Philly Tech Connect by Philadelphia Tech Entrepreneurs

In this episode, Max Thalheimer, the founder of Fynd, shares how his platform began as a pandemic project aimed at helping local bars and restaurants promote their events. He also discusses the challenges of being a startup founder, the supportive nature of the Philadelphia startup community, and the upcoming enhancements to Fynd, including a new web platform and premium membership.   📌 Timestamps: 00:00:00 - Intro 00:00:17 - Meet Max and the story of Fynd 00:01:31 - Fynd: born during the pandemic 00:03:37 - Challenges for local bars and restaurants 00:05:23 - Managing a startup’s day-to-day 00:07:15 - Positive surprises in the startup ecosystem 00:08:52 - Comparing Boston and Philly’s startup scenes 00:10:02 - Leadership and team building at Fynd 00:11:42 - Upcoming product enhancements 00:13:42 - How to connect with Max and Fynd   🔸 Connect with the guests: Max’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/max-thalheimer/ 🔹 Join Our Community: Philly Tech Connect is more than just a podcast. It's a hub for innovation and connection. Join us for monthly meetups and workshops to engage with like-minded tech enthusiasts and expand your network. 🤝 Meetup: https://www.meetup.com/philadelphia-e... Slack: https://join.slack.com/t/phillytechen... LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/philadelphia-tech-entrepreneurs/  👍 Like, Share, and Subscribe for more insightful stories and expert advice straight from the heart of Philadelphia's tech scene. 🎬 This content was produced and edited by Lifetime Value Media. Learn more at: https://www.lifetimevaluemedia.com  #PhillyTechConnect #StartupChallenges #EntrepreneurialJourney #TechInnovation #Philadelphia

In this episode, Randy Fisher, founder of Startup Investors Lab, discusses how his platform supports early-stage startups by providing mentorship, business model advice, and preparing them for investor pitches. He emphasizes the importance of ongoing customer discovery and refining the business model to improve a startup’s chances of attracting investment and scaling successfully.   📌 Timestamps: 00:00:00 - Introduction 00:01:10 - Bridging the gap between startups and investors 00:02:27 - Importance of refining the business model 00:03:26 - Preparing startups for investor pitches 00:06:57 - The power of customer discovery 00:08:09 - Validating assumptions through customer feedback 00:11:27 - Startup Investors Lab’s milestones and events 00:13:10 - Lessons learned from mentoring startups 00:18:21 - Where to find Randy and Startup Investors Lab   🔸 Connect with the guests: Randy’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/randyshawnfisher/ 🔹 Join Our Community: Philly Tech Connect is more than just a podcast. It's a hub for innovation and connection. Join us for monthly meetups and workshops to engage with like-minded tech enthusiasts and expand your network. 🤝 Meetup: https://www.meetup.com/philadelphia-e... Slack: https://join.slack.com/t/phillytechen... LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/philadelphia-tech-entrepreneurs/  👍 Like, Share, and Subscribe for more insightful stories and expert advice straight from the heart of Philadelphia's tech scene. 🎬 This content was produced and edited by Lifetime Value Media. Learn more at: https://www.lifetimevaluemedia.com  #PhillyTechConnect #StartupChallenges #EntrepreneurialJourney #TechInnovation #Philadelphia  

In this episode, Taher Hassonjee, CEO of DocDraft, discusses how his company simplifies the legal document creation process using automation, providing affordable solutions for both individuals and small law firms. He shares insights into transitioning from RVShare to legal tech and explains DocDraft’s role in democratizing access to legal services by connecting clients with attorneys in a streamlined marketplace.   📌 Timestamps: 00:00:00 - Introduction 00:01:04 - From RVShare to legal tech: Taher’s journey 00:03:44 - Making legal document creation easier with DocDraft 00:04:14 - How DocDraft supports both attorneys and clients 00:05:46 - Affordable legal solutions: DocDraft’s $10/month model 00:08:11 - Taher’s legal background and inspiration for DocDraft 00:08:52 - Upcoming features: expanding DocDraft’s capabilities 00:09:55 - Pivoting from law firms to individual consumers 00:11:13 - Where to connect with Taher Hassonjee and DocDraft   🔸 Connect with the guests: Taher’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/taherhassonjee/ 🔹 Join Our Community: Philly Tech Connect is more than just a podcast. It's a hub for innovation and connection. Join us for monthly meetups and workshops to engage with like-minded tech enthusiasts and expand your network. 🤝 Meetup: https://www.meetup.com/philadelphia-e... Slack: https://join.slack.com/t/phillytechen... LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/philadelphia-tech-entrepreneurs/  👍 Like, Share, and Subscribe for more insightful stories and expert advice straight from the heart of Philadelphia's tech scene. 🎬 This content was produced and edited by Lifetime Value Media. Learn more at: https://www.lifetimevaluemedia.com  #PhillyTechConnect #StartupChallenges #EntrepreneurialJourney #TechInnovation #Philadelphia

In this episode of the Philly Tech Connect podcast, Dave converses with Simone Ammons, founder of QuneUp. Simone shares her journey from chemical engineering to creating a solution for reducing equipment downtime in biopharmaceutical manufacturing. They discuss the inception of QuneUp during the pandemic, its technological underpinnings, and the challenges Simone faces as an entrepreneur in a post-pandemic world. 📌 Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 00:48 Simone's Background and Career Journey 02:16 The Birth of QuneUp 03:06 Challenges and Solutions in Manufacturing 04:41 Entrepreneurial Leap and COVID Impact 08:31 Building and Growing the Business 10:00 Team Dynamics and Learning Experiences 12:12 Conclusion and Contact Information 🔸 Connect with the guests: Simone’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simone-george-ammons-engineer/ 🔹 Join Our Community: Philly Tech Connect is more than just a podcast. It's a hub for innovation and connection. Join us for monthly meetups and workshops to engage with like-minded tech enthusiasts and expand your network. 🤝 Meetup: https://www.meetup.com/philadelphia-e... Slack: https://join.slack.com/t/phillytechen... LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/philadelphia-tech-entrepreneurs/  👍 Like, Share, and Subscribe for more insightful stories and expert advice straight from the heart of Philadelphia's tech scene. 🎬 This content was produced and edited by Lifetime Value Media. Learn more at: https://www.lifetimevaluemedia.com  #PhillyTechConnect #StartupChallenges #EntrepreneurialJourney #TechInnovation #Philadelphia

In this episode, Denny Bohs shares his journey from working in financial services to founding Bohs LLC, discussing the challenges and lessons he encountered while transitioning from a corporate career to full-time contract work. He highlights the importance of overcoming fears around freelancing, understanding the hidden costs of running a business, and finding the right cultural fit in both contract and full-time roles. 📌 Timestamps: 00:00:00 - Introduction to Denny Bohs 00:00:55 - From financial services to tech 00:02:04 - The leap to full-time with Bohs LLC 00:02:26 - Overcoming the fear of contract work 00:03:25 - The realities of at-will employment 00:05:01 - Learning the hard way: taxes and contracts 00:06:46 - Navigating the freelance marketplaces 00:07:18 - The hidden costs of entrepreneurship 00:10:51 - What’s next for Denny? 00:13:10 - Finding the right fit: culture and values 🔸 Connect with the guests: Denny’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dennybohs/ 🔹 Join Our Community: Philly Tech Connect is more than just a podcast. It's a hub for innovation and connection. Join us for monthly meetups and workshops to engage with like-minded tech enthusiasts and expand your network. 🤝 Meetup: https://www.meetup.com/philadelphia-e... Slack: https://join.slack.com/t/phillytechen... LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/philadelphia-tech-entrepreneurs/  👍 Like, Share, and Subscribe for more insightful stories and expert advice straight from the heart of Philadelphia's tech scene. 🎬 This content was produced and edited by Lifetime Value Media. Learn more at: https://www.lifetimevaluemedia.com  #PhillyTechConnect #StartupChallenges #EntrepreneurialJourney #TechInnovation #Philadelphia  

Russ Starke, CEO of Think Company, joins Dave to discuss the evolution of digital solutions, the impact of AI on human experiences, and the importance of engaging with differing opinions for societal improvement. Russ emphasizes a human-centric approach in both business and technology, sharing insights on leadership, community involvement, and the balance between technological advancement and preserving human creativity. 📌 Timestamps: 00:00:00 - Introducing Russ Starke 00:00:41 - Russ’s early digital solutions 00:01:19 - Evolution of internet solutions 00:03:54 - Transition to CEO 00:06:53 - Managing with a human touch 00:08:53 - Volunteering and community involvement 00:09:50 - Navigating the AI landscape 00:11:58 - Importance of open dialogue 00:16:58 - Connecting with Russ 🔸 Connect with the guests: Russ’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/russstarke/ 🔹 Join Our Community: Philly Tech Connect is more than just a podcast. It's a hub for innovation and connection. Join us for monthly meetups and workshops to engage with like-minded tech enthusiasts and expand your network. 🤝 Meetup: https://www.meetup.com/philadelphia-e... Slack: https://join.slack.com/t/phillytechen... LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/philadelphia-tech-entrepreneurs/  👍 Like, Share, and Subscribe for more insightful stories and expert advice straight from the heart of Philadelphia's tech scene. 🎬 This content was produced and edited by Lifetime Value Media. Learn more at: https://www.lifetimevaluemedia.com  #PhillyTechConnect #StartupChallenges #EntrepreneurialJourney #TechInnovation #Philadelphia

In this episode of the Philly TechConnect podcast, Patrick Thompson shares his journey from PR and marketing to running his own incubator, Bootstrap First, which helps very early stage founders achieve success with their ideas. He discusses the key differences between incubators and accelerators, and highlights the importance of resources, accountability, and structured frameworks for startups at the idea stage.   📌 Timestamps: 00:00:00 - Introducing Patrick Thompson 00:01:19 - From PR to incubators 00:02:19 - Learning from both successes and struggles 00:03:54 - Incubator vs. accelerator 00:05:47 - Ideal stage for an incubator 00:08:12 - Bootstrap First model and success 00:09:47 - Bootstrapping philosophy 00:12:07 - Preparing for the second cohort 00:12:47 - How to connect with Bootstrap First   🔸 Connect with the guests: Patrick’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bootstrappat/   🔹 Join Our Community: Philly Tech Connect is more than just a podcast. It's a hub for innovation and connection. Join us for monthly meetups and workshops to engage with like-minded tech enthusiasts and expand your network. 🤝   Meetup: https://www.meetup.com/philadelphia-e... Slack: https://join.slack.com/t/phillytechen... LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/philadelphia-tech-entrepreneurs/    👍 Like, Share, and Subscribe for more insightful stories and expert advice straight from the heart of Philadelphia's tech scene.   🎬 This content was produced and edited by Lifetime Value Media. Learn more at: https://www.lifetimevaluemedia.com    #PhillyTechConnect #StartupChallenges #EntrepreneurialJourney #TechInnovation #Philadelphia

Lisa DellaPorta is a technical writer, servings now as a consultant and a previous veteran of six SaaS startups.  She talks with Dave on why knowledge management begins the day you start your company, and how to avoid the dreaded “brain drain” when a key individual inevitably leaves. 📌 Timestamps: 00:00:00 - Introducing Lisa DellaPorta 00:01:15 - Defining knowledge management 00:02:00 - Challenges of scaling knowledge 00:03:20 - Signs of a knowledge gap 00:04:45 - Risks of losing institutional knowledge 00:06:15 - Starting with knowledge management 00:07:45 - Keeping knowledge up to date 00:09:20 - Common mistakes in knowledge management 00:11:00 - Best practices for documentation 00:12:15 - Connecting with Lisa DellaPorta 🔸 Connect with the guests: Lisa’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-dellaporta-92032b33/ 🔹 Join Our Community: Philly Tech Connect is more than just a podcast. It's a hub for innovation and connection. Join us for monthly meetups and workshops to engage with like-minded tech enthusiasts and expand your network. 🤝 Meetup: https://www.meetup.com/philadelphia-e... Slack: https://join.slack.com/t/phillytechen... LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/philadelphia-tech-entrepreneurs/  👍 Like, Share, and Subscribe for more insightful stories and expert advice straight from the heart of Philadelphia's tech scene. 🎬 This content was produced and edited by Lifetime Value Media. Learn more at: https://www.lifetimevaluemedia.com  #PhillyTechConnect #StartupChallenges #EntrepreneurialJourney #TechInnovation #Philadelphia

Nolan Makatche is a multidisciplinary engineer-turned-entrepreneur with a rapid-fire approach to finding his “big win.” He and Dave break down the strategy. 📌 Timestamps: 00:00:00 - The Philly TechConnect Podcast 00:01:02 - Meet Nolan Makatche 00:01:32 - Selling lemonade 00:02:36 - From Penn State to e-commerce 00:03:17 - Pivot to web development 00:04:36 - Embracing small bets 00:05:34 - Ideation and constraints 00:07:04 - Inspiration behind SafeSelect 00:09:56 - MVP development status 00:11:12 - How to connect with Nolan 🔸 Connect with the guests: Nolan’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nolan-mak/ 🔹 Join Our Community: Philly Tech Connect is more than just a podcast. It's a hub for innovation and connection. Join us for monthly meetups and workshops to engage with like-minded tech enthusiasts and expand your network. 🤝 Meetup: https://www.meetup.com/philadelphia-e... Slack: https://join.slack.com/t/phillytechen... LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/philadelphia-tech-entrepreneurs/  👍 Like, Share, and Subscribe for more insightful stories and expert advice straight from the heart of Philadelphia's tech scene. 🎬 This content was produced and edited by Lifetime Value Media. Learn more at: https://www.lifetimevaluemedia.com  #PhillyTechConnect #StartupChallenges #EntrepreneurialJourney #TechInnovation #Philadelphia

Stefanie Smith has a storied career, most notably with famed furniture retailer IKEA.  But she has a new mission now: helping every idea see the light of day. 📌 Timestamps: 00:00:00 - Introducing Stefanie Smith 00:01:10 - Journey with IKEA 00:03:03 - Scandinavian corporate culture 00:04:36 - Unveiling the core process 00:06:19 - Simplifying business planning 00:07:43 - Identifying market competition 00:09:50 - Engaging financial planning 00:11:14 - Ideal candidates for the core process 00:13:07 - Impactful high school project 00:15:41 - Future plans and community involvement 🔸 Connect with the guests: Stefanie’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stefaniesmith7/ 🔹 Join Our Community: Philly Tech Connect is more than just a podcast. It's a hub for innovation and connection. Join us for monthly meetups and workshops to engage with like-minded tech enthusiasts and expand your network. 🤝 Meetup: https://www.meetup.com/philadelphia-e... Slack: https://join.slack.com/t/phillytechen... LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/philadelphia-tech-entrepreneurs/  👍 Like, Share, and Subscribe for more insightful stories and expert advice straight from the heart of Philadelphia's tech scene. 🎬 This content was produced and edited by Lifetime Value Media. Learn more at: https://www.lifetimevaluemedia.com  #PhillyTechConnect #StartupChallenges #EntrepreneurialJourney #TechInnovation #Philadelphia