuine relationships with researchers and sharing market insights consistently. He explains, "I connected with different researchers... and just shared my thoughts. I didn't have actually any idea that they could be launching this category in the near future." B2B founders should proactively engage with category-defining platforms like G2 and Gartner by sharing authentic market observations rather than pushing for category creation. Optimize for AI-powered buyer research: Max discovered that prospects increasingly use ChatGPT and Perplexity to build vendor shortlists, and these tools reference G2 as a primary source. He notes, "If you are not there, if you're not existing in your category, it's going to be hard for ChatGPT to shortlist you." B2B founders should ensure their presence in authoritative databases and directories that AI tools commonly reference, as this represents a new channel for buyer discovery. Build strategic advisory networks with equity + recognition: Max created a "Star Path Collective" of advisors incentivized with equity shares and bottles of wine for successful referrals. His approach is refreshingly simple: "Just say, hey, we're trying to build this market... are you interested?" This generates warm introductions and ongoing strategic guidance. B2B founders should systematically identify potential advisors who are already bought into their vision and offer meaningful but not overcomplicated incentive structures. Focus on mid-funnel conversion, not just top-funnel generation: Max emphasizes that many companies obsess over lead generation while ignoring massive drop-offs in the middle stages. He explains, "You can solve everything around pipeline, but if you don't get your mid funnel right... you're also going to lose." B2B founders should analyze their CRM data to identify specific drop-off points and create targeted collateral and processes to address these conversion bottlenecks rather than simply generating more leads. Leverage customers as category evangelists: Max's most successful content and growth strategies center on customer stories and insights. He advises, "The customers are the best people to tell a story about what they have achieved with your product." Rather than creating generic thought leadership, B2B founders should systematically capture and amplify customer transformation stories, which serve dual purposes of social proof and category education. Maintain founder-led sales longer with AI augmentation: Max continues doing founder-led sales while building scalable processes, noting that AI tools enable small teams to maintain high personalization at scale. He believes this approach is more sustainable than rushing to hire sales teams. B2B founders should consider extending their founder-led sales phase by leveraging AI and automation tools rather than defaulting to rapid sales team expansion.     //   Sponsors: Front Lines — We help B2B tech companies launch, manage, and grow podcasts that drive demand, awareness, and thought leadership. www.FrontLines.io The Global Talent Co. — We help tech startups find, vet, hire, pay, and retain amazing marketing talent that costs 50-70% less than the US & Europe.  www.GlobalTalent.co   //   Don't Miss: New Podcast Series — How I Hire Senior GTM leaders share the tactical hiring frameworks they use to build winning revenue teams. Hosted by Andy Mowat, who scaled 4 unicorns from $10M to $100M+ ARR and launched Whispered to help executives find their next role. Subscribe here: https://open.spotify.com/show/53yCHlPfLSMFimtv0riPyM   

Spot AI is pioneering the transformation from traditional video surveillance to intelligent video AI agents that can monitor, analyze, and respond to events in the physical world. With $93 million in funding, the company has evolved from providing simple camera management to building AI security guards and operational agents that can process hundreds of video feeds simultaneously, take autonomous actions, and augment human workers in manufacturing, retail, and security roles. In this episode of Category Visionaries, I sat down with Sudarshan Bhatija, Co-Founder and COO of Spot AI, to explore the company's journey from video surveillance to video AI agents and their vision for physical AI. Topics Discussed: Spot AI's evolution from video surveillance to video intelligence to video AI agents The shift from IT-focused security tools to operations-wide business applications How AI agents can monitor hundreds of camera feeds and take autonomous actions The role of customer feedback in driving product development and market expansion Marketing philosophy focused on authenticity and customer outcomes Building high-performing marketing teams based on capability over experience The future of physical AI and AI agents with "eyes, hands, and legs" GTM Lessons For B2B Founders: Capture existing demand and redirect to your category: Spot AI initially targeted customers searching for "video surveillance" but converted them by demonstrating superior value in video intelligence and operational insights. Sudarshan explained that customers "are still married to the old category and starts looking for that, but the subset of customers that wants more" responds to messaging around deeper insights and operational outcomes. B2B founders should identify customers searching for legacy solutions who are actually underserved by existing categories and ready for innovation. Let customer demand pull you upmarket and into new use cases: Rather than forcing expansion, Spot AI allowed existing customers to drive their evolution into higher-value AI agent applications. Sudarshan noted, "customers proactively pulling us into higher value use cases, pulling us up market, and basically the demand has already been created and we've been responding to that." B2B founders should build strong customer listening mechanisms and let proven demand from existing customers guide product development and market expansion. Build an early organic acquisition engine around category transition: Spot AI captured significant early growth by ranking for legacy category searches while converting visitors with next-generation messaging. They "built an organic strategy on Google to be able to acquire a lot of these leads" searching for video surveillance but presented solutions for video intelligence. B2B founders in evolving categories should dominate SEO for legacy terms while using landing pages and demos to educate prospects about superior alternatives. Hire marketing talent based on "can do" over "has done": Sudarshan emphasized that marketing success comes from "the ability to learn really fast and are deeply, you know, take strong ownership of their outcomes" rather than just experience. He found that "people who have the right bent of mind, the marketing bent of mind, but just have really high horsepower" outperform resume-based hires. B2B founders should prioritize intellectual curiosity, ownership mentality, and learning velocity when building marketing teams. Develop authentic, customer-centric marketing that speaks human-to-human: Spot AI's marketing philosophy centers on "focusing all our efforts on high value customer outcomes" and "authenticity" rather than "manicured" corporate messaging. Sudarshan noted that even in B2B, "you're selling to a business, but you're actually selling to a person." B2B founders should embrace authentic, conversational marketing that addresses real customer problems rather than polished but generic corporate communications.     //   Sponsors: Front Lines — We help B2B tech companies launch, manage, and grow podcasts that drive demand, awareness, and thought leadership. www.FrontLines.io The Global Talent Co. — We help tech startups find, vet, hire, pay, and retain amazing marketing talent that costs 50-70% less than the US & Europe.  www.GlobalTalent.co   //   Don't Miss: New Podcast Series — How I Hire Senior GTM leaders share the tactical hiring frameworks they use to build winning revenue teams. Hosted by Andy Mowat, who scaled 4 unicorns from $10M to $100M+ ARR and launched Whispered to help executives find their next role. Subscribe here: https://open.spotify.com/show/53yCHlPfLSMFimtv0riPyM 

Climate change isn't just an environmental issue—it's a market opportunity waiting to be captured. Invert, a carbon reduction and removal company, has raised $26 million to transform how companies think about nature-based investments. Starting from a villa in Antigua during COVID lockdowns, co-founder and CEO Andre Fernandez has built a business that's helping companies put nature on their balance sheets as an accretive investment. In this episode, Andre shares the tactical decisions that took Invert from a cottage conversation between friends to a cash-flow positive business serving some of the largest buyers in the carbon credit space. Topics Discussed: Transitioning from mining focus to broader industry verticals based on market readiness Building customer-centric product development in a complex, non-fungible market Navigating the shift from Carbon Markets 1.0 to premium Carbon Markets 2.0 Balancing direct B2B sales with broker/trader distribution channels Leveraging network effects and domain expertise for customer acquisition Managing long sales cycles in annual purchasing environments Educating buyers in a market where 75% lack dedicated due diligence teams GTM Lessons For B2B Founders: Start with network advantages, then expand strategically: Andre's team began in mining because they had a strong network of mining engineers from Queen's University, one of only two Canadian schools with mining engineering programs. However, they quickly discovered mining was 2-4 years behind other industries in decarbonization readiness. The lesson: leverage your network for initial traction, but don't let it constrain your market expansion. Use early success to identify industries that need your solution today, not in 2-4 years. Build customers into your business from day one: Invert's most important GTM decision was starting with customer input before building anything. Andre emphasized: "We don't build things that we want. We build our customers into our business. Whenever we're developing something new, we ask them for feedback. Sometimes we lock up the contract before we've actually developed the project or the product." This approach reduces market risk and ensures product-market fit from the outset. Navigate complex markets with education-first marketing: In markets where 75% of companies lack dedicated teams for due diligence, marketing must serve dual functions: education and simplification. Andre noted that carbon credits aren't fungible—buyers care about jurisdiction, social impact, biodiversity protection, and other project-specific attributes. Founders in complex B2B markets should design marketing to educate while simultaneously streamlining the buying process for overwhelmed buyers. Pivot distribution strategy based on market liquidity: Initially focused purely on direct B2B relationships, Invert learned that in markets with lower liquidity, partnering with brokers and traders accelerates growth. Andre explained: "Carbon credits is a 12-month at least buying cycle because it's annual, so it takes a lot of time. If you have a network of people who already have those relationships in place and they have buyers who are ready to buy, they can introduce you as a credible counterparty." When your sales cycles are long, leverage existing relationships rather than building everything from scratch. Differentiate through execution, not just messaging: As the carbon credit market matured, Andre observed that "everybody's talking about quality or high integrity. No longer is high integrity or quality just the differentiator." Invert's competitive advantage shifted to actual execution—developing projects, investing balance sheet capital, achieving cash flow positivity, and demonstrating results with large buyers. In maturing markets, operational excellence becomes the key differentiator when messaging parity emerges.   //   Sponsors: Front Lines — We help B2B tech companies launch, manage, and grow podcasts that drive demand, awareness, and thought leadership. www.FrontLines.io The Global Talent Co. — We help tech startups find, vet, hire, pay, and retain amazing marketing talent that costs 50-70% less than the US & Europe.  www.GlobalTalent.co   //   Don't Miss: New Podcast Series — How I Hire Senior GTM leaders share the tactical hiring frameworks they use to build winning revenue teams. Hosted by Andy Mowat, who scaled 4 unicorns from $10M to $100M+ ARR and launched Whispered to help executives find their next role. Subscribe here: https://open.spotify.com/show/53yCHlPfLSMFimtv0riPyM     

Anagram is pioneering a new approach to security awareness that treats employees as assets rather than liabilities. With $10 million in funding, the company is reimagining how organizations address their most significant security vulnerability: human error. In this episode of Category Visionaries, we spoke with Harley Sugarman, Founder and CEO of Anagram, about his journey from venture capitalist to founder and how he's challenging decades of ineffective security awareness training with a human-driven security platform that drives real behavior change. Topics Discussed: The fundamental problems with traditional security awareness training How AI is amplifying attackers' capabilities and the need for better human defenses Anagram's approach to personalized, puzzle-based, and in-the-moment security training The shift from treating humans as "risks to be mitigated" to valuable security assets Founder-led marketing strategies in the security industry Pivoting from security professional training to broader security awareness GTM Lessons For B2B Founders: Identify opportunities where market perception doesn't match reality: Harley noticed a massive gap between what CISOs considered their biggest vulnerability (human error) and how they addressed it (outdated, ineffective training). "If you ask 100 CISOs where an attack will come from, 90-95 will say one of their people will click on a phishing link," yet solutions remained antiquated. This disconnect signaled an opportunity to create a truly differentiated product. B2B founders should look for areas where customer actions don't align with their stated priorities, as these represent prime opportunities for innovation. Frame your solution to break industry paradigms: Rather than accepting the industry framing of "human risk management," Harley positioned Anagram around "human-driven security" — shifting from seeing employees as liabilities to valuable assets. "I hate that framing so much because it puts the onus on the human," he explained. "What I have been trying to frame our company around is this idea of human-driven security, which is taking humans and making them a line of defense." This reframing helps differentiate Anagram from competitors and resonates more positively with both security leaders and end users. Use data to overcome status quo inertia: In industries with deeply entrenched practices, the biggest challenge is often skepticism about whether a new approach can actually work. Harley's solution? Let the data make the case. "For us, we are very insistent on looking at the data showing customers, 'Hey, before you introduced us, this is the number of incidents you were seeing. After you introduced us, this is the number of incidents you're seeing.' And I think that's ultimately the thing that changes minds." Data-driven results help overcome the "it's always been this way" mindset that can derail innovative B2B solutions. Employ a land-and-expand strategy for complex purchases: Anagram uses a methodical approach to win over skeptical buyers: "We very much take a land and expand strategy where we'll go in, augment a specific part of the program, show them that this is actually making a meaningful difference in the data, and then that becomes a very easy business case." For B2B founders selling complex or paradigm-shifting solutions, demonstrating tangible value in a limited implementation can pave the way for broader adoption throughout the organization. Don't dismiss "old school" outreach tactics: Despite the emphasis on modern marketing techniques, Harley found success with traditional outbound methods: "So far, it has been pretty much exclusively outbound. So emails, LinkedIn, cold calling...which still works, by the way. I was shocked." B2B founders, particularly those targeting enterprise customers outside the tech bubble, should remember that traditional outreach methods can still be highly effective even when they seem outdated in startup circles. Embrace personal branding with authenticity: After initially feeling uncomfortable with founder-led marketing, Harley found success by finding an authentic voice while taking inspiration from founders like PostHog's James Hawkins. "It does feel cringy. I hate most social media things... It was very much an intentional decision to step out of my comfort zone." By focusing on engagement metrics rather than personal comfort, Harley discovered that his personal content consistently outperformed company posts. B2B founders should measure the results of their personal branding efforts rather than judging them solely on comfort level. Know when to pivot quickly: Perhaps Harley's most critical decision was recognizing when their initial product wasn't gaining traction and pivoting decisively: "The biggest decision that we made was pivoting... I'm really proud of the fact that we very quickly made the decision to basically throw away all this work that we had done and move into this more general purpose awareness tool." B2B founders should be willing to abandon their original vision when market signals indicate a better opportunity, even if it means discarding substantial work.   //   Sponsors: Front Lines — We help B2B tech companies launch, manage, and grow podcasts that drive demand, awareness, and thought leadership. www.FrontLines.io The Global Talent Co. — We help tech startups find, vet, hire, pay, and retain amazing marketing talent that costs 50-70% less than the US & Europe.  www.GlobalTalent.co   //   Don't Miss: New Podcast Series — How I Hire Senior GTM leaders share the tactical hiring frameworks they use to build winning revenue teams. Hosted by Andy Mowat, who scaled 4 unicorns from $10M to $100M+ ARR and launched Whispered to help executives find their next role. Subscribe here: https://open.spotify.com/show/53yCHlPfLSMFimtv0riPyM     

Craig Letton has transformed the beverage industry's approach to marketing with hyble, a martech platform that has grown from under $1 million to nearly $20 million in annual revenue in just seven years. With only $8 million raised across three funding rounds, hyble has achieved remarkable capital efficiency while expanding from Scotland to become a global player serving major beverage companies worldwide. In this episode, Craig shares how his experience in the family print business led to identifying a critical need in the beverage industry: a solution that helps salespeople create high-quality marketing materials in minutes instead of days or weeks. Topics Discussed: hyble's evolution from a family print business to a global martech platform for the beverage industry How Craig identified a market need from personal experience in field sales The challenges and strategies of winning a contract with the largest wine and spirits distributor in the U.S. Why Craig relocated his life from Scotland to Boston after winning a game-changing contract The impact of changing consumption trends in the alcohol industry hyble's approach to growth through international expansion and adjacent verticals     //   Sponsors: Front Lines — We help B2B tech companies launch, manage, and grow podcasts that drive demand, awareness, and thought leadership. www.FrontLines.io The Global Talent Co. — We help tech startups find, vet, hire, pay, and retain amazing marketing talent that costs 50-70% less than the US & Europe.  www.GlobalTalent.co   //   Don't Miss: New Podcast Series — How I Hire Senior GTM leaders share the tactical hiring frameworks they use to build winning revenue teams. Hosted by Andy Mowat, who scaled 4 unicorns from $10M to $100M+ ARR and launched Whispered to help executives find their next role. Subscribe here: https://open.spotify.com/show/53yCHlPfLSMFimtv0riPyM     

Start your day with this peaceful ASMR Whispered Dream Manifestation Meditation. In this gentle, whispered morning meditation, you'll be guided to connect with your breath, awaken your heart, and set a powerful daily intention—all through soft ASMR whispers designed to relax your nervous system and align your energy. This guided morning meditation is perfect for mindful mornings, spiritual awakening, and manifesting your dream life. Whether you're just waking up in bed or starting your day, this ASMR meditation is designed to raise your vibration, boost positive energy, and help you manifest with clarity and purpose.

Sleepovers are awkward—lumpy couches, cold pizza, and no sleep. But when three curious teens bring their DIY ghost-hunting kit to friend Lee's house, awkward turns terrifying. Crackling EVPs and a drifting orb give way to an out-of-body chase through a basement that seems to stretch for miles, pursued by a red-eyed shadow leaking black smoke. A silent Victorian boy and his stern grandfather try to keep the evil caged behind a locked utility-room door—until the door explodes open. The fallout? Broken friendships, a family in chaos, and a tragedy no one saw coming. Was it teen imagination, or did something real—and hungry—slip free that night? If you have a real ghost story or supernatural event to report, please write into our show at http://www.realghoststoriesonline.com/ or call 1-855-853-4802! Want AD-FREE & ADVANCE RELEASE EPISODES? Become a Premium Subscriber Through Apple Podcasts now!!! https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/real-ghost-stories-online/id880791662?mt=2&uo=4&ls=1 Or Patreon: http://www.patreon.com/realghoststories Or Our Website: http://www.ghostpodcast.com/?page_id=118 

Ethos is revolutionizing training and education with their adaptive readiness platform, which transforms passive learning materials into interactive, engaging lessons. With over $34 million in funding, Ethos has expanded from elite athletics to serving 40+ Department of Defense customers across Air Force, Space Force, Navy, and Marine Corps, while also developing a substantial commercial presence. In this episode of Category Visionaries, I spoke with Sasha Seymore, Co-Founder of Ethos, about the company's journey from a basketball playbook solution to becoming a critical technology partner for military readiness and corporate training. Topics Discussed:   Ethos' evolution from a sports team training tool to a defense technology company The AI-powered platform that converts passive materials into interactive "Rosetta Stone-like" training experiences How Ethos reduced failure rates by 50% at military training facilities, saving millions The changing perception of defense tech in Silicon Valley Navigating the complex Department of Defense procurement system The critical need for modernizing military training technology Expanding from DoD contracts to commercial applications in life sciences and manufacturing Ethos' vision for creating comprehensive knowledge and competency mapping systems   GTM Lessons For B2B Founders: Cross-sector application thinking is powerful: Sasha and his co-founder identified how learning methodologies that worked in athletics could apply to military training and beyond. B2B founders should regularly explore how their core technology could create value in adjacent or seemingly unrelated sectors, as the principles that make a solution effective in one domain often translate to others when properly adapted. Leverage educational institutions' innovation programs: Ethos used Stanford's "Hacking for Defense" program to validate their solution with real military stakeholders, accelerating their entry into the defense sector. B2B founders should identify and participate in specialized innovation programs that connect startups with enterprise customers for rapid problem validation and relationship building. Traditional marketing doesn't work in non-traditional markets: For DoD sales, Ethos discovered that LinkedIn ads and conventional outreach failed; instead, credibility came from demonstrating excellence and leveraging senior advisors who understood the ecosystem. B2B founders entering specialized markets should identify the unique information channels and trusted sources that decision-makers rely on rather than applying standard marketing playbooks. Revenue split strategy between government and commercial: Ethos maintains a 70% DoD and 30% commercial revenue split, with plans to move toward 50/50. Their approach of proving technology in one sector before expanding provides multiple growth paths and resilience against market fluctuations. B2B founders should consider how maintaining presence in multiple sectors can provide both stability and expansion opportunities. Balance innovation with insider knowledge: When entering complex markets like defense, Ethos found success by pairing their innovative technology with advisors who understood the internal workings and procurement processes. B2B founders need both breakthrough products and industry-specific expertise to navigate specialized markets effectively.   // Sponsors: Front Lines — We help B2B tech companies launch, manage, and grow podcasts that drive demand, awareness, and thought leadership. www.FrontLines.io The Global Talent Co. — We help tech startups find, vet, hire, pay, and retain amazing marketing talent that costs 50-70% less than the US & Europe.  www.GlobalTalent.co Don't Miss: New Podcast Series — How I Hire Senior GTM leaders share the tactical hiring frameworks they use to build winning revenue teams. Hosted by Andy Mowat, who scaled 4 unicorns from $10M to $100M+ ARR and launched Whispered to help executives find their next role. Subscribe here: https://open.spotify.com/show/53yCHlPfLSMFimtv0riPyM     

Atlas Invest is revolutionizing real estate financing as a marketplace connecting borrowers with institutional investors. With $13 million in funding, the platform provides an alternative to inefficient traditional lending models by offering borrowers quick, simple financing while enabling investors to access what Tal calls "the holy grail of asset classes" - real estate-backed bridge loans. In this episode of Category Visionaries, we sat down with Tal Shahar, CEO and Co-Founder of Atlas Invest, to discuss his journey from military special forces officer to venture capitalist to founder, and how Atlas is building a platform that delivers superior returns to investors while providing crucial financing for real estate developers. Topics Discussed: Tal's experience as an officer in Israeli special forces and how it shaped his approach to entrepreneurship The transition from venture capital at Deep Insight to founding Atlas Invest How Atlas addresses inefficiencies in real estate bridge loan financing through technology The platform's dual-sided marketplace connecting borrowers and institutional investors Atlas's ability to generate 12% net IRR for investors compared to traditional funds' 8% Strategies for building both sides of a marketplace business simultaneously The challenges of securing the first deals that validated the business model Atlas's approach to brand building and marketing experiments in the real estate space The evolving vision to become the go-to platform for all real estate financing needs   GTM Lessons For B2B Founders: Exercise disciplined due diligence in your own ventures: Before leaving his VC position, Tal created a comprehensive due diligence list and spent six months validating Atlas's potential during nights and weekends. B2B founders should apply the same rigorous validation processes to their own ideas that VCs would use, testing assumptions methodically before fully committing resources. Leverage market disruptions as entry points: Atlas launched during a period of rising interest rates when banks were pulling back from lending, creating an opportunity for new entrants. As Tal explained, "When we started Atlas, it was a crazy market environment... that actually enabled us to step into the market when each side was okay with us not having a lot of the other side." B2B founders should identify and exploit market dislocations that weaken incumbent advantages. Build marketplaces by continuously balancing both sides: Rather than solving the chicken-and-egg problem once, Atlas constantly rebalances supply and demand. Tal noted, "We're continuously balancing... Sometimes the challenging part is the deal flow, sometimes it's the investors. If it was always only one, maybe it's not the best product-market fit." The shifting nature of the challenge is actually a positive signal for marketplace businesses. Use white-glove service to win initial customers: For Atlas's first deals, personal relationships and exceptional service were critical. "It was a lot of white glove service... we're selling basically enterprise in a way," Tal shared. The team did "whatever it takes to win it, to make it successful." B2B founders should be prepared to deliver extraordinary service to early customers, especially in high-value transactions where trust is paramount. Test marketing channels empirically, not based on assumptions: Atlas discovered that LinkedIn performed poorly for their paid campaigns while Meta worked well, contrary to expectations for a B2B financial service. "I'm a big believer of not relying on our assumptions... always using data to make the decision," Tal emphasized. B2B founders should start with small tests across multiple channels, measure results objectively, and periodically retest channels that previously underperformed.     //   Sponsors: Front Lines — We help B2B tech companies launch, manage, and grow podcasts that drive demand, awareness, and thought leadership. www.FrontLines.io The Global Talent Co. — We help tech startups find, vet, hire, pay, and retain amazing marketing talent that costs 50-70% less than the US & Europe.  www.GlobalTalent.co Don't Miss: New Podcast Series — How I Hire Senior GTM leaders share the tactical hiring frameworks they use to build winning revenue teams. Hosted by Andy Mowat, who scaled 4 unicorns from $10M to $100M+ ARR and launched Whispered to help executives find their next role. Subscribe here: https://open.spotify.com/show/53yCHlPfLSMFimtv0riPyM     

Hey friends, welcome back to Find the Joy with Jenn. If this is your first time here, I'm so glad you found this space. I created this podcast to walk alongside faithful women—and men—who are navigating the heartbreak of divorce with grace, courage, and yes… even joy. Today's episode is one I've been wanting to talk about for a while. It's about a phrase that sneaks into so many of our thoughts, especially after things fall apart in divorce. “I should have seen it coming.” Have you said that before? Whispered it to yourself in bed at night… or cried it to a friend in disbelief… or maybe even screamed it in your car when the grief was just too heavy? It's such a tempting thought, because it gives us something to hold onto when everything feels out of control. But here's the thing: that thought feels like truth… and yet it's laced with shame. So today, we're going to break it down. Together, we'll look at where this belief comes from, what it costs us, and how faith offers us a much better lens. • Schedule your FIRST FREE COACHING SESSION with me NOW, and let's get started!

Welcome back!  I've been meaning to make this #ASMR tapping and scratching video for awhile now and finally did it!  It's pretty crazy I've never really done ASMR scratching before.  Sorry I didn't get to properly end the video, I had to switch batteries at the end, and accidentally dropped my full battery behind my chair at nearly 6 am, and I felt I kind of hinted at it anyway, so yeah, haha.  Too many details anyway! I hope you enjoyed this ASMR scratching and tapping!  Many blessings and the sweetest of dreams!

Welcome, Beautiful Soul

Like, comment and subscribe to stay updated with the latest content from Hope Centre!   CONNECT WITH US AT: ► Website: https://www.hopecentre.com/ ► Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hopecentre.intl ► Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hopecentre       #HopeCentre #HopeCentreBrisbane #BrisbaneChurch

Arteetude 281 – “Sinfonia Infinita – Armando Campana: Music, Magic, and One Last Ciao”In this deeply personal and emotionally rich episode of Arteetude, Detlef Schlich welcomes Italian singer-songwriter Armando Campana. What unfolds is a heartfelt conversation about the soul of music, the scent of village life, and the grind of daily work juxtaposed with creative passion. Armando reflects on the inspiration behind his song Borgo Mio, the beauty of simplicity, and how Paolo Conte once whispered clarity into his truck cabin through the radio. From junkyard instruments to the magic of a 94-person concert, this episode is a moving reminder of why we make art — and how authenticity still matters. At the end, we listen to his latest song "Sinfonia Infinita" from his recent album with the same title.

Welcome Dear Soul, to this deeply soothing Yoga Nidra ASMR whispered meditation for deep sleep and relaxation. This guided meditation is designed to gently ease you into a state of yogic sleep, helping you release stress, quiet your mind, and reconnect with your inner stillness. Perfect for bedtime or any moment you need a full-body reset.In this calming journey, you'll be guided through a full-body scan, starting from your toes to the crown of your head, accompanied by gentle whispering, peaceful breathing, and the healing sounds of nature—flowing water, rustling leaves, and birdsong. You'll float into a dreamy forest visualization, melt into white fog, and become one with the elements around you.This Yoga Nidra meditation blends ASMR whispers, guided relaxation, and nature soundscapes to create the ultimate experience for deep rest, insomnia relief, stress reduction, and spiritual grounding. Whether you're new to meditation or a seasoned practitioner, this practice will help you fall asleep fast, relax deeply, and awaken rejuvenated.

On this episode, we dig into the haunting story of a quiet suburban home where a nightly prayer turned into something far more profound. A young woman, grappling with life's mounting stresses, found solace in speaking to her late grandmother each night. But one evening, a message appeared—written not in ink or chalk, but in shadow and light.   What began as a simple expression of grief and longing became a moment of eerie, unexplained clarity. Was it a trick of the eye, a product of grief… or something truly supernatural? This story challenges what we believe about spiritual connections and the boundaries between the living and the dead.

On this episode, we dig into the haunting story of a quiet suburban home where a nightly prayer turned into something far more profound. A young woman, grappling with life's mounting stresses, found solace in speaking to her late grandmother each night. But one evening, a message appeared—written not in ink or chalk, but in shadow and light.   What began as a simple expression of grief and longing became a moment of eerie, unexplained clarity. Was it a trick of the eye, a product of grief… or something truly supernatural? This story challenges what we believe about spiritual connections and the boundaries between the living and the dead.

We're back! In today's brand new episode, Zee shares a list of spoOoOoky encounters and Danielle begins her coverage of the Ypsilanti Ripper/Michigan Co-Ed Killer.Stalk us here!Merch - ghosts-n-heauxsTwitter - ghostsnheauxsInstagram - ghosts_n_heauxsFacebook - GhostsnHeauxsPodcastAnd don't forget to send your stories to ghostsnheauxs@gmail.com

Welcome to "ASMR Whispered Breathing Meditation for Healing Physical Ailments." This soothing guided meditation is designed to help you heal your body on a deep, energetic level. With gentle ASMR whispers and mindful breathing techniques, this session will guide you through a full-body scan, focusing on releasing tension and restoring balance. Through the power of conscious breathing, you'll connect with divine healing energy to infuse every part of your body with restorative energy, elevating your vibration and promoting physical healing. As you relax and breathe deeply into your abdomen, you'll feel any discomfort or pain in your body soften and dissolve. The energy of healing will flow through your body, moving from healthy areas to those in need of restoration. Visualizing this energy as a calming, healing light, you'll experience a full-body cleanse, bringing vitality and strength back to every system. From your muscles and bones to your nervous and immune systems, this meditation promotes overall wellness and balance.Whether you're looking to heal physical ailments or simply find a moment of relaxation, this video provides a peaceful, rejuvenating space for deep healing. Allow your body to reset and restore its natural equilibrium. Start your healing journey now—breathe, relax, and feel the power of divine energy working within you.

Welcome back, my lovely friend

IG: @relaxrosieasmr Twitter: @relaxrosieMain Site: ⁠https://linktr.ee/relaxrosie

We are so excited to be joined by David Thaxton who plays Max Von Mayerling the highly-acclaimed revival of Sunset Boulevard. David shares his experience bringing the revival from the West End to Broadway, the show's technical elements, and a few hidden Easter eggs in the new production!

ASMR Whispered Farm Simulator GameplayAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

ASMR Whispered & Relaxing Skincare On YouAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

ASMR Whispered Wig Try-OnAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

She did not book the Edinburgh Gig and here's why....You ever tried to promote a gig? It's hell. SATURDAY:https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-hickman-bolley-follies-tickets-1209965231579?aff=oddtdtcreator3-5Th May Brighton:https://www.brightonfringe.org/events/sexy-rude-harp-concert/24th May Brighton: https://www.brightonfringe.org/events/the-komedia-fringe-comedy-showcase/31st May Droitwich Spa, Rik Mayall Comedy Festival:https://www.rikmayallcomedyfestival.com/events/sexy-rude-harp-concert/

They be whisperin' and Coco is listening

Left Ear to Right Ear Whispered ASMRAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

ASMR triggers that are just chefs kiss (whispered)Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

ASMR Preening Your Face Whispered Personal AttentionAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

ASMR Whispered Personal Sunglass ShopAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

ASMR Whispered, Sleepy Ear-to-Ear Triggers Requested by My MomAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

The Carnal Crew hits the road! Zudrick finds more blood for his armor, Welly finds a marvelous strength, and Boggy finds himself in a hole.Sound Mixing and Editing by Brian Murphy and Faris MonshiMusic / Sound Effects Include:"Blackthorn Hall" by Emily Axford"Into The Mist" by Emily Axford"Winter Sprite" by Emily Axford"Bloody Mural" by Emily Axford"Starspawn" by Emily Axford"Snake Fight" by Emily Axford"Demi-God" by Emily Axford"Henry's House" by Emily Axford"Selfless" by Emily Axford"The Lonely Autumn" by Emily Axford"Summoning" by Emily Axford"Growing Pains" by Emily AxfordSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

ASMR Random Facts Whispered Ear-to-EarAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

ASMR Whispered RambleAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

ASMR Doing Various Brain Tests on You WhisperedAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

ASMR Focus Tests Follow My Instructions ~ WhisperedAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Step back in time to a medieval love story, where whispered secrets and tender embraces unfold by the glow of a grand castle fireplace.

Hello, students ;D Today I'd like to tell you and demonstrate to you a simple way of making cool hypnotic paintings with the help of glue and paint mixture called Decalcomania. I hope it will be interesting and relaxing for you to watch. Enjoy! :) ♥ thank you for your time. Directory: 0-02:19- intro and supplies needed 02:19-08:02- demonstrating the samples I've prepared for you. the one at 04:30 is my favorite :*) 08:04-14:50- applying glue paint to the file 14:54-18:30- squeezing the glue to make shapes and transferring it to the paper 20:30-end- tracing the outlines with the sharpie and whispering:) from here I was really zoning out as I was super into the outlining :P so pardon me being so spaced out. I hope you liked this! :) ♥ #ASMR #GentleWhispering #relax 1/16/15 --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/maria-gentlewhispering/support