Ayoola Oluwanusin is Co-Founder & CTO of Crypcentra, crypto investment tools for institutions. Crypcentra started with allowing retail investors to access crypto assets more easily before switching to focus on enterprise and institutional software.In this episode, we discuss Ayo's background, how he met his cofounder, the initial sketch on a Nando's napkin, the right time to test the market, when to start writing code, advice for first time founders, and more. This is a continuation of our conversation with his co-founder Alpha a few weeks ago.GUESTCrypcentra WebsiteCrypcentra LinkedInAyoola Oluwanusin LinkedInPODCASTSafa MahzariPatreonAlluxo WebsiteRESOURCESAyo's Entrepreneur Trello BoardTIMESTAMPS0:00 - Episode intro2:04 - Alpha's background and education9:30 - Governments, big companies, and startups19:08 - Meeting your cofounder at Crypcentra 26:28 - How and when to write code in a tech startup36:33 - What is your personal legacy?39:31 - Advice for first time founders45:57 - Wrap up and final thoughts

Jeremiah Prummer is Co-Founder & CEO of KnoCommerce, the only survey platform built for ecommerce. Prior to starting KnoCommerce, Jeremiah built ecommerce companies, working at marketing agencies, and built a reputable for building one of the most widely recognized WooCommerce extensions supporting 120,000+ websites.In this episode, we discuss Jeremiah's background, his introduction to entrepreneurship, starting KnoCommerce, the challenges of building his tech startup, the importance of understanding customers at a fundamental level, and his advice for people just starting out.GUESTKnoCommerce WebsiteKnoCommerce TwitterJeremiah Prummer LinkedInPODCASTSafa MahzariPatreonAlluxo WebsiteTIMESTAMPS0:00 - Episode intro0:54 - Jeremiah's background7:33 - Feeling comfortable vs. overwhelming 13:14 - Uncovering the problem that you're solving27:35 - Defining your initial target market33:05 - Your personal life and personal legacy39:09 - Wrap up and final thoughts

Alpha Kargbo is Founder & CEO of Crypcentra, crypto investment tools for institutions. Crypcentra started with allowing retail investors to access crypto assets more easily before switching to focus on enterprise and institutional software.In this episode, we discuss Alpha's background, how he met his cofounder (over WhatsApp), the mission of Crypcentra, the most difficult part of building the startup so far, how to sell into enterprise customers, and much more.GUESTCrypcentra WebsiteCrypcentra LinkedInAlpha Kargbo LinkedInPODCASTSafa MahzariPatreonAlluxo WebsiteTIMESTAMPS0:00 - Episode intro2:04 - Alpha's background and education15:21 - What is Crypcentra?19:24 - Balancing the needs of today vs. the future24:40 - The most difficult part so far29:42 - Finding your technical cofounder40:08 - Wrap up and final thoughts

Josh Furstoss is Co-Founder & CEO of Incued, makers of business planning software. They want to be the one-stop solution for all the resources you need to build, manage, grow, and fund your business.In this episode, we talk about whether it's worth to start a company, the persistence to continue, how to plan vs. how to build, the mission of Incued, advice for first time founders, and much more. GUESTIncued WebsiteJosh Furstoss TwitterJosh Furstoss LinkedInPODCASTSafa MahzariPatreonAlluxo WebsiteTIMESTAMPS0:00 - Episode intro2:10 - Is starting a company worth it?13:03 - Storytelling and imposter syndrome19:08 - Improving your skill level and getting started 30:46 - Planning vs. building vs. listening to advice36:20 - What is Incued? What is your mission?51:53 - Wrap up and final thoughts

Tooraj Helmi, PhD is Founder & CEO of Apsy, an AI application development platform. They help companies build applications by using a combination of artificial intelligence (AI) and human developers. Prior to starting Apsy, Tooraj was a software manager and former startup founder.In this episode, we talk about Tooraj's background, his approach to higher education, working in big companies, what it's like to be a technical founder, and his thoughts on how app development will change over the next few years.GUESTApsy WebsiteApsy LinkedInTooraj Helmi LinkedInPODCASTSafa MahzariPatreonAlluxo WebsiteTIMESTAMPS0:00 - Episode intro0:53 - Manage your schedule as a startup founder5:27 - Tooraj's background12:45 - Persistence vs. listening to feedback21:16 - What problem is Apsy solving?33:45 - What was harder than you expected?44:22 - Wrap up and final thoughts

Olu Adedeji is Founder & CEO of Prelo, a revenue growth platform. Their product connects you to fast-growing startups looking for products and services. Prior to starting Prelo, Olu was a serial entrepreneur and worked in investment banking.In this episode, we talk about Olu's background, Prelo's launch, what it's like building a startup during lockdown, and how the skills of a startup founder and successful employee at a large corporation differ.GUESTPrelo WebsitePrelo TwitterPrelo LinkedInPODCASTSafa MahzariPatreonAlluxo WebsiteTIMESTAMPS0:00 - Episode intro0:54 - Prelo's launch3:16 - Olu's background17:12 - Skills that founders need31:52 - What is Prelo?42:06 - What is more difficult than you expected?46:02 - Wrap up and final thoughts

Brian Leung is Co-Founder & CEO of SwiftAds, a startup automating digital advertising. They help small businesses create efficient and effective advertisements. Prior to starting SwiftAds, Brian started a digital marketing agency working hand-in-hand with SMBs.In this episode, we talk about Brian's background, bootstrapping his SaaS company, work life balance, his advice to his younger self, and more.GUESTSwiftAds WebsiteBrian Leung TwitterBrian Leung LinkedInPODCASTSafa MahzariPatreonAlluxo WebsiteTIMESTAMPS0:00 - Episode intro1:02 - Work life balance 4:56 - Brian's background17:14 - First steps towards building a company32:39 - The inner motivation37:32 - Advice to your younger self41:04 - Wrap up and final thoughts

JT Garwood is Co-Founder & CEO of bttn, an online medical supply platform. They want to help healthcare providers reduce the $230 billion of annual spend on medical supplies while offering a better customer experience.In this episode, we talk about JT's background, his B2B sales career, why he left his lucrative job, the founding story of bttn (pronounced 'button'), and his vision for the future. GUESTJT Garwood LinkedInbttn LinkedInbttn WebsitePODCASTSafa MahzariPatreonAlluxo WebsiteTERMSPE = private equityUSD = University of San DiegoICP = ideal customer profileTIMESTAMPS0:00 - Episode intro1:05 - JT's background5:34 - His sales experience, and quitting that career14:53 - What is bttn and why did you start it?21:16 - Biggest wins and losses so far27:43 - The wrong way to do startup sales35:22 - Getting your first customers42:09 - Wrap up and final thoughts

Justin Jia is Co-Founder & CEO of Project Unicorn, a new way for startup founders to meet investors. Today, it's not obvious how to meet angel investors, VCs, and advisors. Plus there is plenty of people claiming to be investors that really are there just to bleed companies dry. Justin and his team are solving that problem.We discuss why he started a startup community on Slack, the attraction for top-tier VCs to join, the irrationality it takes to join a startup, finding the right role for yourself, and having high levels of conviction and self-awareness.GUESTJustin Jia LinkedInJustin Jia TwitterProject Unicorn WebsitePODCASTSafa MahzariPatreonAlluxo WebsiteTERMSStartup = young companies looking to grow quicklyVC = venture capitalAngel investors = people who write personal checks into startupsPre-seed = startup investing before a product or revenueSeed = startup investing with very little dataSeries A-D = later stage startup investingIPO = initial public offeringa16z = Andreessen HorowitzGP = general partner, the VCs who invest in startupsLP = the investors into a venture fundYC = Y Combinator, a startup acceleratorTIMESTAMPS0:00 - Episode intro1:19 - Starting a startup community on Slack9:41 - The economics of venture capital21:46 - Networking with other founders28:29 - The irrationality of building startups34:40 - The long term vision for Project Unicorn  44:46 - Finding your seat at the table 50:13 - Wrap up and final thoughts

Sami Halabi is Founder & CEO of Univoice, a language learning mobile app. Sami speaks Arabic, English, French, Spanish, German, and Italian and is teaching people how to learn languages through music.In this episode, we talk about his background, his experience at Fortune 500 companies, what it was like starting his company, setting the right culture, and managing your stress as a founder.GUESTSami Halabi LinkedInUnivoice WebsiteUnivoice Mobile AppPODCASTSafa MahzariPatreonAlluxo WebsiteTIMESTAMPS0:00 - Episode intro0:56 - Sami's background8:30 - Univoice founding story23:08 - Box checking vs. adding value30:13 - What is a good startup culture? 39:53 - Wrap up and final thoughts

Shaun Tiwari is Founder & CEO of CapFlow, a platform for non-dilutive private capital. He is a former investment banker and startup founder who is bringing financial services into the modern age.In this episode, we discuss Shaun's background, why the financial services industry feels 20 years behind the tech sector, the founding of CapFlow, his biggest challenges to date, and advice to young entrepreneurs.GUESTShaun Tiwari LinkedInCapFlow WebsiteCapFlow Explainer VideoPODCASTSafa MahzariPatreonAlluxo WebsiteTERMSPrivate equity = investment funds that buy and restructure private companiesGeneralist = a fund strategy that looks across many industries and regionsSPAC = special purpose acquisition vehicleBuy side = advice relating to buy stock, assets, or companiesSell side = advice relating to selling your businessB2B = business to businessM&A = mergers and acquisitionDeal flow = the rate at which they meet companies and receive pitchesBulge Bracket = the top tier of investment banks who with the largest corporationsSaaS = software as a serviceEBITDA = earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortizationLP = limited partnersGP = general partnersVanity metrics = metrics that make you feel good but don't move the business forwardTIMESTAMPS0:00 - Episode intro0:50 - Shaun's background7:00 - Working in finance today16:00 - What is CapFlow?24:19 - How did you get started?30:23 - Biggest challenges so far39:37 - Advice to founders 44:40 - Wrap up and final thoughts

JD Jernigan is Founder & CEO of Propagate, an ecommerce investment platform that generates passive income for investors. JD is an expert in sales and marketing, having scaled multiple online stores himself before starting Propagate.In this episode, we discuss starting off in dropshipping, running a digital marketing agency, building his first tech startup, how he thinks about ecommerce today, and the challenges of a first-time founder.GUESTJD Jernigan LinkedInPropagate WebsitePODCASTSafa MahzariPatreonAlluxo WebsiteTERMSEcommerce = Buying and selling products through an online storeDropshipping = Outsourcing the inventory and fulfillment of ordersSaaS = software as a servicePrint on demand = Where copies are not printed until orders are receivedApliiq = print on demand vendor that plugs into ShopifyTIMESTAMPS0:00 - Episode intro0:50 - JD's background4:42 - What is print on demand?7:03 - What is ecommerce dropshipping?14:18 - Running a marketing agency23:53 - What is Propagate?32:46 - Safa's experience in ecommerce38:16 - Wrap up and final thoughts

Tim Ryan is a 4x startup founder and Venture Partner at Interlock Capital, a community-driven VC firm. Today, he spends his time consulting, advising startups, incubating new ideas, and investing.In this episode, we talk about the challenge that startup founders have building their product and getting their first users. Tim shares his advice on how to focus on the right signals from the market and how to not spend too much time building without getting feedback.GUESTTim Ryan LinkedInInterlock Capital WebsitePODCASTSafa MahzariPatreonAlluxo WebsiteTERMSB2B = business to businessSaaS = software as a servicePre-product = the company stage before their product is livePre-revenue = when the product is live, but before it's generating revenueTIMESTAMPS0:00 - Episode intro0:56 - Validating your idea19:06 - Building your startup's credibility33:50 - Traits of startup founders58:51 - Wrap up and final thoughts

Rocco Haro is the Founder of Kickback Space, a 3D video communications company. In this episode, we talk about Rocco going from a software developer to a startup founder including the mistakes he made along the way and the first steps he made after coming up with the initial concept.Our discussion focuses heavily on the early days of a tech startup, where things are very abstract. The key, from my point of view, is to really refine your idea, talk to potential customers, and get them to buy into your vision early. Think in terms of hours or days, not months or years.GUESTRocco Haro LinkedInKickback Space WebsitePODCASTSafa MahzariPatreonAlluxo WebsiteRESOURCES"Super Founders" by Ali TamasebTERMSEE = electrical engineeringIDE = integrated development environmentFlask = Python micro web frameworkLSTM = long short term memoryOverfit = when a statistical model is too many parameters tied to a set of data points, making it hard to be useful on any another set of dataUnderfit = when a statistical model has too few parameters and cannot adequately capture the structure of the dataAmbivert = someone with a balance of introverted and extroverted featuresTech debt = the cost of rework needed to be done in the future due to shortcuts todayGPU = graphics processing unitTIMESTAMPS0:00 - Episode intro0:52 - Rocco's background4:46 - Being a software developer14:08 - Being a solo founder vs. co-founder23:11 - What is Kickback Space?37:16 - Recruiting a team and focusing efforts56:40 - Wrap up and final thoughts

Maksymilian Podraza is an Application Engineer at Accenture and former startup founder. He co-founded Own It, a startup that built an app and community for skateboarders. This conversations centers on the truths of starting a company.We discuss perfectionism, imposter syndrome, privilege, building products, gaining users, and the problems with the public perception of startups. Startups are difficult and strange. Instead of talking about how we're all doing great all the time, let's talk honestly about what's working, what's not, and how it's affecting us and the people around us.GUESTMaksymilian Podraza LinkedInAccenture WebsitePODCASTSafa MahzariPatreonAlluxo WebsiteTERMSImposter syndrome = a psychological pattern where people doubt their skills or accomplishments and has a persistent fear of being exposed as a fraudFAANG = Facebook, Apple, Amazon, Netflix, and GoogleUI = user interfaceTIMESTAMPS0:00 - Episode intro1:28 - Perfectionism9:58 - Growing up in Poland18:19 - Imposter syndrome29:40 - Public perception of tech founders52:00 - Psychological toll of starting a company1:03:54 - Working at a Fortune 500 corporation1:10:54 - Final thoughts and wrap up

Dane Baker is Co-Founder of EcoCart, an ecommerce plugin that helps brands with their carbon offset. On average, 1 in 4 shoppers opt to make their online orders carbon neutral and DTC brands see a 14% lift in cart conversion rate.In this episode, we talk about Dane's background, how his previous business led him to start EcoCart, how consumers want to go carbon neutral, their carbon recapture partners, and his advice to people who want to start companies and raise venture capital.GUESTDane Baker LinkedInDane Baker TwitterEcoCart WebsitePODCASTSafa MahzariPatreonAlluxo WebsiteTERMSMerchants = brands who sell goods onlineCES = Consumer Electronics Show, a conferenceAPI = application programming interfaceEcommerce = selling products through the internetCarbon offset = a reduction in emissions of carbon dioxide to compensate for emissions made somewhere elseCarbon footprint = the amount of carbon dioxide emitted due to the consumption of fossil fuels by an online orderTIMESTAMPS0:00 - Episode intro1:15 - Dane's background9:27 - Being resilient and persistent15:20 - Getting the first EcoCart customers25:04 - Challenges running the business in 202132:20 - What is a carbon offset?34:35 - Wrap up and final thoughts

Hunter Allemand is Managing Partner of Moriah Consulting, an M&A advisory firm. He has been an entrepreneur and operator several times before getting into advising companies on how to raise capital and sell to the right buyer.In this episode, what you need to know to start a consulting firm, the M&A process from a founder's perspective, the rise of micro acquisitions, and where the startup market is heading.GUESTHunter Allemand LinkedInMoriah Consulting WebsitePODCASTSafa MahzariPatreonAlluxo WebsiteTERMSM&A = mergers and acquisitionCapital raise = raising money from investors for your companyBuy side = advising companies on what to acquireSell side = advising companies on who to sell toPE = private equityCIM = confidential investment memorandumGoldman = Goldman Sachs, the investment bankFinancial buyer = a private equity firm that buys companiesStrategic buyer = a large company in the industry that buys up smaller playersData room = a secure place for your legal and financial documentsBalance sheet = shows assets, liabilities, and ownership of a companyP&L = profit and loss statement, shows revenues and expenses for a companyESOP = employee stock option poolIPO = initial public offeringTIMESTAMPS0:00 - Episode intro0:55 - Hunter's background14:56 - What is Moriah Consulting?22:19 - The rise of micro acquisitions34:12 - What is the M&A process for startups?43:54 - Thoughts on startup ecosystem

Clark Nowlin is Founder & CEO of Golden Ratio, a gold roast coffee company. Golden Ratio is popularizing a lighter roast of coffee that is less acidic and bitter than traditional black coffee.In this episode, we talk about Clark's background, the founding story of Golden Ratio, getting several key assumptions wrong, finding the right partners, raising their first outside money, the importance of recruiting, and more.DISCOUNT CODEUse 'REV20' at drinkgoldenratio.com GUESTClark Nowlin LinkedInGolden Ratio WebsitePODCASTSafa MahzariPatreonAlluxo WebsiteTERMSB2B = business to businessSaaS = software as a serviceCPG = consumer packaged goodsCo-pack = contract packaging, a vendor response for putting goods in their final packagingCost of goods sold = the direct labor and material costs to generate revenueGross margin = the percent of profit left after covering variable costsMOQ = minimum order quantityPro forma = estimated financial statements for future periodsH-E-B = Texas-based grocery store chain with 300+ locationsFree cash flow = the amount of cash generated by a company's normal operationsProduct market fit = when your product aligns with your market and marketingTIMESTAMPS0:00 - Episode intro0:50 - Clark's background12:18 - Starting Golden Ratio24:06 - What is gold coffee?34:10 - The expectation of being a founder46:47 - Delegating tasks and decisions53:53 - Wrap up and final thoughts

Hem Suri is Founder & Managing Partner of Spark Growth Ventures, a community-driven venture capital firm. For the past two decades, Hem has been an operator, executive, board member, investor, and advisor. While we talk about startups and venture capital, we also reflect on living a meaningful life and supporting those around you.In this episode, we cover Hem's background, his introduction to startups, working at large companies and funds, starting his own unique fund, betting on yourself, and advice to young entrepreneurs. Hem has been a trusted advisor to me personally, so I want to thank him for his guidance throughout the years.GUESTHem Suri LinkedInHem Suri CrunchbaseSpark GV WebsiteSpark GV LinkedInPODCASTSafa MahzariPatreonAlluxo WebsiteHEM'S FAVORITE READS"The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari" by Robin Sharma"Outliers" by Malcolm Gladwell"Illiad" and "Odyssey" by Homer"Fountainhead" and "Atlas Shrugged" by Ayn Rand"Sapiens" by Yuval Noah Harari"The Almanack of Naval Ravikant" by Eric JorgensonRESOURCESThe Paradox of HedonismTERMSM&A = mergers and acquisitionsPE = private equityKKR = Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co.EVP = executive vice presidentVC = venture capitalLP = limited partnerGP = general partnerCAC = customer acquisition costLTV = lifetime valueChurn = the number people who stop using your productTIMESTAMPS0:00 - Episode intro1:18 - Hem's background16:06 - Doing more with your life35:33 - What makes Spark unique?56:14 - Who should raise VC money?1:08:32 - Wrap up and final thoughts

Mitch Stein is Co-Founder & CEO of Pond, a software platform that brings together nonprofit organizations and technology providers. Their approach is unique, allowing nonprofit executives to be paid for taking meetings with vendors. The end goal is to help all 1.5 million nonprofits in the country get access to better software and tools.In this episode, we discuss Mitch's background, his work at Goldman Sachs, perfectionism, what inspired him to be a founder, the mistakes he made building Pond (including the false starts along the way), and his advice to founders. We talk about the importance of talking to customers and focusing on the right solution, instead of trying to build a complex product from the beginning. This advice alone will save you months of time and tens of thousands of dollars.GUESTMitch Stein LinkedInPond WebsitePODCASTSafa MahzariPatreonAlluxo WebsiteTERMSVC = venture capitalARR = annual recurring revenuePMF = product market fitSaaS = software as a serviceCRM = customer relationship managementB2B = business to businessDTC = direct to consumerH2H = human to humanTIMESTAMPS0:00 - Episode intro1:06 - Culture and work styles5:21 - Mitch's background24:11 - Advice based on your startup stage38:10 - Founding story of Pond 53:18 - The problem with hero worship1:07:18 - Aligning around a mission1:15:43 - Advice to founders1:23:09 - Wrap up and final thoughts