Best Startups.com Podcasts (2024)

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Episode 76: Kelly Kinnard - Operating Partner & Head of Talent at Khosla Ventures - Building Winning Startup Teams 27:15

2d ago27:15

27:15

In this episode, we catch up with Kelly Kinnard, Operating Partner and Head of Talent at Khosla Ventures, one of the absolute top venture capital firms in the world. Headquartered in Menlo Park, Calif., Khosla Ventures was founded by Vinod Khosla, co-founder of Sun Microsystems and twenty-year veteran of Kleiner Perkins. They have $19B in AUM, 100+…

1
Investors will be Obsolete, The End of Venture Capital 47:10

5d ago47:10

47:10

In this episode, we discuss the potential obsolescence of venture capital due to advancements in AI technology. We explore how reduced startup costs and increased efficiency might reshape the future of funding in the startup ecosystem. Sign up for the Startups Newsletter https://www.startups.com/newsletter Resources: Startup Therapy Podcast https:/…

1
Episode 75: Robert Jackle - Partner at Visionaries Club - Bringing Together 30 Unicorn Founders To Back Future Leaders 37:29

9d ago37:29

37:29

In this episode, we catch up with Robert Jackle, Partner at Visionaries Club, a leading European early stage VC fund with offices in London and Berlin backed by Europe's most successful digital founders and family business entrepreneurs. Visionaries Club's founders and operators are behind companies such as UiPath, Miro, Flixbus, Mollie, Spotify, P…

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Travis Hedge - Co-founder and CRO of Vouch: Startup Secrets - Conquering Adversity and Mastering Product-Market Fit 32:58

10d ago32:58

32:58

Travis is the Co-founder and CRO of Vouch. Vouch is the insurance company for the technology industry. Since 2019, Vouch has underwritten billions in risk on behalf of over 4,000 clients, backed by A-rated reinsurers and $165M from Ribbit, YC, Redpoint, and others. Previously, he helped Nationwide Insurance launch Nationwide Ventures before joining…

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Why is a Founder so HARD to replace? 38:16

12d ago38:16

38:16

The Irreplaceable Founder. Ryan Rutan and Will Schroter discuss the irreplaceable role of founders in startups. They explore why removing a founder often leads to failure, the unique value and vision founders bring, and the difference between operational tasks and the founder's core contributions. Sign up for the Startups Newsletter https://www.sta…

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Episode 74: Andreas Loy - Co-Founder & CEO of KONUX - Building Sustainable Future Through Compassionate Leadership 28:24

16d ago28:24

28:24

In this episode we catch up with Andreas Loy, Co-Founder and CEO of KONUX. Before Andreas turned 30 Andreas created more than €500m in shareholder value, more than hundred jobs, and built an outstanding team to create a transformative digital leader for sustainable impact - KONUX. KONUX is a leading German AI scale-up, transforming railway operatio…

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Justin Ihnken - CEO & Co-Founder of Enorra_: Overcoming Criticism, Building Networks, and Being Resourceful 44:29

17d ago44:29

44:29

Justin Ihnken is the Co-Founder and CEO of Enorra_. Enorra_ is revolutionizing finance by developing SaaS tools that eliminate complexity and accelerate data-driven decisions using machine learning and AI. Their mission is to enhance competitiveness in financial trade, focusing on data analytics, marketplace solutions, and ESG banking. Prior to Co-…

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We Can't Grow by Saying "No" 35:06

19d ago35:06

35:06

In this episode of the Startup Therapy Podcast, Ryan Rutan (CMO at Startups.com) and Wil Schroter (CEO at Startups.com) discuss the importance of saying yes to growth opportunities that startups have not previously tried. They emphasize that startups thrive by committing to new challenges, even if the path isn't immediately clear, and how this will…

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Ali Schwanke - Founder & CEO at Simple Strat: Leveraging YouTube for B2B Growth, Harmonizing Sales and Marketing, and Cutting Through the White Noise of the Marketplace 43:20

24d ago43:20

43:20

Ali Schwanke is the Founder and CEO of Simple Strat. Simple Strat is a marketing and sales firm that helps you get more out of HubSpot. From CRM strategy and setup to marketing automation and content creation, their services are tailored to fuel customer acquisition and retention. Simple Strat is also a HubSpot Diamond Solutions Partner and the hos…

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Episode 73: Sabina Wizander - Partner at Creandum: Creandum VII - €500M Fund To Back Europe's Winners 33:14

23d ago33:14

33:14

In this episode, we catch up with Sabina Wizander, Partner at Creandum, one of the most successful venture capital funds in Europe, backing some of Europe’s greatest tech companies including Spotify, iZettle, Depop, Klarna, Bolt, KRY, Epidemic Sound and Small Giant Games. Creandum recently rolled out an oversubscribed €500 million fund, the Creandu…

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This is WHY More Money Means MORE Problems 31:01

26d ago31:01

31:01

Why sometimes, less is more? Ryan Rutan and Will Schroeder discuss the misconception that reaching revenue milestones in startups will solve all problems. Explore how each milestone brings new challenges, why growing liabilities can be riskier than anticipated and the importance of balancing growth with stability. Sign up for the Startups Newslette…

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Episode 72: Hugo Amsellem - Co-Founder and GP of Intuition: Backing Founders Building For Millions Of People 31:39

1M ago31:39

31:39

In this episode, we catch up with Hugo Amsellem, Co-Founder and General Partner of Intuition. Intuition is a new €15M early-stage fund backing founders focused on Consumer & Culture across the US and Europe with one of the coolest Manifestos and approach to investing in the Venture Capital space. Hugo discusses his journey from helping artists beco…

1
Wil Schroter - Founder & CEO of Startups.com: From Service Business to Product Business, Embracing Opportunities, and Managing Health 47:38

1M ago47:38

47:38

Wil Schroter is the founder and CEO of Startups.com, the world's largest startup platform. They help over one million startup companies find customers, funding, mentors, and world-class education. Before founding Startups.com, Wil founded multiple successful startups like Swapalease.com and Fundable.com. He also founded Blue Diesel at the age of 19…

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Committees are Where Progress Goes to Die 29:28

1M ago29:28

29:28

In this episode of the Startup Therapy Podcast, we discuss the inefficiencies and dangers of making decisions by committee. Why committees often fail and why founders should avoid relying on them for critical decisions. Tune in to learn why decisive, individual leadership is key to startup success. Sign up for the Startups Newsletter https://www.st…

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Episode 71: Dirk Hoerig - Co-Founder and CEO of Commercetools: Reimagine Digital Commerce Starting Now 34:51

1M ago34:51

34:51

In this episode we're catching up with Dirk Hoerig, the Co-Founder and CEO of commercetools. commercetools is empowering some of the world's biggest brands like Audi, Sephora, and NBCUniversal to revolutionize their digital commerce experiences. They have raised $140 million in funding at a $1.9 billion valuation at the end of 2021 led by Accel and…

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Andy Jenks - General Partner at Drive Capital: Bootstrapping vs. Raising Capital, Mission-Driven Startups, and the Silicon Valley Journey 37:12

1M ago37:12

37:12

Andy Jenks is a General Partner at Drive Capital, a Columbus-based venture capital firm focused on investing in world-class technology companies outside of Silicon Valley. Before Drive, Andy was a 3-time founder at Formation Data Systems, Discovery Mining, and Infinite Research. Both Discovery Mining and Infinite Research were successfully acquired…

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Giving Up Equity? Press Pause First 37:54

1M ago37:54

37:54

In this episode of the Startup Therapy Podcast, we talk about equity distribution in startups. Explore the psychological traps of seeking validation, the dangers of making hasty decisions when most vulnerable, and offer practical advice on how to navigate these challenges. Tune in to learn why patience and cautious decision-making are key to safegu…

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Episode 70: Renaud Visage - Co-Founder of Eventbrite & Founding Partner at Slate: We Back Future Climate Tech Leaders 26:37

1M ago26:37

26:37

In this episode, Renaud Visage, Co-founder and ex-CTO of Eventbrite and Founding Partner at Slate Venture Capital, shares his experiences in scaling the platform and navigating challenges. He discusses the transition to climate tech investing and the promising developments in the field. Renaud also shares lessons learned from angel investing and hi…

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Matthew Achak - Co-Founder of FCR: Coin Flips, Choosing the Right Business Partner, and Employee Retention 34:11

1M ago34:11

34:11

Matthew Achak is the Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Non-Linear Venture Partners, where he consults and invests in early-stage start-ups. Prior to Non-Linear Venture Partners, Matt Co-Founded FCR, the leading provider of outsourced live agent support services for tech companies. FCR was acquired by TTEC in 2019. In this episode, you’ll learn: Th…

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Why Do 99% of Founders Suck at Asking for Help? 29:42

2M ago29:42

29:42

In this insightful episode of the Startup Therapy Podcast, Ryan Rutan and Wil Schroter discuss the importance of asking questions as a startup founder.Why founders often hesitate to seek advice, the untapped wealth of knowledge available? You will find tips on how to develop the muscle for asking the right questions — founders do not need to reinve…

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Episode 69: Shirley Romig - Chief Accelerator Investment Officer at Techstars: Investing in Amazing Unstoppable Founders 25:27

2M ago25:27

25:27

In this episode, Shirley Romig, Chief Accelerator Investment Officer at Techstars, discusses the future of accelerator programs and the importance of ecosystem development. She highlights the need to tap into talent globally and create partnerships that fuel growth for Techstars' portfolio companies. Shirley also shares valuable lessons she has lea…

1
Ayden Syal - Founder & CEO at MOGL: NIL Dynamics, Startup Scaling, and Influencer Impact 41:38

2M ago41:38

41:38

Ayden Syal is the Co-Founder and CEO of MOGL, a leading athlete influencer marketplace and NIL software provider that streamlines partnerships between brands and athlete influencers. Prior to starting MOGL, Ayden worked at Morgan Stanley, Lexington Partners, and IHS Markit (now S&P Global). Ayden has been named to the Sports Business Journal New Vo…

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The Value of Actually Getting Paid (Avoid This Big Danger) 34:28

2M ago34:28

34:28

In this episode of the Startup Therapy Podcast, Ryan Rutan and Wil Schroter, discuss the misconception that startup founders are incredibly wealthy on paper, while in reality, many struggle with personal financial stability. See the importance of paying yourself regularly, even when building a high-potential startup. Consistently getting paid, no m…

1
Episode 68: Alex Berriche - Co-Founder & CEO of Fleet and Sequoia Capital Scout: Lessons Learned From 100 Angel Deals 24:08

2M ago24:08

24:08

In this episode, Alex Berriche, Sequoia Capital Scout and the Co-founder and CEO of Fleet, a French B2B startup focused on simplifying equipment management for startups and SMBs, shares lessons learned from over 100 angel investments. He also discusses the idea behind Fleet and the challenges of IT equipment management. Alex shares his transition f…

1
Tim Robinson - CEO of AgencyBloc: Private Equity Transformations, Integrating Acquisitions, and Managing a Leadership Team 36:49

2M ago36:49

36:49

Tim Robinson is the CEO of AgencyBloc. AgencyBloc is the leading Insurance Industry Growth Platform serving the health, benefits, and senior insurance space. Prior to AgencyBloc, Tim was the COO of WorkWave, COO of FMG Suite, and COO of Cii. All of those companies are private equity portfolio companies. In this episode, you’ll learn: How to conduct…

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Will Investors Bail Me Out? Brutal Truth About Startup Investments 31:29

2M ago31:29

31:29

In this episode of the Startup Therapy Podcast, hosts Ryan Rutan and Wil Schroter talk about sacrifices founders make — accumulating debt and foregone salaries, with the expectation of being reimbursed. They discuss how founders commonly believe that future investments will pay back their personal financial commitments. They emphasize that the only…

1
Rick Fox - CRO of Brightway: Leading Leaders, Setting Expectations, and Creating a Performance Culture 37:26

2M ago37:26

37:26

Rick Fox is the Chief Revenue Officer of Brightway Insurance. Brightway is one of the largest insurance distribution companies in the U.S., with over 300 franchises in 32 states. Prior to joining Brightway, Rick was the Head of Agency Sales at Vertafore, a leading insurance software company, and previously served as the President of Agency Revoluti…

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Is the problem the Player or the Coach? Team Building Hacks 35:10

2M ago35:10

35:10

In this episode of the Startup Therapy Podcast, hosts Ryan Rutan and Wil Schroter delve into evaluating startup team and management performance. Find out the importance of constant evaluation, highlighting the significance of both recognizing the need for improvement and taking actionable steps towards building a higher quality team. Sign up for th…

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Episode 67: Johannes Siebers - Co-Founder & CEO of Holidu: Find Your Holiday Happiness 27:44

2M ago27:44

27:44

In this episode, Johannes Siebers, Co-Founder and CEO of Holidu, shares the founding story and growth of the travel tech company. He discusses the challenges faced during the COVID-19 pandemic and the importance of building a strong team and culture. Johannes also highlights the company's focus on sustainability and supporting local communities. He…

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Will Zell - Co-Founder and Executive Chair of AssetWatch: Charting Entrepreneurial Waters, Designing Your Life, and Shareholder Thinking 40:03

2M ago40:03

40:03

Will Zell is the co-founder and Executive Chair of AssetWatch, founder of Vessel, and founding partner of the Ohio Angel Collective. Will has been building and investing in companies since 2006, focusing on venture capital and technology startups since 2012. In this episode, you’ll learn: How to design your life How to navigate the entrepreneurial …

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Do people really want me to succeed? Founders vs World 37:14

3M ago37:14

37:14

In this episode of the Startup Therapy Podcast, hosts Ryan Rutan and Wil Schroter explore the harsh reality of seeking support as a founder. Surprising, limited number of people who genuinely want to see a founder succeed. You will hear about receiving superficial praise, the impact of social media on perception, and the psychological reasons behin…

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Episode 66: Tim Schumacher - General Partner at World Fund: Decarbonizing The Global Economy 22:19

3M ago22:19

22:19

In this episode, Tim Schumacher, General Partner at World Fund, an impact investor and entrepreneur, discusses his journey as an entrepreneur and the challenges of being a founder. He shares the remarkable story of Ecosia, the largest independent European search engine that uses its profits to plant trees. Tim also introduces the World Fund, a vent…

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Matt Wyckhouse - Founder & CEO of Finite State: Building Resilience, Stripping Away Ego, and Cultivating a Feedback-Rich Culture 37:20

3M ago37:20

37:20

Matt Wyckhouse is the Founder and CEO of Finite State. Finite State is the leading provider of software risk management solutions for connected devices and software supply chains. Prior to Finite State, Matt was the founder and CTO of Battelle’s Cyber Innovations Business Unit, where he oversaw dozens of intelligence and national security Programs.…

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You only THINK you work HARD — The Hard Work Illusion 31:38

3M ago31:38

31:38

In this episode of the Startup Therapy podcast, hosts Ryan Rutan and Wil Schroter talk about the common misconception around 'working hard' within startups. They question the measurement of hard work, arguing that effort does not necessarily equate to progress or beneficial outcomes. The need for clear benchmarks within organizations to truly rewar…

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Episode 65: Janneke Niessen - Co-Founder of CapitalT: Inspiring The Next Generation Of Women In Technology 30:04

3M ago30:04

30:04

In this episode, Janneke Niessen, a serial entrepreneur and Co-Founder of CapitalT, discusses her journey as an entrepreneur and the transition to becoming an investor. She shares crazy moments from her entrepreneurial career and highlights the importance of team evaluation using proprietary technology. Janneke also talks about her involvement in I…

1
Grace Nikae - Founder of Kizuna: Career Changes, Zooming Out, and Branding 40:54

3M ago40:54

40:54

Grace Nikae is the Founder of Kizuna, a company that helps high-performing startups, subject matter experts, and thought leaders elevate their brand and content strategies across digital platforms. Before founding Kizuna, Grace was an international concert pianist, educator, and fiction author. In this episode, you’ll learn: The power of community …

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SMALL is the New Big - Embracing Efficiency in the Age of AI 38:59

3M ago38:59

38:59

In this episode of the Startup Therapy Podcast, hosts Ryan Rutan and Wil Schroter discuss the evolution of startups from the emphasis on scaling and headcount to prioritizing efficiency and output, largely due to advancements in AI. The challenges of the past, such as massive payrolls, investor dependency, and expensive infrastructures highlighting…

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Episode 64: Helene Huby - Co-Founder & CEO of The Exploration Company: What's The Future Of Space Exploration 29:41

3M ago29:41

29:41

In this episode, Helene Huby, co-founder and CEO of The Exploration Company, shares her journey in space exploration and entrepreneurship. She discusses the vision for space exploration, the transition from Airbus to entrepreneurship, nurturing innovation in large corporations vs startups, her involvement in Urania Ventures and the Microbiome Found…

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Tarek El Gammal-Ortiz - Founder & CEO of Cuddles: Leveling Up, Mastery, and Managing Concentration Risk 42:21

3M ago42:21

42:21

Tarek is the Founder and CEO of Cuddles, a cloud-based business management platform that is modernizing the pet industry. Before Cuddles, Tarek was the CEO of HealthySmiles Pet Dental, President of FetchMyVet, and Co-Founder of WashMyWhip. In this episode, you’ll learn: How to create a feedback culture The dangers of concentration risk How to evalu…

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Episode 63: Joaquim Lecha - CEO of Typeform: Creating World Class User Experience 37:29

3M ago37:29

37:29

In this episode, Joaquim Lecha, CEO of Typeform, talks about the company's mission to make online interactions more human and shares insights into their innovative approach to collecting zero party data. He also highlights the launch of Formless, an AI-powered form builder, and the future of digital interaction. Kim emphasizes the importance of tho…

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Alex Levin - Co-Founder & CEO of Regal: Accelerating Early SaaS Sales, Transitioning Out of Founder Sales, and Hiring Your First Sales Leader 49:14

3M ago49:14

49:14

Alex Levin is the Co-Founder and CEO of Regal, a leading cloud contact center specializing in customer engagement. Having secured $42M in funding from Emergence Capital, Regal has attracted over 200 high-consideration consumer services and product companies, including AAA, Angie's List, and SoFi. Before Regal, Alex was the SVP of Growth at Handy, w…

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Episode 62: Guy Kawasaki - Chief Evangelist at Canva, Podcaster at Remarkable People Podcast, Author of Think Remarkable 32:12

4M ago32:12

32:12

On A Mission To Make People RemarkableIn this episode, Marcin interviews Guy Kawasaki, the Chief Evangelist of Canva, former Chief Evangelist of Apple, Podcaster at Remarkable People Podcast and Author of the book Think Remarkable. They discuss Guy's upbringing in Hawaii and how it shaped his approach to life and business. They also delve into the …

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Greg Kallman - Founder of FanAmp: Influencer Marketing, Community Building, and Idea Validation 47:38

4M ago47:38

47:38

Greg Kallman is the Founder of FanAmp, the community hub for all things Formula 1. FanAmp connects fans around the world with each other and their favorite motorsport creators, track guides, and daily news. Before launching FanAmp, Greg spent 12 years advising C-Suite executives and cross-functional teams in the US, Europe, and Asia at Boston Consu…

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Episode 61: Carmen Alfonso Rico - Founder & Angel Investor at Cocoa: How to Fundraise Like a PRO 42:15

4M ago42:15

42:15

In this episode, Carmen Alfonso Rico, Founder and Angel Investor at Cocoa, talks about her background and cultural influences, the story behind Cocoa and the chocolate making process, and the concept of in-house VC. Carmen also explains investment terms that she coined at Cocoa and shares her insights on fundraising. The episode concludes with a di…

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Alex Harris - Co-Founder of Fiat Growth and Fiat Ventures: Maximizing Partnerships, Adding Your Next Offering, and Evaluating Major Business Moves 41:09

4M ago41:09

41:09

Alex Harris is the co-founder of Fiat Growth, the Fintech market’s leading growth consultancy, and the co-founder and general partner of Fiat Ventures. Prior to founding Fiat Growth, Alex led Paid Growth and Partnerships at Chime, leading them from Series A to becoming a Unicorn at Series D. Chime is the largest neobank in the US with nearly 20M+ m…

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This is BOOTSTRAPPED - 3 Strategies to Build Your Startup Without Funding 53:24

4M ago53:24

53:24

In this episode of the startup therapy podcast, Ryan Rutan and Wil Schroter delve into bootstrapping a startup. They address common misconceptions about funding, emphasizing the importance of making do with what you have and prioritizing what's truly necessary for business growth. The conversation covers practical ways to manage expenses without ex…

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Episode 60: Jessica Holzbach - Founder & CEO of Pile: How to Balance Growth and Customer-Centricity 29:24

4M ago29:24

29:24

In this episode, Jessica Holzbach, CEO of Pile Capital, shares her journey as a serial FinTech entrepreneur and the challenges and successes she has experienced. She discusses her early signs of entrepreneurship, her transition to the FinTech industry, and her previous ventures. Jessica also talks about building Penta, a successful Neo bank, and th…

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Taylor Crane - Founder of Fractional Jobs: Pros and Cons of Taking Venture Capital, Bootstrapping vs. Taking Investment, and Cost-Effective Acquisition 51:42

4M ago51:42

51:42

Taylor Crane is the Founder of Fractional Jobs. Fractional Jobs is the job board for startups to reach and recruit fractional talent. These are part-time leaders embedded into startups to help them scale Before Fractional Jobs, Taylor founded Clubs Poker, which he started in 2020 and sold in 2023. In this episode, you’ll learn: How to turn a proble…

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Episode 59: Kurt Farrugia - CEO of Malta Enterprise: Malta - The Mediterranean Paradise For Startups | SPECIAL EDITION 22:06

4M ago22:06

22:06

In this episode, Kurt Farrugia, the CEO of Malta Enterprise, talks about the role of Malta Enterprise in driving economic development and supporting startups. He discusses the unique advantages and opportunities that Malta offers for entrepreneurs, as well as the efforts of Malta Enterprise to foster a culture of innovation. Kurt shares his vision …

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The Spectrum of Investor Advice 43:24

4M ago43:24

43:24

In this episode of the Startup Therapy Podcast, Ryan Rutan and Wil Schroter discuss the complexities of handling feedback from investors, emphasizing the critical need for founders to properly qualify and assess the advice they receive. They highlight the dangers of acting on feedback without considering its relevance, potential bias, and the inves…

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