The Foundr Podcast with Nathan Chan

Foundr Media
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9 snips
Oct 3, 2025 • 50min

593: Phoebe Gates: Building an AI Fashion Startup Backed by Kris Jenner & Sara Blakely

Phoebe Gates, co-founder of the AI fashion startup Phia, shares her inspiring journey from failed ideas in her Stanford dorm to securing $9M from high-profile investors like Kris Jenner and Sara Blakely. She reveals how she built a user base from scratch, utilizing feedback loops and creative growth hacks like 'pizza nights.' Phoebe discusses the challenges of raising funds, embracing her background while forging her own identity, and leveraging AI for scalability, all while focusing on building community through transparency and collaboration.
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Sep 30, 2025 • 8min

592: (Solo) The Truth About Originality: What Great Founders Really Do

Many founders wrongly believe they need an original idea to succeed. Instead, proven strategies can accelerate growth. This discussion highlights how to ethically borrow and adapt ideas, showcasing successful brands like Canva and Airbnb. Learn how to grow your social media and improve product designs by studying what works. It’s all about finding existing successes, adding your twist, and making it better. Embrace this mindset to free yourself from the pressure of innovation and focus on effective strategies!
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Sep 26, 2025 • 43min

591: From $0 to $3.4 BILLION Selling Socks | Bombas (Best of Foundr)

David Heath and Randy Goldberg, co-founders of Bombas, transformed a $140K Indiegogo campaign into a $3.4B brand known for its one-for-one donation model. They discuss how a simple insight about homelessness sparked their mission. The duo shares their strategies for bootstrapping, navigating Shark Tank, and scaling profitably. They reveal the importance of authenticity in branding and the lessons they've learned about balancing purpose with profit. Their journey offers invaluable insights for aspiring entrepreneurs.
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7 snips
Sep 23, 2025 • 8min

590: (Solo) Why You Need to Do Things That Don’t Scale

Starting out requires hands-on, unscalable efforts rather than automated systems. Learn why personal engagement, like replying to every email and sending handwritten thank-you notes, builds emotional connections that attract early customers. Discover real examples from successful founders who used targeted outreach and creative tactics to foster relationships and drive growth. Embrace these strategies to create raving fans before scaling your brand.
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Sep 19, 2025 • 47min

589 : The Mad Scientist Behind One of America’s Fastest Growing Supplement Brands | Brian Littlefield (Best of Foundr)

Brian Littlefield, co-founder and Chief Product Officer of Jocko Fuel, shares his inspiring journey from an overweight, directionless life to building a thriving supplement brand. He discusses the pivotal partnership with Navy SEAL Jocko Willink, emphasizing the brand's integrity and customer loyalty. Littlefield's 'mad scientist' method for creating effective products, alongside lessons from Brazilian jiu-jitsu on discipline and resilience, showcases how quality and trust can set a brand apart in a crowded market.
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16 snips
Sep 16, 2025 • 8min

588: (Solo) The #1 ROI Move You’re Probably Not Using

Discover how to transform your existing e-commerce traffic into more sales without spending on ads. Learn to discern if your growth issues stem from traffic or conversion problems. Uncover a game-changing post-purchase upsell strategy that can boost your revenue dramatically. Get insights on tools to enhance average order value and customer lifetime value. This fresh solo format offers actionable tips that can unlock significant revenue growth for your brand!
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Sep 12, 2025 • 1h 1min

587: She Built a $1 Billion Brand Selling Other Peoples Clothes | Julie Wainwright

Julie Wainwright, the founder of The RealReal, a billion-dollar luxury resale marketplace, shares her entrepreneurial journey from Pets.com to transforming the fashion industry. She discusses how she built a marketplace that Amazon couldn't replicate and the innovative strategies behind scaling to over $1B in revenue. Julie also reflects on the challenges of taking a company public, the impact of COVID on her business, and the importance of values-driven hiring. Her insights on resilience, execution, and integrity provide lessons for aspiring entrepreneurs.
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6 snips
Sep 9, 2025 • 8min

586 : (Solo) How I Solve The Biggest Problems in My Business (and How You Can Too)

Unlock the secrets to scaling your business by identifying its biggest constraint. Learn how to find experts who've already solved your problems, saving you precious time. Discover actionable strategies that successful founders use to break through hurdles. By leveraging knowledge and networking, you can transform roadblocks into stepping stones for growth. This insightful discussion emphasizes the value of investing in expertise for faster results.
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Sep 5, 2025 • 38min

585: The $100K Mistake Most Founders Make with Manufacturers (and How to Avoid It) (Best of Foundr)

Kian Golzari, a renowned expert in sourcing and product manufacturing, shares insights from his extensive experience of developing over 2,500 products and working with major brands. He reveals how to avoid costly sourcing mistakes and emphasizes the importance of strong supplier relationships. Listeners will learn his 3-step product development system and the art of negotiation, which focuses on positioning rather than price. His tips for engaging with Chinese manufacturers will be vital for future entrepreneurs looking to enhance product quality and efficiency.
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10 snips
Sep 2, 2025 • 9min

584: (Solo) What 90 Days of Daily Posting Taught Me About Personal Branding

Discover the transformative power of daily posting for personal branding. Learn how consistency trumps strategy and builds trust with your audience. Understand why your personal brand can open doors to sales and new opportunities. The insights shared will inspire you to start creating content, clarify your message, and connect authentically with your followers, unlocking growth in your business along the way.

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