Forward Thinking Founders

In this conversation, Mat Sherman interviews Aleksandar Besarovic, co-founder of Aimfox, a LinkedIn outreach tool. They discuss the journey of Aimfox, including its initial launch challenges, the importance of user feedback, and the strategies implemented for a successful second launch. Aleksandar shares insights on building a user-friendly product, the role of AI in enhancing outreach, and the long-term vision for Aimfox. The conversation emphasizes the significance of listening to users and maintaining a long-term perspective in business.

In this episode, Mat Sherman sits down with John Busch, founder of Iliad, an AI-powered book discovery platform designed to help readers uncover life-changing books. They dive into the challenges of current book recommendation systems, how Iliad addresses the limitations of platforms like Goodreads, and the role of AI in enhancing the reading experience while building trust in recommendations. John also shares his journey as a founder, offering actionable advice on fundraising, the importance of storytelling, and how networking and warm intros can open doors for AI startups. They explore why business model innovation is as critical as product innovation, the art of building momentum with investors, and how favorite books can shape a founder’s perspective.

In this episode, Mat Sherman sits down with Edward Lando, one of the most prolific angel investors in the world, to explore the intricacies of early-stage investing. Edward shares his journey into angel investing, detailing his philosophy of prioritizing quality over quantity and the critical role relationships play in successful investments. From understanding valuations and navigating early-stage deals to constructing a portfolio that balances risk and reward, Edward provides invaluable insights for both founders and investors. Whether you’re a budding entrepreneur or an aspiring investor, this episode is packed with practical advice and strategies to help you thrive in the fast-paced world of startups.

Find Edward on LinkedIn or Twitter and learn more about Pareto Holdings here.

In this conversation, Mat Sherman interviews Simp4Satoshi of Truffle. Topics covered include:

• Discussion of Truffle, a device for local inference tied to humanoid robotics and personal intelligence.
• Insights from a unique upbringing in the Middle East and its impact on a technology journey.
• Future of AI agents surpassing human economies and using cryptocurrency primarily.
• Criticism of Sam Altman and OpenAI, calling him the “Antichrist” of Silicon Valley.
• Critique of Y Combinator and the tech industry’s meritocracy, highlighting self-dealing.
• Emphasis on the need for a catalyst to disrupt the current landscape and foster true innovation.

In this conversation, Mat Sherman and Vidy Thatte discuss the journey of building various products, the challenges faced in startups, and the impact of AI on creativity and storytelling. Vidy shares insights on his experiences with different projects, the evolution of his ideas, and the importance of learning to code in the age of AI. They also explore the future of AI in creative industries and the potential shift in how we perceive characters in storytelling.

In this episode of Forward Thinking Founders, Mat Sherman interviews Marty Ringlein, cofounder of agree.com. They discuss the critical elements of growth, the importance of storytelling in sales, and the journey of launching Agree.com. Marty shares insights on the significance of trust in branding, the strategies for funding and growth, and the lessons learned from his entrepreneurial journey. In this conversation, Mat Sherman and Marty discuss the importance of recognizing when to delegate expertise, the role of investors in supporting founders, and the significance of building long-term relationships. They also explore leveraging competitor brands for market advantage and the impact of category selection when launching products. The discussion concludes with rapid-fire insights from Marty on various topics, emphasizing the need for adaptability in the ever-evolving tech landscape.

In this episode, Mat Sherman sits down with Stéphane Nasser to explore the evolution of OpenVC, a platform bridging the gap between founders and investors. Steph shares his personal journey—from living in Portugal to China—and reflects on the challenges of fundraising and the critical role of founder education and support. Together, they dive into the startup ecosystem, discussing the importance of screening submissions, transferable skills, and the emotional and psychological dimensions of entrepreneurship. They also tackle the reality of startup success, the need to build personal wealth before seeking venture capital, and the often-overlooked nuances of early-stage investing. Finally, the conversation sheds light on the role of fundraising advisors, offering insights into due diligence and caution for founders navigating this space. This is a must-listen for anyone interested in the startup journey and the intricacies of venture funding.

In this episode, I interview Pramod Kollamparambil & Evan Einhorn, founders of Loanscape. Loanscape is the modern way to onboard, renew and monitor third party originators. I hope you enjoy this interview!

From the HyperGuap website: Aidan built the HyperGuap VC syndicate and fund alongside Gali. Prior to that, Aidan was the Chief of Staff and managed investor relations at eGenesis, a biotech startup that has raised $260M+ to help solve the organ shortage. Before that, Aidan was analyzing investment opportunities for a family office and played a pivotal role in supporting emerging biotech startups through several large financings, IPOs, and drug approvals. He is a graduate of the University of Colorado at Boulder with a B.S. in Neuroscience.

 Ryan Pace is the cofounder of Involio.  Involio is the new home for traders across all markets to find and follow verified trades.