Stay ConnectedEach week, I invite entrepreneurs, venture capitalists & industry professionals to share their experiences and insights on the journey to building a successful startup.
I try to explore the human side of the business, their successes, failures, stories, we talk about latest trends, and dive deep into whatever is going on in the startup world.
Copyright: Β© 2024 Prodcricle with Mudassir Mustafa
This podcast, titled "Raising Only What You Need: Avoiding the Valuation Game with Mark McNally of Nobody Studios," features Mark S. McNally, founder of Nobody Studios. McNally shares his entrepreneurial journey and the importance of having the right team, execution, and a clear vision for success.
He discusses the evolving role of founders and CEOs, emphasizing passion and skillset over experience. Company culture is highlighted as crucial, and establishing it early is recommended.
The VC landscape is explored, with a shift towards larger funds writing bigger checks alongside the emergence of smaller, more agile funds. McNally offers insights into Nobody Studio's unique approach to passive investing and evaluating ideas.
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Takeaways
1. Having the right people, execution, and a clear vision are crucial for success in building and scaling startups.
2. Passion fit and skill sets are more important than previous experience when it comes to distinguishing between a founder and a CEO.
3. Establishing a strong culture early on is essential for a company's growth and success.
4. The speed of innovation and disruptions in the market make mid-stage exits more favorable than aiming for unicorn status. Founders should raise only the necessary amount of capital and focus on building a viable business model.
5. The valuation game can be misleading and founders should not get caught up in it.
6. The VC landscape has shifted, with larger funds writing bigger checks and the emergence of smaller, more agile funds.
7. Nobody Studio takes a unique approach as passive investors, focusing on building a portfolio of early stage companies.
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Chapters
00:00 Trailer
01:20 Story Of Mark
07:45 The Importance of People, Execution, and Vision
17:00 How to build culture
21:36 The Role of Founders and CEOs
25:56 Timing and Evaluation of Exits
30:07 Founders Raise Only What You Need
37:36 The Creation of the VC Market
45:11 Who should raise VC and bootstrap
50:31 The Importance of a Viable Business Model
55:57 Ritual
57:25 Conclusion
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π CONNECT WITH MARK
π¦ Twitter - https://x.com/mrkmcnally
π» Website - https://nobodystudios.com/
π₯ Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrkmcnally/
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π CONNECT WITH MUDASSIR
π₯ YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/@realprodcircle
π¦ Twitter - https://twitter.com/ProdcircleHQ
/ prodcirclehq
π» Website - https://prodcircle.com/
π₯ Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/company/prodcirclehq/
πSHOW NOTES & TRANSCRIPT
Visit the website for the transcript and highlights from the conversation - https://www.prodcircle.com/podcast
π§ LISTEN FOR FREE
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ππΌ GET IN TOUCH
You can also Tweet @prodcirclehq with any feedback, ideas, or thoughts about the lessons you've learned from the episo
Connect with Mudassir
π₯ YouTube Channel - @prodcircleHQ
π¦ Twitter - https://twitter.com/ProdcircleHQ
πΈ Instagram - https://instagram.com/prodcirclehq
π» Website - https://prodcircle.com/
π₯ Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mudassir-mustafa/
Summary
Welcome to the podcast! In this episode, Denis a venture debt investor at Flashpoint, shares insights on venture debt and the qualities he looks for in founders. Venture debt exists as a form of capital that is lower risk than equity and becomes available to companies at a certain level of maturity.Denis discusses various aspects of venture growth debt in this conversation and shares insights into the venture capital industry. He explains the dividend yield and DPI of funds, the management of deal flow, and the importance of taking board seats.
Takeaways
1. Venture debt is a form of capital that becomes available to companies at a certain level of maturity and is lower risk than equity.
2. Denis looks for companies with clear product-market fit, revenues of at least $5 million, and evidence of growth.
3. Unit economics is the fundamental profitability and efficiency of a business or product.
4. Flashpoint's deals include a debt instrument with an equity kicker, but they do not co-invest with their equity fund.
5. Denis values founders who are resilient, tenacious, and able to pivot in difficult situations. Venture growth debt allows companies to optimize their capital structure and reduce dilution for early investors.
6. Deal flow in venture capital can come from various sources, including companies approaching the firm, relationships with other VCs, data-driven analysis, and partnerships with advisors and scouts.
7. Taking board seats is important for venture growth debt providers, especially during challenging times, as it allows for better communication and decision-making.
8. Raising a fund in the current market is challenging, and stability in the global economy is crucial for making fundraising easier.
Chapters
00:00 Trailer
01:18 Introduction Of Denis
04:20 What is venture debt
13:55 The Importance of Unit Economics in Assessing a Business
16:10 What he looks in founder before investment
20:50 Structuring Deals: Debt Instruments with Equity Kickers
27:06 Fund Size, Check Size, and DPI
30:25 Taking Board Seats in Venture Growth Debt and Deal Flow
34:33 Challenges and Trends in Raising a Fund
37:15 Our Subscribers Questions
47:30 Ritual
49:15 Conclusion
Connect with Mudassir
π₯ YouTube Channel - @prodcircleHQ
π¦ Twitter - https://twitter.com/ProdcircleHQ
πΈ Instagram - https://instagram.com/prodcirclehq
π» Website - https://prodcircle.com/
π₯ Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mudassir-mustafa/
Summary
Welcome to the podcast! In this episode, we dive into Sharon Grewal's entrepreneurial journey and her path to startup success. Sharon shares her early influences, including her admiration for her working mother, and how her background in journalism led to a successful transition into the startup world. She discusses the advantages and challenges of corporate hiring and startup growth, offering valuable insights and lessons for new entrepreneurs.Sharon highlights the rise of entrepreneurship, the evolving landscape of venture capital, and the importance of understanding founder exits. We get an exclusive look at her book, "The Empathetic Entrepreneur," and the privilege of doing what you love.
Takeaways
1. Early influences and experiences can shape an individual's career path.
2. Working at a startup offers unique opportunities for growth and impact.
3. Skills gained from unrelated jobs can be valuable in entrepreneurship.
4. Understanding the dynamics of venture capital and founder exits is crucial for entrepreneurs.
5. The rise of entrepreneurship is influenced by factors such as technology and access to resources.
6. Doing what you love can be a privilege, but it is also possible to find fulfillment outside of work.
7. Selling a company is a structured process that involves creating a marketing deck, reaching out to potential buyers, and conducting due diligence.
8. Bootstrappers should cultivate relationships with potential customers, offer free high-value advice, and consider custom projects to win early champions.
Chapters
00:00 Trailer
01:20 Sharing Journey
07:35 Lessons from Working as a Serving
09:12 The Rise of Entrepreneurship
24:02 The Empathetic Entrepreneur Book
28:08 Privilege vs Right to Do What You Love
30:15 Thought Process Behind Selling the Company
37:55 Understanding Private Equity and M&A Bankers
41:20 Types of Businesses That Can Be Sold
45:00 Deal Structuring and Negotiation
52:30 Advice for Bootstrappers
57:55 Ritual Time
59:40 Conclusion
Connect with Mudassir
π₯ YouTube Channel - @prodcircleHQ
π¦ Twitter - https://twitter.com/ProdcircleHQ
πΈ Instagram - https://instagram.com/prodcirclehq
π» Website - https://prodcircle.com/
π₯ Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mudassir-mustafa/
Summary
Anton, a laser physicist turned VC, shares his journey from studying physics to working in finance and trading stocks and bonds.This podcast episode with Anton Fedorov of Flashpoint VC is a goldmine of insights for first-time founders, from the challenges of launching a fund to the qualities he looks for in founders. Anton also discusses the risks and challenges of down rounds and messy cap tables. He highlights the significance of data-driven decision-making and the need for transparency during due diligence.
Takeaways
1. Articulating the size of the market is crucial for founders when pitching to investors.
2. The ability to hire and build a strong team is an important factor for investors.
3. Founder-market fit is becoming increasingly important in a saturated startup ecosystem.
4. Understanding the fund cycle and the stage at which a VC invests is important for founders when approaching investors.
5. Flashpoint VC offers different products like venture debt and growth debt to provide additional funding options for startups. Understand yourself and double down on your strengths
6. Invest in founders building global companies with potential for efficiency
7. Look for companies with built teams and revenue generation
Be cautious of down rounds and messy cap tables
8. Data-driven decision-making and transparency are crucial during due diligence
Chapters
00:00 Trailer
01:33 Anton Life Context
12:24 What value YC provides to VC company
14:18 Startup ecosystem needs more YC'S
15:40 According to VC'S founders make this mistake in pitch deck
20:45 Founders should be care about FUND CYCLE
31:26 Founder should be include this in pitch deck
38:11 What differentiate a founder from a CEO'S / Thoughts on hiring CFOs CMOS
42:05 Advice to founder who takes down rounder and liquidation.
45:07 Learn how you set cap tables
48:15 What's the least risky series
51:25 Investment decision process at flasho
56:56 Ritual
1:00:40 Ending
Connect with Mudassir
π₯ YouTube Channel - @prodcircleHQ
π¦ Twitter - https://twitter.com/ProdcircleHQ
πΈ Instagram - https://instagram.com/prodcirclehq
π» Website - https://prodcircle.com/
π₯ Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mudassir-mustafa/
Summary
In this episode of our podcast, "How to Raise from a16z and Sequoia Capital? with Wes Kao (Founder of Maven & altMBA)," we dive deep into the world of startups, education, and personal branding with our guest Wes Kao, a renowned founder and entrepreneur. We also explore the topics of leadership, entrepreneurship, and fundraising. Wes emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and leveraging one's strengths when starting a company. She also highlights the value of credibility indicators in fundraising and the need to find the right fit with investors. The conversation provides insights into the process of pitching to venture capital firms like Andreessen Horowitz. In this conversation, Wes Kao shares insights on fundraising, building a personal brand, and the challenges of scaling as a founder. Finally, Wes talks about her approach to writing newsletters and the importance of thinking deeply about the topics you write about.
Takeaways
1.Self-awareness and leveraging one's strengths are crucial when starting a company.
2.Credibility indicators, such as fundraising from well-known venture capital firms, can provide a boost in the ecosystem.
3.Leadership is learnable, and there are different ways to be a leader.
Entrepreneurship can be learned, but it's important to have a point of view and an unfair advantage.
4.The fundraising process should focus on finding the best fit with investors who can support the company's growth. Credibility and experience are crucial in fundraising, and first-time founders should not compare themselves to veteran founders.
5.Creating a sense of inevitability in your storytelling can instill confidence in investors and de-risk your venture.
6.Marketplaces like Maven differ from publishers like Reforge in the cohort-based learning space.
7.Consistently sharing your ideas and insights online can unlock various opportunities and help build a personal brand.
8.Writing newsletters requires deep thinking and a focus on providing valuable insights and frameworks.
Chapters
00:00 Trailer
02:00 Who is Wes Kao
05:50 Lessons from Seth Godin
08:55 Shipping Fast Is Important
16:20 Why Wes Kao Pickup Education Sector
20:42 Can leaders and enterpreuners are by birth
24:40 Unfair Advantage
27:00 Fundraising and the Importance of Credibility
41:51 Building a Personal Brand (Complete Guide)
48:00 The Art of Writing Newsletters
54:15 Ritual
56:35 Conclusion
Connect with Mudassir
π₯ YouTube Channel - @prodcircleHQ
π¦ Twitter - https://twitter.com/ProdcircleHQ
πΈ Instagram - https://instagram.com/prodcirclehq
π» Website - https://prodcircle.com/
π₯ Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mudassir-mustafa/
Summary
In this Startup Business Podcast, learn how to scale a $100 million ARR SaaS company using strategies like founder-led sales and b2b vs b2c saas models. Expert insights from leaders in the industry!This podcast episode also dives a packed with valuable insights for founders starting their entrepreneurial journey. Mudassir sits down with Kevin Van Gundy, a seasoned tech industry veteran with experience at Neo4j, Trey, and Vercel. Uncover strategies for crafting winning pricing models. Understand the importance of segmentation, catering to different customer needs, and the potential of enterprise packages. Keep it simple and focus on clarity for easy customer understanding.
Takeaways
1Leadership and mentorship play a crucial role in personal and professional growth.
2. Startups go through different phases, and it's important to adapt and learn from each stage.
3. SaaS pricing requires iteration and flexibility, and it's important to prioritize goals and understand the market. Differentiate your pricing models based on the needs and buying motions of different customer segments.
4. Consider offering enterprise packages for B2B products to cater to larger companies and drive higher average contract values.
5. Simplify your pricing model to make it intuitive and easy for customers to understand and forecast costs.
6. Product-led growth and sales-led growth are both valuable approaches, and the choice depends on the nature of your product and target market.
7. Scale is not just about revenue growth; it involves managing complexity in various aspects of the business.
8. When building a go-to-market strategy, founders should be willing to engage in founder-led sales to gain valuable experience and build important communication and leadership skills.
9. B2C SaaS is more challenging than B2B SaaS due to the randomness and unpredictability of the market.
Chapters
00:00 Trailer
02:07 Sponsored
03:20 Kevin Van Gundy's Journey in the Tech Industry
09:40 Lessons Learned from Neo4j, Trey, and Vercel
21:30 Differentiating Pricing Models
29:40 B2B Products and Enterprise Packages
32:40 The Complexity of Pricing
38:45 What to Include and Exclude in Pricing
47:00 Understanding Scale
51:10 Building a Go-To-Market Strategy
56:00 The Challenge of B2C vs. B2B SaaS
59:45 Maintaining Culture as a Company Scales
01:05:00 The Blueprint for Starting a B2B SaaS Business
01:16:11 Ritual
01:18:12 Conclusion
Connect with Mudassir
π₯ YouTube Channel - @prodcircleHQ
π¦ Twitter - https://twitter.com/ProdcircleHQ
πΈ Instagram - https://instagram.com/prodcirclehq
π» Website - https://prodcircle.com/
π₯ Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mudassir-mustafa/
Summary
How Much Money You Should Actually Raise? Playfair Venture Capital FundEver wondered how much money your startup should actually aim to raise? This episode spills the tea on venture capital fundraising. We'll chat with an investor about the rollercoaster founders go on, from getting funded to dealing with tough situations. You'll learn how investors pick which startups to back, how to build a strong relationship with them, and how to avoid common fundraising mistakes. Basically, this episode will give you the inside scoop on getting the cash you need to make your startup a success.
Takeaways
Chapters
00:00 Trailer
01:20 Introduction
04:06 Henrik's Experiences: Angel Investment, Crowdfunding, and Investment Banking
07:47 Starting a SaaS or B2C Business
15:10 Why join playfair?
17:55 Optimizing for Power Law Returns in Venture Capital
21:48 The Power Law Distribution and Portfolio Construction
23:45 Valuation and Raising Funds
27:25 Dealing with Financial Challenges and Down Rounds
34:15 Why Investing in Few Companies and the Evaluation Process
40:55 Giving Candid Feedback to Founders
50:26 Founders Common Mistakes
52:52 Measuring Equity Allocation
55:15 Evaluating Businesses in Different Verticals
57:20 The Relationship Between Fund Size and Strategy
1:00:16 The Importance of Distribution and Go-to-Market Strategy
01:02:30 Doing Things That Don't Scale in Go-to-Market
01:04:24 The Importance of Pricing in a Marketplace
01:06:30 The Most Common Piece of Advice for Startups
01:09:58 Investing in First-Time Founders vs Second-Time Founders
01:11:30 Ritual Time
01:14:02 Conclusion
Connect with Mudassir
π₯ YouTube Channel - @prodcircleHQ
π¦ Twitter - https://twitter.com/ProdcircleHQ
πΈ Instagram - https://instagram.com/prodcirclehq
π» Website - https://prodcircle.com/
π₯ Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mudassir-mustafa/
Summary
Discover the real reasons behind Airtable's success in this podcast episode! From their innovative pitch deck to their unique distribution strategy, learn how Airtable became a venture capital sensation.Early-stage founders, this podcast decodes the secrets to startup success! Learn from a VC investor's journey, craft a winning go-to-market strategy, and discover the power of distribution innovation. We'll guide you through pre-seed funding, pitch deck mastery, and the VC ecosystem. Plus, we'll debunk investment myths and explore the future of AI in VC. Get ready to transform your startup from hopeful idea to soaring success story!
Takeaways
1. Distribution innovation is crucial for startups, and founders should consider it from the beginning.
2. Collaboration in the VC ecosystem depends on the business model and the stage of investment.
3. Building a go-to-market strategy requires understanding the product-market fit and the right distribution channels.
4. The value of a VC firm lies in its ability to increase the likelihood of raising the next round of funding. Meaningful investment from a VC firm involves more than just a financial contribution; it requires a partner who is aligned with the founder's vision and actively supports the growth of the business.
5. Fund size is an important factor in determining a VC firm's investment strategy and the level of commitment they can provide to portfolio companies.
6. Starting a small VC fund requires building a track record, proving differentiated access or picking ability, and gradually scaling up while maintaining alignment with the fund's strategy.
7. Pre-seed and seed funds play a crucial role in the startup ecosystem by providing early-stage capital and support to founders who may struggle to raise money from larger funds.
8. Key slides in a pitch deck include those that clearly articulate the problem the business is solving and the founder's vision for the future.
Chapters
00:00 Trailer
01:13 Early Life and Journey to VC
05:22 Investing in 50 Companies and Providing Help
08:41 Effective Use of Funding
15:30 Building a Go-to-Market Strategy
19:00 Distribution Innovation
14:26 Early Days at Airtable
17:10 Building a Go-to-Market Strategy
20:30 Innovating Distribution
26:40 Edge of Ex-Founders in VC
29:00 Collaboration and Chasing Deals
32:45 Working with Sequoia and Brand Value
37:43 The Relationship Between Fund Size and Investment Strategy
42:27 The Overrated Investment Thesis
45:27 Starting a Small VC Fund
49:55 The Need for Pre-Seed and Seed Funds
56:30 How much time spending in looking pitch deck
57:10 Key Slides in a Pitch Deck
01:08:00 Ritual Time
01:11:10 Ending
Connect with Mudassir
π₯ YouTube Channel - @prodcircleHQ
π¦ Twitter - https://twitter.com/ProdcircleHQ
πΈ Instagram - https://instagram.com/prodcirclehq
π» Website - https://prodcircle.com/
π₯ Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mudassir-mustafa/
Summary
This podcast dives into the world of venture capital (VC) with a focus on early-stage startups, particularly those in the B2B SaaS space. Elizabeth Yin, founder of Hustle Fund, shares her insights on democratizing wealth creation through startups, the power of content marketing for VCs, and the importance of investing in first-time founders with strong product-market fit. The episode explores the challenges and considerations for VCs, including investment theses, market saturation, and deal evaluation criteria. Listeners gain valuable takeaways on navigating the VC landscape and the key factors that influence startup success.
Takeaways
Chapters
00:00 Trailer
01:25 Introduction and Early Influences
05:27 Why Starting a VC Firm
08:33 Science behind Concept of Hustle Fund
10:12 The Need for More Early Stage Funds
12:10 Deal Flow and VC Strategies
13:50 The Power of Content Marketing
16:50 Why Investing in First-Time Founders / 3 Biggest Lessons I Startup
24:42 Venture Capital Business Model and Funding Challenges
31:35 The Gambling Nature of VC Investments
33:22 The Importance of Investment Theses for VC Firms
34:58 The Appeal of B2B SaaS Companies to VCs
38:00 The Potential SaaS Bubble
40:45 How Deep Tech Investers Makes Money
42:30 VC Evaluation Criteria and Attention Span
47:00 Market Size And Valuation
52:30 Evolution of Investment Acumen
55:35 Post-Money and Pre-Money Safes
59:00 Consequences of Not Tracking Cap Table
01:03:15 PrepStacks and Growth Stage Deals And Impact on Early Stage Investors
01:06:05 Disagreement with Market Sizing Exercises
01:08:28 Ritual Time
01:09:25 Conclusion
Connect with Mudassir
π₯ YouTube Channel - @prodcircleHQ
π¦ Twitter - https://twitter.com/ProdcircleHQ
πΈ Instagram - https://instagram.com/prodcirclehq
π» Website - https://prodcircle.com/
π₯ Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mudassir-mustafa/
Summary
In this video, Somi Arian shares what it takes to build a billion-dollar company. Learn about scalability, agencies, and more! If you're wondering how to make your business successful, this video is a must-watch!
Takeaways
Chapters
00:00 Trailer
01:30 Who is Somi Arian
06:30 Understanding Scalable vs Non-Scalable Businesses
11:30 Why agency business are not scalable
14:50 Competing in the SaaS Market
18:40 Building a Network of VCs and LPs
20:20 Building Successful Businesses in Different Verticals
23:55 Giving People What They Want
26:25 Building a Personal Brand on LinkedIn
31:35 Building a Personal Brand on a Limited Budget
37:07 Choosing Between a Bootstrapped Company and a Venture-Backed Unicorn
40:19 Ending
Connect with Mudassir
π₯ YouTube Channel - @prodcircleHQ
π¦ Twitter - https://twitter.com/ProdcircleHQ
πΈ Instagram - https://instagram.com/prodcirclehq
π» Website - https://prodcircle.com/
π₯ Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mudassir-mustafa/
Summary
Want to know how VCs pick founders to back or not? Join us as Pearse Coyle of Deepseed Fund VC shares insights on deep tech startups, venture capital due diligence, and more. If you're a startup looking for funding, this video is a must-watch!
Takeaways
1. Market discovery is crucial for startups to identify potential customers and validate their product or service.
2. Cap table issues often arise in university spinouts, with tenured academics expecting a larger stake than full-time founders.
3. A standardized scorecard can help evaluate startups based on market traction and customer interest.
4. Investors should look for startups that have engaged customers and a clear path to market.Building a strong founding team is crucial for startups and spin-outs. It requires the commitment of the scientists or entrepreneurs involved and the involvement of individuals who are familiar with the technology.
5. Measuring traction in startups can be challenging, especially in deep tech ventures. It is important to define tangible stages in the sales process and track the progress of potential customers.
6. Becoming a VC in the deep tech space requires experience and understanding of the investment process. It is recommended to gain a track record through angel investing or successful entrepreneurship.
7. The deep tech sector is expected to shape the future of technology and innovation. With the potential decline in the software business, there will be a shift of capital towards deep tech ventures, leading to new opportunities and challenges for the VC industry.
Chapters
00:00 Trailer
01:12 Introduction / Venture Investing and Consulting
22:33 What kind of cap table screw up and importance of scorecard?
33:04 Building a Better Founding Team
41:03 What matrics are used to evaluate startups
47:45 Becoming a VC in the Deep Tech Space
46:14 Measuring Traction in Startups
53:55 Becoming a VC in the Deep Tech Space
55:35 Emerging Trends in the Deep Tech Sector
01:01:03 Ritual Time ( What's the worst decision he made )
01:02:31 Ending
Connect with Mudassir
π₯ YouTube Channel - @prodcircleHQ
π¦ Twitter - https://twitter.com/ProdcircleHQ
πΈ Instagram - https://instagram.com/prodcirclehq
π» Website - https://prodcircle.com/
π₯ Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mudassir-mustafa/
Summary
Join us as we dive into the world of product market fit with Aaron Michael of 1984 Ventures. In this episode, we discuss the importance of finding product market fit for startups and the role venture capital plays in the process. Tune in for valuable insights and advice from a investor!
Takeaways
1. The key to success when starting a company is learning and iterating quickly.
2. Finding product-market fit requires speed and the ability to pivot when necessary.
3. VCs provide support to founders through advice, founder therapy, and assistance with hiring and fundraising.
4. Investing in unsexy industries can offer unique opportunities for growth and success.
5. Competition can be both beneficial and challenging, and the first mover advantage varies depending on the market dynamics.
Chapters
00:00 Trailer
01:30 Who is Aaron Michael
04:00 How you find product market fit (Espacially for early stage)
15:00 Venture capilalist Raising money criteria and Vc gives support to founder
19:33 1984 Ventures' Investment Thesis
25:00 The Pitfalls of Hype and investing in Unsexy Industries
33:23 The Value of Competition and the First Mover Advantage
38:18 How Vc's Calculating Total Addressable Market (TAM)
43:44 Evolution of Pitch Decks
46:30 Evaluation Method and Favorite Slides
49:30 Importance of the Team
54:30 Pitch Deck and Cap Table Red Flags
58:30 Disagreement with Venture Capital Industry
01:04:02 Three Things for First-Time Founders
01:06:32 Bridge Rounds, Down Rounds, and Valuations
01:09:17 Transparent and Honest Feedback
01:11:37 Being Contrarian as a VC
01:13:50 Ritual
01:15:35 Ending
Connect with Mudassir
π₯ YouTube Channel - @prodcircleHQ
π¦ Twitter - https://twitter.com/ProdcircleHQ
πΈ Instagram - https://instagram.com/prodcirclehq
π» Website - https://prodcircle.com/
π₯ Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mudassir-mustafa/
Summary
Are you a first-time founder with a brilliant startup idea but unsure how to get the funding to make it a reality? This podcast is your roadmap to success!Join Eva who is a seasoned VC industry professional as she empowers you with the knowledge and practical steps to secure funding for your venture. We'll delve into everything from venture capital and alternative funding methods to crafting a killer pitch deck and negotiating the right valuation.
Takeaways
1. The VC world has a dark side, with risks including boosting businesses that are not economically viable.
2. Creating an effective pitch deck involves structuring it properly and focusing on problem and target market slides, solution and competitive advantage slides, and market size and financial projections.
3. Building a waitlist can be a valuable strategy for startups, as it demonstrates market interest and potential customer demand.
4. Success stories often emerge from down markets, and being the second runner up can lead to great success.
5. Founders should carefully consider metrics, valuation, and cap table management to ensure fundraising success.
Chapters
00:00 Trailer
01:30 Who is Eva
04:44 Are you qualify for VC money? (First time founder MUST LISTEN)
08:00 Eva Key Takeaways from Working in Startups
13:35 Why Agency Models Are Not Venture-Backed
16:35 What other raising methods founder should look
26:40 What Value of Incubators and Accelerators in first time founder life
38:40 How Eva helping to raise money and what valuation to give (MUST LISTEN)
45:50 The Dark Side of the VC World
50:20 How to create an effective pitch deck
01:06:35 Metrics Founders Should Care About
01:10:42 When to use Convertible Notes or Safe Notes
01:12:37 How Eva Navigating Valuation
01:17:45 Cap Table Red Flags
01:25:21 Is Fundraising a Success?
01:19:45 Ritual Time
01:21:13 Ending
Connect with Mudassir
π₯ YouTube Channel - @prodcircleHQ
π¦ Twitter - https://twitter.com/ProdcircleHQ
πΈ Instagram - https://instagram.com/prodcirclehq
π» Website - https://prodcircle.com/
π₯ Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mudassir-mustafa/
Summary
Confused about "cap tables" and fundraising? This episode is your guide! We explain what a cap table is and why it's important for startups. Plus, VC expert Jeff Crusey reveals the warning signs investors look for in a cap table. Learn how to avoid these red flags and build a cap table that sets your startup up for success! This episode is perfect for first-time founders and anyone interested in venture capital.
Takeaways
1. Background in the industry is important for VC investors in deep tech
2. Deep tech startups often remain in stealth mode to retire engineering risk
3. Traction in deep tech varies depending on the business model and industry
4. Valuation of deep tech companies is influenced by fund size and risk profile
5. Being the first money in can provide an edge for VC investors
6. Founder chemistry is crucial for the success of a startup
7. Post-money SAFEs have drawbacks, including dilution and lack of due diligence
8. Venture studios and accelerators can vary in their effectiveness and support
9. YC has been popularized but may have some hype surrounding it
10. The best and worst pitches can vary in terms of insight and execution
Cahpters
00:00 Trailerβ
01:40 Introductionβ
06:02 Question Unclearβ
07:24 What Is Investment Thesis of 7%
09:41 Why deep tech startup stay in stealth mode / How VC's evaluate of deep tech ideasβ
14:10 How VC's track good pitch deck. (First time founder need to listen)β
15:32 Understand the though process of VC's (Must listen if you want funding)β
28:10 Failure rate in deep tech catagoery according to VC
29:37 Difficulties in building humanite and biotech products
31:37 How much management team and founders expertise are required
33:23 Jeff favourate pitch deck slides
36:07 Cons of Post-Money SAFE
37:25 Opinion on Venture Studios and Accelerators
42:10 Best and Worst Pitches
47:00 Raising money is success metrics
49:28 Cap Table Red Flag
52:08 Did VC's providing clear feedback to foundersβ
53:25 Ritual Timeβ
54:39 Conclusion
Connect with Mudassir
π₯ YouTube Channel - @prodcircleHQ
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πΈ Instagram - https://instagram.com/prodcirclehq
π» Website - https://prodcircle.com/
π₯ Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mudassir-mustafa/
Summary
Today's guests is Francesco Petricarari of Silicon Roundabout Ventures who primarily invests in Deep Tech and Hard Tech. Francesco is an early stage deep tech VC who shares the importance of founding team, VC founder fit, having the right board member, and a lot more.
Takeaways
1.Founder-led funds provide advantages in terms of understanding the challenges faced by founders and offering relevant support.
2. Deep tech encompasses companies that focus on technology development rather than just business growth.
3. Evaluation of deep tech startups requires a focus on the team, their expertise, and their ability to build a sustainable business.
4. The team slide in a pitch deck is crucial as it showcases the founders' strengths and their potential to execute their vision. The team and their unique qualifications are crucial in a startup pitch.
5. Key slides in a pitch deck include the team, market opportunity, and technology.
6. Deep tech and hardware startups are on the rise due to increased demand for security and climate solutions.
7. Moving from prototype to mass production in hardware startups requires building the right supply chains and finding the right advisors.
8. AI in deep tech should go beyond current systems and offer unique applications.
Chapters
00:00 Trailer
β01:50 Introduction
β05:00 What is Deep Tech and why is it exciting?
β09:00 How experienced founders help early stage founders in Deep Tech with investing
β12:50 Achieving the right VC-Founder Fit (Crucial insights for new founders)
β16:36 Why the era of Unicorns has ended
β20:50 The 40 Rule's importance and how VCs judge businesses
β24:20 Why VCs really like SAAS startups
β29:25 Why many companies fail after getting lots of VC money
β33:15 Strategies for building a sustainable business in Deep Tech
β38:22 What VCs look for in a Pitch Deck for Deep Tech Startups and How He Evaluate
β53:21 In-depth analysis of Deep Tech trends and insights
β58:50 Challenges that founders of hardware companies need to know about
β1:04:40 Strategies for generating innovative Deep Tech ideas
β1:08:40 Deep Tech and AI
β1:13:00 Ritual Time
Connect with Mudassir
π₯ YouTube Channel - @prodcircleHQ
π¦ Twitter - https://twitter.com/ProdcircleHQ
πΈ Instagram - https://instagram.com/prodcirclehq
π» Website - https://prodcircle.com/
π₯ Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mudassir-mustafa/
Summary
Learn how VCs evaluate your idea from early stage founder and investor Sam Marchant of Hambro Perks. Get insider tips on how to craft a successful pitch deck and stand out as a first-time founder in the competitive world of startup and CPG brands. Don't miss this valuable advice from an experienced entrepreneur!
Takeaways
1.Observing entrepreneurship in childhood can have a significant impact on one's career path.
2.Consumer product goods (CPG) startups face unique challenges, including the need for innovation and the difficulty of standing out in a crowded market.
3.Consumer companies often require more time and capital to scale, making them less attractive to VC investors.
4.The VC industry has evolved, with a wider range of investors and a focus on different types of returns.
Chapters
00:00 Trailer
01:48 Who is Sam Marchant
08:00 Learning from SAM: Building to Sold Startup Journey
13:30 Why Not Work with Friends and Family / Deep Insights about CPG Brands
26:23 - How VCs add value to startups?
30:50 Venture Capitalists' Judgment of Founders: An Operator's Perspective
34:52 Important Characteristics for First-Time Founders
38:40 VC Pitch Deck Selection Process: A Challenge for Early-Stage Founders (Very Important)
55:30 How to Create a Pitch Deck: Lessons from a VC
1:02:10 Calculating Market Size
1:05:55 Why Venture Capital Money Is SEXY
1:11:15 Deal Negotiation with Venture Capitalists for Early-Stage Founders
1:16:50 Most Common Questions from First-Time Founders (Must Watch)
1:23:10 Ritual Time: Previous Guest's Question for Sam
1:25:20 Ending
Connect with Mudassir
π₯ YouTube Channel - @prodcircleHQ
π¦ Twitter - https://twitter.com/ProdcircleHQ
πΈ Instagram - https://instagram.com/prodcirclehq
π» Website - https://prodcircle.com/
π₯ Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mudassir-mustafa/
Summary
In this conversation, Alyona Mysko discusses her journey in finance and the motivation behind building a financial management product. She shares her early interest in math and economics, as well as the inspiration she received from professors and corporate finance professionals. Alyona emphasizes the importance of making finance accessible and easy to understand for both financial and non-financial people. She also highlights the current demand for financial management solutions and the company's evolution from offering services to building a product.
Takeaways
1. Alyona's passion for finance and her background in managing finance led her to build a financial management product.
2. The company's goal is to make finance accessible and easy to understand for both financial and non-financial people.
3. There is a high demand for financial management solutions, especially during periods of financial downturn.
4. The company started by offering services in financial management and evolved to build a product based on customer needs.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction
01:18 Who Is Alyona Mysko
03:40 What is Fuel Finance
06:52 How to validate idea and how much time it takes
10:20 First time founder guide on hiring people
16:50 What's the metric to identify product success
18:55 What is revenue per employee
21:23 How first time found raise venture capital and what are the strategies
25:25 How to look right investor
26:06 What is the right way to write PITCH DECK
30:50 What is Goto Market strategy
31:58 How to lead a team as a leader
36:50 Learning points for first time founders
39:03 Enterpreunership, Fin Tech and Startup trends in 2024
41:22 Fuel finance launches
42:26 Recent Guest Question for Alyona Mysko
43:16 Conclusion
Connect with Mudassir
π₯ YouTube Channel - @prodcircleHQ
π¦ Twitter - https://twitter.com/ProdcircleHQ
πΈ Instagram - https://instagram.com/prodcirclehq
π» Website - https://prodcircle.com/
π₯ Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mudassir-mustafa/
Looking to build a $100 million business? Join startup business podcast with our guest Daniel Priestley. He shares his insights on how to build a $100 million business. From finding your niche to creating a solid business plan, Daniel will cover the key steps to building a successful startup. Don't miss out on this valuable advice from one of the top business minds in the industry!
-------------------------------------------------
*Prodcircle Insider*
Join ~15,000+ founders and VCs in the US. Build better, Raise better, Exit Better.
* Your First Startup Journey: https://newsletter.prodcircle.com/profile
-------------------------------------------------
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Early Life
03:45 Entrepreneurship and Starting a Business
06:17 Why Start a Business and Scaling a Business
10:03 Managing Multiple Businesses
12:51 Hiring Great Talent
15:46 Acquisitions and Exits
25:31 Starting a Business and Building Value
32:53 Starting a Business Today
38:19 Agency Businesses vs. D2C or SaaS Businesses
40:50 The Importance of Demand Generation
43:18 The Journey of an Entrepreneur
45:52 Building a Personal Brand
54:07 Who Should Raise Money and Why
58:24 Venture Capital and Entrepreneurship
01:01:04 When to Raise Money
01:05:34 Daniel's Experience with Boom and Bust
01:15:46 Impact of Daniel's Books
01:16:14 The Role of Luck in Business Success
01:19:09 The Future of AI-Enabled SaaS Businesses
01:22:31 Dealing with Negative Comments and Feedback
01:23:59 The Power of Writing a Book for Entrepreneurs
01:28:41 The Step-by-Step Process of Starting a Successful Business
01:31:53 Starting a New Business in 2024
01:38:15 The Influence of Having Kids on Business
01:42:06 Preparing Children for the Future of AI
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π CONNECT WITH DANIEL PRIESTLY
Read His Books: https://danielpriestley.com/daniel-priestley-books/
Linkdin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielpriestley/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/DanielPriestley
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danielpriestley/
-----------------------------------------------------------
π CONNECT WITH MUDASSIR
π₯ YouTube Channel - @prodcircleHQ
π¦ Twitter - https://twitter.com/ProdcircleHQ
/ prodcirclehq
π» Website - https://prodcircle.com/
π₯ Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/company/prodcirclehq/
πSHOW NOTES & TRANSCRIPT
Visit the website for the transcript and highlights from the conversation - https://www.prodcircle.com/podcast
π§ LISTEN FOR FREE
Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...
Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7MKODYG...
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RSS - https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/2189808.rss
ππΌ GET IN TOUCH
You can also Tweet @prodcirclehq with any feedback, ideas, or thoughts about the lessons you've learned from the episodes and we can thank you personally for tuning in π
Looking to work with Mudassir, drop an email.
Connect with Mudassir
π₯ YouTube Channel - @prodcircleHQ
π¦ Twitter - https://twitter.com/ProdcircleHQ
πΈ Instagram - https://instagram.com/prodcirclehq
π» Website - https://prodcircle.com/
π₯ Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mudassir-mustafa/
60% startups dont split equity 50-50
The conversation with Peter Walker covers various topics related to startups, including structuring compensation packages, equity distribution among early hires, co-founder splits, raising capital, startup failure rates, and alternative financing options. Peter shares insights based on data from Carta, providing valuable information for founders and investors.
The conversation highlights the challenges and opportunities in the startup ecosystem, particularly in the context of the changing landscape in 2023. Overall, the discussion provides valuable insights into the world of startups and venture capital. In this conversation, Peter Walker discusses various aspects of venture capital and startup funding. He provides insights into different funding rounds, including pre-seed, seed, and series A.
He also highlights the changing valuations in the venture capital landscape. Peter shares his thoughts on concerns about investment in SaaS startups and the differences between B2B and B2C SaaS companies. He discusses the trends he is excited about in 2024, including the shift towards capital-efficient startups and the growth of hard sciences. Peter emphasizes the importance of data storytelling and shares his perspective on the future of AI. He also discusses red flags to watch out for in cap tables.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction
00:38 Understanding Peter Walker's Background
02:21 The Best and Worst Parts of Peter's Job
03:44 Structuring Compensation Packages in 2023
07:11 Equity Distribution Among First Five Hires
10:45 Factors Influencing Co-Founder Split and CEO Background
15:09 The Impact of 2023 on Startups
19:11 Raising Capital as a Success Metric
21:34 Startup Failure Rates and Reasons for Closure
25:24 Exploring Alternative Financing Options
29:18 Evaluating Startups and Factors Influencing Valuation
34:13 The Use of SAFEs in Fundraising
36:25 Raising Multiple SAFEs and Conversion
39:46 Comparison of Valuations in Pre-Seed, Seed, and Series A Rounds
41:28 Pre-Seed and Angel Rounds
42:28 Seed Rounds
43:26 Series A
44:46 Later Stage Rounds
45:29 Investor Concerns about SaaS Startups
46:43 B2B vs B2C SaaS Companies
48:44 Future of Crypto, Web3, and AI
50:43 Trends in 2024
56:19 Importance of Data Storytelling
58:55 Cap Table Red Flags
Connect with Mudassir
π₯ YouTube Channel - @prodcircleHQ
π¦ Twitter - https://twitter.com/ProdcircleHQ
πΈ Instagram - https://instagram.com/prodcirclehq
π» Website - https://prodcircle.com/
π₯ Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mudassir-mustafa/
If you're an early-stage startup founder and want to take your startup to the next level with venture capitalist funding, even if you've failed to secure funding in the past, don't worry!
In today's episode, we're joined by Jenny Fielding venture capitalist who will teach you how to get venture capital (VC) funding, including: how to pitch them, what qualities they want, and other things venture capitalists look for before investing in any startup. No matter your past experience, this episode will equip you with the knowledge and strategies you need to attract VC funding and launch your startup to success.
*About Podcast Episode*
Jenny Fielding, Managing Director at Techstars and Founder of Everywhere Ventures, shares insights on evaluating founders and their ideas, the unique structure of Everywhere Ventures, managing a large community of founders, and the impact of 2023 on startups and venture capital. She emphasizes the importance of resilience, vision, and responsiveness in founders, and highlights the need for founders to focus on the future and the market opportunity. Jenny also discusses the value of working with founders from zero to one and the challenges and opportunities in the venture capital industry. In this conversation, Jenny discusses the challenges of venture capital and the need for resilience and grit in the industry. She shares her personal experience of almost opting out of venture capital before achieving success. The conversation also touches on the topic of preparing children for the future, emphasizing the importance of a well-rounded education. Finally, the conversation concludes with a reflection on the turbulent year of 2023 and a question for the next guest about their word for 2024.
Takeaways
*Resilience, vision, and responsiveness are key qualities to look for in founders.
*Investing in future-oriented ideas requires understanding the market opportunity and the founder's vision.
*The unique structure of Everywhere Ventures, with a community of founders as LPs, provides a collaborative and supportive environment.
Managing a high volume of pitches requires asynchronous and automated processes.
*Founders should focus on inspiring investors and sharing their vision, rather than getting bogged down in the details.
*Founders should optimize their business for customers rather than investors, and consider alternative funding options if venture capital is not the right fit.
*The challenges faced by startups and venture capital in 2023 have led to a focus on resilience and fundamentals.
*Pitch decks are important for providing an overview of the business, but the narrative and story are what distinguish a good deck.
*The role of institutional money in startups depends on the founder's goals and the scalability of the business.
*Working with founders from zero to one provides the opportunity to support and mentor early-stage companies.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Background
02:14 Qualities of a Successful Founder
05:41 Evaluating Future-Oriented Ideas
08:57 Investing in Blockchain and Cryptocurrency
11:13 The Unique Structure of Everywhere Ventures
14:37 Managing a Large Community of Founders
17:23 Managing a High Volume of Pitches
21:13 Mistakes Founders Make When Pitching to VCs
23:53 Optimizing Business for Investors vs. Customers
24:48 The Value of Working with Founders from Zero to One
27:56 The Impact of 2023 on Startups and Venture Capital
29:32 The Importance of Pitch Decks and Attention Span
31:57 The Different Paths for Raising Capital
34:10 The Challenges of 20
Connect with Mudassir
π₯ YouTube Channel - @prodcircleHQ
π¦ Twitter - https://twitter.com/ProdcircleHQ
πΈ Instagram - https://instagram.com/prodcirclehq
π» Website - https://prodcircle.com/
π₯ Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mudassir-mustafa/
Summary
In this conversation, Preston Rutherford discusses his early life, memories, and how his upbringing shaped him as an entrepreneur. He shares the reasons behind building Chubbies and Loop Returns, emphasizing the importance of using personal experiences as fuel for entrepreneurship. Preston also provides insights into the concept of branding, explaining that it goes beyond logos and design elements. He discusses the role of advertising for established brands and startups, highlighting the need for a balance between transactional ads and storytelling. Lastly, he shares how he and his co-founders maintained a successful business partnership by dividing roles and responsibilities and fostering open communication. In this conversation, Preston Rutherford shares insights and experiences from his journey as a co-founder of Chubbies Shorts and Loop Returns. He discusses the organic process of finding co-founders and the importance of respect and alignment in a founding team. Preston also talks about building and scaling a team, emphasizing the significance of culture and values. He addresses the challenges faced by venture-backed CPG businesses and the lessons that can be learned from the SaaS industry. The conversation concludes with a question for the next guest about their biggest setback and how they chose to persist.
Takeaways
Finding co-founders should be an organic process based on shared ideas, feedback, and excitement.
Respect and alignment among co-founders are crucial for a successful partnership.
Building and scaling a team requires a balance between being a family and a team.
Consumer product businesses take time to grow and require a strong brand and trust from customers.
Lessons from the SaaS industry, such as the importance of brand and trust, can be applied to CPG businesses.
Connect with Mudassir
π₯ YouTube Channel - @prodcircleHQ
π¦ Twitter - https://twitter.com/ProdcircleHQ
πΈ Instagram - https://instagram.com/prodcirclehq
π» Website - https://prodcircle.com/
π₯ Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mudassir-mustafa/
Summary
Jason Kirby shares his entrepreneurial journey and the challenges he faced in raising venture capital. He emphasizes the importance of determining if a business is venture backable and when to raise money. Jason also discusses the role of growth stage investors and the strategies they employ. He highlights the need for founders to explore non-venture capital routes and the support Thunder.VC provides in navigating complex capital structures. In this conversation, Jason Kirby shares insights and advice on various aspects of venture capital and entrepreneurship. He discusses the value that advisors can bring to founders, the importance of determining the right funding amount and approach, strategies for building a strong founding team, red flags for VCs when evaluating startups, and a fundamental belief in venture capital that he disagrees with. He also poses a thought-provoking question for the next guest.
Takeaways
Determining if a business is venture backable requires considering the potential for scale and the need for significant capital.
Founders should carefully evaluate when to raise money and explore non-venture capital options if their business doesn't require large-scale funding.
Late-stage VCs have shorter time horizons and aim for lower multiple returns, focusing on companies that are closer to a liquidity event.
Liquidation preferences can impact early investors, and founders should be aware of the potential consequences.
Thunder.VC provides tools and resources to help founders navigate the fundraising process and make informed decisions.
Chapters
00:00 Jason Kirby's Entrepreneurial Journey
04:03 The Decision to Raise Money
06:04 When to Raise Money and Why
08:49 Determining if a Business is Venture Backable
14:37 The Challenges of Raising Venture Capital
17:27 How Thunder.VC Helps Founders
21:36 The Common Denominator in Successful Fundraising
23:34 Exploring Non-Venture Capital Routes
29:51 The Investment Strategies of Late-Stage VCs
36:33 Liquidation Preferences and Impact on Early Investors
38:44 Helping Founders Navigate Complex Capital Structures
39:16 Providing Value to Founders
41:13 Determining Funding Amount and Approach
44:21 Building a Strong Founding Team
47:00 Red Flags for VCs
51:17 Disagreement with Fundamental Belief in Venture Capital
53:16 Question for Next Guest
Connect with Mudassir
π₯ YouTube Channel - @prodcircleHQ
π¦ Twitter - https://twitter.com/ProdcircleHQ
πΈ Instagram - https://instagram.com/prodcirclehq
π» Website - https://prodcircle.com/
π₯ Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mudassir-mustafa/
Dreaming of building a powerhouse brand, but your bank account whispers sweet nothings about marketing budgets? Fear not, scrappy startup warriors! This video is your secret weapon, packed with winning strategies to propel your brand to success, even on a shoestring budget.
Forget fancy agencies and sky-high ad spends. We're diving deep into the world of DIY branding magic, showing you how to craft a powerful brand identity that resonates with your audience, all without breaking the bank. We'll unveil the secrets of low-cost marketing tactics that can turn your social media channels into lead magnets and your content into brand-building gold.
From social media branding hacks to free design tools that work wonders, we'll equip you with the practical know-how to build a visually stunning and strategically sound brand. You'll discover how to harness the power of storytelling to connect with your customers on an emotional level and turn them into loyal brand advocates.
This video is more than just a collection of tips and tricks; it's a battle cry for bootstrapping entrepreneurs. We'll share the inspiring stories of real startups who defied the odds and built iconic brands with nothing but grit, creativity, and our very own "Brand on a Budget" playbook.
So, ditch the excuses and dust off your bootstrapping boots. This video is your roadmap to branding domination, proving that even the smallest spark can ignite a brand inferno. Get ready to unlock your brand's hidden potential, conquer the market, and achieve startup success β all without breaking the bank!
Are you ready to join the "Brand on a Budget" revolution? Click play and let's get started!
*Don't forget to smash that like button and subscribe for more startup wisdom. And remember, sharing is caring, so spread the word and let's help every entrepreneur build a brand they can be proud of!
-----------------------------------------------------------
π CONNECT WITH MUDASSIR
π₯ YouTube Channel - @prodcircleHQ
π¦ Twitter - https://twitter.com/ProdcircleHQ
πΈ Instagram - https://instagram.com/prodcirclehq
π» Website - https://prodcircle.com/
π₯ Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mudassir-mustafa/
πSHOW NOTES & TRANSCRIPT
Visit the website for the transcript and highlights from the conversation - https://www.prodcircle.com/podcast
π§ LISTEN FOR FREE
Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prodcricle-with-mudassir-mustafa/id1688602416
Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7MKODYGDeiWP4Y5xUpih31?si=7ce29a73d8724ac2
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π LEAVE A REVIEW
If you enjoyed listening to the podcast, we'd love for you to leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts to help others discover the show :) https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prodcricle-with-mudassir-mustafa/id1688602416
ππΌ GET IN TOUCH
You can also Tweet @prodcirclehq with any feedback, ideas, or thoughts about the lessons you've learned from the episodes and we can thank you personally for tuning in π
Looking to work with Mudassir, drop an email.
Connect with Mudassir
π₯ YouTube Channel - @prodcircleHQ
π¦ Twitter - https://twitter.com/ProdcircleHQ
πΈ Instagram - https://instagram.com/prodcirclehq
π» Website - https://prodcircle.com/
π₯ Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mudassir-mustafa/
This conversation explores the rise and fall of Theranos, the credibility of visionary leaders, the influence of media, and the changing landscape of entrepreneurship. The discussion highlights the importance of cohorts and the role they play in determining the success and viability of companies. It also delves into the impact of education and elitism in the entrepreneurial world.
The conversation concludes with insights into the passion for problem-solving and the enjoyment derived from helping others. In this conversation, Seth Yakatan shares his insights on various topics related to entrepreneurship and venture capital. He discusses the importance of investing in the right cohorts and avoiding projects that are part of saturated cohorts. He also expresses his concerns about the rapid advancement of AI and robotics, emphasizing the importance of human empathy. Seth highlights the value of building a personal brand on LinkedIn and the benefits it can bring in terms of networking and business opportunities. He also points out common mistakes made by young entrepreneurs and shares his perspective on going public and the consequences it entails. Lastly, Seth challenges the notion that entrepreneurship can be taught, suggesting that it is an innate quality rather than a learned skill.
Takeaways
The failure of Theranos highlights the dangers of believing in visionary leaders without questioning their claims and ensuring the validity of their technology.
Media plays a significant role in shaping public perception and can contribute to the rise and fall of high-valuation companies.
The credibility of Forbes and similar publications may be questioned due to their association with individuals and companies that later turn out to be fraudulent.
The entrepreneurial landscape has evolved over the years, with increased access to capital and a larger pool of entrepreneurs, making it more competitive.
Cohorts are important in assessing the viability and fundability of companies, and understanding where a company stands within its cohort can provide valuable insights. Investing in the right cohorts is crucial for success in entrepreneurship and venture capital.
The rapid advancement of AI and robotics raises concerns about the loss of human empathy and the potential risks to humanity.
Building a personal brand on LinkedIn can be a valuable tool for networking and creating business opportunities.
Common mistakes made by young entrepreneurs include forcing outcomes, not listening to feedback, and using inaccurate comparable valuations.
Going public can provide access to capital and liquidity, but it also comes with the challenges of managing public expectations and quarterly earnings.
Entrepreneurship may be an innate quality that cannot be taught, and success often depends on the ability to sell and navigate the entrepreneurial landscape.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Background
00:38 The Story of Theranos
04:03 The Failure of Theranos
06:14 Belief in Visionary Leaders
09:05 Credibility of Forbes and Media Influence
11:25 The Rise and Fall of High-Valuation Companies
18:55 The Role of Education and Elitism in Entrepreneurship
24:43 Passion for Helping and Problem Solving
32:55 The Changing Landscape of Entrepreneurship
37:20 Understanding Cohorts and Innovation
43:27 Investing in Cohorts
44:23 The Importance and Nebulousness of AI
45:03 Concerns about AI and Robotics
49:38 Building a Personal Brand on LinkedIn
54:09 Mistakes Young Entrepreneurs Make
59:58 Going Public: Reasons and Consequences
01:08:42 Contrarian View on
Connect with Mudassir
π₯ YouTube Channel - @prodcircleHQ
π¦ Twitter - https://twitter.com/ProdcircleHQ
πΈ Instagram - https://instagram.com/prodcirclehq
π» Website - https://prodcircle.com/
π₯ Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mudassir-mustafa/
Raymond Luke shares his early context, growing up with teacher-entrepreneur parents, and the decision to wind down Year One Labs. He discusses the qualities of a good advisor and the problem with media and information on fundraising. Raymond emphasizes the importance of critical thinking in consuming advice and shares his perspective on who should raise money and when. He also explains the thesis behind Flow Ventures and HockeyStick and highlights the differences between the Canadian and US fundraising markets. The conversation covers topics such as venture studios vs. venture capital, the pros and cons of SAFE notes, the role of gaming and simulations in entrepreneurship, common mistakes in pitching, traction metrics for early-stage startups, common mistakes and misunderstood terms in cap tables, and the timing of IPOs. In this conversation, Raymond and Mudassir discuss the challenges of early investing, the impact of AI on fundraising, the role of pitch decks in fundraising, what investors look for in founders, and a contrarian opinion on the future of entrepreneurial finance.
Takeaways
Chapters
00:00
Introduction and Early Context
03:00
Growing Up with Teacher-Entrepreneur Parents
06:00
Year One Labs and the Decision to Wind Down
34:35
The Thesis Behind Flow Ventures and HockeyStick
47:08
Opinion on Y Combinator
01:10:02
Common Mistakes and Misunderstood Terms in Cap Tables
01:18:23
The Timing of IPOs
01:23:28
Challenges of Early Investing
01:29:15
The Impact of AI on Fundraising
01:35:47
The Role of Pitch Decks in Fundraising
01:37:34
What Investors Look for in Founders
01:40:35
Contrarian Opinion on the Future of Entrepreneurial Finance
Connect with Mudassir
π₯ YouTube Channel - @prodcircleHQ
π¦ Twitter - https://twitter.com/ProdcircleHQ
πΈ Instagram - https://instagram.com/prodcirclehq
π» Website - https://prodcircle.com/
π₯ Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mudassir-mustafa/
In this video, Katie Dunn provides valuable perspectives and highlights challenges faced by entrepreneurs who are often marginalized in the funding landscape. This video serves as an important contribution to the ongoing conversation about fostering inclusivity and equal opportunities in the business and investment sectors.
Katie Dunn spent 25+ years financing over $10 billion in commercial real estate for various banks and financial institutions. She has now pivoted full-time to focusing on her global angel investment portfolio, funding underrepresented founders in CPG and tech, and helping founders get funded faster by advising them on their pitch, deck, and fundraising strategy as a partner in Power To Pitch. She also sits on the board of an Irish spirits company, Outcast Brands.
β¨ ππππ ππ«π¨πππ’π«ππ₯πβ¨
βProdcircle channel:
πhttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCun-R2Je_ABAael-6W12psA
π πππππ ππ«π¨πππ’π«ππ₯π π
Welcome to Prodcircle, the podcast for entrepreneurs, startups, and venture capital!
In each episode, Entrepreneur, YouTuber, Podcaster, and angel investor Mudassir has conversations with top VCs, founders of unicorn startups, and angel investors around fundraising, building successful startups, mental health, and startup challenges.
Whether you're just starting out on your entrepreneurial journey or you're a seasoned founder, Prodcircle has something for everyone. You'll learn from the best in the business and get the insights you need to succeed.
π πππππππ ππππ ππππππππ
π₯ YouTube Channel - @prodcircleHQ
π¦ Twitter - https://twitter.com/ProdcircleHQ
πΈ Instagram - https://instagram.com/prodcirclehq
π» Website - https://prodcircle.com/
π₯ Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mudassir-mustafa/
πππππ πππππ & ππππππππππ
Visit the website for the transcript and highlights from the conversation - https://www.prodcircle.com/podcast
ππππππ π ππππππ
If you enjoyed listening to the podcast, we'd love for you to leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts to help others discover the show :)
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prodcricle-with-mudassir-mustafa/id1688602416
https://open.spotify.com/show/7MKODYGDeiWP4Y5xUpih31
Thanks for watching this - From Commercial Real Estate to Angel Investing - A Conversation with Katie Dunn | Ep #29
πππ₯ππππ ππππ«ππ‘ππ¬
building an investment portfolio
investment wisdom
angel investing
fundraising strategies
Connect with Mudassir
π₯ YouTube Channel - @prodcircleHQ
π¦ Twitter - https://twitter.com/ProdcircleHQ
πΈ Instagram - https://instagram.com/prodcirclehq
π» Website - https://prodcircle.com/
π₯ Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mudassir-mustafa/
Get unfiltered insights on entrepreneurship and startup fundraising from 6x founder Shay Houser. In this raw interview, Shay shares lessons learned from his extreme highs and lows over 20+ years building tech startups.
He explains why many founders are underprepared for institutional VC money and how it can be a "curse" if taken too early. Shay stresses the importance of founder-investor fit, realistic capital planning, and building an empowering startup culture.
Other topics include:
- Shay's winding journey from military college to VC
- Why you shouldn't blindly pursue brands like YC or a16z
- How to clearly communicate your startup's vision and needs to investors
- Shocking data on low unicorn success rates - even for top accelerators
- The redemptive story of Shay's addiction, recovery, and finding purpose
This unfiltered founder interview is a must-listen for anyone in the startup world. Shay Houser offers hard-earned lessons for fundraising, leadership, culture, and maintaining perspective.
β¨ ππππ ππ«π¨πππ’π«ππ₯πβ¨
βProdcircle channel:
πhttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCun-R2Je_ABAael-6W12psA
π πππππ ππ«π¨πππ’π«ππ₯π π
Welcome to Prodcircle, the podcast for entrepreneurs, startups, and venture capital!
In each episode, Entrepreneur, YouTuber, Podcaster, and angel investor Mudassir has conversations with top VCs, founders of unicorn startups, and angel investors around fundraising, building successful startups, mental health, and startup challenges.
Whether you're just starting out on your entrepreneurial journey or you're a seasoned founder, Prodcircle has something for everyone. You'll learn from the best in the business and get the insights you need to succeed.
Why subscribe to Prodcircle?
1. Prodcircle features interviews with top VCs, founders of unicorn startups, and angel investors.
2. You'll learn the latest trends and best practices in venture capital, startups, and entrepreneurship.
3. Prodcircle will inspire you to achieve your entrepreneurial dreams.
Subscribe to Prodcircle today and start building the company of your dreams!
π πππππππ ππππ ππππππππ
π₯ YouTube Channel - @prodcircleHQ
π¦ Twitter - https://twitter.com/ProdcircleHQ
πΈ Instagram - https://instagram.com/prodcirclehq
π» Website - https://prodcircle.com/
π₯ Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mudassir-mustafa/
πππππ πππππ & ππππππππππ
Visit the website for the transcript and highlights from the conversation - https://www.prodcircle.com/podcast
ππππππ π ππππππ
If you enjoyed listening to the podcast, we'd love for you to leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts to help others discover the show :) https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prodcricle-with-mudassir-mustafa/id1688602416
ππΌπππ ππ πππππ
You can also Tweet @prodcirclehq with any feedback, ideas, or thoughts about the lessons you've learned from the episodes and we can thank you personally for tuning in π
Looking to work with Mudassir, drop an email.
πππ₯ππππ ππππ«ππ‘ππ¬
fundraising challenges
entrepreneurial lessons
startup fundraising insights
shay houser interview
startup fundraising
hard lessons on startup fundraising
6X founder shay houser
Connect with Mudassir
π₯ YouTube Channel - @prodcircleHQ
π¦ Twitter - https://twitter.com/ProdcircleHQ
πΈ Instagram - https://instagram.com/prodcirclehq
π» Website - https://prodcircle.com/
π₯ Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mudassir-mustafa/
The Art of Building a Purpose-Driven Consumer Brand | How To Build A BRAND?
Learn from Simple Modern co-founder Mike Beckham as he shares his playbook for building a purpose-driven consumer brand and company culture. In this transparent interview, Mike explains Simple Modernβs mission-focused approach and how they create outsized value for customers.
Mike stresses the importance of enjoying each stage of the journey rather than fixating on goals. He shares tactics for strengthening company culture, gathering customer insights for rapid iteration, and establishing brand loyalty even in a commoditized market.
Key topics include:
- Mikeβs origin story and how his nonprofit experience shaped Simple Modernβs values
- Ways to breed a sense of ownership in culture so it scales gracefully
- Actionable strategies for constant product improvement based on user feedback
- How to build emotional connections and brand affinity with customers
- Why itβs critical to find meaning and purpose in exactly where you're situated
Mike also shares his stream-of-consciousness approach if he were starting a new D2C brand today.
Whether youβre building a purpose-driven company or aspire to become a thoughtful business leader, donβt miss the tactical insights from Mike Beckham.
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π CONNECT WITH MUDASSIR
π₯ YouTube Channel - @prodcircleHQ
π¦ Twitter - https://twitter.com/ProdcircleHQ
πΈ Instagram - https://instagram.com/prodcirclehq
π» Website - https://prodcircle.com/
π₯ Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mudassir-mustafa/
πSHOW NOTES & TRANSCRIPT
Visit the website for the transcript and highlights from the conversation - https://www.prodcircle.com/podcast
π§ LISTEN FOR FREE
Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prodcricle-with-mudassir-mustafa/id1688602416
Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7MKODYGDeiWP4Y5xUpih31?si=7ce29a73d8724ac2
Google Podcast - https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5idXp6c3Byb3V0LmNvbS8yMTg5ODA4LnJzcw
RSS - https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/2189808.rss
π LEAVE A REVIEW
If you enjoyed listening to the podcast, we'd love for you to leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts to help others discover the show :) https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prodcricle-with-mudassir-mustafa/id1688602416
ππΌ GET IN TOUCH
You can also Tweet @prodcirclehq with any feedback, ideas, or thoughts about the lessons you've learned from the episodes and we can thank you personally for tuning in π
Looking to work with Mudassir, drop an email.
Connect with Mudassir
π₯ YouTube Channel - @prodcircleHQ
π¦ Twitter - https://twitter.com/ProdcircleHQ
πΈ Instagram - https://instagram.com/prodcirclehq
π» Website - https://prodcircle.com/
π₯ Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mudassir-mustafa/
Raise Capital Like a Pro | Insider Tips from a VC By Esther Romanoff (Podcast # 26)
Step into the fast-paced world of venture capital and startup funding with Esther Romanoff, an experienced VC investor. In this gripping podcast, Esther lifts the curtain on the mysterious ways VCs evaluate and choose which startups to invest in.
Get ready to learn the inside scoop! Esther breaks down what VCs really look for in founders and their teams, how they decide if a product fits the market and is gaining traction, and the differences between early-stage (seed) and growth (Series A) funding.
But hold on, there's even more! Esther dishes out practical tips for entrepreneurs on creating killer pitch decks, steering clear of classic fundraising blunders, charming potential investors, and validating those groundbreaking startup ideas.
Whether you're an aspiring business owner aiming to secure funding or just someone curious about how the minds of VCs tick, this chat is packed with real-world advice. Esther's candid conversation is your shortcut to understanding the ABCs of VC fundraising. It's all about unlocking practical insights that bridge the gap between startup dreams and successful funding journeys.
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π CONNECT WITH MUDASSIR
π₯ YouTube Channel - @prodcircleHQ
π¦ Twitter - https://twitter.com/ProdcircleHQ
πΈ Instagram - https://instagram.com/prodcirclehq
π» Website - https://prodcircle.com/
π₯ Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mudassir-mustafa/
πSHOW NOTES & TRANSCRIPT
Visit the website for the transcript and highlights from the conversation - https://www.prodcircle.com/podcast
π§ LISTEN FOR FREE
Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prodcricle-with-mudassir-mustafa/id1688602416
Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7MKODYGDeiWP4Y5xUpih31?si=7ce29a73d8724ac2
Google Podcast - https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5idXp6c3Byb3V0LmNvbS8yMTg5ODA4LnJzcw
RSS - https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/2189808.rss
π LEAVE A REVIEW
If you enjoyed listening to the podcast, we'd love for you to leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts to help others discover the show :) https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prodcricle-with-mudassir-mustafa/id1688602416
ππΌ GET IN TOUCH
You can also Tweet @prodcirclehq with any feedback, ideas, or thoughts about the lessons you've learned from the episodes and we can thank you personally for tuning in π
Looking to work with Mudassir, drop an email.
Connect with Mudassir
π₯ YouTube Channel - @prodcircleHQ
π¦ Twitter - https://twitter.com/ProdcircleHQ
πΈ Instagram - https://instagram.com/prodcirclehq
π» Website - https://prodcircle.com/
π₯ Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mudassir-mustafa/
In this enlightening podcast episode, we had the privilege of hosting Lesya Arnold, the CEO and Founder of A-Players, a pioneering recruitment agency on a mission to transform the world's money-first culture into an impact-first one. With a keen focus on hiring A-Players, the top 5% of talent, for mission-driven companies such as Grammarly, Wix, Mindvalley, Veriff, and numerous early-stage startups, Lesya brings a wealth of knowledge and insights to the table.
The conversation delves deep into the realm of hiring and team-building, exploring topics such as the "Price of Hiring Mistakes" and how you can significantly reduce the chances of making them. Lesya makes a compelling case for A-Players, explaining who they are and why companies benefit immensely from having them on board.
In this captivating podcast episode, you'll gain profound insights into:
1. The staggering "Price of Hiring Mistakes" and how to minimise them drastically.
2. The defining characteristics of A-Players and their immense impact on company success.
3. Strategies to optimise your hiring process and attract A-Players with precision.
4. The art of managing A-Players and empowering them to drive your business forward.
5. The economic benefits of hiring talent from Eastern Europe without compromising quality.
Lesya's expertise and practical advice will equip you with the tools and strategies to transform your hiring game and cultivate high-impact teams that propel your organisation to unprecedented heights.
If you're ready to elevate your company's culture, enhance your hiring practices, and unleash the power of A-Players, this podcast episode is a valuable resource.
Join us as we unlock the secrets to achieving remarkable success in your business.
Connect with Mudassir
π₯ YouTube Channel - @prodcircleHQ
π¦ Twitter - https://twitter.com/ProdcircleHQ
πΈ Instagram - https://instagram.com/prodcirclehq
π» Website - https://prodcircle.com/
π₯ Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mudassir-mustafa/
Dan provides an inside look at VC investing, explaining why it's like gambling and the brutal power law dynamics. He advises founders on crucial term sheet details, building their personal brand, raising the right amounts, and more.
Other topics include:
- The context behind Dan's diverse life and career
- Why working in startup sales is the best learning experience
- What Dan looks for in founders during fundraising
- His views on crypto, the metaverse, and overvalued startups
- How hands-on he is with portfolio companies
- Red flags when meeting founders for the first time
- Ideal pitch decks and what grabs his attention
- Why most founders make poor CEOs and get replaced
- His advice for people looking to start a VC firm
If you want an honest take on VC investing, don't miss this eye-opening discussion!
According to Dan, one of the biggest red flags is when customers don't seem to care about a product. He advocates for founders having self-awareness around their skills as not all great founders transition into great CEOs. Dan also unpacks why he steers away from "nonsense" areas like crypto, the metaverse and overhyped trends.
While he finds VC economics distasteful at times, Dan is motivated by meeting impressive founders, helping them grow, and hopefully making a positive impact. He shares advice for anyone looking to break into the VC world, stressing the importance of differentiation and niche themes.
π CONNECT WITH DAN BOWYER
π₯ Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/danbowyer/
π» Website - https://www.superseed.com/team/
π CONNECT WITH MUDASSIR
π₯ YouTube Channel - @prodcircleHQ
π¦ Twitter - https://twitter.com/ProdcircleHQ
πΈ Instagram - https://instagram.com/prodcirclehq
π» Website - https://prodcircle.com/
π₯ Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mudassir-mustafa/
πSHOW NOTES & TRANSCRIPT
Visit the website for the transcript and highlights from the conversation - https://www.prodcircle.com/podcast
π§ LISTEN FOR FREE
Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prodcricle-with-mudassir-mustafa/id1688602416
Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7MKODYGDeiWP4Y5xUpih31?si=7ce29a73d8724ac2
Google Podcast - https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5idXp6c3Byb3V0LmNvbS8yMTg5ODA4LnJzcw
RSS - https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/2189808.rss
π LEAVE A REVIEW
If you enjoyed listening to the podcast, we'd love for you to leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts to help others discover the show :) https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prodcricle-with-mudassir-mustafa/id1688602416
ππΌ GET IN TOUCH
You can also Tweet @prodcirclehq with any feedback, ideas, or thoughts about the lessons you've learned from the episodes and we can thank you personally for tuning in π
Connect with Mudassir
π₯ YouTube Channel - @prodcircleHQ
π¦ Twitter - https://twitter.com/ProdcircleHQ
πΈ Instagram - https://instagram.com/prodcirclehq
π» Website - https://prodcircle.com/
π₯ Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mudassir-mustafa/
Funding is one of the biggest challenges facing startups and entrepreneurs. In this episode, serial entrepreneur Matt Watson shares his advice on bootstrapping vs raising venture capital based on his experience building and selling multiple companies.
Matt explains how he bootstrapped his first company VinSolutions to $35 million in revenue before selling it for $150 million. He discusses the pros and cons of bootstrapping and when it makes sense to seek outside funding.
Matt also shares what VCs look for in potential investments, how to know if your business is βinvestable,β and how much equity you may need to give up. He advises first-time founders to consider having a co-founder when starting out.
Some of the key topics covered include:
- Bootstrapping successfully vs raising VC money
- Validating your business before fundraising
- How much of your company you may need to give up
- Ideal criteria for venture capital investments
- Advice for technical founders who want to become CTOs
- Transitioning from coder to manager as your startup grows
- How to scale your startup and build a profitable business
If youβre an entrepreneur trying to figure out how to fund your early-stage startup, this episode is full of practical insights from someone who has built companies with and without external funding. Matt shares hard-earned lessons from his 20+ years of startup experience.
π CONNECT WITH MATT
π₯ Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattwatsonkc/
π CONNECT WITH MUDASSIR
π₯ YouTube Channel - @prodcircleHQ
π¦ Twitter - https://twitter.com/ProdcircleHQ
πΈ Instagram - https://instagram.com/prodcirclehq
π» Website - https://prodcircle.com/
π₯ Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mudassir-mustafa/
πSHOW NOTES & TRANSCRIPT
Visit the website for the transcript and highlights from the conversation - https://prodcircle.com/podcasts/
π§ LISTEN FOR FREE
Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prodcricle-with-mudassir-mustafa/id1688602416
Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7MKODYGDeiWP4Y5xUpih31?si=7ce29a73d8724ac2
Google Podcast - https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5idXp6c3Byb3V0LmNvbS8yMTg5ODA4LnJzcw
RSS - https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/2189808.rss
π LEAVE A REVIEW
If you enjoyed listening to the podcast, we'd love for you to leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts to help others discover the show :) https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prodcricle-with-mudassir-mustafa/id1688602416
ππΌ GET IN TOUCH
You can also Tweet @prodcirclehq with any feedback, ideas, or thoughts about the lessons you've learned from the episodes and we can thank you personally for tuning in π
Connect with Mudassir
π₯ YouTube Channel - @prodcircleHQ
π¦ Twitter - https://twitter.com/ProdcircleHQ
πΈ Instagram - https://instagram.com/prodcirclehq
π» Website - https://prodcircle.com/
π₯ Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mudassir-mustafa/
Learn the keys to scaling your startup from $1 million to $100 million and beyond with investor and mentor Jeremy Barr. In this episode, Jeremy explains what it takes to build a $100M company, the major differences between running a $1M vs $100M vs $1B business, and what investors really look for in startup founders.
Jeremy shares proven strategies for attracting top talent, quantifying your purpose as a founder, acing investor pitch meetings, and maintaining control of your company through rapid growth. Discover how to develop the grit, leadership capabilities, and elite communication skills needed to turn your big idea into a billion dollar startup success story.
Whether youβre just starting out or looking to take your company to the next level, Jeremy lays out an actionable playbook for dramatically increasing your startupβs value and achieving your biggest goals in business and in life. Donβt miss these tangible takeaways that can help unlock your full potential as an entrepreneur and founder.
π CONNECT WITH JEREMY
π₯ Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremydbarr/
π CONNECT WITH MUDASSIR
π₯ YouTube Channel - @prodcircleHQ
π¦ Twitter - https://twitter.com/ProdcircleHQ
πΈ Instagram - https://instagram.com/prodcirclehq
π» Website - https://prodcircle.com/
π₯ Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mudassir-mustafa/
πSHOW NOTES & TRANSCRIPT
Visit the website for the transcript and highlights from the conversation - https://prodcircle.com/podcasts/
π§ LISTEN FOR FREE
Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prodcricle-with-mudassir-mustafa/id1688602416
Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7MKODYGDeiWP4Y5xUpih31?si=7ce29a73d8724ac2
Google Podcast - https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5idXp6c3Byb3V0LmNvbS8yMTg5ODA4LnJzcw
RSS - https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/2189808.rss
π LEAVE A REVIEW
If you enjoyed listening to the podcast, we'd love for you to leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts to help others discover the show :) https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prodcricle-with-mudassir-mustafa/id1688602416
ππΌ GET IN TOUCH
You can also Tweet @prodcirclehq with any feedback, ideas, or thoughts about the lessons you've learned from the episodes and we can thank you personally for tuning in π
Looking to work with Mudassir, drop an email.
Connect with Mudassir
π₯ YouTube Channel - @prodcircleHQ
π¦ Twitter - https://twitter.com/ProdcircleHQ
πΈ Instagram - https://instagram.com/prodcirclehq
π» Website - https://prodcircle.com/
π₯ Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mudassir-mustafa/
Discover the fascinating journey of Miguel Fernandez, the co-founder of Capchase, as he shares his story and the lessons he learned from failed startups. From growing up in Madrid to working in investment banking and eventually founding Capchase, Miguel's entrepreneurial spirit and curiosity have driven him to success. Join us as we delve into the story of the next billion-dollar startup and gain valuable insights along the way. Don't forget to subscribe for more inspiring stories and entrepreneurial tips!
WHO IS MIGUEL?
Miguel Fernandez is the CEO and co-founder of Capchase, the revenue acceleration platform for SaaS companies. Before Capchase, Miguel earned a business degree and worked in mechanical and energy engineering. After working several engineering and R&D internships, he did consulting and worked with a Series A startup. While a consultant he tried starting two startups, both failed early, but learned a ton from the experience. Mostly about finding product market fit, about focus and about addressable markets. He applied the learnings from his background to identify an opportunity to help SaaS companies manage the friction between vendors and buyers to begin Capchase. Since itβs founding three years ago, Capchase has worked with more than 4,000 SaaS startups in almost a dozen countries, and made nearly $2 billion in funding available to the industry.
π CONNECT WITH MIGUEL
π₯ Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/miguelfernandezlarrea/
π¦ Twitter / X - https://twitter.com/miguelflarrea?lang=en
π CONNECT WITH MUDASSIR
π₯ YouTube Channel - @prodcircleHQ
π¦ Twitter - https://twitter.com/ProdcircleHQ
πΈ Instagram - https://instagram.com/prodcirclehq
π» Website - https://prodcircle.com/
π₯ Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mudassir-mustafa/
πSHOW NOTES & TRANSCRIPT
Visit the website for the transcript and highlights from the conversation - https://prodcircle.com/podcasts/
π§ LISTEN FOR FREE
Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prodcricle-with-mudassir-mustafa/id1688602416
Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7MKODYGDeiWP4Y5xUpih31?si=7ce29a73d8724ac2
Google Podcast - https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5idXp6c3Byb3V0LmNvbS8yMTg5ODA4LnJzcw
RSS - https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/2189808.rss
π LEAVE A REVIEW
If you enjoyed listening to the podcast, we'd love for you to leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts to help others discover the show :) https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prodcricle-with-mudassir-mustafa/id1688602416
ππΌ GET IN TOUCH
You can also Tweet @prodcirclehq with any feedback, ideas, or thoughts about the lessons you've learned from the episodes and we can thank you personally for tuning in π
Looking to work with Mudassir, drop an email.
Connect with Mudassir
π₯ YouTube Channel - @prodcircleHQ
π¦ Twitter - https://twitter.com/ProdcircleHQ
πΈ Instagram - https://instagram.com/prodcirclehq
π» Website - https://prodcircle.com/
π₯ Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mudassir-mustafa/
In this unfiltered video interview, serial entrepreneur Seth Yakatan shares open and honest lessons from his 20+ year career starting, investing in, and exiting companies.
He covers topics like:
- The role of luck and timing in startup success
- How repeated failures and mistakes inform future wins
- Fundraising tips for entrepreneurs
- Evaluating potential team members and co-founders
- Common mistakes startups make during M&A
- Launching and marketing consumer brands
Seth also tells crazy stories from his career, including hiring the disastrously wrong CEO and anti-climactic victories. His raw and authentic advice makes this a must-watch for any aspiring entrepreneur or founder. It's especially useful for those interested in biotech, cannabis, consumer products, fundraising, hiring, or marketing. Seth's unfiltered perspective sheds light on the messy reality of entrepreneurship and startup life.
π CONNECT WITH SETH
π₯ Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/seth-yakatan/
π CONNECT WITH MUDASSIR
π₯ YouTube Channel - @prodcircleHQ
π¦ Twitter - https://twitter.com/ProdcircleHQ
πΈ Instagram - https://instagram.com/prodcirclehq
π» Website - https://prodcircle.com/
π₯ Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mudassir-mustafa/
πSHOW NOTES & TRANSCRIPT
Visit the website for the transcript and highlights from the conversation - https://prodcircle.com/podcasts/
π§ LISTEN FOR FREE
Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prodcricle-with-mudassir-mustafa/id1688602416
Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7MKODYGDeiWP4Y5xUpih31?si=7ce29a73d8724ac2
Google Podcast - https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5idXp6c3Byb3V0LmNvbS8yMTg5ODA4LnJzcw
RSS - https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/2189808.rss
π LEAVE A REVIEW
If you enjoyed listening to the podcast, we'd love for you to leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts to help others discover the show :) https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prodcricle-with-mudassir-mustafa/id1688602416
ππΌ GET IN TOUCH
You can also Tweet @prodcirclehq with any feedback, ideas, or thoughts about the lessons you've learned from the episodes and we can thank you personally for tuning in π
Looking to work with Mudassir, drop an email.
Connect with Mudassir
π₯ YouTube Channel - @prodcircleHQ
π¦ Twitter - https://twitter.com/ProdcircleHQ
πΈ Instagram - https://instagram.com/prodcirclehq
π» Website - https://prodcircle.com/
π₯ Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mudassir-mustafa/
Subscribe to my newsletter https://newsletter.prodcircle.com/profile
In this episode I had the previlige of sitting down with a great mind of our century. Greg Larkin, founder of Punks & Pinstripes, shares his fascinating career journey from Wall Street finance executive to startup founder and community builder for midlife entrepreneurs.
In this wide-ranging discussion, Greg recounts his experience innovating within big corporations like Bloomberg, predicting the 2008 financial crisis while analyzing anomalous mortgage data, and eventually leaving finance to build his own startups.
He explores the difficulties founders face when the startup image promoted by media doesnβt match the gritty reality of successful entrepreneurship. Greg explains that while the media loves portraying young startup founders as glamorous, data shows the most successful founders are over 40, but they lack community support.
Greg provides hard-won insights on:
Why working at a corporation can provide invaluable entrepreneur training despite the challenges of innovating within bureaucratic environments
How to innovate within big companies without getting βfiredβ β Greg shares his framework for anticipating and navigating corporate obstructionists
Why community is absolutely critical for founder wellbeing and success, but is sorely lacking for older founders
How he predicted the 2008 financial crisis by digging into mortgage data showing a growing debt-to-income ratio trend
Why founders over 40 are statistically the most successful, yet are ignored by startup media images and lack tailored community support
Greg also shares the three most important lessons he wished he had known earlier as a founder:
1. Your success depends on what you say no to β rigorously focus only on the one or two things that matter
2. Feel good about yourself even if your big goals arenβt met yet β donβt tie your self-worth to external outcomes
3. Don't try to do this alone - find your tribe and community that understands your entrepreneurial struggles
If youβre a founder over 40, tune in to gain Gregβs hard-won wisdom on how to thrive and build something meaningful, rather than get caught up in pursuing glamorous media myths of entrepreneurship. This candid discussion provides an inside look at the realities of corporate innovation and startup struggles no one talks about.
π CONNECT WITH GREG
π» Website - https://www.thisisgreglarkin.com/
π Newsletter - https://www.punksandpinstripes.com/
π₯ Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregilarkin/
π¦ Twitter - https://twitter.com/Gregory_larkin
π CONNECT WITH MUDASSIR
π₯ YouTube Channel - @prodcircleHQ
π¦ Twitter - https://twitter.com/ProdcircleHQ
πΈ Instagram - https://instagram.com/prodcirclehq
π» Website - https://prodcircle.com/
π₯ Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mudassir-mustafa/
πSHOW NOTES & TRANSCRIPT
Visit the website for the transcript and highlights from the conversation - https://prodcircle.com/podcasts/
π§ LISTEN FOR FREE
Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prodcricle-with-mudassir-mustafa/id1688602416
Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7MKODYGDeiWP4Y5xUpih31?si=7ce29a73d8724ac2
Google Podcast - https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5idXp6c3Byb3V0LmNvbS8yMTg5ODA4LnJzcw
RSS - https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/2189808.rss
π LEAVE A REVIEW
If you enjoyed listening to the podcast, we'd love for you to leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts to help others discover the show :
Connect with Mudassir
π₯ YouTube Channel - @prodcircleHQ
π¦ Twitter - https://twitter.com/ProdcircleHQ
πΈ Instagram - https://instagram.com/prodcirclehq
π» Website - https://prodcircle.com/
π₯ Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mudassir-mustafa/
How do you build a billion dollar companies? How unicorns are build?
In this episode, Ihar Mahaniok shares his journey as an immigrant founder and investor. He moved from Belarus to Switzerland and then the US, overcoming challenges like culture shock and building a new network.
Ihar provides invaluable advice for immigrant founders looking to break into the US startup ecosystem. He explains how his fund GeekVentures helps founders become fully embedded by introducing them to investors and helping them communicate effectively.
Even if you're not an immigrant founder, Ihar shares tips all entrepreneurs can learn from. He discusses how to create pitch decks that attract investor attention, including articulating the problem, market size, and your vision.
Ihar also shares what VCs look for in founders, from founder-market fit to a dynamic approach and passion for their idea. He explains red flags like being non-coachable and founders who believe they have all the answers.
Additional topics include:
- Transitioning from engineering to angel investing to VC
- The realities of raising a VC fund
- Common founder mistakes and how to avoid them
- How to evaluate potential investments as a VC
- Managing a portfolio of 30+ startups as a VC
Ihar distills over a decade of experience into this episode. If you're a founder fundraising or want to better understand the investor perspective, you'll gain unique insights from his journey.
π CONNECT WITH IHAR
πΈ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/akhmedov.co/
π₯ Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/sardor-akhmedov/
π¦ Twitter - https://twitter.com/akhmedovco?lang=ru
π CONNECT WITH MUDASSIR
π₯ YouTube Channel - @prodcircleHQ
π¦ Twitter - https://twitter.com/ProdcircleHQ
πΈ Instagram - https://instagram.com/prodcirclehq
π» Website - https://prodcircle.com/
π₯ Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mudassir-mustafa/
πSHOW NOTES & TRANSCRIPT
Visit the website for the transcript and highlights from the conversation - https://prodcircle.com/podcasts/
π§ LISTEN FOR FREE
Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prodcricle-with-mudassir-mustafa/id1688602416
Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7MKODYGDeiWP4Y5xUpih31?si=7ce29a73d8724ac2
Google Podcast - https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5idXp6c3Byb3V0LmNvbS8yMTg5ODA4LnJzcw
RSS - https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/2189808.rss
π LEAVE A REVIEW
If you enjoyed listening to the podcast, we'd love for you to leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts to help others discover the show :) https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prodcricle-with-mudassir-mustafa/id1688602416
ππΌ GET IN TOUCH
You can also Tweet @prodcirclehq with any feedback, ideas, or thoughts about the lessons you've learned from the episodes and we can thank you personally for tuning in π
Looking to work with Mudassir, drop an email.
Connect with Mudassir
π₯ YouTube Channel - @prodcircleHQ
π¦ Twitter - https://twitter.com/ProdcircleHQ
πΈ Instagram - https://instagram.com/prodcirclehq
π» Website - https://prodcircle.com/
π₯ Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mudassir-mustafa/
Sardor Akhmedov's Life Story with Prodcircle!! What is the Fuel of Company Growth?
Subscribe to my newsletter https://newsletter.prodcircle.com/profile
Sardor shares how he was able to build an 8-figure agency business after starting businesses from a young age. A key factor was learning sales - he had no sales experience when he first joined his current agency, but taught himself and credits sales abilities for their growth. Outbound sales in particular allow him to target ideal customers.
He also emphasizes the importance of systematizing operations and processes to scale an agency profitably. When they rapidly grew their team, they later had to scale back because their systems couldn't support the bloat. Now they have strong operations to deliver profitably.
Sardor stresses staying lean when scaling up - rather than hiring new people when demand rises, pay existing employees more to take on more work until they reach capacity. This prevents over-hiring and high burn rates.
Overall, he provides valuable insights into building a successful, profitable agency business from the ground up. Key takeaways are:
- Learn sales skills, even if you have no experience - this will fuel company growth
- Implement systems and processes early on to enable scaling
- Use outbound sales to target ideal customers instead of waiting for inbound leads
- Stay lean by squeezing more out of current employees before hiring new ones
Sardor's story demonstrates that with the right mindset and skills like sales, you can build a highly successful agency even if you start with no capital. His lessons provide a blueprint for scalable, sustainable growth.
π CONNECT WITH SARDOR
πΈ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/akhmedov.co/
π₯ Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/sardor-akhmedov/
π¦ Twitter - https://twitter.com/akhmedovco?lang=ru
π CONNECT WITH MUDASSIR
π₯ YouTube Channel - @prodcircleHQ
π¦ Twitter - https://twitter.com/ProdcircleHQ
πΈ Instagram - https://instagram.com/prodcirclehq
π» Website - https://prodcircle.com/
π₯ Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mudassir-mustafa/
πSHOW NOTES & TRANSCRIPT
Visit the website for the transcript and highlights from the conversation - https://prodcircle.com/podcasts/
π§ LISTEN FOR FREE
Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prodcricle-with-mudassir-mustafa/id1688602416
Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7MKODYGDeiWP4Y5xUpih31?si=7ce29a73d8724ac2
Google Podcast - https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5idXp6c3Byb3V0LmNvbS8yMTg5ODA4LnJzcw
RSS - https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/2189808.rss
π LEAVE A REVIEW
If you enjoyed listening to the podcast, we'd love for you to leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts to help others discover the show :) https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prodcricle-with-mudassir-mustafa/id1688602416
ππΌ GET IN TOUCH
You can also Tweet @prodcirclehq with any feedback, ideas, or thoughts about the lessons you've learned from the episodes and we can thank you personally for tuning in π
Looking to work with Mudassir, drop an email.
Connect with Mudassir
π₯ YouTube Channel - @prodcircleHQ
π¦ Twitter - https://twitter.com/ProdcircleHQ
πΈ Instagram - https://instagram.com/prodcirclehq
π» Website - https://prodcircle.com/
π₯ Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mudassir-mustafa/
Subscribe to my newsletter to learn from the best entrepreneurs and VCs. https://newsletter.prodcircle.com/profile
Episode 16:
In this episode, Pete and I chatted about building great companies, starting out with just an idea, investing in the companies. what makes a great founder, and what investors look for in any business when they invest.
Pete Sena is a visionary entrepreneur with a rich background in creating businesses and shaping brands. Co-Founder of the global innovation and design experience consultancy, Digital Surgeons, Pete's career spans nearly two decades of building and leading cross-functional teams that delivered successful multi-channel programs and activations for both startups and Fortune 50 companies.
With a passion for innovation, Pete embodies a growth mindset and a forward-thinking approach. His areas of expertise range from marketing, branding, and entrepreneurship, to more progressive realms such as design thinking, Web3 technologies, AI, and the metaverse. This broad knowledge base has positioned him as an active thought leader, amassing over 4.2k followers on Medium and an impressive 33k followers on Twitter. Beyond his professional endeavors, Pete is known for his commitment to giving back to the academic community.
He serves as a Venture Mentor at Yale University and also acts as an entrepreneur-in-residence at his alma mater, the University of Connecticut, in the Technology Incubation Program. A dedicated creator, Pete shares his insights and experiences through his own podcast, "Forward Obsessed". Here, he engages in profound conversations with successful business leaders and entrepreneurs, further enriching his perspective on the ever-evolving world of business and technology. Pete's entrepreneurial journey started in his college dorm room, where he bootstrapped his branding and marketing company into an eight-figure business.
From there, he went on to become the visionary behind District, a tech and innovation campus and coworking facility located in New Haven, CT. His investments and strategic advisories have propelled numerous startups worldwide, many of which have achieved significant exits or liquidity events. Recently, Pete's focus has shifted towards the impact of AI on society, and how individuals and businesses can harness these technologies to spur growth. His narratives, shaped by a unique lens of creativity and human-centered design, make him a compelling figure in the world of entrepreneurship and technology. Given Pete's extensive accomplishments and his drive to unlock new possibilities, he continues to captivate audiences, offering valuable insights on various platforms, and inspiring the next generation of entrepreneurs and innovators.
If you are in entrepreneurial space, this is a mega episode for you. Enjoy :)
π CONNECT WITH PETE
π» Website - https://petesena.com
π₯ Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/petersena/
π¦ Twitter - https://twitter.com/petesena
Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/being-forward-obsessed-with-pete-sena-founder-of/id1513418516?i=1000590188291
π CONNECT WITH MUDASSIR
π₯ YouTube Channel - @prodcircleHQ
π¦ Twitter - https://twitter.com/ProdcircleHQ
πΈ Instagram - https://instagram.com/prodcirclehq
π» Website - https://prodcircle.com/
π₯ Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mudassir-mustafa/
πSHOW NOTES & TRANSCRIPT
Visit the website for the transcript and highlights from the conversation - https://prodcircle.com/podcasts/
π§ LISTEN FOR FREE
Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prodcricle-w
Connect with Mudassir
π₯ YouTube Channel - @prodcircleHQ
π¦ Twitter - https://twitter.com/ProdcircleHQ
πΈ Instagram - https://instagram.com/prodcirclehq
π» Website - https://prodcircle.com/
π₯ Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mudassir-mustafa/
Subscribe to my newsletter to learn from the best entrepreneurs and VCs. https://newsletter.prodcircle.com/profile
Episode 14:
This is by far the most interesting episode we have recorded on the show. I had the previlige of sitting down with a great mind of this century, Alistair Croll. Alistair is a serial entrepreneur, event organizer, and bestselling author who works at the intersection of technology and society.
After an early career in product management and telecommunications at Eicon, Primary Access, and 3Com, Alistair built web performance pioneer Coradiant and sold it to BMC for $135M. He launched the Year One Labs incubator, chaired O'Reilly's Strata and UBM's Cloud Connect, founded FWD50, and taught at Harvard Business School.
He has co-written three books including Lean Analytics, widely considered required reading for startups, and is currently working on Just Evil Enough, the subversive marketing playbook.
In this episode, we talked about the important of building purpose driven startups, creating a network that you can rely on, why marketing is more important than your product, how to use venture capital, and how to build dream companies.
If you are in entrepreneurial space, this is a mega episode for you. Enjoy :)
π CONNECT WITH ALISTAIR
π» Website - https://alistaircroll.com
π₯ Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/alistaircroll
π¦ Twitter - https://twitter.com/acroll
π CONNECT WITH MUDASSIR
π₯ YouTube Channel - @prodcircleHQ
π¦ Twitter - https://twitter.com/ProdcircleHQ
πΈ Instagram - https://instagram.com/prodcirclehq
π» Website - https://prodcircle.com/
π₯ Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mudassir-mustafa/
RESOURCES MENTIONED
Lean Analytics - https://leananalyticsbook.com/
Just Evil Enough - https://justevilenough.com/
Year One Labs
Local Mind (Acquired by AirBnB) - https://www.airbnb.com/
Cordiant (Acquired by BMC software) - https://www.bmc.com/
O'Reilly Media - https://www.oreilly.com/
FWD50 -
Startup Fest - https://www.fwd50.com/
πSHOW NOTES & TRANSCRIPT
Visit the website for the transcript and highlights from the conversation - https://prodcircle.com/podcasts/
π§ LISTEN FOR FREE
Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prodcricle-with-mudassir-mustafa/id1688602416
Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7MKODYGDeiWP4Y5xUpih31?si=7ce29a73d8724ac2
Google Podcast - https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5idXp6c3Byb3V0LmNvbS8yMTg5ODA4LnJzcw
RSS - https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/2189808.rss
π LEAVE A REVIEW
If you enjoyed listening to the podcast, we'd love for you to leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts to help others discover the show :) https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prodcricle-with-mudassir-mustafa/id1688602416
ππΌ GET IN TOUCH
You can also Tweet @prodcirclehq with any feedback, ideas, or thoughts about the lessons you've learned from the episodes and we can thank you personally for tuning in π
Looking to work with Mudassir, drop an email.
Connect with Mudassir
π₯ YouTube Channel - @prodcircleHQ
π¦ Twitter - https://twitter.com/ProdcircleHQ
πΈ Instagram - https://instagram.com/prodcirclehq
π» Website - https://prodcircle.com/
π₯ Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mudassir-mustafa/
Subscribe to my newsletter to learn from the best entrepreneurs and VCs. https://newsletter.prodcircle.com/profile
Episode 14:
This was the first CPG related podcast and we had the pleasure of hosting Glenn of Red Chocolate. In this episode we talked about finding the purpose behind the starting a company, how to build a team that lasts tougher times, what does profitability means, and so much more.
Glenn Gardone has over 30 yearsβ experience in the Consumer-Packaged Goods industry through a diverse mix of roles that have led him to be the entrepreneur he finds himself being at this point in his career. He has worked at 4 of the top CPG companies in the world in various positions such as sales, marketing, and finance. His work has made him an award-winning entrepreneur with successful brands on retail shelves throughout the United States.
Glenn's goal is to spread his entrepreneurial knowledge so that as many people as possible can thrive in their passion! He has been financially rewarded in return over the past few years, but most importantly, Glenn has been able to travel the world and spread his message in the hope of inspiring others.
Enjoy :)
π CONNECT WITH GLENN
π» Website - https://www.red-chocolate.com
π₯ Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/glenngardone/
π¦ Twitter - https://twitter.com/REDChocolette
π CONNECT WITH MUDASSIR
π₯ YouTube Channel - @prodcircleHQ
π¦ Twitter - https://twitter.com/ProdcircleHQ
πΈ Instagram - https://instagram.com/prodcirclehq
π» Website - https://prodcircle.com/
π₯ Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mudassir-mustafa/
πSHOW NOTES & TRANSCRIPT
Visit the website for the transcript and highlights from the conversation - https://prodcircle.com/podcasts/
π§ LISTEN FOR FREE
Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prodcricle-with-mudassir-mustafa/id1688602416
Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7MKODYGDeiWP4Y5xUpih31?si=7ce29a73d8724ac2
Google Podcast - https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5idXp6c3Byb3V0LmNvbS8yMTg5ODA4LnJzcw
RSS - https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/2189808.rss
π LEAVE A REVIEW
If you enjoyed listening to the podcast, we'd love for you to leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts to help others discover the show :) https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prodcricle-with-mudassir-mustafa/id1688602416
ππΌ GET IN TOUCH
You can also Tweet @prodcirclehq with any feedback, ideas, or thoughts about the lessons you've learned from the episodes and we can thank you personally for tuning in π
Looking to work with Mudassir, drop an email.
Connect with Mudassir
π₯ YouTube Channel - @prodcircleHQ
π¦ Twitter - https://twitter.com/ProdcircleHQ
πΈ Instagram - https://instagram.com/prodcirclehq
π» Website - https://prodcircle.com/
π₯ Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mudassir-mustafa/
Subscribe to my newsletter to learn from the best entrepreneurs and VCs. https://newsletter.prodcircle.com/profile
Episode 13:
In this episode of Prodcircle, we talked everything about entrepreneurship. How to build a team, how to raise funds, build a company, mistakes founder make and a lot more.
Oscar A Jofre Co-founder, President, and CEO of KoreCon X. Oscar Jofre is a globally-recognized top-10 thought leader in equity crowdfunding and the Current co-founder of KoreConX, an all-in-one platform for private capital markets. He is also recognized as a top-10 fintech & blockchain influencer and a top-50 InsureTech influencer.
As a sought-after speaker, Oscar is known for his innovative ideas and cutting insights into equity crowdfunding, blockchain, FinTech, compliance, shareholder management, alternative finance, and RegTech. Oscar also founded The BabelFish Corp, a SaaS-based multilingual translation portal, where he led a team of more than 135 individuals to provide multilingual solutions to 7,600 contractors worldwide. In 2012, he was awarded the Vision Businessman of the Year by the Toronto Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.
Enjoy :)
π CONNECT WITH OSCAR
π» Website - https://korechain.io/
π₯ Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/oscarjofre/
π¦ Twitter - https://twitter.com/korechain
π CONNECT WITH MUDASSIR
π₯ YouTube Channel - @prodcircleHQ
π¦ Twitter - https://twitter.com/ProdcircleHQ
πΈ Instagram - https://instagram.com/prodcirclehq
π» Website - https://prodcircle.com/
π₯ Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mudassir-mustafa/
πSHOW NOTES & TRANSCRIPT
Visit the website for the transcript and highlights from the conversation - https://prodcircle.com/podcasts/
π§ LISTEN FOR FREE
Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prodcricle-with-mudassir-mustafa/id1688602416
Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7MKODYGDeiWP4Y5xUpih31?si=7ce29a73d8724ac2
Google Podcast - https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5idXp6c3Byb3V0LmNvbS8yMTg5ODA4LnJzcw
RSS - https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/2189808.rss
π LEAVE A REVIEW
If you enjoyed listening to the podcast, we'd love for you to leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts to help others discover the show :) https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prodcricle-with-mudassir-mustafa/id1688602416
ππΌ GET IN TOUCH
You can also Tweet @prodcirclehq with any feedback, ideas, or thoughts about the lessons you've learned from the episodes and we can thank you personally for tuning in π
Looking to work with Mudassir, drop an email.
Connect with Mudassir
π₯ YouTube Channel - @prodcircleHQ
π¦ Twitter - https://twitter.com/ProdcircleHQ
πΈ Instagram - https://instagram.com/prodcirclehq
π» Website - https://prodcircle.com/
π₯ Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mudassir-mustafa/
Subscribe to my newsletter to learn from the best entrepreneurs and VCs. https://newsletter.prodcircle.com/profile
Episode 12:
In this episode of Prodcircle, we delve deeper into the world of brand building. Chase Friedman, who is a founder of Vanquish media has a vision to help companies 'Profit with Purpose'. We talked about the Golden Circle of Why, why most companies suck at marketing, the reason behind buying from bigger brands and a lot more.
Chase believe in the inherent ability of all businesses and organizations to profit with purpose. As the Founder of Vanquish Media Group, his purpose is guiding brands to unlock their greatest potential for growth and impact in the lives of their customers, communities, and the world. With over 1,500 branded content assets produced, 500 Million cumulative views, and +$45MM generated in client revenue and donations, there is proof that you can do good AND do well.
Overall, this episode was a deep dive into the world of marketing and psychology. Enjoy :)
π CONNECT WITH CHASE
π» Website - https://vanquishmediagroup.com/
π₯ Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/chase-friedman
π CONNECT WITH MUDASSIR
π₯ YouTube Channel - @prodcircleHQ
π¦ Twitter - https://twitter.com/ProdcircleHQ
πΈ Instagram - https://instagram.com/prodcirclehq
π» Website - https://prodcircle.com/
π₯ Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mudassir-mustafa/
πSHOW NOTES & TRANSCRIPT
Visit the website for the transcript and highlights from the conversation - https://prodcircle.com/podcasts/
π§ LISTEN FOR FREE
Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prodcricle-with-mudassir-mustafa/id1688602416
Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7MKODYGDeiWP4Y5xUpih31?si=7ce29a73d8724ac2
Google Podcast - https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5idXp6c3Byb3V0LmNvbS8yMTg5ODA4LnJzcw
RSS - https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/2189808.rss
π LEAVE A REVIEW
If you enjoyed listening to the podcast, we'd love for you to leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts to help others discover the show :) https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prodcricle-with-mudassir-mustafa/id1688602416
ππΌ GET IN TOUCH
You can also Tweet @prodcirclehq with any feedback, ideas, or thoughts about the lessons you've learned from the episodes and we can thank you personally for tuning in π
Looking to work with Mudassir, drop an email.
Connect with Mudassir
π₯ YouTube Channel - @prodcircleHQ
π¦ Twitter - https://twitter.com/ProdcircleHQ
πΈ Instagram - https://instagram.com/prodcirclehq
π» Website - https://prodcircle.com/
π₯ Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mudassir-mustafa/
Episode 11:
In this episode of Prodcircle, we delve deeper into the psychology of building a great founding team and startups. We also discussed what is a co-founder fit and why it's so important to find the right team member for your startup early on. Stephen was kind enough to share all the amazing tools they use to find the right team member.
Stephen is the Managing Director of ETC Consult and Distributed Training. Stephen grew up in two family businesses - as well as starting a few of his own. Having bought both family businesses from his parents and growing them internationally, Stephen learned a lot about successful succession planning - as well as making some mistakes along the way...
Stephen is involved in different industries including leadership development; career guidance; succession planning; career skills and psychometric selection as well as international education and training.
He has delivered keynotes and workshops; moderated panel discussions; taught at leadership academies and acted as the MC for a range of international events across Europe, North America, the Middle East, Asia, and Oceana - on the topics of entrepreneurship; leadership; succession planning and more.
Stephen is a succession planning coach; strategy facilitator; team development coach; leadership coach and personality profiler.
Stephen spent many years fine-tuning his own "why" or core purpose to help him get more clarity around what he wants to do with his life. All of his projects, businesses, and programs feed into his core purpose "To help people Aspire to a better future and Empower them to get there".
Overall, this episode was packed with valuable insights and practical tools used in psychometric evaluation. If you want to know how to build a killer team that builds great businesses, this episode is for you. Enjoy :)
π CONNECT WITH STEPHEN
π» Website - https://etcconsult.com
π₯ Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephenshortt/
π CONNECT WITH MUDASSIR
π₯ YouTube Channel - @prodcircleHQ
π¦ Twitter - https://twitter.com/ProdcircleHQ
πΈ Instagram - https://instagram.com/prodcirclehq
π» Website - https://prodcircle.com/
π₯ Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mudassir-mustafa/
πSHOW NOTES & TRANSCRIPT
Visit the website for the transcript and highlights from the conversation - https://prodcircle.com/podcasts/
π§ LISTEN FOR FREE
Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prodcricle-with-mudassir-mustafa/id1688602416
Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7MKODYGDeiWP4Y5xUpih31?si=7ce29a73d8724ac2
Google Podcast - https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5idXp6c3Byb3V0LmNvbS8yMTg5ODA4LnJzcw
RSS - https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/2189808.rss
π LEAVE A REVIEW
If you enjoyed listening to the podcast, we'd love for you to leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts to help others discover the show :) https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prodcricle-with-mudassir-mustafa/id1688602416
ππΌ GET IN TOUCH
You can also Tweet @prodcirclehq with any feedback, ideas, or thoughts about the lessons you've learned from the episodes and we can thank you personally for tuning in π
Looking to work with Mudassir, drop an email.
Connect with Mudassir
π₯ YouTube Channel - @prodcircleHQ
π¦ Twitter - https://twitter.com/ProdcircleHQ
πΈ Instagram - https://instagram.com/prodcirclehq
π» Website - https://prodcircle.com/
π₯ Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mudassir-mustafa/
Episode 10:
In this episode of Prodcircle, we dive deep into the concept of how to manage your money. Bryan is an experienced wealth management consultant for the top 1% around the globe but he has seen a lot of people making the same mistake when it comes to investment.
Bryan M. Kuderna is a Certified Financial Plannerβ’ and the founder of Kuderna Financial Team. Named one of New Jerseyβs Top 10 Financial Professionals of 2021 by NJBiz, he also hosts a popular finance and business podcastβThe Kuderna Podcast. He is a regular contributor to CNBC, Newsmax, Yahoo Finance, AARP, and other media.
His first book, Millennial Millionaire (2016), launched Kuderna as a national speaker at colleges, hospitals, corporations, and financial institutions and paved the way for his new book, WHAT SHOULD I DO WITH MY MONEY? Economic Insights to Build Wealth Amid Chaos (McGraw Hill, 02/07/2023). Bryan has a Master of Science in Financial Services from The American College and a Bachelor of Science in Finance and Economics from The College of New Jersey.
Overall, this episode was packed with valuable insights and practical advice for young entrepreneurs like us. It reminded us of the power of stories, the importance of creating exceptional content, and the potential impact of personal branding. Enjoy :)
π CONNECT WITH BRYAN
π» Website - https://www.kudernafinancial.com/
π₯ Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryan-kuderna-a3848316/
π¦ Twitter - https://twitter.com/BKuderna
π CONNECT WITH MUDASSIR
π₯ YouTube Channel - @prodcircleHQ
π¦ Twitter - https://twitter.com/ProdcircleHQ
πΈ Instagram - https://instagram.com/prodcirclehq
π» Website - https://prodcircle.com/
π₯ Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mudassir-mustafa/
π RESOURCES MENTIONED
What should I do with my money - https://www.amazon.com/What-Should-Do-My-Money/dp/1264857934/ref=sr_1_2?
Millennial Millionaire: A Guide to Become a Millionaire by 30 - https://www.amazon.com/Millennial-Millionaire-Guide-Become-30-ebook/dp/B01EM671SQ/ref=sr_1_3?
πSHOW NOTES & TRANSCRIPT
Visit the website for the transcript and highlights from the conversation - https://prodcircle.com/podcasts/
π§ LISTEN FOR FREE
Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prodcricle-with-mudassir-mustafa/id1688602416
Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7MKODYGDeiWP4Y5xUpih31?si=7ce29a73d8724ac2
Google Podcast - https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5idXp6c3Byb3V0LmNvbS8yMTg5ODA4LnJzcw
RSS - https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/2189808.rss
π LEAVE A REVIEW
If you enjoyed listening to the podcast, we'd love for you to leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts to help others discover the show :) https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prodcricle-with-mudassir-mustafa/id1688602416
ππΌ GET IN TOUCH
You can also Tweet @prodcirclehq with any feedback, ideas, or thoughts about the lessons you've learned from the episodes and we can thank you personally for tuning in π
Looking to work with Mudassir, drop an email.
Connect with Mudassir
π₯ YouTube Channel - @prodcircleHQ
π¦ Twitter - https://twitter.com/ProdcircleHQ
πΈ Instagram - https://instagram.com/prodcirclehq
π» Website - https://prodcircle.com/
π₯ Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mudassir-mustafa/
Episode 9:
In this episode of Prodcircle, we dive deep into the power of finding purpose in life, optimizing for fulfillment, and building a business around your life, not the other way around.
This week it was a special collaboration episode with the founder of @NextLevelUniversity Kevin Pamieri, who with his co-host, runs the Next Level University podcast. They are among the finest podcasters on the planet when it comes to self-improvement.
Kevin and I talked about life in general, how he nearly committed suicide, when he hit rock bottom and how he bounced back, and a whole lot more.
Enjoy :)
π CONNECT WITH Kevin
π» Website - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100090634475273
ποΈ Apple podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/next-level-university/id1221110027?mt=2
πΈ - Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/neverquitkid/
π₯ Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-palmieri-5b7736160/
π CONNECT WITH ALAN
πΈ - Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/alazaros88/
π₯ Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/alanlazarosllc/e
π CONNECT WITH MUDASSIR
π₯ YouTube Channel - @prodcircleHQ
π¦ Twitter - https://twitter.com/ProdcircleHQ
πΈ Instagram - https://instagram.com/prodcirclehq
π» Website - https://prodcircle.com/
π₯ Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mudassir-mustafa/
πSHOW NOTES & TRANSCRIPT
Visit the website for the transcript and highlights from the conversation - https://prodcircle.com/podcast-2/
π§ LISTEN FOR FREE
Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prodcricle-with-mudassir-mustafa/id1688602416
Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7MKODYGDeiWP4Y5xUpih31?si=7ce29a73d8724ac2
Google Podcast - https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5idXp6c3Byb3V0LmNvbS8yMTg5ODA4LnJzcw
RSS - https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/2189808.rss
π LEAVE A REVIEW
If you enjoyed listening to the podcast, we'd love for you to leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts to help others discover the show :) https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prodcricle-with-mudassir-mustafa/id1688602416
ππΌ GET IN TOUCH
You can also Tweet @prodcirclehq with any feedback, ideas, or thoughts about the lessons you've learned from the episodes and we can thank you personally for tuning in π
Looking to work with Mudassir, drop an email.
Connect with Mudassir
π₯ YouTube Channel - @prodcircleHQ
π¦ Twitter - https://twitter.com/ProdcircleHQ
πΈ Instagram - https://instagram.com/prodcirclehq
π» Website - https://prodcircle.com/
π₯ Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mudassir-mustafa/
Episode 8:
In this episode of Prodcircle, we dive deep into the power of storytelling, creating exceptional content, and the importance of personal branding with the founder of Goodman Lantern, Raj Goodman Anand.
Raj Goodman Anand, founder of Goodman Lantern, a content marketing agency dedicated to helping businesses grow by leveraging the power of content creation. With a background in engineering, Raj has founded three startups, raised capital, and taken one venture from inception to acquisition. His experience spans not only startups but also large and mid-sized organizations. He has also won BusinessWeek's Europe's Young Entrepreneur (2007) and has been named one of Revolution Magazine's 50 Most Influential People in Digital (2009). Raj is also passionate about promoting gender equality and women's economic empowerment, with more than 80% of Goodman Lantern's team being women.
A few top moments that really resonated with me were when we discussed "storytelling, worthless ideas and the power of execution." We explored how stories have the ability to inspire and motivate us, and how they play a crucial role in the success of epic tales. As young entrepreneurs, it's important for us to hear stories that can guide us on our journey and help us avoid the misconception of nonstop work.
Throughout the episode, we also explored various chapters, covering topics such as the future of computational power, the importance of execution in cloning businesses, financial focus for founders, empowerment and mission-driven work, gender equality, and skill-based pay. Each chapter provided valuable insights and perspectives that can help us navigate the ever-changing landscape of entrepreneurship.
Lastly, we dived into the power of personal branding and how great stories shape successful leaders. While some leaders prefer to focus on the brand of their company, we discussed how personal branding, when done correctly, can make a real impact. Building a personal brand requires a great story that resonates with our audience, and it's no easy task. We also touched on the art of great storytelling and what it entails.
Overall, this episode was packed with valuable insights and practical advice for young entrepreneurs like us. It reminded us of the power of stories, the importance of creating exceptional content, and the potential impact of personal branding. Enjoy :)
π CHAPTERS
00:00 - Question For The Next Guest: What Ai Capabilities Would You Have?
03:23 - From Confusion to Success: Power of Marketing & Profitable Software Company
07:10 - Evolution of Marketing: Press Releases to Online Promotions
08:20 - Controversy: Is Building a Clone Product Worth It? Insights from Raj on Uber's Success
15:10 - Unveiling Financial Secrets: Understanding Numbers for Business Growth
18:42 - Creating Value & Improving Lives: Power of Building Something Truly Valuable
22:14 - Empowering Change: Mission-Driven Company Breaking Gender Barriers
24:14 - Unleashing Power of Women in Content Marketing: Fresh Perspective for High-Tech Companies
26:54 - Breaking Barriers: Rise of Women Leaders in Technology
29:27 - Unveiling Power of Content Marketing: Essence & Impact on Company Vision
33:45: Personal branding can make a real impact but requires a great story
38:13: Stories inspire and break the myth of nonstop work for young entrepreneurs
41:10: Short form content is valuable for educating and empowering B2B customers
42:23: Great content is created by adding real value and unique perspectives.
π CONNECT WITH RAJ
π» Website - https://goodmanl
Connect with Mudassir
π₯ YouTube Channel - @prodcircleHQ
π¦ Twitter - https://twitter.com/ProdcircleHQ
πΈ Instagram - https://instagram.com/prodcirclehq
π» Website - https://prodcircle.com/
π₯ Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mudassir-mustafa/
Episode 7:
In this episode of Prodcircle, Richard Phu shares some insightful moments and key ideas that can help entrepreneurs navigate the challenges of business. One of the top moments discussed is the importance of tailoring your approach and not giving up easily. Richard emphasizes that laziness in tailoring your strategies can hinder your success and lead to early abandonment. He expresses his excitement about the potential of AI and how it can benefit more people.
Another significant moment involves a client who becomes overwhelmed during a conversation. Richard highlights the importance of effective communication and understanding. He shares how he helped the client by offering assistance and addressing the misunderstanding. This moment emphasizes the value of empathy and support in client relationships.
The episode also delves into the concept of customer journey and the need to understand each stage of the process. Richard explains that businesses should define the entire customer journey and identify areas that can be automated. This approach allows for a more streamlined and efficient customer experience.
Testing hypotheses and learning from mistakes is another key idea discussed in the episode. Richard emphasizes the importance of testing assumptions and understanding how situations arise. By asking the right questions and avoiding blame, entrepreneurs can gain valuable insights and improve their decision-making process.
Richard also touches on the balance between tactical and strategic responsibilities in business. He suggests that entrepreneurs should seek team members who understand the business acumen and can translate strategy into execution. This highlights the significance of finding individuals who can contribute to both the tactical and strategic aspects of a business.
Lastly, the episode explores the struggle of translating big ideas into action. Richard discusses how some entrepreneurs struggle to communicate their vision effectively, leading to confusion and frustration among team members. He emphasizes the importance of breaking down the vision into actionable steps and ensuring clear communication.
Overall, this episode of Prodcircle provides valuable insights and practical advice for entrepreneurs. Richard Phu's experiences and perspectives shed light on various aspects of business, from tailoring strategies to understanding the customer journey and translating big ideas into action. Enjoy :)
π CHAPTERS
00:00 - Hypothetical pivot to coaching for remote team leadership
02:42 - Importance of creating flexibility and freedom in business
07:17 - Onboarding customers in a jungle context
11:15 - Helping startups and solopreneurs scale by freeing up time from back office tasks
14:49 - Simplifying product pricing for efficient delivery
20:16 - Explanation of Approach A and its acceptance
23:25 - The need for control in business owners and coaching for the next phase
27:59 - Confusion over fluffiness
34:31 - Assuming the best in people and understanding their intentions
39:03 - Importance of communication with clients.
π CONNECT WITH RICHARD
π» Website - https://outsourcingangel.com/
π₯ Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-phu/
π CONNECT WITH MUDASSIR
π₯ YouTube Channel - @prodcircleHQ
π¦ Twitter - https://twitter.com/ProdcircleHQ
πΈ Instagram - https://instagram.com/prodcirclehq
π» Website - https://prodcircle.com/
π₯ Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mudassir-mustafa/
π RESOURCES MENTIONED
T Harv. - https://www.linkedin.com/in/tharv
Connect with Mudassir
π₯ YouTube Channel - @prodcircleHQ
π¦ Twitter - https://twitter.com/ProdcircleHQ
πΈ Instagram - https://instagram.com/prodcirclehq
π» Website - https://prodcircle.com/
π₯ Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mudassir-mustafa/
Episode 6:
In this episode of Prodcircle with Mudassir Mustafa, I had the opportunity to sit and chat with an amazing fintech entrepreneur from New York, Andres Klaric. He is the Co-Founder and Co-CEO of Fuse, a next-gen loan origination system (LOS) that simplifies lending for financial institutions through self-serve customization, a low-code API builder, and a personalized agent portal. Over the last decade, Andres worked on Wall Street, investing in tech and business services. This gave him an acute awareness of the issues slowing down lenders from achieving their highest potential, ultimately leading to starting Fuse.
We talked about his early years in Investment banking, wall street, and then private equity firms. We explored his financial journey and entrepreneurial spirit, eventually leading him to start his company, Fuse.
We also touched on their Patented LOS technology for the lending industry, perception of crypto in wall street, building great teams, hiring the right talent, and much more. Overall, the episode provided valuable insights and strategies for building a highly successful business in fintech.
Enjoy :)
π CONNECT WITH ANDRES
π» Website - https://www.fusefinance.com/
π₯ Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/klaric/
π CONNECT WITH MUDASSIR
π₯ YouTube Channel - @prodcircleHQ
π¦ Twitter - https://twitter.com/ProdcircleHQ
πΈ Instagram - https://instagram.com/prodcirclehq
π» Website - https://prodcircle.com/
π₯ Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mudassir-mustafa/
π RESOURCES MENTIONED
Fuse - https://www.fusefinance.com/
OpenAI - https://openai.com/
πSHOW NOTES & TRANSCRIPT
Visit the website for the transcript and highlights from the conversation - https://prodcircle.com/podcast/
π§ LISTEN FOR FREE
Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prodcricle-with-mudassir-mustafa/id1688602416
Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7MKODYGDeiWP4Y5xUpih31?si=7ce29a73d8724ac2
Google Podcast - https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5idXp6c3Byb3V0LmNvbS8yMTg5ODA4LnJzcw
RSS - https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/2189808.rss
π LEAVE A REVIEW
If you enjoyed listening to the podcast, we'd love for you to leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts to help others discover the show :) https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prodcricle-with-mudassir-mustafa/id1688602416
ππΌ GET IN TOUCH
You can also Tweet @prodcirclehq with any feedback, ideas, or thoughts about the lessons you've learned from the episodes and we can thank you personally for tuning in π
Looking to work with Mudassir, drop an email.
Connect with Mudassir
π₯ YouTube Channel - @prodcircleHQ
π¦ Twitter - https://twitter.com/ProdcircleHQ
πΈ Instagram - https://instagram.com/prodcirclehq
π» Website - https://prodcircle.com/
π₯ Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mudassir-mustafa/
Episode 5:
In this episode of Prodcircle with Mudassir Mustafa, I had the pleasure of speaking with Artemis Doupa, who shared insights from her book "Design and Grow" on building a sustainable and successful business. Doupa emphasized the importance of hiring the right team, understanding data, and creating a marketing strategy. She also highlighted the significance of sustainability and encouraged businesses to make an effort towards it.
We also discussed the overlap of creative and business skills, the potential of AI, different sales models in the fashion industry, challenges in hiring the right talent for startups, balancing work and family as an entrepreneur, and sustainability and quality in the fashion industry.
Doupa introduced her "Storms Method", which is a problem-solving approach born from years of experience and struggles faced by designers. The book is aimed at creatives who care about more than just sales and want to showcase their story and values through their products.
We also touched on raising entrepreneurial children and insights from bestselling author Daniel Priestley. Overall, the episode provided valuable insights and strategies for building a successful and sustainable business in the creative industry. Enjoy :)
π CONNECT WITH ARTEMIS
π¦ Twitter - https://twitter.com/artemisdoupa
π» Website - https://www.artemisdoupa.com/
π₯ Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/artemisdoupa
π CONNECT WITH MUDASSIR
π₯ YouTube Channel - @prodcircleHQ
π¦ Twitter - https://twitter.com/ProdcircleHQ
πΈ Instagram - https://instagram.com/prodcirclehq
π» Website - https://prodcircle.com/
π₯ Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mudassir-mustafa/
π RESOURCES MENTIONED
Maake Academy - https://www.maakeacademy.com/
Design & Grow - https://www.amazon.com/Design.../dp/B0C19947NZ/ref=sr_1_1
Daniel Priestley - https://danielpriestley.com/
Daniel's Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielpriestley/?originalSubdomain=uk
Daniel's Twitter - https://twitter.com/DanielPriestley
πSHOW NOTES & TRANSCRIPT
Visit the website for the transcript and highlights from the conversation - https://prodcircle.com/episode/
π§ LISTEN FOR FREE
Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prodcricle-with-mudassir-mustafa/id1688602416
Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7MKODYGDeiWP4Y5xUpih31?si=7ce29a73d8724ac2
Google Podcast - https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5idXp6c3Byb3V0LmNvbS8yMTg5ODA4LnJzcw
RSS - https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/2189808.rss
π LEAVE A REVIEW
If you enjoyed listening to the podcast, we'd love for you to leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts to help others discover the show :) https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prodcricle-with-mudassir-mustafa/id1688602416
ππΌ GET IN TOUCH
You can also Tweet @prodcirclehq with any feedback, ideas, or thoughts about the lessons you've learned from the episodes and we can thank you personally for tuning in π
Looking to work with Mudassir, drop an email.
Connect with Mudassir
π₯ YouTube Channel - @prodcircleHQ
π¦ Twitter - https://twitter.com/ProdcircleHQ
πΈ Instagram - https://instagram.com/prodcirclehq
π» Website - https://prodcircle.com/
π₯ Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mudassir-mustafa/
Episode 4:
Delynn Miller is a Health and Mindset Coach with a decade's experience in direct coaching and healing. Together with her husband, Dave Miller, they founded the Pursuit Institute, a platform for helping entrepreneurs and others shift their mindset blocks. Delynn's personal transformation over the years has resulted in a high-energy, high-performance lifestyle that rejects the norm. As a protΓ©gΓ© of Bob Proctor, she developed the 2% Club, fostering a community for personal growth and self-improvement. She transitioned from a six-figure salary to a life of greater fulfillment and success.
Dave Miller is an entrepreneur with twenty years of experience in creating, operating, and investing in various physical and online businesses. In 2008, Dave embarked on a 14-year career in policing, gaining experience in the court system, street crimes, and human trafficking. His combined skills from his entrepreneurial and policing background make him a valuable resource for entrepreneurs looking to start and grow their businesses.
In this episode, we talked about how their lives got changed overnight, how they both lost fulfillment in their jobs, and why they started Pursuit Institute. Enjoy :)
π CONNECT WITH DAVE
πΈ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/barbados.dave/
π Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/dave.performance
π» Website - https://pursuitinstitutecc.com/
π₯ Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dave-miller-021719162/
π CONNECT WITH DELYNN
πΈ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/delynnmiller/
π Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/delynn.miller.7
π» Website - https://pursuitinstitutecc.com/
π₯ Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/delynn-miller-24560832/
π CONNECT WITH MUDASSIR
π₯ YouTube Channel - @prodcircleHQ
π¦ Twitter - https://twitter.com/ProdcircleHQ
πΈ Instagram - https://instagram.com/prodcirclehq
π» Website - https://prodcircle.com/
π₯ Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mudassir-mustafa/
π RESOURCES MENTIONED
Bob Proctor's Proctor Gallagher Institute - https://www.proctorgallagherinstitute.com/
πSHOW NOTES & TRANSCRIPT
Visit the website for the transcript and highlights from the conversation - https://prodcircle.com/episode/
π§ LISTEN FOR FREE
Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prodcricle-with-mudassir-mustafa/id1688602416
Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7MKODYGDeiWP4Y5xUpih31?si=7ce29a73d8724ac2
Google Podcast - https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5idXp6c3Byb3V0LmNvbS8yMTg5ODA4LnJzcw
RSS - https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/2189808.rss
π LEAVE A REVIEW
If you enjoyed listening to the podcast, we'd love for you to leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts to help others discover the show :) https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prodcricle-with-mudassir-mustafa/id1688602416
ππΌ GET IN TOUCH
You can also Tweet @prodcirclehq with any feedback, ideas, or thoughts about the lessons you've learned from the episodes and we can thank you personally for tuning in π
Looking to work with Mudassir, drop an email.
Connect with Mudassir
π₯ YouTube Channel - @prodcircleHQ
π¦ Twitter - https://twitter.com/ProdcircleHQ
πΈ Instagram - https://instagram.com/prodcirclehq
π» Website - https://prodcircle.com/
π₯ Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mudassir-mustafa/
Episode 3:
Ben Yoskovitz is an entrepreneur from Canada who has seen immense success as an entrepreneur during his earlier. His first startup was acquired within a few years of working. In his later roles, his company got acquired by Salesforce. He ran an accelerator and led one of the startup to get acquired by Airbnb. Today, he runs Highline beta, a venture studio and venture capital firm that is on a mission to help founders build meaningful products and reach their goals faster. He also co author the Lean Analytics book with his friend Alistair Croll
In this episode, we talked about successes, failures, mistakes he has made, AI and how other technologies are changing the world. We also touched on what makes a product/startup worth investing. Enjoy :)
π CONNECT WITH BEN
π¦ Twitter - https://twitter.com/byosko
π» Website - https://highlinebeta.com/
π₯ Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/byosko/
π CONNECT WITH MUDASSIR
π₯ YouTube Channel - @prodcircleHQ
π¦ Twitter - https://twitter.com/ProdcircleHQ
πΈ Instagram - https://instagram.com/prodcirclehq
π» Website - https://prodcircle.com/
π₯ Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mudassir-mustafa/
π RESOURCES MENTIONED
@AlexHormozi - Dont like the whole book reading wibe. - https://shorturl.at/lzT79
Lenny Rachitsky - https://www.lennyrachitsky.com/
Lean Analytics -
Alistair Croll - https://twitter.com/acroll/with_replies
πSHOW NOTES & TRANSCRIPT
Visit the website for the transcript and highlights from the conversation - https://prodcircle.com/episode/
π§ LISTEN FOR FREE
Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prodcricle-with-mudassir-mustafa/id1688602416
Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7MKODYGDeiWP4Y5xUpih31?si=7ce29a73d8724ac2
Google Podcast - https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5idXp6c3Byb3V0LmNvbS8yMTg5ODA4LnJzcw
RSS - https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/2189808.rss
π LEAVE A REVIEW
If you enjoyed listening to the podcast, we'd love for you to leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts to help others discover the show :) https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast...
ππΌ GET IN TOUCH
You can also Tweet @prodcirclehq with any feedback, ideas or thoughts about the lessons you've learnt from the episodes and we can thank you personally for tuning in π
Drop an email if you are looking to sponsor us.
Connect with Mudassir
π₯ YouTube Channel - @prodcircleHQ
π¦ Twitter - https://twitter.com/ProdcircleHQ
πΈ Instagram - https://instagram.com/prodcirclehq
π» Website - https://prodcircle.com/
π₯ Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mudassir-mustafa/
Episode 2:
The podcast episode features an interview with Brandie Janow, the founder of Kingdom Creatives, a successful design advisory based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. As an expat who left her home country in search of a new life, Brandie shares her experiences and insights into the startup ecosystem of Saudi Arabia, as well as the role of AI in society. The episode offers valuable insights into taking action and making a difference in one's community. I hope you will enjoy :)
π CONNECT WITH BRANDIE
π¦ Twitter - https://twitter.com/iambrandieleigh
π» Website - https://kingdomcreatives.io/
π₯ Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandiejanow/
π CONNECT WITH MUDASSIR
π₯ YouTube Channel - @prodcircleHQ
π¦ Twitter - https://twitter.com/ProdcircleHQ
πΈ Instagram - https://instagram.com/prodcirclehq
π» Website - https://prodcircle.com/
π₯ Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mudassir-mustafa/
πSHOW NOTES & TRANSCRIPT
Visit the website for the transcript and highlights from the conversation - https://prodcircle.com/episode/
π§ LISTEN FOR FREE
Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prodcricle-with-mudassir-mustafa/id1688602416
Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7MKODYGDeiWP4Y5xUpih31?si=7ce29a73d8724ac2
Google Podcast - https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5idXp6c3Byb3V0LmNvbS8yMTg5ODA4LnJzcw
RSS - https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/2189808.rss
π LEAVE A REVIEW
If you enjoyed listening to the podcast, we'd love for you to leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts to help others discover the show :) https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prodcricle-with-mudassir-mustafa/id1688602416
ππΌ GET IN TOUCH
You can also Tweet @prodcirclehq with any feedback, ideas, or thoughts about the lessons you've learned from the episodes and we can thank you personally for tuning in π
Drop an email if you are looking to sponsor us.
Connect with Mudassir
π₯ YouTube Channel - @prodcircleHQ
π¦ Twitter - https://twitter.com/ProdcircleHQ
πΈ Instagram - https://instagram.com/prodcirclehq
π» Website - https://prodcircle.com/
π₯ Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mudassir-mustafa/
Episode 1:
On our first podcast, we have a very interesting guest today. Originally from Bulgaria, but living a very successful and happy life in London for more than 20 years now. Peter Simeonov is the CEO of SmartMigrator which offers cloud migration services making cloud migration seamless and cost-effective for businesses. He is also an advisor to the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan. π
In this episode of Prodcircle, we delve deeper into what it takes for an immigrant to build a successful business in the UK and how much London has changed in the last 20 years. Enjoy :)
π CONNECT WITH PETER
π¦ Twitter - https://twitter.com/peterksimeonov
π» Website - https://www.smartmigrator.com/
π₯ Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/petersimeonov/
π CONNECT WITH MUDASSIR
π₯ YouTube Channel - @prodcircleHQ
π¦ Twitter - https://twitter.com/ProdcircleHQ
πΈ Instagram - https://instagram.com/prodcirclehq
π» Website - https://prodcircle.com/
π₯ Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mudassir-mustafa/
π RESOURCES MENTIONED
Humanoid Robots - https://www.figure.ai/
Brett Adcock - https://www.linkedin.com/in/brettadcock/
Smart Migrator - https://www.smartmigrator.com/
Acquire.com - https://www.linkedin.com/in/agazdecki/
πSHOW NOTES & TRANSCRIPT
Visit the website for the transcript and highlights from the conversation - https://prodcircle.com/episode/
π§ LISTEN FOR FREE
Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prodcricle-with-mudassir-mustafa/id1688602416
Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7MKODYGDeiWP4Y5xUpih31?si=7ce29a73d8724ac2
Google Podcast - https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5idXp6c3Byb3V0LmNvbS8yMTg5ODA4LnJzcw
RSS - https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/2189808.rss
π LEAVE A REVIEW
If you enjoyed listening to the podcast, we'd love for you to leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts to help others discover the show :) https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast...
ππΌ GET IN TOUCH
You can also Tweet @prodcirclehq with any feedback, ideas or thoughts about the lessons you've learnt from the episodes and we can thank you personally for tuning in π
Drop an email if you are looking to sponsor us.
Connect with Mudassir
π₯ YouTube Channel - @prodcircleHQ
π¦ Twitter - https://twitter.com/ProdcircleHQ
πΈ Instagram - https://instagram.com/prodcirclehq
π» Website - https://prodcircle.com/
π₯ Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mudassir-mustafa/
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