In this episode of the Horizon Search Podcast, we dive deep into the reality of building a business with Erik Caputo, co-founder of Evenda, an AI-driven sponsorship marketplace that’s revolutionizing how events and brands connect.

With years of experience consulting Fortune 500 companies at Deloitte, Erik shares the unfiltered truth about entrepreneurship and what it really takes to succeed.

Why branding beats cold sales—How to establish credibility and trust in your market.
How AI is reshaping marketing & sponsorships—Leveraging automation for faster, smarter growth.
The startup survival equation—What role luck, timing, and persistence really play in success.

If you're an entrepreneur, startup founder, or business leader, this episode is packed with valuable insights you don’t want to miss!

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Connect with Erik Caputo:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erikcaputo/
Evenda: https://www.linkedin.com/company/joinevenda/about/

Episode Chapters:0:00 Intro3:17 Communication Styles in Corporate Consulting11:02 Balancing Growth with Development19:40 Building a Brand to Drive Sales22:28 From Vendor-Event Marketplace to Sponsorship Platform26:15 Navigating Competitive Risks and the Role of Patents30:11 The Power of Transparency33:41 AI and Automation in Marketing37:47 Balancing External Advice39:48 Challenging the Status Quo41:10 The Role of Luck42:41 Outro

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Changes: But God