In this bonus episode of The Founder’s Story Podcast, host Nadia Atwal catches up with Roei Samuel while he’s in NYC for Connectd’s latest milestone—its official launch in the city. Roei, the founder and CEO of Connectd, shares his entrepreneurial journey from scaling his first tech venture to 8 million monthly users, to leading Connectd in its nationwide US expansion targeted for 2025. Discover how Connectd is revolutionizing startup growth through automated investor reporting and expert talent matching, and learn Roei’s insights on hyperfocus, advisory boards, and leveraging early PR.

Episode Highlights

Early Tech Beginnings

• Roei’s teenage fascination with emerging digital platforms and video content.
• He founded his first venture, which centered on content creation and scaling to millions of users.

How Connectd Came to Be

• Insights from Roei’s experience with startup investing and advising that spurred Connectd’s creation.
• An overview of Connectd’s unique approach: automating investor reporting and curating expert talent networks.

Expansion Plans and NYC Launch

• Why Connectd chose New York City for its US launch.
• Ambitious goals for reaching coast-to-coast coverage by 2025 and how remote collaboration accelerates growth.

Avoiding Common Startup Pitfalls

• Going “insular” when challenges arise instead of collaborating with investors and advisors.
• Balancing tangible growth drivers with accelerators, incubators, and other opportunities.

The Power of Advisory Boards and PR

• Building a well-rounded board early to fill knowledge gaps and blind spots.
• Nadia and Roei discuss leveraging PR and marketing before product completion to create meaningful buzz.

Practical Takeaways for Founders

• How Connectd’s data-driven insights can pinpoint talent needs and highlight key metrics.
• Why hyperfocus on core objectives leads to better outcomes in both funding and growth.

Key Quotes

• “If investors were looking for a perfect investment, they wouldn’t be going for a risky startup.”
• – Roei on transparency and making the most of investors’ insights.
• “A strong advisory board can be life or death for early-stage companies.”
• – Identifying and filling blind spots drives meaningful progress.
• “I believe in giving away as much value as possible—that’s at the heart of Connectd’s mission.”
• – Roei on empowering founders through resources, guidance, and technology.

Resources & Links

• Connectd Website: https://connectd.com
• Explore the platform’s features for investor reporting, expert networking, and more.
• Follow Roei Samuel on LinkedIn:
• Roei Samuel LinkedIn (Add a direct link to Roei’s profile, if available)
• Stay updated on his entrepreneurial insights and Connectd’s expansion journey.

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