Vinay Chandrasekaran, founder of Frontek Solutions, Crayon’d, and Layerpath, shares his fascinating journey from learning HTML as a teenager in India to becoming the CEO of a successful SaaS company. Vinay delves into his entrepreneurial motivations, experiences at Zoho, and the essential role of community, mentorship, and resilience. He also discusses raising venture capital and emphasizes the importance of energy, passion, and mindset. Additionally, Vinay reflects on how his endurance sports endeavors have shaped his discipline and mindset and explores the idea of merging his tech expertise with sports training. The episode concludes with his thoughts on manifestation and public speaking. If you’re looking for the motivation and insight needed to build a successful startup, this episode is for you.Key Takeaways:• What’re the first three steps a founder should take in building a startup?• What does failing fast look like in the startup ecosystem?• When will you know to raise venture capital?• What is the role of a Chief Focus Officer?Key Timestamps:(00:00) - Introduction(03:18) - Building Frontex Solutions(06:12) - The Role of Community in Entrepreneurship(08:23) - Building a Founding Team(10:32) - Joining Zoho(14:36) - Travel and Personal Growth(20:48) - Returning to Entrepreneurship(25:57) - The First Thing Startups Should Do(31:53) - Bringing an Idea to Market(34:49) - The Importance of Founder Fit(41:13) - Raising Venture Capital(51:19) - Burnout and Support Systems(53:41) - Closing ThoughtsKey Topics Discussed:Funds and Founders, Austin Texas, Abhinav Sinha, entrepreneurs, startups, venture capitalMentions:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ivinayc/Check out the Funds & Founders Community:Reach out to Abhi at abhinavsinha.podcast@gmail.comWebsite: fundsandfounderspodcast.com

Alberto Silveira is a seasoned engineering leader with a diverse career spanning companies like IBM, Kaplan, Amplify, OnDeck, and currently, HireVue. He is also the author of the book, Building and Managing High Performance Distributed Teams. Alberto discusses the differences between leading small and large engineering teams, the importance of creating a positive engineering culture, and the nuances of hands-on leadership. He also shares his passion for distributed teams, the challenges of scaling team culture in a remote environment, and his philosophy on balancing immediate deliverables with long-term team health. Alberto reflects on his career journey, the lessons learned from writing his book on high-performance distributed teams during the pandemic, and offers advice on overcoming organizational challenges by taking an inclusive leadership approach. Key Takeaways:• How can you humanize work culture in a remote environment?• How can you create focused teams to improve delivery and outcome?• How the Iron Triangle allows founders to align product, engineering and design teams• Identifying problems and suggesting solutions empowers team members and builds a strong team cultureKey Timestamps:(00:00) - Introduction(04:40) - Hands-On Leadership as a CTO(08:45) - Defining and Building Engineering Culture(010:44) - Challenges of Scaling and Remote Work(25:49) - Balancing Change and Delivery(31:39) - Engineering vs Product Leadership(37:27) - The Iron Triangle Concept(39:18) - Importance of Design in Product Development(43:06) - Building High-Performance Distributed Teams(48:57) - Leadership and Team Motivation(60:26) - Entrepreneurship is a JourneyKey Topics Discussed:Funds and Founders, Abhinav Sinha, Abhi, Austin Texas,, Venture Capital, Ecosystem, Culture, Company Values. Collaboration, Distributed Teams, Scalability, Engineering, Technical, Product, Leaders, Product-Driven, Early-Stage, SaaSMentions:LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/asilveira/Mentions: Who: Building and Managing High Performance Distributed Teams, The A Method for Hiring by Geoff Smart and Randy Street, Lean Inception, Scale UpCheck out the Funds & Founders Community:Reach out to Abhi at abhinavsinha.podcast@gmail.comWebsite: fundsandfounderspodcast.com

Aaron Trahan, founder of Performance Mindset Coaching, discusses the fundamental differences between a coach and a mentor. Aaron shares his journey to becoming a coach, emphasizing the importance of having a coach for achieving personal and professional breakthroughs. The conversation delves into identifying signals for needing a coach, finding the right coach, and getting the most out of the coaching relationship. Aaron also highlights the value of structured systems like OKRs for setting and achieving goals, and the necessity of prioritizing tasks effectively. The episode concludes with actionable insights on how to incorporate coaching strategies to accelerate growth and navigate entrepreneurial challenges. If you’re looking for the motivation and insight needed to build a successful startup, this episode is for you.Key Takeaways:• Why mimicking your mentor's journey can be a pitfall• The advantages of professional coaching over traditional mentorship• How to unlock your distinct potential• Strategies to forge your own path to success in the competitive worldKey Timestamps:(00:00) Introduction(01:29) Aaron's Journey to Coaching(03:39) Coaching vs. Mentoring(05:55) Finding and Utilizing a Good Coach(09:59) Knowing When You Need a Coach(15:36) Breaking Through Personal Barriers(33:06) The Importance of Accountability in Achieving Goals(36:52) Leveraging Coaching(40:29) The Power of Prioritization(43:28) The Warren Buffett Priority Story(48:26) Frameworks and Operating Systems(56:03) The Importance of Morning Routines(59:26) ConclusionKey Topics Discussed:Funds and Founders, Austin Texas, Abhinav Sinha, entrepreneurs, startups, venture capital, coaching, mentoring, coach, mentor, goal setting, achievement. operating systems, routinesMentions:Website: https://performancemindsetcoaching.co/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaron-trahan-6135909Check out the Funds & Founders Community:Reach out to Abhi at abhinavsinha.podcast@gmail.comWebsite: fundsandfounderpodcast.com

YJ Lin is a key player in the Austin startup ecosystem. He graduated from the University of Houston and is deeply involved with communities like Ascend Austin and the Executive Council Network. Currently, he is the Chief Fun Officer of York's Game Pieces, and Senior Program Manager at Dell for Startups. Over the past decade, YJ has orchestrated city-wide events across North America through nonprofit and corporate entities, focusing on uniting community leaders to build stronger, sustainable ecosystems. YJ specializes in startups, culture, and volunteerism, emphasizing the importance of community, mentorship, and finding the right support systems for personal and professional growth. His dedication to fostering collaborative environments drives ecosystem development and connected human experiences. If you’re looking for the motivation and insight needed to build a successful startup, this episode is for you.Key Takeaways:• Explicitly defining one’s role in growing a sustainable community• Recognizing the importance of building strong communities and ecosystems for collaborations• Finding balance through mapping out a life plan• Why is it important to have the three builders, a Rainmaker, Conductor, and Expert in your business?• How to leverage the 4 P’s of Mentoring to foster your communityKey Timestamps:(00:00) - Introduction(05:05) - Who is YJ Lin?(07:30) - Challenges and Realizations in an Entrepreneur’s Journey(12:21) - Community and Ecosystem Building(14:03) - What a Harvard Study Can Teach You About Happiness(25:27) - What’s All of This For?(30:32) - YJ’s Big Realization(32:38) - The Power of Community Collaboration(37:07) - Challenges in Building Community Ecosystems(43:56) - The Importance of Mentorship and Support Systems(45:55) - The 4 P’s of Mentoring(49:44) - What Type of Builder Are You?(50:56) - What Makes Us Human?Key Topics Discussed:Funds and Founders, Abhinav Sinha, Abhi, Austin Entrepreneurs and Founders, Venture Capital, Ecosystem, Community, Relationships, Sustainable Community, Community Building, Leverage, Collaborative VisionaryMentions:Website: https://yjlin.co/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yjlinco/Mentions: The Paterson LifePlan Process by Peter Drucker and Tom Paterson, Austin Stars Facebook group, Born To Build (Jim Clifton and Sangeeta Bharadwaj Badal)

Jeff Eversmann is an experienced design engineer, fractional CFO at Miranti Growth, and GP at Longview Tech Ventures. Drawing from his career across various high-level roles, Jeff explains the continuum from product market match to alignment and finally to fit. He discusses examples, especially Uber's market strategy, and elaborates on how early-stage founders should approach achieving and measuring product market fit. He shares insights into venture capital dynamics, emphasizing the importance of founder-investor compatibility, effective fundraising strategies, and the critical role of executive coaching. Key Takeaways:• Signals, tools, data and metrics early-stage founders can use to assess product-market fit• Importance of achieving customer validation before Series A funding• Why balancing investor advice with the founder's vision is crucial• How founders can effectively network and use their connections for successful fundraising• Ways to determine pivot points and avoid distractions during a product’s life cycle• Understanding venture capital and early-stage investment dynamicsKey Timestamps:(00:00) - Introduction(00:50) - Defining Product Market Fit(05:25) - Product Market Fit Challenges for Early-Stage Founders(08:20) - Customer Discovery and Validation(09:58) - Raising Series A and Selecting Suitable Marketing Channels(13:35) - Dealing with Investor Pressure in Decision-Making Processes(16:45) - Longview Tech Ventures Investment Criteria(21:46) - Challenges of First-Time Founders(23:30) - Market Sizing and Unit Economics(28:32) - Raising a VC Fund(32:50) - Understanding Internal Product Updates(33:14) - Raising Funds and Communicating with VCs(38:59) - Importance of Founder-VC Alignment(42:17) - Dealing with Awkward Pitching Moments(47:24) - Building Startups and Raising CapitalKey Topics Discussed:Funds and Founders, Abhinav Sinha, Abhi, Austin Entrepreneurs and Founders, product-market fit, customer validation, early-stage investments, Series AMentions:Website: https://www.merantigrowth.com/https://www.longviewtechventures.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffeversmann/Mentions: War of Art by Steven Pressfield, The Mom Test by Rob Fitzpatrick, The Innovator’s Solution by Clayton ChristiansenCheck out the Funds & Founders Community:Reach out to Abhi at abhinavsinha.podcast@gmail.comWebsite: fundsandfounderspodcast.com

Ben James and Dylan Mankey from Tubular Networks discuss their journey from their initial meeting at HomeAway to co-founding Tubular Networks. Ben shares his extensive background in product management, having worked at companies such as National Instruments, VRBO, and Magic Leap, while Dylan talks about his engineering leadership roles with experience at companies like Expedia, HomeAway, and MapMyFitness. The conversation delves into how they decided to partner up, overcoming co-founder conflicts, and the importance of the right dynamics in a startup. Ben and Dylan share insights on building a prototype, gaining their first customer, and validating their idea. They describe Tubular Networks' mission to decarbonize the transportation of goods through a city-scale infrastructure of robotic delivery systems. They also discuss the challenges of hardware startups, the importance of failing fast and learning quickly, and the support systems that have helped them, including the significant influence and advice from their spouses.Key Takeaways:Ways to demonstrate VR concepts before creation to impress first customersNegative impact on health from working excessively and relentlessly pursuing opportunitiesChallenges with pitching solutions to unacknowledged problemsOvercoming legal obstacles in the hardware businessBalancing opportunities with big companies and focusing on smaller contracts for stabilityIntentionally choosing a team that’s comfortable learning new skills and making decisionsAdvantages of using off-the-shelf components for prototyping to reduce the cost of learningEmphasis on the importance of viewing failures as opportunities to gather fresh insightsImportance of balancing carbon footprint considerations with scalability and societal impactPromoting a culture of respect at all decision-making levels for strong founder dynamicsRecognizing the importance of humility and clear feedback to build a strong teamBoldness to seek input from various trusted sources at critical stages of growthKey Timestamps:(00:00) Introduction(06:27) The Vision and Mission of Tubular Networks: Revolutionizing Delivery(07:40) Validating the Vision: From Prototype to First Customer(20:37) Navigating the Startup Journey: Challenges, High Points, and Learning(25:57) The Art of Building a Hardware-Software Startup(30:25) Innovative Cost-Saving Measures and the Spirit of Jugaad(32:32) Embracing Failure as a Learning Tool(34:53) Long-Term Vision for a Sustainable Future(38:39) Navigating the Challenges of Decarbonization(45:05) Co-Founder Dynamics and Decision-Making(48:46) Leveraging Technology and Advisor Insights(52:25) Support Systems and Advice for EntrepreneursKey Topics Discussed:Funds and Founders, Abhinav Sinha, Abhi, Austin Entrepreneurs and Founders, Venture Capital, Untold Stories, robotic delivery, tubular networks, Letter of Intent (LOI), decarbonization, carbon footprint, prototyping, Robot Operating System (ROS), Co-Founder dynamicsMentions:Website: https://www.tubular.network/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-p-james/   https://www.linkedin.com/in/dylan-mankey/

Mark Fallows is a seasoned advertising professional and founder of Fabrica Collective. He is also a creative collective based in New York, now operating from Austin. Mark shares his early career journey in advertising, including his roles at Oracle and McCann, and his motivation behind founding Fabrica Collective. He emphasizes the importance of lifelong skill development, drawing on Michelangelo’s philosophy of never stopping learning. Mark delves into current learning pursuits such as AI's exponential growth, navigating the internet more effectively, and understanding the vital role of community in the face of modern challenges like social media and AI. Reflecting on various global experiences from living in Scotland to Iran, Mark discusses the community's evolving nature, the impact of the pandemic on community dynamics, and the reimagining of neighborhoods post-COVID. From exploring the histories and mechanics behind technology and creativity to engaging deeply with the idea of building and nurturing communities locally while being globally connected, Mark provides rich insights into adapting and thriving in a rapidly changing world. The conversation also touches on the challenges and insights from running a podcast, 'The Impossible Network', aimed at storytelling and building connections through serendipitous encounters.Key Takeaways:Embracing life-long learning as an opportunity for continuous growth and self-discoveryUnderstanding the technological impact of AI, biotech and IoT convergence as it transforms work and life cyclesReconnecting to build community and collaborate effectively post-pandemicReimagining community in a global-local balance post-industrial era, focusing on human connectionNavigating the challenges of launching a startup too soonEmbracing serendipity by taking unconventional paths to open unexpected opportunitiesUse of podcasts as a means to build trust, community and meaningful relationshipsExploring various creative avenues which lead to engaging with skilled professionals and holding enriching conversationsHow maintaining a positive mindset during a career setback can have transformative outcomesKey Timestamps:(00:00) Introduction(01:34) The Philosophy of Lifelong Learning(02:48) Exploring Current Learning Curves: AI, Internet, and Humanity(05:07) Redefining Community in the Modern World(09:36) Comparing Community Vibes: New York vs. Austin(14:57) The Journey from Advertising to Founding Fabrica Collective(22:32) Navigating the Challenges of Running Fabrica Collective(28:09) Lessons Learned from Pundit Club to Fabrica(33:46) The Genesis and Evolution of The Impossible Network Podcast(42:03) The Impact of Personal Stories in Podcasting(48:53) The Power of Networking Through Podcasting(53:10) Support Systems and Personal Growth(56:20) Recommendations for Aspiring Entrepreneurs(01:03:50) Reflecting on What Makes Us HumanKey Topics Discussed:Funds and Founders, Abhinav Sinha, Abhi, Austin Entrepreneurs and Founders, Venture Capital, Untold Stories, The Impossible Network, General Purpose Technology (GPT), story telling, community buildingMentions:Website: https://fabricacollective.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markfallows/ Resources: 1, 000 True Fans blog post by Kevin Kelly, Wait but Why Blog by Tim Urban, Viktor Frankl’s book - Man's Search for Meaning

Stacey Stubblefield is a former entrepreneur in residence at Curious Minds Inc, who co-founded TeleSign, a company born out of the incubator. Stacey shares her unconventional journey from considering law school to embracing technology and entrepreneurship, leading to the creation and eventual acquisition of TeleSign by BICS. Stacey discusses the challenges and milestones of growing TeleSign, from early idea testing to hitting significant revenue milestones and navigating the complexities of selling the company. The conversation covers the importance of choosing the right co-founders, the impact of mentorship and advisory roles, and insights into the current startup ecosystem. Stacey also touches upon her current stealth company project and advises aspiring entrepreneurs, emphasizing the value of resources like AWS, social media platforms for networking, and the necessity of staying informed and adaptable in the tech industry.Key Takeaways:Embracing unconventional paths as an entrepreneurImportance of ideation and experimentation in early startup stagesLearning from incubator experiences to shape future business strategiesThe process of identifying an idea with the potential for successChoosing co-founders with complementary skills for a balanced teamHow to transition smoothly from incubator to independent operationsOvercoming scaling challenges and celebrating growth milestonesUtilization of modern tools and networking to stay informed and adaptableKey Timestamps:(00:00) Introduction(01:56) From Law School to Tech Incubator: A Pivot into Entrepreneurship(07:41) Navigating the Startup World: Lessons from the Incubator(12:01) Founding TeleSign(16:21) Co-Founder Dynamics and the Importance of Complementary Skills(19:34) Transitioning from Incubator to Independent Company(22:56) Scaling Challenges and Milestones in TeleSign's Journey(26:59) Rethinking Leadership and Decision to Sell(31:29) The Complex Journey of Selling a Company(34:23) Navigating the CFIUS Process and Challenges(36:40) Post-Sale Reflections and Adjusting to New Roles(40:44) Exploring Identity Fraud and Generative AI Challenges(45:20) Leveraging Modern Tools and Networking for Success(53:06) ConclusionMentions:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stacystubblefield/Key Topics Discussed:Funds and Founders, Abhinav Sinha, Abhi, Austin Entrepreneurs and Founders, Venture Capital, Untold Stories, C Corp Registration, Quantum Encryption, Tech Company Acquisition Check out the Funds & Founders Community:Reach out to Abhi at abhinavsinha.podcast@gmail.comWebsite: fundsandfounder.com

Sky King shares his journey from being a digital marketing specialist to founding his own company, Modern Stoa. King discusses his early career, his experiences with companies like Onnit and Aubrey Marcus, and his transition into the podcasting world with creations like 'Creator of Curiosity' and 'Sky King's Mental Playground.' He dives into the importance of media incentives aligning with societal benefits, leveraging capitalism for change, and his observations on the media's evolving landscape. Additionally, Sky offers insights into podcast monetization, his approach to representing podcasters in ad deals, and the potential for NFTs and new monetization models in podcasting. Throughout, King emphasizes the significance of creating sincere and impactful media, leveraging technology for better content monetization, and his mission to build a society where media serves the audience's best interest.Key Takeaways:The importance of aligning media incentives with societal benefitsThe evolution of advertising and its impact on society and the changing landscape of mediaBridging the gap between podcasters and advertisersWays to unlock new monetization opportunities in the media industryInsights on understanding audiences and implementing effective marketing strategiesBrand strategies in podcast advertising, the unique challenges and opportunities facedThe future of podcasting and innovative monetization strategies to enhance content creationThe power of podcasts and  content creation in building audience connectionsThe intersection of capitalism, media, and society, and the need for impactful, sincere contentKey Timestamps:(00:00) Introduction(01:58) Exploring the Impact of Media and Advertising on Society(06:18) Modern Stoa: Bridging Podcasters and Advertisers(15:02) Strategies for Brands and Podcast Audience Engagement(24:33) The Future of Podcasting and Content Creation(28:22) The Power of Podcasting and Audience Connection(30:17) Innovative Monetization Strategies for Podcasts(30:34) Exploring the Potential of NFTs in Podcasting(36:39) Building a Community and Future with Podcast Listeners(38:11) The Evolution of Media Consumption and Its Future(47:40) Personal Insights and Advice for Aspiring Podcasters(52:08) Closing Thoughts on Creating Impactful MediaMentions:Website: https://modernstoa.co/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sky-king-13394b3a/Check out the Funds & Founders Community:Reach out to Abhi at abhinavsinha.podcast@gmail.comWebsite: fundsandfounderspodcast.com

Soundarya Balasubramani, an NIT Trichy and Columbia graduate, writer, and founder of Unshackled.club, details her journey from India to the U.S. Her career shifts from Salesforce to entrepreneurship, and even ventures into writing, including her blog Curious Maverick and books 'Admitted' and 'Unshackled'. The discussion spans her motivations, the importance of writing in her professional growth, insights into self-publishing, navigating U.S. immigration, and her latest decision to step back from Unshackled.club to focus on writing. Soundarya provides valuable advice for immigrant entrepreneurs and shares her vision for her next writing project, leveraging her experiences and challenges to guide and inspire others in their personal and professional journeys. Key Takeaways:The persistence and resilience it takes to navigate the hardships of U.S. immigrationWhat to consider when applying for an O1 visaThe power of writing a journal for clarity of thought, problem-solving and emotional processing and the app that’ll make it easy to maintainUnderstanding the book writing process and marketing as a self publishing authorHow to strategically use social media to market yourselfThe act of writing on paper, particularly journaling, serves as a powerful tool for Key Timestamps:(00:00) Meet Soundarya: A Journey from India to Authorship(03:10) The Power of Writing: From Personal Therapy to Professional Tool(08:21) The Transition from Corporate to Creative: Soundarya's Leap into Authorship(15:51) Navigating the Complex World of Self-Publishing and Editing(21:30) The O-1 Visa Saga: A Tale of Persistence and Resilience(26:29) A Return to Roots: Soundarya's Time in India and Reflections on Life(30:27) Comparing the Self-Publishing Journeys of 'Admitted' and 'Unshackled'(38:30) Immigration: From Application to Approval(47:47) Transitioning Roles: From Founder to Writer(51:50) Support Systems and Startup Tech Stack: A Founder's Toolkit(56:42) Final Thoughts and Future ProjectsKey Topics Discussed:Journaling, author, legal immigration system, ONA visa, O1 visa, H1B, L1, EB2 National Interest Waiver, RFE, UnshackledMentions:Website: https://www.unshackled.club/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/soundarya-balasubramani/Unshackled: A Practical Guide For Highly-Skilled Immigrants To Thrive In The United StatesCheck out the Funds & Founders Community:Reach out to Abhi at abhinavsinha.podcast@gmail.comWebsite: fundsandfounderspodcast.com