The CTO Show with Mehmet Gonullu

In this episode, Mehmet Gonullu sits down with Nelson Nigel, the founder of Kidmoto, a ride-hailing service designed specifically for families traveling with young children. From driving a yellow cab in New York to building a tech-enabled transportation service operating in 64+ cities, Nelson shares how he bootstrapped his company past $1M in revenue—without external funding, without a co-founder, and without chasing VC hype.It’s a raw, refreshing look at building a real business in a noisy tech world.🔑 Key Takeaways • Why Nelson chose to bootstrap instead of raising funding—and what it really takes • How being a yellow cab driver helped him identify the market gap • The power of a 400-page business plan as a startup GPS • Why focusing on operations, not investors, led to lasting traction • How Kidmoto scaled to 64 cities by owning its niche • His framework for leadership: “The path to greatness is along with others.”⸻📘 What You’ll Learn • The realities of bootstrapping in a competitive market • How to validate product-market fit from first-hand customer pain • When not to chase investors—and how to stay grounded instead • The mindset it takes to turn operational grit into strategic scale • How humility and focus build trust in high-stakes services👤 About Nelson NigelNelson Nigel, the resilient Founder and CEO of Moto Nation, transformed a personal challenge into a thriving business. In 2016, as an Uber driver, he observed the absence of child car seats in taxis and car services, leaving parents in a vulnerable position. Recognizing the gap in the market left by Uber and Lyft, Nelson developed a mobile app to offer a convenient and safe solution for parents traveling with small children, particularly to and from airports.https://www.linkedin.com/in/nelsonnigel/https://kidmoto.taxi/Episode Highlights (Chapters)00:00 – Intro and Nelson’s journey03:00 – Spotting the market gap for Kidmoto05:00 – Bootstrapping vs. fundraising: The decision08:00 – Creating a 400-page business plan11:00 – Product-market fit from real-world taxi insights14:00 – Competing with Uber and Lyft? “I run my race”17:00 – Scaling to 64 cities and $1M+ in revenue20:00 – How Nelson would approach investors today22:00 – Leadership philosophy and culture at Kidmoto26:00 – Staying grounded through adversity28:00 – What’s next: MotoNation and healthcare logistics31:00 – Kidmoto’s use of AI and future outlook33:00 – Final thoughts and Nelson’s advice for founders

In this episode of The CTO Show with Mehmet, we’re joined by John Carse, Field CISO at SquareX, to explore a fast-emerging shift in cybersecurity: the browser as the new endpoint. John shares why traditional tools like EDR and CASB are no longer sufficient, how modern threats are bypassing enterprise defenses, and what CISOs need to prioritize in a SaaS-first, GenAI-driven world.With decades of leadership across Dyson, Rakuten, Expedia, and the U.S. Navy, John brings both a practitioner’s lens and a future-forward vision to security.💡 What You’ll Learn • Why the browser is now the most targeted endpoint • How unsanctioned SaaS apps increase attack surface • The growing importance of browser-based detection and response • Where AI is accelerating both attackers and defenders • Practical advice for CISOs prioritizing browser security today⸻🔑 Key Takeaways • Over 60% of cyberattacks now begin in the browser. • Legacy tools like EDR, CASB, and DLP often miss context at the browser layer. • Browser extensions can now enforce enterprise-grade policies with minimal user friction. • AI is a dual-edged sword—accelerating threats but also helping defenders respond faster. • SquareX helps convert any browser into a secure enterprise environment with deep visibility, policy control, and threat mitigation.👤 About the GuestJohn Carse is Field CISO at SquareX, a browser security company redefining how enterprises protect their workforce. He previously served as Global CISO at Dyson and Rakuten, and led security operations at JP Morgan Chase and Expedia. John blends deep hands-on expertise with strategic insight into emerging threat landscapes and CISO priorities.https://www.linkedin.com/in/johncarse/https://www.securityweek.com/industry-moves/feb-24-2025/https://sqrx.com/Episode Highlights[00:03:00] – What is a Field CISO and John’s role[00:06:00] – Why the browser has quietly become the new endpoint[00:10:00] – How detection and response works inside the browser[00:18:00] – The real threats: browser-based social engineering, sync jacking, and polymorphic extensions[00:24:00] – Why EDR and SASE tools are not enough[00:32:00] – Balancing security and user experience in browser-based defense[00:40:00] – What excites John about the future of browser security and GenAI

In this episode, Mehmet sits down with Jan van Schuppen, a seasoned sales entrepreneur and founder of Ideas in Spades, who has led global B2B sales teams for over 30 years. They explore the biggest myths in go-to-market (GTM) strategy, the traps of founder-led content, how to balance automation with authenticity, and why selling before building is often the smartest startup move.Whether you’re a founder looking for early traction or a tech leader rethinking your sales stack in the age of AI, this conversation cuts through the noise and delivers timeless, actionable GTM wisdom.🧩 Key Takeaways: • Why “sell first, build later” works in B2B SaaS • The founder-as-content-creator myth—and what to do instead • How AI tools and digital avatars can boost outreach and sales trust • Why startups need fewer followers—and more qualified conversations • How to train sales teams to blend automation with authenticity • The future of sales in an AI-driven market (from both seller and buyer sides)⸻🎓 What You’ll Learn: • How to map out your GTM motion before product is finished • Ways to convert your network into test users and early buyers • How to avoid “spray-and-pray” tactics that waste founder time • The 5/95 method for using AI in sales without losing your voice • How to create trust-based outreach without overthinking algorithms👤 About the Guest:Jan van Schuppen is a sales strategist and founder of Ideas in Spades. After exiting his last company, Jan began helping founders accelerate their path to revenue through hands-on coaching and AI-powered digital sales solutions—including avatar-based training. He also partners with leading AI video platform HeyGen as a creative and enterprise sales advisor.https://www.linkedin.com/in/janvanschuppen/https://ideasinspades.com/🔍 Episode Highlights:[00:02:00] – What it means to be a “sales entrepreneur”[00:04:00] – The one sales principle that never changes[00:08:00] – How Jan coaches founders to unlock early revenue[00:10:00] – Why founders don’t need to be content creators—but must be visible[00:17:00] – The power of founder-led pilots and early feedback loops[00:21:00] – AI outreach vs. authenticity: Jan’s 5/95 framework[00:26:00] – Using digital avatars in sales follow-ups and proposals[00:31:00] – How to build an audience without chasing algorithms[00:36:00] – What AI means for future sales teams—and how to stay relevant

In this episode of The CTO Show with Mehmet, we’re joined by Ali Hafizji, founder of the product development agency Wednesday, for a candid look into one of the most overlooked phases in startup growth: the dangerous gap between MVP and Product-Market Fit (PMF).We explore why many startups lose momentum after MVP, how to avoid premature scaling, the role of AI in early-stage execution, and what it really takes to survive the chaos between MVP and PMF.💡 Key Takeaways • Why the MVP is just a milestone, not the finish line • The most common traps founders fall into post-MVP • How to measure the right metrics instead of vanity ones • The importance of distribution, sales, and customer conversations • When and how to outsource technical work without losing control • Why being an AI-native founder or team is now a startup superpower • The real difference between a programmer and a product engineer⸻📚 What You’ll Learn • How to shift your mindset and role after shipping an MVP • The dangers of scaling too early or hiring too fast • How AI changes the game for early-stage teams and solo founders • Whether non-technical founders still need CTOs in the age of AI • How to evaluate and collaborate with outsourcing partners effectively👤 About the GuestAli Hafizji is a veteran entrepreneur, engineer-turned-marketer, and founder of Wednesday, a product development agency helping startups go from MVP to scalable products. At Wednesday Solutions, he leads a team that has collaborated with over 10% of India’s unicorn companies, delivering solutions that have meaningfully contributed to their growth.With deep insights from working across multiple startups, Ali brings sharp clarity to common mistakes, smart iterations, and team-building in early-stage ventures.http://wednesday.is/http://tuesday.is/https://www.linkedin.com/in/alihafizji/ Episode Highlights00:00 – Intro and Ali’s background03:00 – Why MVP is just the beginning05:00 – The real job of a founder after MVP06:30 – What is “The Dangerous Gap”?08:00 – Why vanity metrics lead startups astray11:00 – Premature scaling: the #1 killer14:30 – What great early-stage teams focus on17:00 – How AI can help founders post-MVP20:00 – Product engineer vs. programmer25:00 – Outsourcing: best practices and warning signs30:00 – Do you need a fractional CTO?33:00 – Final thoughts and how to connect with Ali

Jeremy Sirota, CEO of Merlin and advocate for indie artists, joins to discuss the future of music licensing. He reveals how technology and AI are transforming opportunities for independent musicians, ensuring they have a fair chance in the digital landscape. The conversation highlights Merlin’s innovative tools, like 'Merlin Bridge,' that simplify licensing for startups. Jeremy shares insights on navigating AI's impact on music and offers valuable lessons for tech leaders in creative industries. His journey from law to music illustrates the power of serendipity.

In this episode of The CTO Show with Mehmet, we dive deep into what it really takes to implement AI that works—not just experiments, but systems that scale. Joining us is Matt Leta, founder & CEO of Future Works, an AI-native company built alongside generative AI as his co-founder.🔑 Key Takeaways • AI alone isn’t enough—without workflow integration and people buy-in, the tech fails. • 20% of teams may never adapt to AI, and that has structural consequences. • Digital transformation 3.0 is here: from networks to intelligence. • Executive blind spots often derail AI success more than tech limitations. • Vibe coding is real—and it’s reshaping how products get built.⸻📚 What You’ll Learn • How to go beyond tools like ChatGPT and achieve organization-wide ROI • Why “AI-first” is a mindset, not a label • The future of billion-dollar companies with minimal teams • Lessons from Matt’s journey—from artist to startup exit to AI-native builder👤 About the GuestMatt Leta is a serial entrepreneur, technologist, and the founder of Future Works, a company born from an experiment: what if AI could co-create a business from scratch?Formerly a digital product studio founder, Matt has worked with top-tier Silicon Valley companies including Apple, Google, and JLL among 150+ organizations, built multiple ventures, and authored the book “100x: An Executive Brief for AI-Driven Business Results.” He’s also the creator of the viral HustleGPT experiment and a vocal advocate for building truly AI-first organizations.https://www.linkedin.com/in/matleta/https://future.works/https://www.amazon.com/100x-Executive-AI-Driven-Business-Results-ebook/dp/B0DZHQFCV4/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1447UD5KAL1RZ&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.oYi5C4pp0ELD6xmW0R8QjWICgAlDBWJOKH6JsbGSj6mdDn_yFdDr7SOGNkVLJRcxV-_dpJxGb2ya8bUCZP9J_whgn7AUhYm_Vfzr_3NhbTs.gzpYqf3AVAAFG1fqdK9zHLhfWkn9A7U8zMrPDHo1Ra0&dib_tag=se&keywords=matt+leta&qid=1743434813&sprefix=matt+%2Caps%2C1036&sr=8-1Episode Highlights & Timestamps • [00:01:00] Matt Leta’s journey from artist to AI-native entrepreneur • [00:05:30] Can AI really co-found a company? Lessons from HustleGPT • [00:08:00] Why most companies fail at AI implementation • [00:13:45] Automation vs. Intelligence: what leaders often confuse • [00:17:00] Internal resistance: why some teams never adopt AI • [00:21:00] Digital transformation isn’t new—this is just the next wave • [00:27:00] “100x” thinking and the rise of the augmented team • [00:34:00] Vibe coding, solo founders, and the $1B company of one • [00:43:00] Are today’s AI models smarter—or just shinier? • [00:50:00] Why adaptability beats prediction when building with AI

In this thought-provoking episode of The CTO Show with Mehmet, we welcome Sam Sammane, physicist, serial entrepreneur, and author of The Singularity of Hope. With a background in nanotechnology, life sciences, and AI, Sam offers a rare mix of technical depth and philosophical insight.Together, we explore how AI is reshaping business, creativity, and even our understanding of intelligence—and why the future belongs to those who amplify human potential, not replace it.🧠 What You’ll Learn • Why most people misunderstand AI (and how to explain it better) • What makes real intelligence—including love, intuition, and soul—impossible to replicate • How startups can build defensible models in a world of fast replication • When AI amplifies human creativity vs. when it distracts from it • Why specialization (not general AI) is where business value lives⸻🔑 Key Takeaways • Generative AI is powerful but not conscious—it’s automation on steroids, not artificial general intelligence. • Startups need a human or physical component to stay defensible in the AI era. • Human augmentation is the next frontier: using AI to elevate—not replace—intuition, judgment, and wisdom. • Be cautious with AI hallucinations and over-automation without human-in-the-loop control.👤 About the GuestSam Sammane is a bestselling author, PhD in nanotechnology, and founder of multiple ventures across life sciences, AI, and public relations. His book The Singularity of Hope explores humanity’s path through the age of AI. He is also the author of the novel The Republic of Mars.Sam brings a deeply humanistic lens to emerging technologies, blending scientific rigor with bold visions of the future.https://www.sammane.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/sam-sammane-ba192720/Episode Highlights & Timestamps00:00 – Intro & Sam’s multidisciplinary background02:45 – From nanotech and life science to AI startups06:10 – What people get wrong about AI and intelligence12:30 – The emotional layer: love, empathy, and human learning16:40 – The myth of AGI and why it’s still far away22:00 – AI vs. quantum intelligence: where we are and aren’t25:45 – Real-world use cases that excite Sam today29:50 – AI as a “super assistant,” not a cofounder32:10 – Why intuition still beats perfect data36:30 – Hallucinations, shortcuts, and human laziness42:10 – Big tech manipulation and algorithmic ethics45:00 – Advice for founders in the age of commoditized tech50:00 – Why physical innovation is your startup moat52:00 – Where to find Sam + upcoming speaking in Dubai53:00 – Closing thoughts & tease for Part 2 on The Republic of Mars

In this episode, Mehmet is joined by Josh Dorfman, CEO of Supercool and host of the Supercool podcast. Josh is a serial sustainability entrepreneur, former investor, and media trailblazer with two decades of experience scaling climate-focused ventures. From founding The Lazy Environmentalist to helping build a company that landed a 10M panel deal with D.R. Horton, Josh shares why storytelling—not tech specs—is what drives results in climate tech today.📌 Key Takeaways: • Why outcomes matter more than tech or climate talk when selling to real-world customers. • The single biggest communication mistake climate founders make—and how to fix it. • Why corporate partnerships (like D.R. Horton or Amazon) are crucial for GTM in climate tech. • The role of personal branding in breaking through a crowded tech market. • Why investors are leaning into climate tech for business reasons, not just impact.⸻🎓 What You’ll Learn: • How to pitch climate solutions to skeptics using outcomes, not moral appeals. • Strategic GTM lessons from real deals in building materials, mobility, and AI-powered HVAC. • How Josh used media to amplify early-stage ventures (and how founders can do the same). • What LPs are really looking for in the climate investment space.About Josh Dorfman:Josh Dorfman is the founder of Supercool, a media company focused on real-world, proven climate solutions. With previous roles as a VC, tech startup founder, and national radio host, Josh blends operational insight with a media-savvy approach to helping climate founders scale. He is best known for his earlier work as The Lazy Environmentalist on Sirius Radio and Sundance Channel.Josh is a driving force in sustainable innovation, creating companies that blend cutting-edge technology with a positive environmental impact. As co-founder and CEO of Plantd, Josh spearheaded efforts to produce carbon-negative building materials, earning accolades such as Fast Company's World's Most Innovative Companies. Much like your guest, John, Josh has a way of intertwining sustainability with savvy business practices.https://www.linkedin.com/in/dorfmanjosh/https://getsuper.cool/https://www.plantdmaterials.com/Episode Highlights:[00:03:00] Josh’s China moment that triggered a climate awakening[00:08:00] Why talking about AI or climate turns off most customers[00:16:00] What drag racers taught Josh about emotional storytelling[00:24:00] From prototype to 10M panel order: Scaling a new material with D.R. Horton[00:31:00] The myth that only young people will solve climate change[00:43:00] GTM tactics: Changing the RFP instead of chasing it[00:47:00] Why founders must invest in their personal brand[00:51:00] Josh’s ideal investment: turning carbon removal into durable products

In this episode, Mehmet sits down with Anya Cheng, the founder and CEO of Taelor, a fashion-tech startup revolutionizing how busy men dress—without shopping or doing laundry. With past leadership roles at Meta, eBay, and McDonald’s, Anya brings a unique product mindset and startup resilience that shines through her journey from MVP to raising millions.This is a masterclass in product thinking, perseverance, and staying focused—even when things get scrappy.🔑 Key Takeaways • Start with real customer pain, not tech buzzwords • Use product intuition and lean MVPs to validate ideas • Why storytelling and empathy beat sales tactics in fundraising • Fundraising is less about pitching, more about training champions • Deep customer insight is your competitive moat🎧 What You’ll Learn • How Anya applied agile principles to build Taelor from a landing page • The truth about launching AI products in fashion • Lessons from her time at Meta, eBay, and Target • How to approach investors with authenticity and relevance • Why female founders and minority-led teams should lean into their strengths👤 About the GuestAnya Cheng is a serial builder and product leader turned founder. As a Mentor at '500 Startups' and ex-product leader at McDonald, eBay and Facebook, she has been listed in 'Girls Tech 40 Under 40' and founded a sustainable men clothing rental platform- Taelor (currently doing $1.5m in revenue).She’s also a TEDx speaker and a mentor at 500 Startups.At Taelor, she’s building “Netflix for menswear,” using AI to deliver rental clothing for men who want to look great without effort.Use code PODCAST25 for 25% off your first month!https://www.linkedin.com/in/anyacheng/https://taelor.style/🧭 Episode Highlights00:02 – Anya’s background and the aha moment behind Taelor00:07 – Early MVP experiments and Taelor’s first 100 customers00:12 – GTM lessons from Meta, eBay, and Target00:15 – Knowing when to follow data—and when not to00:18 – Building a product team with complementary pieces00:22 – What Anya looks for in startup founders as a 500 Startups mentor00:26 – Fundraising stories and mindset reframes00:34 – Solving for a focused use case instead of chasing features00:39 – Her perspective on being a female founder in tech00:42 – TEDx behind the scenes and tips for pushing through hardship00:47 – Mehmet’s reflections on podcasting, persistence, and building in public

Episode OverviewIn this episode of The CTO Show with Mehmet, Andy Cwik—co-founder and CEO of Hubub—shares his lessons from three startups, including the painful failures and meaningful wins. From crashing his first startup to exiting a telehealth company, Andy now leads Hubub, a SaaS platform that automates client entertainment for B2B teams.He opens up about what truly makes a startup successful (hint: it’s not the idea), how AI fits into real business workflows, why network effects matter more than ever, and how he’s using his time to mentor founders and advocate for mental health reform through a personal documentary project.💡 Key Takeaways • Execution outweighs the idea: Why founders often get stuck at ideation. • Building defensibility through network effects and switching costs. • How to pitch enterprise tools to decision-makers, not just users. • Why most AI startups are chasing buzzwords—and what actually works. • The evolution of startup ecosystems beyond Silicon Valley. • A rare look into Andy’s advocacy for mental health reform in the justice system.🎧 What You’ll Learn • The origin story behind Hubub and its 13-year evolution • How to move from “paper napkin” idea to product with traction • Strategic use cases of AI in early-stage SaaS • How to validate pain points and avoid marketplace traps • Navigating risk aversion in startup hubs like Chicago • Why some founders should take the exit—and why others shouldn’t👤 About the GuestAndy Cwik is a seasoned entrepreneur and AI thought leader with a track record of building innovative businesses. As the Co-Founder and CEO of hubub, he is redefining business client entertainment through AI-driven digital concierge services, automating logistics from reservations to expense reporting. With over a decade of experience in tech-driven ventures, Andy has successfully founded and exited multiple companies, including a telehealth startup with peak annual revenues of $25 million and a data encryption firm.Beyond hubub, Andy is a key figure in Chicago’s startup ecosystem, serving in leadership roles for the Founders Institute and Founders Network, where he mentors emerging entrepreneurs. He has raised over $5 million across his ventures and has spoken at leading AI and business events, including GenAI Collective and the Union League of Chicago Business Leaders Group. Passionate about AI’s capabilities and limitations, Andy brings unique insights into the evolving landscape of technology, work, and automation. His thought leadership challenges mainstream AI narratives, advocating for a balanced perspective on its future impact.https://www.linkedin.com/in/andy-cwikhttps://hubub.me/Episode Highlights & Timestamps00:01 – Andy’s startup journey: 3 ventures and one painful failure04:00 – The aha moment that led to Hubub08:00 – Why expense reporting is the hidden pain point no one talks about10:30 – Building a two-sided marketplace with smart API integrations13:00 – What startup founders get wrong about AI17:30 – Network effects and why Groupon failed23:00 – Defensibility: Your real moat in a world of clones28:00 – How AI is reshaping VC workflows (and deal sourcing)32:00 – Chicago vs. Silicon Valley: What founders should know40:00 – When to exit and when to stay the course47:00 – Andy’s work on a documentary about mental health and the justice system