Sign up to save your podcasts
Or
Share Pitch Please
Share to email
Share to Facebook
Share to X
Share to email
Share to Facebook
Share to X
Or
Pitch Please
Pitch Please episodes
- Rocket Fuel Ep #6: Investing in Women – Strategies for Female Founders to Thrive
Empowering Female Founders: Closing the Funding Gap and Leveraging Resources – In this episode of Rocket Fuel, we five deep into the funding challenges faced by female founders with Landon Steele, founder of Steele Consulting Group. Landon shares her insights on the barriers to securing venture capital for women-led startups and practical ways to overcome them. Despite data showing that female-led companies are more profitable, only 2% of VC funding goes to all-female founding teams. Landon discusses how women can access non-dilutive funding, find supportive networks, and position themselves for growth. She highlights the role of peer support, incubators, and diverse investor pools in changing this narrative.
In This Episode, You’ll Learn:
The Gender Funding Gap: The challenges female founders face in securing VC funding, and how to break down the barriers.
Strategies for Success: From joining incubators to accessing non-dilutive funding, Landon outlines actionable steps for women founders.
Empowering Female Investors: Discover how programs like Women's Equity Lab and Startup Investors Lab are empowering women to become angel investors.
Key Resources for Female Founders: Landon lists several more resources and links to the sources for all the statistics she mentions in this podcast episode in her recent blog post here.
Key Takeaways:
Women-Led Companies Perform: Female-led startups are more profitable and socially responsible, yet they receive only 2% of VC funding. Learn why female founders are a strong investment opportunity.
Bridging the Gender Funding Gap: Increasing diversity among investors can lead to more equitable funding for women entrepreneurs.
Actionable Resources
Chapters:
00:00 – Introduction and Welcome
01:30 – Landon’s Journey: From Biotech to Consulting for Female Founders
04:47 – The Gender Funding Gap: Why Only 2% of VC Funding Goes to Female Founders
08:30 – Why Women-Led Startups Outperform: Data Behind the Profitability
12:50 – Bridging the Gap: The Importance of Diverse Investors in VC
18:13 – Key Resources for Female Founders: Incubators, Mentorship, and Funding
25:30 – Pathway to Silicon Valley: How to Get Silicon Valley Ready
27:58 – Show Her the Money Watch Parties: Supporting Female Founders
36:25 – Final Thoughts and Advice
More About Landon
Landon Steele, founder of Steele Consulting Group, is an innovative senior executive with over 30 years of experience in healthcare and biotech. She helps startups become "Silicon Valley Ready" by offering fractional COO services, advisory expertise, and business development consulting. Landon is an experienced angel investor and co-founder of the Startup Investors Lab, with a diverse portfolio of early-stage investments. She also serves on the board of the Canadian Women’s Network, helping Canadian female founders access Bay Area resources.
Resources Overview for Female Founders
Pathway to Silicon Valley: Helping Canadian women founders scale internationally. Event in Palo Alto, Nov. 18-20.
Show Her the Money: Watch parties for this documentary on women entrepreneurs are happening in Vancouver and San Francisco.
Women's Equity Lab: A growing network of women investors managing a growing portfolio of companies, with 76% led by women.
Spring Impact Capital: Supporting underestimated founders through programs like Right Fit Capital and the 2025 Women-Led Impact Investor Challenge.
The Call to Action
Follow Landon on LinkedIn for announcements about the Show Her the Money watch parties. Sign up for her mailing list at www.steeleconsultinggroup.com for more resources. Interested in angel investing? Check out Startup Investors Lab or Women's Equity Lab. Landon is available for panels, speaking, or as an advisor—reach out for a free consultation and a 20% discount by mentioning Pitch Please!
Want to Connect?
Email: [email protected]
Website: steeleconsultinggroup.com
LinkedIn: Landon Steele
Twitter: Landon Steele - Twitter
41 min - The Meerby Success Story: Transforming Retail Operations with Real-Time Data
Revolutionizing Retail with Intelligent Solutions: The Story Behind Meerby – In this episode of Pitch Please, Mike Thibodeau speaks with Allan and Elizabeth, sibling co-founders of Meerby, an intelligent retail solution transforming the in-store customer experience. Drawing from their deep-rooted experience in the retail industry, Allan and Elizabeth developed Meerby to address common pain points in retail operations by optimizing staff deployment through real-time customer needs and data analytics. Discover how their passion for retail and innovation led to the creation of a solution now implemented in Canadian Tire and Tim Horton’s stores.
In This Episode, You’ll Learn:• The Origin of Meerby: How growing up in the retail industry inspired Allan and Elizabeth to co-found Meerby, a tech solution designed to improve both customer and staff experiences in retail environments.• How Meerby Enhances Retail Operations: Meerby’s intelligent help button system uses advanced algorithms to optimize staff deployment, improving customer service and boosting staff morale by ensuring the right person is in the right place at the right time.• Data-Driven Decision Making: Learn how Meerby provides retail managers with real-time analytics and insights, helping them make informed decisions to improve store performance.Key Takeaways:• Innovative Retail Technology: Meerby is designed by retailers, for retailers, ensuring the technology works seamlessly from day one to address common operational challenges.• Empowering Staff, Not Replacing Them: Meerby’s solution focuses on enhancing human interaction in retail by supporting staff, rather than replacing them, in creating meaningful customer engagements.• Real-Time Benefits: With implementation in Canadian Tire and Tim Horton’s, Meerby has proven to improve key metrics like customer satisfaction and sales by ensuring staff is deployed more efficiently.Chapters:00:00 – Introduction and Welcome01:30 – Allan and Elizabeth’s Background: Growing Up in Retail04:16 – Inspiration Behind Meerby: From Retail Pain Points to a Tech Solution08:43 – How the Intelligent Help Button Works12:11 – Creating a Better Experience for Customers and Staff17:16 – Real-Time Analytics for Retail Managers21:10 – Scaling Meerby to Other Retail and Restaurant Sectors26:30 – Unique Features of Meerby: Staff and Customer Empowerment33:50 – Advice for Entrepreneurs: Lessons Learned from Building Meerby41:24 – Final Thoughts and Future Plans for MeerbyMore About AllanAs the co-founder and president of Meerby and DynamicCXS, Allan has over two decades of experience leading retail teams at Canadian Tire. Passionate about innovation and enhancing the customer experience, Allan believes in the power of modern technology to support, rather than replace, retail staff. Through Meerby, he is focused on helping retailers optimize their operations and improve customer satisfaction.More About ElizabethElizabeth is the co-founder of Meerby and director of business operations at Canadian Tire. Growing up in a family business, she is dedicated to creating meaningful retail experiences for both customers and staff. Her leadership and operational expertise have been instrumental in designing Meerby’s technology to improve retail efficiency and staff engagement.More About MeerbyMeerby is an intelligent retail solution that uses advanced algorithms and real-time data analytics to optimize staff deployment and improve the in-store customer experience. Deployed in Canadian Tire and Tim Horton’s stores, Meerby is scalable to various retail and restaurant environments, enhancing customer service and boosting store performance.Want to Connect?Website: www.meerby.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/meerby/Want to get Involved?Look for Meerby in a retailer near you! If you know someone looking to enhance customer experience or streamline retail operations, reach out for a live demo today.1 hr - Building Scalable HR Strategies for Startups with HRX Connect
HR Strategy for Startups: Building People-First Foundations with HRX Connect – In this episode of Rocket Fuel on the Pitch Please podcast, Mike Thibodeau speaks with Farial Karbasi, founder of HRXconnect, a fractional HR and recruitment firm that specializes in helping startups and SMBs build high-performing teams and strong company cultures. With over eight years of experience in HR and a passion for empowering businesses, Farial shares how she has developed proven frameworks to help organizations grow sustainably while tackling complex HR challenges.
In This Episode, You’ll Learn:
- The Importance of Fractional HR for Startups: How owner-operated businesses can leverage HR expertise to attract top talent, strengthen teams, and achieve long-term growth. Farial discusses why relying on finance or other departments to manage HR is no longer practical once a business reaches a certain stage.
- Navigating Complex Employment Issues: From compliance to workplace policies, HRXconnect provides hands-on support and strategic guidance, helping businesses build a solid HR foundation that allows them to thrive.
- Real-World Examples: Hear how startups and SMBs have worked with HRXconnect to create HR strategies that fit their needs, ultimately improving employee retention, engagement, and overall company culture.
- HRXconnect’s Tailored Approach: Farial explains how her company acts as an extension of a client’s business by providing HR expertise at a fraction of the cost of an in-house team. Whether businesses need a custom HR audit, recruitment help, or long-term HR support, HRXconnect offers the flexibility to scale as businesses grow.
Key Takeaways:
- When to Start Thinking About HR: Startups should consider implementing HR solutions as early as five employees to avoid legal missteps, ensure compliance, and improve employee satisfaction.
- Building a People-First Culture: Farial highlights the importance of HR in fostering inclusive environments, developing workplace policies, and building a long-term strategy for business success.
- Custom, Scalable Solutions: HRXconnect tailors its HR strategies to each business’s unique needs, providing project-based or ongoing support as required.
If you're an SMB or startup looking to enhance your HR strategy, tune in to learn how fractional HR services can help you grow a high-performing team and company culture.
Chapters:
00:00 – Introduction and Overview
02:44 – Farial’s Founder Journey and HRX Connect's Origin
05:41 – HR for Startups: Why It’s Critical to Start Early
07:47 – What HRX Connect Can Help With: Onboarding, Policies, Legal Compliance
10:43 – Custom Solutions: How HRX Connect Supports Businesses of All Sizes
19:35 – Key HR Challenges and How to Address Them
25:32 – Exciting Developments at HRX Connect
29:00 – Advice for Founders: Why Investing in HR Early Pays OffMore About Farial Karbasi
Farial Karbasi, founder of HRXconnect, has spent the past 8 years helping businesses create stronger, higher-performing teams by developing proven HR frameworks. Her mission is to support startups and SMBs by providing them with the HR expertise they need to thrive, without the overhead of an in-house team. HRXconnect offers flexible, fractional HR services designed to grow alongside businesses.More About HRXconnect
HRXconnect works with owner-operated businesses that have reached the stage where a strong HR foundation is essential to attract and retain top talent. Specializing in custom HR strategies, HRXconnect offers hands-on support with compliance, recruitment, policy development, and more, helping businesses build a thriving workforce and long-term success.Want to Get Involved?
Ready to take your HR strategy to the next level? Book your free 15-minute consultation with HRXconnect today and get 10% off fractional HR services for 3 months or 50% off an HR audit. Let’s discuss how we can support your business!32 min - Rocket Fuel Ep #5: How SaaS Companies Can Accelerate Growth with Marketplaces & Reseller Channels
Leveraging Marketplaces and Reseller Channels for SaaS Growth – In this episode of Rocket Fuel on the Pitch Please podcast, Mike Thibodeau is joined by Alexandre Pascal from WeTransact to discuss how SaaS companies can strategically use marketplaces like Microsoft, Google, and Amazon, along with reseller channels, to accelerate growth. If you’ve ever wondered when and how to tap into these sales ecosystems, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you make informed decisions and maximize your SaaS product’s reach.
In This Episode, You’ll Learn:
• Marketplaces and Reseller Channels Explained: Discover what software marketplaces (like Microsoft Azure Marketplace) and reseller channels are and how they function differently from B2C app stores.
• When to Leverage Marketplaces: Understand the best timing for SaaS startups to start using marketplaces and resellers as part of their growth strategy, especially once they have market fit.
• The Benefits of Marketplace Listings: Learn how marketplaces can shorten your sales cycle, expand your customer base, and help you leverage pre-negotiated budgets.
• Real-World Case Studies: Hear examples of SaaS companies that have used marketplaces and reseller channels to drive millions in revenue by scaling through partnerships.
• How WeTransact Can Simplify Integration: Discover how WeTransact helps SaaS companies integrate into marketplaces in just five days, compared to the typical six-month technical process.
If you’re a founder or sales leader at a SaaS company looking to expand your market reach and shorten sales cycles, this episode provides invaluable tips for integrating marketplaces and resellers into your go-to-market strategy.
Key Takeaways:
• Accelerating Growth Through Marketplaces: SaaS companies can fast-track sales and conversions by integrating into marketplaces, leveraging existing customer relationships of hyperscalers like Microsoft.
• Reseller Channels for Scale: Utilizing resellers allows SaaS vendors to reach a wider audience while reducing customer acquisition costs and leveraging existing partnerships.
• The Importance of Timing: Startups should focus on marketplaces after achieving product-market fit, but not too early when the product is still in flux.
• Simplified Marketplace Integration: Platforms like WeTransact can drastically reduce the technical lift and complexity of listing on a marketplace.
Chapters:
00:00 – Introduction and Overview
01:10 – Understanding Marketplaces and Reseller Channels for SaaS
05:35 – Key Benefits of Using Marketplaces for Growth
09:38 – When to Start Leveraging Marketplaces in Your Business
13:59 – The Challenges of Working with Resellers and Marketplaces
21:24 – Simplifying Marketplace Integration with WeTransact
30:11 – Real-World Examples of SaaS Success in Marketplaces
39:52 – Closing Thoughts on Marketplaces as Growth Engines
More About Alexandre
Alexandre has extensive experience working with SaaS startups, having spent eight years at Microsoft focused on Azure innovation. Now at WeTransact, he helps SaaS companies simplify marketplace integration and leverage reseller channels to accelerate growth.
More About WeTransact
WeTransact is a SaaS platform that streamlines the deal-making process for ISVs and startups in the Microsoft Marketplace. We create transactable offers within 5 days, close deals within 3 months, and unlock new Microsoft incentives. With a strong emphasis on driving revenue and growth, WeTransact provides GTM advisory and AI contact matching, helping businesses maximize profitability and expand their opportunities within the Microsoft ecosystem.
Want to Connect?
Alexandre: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexandrepascalsaas/
WeTransact: https://www.linkedin.com/company/wetransactio/
Website: WeTransact.io
Get Involved:
Enjoy a 10% discount on WeTransact offers exclusively for Pitch Please listeners! Write to [email protected] to learn more.
43 min - AI Hallucinations: Detecting and Managing Errors in Large Language Models (Key AI Insights for Businesses)
Dive into the critical challenges and solutions in AI with this episode of Founder Stories on the Pitch Please podcast! Featuring Mike Thibodeau alongside Jai Mansukhani and Anthony Azrak, co-founders of OpenSesame, this discussion focuses on how companies can detect and manage AI hallucinations in Large Language Models (LLMs) to ensure reliable AI systems.
What are AI hallucinations? Understand how hallucinations occur in AI systems and the risks they pose for businesses using generative AI.
The role of OpenSesame: Learn how OpenSesame provides an easy-to-implement solution to detect and flag AI hallucinations, ensuring accuracy in AI-generated results.
Use cases for AI detection tools: Explore real-world examples of how industries like healthcare, legal, and B2B are leveraging OpenSesame to mitigate AI risks.
The future of AI and hallucination prevention: Insights into how AI models are evolving and why managing hallucinations will be key to building scalable, reliable AI systems.
For more insights on AI hallucinations and how to avoid them, check out this detailed blog post on OpenSesame 2.0.
Key Takeaways for Businesses:
• AI hallucinations can lead to significant business risks, especially in high-stakes industries like healthcare and legal sectors.
• OpenSesame helps businesses flag and manage hallucinations in LLMs, ensuring reliable AI results.
• By using OpenSesame, companies can focus on building trustworthy AI solutions while minimizing errors and avoiding costly mistakes. As AI adoption grows, tools to detect hallucinations will become critical to ensuring scalable and accurate AI systems.
For more on how OpenSesame can benefit your business, check out this video demo on OpenSesame's hallucination detection services.
Chapters
00:00 - Introduction and Background
06:13 - The Problem of Hallucinations in AI
09:42 - Becoming Entrepreneurs and Starting Open Sesame
12:05 - Overview of Open Sesame
14:06 - Detecting and Flagging Hallucinations
18:20 - Target Audience and Use Cases
21:34 - Integration and Future Plans
23:17 - Working with Models and Future Plans
24:14 - Building a Strong Community in Toronto
25:08 - The Importance of Rapid Iteration and Feedback
27:39 - The Role of Community and Brand in AI
29:49 - Seeking Talented Engineers and Partnerships
More About OpenSesame:
OpenSesame is revolutionizing the way companies detect and manage AI hallucinations. By offering an easy-to-use solution, they enable businesses to implement more reliable AI systems. With a focus on accuracy and scalability, Open Sesame is helping to shape the future of AI.
Learn more about Jai and Anthony on their LinkedIn Profile and explore OpenSesame’s approach to reliable AI solutions by visiting their website.
Want to Connect?
• Jai Mansukhani: LinkedIn
• Anthony Azrak: LinkedIn
• OpenSesame: LinkedIn
• Website: OpenSesame.dev
Want to try it out?
Pitch Please listeners get 1-month free and a personal onboarding session with OpenSesame! Get started and book a call with OpenSesame today! https://opensesame.dev
44 min - Rocket Fuel Ep #4: Legal Essentials for Startups: When to Hire In-House vs. Fractional General Counsel (Key Startup Legal Tips)
Legal Essentials for Startups: When to Hire In-House vs. Fractional General Counsel (Key Startup Legal Tips).
Dive into the legal essentials every startup needs with this episode of Rocket Fuel on the Pitch Please podcast! Featuring Mike Thibodeau and Brett Colvin, CEO of Goodlawyer, this discussion focuses on the critical decisions startup founders face when choosing between external legal counsel, hiring in-house legal support, or opting for a fractional general counsel to meet their growing legal needs.
- When should startups hire in-house legal counsel? Discover the pivotal moments where hiring in-house becomes crucial for startup growth and avoiding legal pitfalls.
- The cost-effective benefits of fractional general counsel: Learn how a fractional GC can provide startups with the flexibility they need, offering expertise without the full-time commitment.
- Key legal milestones for startups: Why setting up early legal frameworks like founder agreements and solid customer contracts is essential to avoid costly mistakes.
- Real-world examples of legal strategy: Hear stories of startups that have strategically managed their legal resources to fuel growth and protect their businesses from common legal challenges.
For more insights on startup legal tips, check out this detailed blog post from Goodlawyer on 5 common contract fails and how to avoid them.
- Early-stage startups should engage external counsel for project-based legal support, focusing on key legal milestones such as founder vesting agreements and early contracts.
- Fractional general counsel is a smart, scalable option for startups with emerging legal needs, typically around the 20-30 employee mark, when legal issues start to directly impact revenue.
- Solid contracts with end customers are essential, especially for B2B startups. A fractional GC who understands the business can help create robust legal agreements that protect your startup.
- A fractional general counsel provides flexibility and scalability, offering expertise in areas like corporate law and commercial contracts without the overhead of a full-time legal hire.
- Engaging a fractional GC saves time, streamlines processes, and helps remove legal bottlenecks, allowing startups to unlock new revenue opportunities.
For more on how fractional general counsel can benefit your startup, check out this article on Goodlawyer's Fractional GC services.
- 00:00 - Introduction and Overview
- 01:02 - Engaging a Lawyer: Spectrum and Options
- 09:38 - When to Consider In-House Counsel
- 14:04 - The Importance of Founder Agreements
- 20:39 - Understanding Fractional General Counsel
- 23:21 - Cost-Effectiveness of Fractional GC
- 23:54 - When to Consider Hiring a Fractional General Counsel
- 25:49 - The Expertise of Fractional General Counsel
- 27:36 - Managing Legal Bottlenecks with Fractional GCs
- 28:31 - The Benefits of Goodlawyer's Network
- 29:48 - Unlocking Efficiency and Revenue with Fractional GCs
- 32:15 - Transitioning to Fractional GCs: Managing Resources
- 35:18 - Consistency and Familiarity: Turnover in Big Firms vs. Goodlawyer's Network
Brett Colvin is the Co-founder and CEO of Goodlawyer, a tech company revolutionizing how lawyers and businesses work together. After practicing as a corporate lawyer at Canada’s largest law firm, Brett saw the inefficiencies in traditional law firms and decided to create a solution. Since 2019, Goodlawyer has grown to serve over 5,000 clients across Canada, offering innovative solutions like Fractional GC™ and Fractional InHouse™ services.
Learn more about Brett on his LinkedIn and discover how Goodlawyer is transforming legal services for startups by visiting their website.
- Brett: LinkedIn
- Goodlawyer: LinkedIn
- Website: Goodlawyer.ca
Reach out to Brett and the Goodlawyer team today via LinkedIn or their website.
47 min - Data Ownership in the World of AI with the Founders of Fair Data AI
Who really owns your data in the age of AI?
Victor, Harry, and Chris share their insights on the blurred lines between user-created content and how it’s being used to train AI models. They discuss the ethical implications, the challenges of fairly compensating data contributors, and the potential role of blockchain in creating a more transparent and equitable system.
We also explore the tough questions: How can startups ethically source data without breaking the bank? Can we find a balance between innovation and fair use? And what’s the future of data ownership as AI continues to evolve?
This is a must-listen for anyone interested in AI, data ethics, or the future of tech innovation.
About Victor Kyriazakos
Victor Kyriazakos is the CEO and CTO of Fair AI Data. With a career rooted in the intersection of AI, XR/MR/AR, and Web3 technologies, Victor has led numerous initiatives that blend cutting-edge tech with user-centric solutions. As a co-founder and analyst at RocketFuel, Victor has been instrumental in building decentralized, talent-owned agency models and helping Web3 startups accelerate their roadmap. He is also the CEO and Founder of RealTwin, an innovation studio that collaborates with media brands and enterprises to produce groundbreaking MR/XR/AR services. His extensive experience includes leading engineering efforts for top media and sports brands where he developed immersive cloud platforms and mixed reality experiences. Victor holds an MSc in Electrical and Computer Engineering and is passionate about creating ethical, transparent, and user-owned technological ecosystems.
About Harry Touloupas
Harry Touloupas is the Co-Founder and Chief Information Officer at Fair AI Data. With a Master’s degree in Electrical and Computer Engineering from the University of Patras, Harry’s career spans multiple roles in cloud solutions and Web3 technologies. He is multi-cloud certified and has built DevOps processes for numerous products. Harry leads infrastructure for RocketFuel and RealTwin, managing high-performance teams and scalable product development. A huge proponent of open source code, he is passionate about creating ethical, transparent, and user-centric technological solutions.
About Chris Zacharopoulos
Chris is the Co-founder and COO of Fair AI Data and holds an MSc in Electrical and Computer Engineering from the University of Patras in Greece. He is also the COO and PM lead of RocketFuel, the team-as-a-service dev agency that incubated Fair AI Data, and has been focused on building high-performance teams of talented freelancers and creating repeatable operational and SDLC processes. Chris began his professional career as a software engineer specializing in Extended Reality (XR) technologies, and has a passion for startups, entrepreneurship, and cutting-edge technologies.
About Fair AI Data
Fair AI Data is tokenizing the world’s data for AI training, by creating the first dataset marketplace that pays back creators. Our mission is to put an end to the unsolicited data scraping and create the largest repository of high-quality, ethically-sourced AI datasets, and establish a “creators first”, data-backed economy. Fair AI Data’s trustless platform allows creators to opt-in and monetize their work easily through a one-click interface, and makes sure they are compensated when AI companies train on their data.
Want to Connect?
Website: https://www.fair-data.ai/
Twitter: https://x.com/FairAIData
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fair-ai-data
Email: [email protected]
Want to Become a Contributor?
If you have a GitHub, GitLab, or DeviantArt account, visit our website now to reserve your spot on the platform and make the first step to start earning from your data! Be part of the movement to prove ethically-sourced AI is possible.
Want to support Fair AI Data?
Follow us on social media, and join us in the discussions for ethical AI practices. Your voice counts!
41 min - More Sustainable Corporate & Event Gifting with Peter Deitz from Unwrapit
In this episode of Founder Stories, we sit down with Peter Deitz, founder of Unwrapit, the platform that's revolutionizing corporate gifting with a focus on sustainability and meaningful experiences.
Peter takes us through his journey from a solo entrepreneur to establishing Unwrapit as a B Corp, committed to reducing waste through innovative digital gifting solutions.
We explore the challenges of building a purpose-driven business, the importance of aligning corporate values with sustainability, and why digital gifting is the future of corporate events.
Discover how Unwrapit is leading the charge in creating a greener, more thoughtful approach to corporate gifting.
Takeaways
Prioritizing impact and purpose in business can be a competitive advantage and attract like-minded team members and investors.
Non-physical gifts, such as experiences, charitable donations, and gift cards, can create lasting memories and higher recipient satisfaction.
Choosing non-physical gifts can reduce waste and lower costs for businesses. Unwrap It offers personalized, emotive, and branded recipient experiences through a digital gifting platform.
The platform helps customers design and contemplate the recipient experience they want to offer, ensuring personalization and brand reflection.
Unwrapit sources gifts based on the regions where recipients are located and offers a curated list of gift options for recipients to choose from.
Unwrap It is suitable for companies or events with a gifting budget of over $2,500 and has a global reach.
The platform has already achieved significant impact, including planting trees, securing meals for food-insecure individuals, and reducing CO2 emissions.
Sound Bites
"Let's design the waste and pollution out of an industry that's known for creating a lot of waste and pollution."
"Successful companies, startups likely have at least one, probably two master generalists in the founding team."
"Four in five corporate gifts are immediately discarded, never used, go straight to a trash can or hopefully a recycling bin."
"The experience for the end recipient is entirely digital."
"Enabling choice makes the whole experience more meaningful."
Chapters
00:00 - Introduction and Background
01:55 - Early Entrepreneurship and Shift to Social Impact
05:04 - Pros and Cons of Being an Entrepreneur on the Side
08:01 - Bootstrapping and Methodical Approach in Sustainable Business
11:48 - Recruiting Co-Founders and the Importance of Purpose
16:18 - Introduction to Unwrapit and Its Purpose
18:21 - The Landscape of Corporate and Event Gifting
23:51 - Costs and Benefits of Non-Physical Gifting
27:46 - The Digital Recipient Experience
30:16 - Enabling Choice for Meaningful Experiences
35:20 - Impact and Achievements of Unwrap It
43:21 - Innovation and Future Plans
About Peter Deitz
Peter is a 2 x B Corp entrepreneur committed to creating enduring companies that have a deeply-rooted social and environmental purpose. Prior to Unwrapit, Peter co-founded Grantbook, a 50-person digital transformation consultancy that works in the philanthropy sector. Peter is based in Toronto, ON and is the proud father of three kids, two cats, and a dog.
About Unwrapit
Unwrapit builds business relationships through hassle-free, personalized, and scalable gift
campaigns. No more generic gifts that are sent today and forgotten tomorrow. With Unwrapit,
recipients choose their own gift — making it the perfect way to show appreciation to those who
matter most to the business.
Want to Connect?
Peter: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peterdeitz/
Unwrapit: https://www.linkedin.com/company/unwrapit/
Book a Demo: https://calendly.com/d/x8mp-6ksz/demo-with-unwrapit?month=2024-08
Want to Try it Out?
Unwrapit is currently offering a summer promotion consisting of 50% off any Single Occasion or Annual Plan confirmed prior to August 31st. To learn more, visit unwrapit.com and book a demo.
47 min - Rocket Fuel Ep #3: Bootstrapped vs. Venture-Backed—What's the Smarter Move? w/ Brianna Blaney from Pocketed
Bootstrapping or Venture-Backed: What's the Smarter Move?
Dive into the essentials of bootstrapping and non-dilutive funding with our latest episode of Rocket Fuel on the Pitch Please podcast!
In Rocket Fuel Episode #3, we chat with Brianna Blaney, co-founder of Pocketed, to explore how startups can leverage alternative funding strategies to maintain control and accelerate growth.
In this episode, we delve into:
• The various types of non-dilutive funding available, including grants, tax credits, and incentives.
• The importance of aligning funding strategies with your business goals.
• Real-world examples of startups that have scaled faster by strategically stacking different types of capital.
• How Pocketed's platform simplifies the complex world of grants and funding, helping founders access the money they need to grow.
If you're a founder navigating the startup journey, this episode is packed with actionable insights on how to make smarter funding decisions. Tune in to learn how to stack your capital effectively and keep more equity in your hands as you build your business!
Takeaways
Startups should consider bootstrapping elements of their business throughout their journey.
Non-dilutive funding, such as grants, tax credits, and incentives, should be part of a startup's funding strategy.
Non-dilutive funding can help startups scale faster and achieve milestones.
Accessing grants can be challenging due to the complexity and changing nature of programs.
Tools and resources, like Pocketed, can help startups navigate the grant application process.
Startups should be thoughtful about how they stack different types of funding together.
It's important to start early and be proactive in pursuing non-dilutive funding opportunities.
Sound Bites
"Startups should consider bootstrapping elements of their business throughout their journey."
"Non-dilutive funding, such as grants, tax credits, and incentives, should be part of a startup's funding strategy."
"Non-dilutive funding can help startups scale faster and achieve milestones."
Chapters
00:00 - Introduction and Background
03:10 - The Importance of Bootstrapping and Non-Dilutive Funding
10:08 - Examples of Startups Using Non-Dilutive Funding
13:59 - Challenges in Accessing Grants
16:13 - Tools and Resources for Streamlining the Grant Application Process
24:54 - Closing Thoughts and Next Steps
More About Brianna
Money is a leading barrier to innovation and entrepreneurship, especially for women and equity-deserving groups. As an experienced founder, Brianna has lived this pain. She co-founded Pocketed to level the playing field, helping Canadian businesses easily access over $5.9B annually in grants, tax credits, and incentives. Since 2021, more than 15,000 companies have used Pocketed to access over $100M. Together with her team, Brianna is on a mission to eliminate financial barriers for businesses.
More About Pocketed
Pocketed helps companies across North America access billions of dollars in grants, tax credits, and incentives with our intelligent matching platform and funding solutions. Since launching in 2021, more than 15,000 businesses have used Pocketed to access over $100M in government funding. Create your free Pocketed account today at https://www.hellopocketed.io using promo code PitchPlease.
Want to Connect?
Brianna: https://www.linkedin.com/in/briannablaney/
Pocketed: https://www.linkedin.com/company/hellopocketed/
Get Involved:
Create your free Pocketed account today at https://www.hellopocketed.io using promo code PitchPlease.
Code: https://app.hellopocketed.io/create-account/?referral_code=PitchPlease)
Keywords
bootstrapping, non-dilutive funding, grants, tax credits, incentives, debt, equity, funding strategy, scaling, milestones, challenges, tools, resources
#StartupFunding #Bootstrap #Entrepreneurship #NonDilutiveFunding #Grants #StartupSuccess #RocketFuel
30 min - Helping Developers Build, Evaluate, and Monitor AI Agents with Adam Silverman from AgentOps.ai
Curious about the Future of AI Agents and Developers?
In episode #68 of Founder Stories, we sit down with Adam Silverman, co-founder of AgentOps.ai, to explore how AI agents are transforming the way businesses operate. Adam shares his entrepreneurial journey, emphasizing the importance of building relationships and learning from failures.
AgentOps is a powerful SDK designed to provide observability and monitoring for AI agents. Adam explains how the platform enables engineering teams to debug and analyze their agents, while compliance teams can track every interaction to meet regulatory standards. The platform also monitors key metrics like cost and latency, and supports multi-agent systems that can perform complex, end-to-end workflows.
As a central hub for all agent data, AgentOps integrates seamlessly with other tools and platforms, offering solutions for developers and enterprises alike. With flexible pricing options, including a free plan for indie developers, AgentOps is making it easier than ever to build and manage AI agents that automate tasks and boost productivity.
Takeaways
Building relationships and treating people well are crucial in business.
Learning from failures is an important part of the entrepreneurial journey.
AgentOps provides observability and monitoring for AI agents, allowing debugging and analysis.
The platform tracks cost, latency, and supports multi-agent systems.
An agent is a complex AI system that can perform end-to-end workflows. AgentOps is a platform for building and managing AI agents that automate tasks and workflows.
The platform serves as a central hub for agent data and integrates with other tools and platforms.
AgentOps offers a free plan for indie developers and a pro plan for larger enterprises.
Embracing AI technology and automation can improve efficiency and productivity in the workplace.
Sound Bites
"You were like MVP-ing entrepreneur life at that time."
"Fail is first attempt in learning."
"Make sure you're in business with the right people."
"Extending workflows into systematic processes"
"Automating tasks for faster and more accurate results"
"AgentOps is primarily used by developers and compliance teams"
Chapters
00:00 - Introduction and Background
04:17 - Entrepreneurship and Learning from Failures
11:17 - Understanding Stealth Startups
16:16 - The Importance of Building in Public
20:00 - Introduction to AgentOps
23:13 - Explaining AI Agents
28:36 - Building and Managing AI Agents with AgentOps
31:05 - Applications of AI Agents in Market Research and Sales Automation
33:20 - Creating Operational Efficiency through Automation
38:49 - Embracing AI Technology and Overcoming Fear
44:22 - Testing and Iterating with Off-the-Shelf Technology
46:06 - Supporting Content Creators and Conclusion
About Adam
Adam Silverman is the co-founder of AgentOps, a platform designed to provide observability and monitoring for AI agents. With a background in technology and entrepreneurship, Adam has a passion for building innovative solutions that streamline workflows and enhance productivity. He emphasizes the importance of learning from failures, building strong relationships, and leveraging AI technology to drive business success. Adam’s journey from a young entrepreneur to a leader in the AI space reflects his commitment to improving how businesses operate in a rapidly evolving tech landscape.
Want to Connect?
Adam: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamsil/
AgentOps.ai: https://www.linkedin.com/company/aistaff/
Want to Try it out?
Check them out AgentOps.ai here: https://www.agentops.ai/
Keywords
entrepreneurship, failures, relationships, AgentOps, SDK, observability, monitoring, AI agents, engineering teams, compliance, cost tracking, latency, multi-agent systems, AgentOps, AI agents, automation, productivity, workflow, developers, compliance teams, data integration, pricing, enterprise, technology, efficiency
47 min
About Pitch Please
From the publisher's feed
Your go-to hub for everything startups. We’re here to amplify founder voices, fuel your entrepreneurial journey, and connect you with a community that’s all about making magic happen. Whether you’re…
tuning in for epic founder tales, craving the latest growth hacks, or looking to network with game-changers, Pitch Please has got you covered. Dive into our vibrant ecosystem where innovation meets inspiration, and let’s build the future together. Make sure to check out both our Founder Stories and Rocket Fuel episodes.