The Long Game w/ Elijah Murray

Ishveen Jolly, founder and CEO of OpenSponsorship, joins us in this episode to discuss the gritty middle part of building companies, the challenges of two-sided marketplaces, and the importance of adaptability in the ever-changing business landscape. EPISODE LINKS: Ishveen Jolly's Twitter Ishveen Jolly's LinkedIn OpenSponsorship Website The Long Game Podcast TIMESTAMPS: (00:01:46) OpenSponsorship, two-sided marketplaces (00:05:44) Adapting to Market Changes (00:09:07) Creating sustainable growth as CEO (00:11:14) Advice to Earlier Self/Early Founders (00:15:24) Building and Managing a Team (00:19:55) Hiring Strategy and Challenges (00:23:19) Strategic Prioritization and Time Management (00:26:51) Leadership, Sales and Marketing (00:33:35) The Sports Industry (00:39:11) The Role of Content in Influencer Marketing (00:42:32) Content (00:44:23) Closing CONNECT: Website: https://hoo.be/elijahmurray YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@elijahmurray Twitter: https://twitter.com/elijahmurray Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elijahmurray LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elijahmurray/ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-long-game-w-elijah-murray/ Spotify: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/elijahmurray RSS: https://anchor.fm/s/3e31c0c/podcast/rss

Alex Meredith, co-founder of Honest, talks about product-led growth strategies. They discuss aligning a company around its product, identifying a North Star metric, and using the ICE scoring system. Tune in for insights on measuring and analyzing product performance and the future of growth.

Lucas Philips is a born-and-bred New Yorker and a third-generation serial entrepreneur. In this conversation, we explore Entrepreneurship through Acquisition (ETA) as Lucas shares his experiences and insights. He discusses his transition from Silicon Valley startups to the acquisition and modernization of existing small businesses, notably Newark Auto. Join us as we delve into SBA Loans, modernization processes, growth strategies, and the 'silver tsunami' in the small business market. EPISODE LINKS: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lfphilips/ "Buy Then Build" by Walker Deibel: https://www.amazon.com/Buy-Then-Build-Acquisition-Entrepreneurs-ebook/dp/B07JKM2F5Q Learn about Search Funds: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Search_fund Differences Between Traditional and Self-Funded Search Funds: https://mainshares.com/learn/differences-between-a-traditional-search-fund-and-a-self-funded-search Lucas Philips email: Lucas@newark-auto.com TIMESTAMPS: (00:01:04) Intro and background, Newark Auto (00:03:26) Transition form startup to old school (00:08:57) Entrepreneurship through acquisition (00:12:26) SBA loan (00:19:31) Silicon Valley vs Lifestyle Businesses (00:31:05) Newark Auto, strategy, business growth (00:47:39) Challenges and Learnings (00:53:01) Long-term Strategy (00:58:18) Advice for entrepreneurs (01:02:38) Closing CONNECT: Website: https://hoo.be/elijahmurray YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@elijahmurray Twitter: https://twitter.com/elijahmurray Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elijahmurray LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elijahmurray/ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-long-game-w-elijah-murray/ Spotify: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/elijahmurray

Dominic Costanzo is the VP of Portfolio at 43North, a startup accelerator sponsored by Empire State Development. In this conversation, we explore the key elements that differentiate a good startup from the rest, the role of timing and luck in startup success, and 43North's unique investment strategy. We also delve into Dominic's perspective on the ever-evolving AI trend. EPISODE LINKS: Learn more about Dominic Costanzo and 43North: https://www.43north.org/ Connect with Dominic on  https://www.linkedin.com/in/dominiccostanzo/ TIMESTAMPS: (00:00:59) Intro, Startups (00:03:45) Venture investments (00:08:25) Subjective nature of investing (00:13:27) Documenting your process (00:15:34) AI (00:20:28) AI investments (00:25:29) 43 North (00:31:04) 5% structure (00:37:51) Accelerator program (00:42:46) Macro Trends (00:45:00) Closing CONNECT: Website: https://hoo.be/elijahmurray YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@elijahmurray Twitter: https://twitter.com/elijahmurray Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elijahmurray LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elijahmurray/ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-long-game-w-elijah-murray/ Spotify: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/elijahmurray RSS: https://anchor.fm/s/3e31c0c/podcast/rss

LaSean Smith is the founder of CAGR Investments, a firm specializing in compound annual growth rate-based investments in software companies. In this conversation, we explore investments, business models, entrepreneurship, and script contents, focusing on key topics like business decision-making, financial assessments, and the preference for personal capital over venture capital for business growth. EPISODE LINKS: CAGR Investments Delivering Happiness The Hard Thing About Hard Things TIMESTAMPS: (00:00:41) Investments, CAGR Thesis (00:06:28) Investment Evolution and Approach (00:14:22) Phantom Shares (00:17:37) TimeCrafted (00:25:01) Intentionality over productivity (00:26:13) Living intentionally, investments (00:34:50) Pen and Paper (00:39:27) Financial independence (00:43:22) Advice for Entrepreneurs (00:54:24) Closing CONNECT: Website: https://hoo.be/elijahmurray YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@elijahmurray Twitter: https://twitter.com/elijahmurray Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elijahmurray LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elijahmurray/ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-long-game-w-elijah-murray/ Spotify: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/elijahmurray RSS: https://anchor.fm/s/3e31c0c/podcast/rss

Join me in this insightful conversation with LaSean Smith, founder of CAGR Investments, as we delve into the art of leveraging capital for startup success. We discuss the nuances of raising capital, the impact of capital on business growth, and the importance of market validation. LaSean shares his unique perspectives on avoiding conventional capital raising pitfalls and understanding the motivations behind different types of capital. EPISODE LINKS: LaSean's Twitter: https://twitter.com/lasean LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laseansmith/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@lasean Website: https://lasean.com/ Forbes Article: https://www.forbes.com/sites/abdoriani/2022/04/14/using-different-kinds-of-leverage-to-amplify-your-efforts-as-an-entrepreneur/ TIMESTAMPS: (00:00:42) Intro, Capital injection (00:04:06) Alternatives to VC (00:09:52) A story of failure (00:18:37) On product market fit (00:21:29) Building a business vs building a product (00:23:16) The Pitfalls of Building an MVP (00:24:52) Entrepreneurship's true costs (00:25:54) Lifestyle's impact on investment (00:29:15) CAGR.com ideal investment (00:31:03) Document culture (00:36:38) Humanize your business (00:39:34) Solopreneurs and the Super App CONNECT: Website: https://hoo.be/elijahmurray YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@elijahmurray Twitter: https://twitter.com/elijahmurray Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elijahmurray LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elijahmurray/ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-long-game-w-elijah-murray/ Spotify: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/elijahmurray RSS: https://anchor.fm/s/3e31c0c/podcast/rss

Chris Zeunstrom is an American entrepreneur currently residing in Lisbon, Portugal. He owns Crispy Strom Industries Inc., where he focuses on solving problems, creating products, and building businesses—through the thoughtful application of design and technology. Chris is the Founder of Ruca, a global design cooperative, and founder support network, and Yorba, a reverse CRM and passport to a more ethical internet. In this conversation, we explore design cooperatives as a flat structure, self-organizing agile, support structure, and profit sharing. We talk about the cooperative approach and its pros and cons, empowering people with choices. We delve into Ruca and how it has empowered other areas of business, and the origins and goals of Yorba, aiming to build a better way to manage relationships between people and platforms, focusing on data privacy and security in today's digital world. We also explore sustainable changes, cleaning our digital footprints, and managing relationships with third-party vendors, all while prioritizing benefit over profit, venture VC's, and profit strategies to sustain business. EPISODE LINKS: Chris Zeunstrom's LinkedIn: https://pt.linkedin.com/in/chriszeunstrom Ruca Website: http://ruca.co/ Yorba Website: http://yorba.co/ Terms of Service; Didn't Read: [link name]: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Terms_of_Service;_Didn't_Read TIMESTAMPS: 00:00:57 Design Cooperative 00:02:44 Cooperative vs Traditional Agency 00:05:53 Ruca 00:11:37 Yorba 00:17:41 Data privacy & security 00:23:23 Digital health 00:27:24 Sustainable changes 00:30:57 Benefit over profit 00:33:26 Monetization Strategy 00:35:48 Incentives = Outcomes 00:38:35 Yorba's launch 00:43:43 Future Plans for Yorba 00:44:56 Closing CONNECT: Website: https://hoo.be/elijahmurray YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@elijahmurray Twitter: https://twitter.com/elijahmurray Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elijahmurray LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elijahmurray/ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-long-game-w-elijah-murray/ Spotify: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/elijahmurray RSS: https://anchor.fm/s/3e31c0c/podcast/rss

Jason Piperberg is a prolific illustrator who has showcased his versatility in comics, book covers, and more. In our conversation, we delve into his life as a comic artist, the essential role of intellectual property for artists, and the nuances of AI's emergence in the world of art, spotlighting topics like storytelling through art, the value of originality, and the future of generative AI in the creative space. EPISODE LINKS: Twitter: https://twitter.com/jasonpiperberg Instagram: https://instagram.com/jasonpiperberg LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonpiperberg/ Website: https://jasonpiperberg.com/ Other links mentioned: - https://ko-fi.com/jasonpiperberg -(https://raisingdion.fandom.com/wiki/Raising_Dion_(comic_book) - (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_Turner_(comics) - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jim_Lee - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mike_Mignola - https://www.indyplanet.com/spaceman-and-bloater-vol-1/ - https://www.nimbal.org/form/professor-nimbal-comic - https://zoop.gg/c/binarysea - [www.necrocomic.com](http://www.necrocomic.com/) - https://jasonpiperberg.gumroad.com/ - https://writeinvisibleink.com/ - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/you-are-a-storyteller/id1438577381 - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kim_Jung_Gi TIMESTAMPS: 00:00:00 Intro and background 00:04:05 Comic book artist career 00:05:57 Visual storytelling 00:11:16 Art speaks 00:14:58 Freelance art 00:17:55 Employment vs freelance 00:22:50 IP and diverse income streams 00:28:26 Passive income streams 00:31:17 Intention and purpose 00:32:49 Stories are survival information 00:36:41 AI 00:42:18 Viable path 00:45:40 Human perception creates value 00:49:28 A tool vs a replacement 00:53:41 Closing CONNECT: Website: https://hoo.be/elijahmurray YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@elijahmurray Twitter: https://twitter.com/elijahmurray Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elijahmurray LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elijahmurray/ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-long-game-w-elijah-murray/ Spotify: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/elijahmurray RSS: https://anchor.fm/s/3e31c0c/podcast/rss

Sam Gimbel, co-owner of Honest and former Co-Founder of Clark and VP of Product at Clover, discusses product strategy, low-tech experimentation, and the double diamond framework. They also touch on AI investments, CRISPR technology, and the shifting business priorities in the current economic paradigm.

Alex Porter is the founder and CEO of Mod Tech Labs, an automated optimization solution reshaping real-time content. In this conversation, we explored the intricate world of virtual production, dove deep into 3D content's vast applications across industries, and discussed the challenges and triumphs of fundraising in the ever-evolving tech industry. EPISODE LINKS: Alex Porter's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alextporter/ Mod Tech Labs: https://modtechlabs.com/ LED Video Walls Explained: https://rahi.io/led-video-walls-101-what-they-are-and-how-they-work/ Volumetric Capture (Wikipedia): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Volumetric_capture TIMESTAMPS: 00:00:20 Intro and background 00:01:43 Mod Tech Labs 00:05:23 New tech problems 00:12:36 Entrepreneurship grind 00:16:54 Product market fit 00:21:54 Competency framework 00:27:46 Market strategy 00:31:56 AI 00:37:24 Fundraising 00:44:50 Find your 'Champions' 00:47:39 From couple to co-founders 00:51:26 Closing CONNECT: Website: https://hoo.be/elijahmurray YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@elijahmurray Twitter: https://twitter.com/elijahmurray Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elijahmurray LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elijahmurray/ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-long-game-w-elijah-murray/ Spotify: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/elijahmurray RSS: https://anchor.fm/s/3e31c0c/podcast/rss