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:

April 14, 2024S2 E33 Founder & CEO at Boto.io; Breno Araujo
Founders Unplugged - Breno Araujo, founder & CEO of Boto
Boto is a no-code automation platform focused on the web 3 space [1].
Breno Araujo is the founder and CEO of Boto. He has a background in mechatronics engineering and robotics [1]. The idea for Boto came about when Breno was working at a blockchain company and saw a need for more advanced automation platforms in the web 3 space [1].
Topics covered:
Origin story of Boto - How Breno came up with the idea and inspiration behind building an automation platform for web 3 [1]
Key features of Boto - The drag-and-drop builder, ability to share workflows, and API integrations [1]
Pivoting beyond just web 3 - How Boto is open to users leveraging the platform for non-blockchain workflows and automation [1]
Fundraising journey - Breno's experience fundraising, challenges balancing it with product development, and lessons learned [1]
Current state of crypto/web 3 - Where the industry is at today in terms of adoption and outlook [1]
Connect with Breno on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/brenoca/
Check out Boto here: https://www.boto.io
Want to know about me and ThinkWork? https://www.thinkwork.info/
#startupfounder #foundersunplugged #entrepreneur #founder #businesspodcast #startuplife
...more
1h 55min
April 07, 2024S2 E32 Founder & CEO of Wrap Co; Daryl Harris
Founders Unplugged: Daryl Harris of Wrap Co
Daryl Harris is the founder and CEO of Wrap Co, a company that provides commercial wrapping services. With a background in construction, Daryl started Wrap Co and has grown it into a successful business.
Topics covered:
Daryl's journey from starting as a sole trader to building Wrap Co into a large operation
The challenges of scaling a business and finding the right people to support growth
Originally throwing everyone into the deep end versus gradually refining hiring processes
The importance of having advisors to provide fresh perspectives and clarity
Exploring opportunities like franchising or training academies
Learning from mistakes and competitors to continuously improve
Connect with Daryl on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daryl-harris-280053290/
Check out Wrap Co here: https://wrapcogroup.com/
Want to know about me and ThinkWork? https://www.thinkwork.info/
...more
1h 54min
March 31, 2024S2 E31 CEO & Founder at SEERGRILLS; Suraj Sudera
Suraj Sudera is the CEO and founder of SEERGRILLS, the world's first AI-powered grill. With a background in mechanical engineering, Suraj developed SEERGRILLS' proprietary neural Fire Technology which allows the grill to deliver chef-level cooking results with just a touch of a button.
Main topics covered:
Suraj's journey from university to founding SEERGRILLS, including early experiences that inspired the idea
How SEERGRILLS' AI-powered grill uses infrared technology to cook foods at high heat for fast, flavorful results
The positive response and awards SEERGRILLS received for their product at CES
Implementing AI in a meaningful way to enhance and reinvent the cooking process
Suraj's experiences consulting with chefs and their positive feedback on food cooked with the SEERGRILLS
Future plans and product roadmap to expand into new sectors like commercial use
Connect with Suraj on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/surajsudera/
Check out SEERGRILLS here: https://seergrills.com/
Want to know about me and ThinkWork? https://www.thinkwork.info/
#startupfounder #foundersunplugged #entrepreneur #founder #businesspodcast #startuplife #ai #seersgrills
...more
2h 1min
March 25, 2024S2 E30 Co-founder and CEO at InHaus.ai; Isabella Sumner
Isabella Sumner is the co-founder and CEO of InHaus.ai, a startup that provides fashion brands with a tool to create product videos at scale and affordably. As gleaned from the excerpts, InHaus.ai developed a mobile app that allows users to easily record and submit video clips that are then automatically edited into finished videos. Each client has a customized "video recipe" to meet their needs.
In this episode, Gregory McCullum sits down with Isabella to discuss:
Isabella's background in styling and project management before founding InHaus.ai
How InHaus.ai streamlines video production workflows for high-volume retailers
The use of smartphone cameras to record content directly into their cloud-based editing tool
Early challenges raising funding when Isabella was not the primary founder
Pivoting their roles so Isabella could effectively lead as CEO
Embracing change and flexibility as entrepreneurs
Connect with Isabella on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/isabella-sumner-578361a1/
Check out InHaus.ai here: https://www.inhaus.ai/
Want to know about me and ThinkWork? https://www.thinkwork.info/
#startupfounder #foundersunplugged #entrepreneur #founder #businesspodcast #startuplife
...more
1h 29min
March 17, 2024S2 E29 Managing Director at Switchplane Ltd; Tom Fielder
In this episode of Founders Unplugged, your host Greg Mccallum sits down with Tom Fielder, Managing Director of Switchplane Limited to discuss his journey building one of the UK's leading software engineering firms.
Tom Fielder started Switchplane in 2003 with his brother as "just a couple of software geeks" working out of their parents' garage. Over the past 21 years, Switchplane has grown to help manufacturers across industries integrate their systems through custom software development and solving complex digital problems.
In our conversation, Greg and Tom cover:
- Tom's experience with COVID-19 and how it impacted the start of his year
- The evolution of Switchplane's business model from "anything for anybody at any price" to focusing on custom software and AI solutions
- Switchplane's niche in helping manufacturers integrate their systems and use of data
- Their participation at industry events like Digifest and plans to speak there again
- The challenge of making AI relevant and valuable to different audiences
-Switchplane's focus on "meaningful change" and preference for solving complex problems
- They also discuss Switchplane's first major project developing software for an airport transfer company and how that experience helped shape their approach.
Join Greg and Tom for this insightful discussion of Switchplane's journey, their commitment to clients, and Tom's perspectives on the software industry.
Connect with Tom on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/tomfielder/
Check out Switchplane here: https://www.switchplane.com/
Want to know about me and ThinkWork? https://www.thinkwork.info/
#startupfounder #foundersunplugged #entrepreneur #founder #businesspodcast #startuplife
...more
2h 3min
March 10, 2024S2 E28 Co-Founder of Immerzo; Michael Coppola
In this episode I have the pleasure of chatting with Michael Coppola, Co-Founder and CEO of Immerzo. Immerzo is building a platform to help brands and creators collaborate on immersive campaigns in virtual worlds like Roblox and Fortnite.
Michael has a background in filmmaking and marketing, and after seeing the potential of the creator economy and immersive advertising, decided to launch Immerzo to connect brands with virtual world creators.
Some of the topics we discussed include:
The gap in the market for tools to help brands and agencies manage immersive campaigns
Immerzo's B2B platform that is currently in beta testing
The types of creators they are targeting such as Roblox and Fortnite creators
The lack of monetization options available for these creators and how Immerzo aims to provide solutions
Examples of early traction with letters of intent and a creator database
The future of immersive content creation being enabled by advances in generative AI
Using virtual reality for remote team meetings and building company culture
It was fascinating to learn about Michael's journey starting Immerzo and the opportunity they see in this emerging space. Be sure to listen to our full discussion to hear more insights on the future of immersive advertising.
Connect with Michael on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-coppola-29709270/
Check out Immerzo here: https://www.immerzo.io/
Want to know about me and ThinkWork? https://www.thinkwork.info/
...more
1h 59min
March 03, 2024S2 E27 Founder & CEO of Platter; Jack Clegg
In this episode of Founders Unplugged, I sit down with Jack Clegg, founder and CEO of Platter, an all-in-one wholesale food platform.
Jack grew up in the food wholesale industry, helping his father's business since he was young. After trying other careers like carpentry, he returned to food wholesale and saw an opportunity to digitize the industry. Platter connects buyers and suppliers through an online platform, bringing the outdated wholesale process into the 21st century.
We discuss:
Jack's background and how it led him to start Platter
How Platter aims to solve the inefficiencies in food wholesale by streamlining ordering and payments digitally
The challenges Platter faced during the COVID-19 pandemic and how they adapted
Jack's experience as a delivery driver for Gorillas and the lessons it taught him
The funding Platter recently received and their plans for future growth
It was fascinating to learn about Jack's entrepreneurial journey and vision for modernizing this traditional industry. Tune in to hear his full story and insight into the opportunities emerging at the intersection of food and technology.
Connect with Jack on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jack-clegg-073b553b/
Check out Platter here: https://weareplatter.com/
Want to know about me and ThinkWork? https://www.thinkwork.info/
...more
2h 1min
February 25, 2024S2 E26 Founder & CEO of Zero Gravity; Joe Seddon
Welcome to another exciting episode of Founders Unplugged! In this episode, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Joe Seddon, the Founder and CEO of Zero Gravity, a groundbreaking platform that empowers students from low opportunity areas to access top universities and careers.
In this candid conversation, Joe shares his personal journey from growing up in a small town in West Yorkshire to attending Oxford University, and how his own experiences inspired him to create Zero Gravity. We delve into the challenges faced by students from disadvantaged backgrounds and the barriers they encounter when trying to break into elite institutions. Joe's passion for using technology to bridge this gap is truly inspiring.
Here are some of the key topics covered in this episode:
Joe's personal background and the founding story of Zero Gravity
The concept of "zero gravity" and how it represents a shift in mindset
Overcoming anxiety and turning it into a driving force for success
Balancing the demands of being a CEO and a parent
The importance of long-form content and reflective conversations
Navigating the fundraising process and building a network from scratch
Reconceptualizing challenges as opportunities for growth
The messy nature of entrepreneurship and the importance of nuance
The role of self-reflection in optimizing personal performance
The qualities of a successful founder and the importance of problem-solving
Zero Gravity's mission to provide opportunities for students beyond university
Join us for this thought-provoking and insightful conversation with Joe Seddon as we explore the world of entrepreneurship, education, and social impact. Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share this episode with your network!
Thank you for joining us on this episode of Founders Unplugged! Stay tuned for more inspiring conversations with visionary founders.
Connect with Joe on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joeseddon/
Check out Zero Gravity here: https://www.zerogravity.co.uk/
Want to know about me and ThinkWork? https://www.thinkwork.info/
...more
1h 44min
February 18, 2024S2 E25 Founder & CEO of Story Scale; Nick Raeburn
Get ready for an engaging discussion with Nick Raeburn, Founder and CEO of Story Scale, in this episode of Founders Unplugged. As a social selling consultant and video coach, Nick is dedicated to helping companies realize their full potential. His expertise enables organizations to craft strategic social media strategies that empower employees to become creative content creators.
Nick Raeburn is the creative force behind Story Scale, a company dedicated to helping businesses find their collective brand voice and generate revenue through storytelling and employee engagement. With his expertise in social selling and video coaching, Nick empowers companies to tap into their employees' creativity and turn them into content creators. By fostering a sense of play and imagination, Nick helps his clients build stories at scale and create a lasting impact.
In this episode, Nick and I dive deep into the world of storytelling, employee empowerment, and the future of business growth. Here are some of the key topics we explore:
The power of storytelling in building a strong brand and connecting with customers.
The importance of employee empowerment and how it can drive business success.
The trend of building companies with a flat organizational structure and the benefits it brings.
The role of social media in creating a strategic social selling strategy.
The impact of technology on content creation and the accessibility of tools for building digital products.
The concept of personal branding and how it can help individuals stand out in a crowded market.
The transformational journey of entrepreneurs and the highs and lows they experience along the way.
The value of shared values in building connections and relationships with customers and employees.
The future of business growth and the role of creativity and adaptability in staying ahead.
And lots more!
Join us for this insightful conversation as we uncover the secrets to building a successful business through storytelling and employee empowerment. Don't miss out on the valuable insights shared by Nick Raeburn, the mastermind behind Story Scale. Hit that play button and let's dive in!
Connect with Nick on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/thatsocialnerd/
Want to know about me and ThinkWork? https://www.thinkwork.info/
#foundersunplugged #founderstories #startupfounder #techstartups
...more
2h 1min
February 11, 2024S2 E24 Co-Founder & CEO at Phantom Technology; Farbod Shakouri
Welcome to another exciting episode of Founders Unplugged! In this episode, I had the pleasure of chatting with Farbod Shakouri, the brilliant Co-Founder & CEO at Phantom Technology. Join us as we dive into the fascinating world of AI-powered wearables and the future of human interface technologies.
In this episode, we sit down with Farbod Shakouri, the Co-Founder & CEO at Phantom Technology, an AI startup based in Cambridge, UK. Farbod's background in games technology and his passion for mixed reality solutions led him to create Phantom Technology, which is focused on developing the next generation of human interface technologies. With the recent advancements in AI and generative AI, Farbod and his team are exploring the potential of wearables, particularly smart glasses, to revolutionize the way we interact with the world around us.
During our conversation, we cover a wide range of topics, including:
The inspiration behind Phantom Technology and the journey that led Farbod to co-found the company.
The role of AI in wearables and how it can enhance the utility and user experience of devices like smart glasses.
The exciting possibilities of generative AI in real-time augmented reality and its potential to create infinite value and solutions without the need for building specific applications.
The future of AI-powered wearables and the challenges and opportunities in the industry.
The impact of AI on various sectors, such as healthcare, industrial kitchens, and even space exploration.
The advancements in virtual reality and augmented reality devices, including the Meta Quest 3, and their potential to create immersive and realistic experiences.
The importance of individualization and specialization in AI models like Cassie, Phantom Technology's AI assistant, and how it can be tailored to specific industries and facilities.
Join us for this thought-provoking conversation as we explore the intersection of AI, wearables, and the future of human-computer interaction. Don't miss out on the insights and expertise shared by Farbod Shakouri, the visionary behind Phantom Technology.
Connect with Farbod on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/farbod-shakouri/
Check out Phantom Technology here: https://www.phantomtech.io/
Want to know about me and ThinkWork? https://www.thinkwork.info/
#foundersunplugged #founderstories #startupfounder #techstartups
...more
2h 1min

FAQs about Founders Unplugged:

How many episodes does Founders Unplugged have?

The podcast currently has 158 episodes available.