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The Pursuit of Scrappiness

Latest episodes

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Dec 10, 2024 • 47min

189. Ads, Analytics & AI. How Distractions Rob Us of Ability to Think Deeply, Challenges of Tracking Marketing ROI & Creating B2B Content Optimized for ChatGPT w/ Vlad Zhovtenko (RedTrack)

Vlad Zhovtenko, Founder and CEO of RedTrack, shares his insights on advertising technology and the impact of AI on ad performance tracking. He discusses the complexities of measuring marketing ROI across various devices and how small businesses often overlook powerful optimization tools. Vlad emphasizes the benefits of B2B companies embracing Black Friday and leveraging strategic pricing. Additionally, he explores how distractions hinder deep thinking in startups, advocating for patience and resilience in achieving meaningful results.
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Dec 3, 2024 • 52min

188. Ragnar Sass: Unicorn Founder Who Turned His Attention to Helping Ukraine – Lessons Learned on the Ground, Military and Terrorist Drone Threats, and Why Defense Tech Needs Non-Technical Founders

Ragnar Sass is a serial entrepreneur, co-founder of the unicorn Pipedrive, and an active investor in the Baltic and Ukrainian tech scenes. Beyond his entrepreneurial success, Ragnar has emerged as a leading advocate for Ukraine during its time of crisis, founding the Help99 Convoy initiative, which has delivered over €10 million in aid and critical supplies. With deep ties to Ukraine through business and personal connections, Ragnar is leveraging his expertise to support defense tech innovation and foster resilience in the face of geopolitical challenges.On this episode we talk about:The Role of drone technology in modern warfareStories of Ukrainian founders balancing entrepreneurship and national defense efforts amidst war.Opportunities in DefenseTech and how also non-technical founders can contributeInsights into navigating compliance, fundraising, and long sales cycles in the defense sector.Lessons from Israel’s defense model and how Europe must adapt to new security realities.To continue supporting Ukraine financially, go to: https://www.help99.co/==If you liked this episode or simply want to support the work we do, buy us a coffee or two, or a hundred, with just a few clicks at: https://buymeacoffee.com/pursuitofscrappinessFind all episodes on >  https://www.pursuitofscrappiness.co/Watch select full-length episodes on our YouTube channel > https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCP6ueaLnjS-CQfrMCm2EoTAConnect with us on Linkedin > https://www.linkedin.com/company/pursuit-of-scrappiness/===============Support the show
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Nov 26, 2024 • 42min

187. Martin Sokk (Lightyear) Explains How the Courage to Go Against Conventional Wisdom Led to 40 Consecutive Months of Growth and a Product with Virtually No Churn + Why Founders Should Always Be Raising

Martin Sokk is the Founder and CEO of Lightyear - the greatest investing app for stocks, bonds, ETFs, you name it. The company raised 25mUSD back in 2022 from such big name investors as Lightspeed venture partners, Virgin Group, Taavet+Sten, Metaplanet and others and has been building relentlessly since. Martin was on our show before on episode 81 shortly after their Series A round, so you are welcome to scroll back!On this episode we talk about:- Navigating Regulatory Challenges in Fintech- The Importance of Localization in European Markets- Building a Simple and Intuitive User Experience- Balancing Sustainability and Profitability- Fundraising Strategies and Longevity in Startups==If you liked this episode or simply want to support the work we do, buy us a coffee or two, or a hundred, with just a few clicks at: https://buymeacoffee.com/pursuitofscrappinessFind all episodes on >  https://www.pursuitofscrappiness.co/Watch select full-length episodes on our YouTube channel > https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCP6ueaLnjS-CQfrMCm2EoTAConnect with us on Linkedin > https://www.linkedin.com/company/pursuit-of-scrappiness/===============Support the show
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Nov 21, 2024 • 9min

INSIGHT #11: Learn Visual Storytelling Tips from a Man Who Broke Out of 9-to-5 Job to Become LinkedIn's Top Visual Influencer with 200K+ Followers

This is an insight from our previous conversation on making your visual presentations more powerful:Breaking down complex concepts into essential elements to make them easier to understandAvoiding clutter in visual presentations, highlighting that simplicity and minimalismA method for testing visuals you can apply todayJanis Ozolins is an illustrator known for his compelling visual content on LinkedIn and Twitter. He has built an impressive following on these platforms, showcasing his unique ability to visualize and simplify complex life and business concepts. His work, which often addresses themes like productivity, procrastination, and overcoming perfectionism, resonates with a wide audience. Janis's skills have not only attracted the attention of top LinkedIn influencers like Justin Welsh and Sahil Bloom but have also made him a sought-after figure in the realm of content creation. Through his work, Janis demonstrates how to make business presentations more effective and points more relatable, turning content creation into a thriving business​​.Listen to the full conversation with Janis here on Episode 140:Link to SpotifyLink to Apple Podcastshttps://www.pursuitofscrappiness.co/episodes/140-janis-ozolins===============Find all episodes on >  https://www.pursuitofscrappiness.co/Watch select full-length episodes on our YouTube channel > https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCP6ueaLnjS-CQfrMCm2EoTAConnect with us on Linkedin > https://www.linkedin.com/company/pursuit-of-scrappiness/===============Support the show
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Nov 19, 2024 • 43min

186. Being a Startup CEO in Constant Crisis Mode, Why Founders Make the Best Salespeople, Balancing Values & Profit, Why Companies Should Take a Political Stance w/ Anna-Liisa Palatu (Woola)

Anna-Liisa Palatu, co-founder and CEO of Woola, leads a startup revolutionizing sustainable packaging using waste wool. She discusses the environmental harm of plastics, emphasizing the need for alternatives. Palatu highlights how demand for eco-friendly solutions is shifting corporate strategies. She shares insights on why founders excel in sales and the unique challenges CEOs face, especially when balancing values with profitability. Her passion for sustainability shines through as she navigates the complexities of her leadership role.
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Nov 14, 2024 • 10min

INSIGHT #10: Silicon Valley Visionary Rahul Vohra Reveals His Method for Measuring Product-Market Fit That Helped Him Build an $825M Startup

This is an insight from our previous conversation on product-market fit:What is product-market fit and how do you know you have it?Measuring product-market fitMethodology for continuous work with product-market fitRahul Vohra, the CEO and founder of Superhuman, has revolutionized the email experience by creating the world's fastest email service. A seasoned entrepreneur, Vohra previously sold his first startup to LinkedIn and has since grown Superhuman into a notable presence in the email and productivity sphere, backed by 125mUSD in venture capital funding from investors such as Dropbox founders, Jason Calacanis, Ashton Kutcher, Will Smith and Tiger Global. He is also an angel investor and frequently appears in media such as Forbes, Fortune as well as on many podcasts you might also be a listener of such as Acquired, This Week in Startups or My First Million.Listen to the full conversation with Rahul here on Episode 155:Link to SpotifyLink to Apple Podcastshttps://www.pursuitofscrappiness.co/episodes/155-rahul-vohra===============Find all episodes on >  https://www.pursuitofscrappiness.co/Watch select full-length episodes on our YouTube channel > https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCP6ueaLnjS-CQfrMCm2EoTAConnect with us on Linkedin > https://www.linkedin.com/company/pursuit-of-scrappiness/===============Support the show
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Nov 12, 2024 • 45min

185. Raising $45M from a16z & Lightspeed for a 14-Month-Old Startup to Protect Child Privacy Online w/ Kieran Donovan (k-ID)

Kieran Donovan is the Founder and CEO of k-ID, a company dedicated to protecting children and teens online. Earlier this year the company raised a 45mUSD Series A round led by A16Z and Lightspeed Venture Partners. With a background in privacy law, Kieran combines his expertise with a commitment to creating age-appropriate online experiences.On this episode we talk about:Challenges of trust and safety in digital spaces for kidsHow traditional controls often fall short of creating safe online spaces for children.Why parent involvement is critical in creating positive online experiences for kids.Insights on navigating legal, ethical, and technical challenges in the trust and safety space.How advancements in AI and tech can support safer digital environments.==Find all episodes on >  https://www.pursuitofscrappiness.co/Watch select full-length episodes on our YouTube channel > https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCP6ueaLnjS-CQfrMCm2EoTAConnect with us on Linkedin > https://www.linkedin.com/company/pursuit-of-scrappiness/===============Support the show
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Nov 7, 2024 • 30min

184. How to Apply the 80/20 Rule in Your Daily Life, What Role Education Plays for Startup Founders, and How to Use AI to Enhance Your Brain vs. Just Outsourcing All Your Intelligence to It w/ Mathias Eklof (Pareto Business School)

Mathias Eklof is a Swedish impact entrepreneur and investor with Hype Ventures. He has remained steadfast in supporting Ukrainian founders as war continues raging on in Ukraine. Since his last appearance on the show in 2022, he has been spending considerable time in Kyiv and with his military background being able to offer unique insights into Ukraine’s tech and investment scene during this critical period. More recently Mathias has co-founded a new higher education product called Pareto School, which offers an alternative to traditional business education.On this episode we talk about:Applying the 80/20 Pareto principle in life and businessReimagining business educationThe role of AI and skillful prompting in educationThe power of cohort-based learningListen to the first part of this recording discussing building companies in wartime Ukraine on the previous episode from this Tuesday!Listen to the 2022 recording with Mathias on episode 70: https://www.pursuitofscrappiness.co/episodes/70-mathias-eklof-hypeventures==Find all episodes on >  https://www.pursuitofscrappiness.co/Watch select full-length episodes on our YouTube channel > https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCP6ueaLnjS-CQfrMCm2EoTAConnect with us on Linkedin > https://www.linkedin.com/company/pursuit-of-scrappiness/===============Support the show
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Nov 5, 2024 • 27min

183. Investor in Ukrainian Startups Reveals How Mobilization Affects Tech Talent & How War Has Turned Ukraine into Future Defense Tech Powerhouse w/ Mathias Eklof

Mathias Eklof is a Swedish impact entrepreneur and investor with Hype Ventures. He has remained steadfast in supporting Ukrainian founders as war continues raging on in Ukraine. Since his last appearance on the show in 2022, he has been spending considerable time in Kyiv being able to offer unique insights into Ukraine’s tech and investment scene during this critical period. More recently Mathias has co-founded a new higher education product called Pareto School, which offers an alternative to traditional business education.On this episode we talk about:The mood on the ground in Kyiv tech sceneChallenges with mobilization and “booking”Investing when founders and key people can be mobilizedGrowth of Ukrainian DefenseTech sectorListen to the second part of this recording discussing the future of education on the next episode this Thursday!Listen to the 2022 recording with Mathias on episode 70: https://www.pursuitofscrappiness.co/episodes/70-mathias-eklof-hypeventures==Find all episodes on >  https://www.pursuitofscrappiness.co/Watch select full-length episodes on our YouTube channel > https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCP6ueaLnjS-CQfrMCm2EoTAConnect with us on Linkedin > https://www.linkedin.com/company/pursuit-of-scrappiness/===============Support the show
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Oct 31, 2024 • 10min

INSIGHT #9: WSJ Bestselling Author Reveals How Denial Keeps You from Recognizing Uncomfortable Truths About Yourself & How to Fix It

This is an insight from our previous conversation on dealing with self-delusion and self-awareness:Defense mechanisms like denial keep people from recognizing uncomfortable truths about themselvesThe importance of self-awareness in understanding personal thoughts, emotions, and behaviorsJournaling of thoughts and feelings and regular self-talk can help with self-awarenessKristina Mänd-Lakhiani is the co-founder of Mindvalley, a life transformation platform with a following of 20 million, as well as a writer, speaker, mother and philanthropist. She is one of the most successful businesswomen in Estonia. Kristina has set her mission to help people heal their most important relationship in life - the relationship with self. To achieve this, Kristina has recently released her new book called “Becoming Flawesome” and the book has become the No. 1 bestseller in the US on the lists of the Wall Street Journal, USA Today, Barnes & Noble and Amazon.Listen to the full conversation with Kristina here on Episode 131:Link to SpotifyLink to Apple Podcastshttps://www.pursuitofscrappiness.co/episodes/131-kristina-mand-lakhiani===============Find all episodes on >  https://www.pursuitofscrappiness.co/Watch select full-length episodes on our YouTube channel > https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCP6ueaLnjS-CQfrMCm2EoTAConnect with us on Linkedin > https://www.linkedin.com/company/pursuit-of-scrappiness/===============Support the show

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