S12E7: From Tech Reporter to Media Founder with Alex Konrad, Founder of Upstarts Media

Welcome back to another episode of The Room Podcast! This week, Madison and Claudia sit down with Alex Konrad, former Senior Editor at Forbes and now Founder of Upstarts Media. After a decade covering technology and venture capital at Forbes, where he pioneered coverage from the Midas List to the Cloud 100, Alex has launched his own media company focused on telling the stories of early-stage founders and companies challenging the status quo.

Throughout this conversation, Alex shares insights from his front-row seat to some of tech's most defining moments, including interviews with industry leaders like Sam Altman and Mark Benioff. He discusses the evolution of media in the age of AI, his decision to bootstrap rather than raise venture funding, and his vision for building a community-first media company. Alex also reveals how his upbringing in New York City shaped his no-nonsense approach to tech reporting and why he believes the future of media lies in creating direct, authentic connections with audiences. Tune in for a fascinating look at the changing media landscape and what it takes to build a modern media company from the ground up.

(03:52) Where did Alex grow up and how did that shape his view of the world?
(04:49) Did Alex always think he would become a founder?
(05:35) What was the story as an intern that Alex got printed?
(07:57) When Alex reflects on his Forbes interviews with tech leaders like Satya Nadella and Sam Altman, which ones stand out most?
(10:04) What has Alex learned about power, vision, or vulnerability from being in the room with industry giants?
(12:10) Why has Legacy Media been struggling to build an authentic connection with the startup community?
(13:27) How is Alex thinking about building a foundation with Upstarts that's going to build into a legacy as lasting as Forbes?
(16:03) How is Alex going to be thinking about events as a complement to media?
(17:30) Is Alex seeking venture dollars to get Upstarts off the ground?
(19:52) If Blue Links are dead, how does Alex think building an audience for the future is going to shift with AI?
(23:57) How is Alex using AI in his workflow from editorial decisions to distribution?
(29:05) What's next for Upstarts and for Alex personally?
(40:06) Who is a woman in Alex's life that has had a profound impact on him and his career?

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