

The Bootstrapped Founder
Arvid Kahl
Arvid Kahl talks about starting and bootstrapping businesses, how to build an audience, and how to build in public.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Aug 8, 2025 • 21min
408: The Podscan Ideas Vault: Engineering as Marketing
Discover how a successful marketing strategy transformed into a thriving business. The focus is on the Podscan Ideas Vault, leveraging podcast transcripts to inspire entrepreneurs. Insights are shared on automating newsletters, showcasing this initiative as both a marketing tool and a source of innovative ideas. Tune in for a captivating exploration of engineering as marketing and how insightful data can drive growth.

28 snips
Aug 6, 2025 • 50min
407: Nick Groeneveld — Exploring AI's Impact on Modern Design
Nick Groeneveld, a seasoned designer and UX expert with a decade of experience, discusses the transformative impact of AI on design. He explores how AI tools like Lovable can enhance creativity while raising concerns about dependence on technology. The conversation dives into the importance of human judgment, the challenges of maintaining design consistency, and the philosophical implications of tech on intelligence. Groeneveld humorously compares working with AI to parenting, emphasizing the need for clear communication and foundational design knowledge in this new era.

21 snips
Aug 1, 2025 • 22min
406: Making Your Business Sellable (Even If You Never Plan to Sell)
Discover essential strategies for making your SaaS business attractive to buyers, even if you never plan to sell. Learn the importance of separating personal and business accounts for seamless transitions. Delve into the necessity of thorough documentation and organized operations to boost value. Explore how maintaining current financial records and customer data can enhance your business's resilience and readiness for any unexpected changes.

28 snips
Jul 25, 2025 • 14min
405: The Friction Paradox: Why AI Might Be Making Us Worse at What We Do
Explore the friction between AI and human skill development. Discover how AI can enhance productivity for the skilled but hinder growth for the less knowledgeable. A poignant story illustrates the delicate balance between relying on AI and nurturing expertise. Hear about the necessity of struggle in mastering new skills and the potential dangers of over-reliance on automation. This discussion highlights the need for human judgment and creativity in an increasingly automated world.

71 snips
Jul 18, 2025 • 28min
404: The Transcription Challenge: Building Infrastructure That Scales With The World
Discover the challenges of managing an overwhelming amount of audio data while building scalable transcription infrastructure. The speaker delves into innovative strategies for ensuring high-quality transcriptions despite varying podcast quality and volume. Learn how efficient systems are crucial for keeping up with the booming podcast industry. This insightful discussion offers valuable takeaways for anyone interested in transcription technology and podcasting.

10 snips
Jul 16, 2025 • 44min
403: Amar Ghose — From Non-Technical Founder to SaaS Innovator
Amar Ghose, founder of ZenMaid, has transformed his non-technical background into a thriving SaaS platform for maid service owners. He shares his inspiring journey from starting with $15k monthly revenue to achieving $150k by prioritizing customer feedback. Amar discusses the challenges of navigating SaaS as a non-tech founder and the significance of building a community-centric content marketing strategy. He highlights the importance of embracing innovation while creating meaningful connections and staying focused on customer success.

67 snips
Jul 11, 2025 • 23min
402: A $2 Billion Industry Built on Digital Duct Tape
Explore the untapped potential of the podcasting industry from a software founder's perspective. Discover the outdated infrastructure and the innovative solutions that could reshape the landscape. Dive into the complexities of podcast data and the importance of effective audience measurement. Uncover the challenges in podcast advertising, including listener engagement and ad targeting. Learn how contextual advertising strategies can enhance connections between creators, advertisers, and audiences, paving the way for a more robust future.

17 snips
Jul 9, 2025 • 41min
401: Vova Feldman — Mastering Entrepreneurship in the Payments Sector
Vova Feldman, founder of Freemius and an expert in payment solutions, discusses the ups and downs of entrepreneurship in the payments sector. He emphasizes the importance of a clear mission and effective team dynamics while navigating industry complexities. Vova shares insights on balancing leadership with hands-on roles, building a motivated remote team, and adapting to global payment regulations. He also underscores the significance of fostering connections within the entrepreneurial community to drive mutual growth and success.

25 snips
Jul 4, 2025 • 15min
400: The Hidden Revolution: AI Is Democratizing Coding Mentorship
Discover how AI is transforming coding mentorship, making it more accessible than ever. The discussion highlights the shift from isolated learning to an inclusive and supportive environment. AI is bridging the gap, providing personalized resources and mentorship that empower aspiring coders. This revolution could reshape the future of coding education, creating engaged communities of learners. Tune in to explore the profound impacts of AI on how we learn to code.

10 snips
Jul 2, 2025 • 51min
399: NativePHP: How Simon Hamp & Shane Rosenthal are Building & Monetizing PHP on Mobile
Shane Rosenthal and Simon Hamp are key players in the NativePHP Project, which brings PHP and Laravel to mobile devices. They share their journey of adapting established tech for mobile platforms. The duo discusses overcoming technical challenges, the entrepreneurial spirit within the PHP community, and their monetization strategies. They also highlight the impact of recent changes in mobile billing on SaaS businesses and stress the importance of community engagement in project evolution. Their innovative approach promises to redefine app development.