In this episode of Funds and Founders, we sit down with John Davison, founder of StartupLandia, a hybrid venture studio and development shop. John shares his journey from being a Bay Area engineer to helping early-stage founders build sustainable products. Learn how John:Helps founders validate ideas before writing codeReduces engineering costs through strategic tool selectionNavigates the impact of AI on product developmentStructures development teams for optimal efficiencyBalances technical implementation with business needsWhether you're a technical founder or a business person looking to build a product, John's insights on sustainable development and founder success are invaluable!Timestamps: 0:00 - Intro & StartupLandia's Mission 2:32 - When Founders Need Technical Help 6:20 - Why Pre-Development Work Matters 9:54 - Validating Ideas Before Building 12:42 - AI's Real Impact on Development 16:40 - The Truth About Software Costs 20:35 - Importance of User Experience 29:10 - Working with Technical Founders 33:20 - Structuring Development Teams 42:37 - Global Development Perspectives 47:09 - Building Support Systems 1:02:06 - Resources for Founders 1:07:09 - Austin Tech Ecosystem 1:10:42 - Contact & Final ThoughtsConnect with John: Website: startuplandia.io Twitter: @JCDavison LinkedIn: John Davison

In this episode, we sit down with Preeya, COO of Beehive, to discuss her journey from being a VP at a large tech company to joining Beehive as employee. Learn how she helped scale the company from seed stage to Series B, growing from 8 to 80+ employees. Priya shares insights on startup operations, remote work culture, board management, and making the leap from big tech to early-stage startups.Priya shares how she:Transitioned from a VP role to an early-stage startupHelped scale Beehive from 8 to 80+ employees through Series BBuilt and maintains a successful remote-first company cultureNavigates board management and metric trackingApproaches goal setting and prioritization in a high-growth environmentWhether you're considering joining a startup or already in a leadership role, Priya's insights on scaling operations and building successful teams are invaluable!Timestamps: 0:00 - Introduction and Background 3:29 - Evaluating Early-Stage Companies 6:18 - First 90 Days at a Startup 8:41 - Transitioning Industries 11:22 - Understanding the Chief of Staff Role 14:16 - Red Flags When Joining Early-Stage Companies 16:38 - Compensation Structure in Startups 21:57 - Scaling from 8 to 80 Employees 29:06 - Remote vs In-Person Work Culture 31:42 - Prioritization and Goal Setting 34:27 - Board Management and Metrics 48:39 - Importance of Mentorship 55:04 - Future of Beehive 56:15 - Book and Resource Recommendations 57:21 - Support Systems for Startup Life 58:09 - Personal Growth and FreedomConnect with Preeya: Email: priya@beehive.com Website: https://beehive.com#startup #tech #leadership #entrepreneurship #careeradvice

In this episode of Funds and Founders, we sit down with Dean Elazab, a former big law attorney who now helps startups navigate the legal landscape. Dean shares insights from both sides of the table, having built and sold his own startup before becoming a lawyer.Learn how Dean:Guides founders through critical legal decisionsHelps protect founder & employee equityNavigates complex term sheets and financing roundsDemystifies preferred stock and liquidation preferencesCreates founder-friendly legal structuresBalances growth with legal protectionWhether you're just starting out or raising your next round, Dean's practical insights on startup law and founder protection are not to be missed!Timestamps: 0:00 - Intro & Dean's Background 4:57 - When to Bring in Legal Help 10:32 - Common Legal Mistakes & Horror Stories 15:06 - Understanding IP Protection 20:48 - Initial Legal Setup for Startups 29:17 - Term Sheets & Negotiation 37:05 - Safe Notes & Bridge Rounds 45:48 - Understanding Stock Classes 54:05 - Exit Scenarios & Liquidation 1:02:42 - Resources for Founders 1:08:33 - Support Systems & Final ThoughtsConnect with Dean: Website: elazablegal.com Twitter: @DeanElazab

In this episode of Funds and Founders, we sit down with Damian Longoria, founder of Hubble - a marketplace connecting artists with live event opportunities. From sleeping in his car to building a music tech startup, Damian shares his journey with raw honesty.Learn how Damian:Discovered problems in the music industry through event organizingNavigated early development setbacks with offshore teamsApproaches building without technical co-foundersBalances vision with practical executionViews Austin's evolving music sceneThinks about product development and go-to-marketKey takeaways for founders on validating ideas, working with development agencies, and building in the music industry space.Timestamps: 0:00 - Introduction & Background 2:51 - Start of Entrepreneurial Journey 15:16 - Early Development Challenges 30:26 - Co-founder Search & Dynamics 41:09 - Vision for Next 12 Months 46:17 - Building in Austin's Music Scene 48:05 - Founder Resources & Support 54:01 - Tech Stack & Infrastructure 55:28 - Perception vs Reality 59:08 - Closing ThoughtsConnect with Damian: Email: damian@hubblecys.com Instagram: @hubblecys Website: hubblecys.com

In this episode of Funds and Founders, we sit down with Sarthak Kaul, founder at GigPay and host of the True Calling podcast. Sarthak shares his unique perspective on finding purpose in the startup world and why the 0-to-1 journey keeps calling him back.Learn how Sarthak:Transitioned from VC in Singapore to startup operationsBuilt and managed remote teams across continentsLaunched a successful podcast exploring purpose and callingApproaches product development and team managementBalances entrepreneurship with personal growthNavigates fear and builds courage in the startup journeyWhether you're questioning your career path or building your own venture, Sarthak's insights on finding purpose while building valuable businesses are essential listening!Timestamps: 0:00 - Introduction & Background 3:45 - Why Choose Startups Over Big Tech 7:16 - The Truth About 0-to-1 Stage 10:01 - Finding Insights & Building Solutions 21:25 - Balancing Passion with Practicality 27:25 - Courage vs Fear in Entrepreneurship 35:26 - Flow State & Peak Performance 42:31 - Walking as Meditation 45:46 - Three Essential Resources for Finding Your Path 50:57 - Building Your Support System 51:54 - Managing Remote Teams 56:35 - Closing ThoughtsConnect with Sarthak: Podcast: True Calling (Available on Spotify & YouTube) LinkedIn: Sarthak Kaul Company: GigPay (Now hiring!)

Subscribe here https://newsletter.fundsandfounder.com/subscribeIn this episode of Funds and Founders, we sit down with Ash, co-founder of Wolf.xyz, who recently closed their Series A round. Ash shares his journey from building a successful staffing platform in Chile to his current venture in B2B SaaS.Learn how Ash:Built and scaled a staffing platform to cover one-third of SantiagoNavigated international markets between Chile and the USTurned a product failure into a successful exitMade the transition from bootstrapped to VC-backedApproached hiring and team building post-fundingLearned valuable lessons through multiple startup attemptsWhether you're a first-time founder or serial entrepreneur, Ash's insights on building in different markets and knowing when to pivot are not to be missed!Timestamps: 0:00 - Intro & Early Entrepreneurial Journey 3:09 - First Failed Venture & Lessons 5:29 - Product Market Fit Definition 10:31 - Moving to Chile & Building Elephants 15:33 - Scaling in Santiago 20:48 - US Market Entry & Challenges 24:19 - Decision to Exit 29:17 - Building Wolf.xyz 37:05 - TechStars Experience 46:54 - Views on VC vs Bootstrapping 54:05 - Post-Series A Focus & Hiring 59:29 - Startup Ecosystem Differences 1:02:02 - Tech Stack & Tools 1:04:20 - Closing Thoughts

Subscribe here https://newsletter.fundsandfounder.com/subscribeIn this episode of Funds and Founders, we sit down with Sarah Loretta, a former nonprofit worker turned digital architect. Sarah shares her journey from making $40K at a nonprofit to building a successful digital systems business through Notion templates and consulting.Learn how Sarah:- Started freelancing with no website or business plan- Landed 40 clients in her first 6 months through strategic networking- Turned a $47 Notion template into $120K+ in revenue- Built her entire client base through referrals with zero marketing- Leverages tool certifications and partnerships for business growth- Transitioned from design work to high-ticket systems consultingWhether you're a freelancer looking to scale or an entrepreneur building systems, Sarah's insights on creating multiple revenue streams and building valuable partnerships are not to be missed!Watch the full episode  @FundsAndFounders  Timestamps:0:00 - Intro & Where to Find Sarah1:00 - Early Entrepreneurial Journey4:13 - Landing First 40 Clients in 6 Months7:46 - Video Production & Freelance Work11:34 - First Big Website Project ($1,800)15:07 - Taking the Leap from 9-520:48 - Journey from Design to Business Operations29:32 - Finding & Monetizing Notion41:03 - Building Multiple Revenue Streams46:54 - Template Business Success ($120K+)59:06 - Current Pricing Model & Strategy1:02:41 - Tech Stack & Tools Breakdown1:06:54 - Three Essential Resources for Beginners1:09:42 - Interesting Recent Learning1:13:13 - Final Thoughts & Wrap-up#entrepreneur #business #startup #podcast #marketing #notion #sale #tools #aspirations #founder #freelancing

Subscribe here https://newsletter.fundsandfounder.com/subscribeIn this episode of Funds and Founders, we sit down with Joshua Rosario, founder of J.Rozario, also has a luxury custom shoe brand. Joshua shares his journey from a shoe enthusiast with over 500 pairs to launching his own high-end shoe company.Learn how Joshua:- Turned his passion for quality footwear into a business- Navigates the challenges of educating customers about craftsmanship- Uses innovative hand-painting techniques to create unique designs- Leverages e-commerce and custom 3D configurators to sell bespoke shoes- Balances craftsmanship with scalability in a luxury brandWhether you're a fashion enthusiast or an aspiring entrepreneur, Joshua's insights on building a luxury brand and educating consumers are not to be missed!Timestamps:0:00 - Introduction and Joshua's background2:00 - Early entrepreneurial experiences and learning about human behavior7:22 - The journey from shoe enthusiast to brand founder12:45 - Explaining the J.Rosario brand and custom shoe process17:30 - Challenges of educating customers about shoe quality22:05 - The technology and craftsmanship behind J.Rosario shoes27:40 - Marketing strategies and early sales experiences32:15 - Balancing quality, craftsmanship, and scalability37:50 - Tech stack and tools for running an e-commerce business42:30 - Advice for aspiring entrepreneurs47:15 - Lessons learned from mentorship52:00 - The importance of hunger alignment in business56:45 - Closing thoughts and where to find J.Rosario online#entrepreneur #business #startup #podcast #marketing #ecommerce #sale #scalability #aspirations #founder

Subscribe here https://newsletter.fundsandfounder.com/subscribeIn this episode of Funds and Founders, we sit down with Becca, co-founder and COO of Workweek, a rapidly growing B2B media company. Becca shares her journey from customer success roles to building a multi-million dollar media business. Learn how Becca:- Transitioned from The Hustle to co-founding Workweek- Built a portfolio of niche B2B media brands- Leverages the "knowledge expert paradox" to create valuable content- Manages remote teams and builds company culture- Balances work and personal life as a founderWhether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or looking to scale your media business, Becca's insights on content creation, audience building, and business growth are not to be missed!Timestamps:0:00 - Introduction and Becca's background1:06 - The start of Becca's entrepreneurial journey2:19 - Transitioning from employee to founder mindset4:09 - Building a strong co-founder relationship5:51 - Managing conflicts and decision-making as co-founders8:28 - From idea to launch: The birth of Workweek12:02 - The "knowledge expert paradox" in B2B media14:51 - Building and scaling niche B2B media brands18:42 - Strategies for content creation and distribution22:34 - The importance of authenticity in content26:44 - Team building and remote work culture31:35 - Insights on newsletter growth and audience building37:35 - The role of personal branding for founders41:26 - Balancing work and personal life as an entrepreneur45:54 - Tech stack and tools for running a media business50:51 - Resources for aspiring entrepreneurs56:38 - Exciting developments and future plans for Workweek59:30 - Closing thoughts and how to connect with Becca#MediaStartup #ContentCreation #B2BMarketing #Entrepreneurship #WorkweekMedia #podcast #startup #founder

Subscribe here https://newsletter.fundsandfounder.com/subscribeIn this episode of Funds and Founders, we sit down with Brennan Bliss, CEO of Propellic, a digital marketing agency specializing in SEO for the travel industry. Brennan shares his journey from building websites as a teenager to running a multi-million dollar agency. Learn how Brennan:- Started his entrepreneurial journey at 13 years old- Scaled his agency to 25 team members- Niched down to focus on the travel industry- Manages a remote team and builds company culture- Balances work and personal life as a CEOWhether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or looking to scale your existing business, Brennan's insights on agency growth, hiring, and financial management are not to be missed!Timestamps:0:00 - Introduction and Brennan's background2:20 - Early entrepreneurial experiences and website building5:34 - Lessons learned from early financial mistakes10:22 - The journey from web design to SEO agency15:19 - Niching down to focus on the travel industry22:02 - Team building and managing a remote workforce26:44 - The process of scaling and hiring for an agency32:57 - Insights on the travel industry and marketing strategies41:26 - Long-term goals and future of Propellic46:36 - Marketing tests and LinkedIn conversation ads49:36 - Tech stack and tools for running an agency54:13 - AI applications in agency workflows56:32 - Book recommendations and resources for entrepreneurs59:45 - The cost of mis-hires and importance of a good hiring process1:02:42 - Balancing work and personal life as an entrepreneur1:06:07 - Closing thoughts and how to connect with Brennan#AgencyGrowth #DigitalMarketing #SEO #TravelIndustry #Entrepreneurship