In this insightful episode of DIY for Business, Russ and Greg chat with startup strategist and software veteran David Hirschfeld, founder of Tekyz, about why so many startups fail—and how to prevent it. David introduces his proven Launch First methodology, showing how early validation and sales before building a product can be a game-changer for founders. They dive into the power of identifying the right niche, using AI to streamline development, and even how to sell software before it’s built.

The trio also tackles AI’s role in content creation and internal efficiencies, including an innovative voice-integrated Jira assistant that’s solving real developer pain points. Whether you’re launching your first startup or trying to scale smarter, this episode is packed with practical, battle-tested advice.