Join Àlex Rodríguez Bacardit (CEO @ MarsBased) and John O’Nolan, founder of Ghost, as they delve into the world of independent, values-driven tech businesses. They discuss Ghost’s foundational structure, the role of transparency and bootstrapping in shaping the company, and how these principles impact product development and user loyalty. The conversation also touches on the challenges of competing with heavily funded competitors, the nuances of running a foundation, and the future of newsletter platforms. 

Whether you’re an entrepreneur or a tech enthusiast, this episode offers deep insights into aligning business with core values.

Also, hot takes with hot salsas 🔥

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🎬 You can watch the video of this episode on the Life on Mars podcast website: https://podcast.marsbased.com/

Greg Scown, co-founder of TextExpander, shares an inspiring journey through the partial sale of his company to Summit Partners and the path that led him there. Discover how casual coffee chats carried invaluable advice, such as re-registering as a Delaware C corporation, which significantly boosted the company's valuation. Greg discusses the pivotal role of an enthusiastic fan at Summit Partners, which propelled TextExpander into the spotlight and paved the way for successful negotiations. As Greg and his partner Philip Goward step back from operational duties, they embark on a transformative journey of semi-retirement and advisory roles, exploring new ventures and collaborations.

The episode takes a deep dive into the strategic decision-making process behind selling to private equity versus traditional venture capital. With JD Mullen taking the reins as CEO, we examine the balance of maintaining continuity while embracing change. Greg highlights the strengths of bootstrap companies like TextExpander, emphasizing the significance of subtle improvements to enhance user experience while preserving product reliability. This discussion offers insights into the private equity landscape, exploring de-risking strategies and the challenges of transitioning from a high-pressure leadership role to a more relaxed lifestyle.

We explore Greg's insights on the evolving tech landscape, the burgeoning potential for indie app developers, and the value of partnerships with organizations like Founder Partners. Through personal stories and reflections, Greg sheds light on the emotional transition post-exit, tackling mental health challenges, and societal pressures. There's also an intriguing look at the future of indie app development and the entrepreneurial spirit driving innovation in Europe, exemplified by entrepreneurs like Michael Simmons of Fantastical. If you're an engineering founder in Barcelona or Europe, this conversation invites you to connect and collaborate, opening doors to new opportunities and shared growth.

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🎬 You can watch the video of this episode on the Life on Mars podcast website: https://podcast.marsbased.com/

Join Àlex, CEO of MarsBased, as he tells the story behind starting both MarsBased and the Barcelona chapter of Startup Grind in 2014. Prepared for a rambling of 45 minutes?

This episode covers running both the chapter and MarsBased, reasons to keep it up, impact generated over ten years, metrics of Startup Grind Barcelona, highs and lows, and the reasons why we're quitting after 153 events and three international conferences.

We also give some hints as to what's next for Àlex and our involvement in the events & community space in the near future. Who knows, maybe you get the chance to listen to these ramblings live in a podcast studio near you!

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🎬 You can watch the video of this episode on the Life on Mars podcast website: https://podcast.marsbased.com/

Curious about the challenges of transitioning from a corporate environment in China to the bustling startup scene in Barcelona? How has she created an AI company and is bootstrapping her way up? How is their marketing strategy? How do you build domain authority for your startup? Join us as Tania Van Gastel, CEO and co-founder of The Multiverse AI, shares her unique journey. Her insights shed light on building a product-driven company amidst the AI frenzy, the significance of transparency, and the art of indie hacking. 

Discover how the vibrant startup community in Barcelona, bolstered by events like Startup Grind, fosters innovation and authentic conversations, providing valuable platforms for growth and reflection.

AI, however, couldn't fix Àlex not picking the right microphone for recording nor his mistaking multiverse for metaverse in the middle of the conversation, so there's that.

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🎬 You can watch the video of this episode on the Life on Mars podcast website: https://podcast.marsbased.com/

Unlock the secrets of navigating the turbulent waters of venture capital with our latest episode featuring the ever-insightful Mercè Tell, (GP & co-founder of Encomenda Capital Partners). This is a recording of one of our latest Startup Grind BCN events, recorded in early 2024.

Ever wondered how down rounds, declining M&A transactions, and slumping tech stock valuations are reshaping the investment landscape? Mercè sheds light on these pressing issues, providing a straightforward and transparent outlook that both VCs and startups will find invaluable. She also forecasts the trends for 2024, separating the hype from the reality in AI, and discusses the significant impact of reduced funding on the market.

In our deep dive into the world of startup investments, Mercè helps us unravel the complexities of early-stage versus late-stage ventures. Discover why seed stage investments can offer better returns and more founder-friendly terms, along with the unique conditions and legalities that each stage presents. We also examine the lifecycle of startups, the varied exit strategies, and the potential resurgence of M&A activity that could breathe new life into the VC ecosystem.

Finally, don't miss our conversation on emerging trends that are catching the eyes of investors, from sustainability and green tech to AI. Learn the crucial factors that VCs consider when evaluating AI companies, including the importance of practical, problem-solving solutions. Mercè also shares her journey from managing inherited funds to co-founding Encomenda, along with strategies for market validation, effective fundraising in a bear market, and convincing successful entrepreneurs to venture into VC. Packed with real-world insights and expert advice, this episode is a must-listen for anyone invested in the future of venture capital.

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🎬 You can watch the video of this episode on the Life on Mars podcast website: https://podcast.marsbased.com/

Ever wondered how to protect yourself from online scams while keeping advertisers honest? This episode is a must-listen as we welcome Nandini Jammi from Check My Ads, back on the podcast, after almost four years since her first appearance. Check My Ads is the pioneering agency fighting against fraudulent advertisers, right-wing disinformation and tackling online scams. 

We promise you'll walk away with a deep understanding of how business ethics and company values can shape the future of social media marketing schemes. 

Don't buy anything off Twitter/X. Pinky promise?

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🎬 You can watch the video of this episode on the Life on Mars podcast website: https://podcast.marsbased.com/

The podcast is back after a much needed (albeit unintended) hiatus. For more details, listen to this episode (in Spanish) or wait until an AI translates it for you.

Until then, listen to a few of the episodes that we had recorded prior to the break, which are still of high relevance, the first of which features our friend Brian Farrell, co-founder of Farco Studio.

What if the secret to thriving in the design market lies in balancing American ambition with Spanish work-life harmony? Join us as we sit down with Brian Farrell from Farco Design Studio. Brian's remarkable journey—from spearheading digital transformation at BBVA to founding his own studio in Spain—provides a unique lens into the shifting landscape of design. We explore the shared challenges our boutique companies face in a market where retainer contracts are dwindling and project predictability is more elusive than ever.

Navigating the complexities of working with large corporations, Brian and Àlex delve into procurement processes and the cultural nuances that set American and Spanish business practices apart. We share our personal battles with imposter syndrome and discuss how past credentials can influence our professional paths. Highlighting the benefits of blending American drive with Spanish balance, we illustrate how this fusion fosters a passionate and sustainable approach to business. We also address the often overlooked yet crucial aspect of meticulous attention to detail in design—how print experiences can sharpen a digital designer’s eye for precision.

Lastly, we reflect on the challenges of transitioning from a hands-on designer to a business owner. From redefining productivity and managing new responsibilities to learning the art of outsourcing and automation, this episode is packed with insights. Brian shares his vision of promoting Spain’s incredible design talent on a global stage, encouraging listeners to recognize the diverse and vibrant creative community Spain has to offer. If you’re navigating the turbulent waters of the design market or simply passionate about creativity, this episode is a treasure trove of wisdom and inspiration.

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🎬 You can watch the video of this episode on the Life on Mars podcast website: https://podcast.marsbased.com/

Celebrating a decade of bootstrapping brilliance, I, Àlex, founder of MarsBased, am back behind the mic to share an emotional tribute to the journey we've shared. As we revel in a significant milestone, I'm incredibly grateful for the unwavering support from our clients, friends, and the wider community. The anniversary bash in Barcelona was an unforgettable affair, filled with poignant moments that underscored the collective effort that's helped us thrive in an industry that's often obsessed with the fast money game. Our steadfast commitment to an office-less model and sustainable growth has been our secret sauce, and there's a palpable sense of pride as I recount the values and culture that will propel us forward.

As we peer into the horizon, the future is abuzz with possibilities and challenges for MarsBased. After a much-needed respite, the podcast format is ripe for innovation, promising more spontaneous episodes that might just come to you from a plane en route to San Francisco. The company is gearing up for expansion and adaptation, from hiring fresh talent to huddling up in Andorra for a strategic retreat, all while fine-tuning our business acumen to better serve our evolving client base. We're embracing new technologies like Python and AI, and as always, focusing on the sustainable growth that's been our cornerstone. Strap in and join us on this exhilarating ride into the next decade of MarsBased, where innovation meets resilience.

Nice work, BuzzsproutGPT!

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🎬 You can watch the video of this episode on the Life on Mars podcast website: https://podcast.marsbased.com/

Explore the power of AI in streamlining content creation and productivity in our latest podcast episode. We're joined by Clemens Rychlik from Bourbon, where he serves as COO, and the man behind the Barcinno newsletter, diving into how AI, including ChatGPT, is reshaping tasks like proofreading and SEO optimization. Clemens shares his insights on using AI for authoritative content, while we discuss balancing client projects with our own. This episode is a must-listen for anyone using AI tools or interested in their potential.

We delve into how AI aids in language-related tasks such as transcription, translation, and grammar checking, highlighting efficiency boosts from tools like Otter, DeepL, and Grammarly. Àlex also shares how AI has revolutionized his Excel workflows and other day to day tasks, emphasizing the importance of human expertise in refining AI outputs and maintaining a brand's voice.

We conclude by examining AI's impact on SEO and content strategies, noting its quirks and the importance of accuracy in the digital realm. The episode also covers our hands-on experience with an internal prompt library, setting the stage for a future where AI and human creativity merge to produce impactful content as Marspace approaches its ten-year milestone.

We don't know if these show notes, generated 95% by an AI, would be seen as great in the eyes of Google, but what we know for sure is that we have the best audience in the world. Thanks a tonne for listening to our show!

By the way, we're celebrating 10 years in a few weeks. Make sure to send us questions for a special 10-years Q&A episode with the founders of MarsBased. Send them at [email protected]!

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🎬 You can watch the video of this episode on the Life on Mars podcast website: https://podcast.marsbased.com/

Prepare to navigate the high-stakes world of mergers and acquisitions with insider expertise as Dimitri Steinberg and Brian Flynn from Founder Partners join me, Àlex from MarsBased, for a riveting discussion. In the ever-turbulent market of dwindling venture capital and faltering tech stocks, our guests share invaluable wisdom from their impressive careers on how to steer a company towards a lucrative sale or merger. We'll be revealing the art of reading between the lines during negotiations, the strategic finesse behind successful M&A, and why having seasoned pros at your side is a game-changer.

As we peel back the layers of M&A strategy, you'll discover why timing, organization, and information management are critical for startups looking to sell. Dimitri and Brian illuminate the intricate dance of revealing just enough to pique interest without oversharing early in potential partnerships. We also tackle the nuances of inbound acquisition offers, dissecting how to filter out the noise and recognize serious contenders. And if you're considering an advisor for your next business sale, you won't want to miss our insights on aligning incentives for a mutually beneficial outcome.

Finally, and after all the verbose AI-generated stuff, I've got to say that this is one of the most fun and insightful episodes I've recorded. The 60+ years of combined experience of these two gentlemen cannot be summarised in just one hour, so we will have to invite them again!

Support the show

🎬 You can watch the video of this episode on the Life on Mars podcast website: https://podcast.marsbased.com/