Founders Unplugged

By Greg McCallum

Founders Unplugged is a web series capturing long-form conversations with founders, entrepreneurs and investors from all over the world.... more

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FAQs about Founders Unplugged:

How many episodes does Founders Unplugged have?

The podcast currently has 158 episodes available.

Founders Unplugged episodes:

July 28, 2024Ex-Google, SEO and Google Ads Explained w/ Barney Durrant - S3 E1 P1
FounderCatalyst is delighted to offer a 10% discount for listeners of Founders Unplugged. Get your discount here: https://2ly.link/1zDIJ
Join us for part one of an insightful conversation with Barney Durrant, founder of Bluebird Marketing and former Google employee. Barney shares his extensive experience in digital marketing, SEO, and Google Ads, offering valuable insights for businesses and marketers alike.
Timestamps:
0:00 - Introduction and background of Barney Durrant
3:54 - Early career and education
7:10 - Move to internet industry and experience at Look Smart
13:33 - Experience at Google and the early days of digital advertising
23:46 - Transition to mobile advertising and involvement in Android launch
28:15 - Leaving Google and starting Bluebird Marketing
33:20 - Insights on Google Ads and how the auction system works
46:05 - SEO explained: importance, strategies, and best practices
1:08:25 - The impact of AI on search engines and digital marketing
1:24:40 - The future of AI in marketing and potential challenges
1:37:40 - Closing thoughts on digital poverty and the importance of inclusive technology
Learn more about Barney and his services at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/barneydurrant/
Check out Bluebell Marketing here: https://bluebird.marketing
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52min
June 26, 2024Sam Simpson Part 2 - Founder & CEO of FounderCatalyst
In part 2 of this episode of Founders Unplugged, we continue our conversation with Sam Simpson, an experienced angel investor and the founder and CEO of FounderCatalyst.
FounderCatalyst is a comprehensive platform that helps startups raise funds efficiently, offering services such as free resources for founders, assistance with obtaining SEIS Advanced Assurance, legal funding round paperwork, and introductions to potential sources of funding.
Key Topics Covered:
- Understanding the different aspects of fundraising, including private equity, venture capital, mezzanine finance, and grants. Sam emphasizes that founders don't need to know everything about fundraising but should focus on the specific stage they are in.
- The different game and knowledge required when dealing with venture capitalists, including the need for legal support.
- Advice for founders to start locally and take the time to refine their investment strategy. Sam recommends accessing resources specific to the UK ecosystem and highlights the importance of learning from reputable sources.
- The availability of resources for angel investors, including videos and written content.
- The importance of diversification within angel investing and tips for managing risk.
- A discussion on AI-enabled companies and the upcoming changes in the format of the "Founders Unplugged" sessions for the next season.
Join us for an insightful discussion with Sam Simpson as we delve into the world of angel investing, fundraising strategies, and the unique services offered by FounderCatalyst.
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Connect with Sam on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samsimpson1/
Check out FounderCatalyst here: https://www.foundercatalyst.com/
Want to know about me (The 🚫🐂💩 Advisor)? https://www.nobullshitadvisor.co.uk/
#foundersunplugged #foundersjourney #startupfounder #startupjourney #investment #angelinvestors #angelinvestor #investors #startupinvesting
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55min
June 02, 2024S2 E41 Part 1 SEASON FINALE w/ Founder & CEO of FounderCatalyst, Sam Simpson
In part 1 of this episode of Founders Unplugged, host Greg McCallum sits down with Sam Simpson, an Angel Investor and the Founder & CEO of FounderCatalyst.
FounderCatalyst is a comprehensive platform that helps startups raise funds efficiently, offering services like free resources, assistance with SEIS Advanced Assurance, legal paperwork, and introductions to potential investors.
Sam shares his fascinating journey from a tech background to becoming an entrepreneur, angel investor, and ultimately founding FounderCatalyst. The discussion covers:
Sam's early career in technology and his experience of unexpectedly losing his job, led him to start his own company.
His transition into angel investing and the realization that the startup ecosystem had significant flaws that needed addressing.
The founding story of FounderCatalyst and its mission to streamline the fundraising process for startups.
Insights into the unique aspects of FounderCatalyst, such as its affordable fee structure and its commitment to making introductions in a compliant manner.
The importance of continuous learning and the need for the startup ecosystem to adapt and improve over time.
Tune in to gain valuable insights from Sam's entrepreneurial journey and learn about the innovative services offered by FounderCatalyst to help founders navigate the fundraising landscape more effectively.
Connect with Sam on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samsimpson1/
Check out FounderCatalyst here: https://www.foundercatalyst.com/
Want to know about me (The 🚫🐂💩 Advisor)? https://www.nobullshitadvisor.co.uk/
#foundersunplugged #foundersjourney #startupfounder #startupjourney #investment
...more
1h 16min
May 26, 2024S2 E40 Co-founder & CEO of ThirdRetail; Athar Ali
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In this episode of Founders Unplugged, I had the pleasure of speaking with Athar Ali, the Co-founder and CEO of ThirdRetail, an innovative startup aiming to create an affordable omnichannel offline experience for direct-to-consumer (D2C) brands.
Athar Ali is a first-time immigrant in the UK, originally from India, who pursued his MBA studies in retail, where he identified the need for a symbiotic relationship between online and offline retail.
In this insightful conversation, we covered the following key topics:
Athar's journey as an international student and entrepreneur, including the challenges he faced in obtaining the necessary visas and work rights before building ThirdRetail.
The business model of ThirdRetail, which involves a marketplace where D2C brands can rent shelf space in physical stores, as well as software solutions to connect with the back-end of e-commerce platforms like Shopify.
The importance of building a strong network and resources as a founder, and how Athar leveraged platforms like LinkedIn to connect with advisors and other entrepreneurs in the startup ecosystem.
The dynamics of co-founding a startup, with Athar's co-founder bringing expertise in real estate, retail distribution, and sales, complementing Athar's background in economics, product management, and generative AI.
The fundraising journey and the progress made so far, including securing their first paying customer and generating initial revenue.
Insights into the retail industry, such as the concept of profit per square foot and the need for a symbiotic relationship between online and offline channels.
Connect with Athar on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/connectwithathar/
Check out ThirdRetail here: https://thirdretail.com/
Want to know about me and ThinkWork? https://www.thinkwork.info/
#foundersunplugged #foundersjourney #startupfounder #startupjourney #investment
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2h 1min
May 19, 2024S2 E39 Founder & CEO of Visual Hive; Bogdan Maran
In this episode of Founders Unplugged, host Greg Mccallum sits down with Bogdan Maran, a former photographer turned data scientist and founder of Visual Hive. Visual Hive is a company that focuses on monetizing visual content through behavioural triggers, using AI and algorithms to automate the process of editorializing content for personalized recommendations.
Topics Covered:
Bogdan's journey from photography to startups, and how he accidentally got into the startup world
The concept of editorializing content and using AI/algorithms for personalized recommendations
The importance of understanding the audience and contextualizing content
The role of creativity and imagination in innovation, especially with the rise of AI tools like ChatGPT
Parallels between Bogdan's journey with Visual Hive and Greg's own startup journey
Discussions around being a founder, building a team, and the challenges of startups
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Created in partnership with: https://orama.tv/
Create branded Podcasts & Videos that resonate deeper. email [email protected] and quote "Founders Unplugged" for 50% off your first professionally produced episode!
Connect with Bogdan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bogdanmaran/
Check out Visual Hive here: https://www.visualhive.co/
Want to know about me and ThinkWork? https://www.thinkwork.info/
#foundersunplugged #foundersjourney #startupfounder #startupjourney #investment
...more
1h 59min
May 12, 2024S2 E38 Founder & CEO of Developa; Beth Nevins
In this episode of Founders Unplugged, I sit down with Beth Nevins, founder of developer.io - a people and talent consultancy that supports founders in early-stage startups from seed to Series C.
Developa.io provides three core services:
Candidate sourcing and retained executive searches to help startups find the right talent.
People design projects, strategy development, performance management, and reward structuring - particularly relevant for companies post-Series A.
Coaching and mentoring programs tailored for first-time founders navigating the Series B journey.
In this insightful conversation, Beth shares her journey from recruitment to the startup world, and the challenges founders face at different stages. We cover a range of topics, including:
Hiring the right talent at the seed stage when founders often don't know what they need
Designing organizational structures and defining roles as the company scales
The importance of communication, culture, and data-driven decision-making for sustainable growth
Managing performance expectations and enabling career growth within high-growth environments
Coaching advice for first-time founders facing unfamiliar situations and tough decisions
Whether you're a founder building your team or looking to join a startup, this episode offers valuable insights from Beth's wealth of experience in the startup ecosystem. Tune in for an engaging discussion on people, talent, and what it really takes to scale a successful venture.
Connect with Beth on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bethdevelopa/
Check out Developa here: https://datagems.ai/
Want to know about me and ThinkWork? https://www.thinkwork.info/
#foundersunplugged #foundersjourney #startupfounder #startupjourney #investment
...more
1h 10min
May 05, 2024S2 E37 Founder & CEO of DataGems; Konrad Jarocinski
In this episode of Founders Unplugged, we're joined by Konrad Jarocinski, the founder and CEO of DataGems, a groundbreaking platform that helps small and medium businesses unlock the power of their data through data-driven storytelling. [1]
DataGems is on a mission to transform how businesses interact with their data, making it easier than ever to visualize, analyze, and communicate insights without the need for technical expertise or dedicated resources.
In this insightful conversation, we delve into:
-Konrad's entrepreneurial journey and the inspiration behind DataGems
-The role of AI and large language models in enabling DataGems' innovative approach
-Konrad's experience at Booksy, a leading scale-up company, and the benefits of a remote-first setup
-The importance of data-driven decision-making for businesses of all sizes
-Konrad's insights into angel investing and the value of diverse perspectives
-The challenges of product-market fit and effectively communicating value propositions
Join us for this captivating discussion as we explore the intersection of data, storytelling, and entrepreneurship with Konrad Jarocinski, the visionary behind DataGems.
Connect with Konrad on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/konradjarocinski/
Check out DataGems here: https://datagems.ai/
Want to know about me and ThinkWork? https://www.thinkwork.info/
#foundersunplugged #foundersjourney #startupfounder #startupjourney #investment
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2h 1min
May 03, 2024S2 E36 Co-founder of Startup 2 Standup; Ollie Austen & Special Guest Harry Wyndham
Welcome to a special episode of Founders Unplugged! In this episode, we have the pleasure of hosting Ollie Austen, the co-founder of Startup 2 Standup, alongside our special guest Harry Wyndham, an experienced founder, investor, and entrepreneur who plays a crucial role in supporting Startup 2 Standup.
In this engaging conversation, Ollie Austen and Harry Wyndham dive deep into the world of entrepreneurship, sharing valuable insights and experiences that shed light on the realities of building a successful business. Here's a glimpse of what you can expect in this episode:
Topics Covered:
- The importance of networking and community in the startup ecosystem
- Embracing challenges and setbacks as opportunities for growth
- The significance of authenticity and honesty in business dealings
- Insights on the journey from startup to success
- Valuable advice for early-stage founders from seasoned entrepreneurs
- Strategies for building a supportive and collaborative business environment
- Discussing the impact of loneliness and isolation in the entrepreneurial journey
- Highlighting the role of mentorship and peer support in business development
Join us as we uncover the secrets to entrepreneurial success and gain valuable wisdom from Ollie Austen, Harry Wyndham, and our host, Gregory Mccallum. Don't miss out on this enlightening discussion that will inspire and motivate aspiring entrepreneurs on their journey to success!
Connect with Ollie on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ollie-austen/
Connect with Harry on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/harry-wyndham1/
Check out Startup 2 Standup here: https://www.startup2standup.com/
Want to know about me and ThinkWork? https://www.thinkwork.info/ #foundersunplugged #foundersjourney #startupfounder #startupjourney #investment
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1h 56min
April 24, 2024S2 E35 Founder & CEO of Erisna; Ebube Abara
Welcome to another insightful episode of Founders Unplugged! In this episode, we dive deep into the world of entrepreneurship with Ebube Abara, the brilliant founder and CEO of Erisna, a cutting-edge single-view data governance platform revolutionizing data teams' workflows.
In this engaging conversation, we cover a wide range of topics, including:
- The importance of setting oneself up for success in business ventures
- Tips and advice for founders navigating the startup landscape
- The significance of delivering on promises and maintaining integrity in business
- Strategies for enhancing products and services based on user feedback
- The role of data governance and cataloguing in modern business operations
- Insights on managing resources and budgeting effectively for business growth
- The value of understanding user experience and customer needs in product development
- The impact of relaxation and escapism on productivity and well-being
- The risks and challenges associated with sharing business ideas and seeking feedback
Join us as we unravel the entrepreneurial journey of Ebube Abara and explore the dynamic world of startup consultancy and data governance. Don't miss out on this enriching discussion that is sure to inspire and educate aspiring entrepreneurs and business enthusiasts alike!
Connect with Ebube on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ebubeabara/
Check out Erisna here: https://www.erisna.com/
Want to know about me and ThinkWork? https://www.thinkwork.info/
#foundersunplugged #foundersjourney #startupfounder #startupjourney #investment
...more
2h 1min
April 21, 2024S2 E34 Founder & CEO at SeedLegals; Anthony Rose
Welcome to Founders Unplugged! In this episode, we dive deep into the world of entrepreneurship with the brilliant Anthony Rose, the founder & CEO of SeedLegals, a game-changer in the legal tech industry.
In this insightful conversation, Anthony shares his wealth of experience and knowledge, shedding light on crucial aspects of business development and customer success. Here's a sneak peek at what we discussed:
- The shift towards prioritizing customer success over traditional business development strategies.
- Anthony's journey and key roles, including his time at iPlayer.
- The challenges and successes of launching new services and products.
- The importance of customer-centric development and its impact on business growth.
- Strategies for engaging customers and building trust in a competitive market.
- The significance of innovation and practicality in business decision-making.
- Overcoming technical hurdles and adapting to changing industry landscapes.
Join us as we unravel the secrets to entrepreneurial success and gain valuable insights from Anthony Rose's remarkable journey in the startup world. Don't miss out on this engaging and informative episode of Founders Unplugged!
Connect with Anthony on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anrose/
Check out SeedLegals here: https://seedlegals.com/
Want to know about me and ThinkWork? https://www.thinkwork.info/
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2h 4min

FAQs about Founders Unplugged:

How many episodes does Founders Unplugged have?

The podcast currently has 158 episodes available.