Founders Podcast

What if I told you that landing a deal with Mark Cuban on Shark Tank wasn’t the peak of success—but just the beginning of a rollercoaster ride?Today’s guest took that leap, built a brand, and faced the brutal realities of entrepreneurship—losing six figures in inventory, shutting down her dream company, and then reinventing herself in the world of luxury real estate. Now, she’s helping founders navigate the startup grind with hard-earned wisdom and no sugar-coating.She’s the host of The Seed Money Podcast, an angel investor, and a serial entrepreneur who’s been through the highs and the heartbreaks of building a business. Please welcome—Jayla Siciliano! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What’s the secret behind scaling some of the most successful start-ups in the world—like Deliveroo, Vita Mojo, and beyond? Today’s guest knows exactly what it takes to turn fledgling businesses into industry giants. Claire Alvis has spent her career building high-performance teams and customer success strategies that drive massive growth. But it’s not all just business—Claire is also a mum of two, managing the balance of start-up life and family life. In this episode, she’ll share her journey from surviving start-up failures to scaling unicorns, and how founders can grow with purpose, without losing control. Claire Alvis, the powerhouse behind Silent Partner, is here to drop some serious knowledge. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What would you do with £500,000 in startup funding? Our guest today didn’t just raise that—he built a thriving AI company with it. As the Co-founder & Chief Product and Technology Officer of Vente AI, he’s revolutionising how recruitment agencies automate business development.With over a decade of experience in AI, blockchain, and SaaS, he’s led game-changing projects for Coca-Cola, Gatorade, and even HMRC. From securing investments to scaling startups, he knows exactly what it takes to turn bold ideas into real impact.If you’re ready to learn how to raise, build, and scale in the AI space—this episode is for you. Welcome to the show, Octavian Neguletu! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Imagine working for over a decade at one of the biggest tech giants, seeing first-hand how digital commerce was getting more complex, and thinking—there has to be a better way. Most people might just complain. But our guest today? He built the solution.He’s a serial entrepreneur, a tech startup CEO, and a proud restaurant owner. By day, he’s revolutionising how brands manage e-commerce with AI-powered merchandising at Syntheum AI. By night? You might just find him brewing up the best matcha in Massachusetts at Kushala Sip Coffee House, the café he co-owns with his wife.So, how does one juggle tech, AI, and coffee? And what lessons can we learn from his journey? Let’s dive in with Vinod Krishna-Kumar. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Imagine walking out of prison with nothing but a few dollars in your pocket and nowhere to go. Society has moved on, doors are shut, and the odds are stacked against you. But what if someone believed in you enough to give you a second chance?Today’s guest knows all about second chances—not just giving them but living them. From homelessness to business ownership, from rejection to award-winning success, his journey is a testament to resilience, redemption, and the power of never giving up.He’s the founder of Good Samaritan Home, a non-profit helping people rebuild their lives after prison. He’s also an award-winning author whose novel, Running As Fast As I Can, has won over 30 literary awards. Please welcome to the Founders Podcast—John David Graham! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Imagine battling 11 years of chronic pain, only to turn that struggle into a relentless drive for innovation. Now, picture building companies that serve giants like UBS Bank, KPMG, and the European Banking Authority—all while exploring the cutting edge of AI and Web3.Today's guest is not just a tech entrepreneur; he's a philosopher at heart, deeply influenced by thinkers like Nietzsche, constantly questioning the "why" behind everything. From managing Airbnbs to pioneering the Metaverse, and now leading Interactive Avatars, he's on a mission to redefine how businesses engage with their customers. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Imagine a world where debt doesn’t control your life – where instead, innovation and new solutions empower you to break free. Today’s guest is someone who’s not just thinking about this future, but building it. With over two decades of experience in the entrepreneurial world, he’s been behind two successful exits and has mentored hundreds of startups. His journey includes shaping the future of entrepreneurship globally and revolutionising the way we manage debt. From teaching at Techstars to shaping global entrepreneurial ecosystems with MIT, his impact is undeniable. But what’s more inspiring than his success is his mission to help others succeed. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

💡 What if I told you that the road to success isn’t paved with degrees, but with relentless determination?Our guest today could have been a neurosurgeon, but instead, he chose the high-risk, high-reward path of entrepreneurship—one that took him from struggling to afford McDonald's to shopping for jets and private islands.He’s built and scaled multiple businesses across industries, from real estate to AI and biotech. He’s fascinated by the future—gene therapies, quantum computing, space exploration—you name it, he’s invested in it.So, how does a first-generation millionaire entrepreneur go from zero to global impact? Let’s find out. Welcome to the show, Steven Zeller! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What’s the one thing every business owner eventually faces but rarely plans for? The exit. Whether it’s passing the torch, selling up, or stepping back, exiting a business can be a make-or-break moment. But how do you ensure your life’s work isn’t undervalued—or worse—unsellable?Today’s guest is an expert in preparing businesses for that critical transition. With a proven 21-step methodology and a mission to help owners extract maximum value, he’s revolutionised the way businesses prepare for the next chapter. He’s also the voice behind the Exit Insights podcast, where he dives deep into sellability secrets and successful transitions.Please welcome to Founders Podcast, the man helping entrepreneurs shape their legacies—Darryl Bates-Brownsword! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Imagine building a company from the ground up, scaling it to success, then stepping back—only to realise you're far from done. Some entrepreneurs chase success once, but others make it a habit. Today’s guest is one of those rare minds who doesn’t just build businesses—he transforms them.From startups to scale-ups to successful exits, he’s spent over a decade pushing boundaries in the tech world. He’s worked with some of the biggest business leaders, produced high-stakes live events, and now, even in semi-retirement, he’s still shaping the future of businesses and organisations.Please welcome to the show—Richard Lee! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.