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Episode Summary:

In this episode, Joan Westenberg interviews Lucy Lloyd, co-founder of Mentorloop, to delve into Lucy's entrepreneurial journey of building a successful startup. The conversation touches upon the inspiration behind founding Mentorloop, navigating the decision-making process around VC funding, and ultimately opting for a self-funded path. Lucy shares valuable insights on the challenges and pressures of VC funding, the importance of maintaining a strong relationship with investors, and the shift in focus towards building a sustainable business rather than solely aiming for an exit strategy.

Key themes discussed include the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on startup strategies, the significance of mentorship in the entrepreneurial journey, and the balance between running a startup and building a company. Lucy emphasises the value of seeking external validation, navigating funding options, and the need to ask for help and advice along the entrepreneurial path.

Key Takeaways:

• Founders should carefully evaluate the funding landscape and consider various options before deciding on VC funding.
• Building a business should prioritise authenticity and align with core values rather than solely aiming for an exit strategy.
• Seeking mentorship and advice from experienced founders can provide valuable insights and guidance.
• Maintaining a balance between growth and profitability is crucial in sustaining a startup over the long term.
• Embracing a lean and strategic approach can help startups thrive while navigating the challenges of building a sustainable business.

Notable Quotes:

• "VCs play a vital role in connecting founders and providing valuable insights based on market trends and industry patterns."
• "The beauty of content strategy lies in its ability to attract customers organically and maintain a strong online presence."
• "Authentic connections and human relationships are central to the success of mentoring platforms like Mentorloop."

Resources:

• Mentorloop Website

Day One:

Unfunded is a Day One show. Day One is the podcast network dedicated to founders, investors, and operators.

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Summary

In this episode, Cole Cornford chats with Matt Jones, co-founder of Elttam, an independent security boutique that provides security assessment services. On top of his role at Elttam, Matt is active in the infosec community in a variety of ways, including helping with BSides Canberra's call for papers and writing open-source tooling such as talkback.sh. Cole and Matt chat about the motivation behind founding Elttam, why Australia's infosec industry is lagging behind other parts of the world, the exploit development space, and plenty more.

Timestamps

2:00 - Matt's career background

7:00 - Matt's early challenges finding an opportunity in cybersecurity

11:00 - Why Matt chose to co-found Elttam

13:00 - Cole: Australia's infosec industry is immature compared to US

19:00 - The importance of specialisation

20:30 - Better to do 1 thing really well when bootstrapping

24:00 - Using the right approach for the right context

25:30 - Risks of using a bug bounty program

31:10 - Cole: the bar for pen testing reports should be much higher

37:10 - Training & education for infosec

39:00 - Cole: is infosec a cottage industry?

44:00 - Product vs service approach to cybersecurity

47:50 - Cole: I like looking at source code from 80s and 90s

49:00 - Rapid fire questions

Mentioned in this episode:

Call for Feedback

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Episode Summary:

In this episode of Fintechfun, host Chris Titley delves into Jeremy Hasting's journey from the food industry to the founding of Hutly, a fintech company revolutionising real estate transactions. From tackling the challenges of property management to implementing smart contracts for more efficient processes, Jeremy shares insights on navigating the dynamic landscape of the real estate market. The discussion also touches on Hutly's strategic partnerships and plans for future growth, including the integration of new technologies and services.

Key themes explored include the impact of COVID-19 on the real estate market, the role of Hutly in streamlining real estate transactions, and the intersection of prop-tech and fintech in driving innovation and efficiency in the industry.

Key Takeaways:

• Hutly's inception stemmed from Jeremy's personal experiences with property management challenges and a vision to provide safe and stable homes for all individuals.
• The company's shift towards smart contracts and web-based technology has enabled a more efficient and compliant approach to real estate transactions.
• Strategic partnerships, such as the collaboration with the Real Estate Institute of Victoria (REIV), have fueled Hutly's growth and success in the market.
• Hutly's expansion into new services like Hutly Pay showcases the company's commitment to addressing inefficiencies in real estate transactions and enhancing user experience.
• Jeremy's involvement in coaching AFL for Under Nines highlights his dedication to community engagement and fostering positive interactions beyond the business realm.

Notable Quotes:

1. "Everybody deserves a safe, stable, and certain home, no matter what their circumstances are." - Jeremy Hastings
2. "Hutly is more of a fintech company than a prop-tech, and the activation of payments on the back of our contract volume is the next step." - Jeremy Hastings
3. "We've just hired a general manager of growth and a business development manager. Now, it's time to invest in that growth." - Jeremy Hastings
4. "The strategic partnership with REIV has increased subscriber base by 47% and revenue by 26%, focusing on member-first technology." - Jeremy Hastings
5. "I feel obligated to support Melbourne Demons due to family connections and the strong community culture of AFL." - Jeremy Hastings

Resources:

• Hutly Website
• Real Estate Institute of Victoria (REIV)
• PropertyData.com.au
• Morningside Panthers AFL Club

Thanks to our sponsors for helping to make this episode of Fintechfun possible:

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The Overnight Success newsletter has hit the airwaves with the introduction of The Startup Retro. Hosted by Will Richards and Gemma Clancy. The Startup Retro is your weekly insider's view on Australian startups and venture capital by curating the most important startup news and providing useful context behind the stories.

Join 3300 other insiders by subscribing to the Overnight Success newsletter.

The Startup Retro is a Day One show. Day One is the podcast network dedicated to founders, investors, and operators.

For everything Day One related, including upcoming shows or the best bits from all of our shows, sign up to the Day One newsletter.

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Episode Summary:

In this episode of First Cheque hosts Cheryl Mack and Maxine Minter sit down with the distinguished investor Ash Fontana to explore the intricacies of early-stage investing and the evolving landscape of artificial intelligence (AI). The conversation delves into Fontana's diverse experiences, ranging from his formative years building web-based marketplaces to his critical role in establishing the AI investment frontier.

Fontana shares a captivating narrative of his investment philosophy, advocating for the significance of first-check investments in shaping the trajectories of startups. With an emphasis on determining the long-term competitive advantages of AI ventures, the discussion uncovers the importance of specialization and the strategic deployment of venture funds amidst a rapidly transforming technology sector. Key themes revolve around adapting venture capital models, the intersection of network building, and the fortune of investment careers, providing listeners with a wealth of actionable insights.

Key Takeaways:

• First Cheque investments are critical in establishing a startup's potential and culture.
• AI investments should focus on companies that exhibit a sustainable competitive advantage, potentially characterized by data network effects.
• Venture Capital (VC) requires specialisation, especially in fast-evolving fields like AI, to keep pace with rapid advancements and make informed investment decisions.
• The traditional VC model faces criticism for its performance and lack of innovation; exploring models with lower fees and higher carry could better align incentives.
• Building and maintaining a robust network is essential for success and longevity in the venture capital industry.

Notable Quotes:

• "The existence proof of adding value is that you allowed the entity through which all subsequent value is created to exist."
• "As soon as you're competing, you're losing. You should just aim to be in non-competitive situations."
• "I invest in technology cycles, not market cycles."
• "I find it really hard to work for other people and in big companies, but I would have worked for a big growth stage or growth stage fund, like Insight, Summit, Bain, one of them."
• "The bigger the network you can build, the better, the more useful you will be, and therefore, the more lucky you will get."

Resources:

• Ash Fontana's book: "The AI-First Company"
• Ash Fontana's LinkedIn profile

Thanks to our sponsors for helping to make this episode of First Cheque possible:

Vanta: Join 7,000 global companies like Atlassian and Dovetail that use Vanta to build trust and prove security in real-time. Get 10% off

Scendar: Scendar is the OG startup accounting firm in Australia. Free 1-hour consultation about your Business' growth plans and finance needs. https://dayone.fm/scendar

Turo: Turo is the world's largest carsharing marketplace and it's the perfect app for travel. Download the Turo app and book cars from $38/day Download the Turo app and book cars from $38/day. https://dayone.fm/turo

Mentioned in this episode:

November 2024 - Galah Cyber

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Episode Summary:

In this engaging episode of Fintechfun, Chris Titley welcomes Lynda Coker, the innovative co-founder of Co-Operty, to discuss the evolution of her career and the inception of her groundbreaking venture. Linda offers a glimpse into her journey, detailing her transition from the structured world of corporate finance to the dynamic realm of startups.

Following her return to Australia and a trip around the world's vibrant startup hubs, Lynda sheds light on the significance of co-ownership in today's housing market. Co-Operty, her venture co-founded with Liz Rochaix, embodies a solution that grants people collaborative pathways to property ownership. Lynda describes the legal and fractional aspects of co-ownership, tenancy in common, and the importance of having flexible property investment strategies.

Key Takeaways:

• Lynda Coker's extensive background in financial services and venture investment has culminated in the launch of Co-Operty, a fintech platform aiming to make co-ownership of property straightforward and accessible.
• Co-ownership is posited as a viable solution to the housing affordability crisis, with tenancy in common providing a more flexible and protective form of property ownership.
• Co-Operty's MVP primarily targets cohorts such as flatmates, friends, family, and parents seeking to assist their children into the property market, often referred to as the 'Bank of Mum and Dad'.
• Partners such as mortgage brokers play a crucial role in Co-Operty's engagement strategy, helping inform product development tailored to the needs identified at the forefront of the housing market.
• Lynda aspires to expand Co-Operty's offering, envisioning the evolution of their MVP to address broader use cases, white-label services, and potentially the introduction of a fractional loan product.

Notable Quotes:

• "Co-ownership is a real...well, it's not the only solution, but we see it as a solution to address housing affordability." – Lynda Coker
• "I just feel like it's never been very well understood. It's not being digitized, and it's time to sort of empower it and bring it to life..." – LLynda Coker on co-ownership.
• "...it's a better way to help your children and actually help yourself or selves is not gifting the money and co-owning the property." – Lynda Coker on parents investing in property with their children.
• "We want to use this phase to really sort of test and learn." – Lynda Coker on Co-Operty's launch and beta phase.
• "One place I missed off...and I would love to go back to is the Galápagos." – Lynda Coker

Thanks to our sponsors for helping to make this episode of Fintechfun possible:

Vanta: Join 7,000 global companies like Atlassian and Dovetail that use Vanta to build trust and prove security in real-time.

Get 10% off

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Welcome to Unfunded, a show dedicated to telling the stories of founders who build impactful and independent businesses without relying on venture capital or external funding. Hosted by Joan Westenberg, a seasoned journalist and tech writer with over a decade of experience, the podcast delves into the human stories behind tech, economics, and business.

Unfunded celebrates the DIY ethos and the determination of founders who launch and grow their businesses on their own terms. Each episode features interviews with successful founders who share their journeys of navigating startup growth, creating innovative products, finding target customers, and achieving profitability without external funding.

As part of Day One, the podcast network that highlights real startup stories, Unfunded aims to inspire founders, operators, and investors. Tune in to learn how to build a self-funded company and gain insights from those who have successfully forged their own paths.

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Episode Summary:

In this episode of the First Cheque podcast, our co-hosts Cheryl Mack and Maxine Minter welcome venture capital trailblazer Marvin Liao to discuss the multifaceted experience of early-stage investing, the evolution of global startup ecosystems, and the profound lessons learned from economic cycles in the tech industry. The conversation kicks off with stories from Marvin's background in Silicon Valley, including his first steps into the startup world, a decade at Yahoo, angel investing experiences, and defining years with 500 Startups.

Marvin delves into the intricate dynamics of venture capital, sharing his hands-on approach to international investing and offering a candid perspective on navigating competitive markets during downturns. With an emphasis on founder qualities, market-fit, and the significance of geographies like the US for ambitious startups, Marvin provides a remarkable guide for those looking to excel in the unpredictable venture capital terrain.

As the dialogue unfolds, Marvin's strategic astute observations reveal practical strategies for both investors and entrepreneurs looking to leverage opportunities within the constantly shifting sands of the tech landscape.

Key Takeaways:

• Successful early-stage investing requires engaging with 'unconventional' ventures before they gain popularity, often necessitating courage to oppose the crowd.
• The true test of an investor is how one navigates downturns, emphasising resilience and adhering to personal investment theses rather than market sentiment.
• The US remains a central hub for ambitious startup founders due to its unmatched network effects and competitive ecosystem that fosters excellence.
• Marvin advocates a founder-first investment philosophy, prioritizing the drive, capacity to learn, and responsiveness of founders over all else.
• Cultural capital, such as an appreciation for science fiction, is considered crucial for anyone investing in technology's future, as it helps shape one's vision for innovation.

Notable Quotes:

• "Chips on shoulders, leads to chips in pockets." - Marvin quotes Josh Wolf to describe the motivation needed for successful entrepreneurship.
• "How you do anything is how you do everything." - A philosophy Marvin adheres to when assessing founder diligence and reliability.
• "Steel sharpens steel." - On the importance of founders being present in high-impact ecosystems to push themselves to their limits and grow.

Resources:

• Marvin Liao's personal ventures and insights can be followed through his LinkedIn profile.
• Reference to Lux Capital and Josh Wolf's investment philosophy might be of interest to listeners who wish to explore further.

Thanks to our sponsors for helping to make this episode of First Cheque possible:

Scendar: Scendar is the OG startup accounting firm in Australia. Free 1-hour consultation about your Business' growth plans and finance needs. https://dayone.fm/scendar

Turo: Turo is the world's largest carsharing marketplace and it's the perfect app for travel. Download the Turo app and book cars from $38/day Download the Turo app and book cars from $38/day. https://dayone.fm/turo

Mentioned in this episode:

Deel x PX_Script 1

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Summary

In this episode of Secured, host Cole Cornford interviews Bruce Large, a security architect and evangelist at Secolve, the OT security specialists in Australia. They discuss the importance of threat modelling in operational technology systems and the need for engineers to consider the potential for cyber attacks. Bruce also shares insights from the ISA/IEC 62443 series of standards, which provides guidelines for secure system development in OT. Additionally, they touch on the significance of unions in the tech industry and the benefits of joining organisations like Professionals Australia. Tune in for a fascinating conversation on application security and more.

Timestamps

1:25 - Bruce's professional background

2:40 - Defining "engineer" in different contexts

6:20 - Differences between computer engineers and civil engineers

8:20 - Threat modeling

12:40 - How we treat safety in software vs other industries

18:30 - Bruce: we should be encouraging lifelong learning

24:00 - ISA/IEC 62443 safety standard

29:00 - The Year 2038 Problem

34:20 - Unions & industrial relations

43:40 - Rapid fire questions

Mentioned in this episode:

Call for Feedback

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Episode Summary:

In this episode of Fintech Fun, host Chris Titley invites Daniel Kniaz to take us through the genesis and evolution of his company Weel, formerly DiviPay. The discussion begins with an exploration of the early days and the iterative process which led to their current business model. The episode offers listeners a glimpse into the world of Australian fintech innovation, capturing both the struggles and triumphs of a startup journey.

Daniel shares valuable insights into the initial concept of DiviPay and the subsequent pivot due to Weel after scalability and monetisation challenges. The narrative shifts focus to Weel's current mission: resolving SMB spending-related inefficiencies and facilitating seamless expense management.

Chris and Daniel's conversation provides a look into the ethos of a fintech founder, the strategic thinking behind pivots in business models, and the shaping of a tech product amidst a changing financial landscape.

Key Takeaways:

• Daniel Kniaz's journey with Weel highlights the importance of listening to customer needs and adapting business models to meet market demands.
• Weel, born from DiviPay, serves to alleviate SMB spending and employee reimbursement pains by streamlining payment workflows and expense reporting.
• Successful scaling and market fit are achieved by offering a product that assists businesses in tighter financial control during challenging economic climates.
• The rebranding journey from DiviPay to Weel underscores the relevance of strategic name and positioning in the evolving fintech industry.
• Kniaz outlines the future direction for Weel, emphasising both the expansion into new payment types and the enhancement of pre and post-payment workflows.

Notable Quotes:

• "When we reflect on, on the why behind that and we look at our customers, what's interesting is because of the broader macro environment, customers know that they need to keep a really tight eye and control on how they're spending company funds."
• "We've kind of been a product that solves a problem within what's going on in the broader macro."
• "Our focus is really two parts. First part is giving SMBs access to all different payment types. And the second piece that we really focus on from a product perspective is adding value in the workflow around that payment."

Resources:

• Weel website
• H2 Accelerator program
• Stone and Chalk coworking and innovation space

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

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