What happens when founders get fed up with fragmented agencies, disconnected marketing tactics, and expensive growth projects that fail to deliver?

In this episode of ScaleUp Radio, Kevin Brent sits down with Peter Juhasz, co-founder of Syrvi.ai, to explore how they are reinventing go-to-market support for SMEs through what they call "Service as Software".

Peter shares the scaling journey behind Syrvi.ai, from bootstrapping a tech platform with no previous software experience to building a 12-person team supporting around 30 active clients across the UK and beyond.

The discussion dives into why traditional agency models often fail scaling businesses, how AI is changing the way SMEs approach growth, and why guarantees and trust are central to Syrvi.ai's model.

A standout message from this episode:

"Most SMEs don't need more agencies. They need one joined-up revenue system."

In This Episode

Why SMEs Struggle to Scale

Peter explains the challenge many growing businesses face between:

• Trying to learn and implement AI internally
• Hiring multiple specialist agencies that rarely work cohesively together

The result is often:

• High costs
• Conflicting strategies
• Founder burnout
• Poor ROI
• Fragmented accountability

Peter references research suggesting over 95% of growth projects fail because businesses focus on isolated tactics instead of integrated systems.

The "Service as Software" Model

Syrvi.ai combines:

• Human expertise
• AI automation
• Proprietary software
• Integrated go-to-market execution

Their Revenue Engine platform supports:

• Multi-channel outreach campaigns
• LinkedIn and email pipeline generation
• AI-assisted thought leadership
• SEO and content creation
• Generative AI Engine Optimisation (GAIO)

Rather than replacing humans with AI, Peter explains how AI enables SMEs to execute more consistently and strategically without needing multiple suppliers.

Earning Trust Through Guarantees

One of the most interesting parts of the conversation is how Syrvi.ai reduces client risk.

Their process includes:

• A free 45-minute strategy session
• A bespoke 25-page go-to-market plan
• A 90-day pilot programme
• Guaranteed qualified opportunities

If targets are missed:

• They continue working free of charge until achieved
• Or refund the client

Peter explains why demonstrating value before asking for long-term commitment has been critical to their growth and retention.

Building a Tech Company Without a Tech Background

Peter openly shares the challenges of:

• Bootstrapping the business
• Building software from scratch
• Recruiting the right CTO
• Learning AI and technology fundamentals as non-technical founders

The company has invested hundreds of thousands of pounds into developing their platform while staying founder-funded.

Today:

• The business has 12 team members
• Supports around 30 active clients
• Is approaching break-even

Leadership Lessons and Founder Advice

Peter shares lessons he would give his younger self:

• Take balanced risks
• Learn business management earlier
• Understand M&A sooner
• Invest time learning technology and AI fundamentals

He also discusses:

• Founder mindset
• Sustainable scaling
• Managing growth pressure
• Long-term vision

Scaling up your business isn't easy, and can be a little daunting. Let ScaleUp Radio make it a little easier for you. With guests who have been where you are now, and can offer their thoughts and advice on several aspects of business. ScaleUp Radio is the business podcast you've been waiting for.

If you would like to be a guest on ScaleUp Radio, please click here:

https://bizsmarts.co.uk/scaleupradio/kevin

You can get in touch with Kevin here:

[email protected]

Most founders I speak to feel busy but stuck; plenty happening, but not always clear on what genuinely matters most this quarter. If that sounds familiar, the G90 Summit is worth a look. It's a structured half-day session where we help founders identify the three to five priorities that genuinely matter over the next 90 days and build the systems to deliver them. Quarterly, virtual, and £97 a seat. You can find out more at http://Smart90.co.uk/summit .

Peter can be found here:

https://syrvi.ai/

Resources:

Think & Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill - https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/think-and-grow-rich-the-original-classic-hill/2073500?ean=9781906465599&next=t

Good To Great by Jim Collins - https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/good-to-great-collins-jim/5255326?ean=9780712676090&next=t

Claude AI - https://claude.ai/