Startups Decoded

Many founders are chasing scale, but at what cost? In this episode, Leila Lahbabi shares how purpose-driven leaders can grow thriving companies without burning out or losing themselves in the process. We explore the real tension between being a present parent and an ambitious entrepreneur, and how to build high-performing teams that unlock freedom rather than dependence.Leila LahbabiLeila Lahbabi is a trusted advisor to purpose-driven founders and CEOs, helping them scale their companies without sacrificing their freedom, values, or well-being. With a background in strategy consulting for Fortune 100 companies, five years as an entrepreneur, and a deep foundation in psychology, mindfulness, and personal development, Leila brings a holistic, high-impact approach to leadership and business growth.Her work focuses on building high-performing teams and fostering leadership autonomy, enabling founders to step out of the operational grind and into sustainable, values-aligned growth. Leila is also the author of the upcoming book The Billion Dollar Purpose, which explores how mission-driven leaders can unlock talent, scale impact, and build thriving businesses from the inside out.https://www.leilalahbabi.com/impact-at-scaleSHOW NOTESMusic Credit: "Neptuno" - Phondupe (Album: Onykia)In this episode of Startups Decoded, Andy Walsh speaks with Leila Lahbabi about her journey from consulting to entrepreneurship, emphasizing the importance of scaling without sacrificing personal well-being. They discuss the challenges of balancing motherhood and business, the significance of mindfulness and prioritization, and the need to focus on the hard work that truly drives business success. Leila shares her insights on transitioning from being a Chief Everything Officer to a CEO, highlighting the importance of delegation and adaptability in scaling a business effectively.TakeawaysStarting a business is challenging, especially when balancing multiple roles.Mindfulness can help manage stress and improve focus.It's crucial to prioritize actions that drive results.Balancing work and family requires conscious effort and planning.Entrepreneurs often face burnout due to overwhelming responsibilities.Delegation is essential for scaling a business effectively.Understanding the difference between working hard and doing hard work is key.Investing time and intention in your business leads to growth.Adaptability is a critical factor for business success.Reflection and feedback are vital for continuous improvement.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Scaling Without Sacrifice02:20 Leila's Journey: From Consulting to Entrepreneurship04:54 The Reality of Entrepreneurship and Balancing Roles09:42 Catalysts for Change: The Impact of COVID-1913:00 Finding Purpose and Direction in Business16:14 Juggling Parenthood and Entrepreneurship20:33 The Importance of Mindfulness and Strategy23:15 Recognizing Burnout and Its Effects25:00 Challenging Startup Norms and Expectations25:27 The Hidden Struggles of Founders28:20 Reframing Hard Work vs. Doing Hard Work36:20 Transitioning from Chief Everything Officer to CEO42:26 Investing Time for Business Growth43:53 Scaling with Adaptability and Reflection

Matthew Burris, Partner at Venture Studio Associates, dives into the evolving world of venture studios, emphasizing their transition from misunderstood models to formal asset classes. He discusses the critical balance between intuition and market feedback in startups, and the importance of standardization to attract institutional investments. Burris also sheds light on the newly launched Venture Studio Forum, designed to foster a thriving ecosystem for these innovative entities, ensuring they become a recognized staple in the startup landscape.

In this episode of Startups Decoded, Kevin Jurovich (Founder & CEO of Hubble) joins me to unpack the raw, early-stage lessons no one talks about enough: compromise, confusion, burnout, and the clarity that comes after blowing it all up and starting again.From an NFL career, to winging it and rebuilding from scratch, to embracing paid consulting and learning how to truly see people, Kevin shares the messy truth behind his pivot journey and how he finally stopped trying to be “right” and started building to get it right.We talk about the real hustle behind Hubble, the weight of early inbound growth, and the mindset shifts it takes to survive long enough to build something meaningful.Kevin Jurovich:Founder & CEO of Hubble, a platform helping creators and domain experts turn their knowledge into income, and more importantly, impact.A former NFL wide receiver turned wealth advisor turned founder, Kevin’s journey into startups began in 2013 while serving tech entrepreneurs in Silicon Valley. Since then, he’s been all-in on building, scaling, and mentoring within the startup ecosystem. He’s on a mission to inspire others to do more of what inspires them—and to shape a future where expertise becomes a catalyst for opportunity.HubbleEmpowers creators and experts to monetize their knowledge through experiences, services, and products, without needing a massive following. It’s designed for those with real expertise, not just social reach, and gives them the tools to grow, serve, and scale their audience through authenticity and value.At its core, Hubble is about transforming expertise into impact, helping people build meaningful, sustainable income from what they know and love.SHOW NOTESMusic Credit: "Neptuno" - Phondupe (Album: Onykia)SummaryIn this conversation, Kevin Yurovich shares insights into the mindset and self-awareness required for founders. He discusses his journey from being an NFL player to becoming a startup founder, emphasizing the importance of community, vulnerability, and learning from failures. Kevin highlights how leveraging platforms like LinkedIn can foster growth and connections, and he elaborates on the development of Hubble, a marketplace for expert advice. The discussion underscores the significance of adaptability and the iterative nature of entrepreneurship.TakeawaysThe older we are, the more we tend to care less about what other people think.You gotta leave the shore; have the courage to go all in.There's no such thing as a self-made individual; it takes a village.Confidence comes from the little things we tell ourselves.Failure is not finite; it's a point in time where you learn something.We are not here to be right; we are here to get it right.The MVP you launch has to work and solve a problem.If you're passionate about it, start getting it out there.Community and vulnerability are key in building relationships.You never know when your efforts will come back full circle.Chapters00:00 The Mindset of a Founder04:18 Transitioning from Sports to Startups08:26 Reflections on Career Changes13:11 The Importance of Pivots18:02 Leveraging LinkedIn for Growth28:07 The Role of Community and Vulnerability31:32 The Shift in Startup Culture34:05 Building Hubble: A Journey of Validation40:54 The Value of Expert Connections

In this episode, we explore why the best founders don’t wait for perfect plans—they launch, learn, and build in public. From early growth hacks to fast feedback loops and sales that start before the product’s finished, we unpack what it really takes to grow quickly and stay ahead. If you're stuck planning instead of building, this one will light a fire.Cory BlumenfeldCory Blumenfeld is a seasoned entrepreneur and business strategist with a passion for empowering individuals to find their voice and start their own ventures. He has co-founded multiple startups, including CoHealth, a digital platform promoting healthy behavior change, and Caribou, a healthcare planning software for financial advisors that raised over $3 million in funding. Currently, Cory serves in Strategy Operations at LearnLux Financial Wellbeing, applying his diverse experience to enhance financial wellness solutions. A graduate of Wilfrid Laurier University and a Next 36 alumnus, Cory is dedicated to inspiring and guiding aspiring entrepreneurs through his insights and leadership.SHOW NOTESMusic Credit: "Neptuno" - Phondupe (Album: Onykia)In this episode of Startups Decoded, Andy Walsh and Corey Blumenfeld discuss the concept of building in public, exploring its significance in the startup ecosystem. Corey shares his journey as a founder, emphasizing the importance of storytelling, authenticity, and the power of relationships in business. They delve into the balance between sharing ideas publicly versus keeping them private, the necessity of validation and testing in product development, and the role of trust and vulnerability in fostering a successful team culture. The conversation also touches on how effective storytelling can attract investment and the long-term benefits of building genuine connections within the entrepreneurial community.TakeawaysBuilding in public allows for authentic connections.Storytelling is crucial for engaging with audiences.Validation through testing is essential for success.Trust and vulnerability foster a positive team culture.Investors are interested in the founder's story and decisions.Sharing experiences can lead to unexpected opportunities.Building relationships is key to long-term success.The future of selling lies in genuine storytelling.You can learn from every interaction, regardless of experience.Being respectfully assertive is important in business.Sound Bites"You can learn from every single person.""You need to be respectfully assertive.""The future of selling is storytelling."Chapters00:00 Building in Public: A New Era for Startups05:02 The Journey of Entrepreneurship: Lessons Learned08:55 The Power of Sharing Your Story11:41 Learning from Every Interaction14:19 Building Relationships in a Digital Age16:45 Transparency vs. Stealth: The New Norm18:57 Testing Fast: Validating Ideas Quickly23:51 The Importance of Hypothesis Testing in Business25:33 The Power of Storytelling and Sharing in Public28:05 Building Trust Through Vulnerability and Authenticity33:29 The Role of Trust and Delegation in Business Growth38:48 Storytelling as a Tool for Investment and Revenue Generation

Angel investors are no longer just writing checks – they’re becoming strategic advisors, board members, and even fractional executives. But how do founders attract the right angel investors who bring more than money to the table?Tony KulaTony Kula is a seasoned entrepreneur with over three decades of experience in the communications sector. He has successfully founded and exited multiple companies, navigating both bootstrapped and venture capital-backed ventures. Now based between the south of France and Berlin, Tony is dedicated to sharing his entrepreneurial insights through mentoring and angel investing. With a human-centric approach to business, he brings a wealth of knowledge in scaling startups, building impactful networks, and fostering sustainable growth. Outside of business, Tony is an avid triathlete and a devoted family man.Tony Kula has built a career around creating and scaling communications-focused ventures, leveraging his extensive industry expertise to drive innovation and market success. With a proven track record of both bootstrapped and VC-backed exits, Tony now channels his entrepreneurial energy into supporting the next wave of founders as a mentor and angel investor. His ventures have spanned digital media, telecommunications, and strategic communications, each with a focus on transformative growth and long-term impact. Today, he continues to foster connections and opportunities for founders across Europe, combining his business acumen with a passion for community and mentorship.SHOW NOTESMusic Credit: "Neptuno" - Phondupe (Album: Onykia)In this episode of Startups Decoded, host Andy Walsh engages with angel investor Tony Kula, who shares his extensive journey from an early career in IT to becoming a successful entrepreneur and angel investor. Tony discusses the importance of building relationships in the investment space, the lessons learned from his own experiences, and the evolving landscape of angel investing. He emphasizes the need for founders to demonstrate traction and financial discipline while also highlighting the significance of authenticity in storytelling. The conversation concludes with insights into the future of investing and the importance of supporting the next generation of founders.TakeawaysTony Kula's journey from IT to entrepreneurship is marked by a desire for independence.Angel investing involves learning from mistakes and adapting strategies over time.Building relationships with investors is crucial for founders seeking funding.Authenticity and transparency in storytelling are vital for successful pitches.Investors look for financial discipline and traction in startups before investing.The landscape of angel investing is evolving, with a shift towards profitability over rapid growth.Founders should focus on building genuine connections rather than just seeking capital.Diversity in an investment portfolio is essential for angel investors.The importance of mentorship and support for young founders cannot be overstated.The future of investing may lean towards smaller, sustainable businesses rather than unicorns.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Angel Investment01:26 Tony's Early Career and Entrepreneurial Journey06:16 Transitioning to Angel Investing12:16 Insights for Founders Seeking Investment22:57 Building Relationships with Investors29:03 The Future of Angel Investing38:19 Supporting the Next Generation of Founders

Chris Tottman, Founding General Partner at Notion Capital, shares how collaboration between radically different thinkers — founders, investors, and operators — creates force-multiplying outcomes. This episode explores why the best startups aren't built solo, how pattern recognition meets founder intuition, and why energy alignment matters more than experience at early stages.Chris TottmanFounding General Partner at Notion Capital ($1B+ AUM), where he backs exceptional B2B SaaS founders and helps shape go-to-market strategy at scale. He’s the founder of Included.vc, AlphaGraph.club, and TheFoundersCorner newsletter, and the author of The GTM Handbook for B2B SaaS Leaders and the wildly candid BrainDumps series.A serial investor in over 500 founders, Chris is also an active advisor to leaders and companies across stages. Beyond venture, he invests through his family office with a growing interest in super rare classic cars.When he’s not investing, you’ll find him coaching, creating, and collaborating with the kind of brilliant, incrementalist founders who value long games and thoughtful growth — often referred by close-knit networks or discovered in unexpected corners of the internet.NOTION CapitalA venture capital firm specializing in European SaaS and cloud startups. With over 100 investments to date, Notion backs exceptional founders with long-term capital and hands-on support through its value-add platform — helping build category-defining companies from seed to scale.SHOW NOTESMusic Credit: "Neptuno" - Phondupe (Album: Onykia)“We don't want to be concerned about Founders solving the problems that have been solved many times before.”In this episode of Startups Decoded, host Andy Walsh engages in a deep conversation with Chris Tottman from Notion Capital about the critical relationship between founders and investors. They explore Tottman's journey into venture capital, the importance of understanding founder dynamics, and the evolving landscape of startup investment, particularly in the context of AI. Tottman shares insights on investment strategies, the significance of empathy in investor relationships, and the need for founders to solve unique problems. The discussion also touches on the balance between intuition and data in decision-making, the importance of differentiation in the market, and the value-added infrastructure that can support founders in their journey.Sound Bites"The best founders solve unique problems.""Don't be better, be different.""The math of venture capital is extreme."Chapters00:00: Introduction to Founder-Investor Fit03:06: Chris Tottman's Journey into Venture Capital05:42: The Role of Founders in Venture Capital08:29: Notion Capital's Investment Strategy11:15: The Impact of AI on Investment Opportunities13:12: Navigating Hype Cycles in Technology15:09: The Evolution of Investor-Startup Relationships16:45: Understanding Personal Motivations and Dyslexia22:25: Building Value-Added Infrastructure for Founders24:34: Building a Supportive Ecosystem for Founders28:25: Navigating Founders' Challenges and Problem-Solving31:54: The Balance of Data and Intuition in Decision-Making33:26: The Importance of Differentiation in Startups37:30: Insights from the Book 'Brain Dump'39:51: Understanding Deal Flow and Investment Strategies

Venture Studios are evolving, and Nobody Studios is at the forefront of building AI-native startups. In this episode, we explore how AI is redefining startup-building strategies, workflows, and execution. Mark S. McNally shares insights on what it takes to run an AI-driven venture studio and why founders must rethink their approach to leadership, decision-making, and company growth in this new era.Mark S. McNallyA visionary tech innovator and executive with a track record of scaling startups to global success, including IPOs. With deep expertise in AI, machine learning, and big data, he has founded and led multiple companies across e-commerce, banking, healthcare, and logistics. As CEO of Nobody Studios, he is redefining venture building through AI-driven innovation, leveraging decades of experience in product development, strategic partnerships, and global business leadership.Nobody StudiosA venture studio committed to rapidly building 100 companies in five years, from ideation to full-scale validation. With a crowd-first, people-first approach, the team—comprising experts across industries like fintech, e-commerce, and data science—drives innovation through transparency and frugality. Embracing global collaboration, Nobody Studios launched a groundbreaking crowdfunding campaign, uniting 900+ investors from 55 countries to help shape the future of startup creation.Music Credit: "Neptuno" - Phondupe (Album: Onykia)summaryIn this episode of Startups Decoded, host Andy Walsh speaks with Mark S. McNally, CEO of Nobody Studios, about the evolution of startups, the impact of AI, and the innovative venture studio model. Mark shares his extensive background in startups, the challenges of fundraising, and the importance of soft skills in an AI-driven world. They discuss how the landscape of entrepreneurship is changing and the need for non-obvious business models that can thrive in the future.Chapters00:00: Introduction to Startups Decoded01:50: Mark's Journey: From Special Operations to Startups05:22: The Motivation Behind Nobody Studios11:09: The Venture Studio Model: A New Approach15:39: Navigating the Fundraising Landscape19:55: AI's Impact on Startups and Future Predictions24:12: Navigating the AI Era: Building Defensible Businesses28:40: Non-Obvious Business Models: Future-Proofing Startups34:38: The Importance of Soft Skills in an AI-Driven World40:14: Transforming Startup Methodologies: Embracing Rapid Prototyping44:19: The Future of Nobody: Scaling in the AI Landscape

The best VCs aren’t just writing checks, they’re building products. In this episode, I sit down with Jason Shuman, General Partner at Primary Ventures, to explore how modern venture firms are evolving, from thesis-driven investors to full-stack operators.Jason shares an inside look at fundraising in today’s market, what their next fund aims to do differently, and how Primary’s team structure challenges the traditional VC mold. If you’re building a startup, raising a fund, or working inside a platform team, this episode will give you a front-row seat to the future of VC as an evolving product.Jason ShumanJason is a founder-turned-investor and General Partner at Primary Venture Partners, where he leads investments across Vertical AI, Built World, Vertically integrated manufacturing businesses and consumer. A passionate advocate for early-stage founders, Jason’s mission is to empower entrepreneurs with the confidence, tools, and support to build successful, fulfilling lives, on their own terms. He brings a hands-on, coach-like approach to investing, shaped by his own entrepreneurial journey. Outside of venture, Jason’s passions include coaching, travel, and great food. Always eager to connect, he's known for being an early believer and active partner to founders at the very start of their journey.Primary Venture PartnersThe largest early-stage VC firm in the world, managing $1B+ in assets with a 50-person team. Their standout "Impact" team, twice the size of the investment team, works hands-on with portfolio companies, driving growth through high-intensity support in hiring, customer acquisition, and fundraising. With deep roots in the NYC tech scene, they conduct thousands of interviews, host hundreds of events, and maintain a network of 5,000+ active job seekers. Co-founders Brad Svrluga and Ben Sun have been recognized on Forbes’ Midas List and Insider’s Seed 100.SHOW NOTESMusic Credit: "Neptuno" - Phondupe (Album: Onykia)keywordsventure capital, startups, Primary Ventures, Jason Shuman, founder support, investment strategies, bootstrapping, impact teams, incubation model, deal flowsummaryIn this episode of Startups Decoded, host Andy Walsh interviews Jason Shuman from Primary Ventures, exploring his journey from founder to investor. They discuss the unique approach of Primary Ventures in supporting founders, the evolving landscape of venture capital, and the importance of resources and community in the startup ecosystem. Jason shares insights on the current trends in funding, the role of impact teams, and the incubation model at Primary Ventures, emphasizing the need for founders to have a clear roadmap and support system to succeed.Chapters00:00 From Founder to Investor: Jason Shuman's Journey04:01 Understanding Primary Ventures: A Unique Approach to VC07:28 The Evolving Landscape of Venture Capital11:21 The Importance of Personalized Support in VC16:06 Collaboration Between Impact and Investment Teams18:14 Navigating Capital: The Balance of Growth and Strategy23:34 Navigating Venture Capital Mistakes25:50 The Evolution of Information Sharing in VC28:35 The Role of Incubation in Venture Capital34:15 Balancing Incubation and Portfolio Management37:51 Identifying and Engaging with Founders43:13 Looking Ahead: Future Investments and Strategies

Bringing people together is an art, and a strategy. In this episode, I sit down with Madelaine Czufin, founder of EOLO, to break down what it takes to build events and communities that truly drive impact.We cover:How to build a network that activates around your brandCreating real ROI from events, not just a buzzThe power of mindful networking (why it isn’t as intimidating as you may think) Targeted partnerships and sponsorships that actually workMadelaine brings insights from her experience in venture, tech, and finance, helping top firms craft experiences that elevate their brand presence.If you’re thinking about events as just gatherings, you’re missing the bigger picture. Tune in to learn how to make them a core part of your strategy.Madelaine CzufinMadelaine is the Founder of EOLO, a boutique consultancy specializing in bespoke gatherings, events, retreats, summits, and other distinct experiences. Over the past decade, Madelaine worked at the intersection of venture, technology, and financial services. Prior to EOLO, Madelaine worked in financial services at Barclays, First Republic, and JPMorgan. She gained expertise within the venture capital industry during her time at Greycroft and leading the NY chapter of a female founder capital platform, The Vinetta Project. EOLO's mission is to help VCs, companies, and communities activate and elevate their brand presence through thoughtfully designed and meticulously executed events. Show NotesMusic Credit: "Neptuno" - Phondupe (Album: Onykia)The conversation delves into the importance of strategic networking and the intentionality behind connecting individuals in professional settings. It emphasizes the value of thoughtful relationships and collaborations that can lead to mutual growth and innovation.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Community and Connections01:04:19 Madeline's Journey: From Finance to Venture Capital01:08:03 The Evolution of Events and Gatherings01:11:05 Creating Meaningful Connections at Events01:15:14 The Art of Networking: Strategies for Success01:19:38 The Power of Empathy and Vulnerability01:21:19 Intentional Networking: Building Lasting Relationships01:26:22 The Importance of Thoughtful Connections01:28:01 Supporting Underrepresented Founders01:30:04 The Shift in Networking Culture Post-COVID01:34:21 Evolving Corporate Culture and Community Building01:37:08 Optimizing Event Experiences01:41:46 Maximizing Connections Pre and Post-Event01:49:36 Intentionality in Event Planning01:53:30 Navigating Digital Outreach and Automation

In this episode, we talk to Majd Alaily, founder of Ruya Advisory, a consultancy that helps startups turn visionary ideas into thriving businesses. With 15+ years of experience in digital innovation, strategy, and product development, Majd shares valuable insights on navigating the startup journey.We talk about building the right tech stack, choosing the right platform, and standing out in a crowded market. Majd also offers a sneak peek into his upcoming online course, BuildOS, launching in April. This episode is filled with actionable advice for founders looking to build, grow, and stand out in the competitive startup landscape. Tune in for an inspiring conversation on how to succeed in today’s world!Majd AlailyMajd is a seasoned digital innovator with over 15 years of experience in consultancy, startups, and strategic thinking. He specializes in helping startups thrive through ideation, building, growth, and fundraising strategies. As an advisor, Majd has supported 20+ ventures in launching, scaling, and securing funding. He’s a founder who grew a company to 970k monthly active users in just two years with 100% organic growth. Majd’s background includes leading business development and digital consulting at Google for portfolios worth $50M-$100M ARR. He’s conducted over 100 strategy and go-to-market workshops with top global brands and brings innovation expertise from prestigious programs like Stanford d.school and IDEO.U.Ruya AdvisoryRuya Advisory is a forward-thinking startup consultancy focused on turning visionary ideas into successful businesses. Derived from the Arabic word for 'vision,' Ruya embodies foresight and aspiration. Going beyond traditional consulting, the firm offers strategic guidance to help startups navigate the journey from concept to execution. With a commitment to fostering innovation and growth, Ruya Advisory empowers entrepreneurs to shape the future, turning groundbreaking ideas into flourishing ventures.Show NotesMusic Credit: "Neptuno" - Phondupe (Album: Onykia)SummaryIn this episode of Startups Decoded, host Andy Walsh speaks with Mash Alaily about his journey from medicine to the startup world. They discuss the importance of learning from failure, the mindset required for resilience in entrepreneurship, and the role of RUYA Advisory in guiding startups. The conversation also covers the evolving landscape of product development, the impact of automation and agents, and the significance of personal engagement in sales strategies. Finally, they introduce Build OS, a new initiative aimed at helping founders validate their ideas quickly and effectively.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Startups and Global Perspectives01:27 The Journey from Medicine to Startups04:08 The Shift in Education and Career Paths06:36 Embracing Failure as a Learning Tool10:48 Understanding Blind Spots in Entrepreneurship13:08 Mindset and Emotional Resilience in Founding15:46 The Birth of RUYA Advisory18:51 Advisory Services for Founders21:22 Discovery and Alignment in Advisory Relationships22:37 Disruption in Startup Building25:34 Navigating Go-to-Market Strategies28:56 The Future of Fundraising and Exits31:05 Choosing the Right Tech Stack34:13 The Role of Automation and Agents42:59 Introducing Build OS: A New Approach to Validation