Founders Future

In this episode of *Founders, Future*, host Laura Skinner sits down with Nikolaos, the co-founder of Oglofus, a startup focused on improving software development workflows. Nikolaos shares his journey from a young programmer inspired by his mother, a software developer, to creating a company aimed at addressing common pain points in the tech industry.

Beginning with his experiences as a freelancer at a young age, Nikolaos explains how his passion for software engineering and continuous improvement led him to identify significant gaps in the market—particularly the challenges of overdue projects and developer stress. He highlights the inspiration behind Oglofus, which seeks to streamline development processes and foster a more efficient working environment.

Listeners will gain insights into Nikolaos's formative experiences, including his time in the gaming industry at Ubisoft, and how these shaped his vision for Oglofus. As the conversation unfolds, Nikolaos reveals his plans for future growth and the strategies he believes will drive success in the ever-evolving tech landscape.

This episode is perfect for aspiring entrepreneurs, tech enthusiasts, and anyone interested in the intersection of software development and innovation. Tune in to discover how Nikolaos is paving the way for a brighter future in the software industry with Oglofus.

In this insightful episode of "Founders, Future," host Laura Skinner engages with Matija Kovac, the co-founder and CEO of Taliere Translations. The episode explores Matija's entrepreneurial journey, from his early apprehensions about starting a business to his current success in the translation industry.

Matija shares how his father's experience in running a graphics and printing business initially deterred him from entrepreneurship. However, inspired by his sister's successful venture and his own dissatisfaction with corporate life, he took the plunge into the world of language services. He co-founded a language company that thrived in Slovenia before pivoting to address a growing demand for localization services.

Listeners will learn about Taliere Translations, which leverages AI to provide efficient translation solutions for companies looking to expand into global markets. Matija discusses the dual approach of using AI technology alongside human expertise, ensuring quality and speed in translations.

Throughout the episode, Matija reflects on the challenges and rewards of building a startup, offering valuable insights into the importance of adaptability and customer feedback in shaping business strategies. This episode is perfect for aspiring entrepreneurs and anyone interested in the transformative power of technology in traditional industries.

In this episode of Founders’ Future, host Joseph Fitzgerald sits down with Karl Smith, the innovative mind behind Circles—a new kind of social media platform built on privacy, security, and user-centric values. Karl shares the story behind Circles, a paid, anonymous social media platform designed to combat the frustrations of traditional platforms dominated by ads, propaganda, and privacy concerns.

Karl explains how Circles aims to restore the essence of true social connections by offering users multiple profiles to manage their multifaceted lives while ensuring no visible or invisible data connections between them. The platform rejects advertising entirely, making it a haven for users seeking a genuine and distraction-free online experience.

Joseph and Carl dive into the challenges of launching such a disruptive platform, the importance of crowdfunding to maintain independence, and Carl's bold vision to eliminate identity fraud and redefine the social media landscape. With an alpha launch targeted for mid-2025, this conversation offers an exclusive look at the philosophy, challenges, and aspirations of a founder determined to bring integrity back to the digital world.

Whether you’re a tech enthusiast, an entrepreneur, or someone frustrated with the current state of social media, this episode will leave you inspired by Carl’s thoughtful approach and unwavering commitment to making Circles a game-changer in the industry.

In this episode of *Founders, Future*, host Laura Skinner welcomes James Leavesley, the CEO and co-founder of Cultiv. Together, they explore James's inspiring journey into entrepreneurship, the challenges he faced, and the innovative solutions his company brings to the marketplace.

James shares the story behind Cultiv's inception, revealing how his previous experience in social media management highlighted significant issues related to team dynamics and workplace culture. He discusses the siloed environments and hostility that can develop within teams, which ultimately motivated him to create a company dedicated to fostering a positive and collaborative workplace culture.

As James recounts his experiences, listeners will gain insights into the importance of building strong relationships within organizations, the impact of culture on productivity and innovation, and the steps he took to address these issues head-on. He also reflects on the process of integrating values and purpose into the fabric of an organization, emphasizing the role of leadership in cultivating a healthy work environment.

Tune in to discover how James Leavesley's vision for Cultiv is shaping the future of work, as well as the strategies and lessons learned along the way that can inspire current and aspiring entrepreneurs alike. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the dynamics of workplace culture and the journey of innovative startups.

In this engaging episode of "Founders, Future," host Laura Skinner welcomes David, the CEO and co-founder of Wippi, to share his entrepreneurial journey and the innovative solutions his company offers. The episode kicks off with Laura introducing the podcast's mission to explore the stories behind successful startups and the challenges they face.

David reflects on his unconventional background, starting as a professional poker player, which led him to business school at the University of Chicago. It was there that he discovered his passion for entrepreneurship, culminating in the launch of Bloom Nation, an artisanal marketplace for florists. As he navigated the B2B side of the business, David realized his affinity for scalable economics and effective sales strategies.

The conversation transitions to the founding of Wippi, sparked by discussions with his colleague Jack Kennedy about the potential of practical AI applications across various industries. David explains how Wippi focuses on enhancing communication for businesses, enabling them to connect with leads more efficiently and improve their overall marketing strategies. 

Listeners will gain valuable insights into David's vision for Wippi, the significance of practical AI in everyday business operations, and the lessons learned from his entrepreneurial journey. This episode is a must-listen for aspiring entrepreneurs and anyone interested in the intersection of technology and communication.

In this compelling episode of "Founders, Future," host Laura Skinner sits down with Lance Kelly, CEO of Apollo Health. The episode begins with Laura introducing the podcast's mission to explore the journeys of innovative entrepreneurs, and today’s focus is on the transformative work being done in the healthcare sector.

Lance shares his unique founding story, which began unexpectedly during a lunch meeting with Dr. Dale Bredesen, a renowned neurologist known for his groundbreaking research on reversing cognitive decline. Inspired by a personal connection to Alzheimer's disease, Lance recounts how their conversation sparked the idea to create a diagnostic engine aimed at engaging patients similarly to how brands engage their fans. 

As the discussion unfolds, Lance elaborates on Apollo Health’s innovative approach to tackling the challenges of dementia. He highlights their recent clinical trial results, revealing that approximately 84% of participants experienced a reversal of their dementia symptoms when following their protocol. 

Throughout the episode, Lance discusses the hurdles faced by Apollo Health as they navigate the disruptive nature of their work in a controversial field, as well as their strategic go-to-market approach. This episode is rich with insights into the intersection of healthcare and technology, the importance of patient engagement, and the relentless pursuit of solutions for cognitive health.

Listeners will find inspiration in Lance's passionate commitment to making a difference in the lives of those affected by cognitive decline, as well as valuable lessons for aspiring entrepreneurs in the health tech space.

In this episode of "Founders, Future," host Laura Skinner welcomes Andrew Lenty, co-founder of Top Tactical Intelligence. The podcast opens with Laura introducing the mission of the series: to explore the journeys of innovative entrepreneurs and the strategies driving their future growth.

Andrew shares his background, highlighting his extensive experience in financial services, where he spent over 16 years working on business transformation projects across seven countries. He discusses the importance of resilience and flexibility for competitive companies, emphasizing that effective knowledge retention and management is a significant challenge faced by many organizations, particularly larger ones.

With a vision to address this challenge, Andrew and his co-founders created a solution that places knowledge management at the forefront, allowing companies to visualize their intellectual property through a user-friendly dashboard. The conversation transitions to the journey of Top Tactical Intelligence, which launched in 2017 as a bootstrap startup without external VC funding. Andrew reflects on their accomplishments, including establishing staple clients and learning from their experiences as they prepare for future expansion.

This episode is packed with insights into the entrepreneurial spirit, the importance of knowledge management, and the realities of building a startup from the ground up.

In this episode of Founders Future, Luke Hodgson discusses Commerce Thinking, a tech consultancy that addresses the technological leadership gap for growing brands. Born from Luke's previous tech ventures, the company emerged organically after brands sought his expertise in managing complex technological transformations. Their core service is a comprehensive 50-day audit program that interviews stakeholders, analyzes organizational tech challenges, and provides strategic roadmaps for growth. Initially focused on audit services, the company evolved to become an embedded team that helps implement changes, with the ultimate goal of training in-house teams to become self-sufficient. Luke's growth strategy involves leveraging networks, strategic partnerships, targeted newsletter content, and niche industry events. Philosophically, he emphasizes sustainable business building, work-life balance, and rejecting hustle culture, focusing instead on creating genuine value through deep understanding and strategic guidance. The episode reveals Luke's approach of building long-term industry relationships by providing meaningful, tailored technological solutions that help brands navigate their growth challenges effectively.

In this engaging episode of "Founders, Future," host Laura Skinner welcomes Hamish Jenkinson, the visionary founder of The Department, London. The discussion delves into Hamish's entrepreneurial journey, beginning with his early ventures and culminating in the creation of his innovative company.

Hamish shares the inspiration behind his entrepreneurial spirit, which was ignited by starting a company with a close friend after university. Despite initial setbacks, including challenges with regulatory bodies and ultimately shutting down that first venture, Hamish's determination led him to discover his true calling. He recounts his experiences running two prominent venues in London, where he collaborated with groundbreaking companies like Secret Cinema. These venues hosted immersive events based on popular films and artistic experiences, allowing audiences to engage in unique, interactive environments.

The conversation shifts to the concept of experiential marketing, which Hamish believes can deepen the connection between brands and their customers. He emphasizes the potential for brands to create engaging worlds that invite influencers and VIPs to participate, fostering strong emotional bonds that can be amplified through social media.

Listeners will gain valuable insights into the challenges and triumphs of building a startup in the experiential marketing space. Hamish's story is a testament to the power of creativity and resilience in entrepreneurship, offering a glimpse into the future of brand engagement and immersive experiences.

In this engaging episode of "Founders, Future," host Laura Skinner welcomes Nick Wassenberg, the CEO of Pluto, as they delve into the inspiring journey of the company and its innovative approach to on-site search solutions. Nick shares the story behind the founding of Pluto nearly a decade ago, highlighting the company's original mission to help universities streamline their website content, allowing visitors to easily search for essential information like class schedules and events.

Listeners will gain insights into how Pluto evolved from its initial focus to cater to a broader range of industries, effectively becoming a powerful search tool akin to having a "Google" experience on various websites. Nick discusses the importance of providing users with the ability to navigate extensive content seamlessly, especially in sectors such as government and higher education.

As the conversation progresses, Nick reflects on the key milestones and challenges faced by Pluto over the past nine years, including their upcoming tenth anniversary. He discusses the growth accelerants that have contributed to the company's success and shares exciting plans for future expansion.

This episode offers a unique perspective on entrepreneurship, innovation, and the evolving landscape of digital solutions, making it a must-listen for aspiring founders and anyone interested in the intersection of technology and user experience.