Forward Thinking Founders

Cathleen Turner, founder of Autaly, shares her innovative journey in automating invoicing for logistics businesses. She discusses tackling complex billing workflows and lessons learned from her fintech background. Cathleen also emphasizes the importance of networking on platforms like X for startup success. Balancing work and personal life is another key topic, touching on her hobbies and their role in fostering connections. This engaging conversation delves into the challenges and triumphs unique to the logistics industry.

In this episode of Forward Thinking Founders, host Mat Sherman interviews Jonathan Liu, founder of Cupidly. They discuss Jonathan's journey from a young coder to a startup founder, his experiences with venture capital and bootstrapping, and the innovative AI dating assistant he created. Jonathan shares insights on building a personal brand on X (Twitter), strategies for going viral, and his vision for the future of dating technology.00:00: Introduction to Jonathan Liu and Cupidly02:09: The Journey of a Tech Founder04:39: From Coding to Startups09:08: The Evolution of Jonathan's Projects10:28: The Shift from VC to Bootstrapping11:37: Building a Personal Brand on X13:23: The Viral Phenomenon of Eunice16:23: Tips for Going Viral18:38: Future Aspirations and the Dating Tech Landscape ★ Support this podcast ★

In this conversation, Mat Sherman interviews Danny, the founder and CEO of Nav Robotics, about the innovative solutions his company is developing in the realm of autonomous transportation. They discuss the challenges and opportunities in creating self-driving e-bikes and golf carts, the vision for urban mobility, and the implications of moving operations to Arizona. Danny shares insights into the technology behind autonomous vehicles, the importance of compute power, and the future of learning in the tech space. In this conversation, Danny discusses the development of autonomous golf carts and the future of self-driving technology. He shares insights on the challenges of creating a viable product, the importance of safety and reliability, and the strategies for entering the market. The discussion also touches on the implications of autonomous vehicles on insurance and driving regulations, as well as the user experience in booking rides. Danny emphasizes the need for a regulatory-first approach and the potential for innovation in transportation. ★ Support this podcast ★

Harvey Pratt, founder and CEO of Simcluster, introduces his groundbreaking AI-driven game that blends social networking with gameplay. He discusses innovative features, like a fragment system that eliminates typing, making content creation more accessible. Harvey also shares his journey through the gaming industry's challenges, including fundraising hurdles and setbacks during the pandemic. He explores how social dynamics influence gameplay, envisioning a future where gaming and social media intertwine, empowering creators and reshaping interactions.

In this discussion, Audrey Chen, co-founder of Nosu and social media influencer, shares her journey from going viral on Twitter to launching a startup that streamlines hackathon operations. She highlights the transformative power of networking in Silicon Valley and the role of environment in startup success. Audrey reflects on raising $75,000 in funding, emphasizing the significance of visibility and self-promotion in personal growth. She also discusses how hackathons can harness developer tools and enhance marketing opportunities for companies.

Andrew Rea, co-founder and CEO of Taxwire, shares his inspiring journey from rural Ohio to Silicon Valley. He discusses how the pandemic sparked reinvention in entrepreneurship and the challenges of navigating sales tax compliance for businesses. Andrew reflects on the emotional hurdles of startup life and the importance of networking and social capital in fundraising. His insights into the unpredictable nature of early-stage startups, combined with valuable lessons on resilience, offer listeners a practical guide for thriving in today's dynamic landscape.

In this conversation, Mat Sherman interviews Aleksandar Besarovic, co-founder of Aimfox, a LinkedIn outreach tool. They discuss the journey of Aimfox, including its initial launch challenges, the importance of user feedback, and the strategies implemented for a successful second launch. Aleksandar shares insights on building a user-friendly product, the role of AI in enhancing outreach, and the long-term vision for Aimfox. The conversation emphasizes the significance of listening to users and maintaining a long-term perspective in business. ★ Support this podcast ★

In this episode, Mat Sherman sits down with John Busch, founder of Iliad, an AI-powered book discovery platform designed to help readers uncover life-changing books. They dive into the challenges of current book recommendation systems, how Iliad addresses the limitations of platforms like Goodreads, and the role of AI in enhancing the reading experience while building trust in recommendations. John also shares his journey as a founder, offering actionable advice on fundraising, the importance of storytelling, and how networking and warm intros can open doors for AI startups. They explore why business model innovation is as critical as product innovation, the art of building momentum with investors, and how favorite books can shape a founder’s perspective. ★ Support this podcast ★

In this episode, Mat Sherman sits down with Edward Lando, one of the most prolific angel investors in the world, to explore the intricacies of early-stage investing. Edward shares his journey into angel investing, detailing his philosophy of prioritizing quality over quantity and the critical role relationships play in successful investments. From understanding valuations and navigating early-stage deals to constructing a portfolio that balances risk and reward, Edward provides invaluable insights for both founders and investors. Whether you’re a budding entrepreneur or an aspiring investor, this episode is packed with practical advice and strategies to help you thrive in the fast-paced world of startups.Find Edward on LinkedIn or Twitter and learn more about Pareto Holdings here. ★ Support this podcast ★

Delve into the groundbreaking Truffle device, designed for local inference in humanoid robotics. Explore the speaker's fascinating upbringing in the Middle East and its influence on their tech journey. Discuss the potential of AI agents that could surpass human economies and the central role of cryptocurrency in this future. Hear a critique of Sam Altman, labeled the 'Antichrist' of Silicon Valley, alongside a critical look at the supposed meritocracy in tech. Unpack the need for a catalyst to spark true innovation in today's landscape.