Startup Stories - Mixergy

By Andrew WarnerSociety & Culture Business Education

Startup Stories - Mixergy episodes

August 26, 2019 #1816 How do you get users to try software with a learning curve?
Today’s guest has a company that basically fights against the idea of explainer videos.
The idea that you have to make somebody watch a three-minute video is a quixotic pursuit at best. And even if you get them to watch it, you’ve failed because they are watching something instead of using your software.
So today’s guest created in-product tours.
Pulkit Agrawal is the founder of Chameleon which offers product tours that blend seamlessly into your product experience.
Pulkit Agrawal is the founder of Chameleon which offers product tours that blend seamlessly into your product experience.
Sponsored by
HostGator – Ready to take your website to the next level? Whether you’re a first-time blogger or an experienced web pro, HostGator has all the tools you need to create a great-looking website or online store. A wide range of options includes cloud-based web hosting, reseller hosting, VPS hosting and dedicated servers. Founded in 2002, HostGator is the perfect web partner for business owners and individuals seeking hands-on support. Visit www.hostgator.com/mixergy to see what HostGator can do for your website.
Brain.fm – If you are working and you need to focus, try Brain.fm. You can go study the science behind pink noise and what it does to the brain, or you can just go try it yourself. You’re going to focus; you’re going to be more productive; you’re going to get more results. And if you go to brain.fm/mixergy, they will give you 20% off.
More interviews -> https://mixergy.com/moreint
Rate this interview -> https://mixergy.com/rateint
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August 24, 2019 #1815 Marathon Series: The Y Combinator Alum who returned to Singapore to build Saleswhale
Joining me is Gabriel Lim. He is an entrepreneur who went to Silicon Valley, who got funded by Y Combinator, and who of his own choice decided to come back to Singapore.
Gabriel Lim is the founder of Saleswhale, which uses AI to engage every lead over email, qualify them, and identify leads that are ready to buy.
I want to find out how he built up his business and why he decided to do it in Singapore instead of Silicon Valley.
Gabriel Lim is the founder of Saleswhale, which uses AI to engage every lead over email, qualify them, and identify leads that are ready to buy.
Sponsored by
Toptal – If you’re having trouble finding developers, Toptal is a network of elite pre-vetted software developers. You tell Toptal what you’re looking for, they search their network for the best people, they test the candidates, and then they present you with only the candidates who meet your individual needs. Once you pick someone you can start work with them the next day. They offer a no-risk trial period. Go to Toptal.com. Get the best of the best right now.
HostGator – Ready to take your website to the next level? Whether you’re a first-time blogger or an experienced web pro, HostGator has all the tools you need to create a great-looking website or online store. A wide range of options includes cloud-based web hosting, reseller hosting, VPS hosting and dedicated servers. Founded in 2002, HostGator is the perfect web partner for business owners and individuals seeking hands-on support. Visit www.hostgator.com/mixergy to see what HostGator can do for your website.
More interviews -> https://mixergy.com/moreint
Rate this interview -> https://mixergy.com/rateint
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August 23, 2019 #1814 LIVE with the chatbot creators behind the $3M bot experience
If we are using chat to communicate with the people we love then why are we only using email to talk to our customers?
There are two people who created a chatbot that got a lot of buzz because it generated $3M in revenue in one hour.
I invited them hear to talk about how they did it but I don’t want to focus on these outlier results. I want to talk about other successes with chatbots like a loyalty program they created for smaller businesses.
Philippe LeCoutre and David Sambor create messenger marketing experiences for their clients.
Philippe LeCoutre and David Sambor are the co-founders of Messenger Marketing Experts where they create messenger marketing experiences for their clients.
Sponsored by
Toptal – If you’re having trouble finding developers, Toptal is a network of elite pre-vetted software developers. You tell Toptal what you’re looking for, they search their network for the best people, they test the candidates, and then they present you with only the candidates who meet your individual needs. Once you pick someone you can start work with them the next day. They offer a no-risk trial period. Go to Toptal.com. Get the best of the best right now.
HostGator – Ready to take your website to the next level? Whether you’re a first-time blogger or an experienced web pro, HostGator has all the tools you need to create a great-looking website or online store. A wide range of options includes cloud-based web hosting, reseller hosting, VPS hosting and dedicated servers. Founded in 2002, HostGator is the perfect web partner for business owners and individuals seeking hands-on support. Visit www.hostgator.com/mixergy to see what HostGator can do for your website.
More interviews -> https://mixergy.com/moreint
Rate this interview -> https://mixergy.com/rateint
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August 21, 2019 #1813 Toptal CEO responds to criticism
Toptal’s CEO was accused of not giving options to employees who felt they were entitled to it, even though their legal agreements stated they were conditional. I asked him to do an interview, expecting him to say no way, but instead he said, glad to.
My summary of his response. Regarding investors: I’m not going to raise unnecessary funds just so their debt could convert to equity. Be patient.
Regarding employees: I keep telling people not to work here if they’re doing it for a stock windfall. Regarding his cofounder: Legally, I can’t say anything.
Taso Du Val is the founder of Toptal, which enables start-ups, businesses, and organizations to hire freelancers from a growing network of top talent in the world.
Sponsored by
HostGator – Ready to take your website to the next level? Whether you’re a first-time blogger or an experienced web pro, HostGator has all the tools you need to create a great-looking website or online store. A wide range of options includes cloud-based web hosting, reseller hosting, VPS hosting and dedicated servers. Founded in 2002, HostGator is the perfect web partner for business owners and individuals seeking hands-on support. Visit www.hostgator.com/mixergy to see what HostGator can do for your website.
Brain.fm – If you are working and you need to focus, try Brain.fm. You can go study the science behind pink noise and what it does to the brain, or you can just go try it. You’re going to focus; you’re going to be more productive; you’re going to get more results. And if you go to brain.fm/mixergy, they will give you 20% off.
More interviews -> https://mixergy.com/moreint
Rate this interview -> https://mixergy.com/rateint
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August 19, 2019 #1812 How to pivot a marketplace into a different business model
A few years ago I noticed there was a handful of companies whose goal was to help founders raise money. This angel crowdfunding idea was growing in popularity and it felt like it was going to be the future, and for some reason, it wasn’t.
Joining me today is an entrepreneur who went down that path. He found that wasn’t actually the right approach. I invited him here to find out why.
My guest is Brock Blake. He is the founder of Lendio. Lendio is a marketplace for business owners to comparison shop and get loans that they need. So they’re no longer matching entrepreneurs like you with angel investors, they are now helping you get the loan that you need.
We’ll find out why he made the change in this interview.
Brock Blake is founder of Lendio a marketplace for businesses owners to comparison shop and get the loan they need.
Sponsored by
Toptal – If you’re having trouble finding developers, Toptal is a network of elite pre-vetted software developers. You tell Toptal what you’re looking for, they search their network for the best people, they test the candidates, and then they present you with only the candidates who meet your individual needs. Once you pick someone you can start work with them the next day. They offer a no-risk trial period. Go to Toptal.com. Get the best of the best right now.
ActiveCampaign – Improve your marketing & sales processes by upgrading to an automated platform. Start sending follow-up that adapts to your customers’ behavior so you are sending the perfect message at the perfect time. You’ll have happier customers and higher conversions. See why over 150,000 marketers use ActiveCampaign to create intelligent marketing that gets better results.
If you’re with one of their confusing competitors and you want something new, you owe it to your business to check out ActiveCampaign.
More interviews -> https://mixergy.com/moreint
Rate this interview -> https://mixergy.com/rateint
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August 16, 2019 #1811 The story behind E-Junkie
Joining me today is an entrepreneur who, in the early internet days, figured out a simple solution in a world of really difficult online sales.
I’ve been wondering what happened to him. Robin Singh is the founder of E-Junkie which offers copy-paste buy-now and cart buttons for selling downloads, codes and tangible products on any website, blog, social media and messenger.
Robin Singh is the founder of E-Junkie which offers copy-paste buy-now and cart buttons for selling downloads, codes and tangible products on any website, blog, social media and messenger.
Sponsored by
HostGator – Ready to take your website to the next level? Whether you’re a first-time blogger or an experienced web pro, HostGator has all the tools you need to create a great-looking website or online store. A wide range of options includes cloud-based web hosting, reseller hosting, VPS hosting and dedicated servers. Founded in 2002, HostGator is the perfect web partner for business owners and individuals seeking hands-on support. Visit www.hostgator.com/mixergy to see what HostGator can do for your website.
ActiveCampaign – Improve your marketing & sales processes by upgrading to an automated platform. Start sending follow-up that adapts to your customers’ behavior so you are sending the perfect message at the perfect time. You’ll have happier customers and higher conversions. See why over 150,000 marketers use ActiveCampaign to create intelligent marketing that gets better results.
If you’re with one of their confusing competitors and you want something new, you owe it to your business to check out ActiveCampaign.
More interviews -> https://mixergy.com/moreint
Rate this interview -> https://mixergy.com/rateint
0 min
August 14, 2019 #1810 The step by step process of launching an apparel company (with $4k and zero experience)
Joining me is an entrepreneur who wanted to get into clothing—specifically undergarments.
I wonder how she can build a real business while competing with all the brands that feel intimidatingly large.
But she’s growing and recently expanded to activewear which means she’s now competing with Lululemon and NIKE and other giants.
Megan Grassell is the founder of Yellowberry which specializes in undergarments and apparel for tween girls.
Megan Grassell is the founder of Yellowberry which specializes in undergarments and apparel for tween girls.
Sponsored by
ActiveCampaign – Improve your marketing & sales processes by upgrading to an automated platform. Start sending follow-up that adapts to your customers’ behavior so you are sending the perfect message at the perfect time. You’ll have happier customers and higher conversions. See why over 150,000 marketers use ActiveCampaign to create intelligent marketing that gets better results.
If you’re with one of their confusing competitors and you want something new, you owe it to your business to check out ActiveCampaign.
HostGator – Ready to take your website to the next level? Whether you’re a first-time blogger or an experienced web pro, HostGator has all the tools you need to create a great-looking website or online store. A wide range of options includes cloud-based web hosting, reseller hosting, VPS hosting and dedicated servers. Founded in 2002, HostGator is the perfect web partner for business owners and individuals seeking hands-on support. Visit www.hostgator.com/mixergy to see what HostGator can do for your website.
More interviews -> https://mixergy.com/moreint
Rate this interview -> https://mixergy.com/rateint
0 min
August 12, 2019 #1809 The startup with a social mission of solving the payday loan problem
Today’s guest looked around at the payday loans space, saw how many people are going to get payday loans at exorbitant rates, and he said, “There should be a solution.” So he came out of retirement to start a new business and solve the predatory payday loan problem.
I wonder how his solution conflicts with people who have an interest in seeing the problem continue. We’re going to find out all that and how he built up his business.
Safwan Shah is the founder of Payactiv which is a financial wellness platform that enables employers to provide their workers instant relief from their between-paychecks financial headaches.
Safwan Shah is the founder of Payactiv which is a financial wellness platform that enables employers to provide their workers instant relief from their between-paychecks financial headaches.
Sponsored by
Toptal – If you’re having trouble finding developers, Toptal is a network of elite pre-vetted software developers. You tell Toptal what you’re looking for, they search their network for the best people, they test the candidates, and then they present you with only the candidates who meet your individual needs. Once you pick someone you can start work with them the next day. They offer a no-risk trial period. Go to Toptal.com. Get the best of the best right now.
HostGator – Ready to take your website to the next level? Whether you’re a first-time blogger or an experienced web pro, HostGator has all the tools you need to create a great-looking website or online store. A wide range of options includes cloud-based web hosting, reseller hosting, VPS hosting and dedicated servers. Founded in 2002, HostGator is the perfect web partner for business owners and individuals seeking hands-on support. Visit www.hostgator.com/mixergy to see what HostGator can do for your website.
More interviews -> https://mixergy.com/moreint
Rate this interview -> https://mixergy.com/rateint
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August 11, 2019 #1808 Marathon Series: The Singapore telco company with the heart of a SaaS startup
Today for my marathon series has brought me to Singapore.
Abhishek Gupta is the co-founder of Circles Life, which provides a modern mobile experience.
The reason I’m excited about this interview is that it isn’t just a SaaS that could be created by one person on a computer. Abhishek had to come up with the idea, find partnerships with established companies and convince customers to switch carriers.
None of those things are easy. I want to find out how he did it.
Abhishek Gupta is the co-founder of Circles Life, which provides a modern mobile experience.
Sponsored by
Toptal – If you’re having trouble finding developers, Toptal is a network of elite pre-vetted software developers. You tell Toptal what you’re looking for, they search their network for the best people, they test the candidates, and then they present you with only the candidates who meet your individual needs. Once you pick someone you can start work with them the next day. They offer a no-risk trial period. Go to Toptal.com. Get the best of the best right now.
HostGator – Ready to take your website to the next level? Whether you’re a first-time blogger or an experienced web pro, HostGator has all the tools you need to create a great-looking website or online store. A wide range of options includes cloud-based web hosting, reseller hosting, VPS hosting and dedicated servers. Founded in 2002, HostGator is the perfect web partner for business owners and individuals seeking hands-on support. Visit www.hostgator.com/mixergy to see what HostGator can do for your website.
More interviews -> https://mixergy.com/moreint
Rate this interview -> https://mixergy.com/rateint
0 min
August 09, 2019 #1807 Turning tech that’s ahead of its time into a company with a long tail
Joining me is entrepreneur who started his company back in 1999. It was a period of raising money, changing the world, and being changed by the world. There was a lot of evolution and a lot of obstacles in Germany at the time. I want to understand how today’s guest built a company in that environment.
Eckhard Ortwein is the founder of several companies, but the company we’re focusing on today is a company called Paybox Solutions.
They set out to make money a mobile experience at the same time PayPal was launching. They decided people should be able to pass money to each other, to businesses using mobile phones. That world exists today but back then it was ahead of its time. They raised money and we’ll find out in this interview what happened.
Eckhard Ortwein was a co-Founder of Paybox Solutions which helps people send and receive payments via mobile.
Sponsored by
Toptal – If you’re having trouble finding developers, Toptal is a network of elite pre-vetted software developers. You tell Toptal what you’re looking for, they search their network for the best people, they test the candidates, and then they present you with only the candidates who meet your individual needs. Once you pick someone you can start work with them the next day. They offer a no-risk trial period. Go to Toptal.com. Get the best of the best right now.
HostGator – Ready to take your website to the next level? Whether you’re a first-time blogger or an experienced web pro, HostGator has all the tools you need to create a great-looking website or online store. A wide range of options includes cloud-based web hosting, reseller hosting, VPS hosting and dedicated servers. Founded in 2002, HostGator is the perfect web partner for business owners and individuals seeking hands-on support. Visit www.hostgator.com/mixergy to see what HostGator can do for your website.
More interviews -> https://mixergy.com/moreint
Rate this interview -> https://mixergy.com/rateint
0 min