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Summary

In this episode of Startups Decoded, host Andy Walsh speaks with Zoya Lehrer, founder of Orgo, about the challenges and opportunities in the startup landscape, particularly in the realm of product development and parenting logistics. 

Zoya shares her personal journey from immigrating to the U.S. to launching her business, which aims to streamline the logistics of youth sports for parents. The conversation delves into the importance of community feedback, the need for future-proofing products in a rapidly changing market, and the balance between innovation and consumer needs.

Zoya Lehrer
Zoya Lehrer is the co-founder and CEO of Orgo, a family scheduling and logistics app that helps busy households streamline calendars, travel, and coordination. Born in Ukraine and raised in Brooklyn after immigrating to the U.S. in 1993, she holds a Computer Science and IT degree from Rutgers University and spent 20+ years in executive roles in digital innovation, fintech partnerships, and strategic planning.

Frustrated by the complexity of managing her own family’s schedule, Zoya built Orgo to combine calendar management, navigation, and communication in one seamless platform, reducing chaos and saving families time.

About Orgo
Short for “organization on the go”, Orgo is a mobile app for family time management, offering advanced calendar features, prep time tracking, travel estimates, and caregiver coordination. With smart notifications and turn-by-turn directions, it’s the “Waze for family schedules”, giving parents clarity, control, and peace of mind.

Takeaways

Zoya Lehrer immigrated from Ukraine and has a tech background.

The challenges of parenting and sports logistics inspired Orgo.

Orgo aims to simplify the logistics of youth sports for parents.

Community feedback is crucial for product development.

Future-proofing products is essential in a fast-paced market.

Choosing the right technology stack is critical for scalability.

AI integration should be approached cautiously and thoughtfully.

Understanding consumer needs is vital for product success.

Bootstrapping requires careful financial management and capital efficiency.

Engaging with the community helps in refining the product.

Music Credit: 

"Neptuno" - Phondupe (Album: Onykia)

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Startups Decoded

01:21 Zoya's Journey: From Ukraine to Entrepreneurship

05:18 Identifying the Problem: The Challenge of Parenting and Sports

08:10 Introducing Orgo: A Solution for Sports Parents

11:55 The Importance of Logistics in Parenting

15:55 Refactoring: Future-Proofing the Product

20:34 Analyzing Current Tech Stacks and Future Needs

23:25 Empowering Founders with New Tools

27:27 Navigating the Challenges of New Technologies

29:01 Understanding Consumer Needs in Product Development

34:08 The Role of AI in Modern Startups

39:08 Capital Efficiency and Budgeting Strategies

45:28 Full end card - SD Podcast.mp4

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In this episode of Startups Decoded, Andy Walsh sits down with Adrian Fagerlund, Co-Founder and CRO of Linkby, a performance PR platform connecting advertisers with premium publishers. They explore Adrian’s unconventional path, the evolution of content commerce, and the systems Linkby used to scale globally without breaking.

From team building and capital efficiency to culture and market expansion, this is a practical playbook for the messy middle—what happens after product-market fit and before true scale.

Adrian Fagerlund - LinkedIn

Adrian leads global growth and publisher partnerships at Linkby. With a background at Nine and Pedestrian.tv, he’s built a career at the intersection of media, affiliate innovation, and storytelling. A regular speaker at DealMaker AU and PI LIVE, Adrian is reshaping how brands and publishers collaborate.

Linkby 

Linkby connects brands with top-tier publishers to create native, shoppable content—briefed in real-time, paid only on results. Trusted by over 1,500 brands and 250 publishers, Linkby turns product features into meaningful media moments, blending affiliate economics with brand storytelling.

Music Credit: "Neptuno" - Phondupe (Album: Onykia)

Takeaways

Linkby is a performance PR platform that connects advertisers with premium publishers.

The platform allows brands to create tailored content that engages audiences effectively.

Adrian's journey includes unconventional sales experiences and a strong partnership with co-founder Chris.

Linkby started in Australia and has expanded to markets like the US and UK.

The platform enables smaller brands to compete with larger advertisers by providing measurable results.

Content creation should be engaging and tailored to the audience's preferences.

The importance of building a strong company culture as the team grows.

Diverse perspectives within the team lead to better innovation and problem-solving.

Strategic use of capital is crucial for scaling and growth post-Series B.

The future of content distribution will involve adapting to new mediums and maintaining trust. 

Chapters

00:00 The Journey of a Founder

02:28 Understanding Linkby's Value Proposition

05:08 The Evolution of Content and Advertising

08:10 Linkby's Impact on Different Business Sizes

10:42 Navigating Growth and Market Expansion

13:46 Best Practices for Using Linkby

16:13 Funding and Scaling Challenges

18:04 Strategic Planning for Capital Utilization

22:53 Harnessing Generative Engine Optimization for Advertising

25:58 Strategic Prioritization Post-Funding

28:31 Building a Diverse and Talented Team

31:37 Cultural Adaptation in a Global Team

34:49 Fostering Innovation Through Open Communication

37:12 The Future of Content Creation and Distribution

42:58 Empowering Brands with Scalable Solutions

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Most startup advice focuses on product, pitch, and traction. But there’s one skill that fuels them all: trusted relationships.

In this episode of Startups Decoded, Andy Walsh sits down with David R. Homan, master connector, strategic advisor, and author of Orchestrating Connection, to explore how founders build the kind of trust that drives real outcomes.

We cover:

• How to network with intent (not desperation)
• Why AI might make human connection stronger, not weaker
• How to build a community that opens doors at scale

David shares the mindset shift that helped him grow a global network of 2,100+ founders, VCs, and family offices, and what most startup leaders get wrong about influence.

Plus: Insights from his platform SOAR, and how to create value-driven asks that actually get answered.

Preorder the book: [orchestratingconnection.com]

David R. Homan – LinkedIn
David is the founder of Orchestrated Connecting and a trusted relationship broker to some of the world’s most influential leaders across business, media, philanthropy, and public policy. With a background in classical music, nonprofit leadership, and strategic advisory to family offices, startups, and impact funds, David helps people unlock transformative opportunities through curated, values-driven introductions rooted in trust and shared purpose.

SHOW NOTES

Music Credit: "Neptuno" - Phondupe (Album: Onykia)

In this conversation, David Homan shares his journey from being a musician to becoming a connector and community builder. He emphasizes the importance of building authentic relationships, resilience in the face of challenges, and the role of technology in facilitating connections. David discusses the principles of purposeful networking and how to navigate the complexities of human relationships in a world driven by social media and superficial interactions. He advocates for a mindset of generosity, curiosity, and vulnerability in networking, and highlights the significance of community in achieving personal and collective goals.

Sound bites

"I wanted to live a life without regret."

"We all think we can just do that slam dunk."

"The world works on introductions."

Chapters

00:00 The Journey of Connection

06:22 Building Authentic Relationships

11:48 The Power of Community and Tribe

16:48 Resilience Through Adversity

22:35 Navigating Morals in Networking

25:25 The Reality of Startup Failures

26:57 Building Trust and Authentic Connections

29:20 The Importance of Vulnerability and Curiosity

32:02 Honoring the Chain of Connections

35:26 Creating Purposeful Communities

39:08 Leveraging Technology for Meaningful Connections

43:06 Key Principles for Networking Success

Explore
"The Currency of Trust: How Great Founders Build Unfair Advantages Through Relationships"

“David Homan reveals how purpose-driven relationships, AI-enabled networks, and trust-based strategies fuel real startup growth.”

Blog Recap 

• “Why Founders Need to Master Relationship Building”
• “The Framework David Homan Uses to Vet Connections”
• “How to Use AI to Strengthen (Not Replace) Your Network”

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Discover how effective storytelling captivates investors and builds a compelling personal brand. 

Join us as we unpack the strategies founders and leaders use to craft narratives that drive investment and inspire action. Whether you're looking to secure funding, attract customers, or refine your startup’s story, this episode is packed with actionable insights to elevate your brand and make a real impact.

Dr. Ankur Pathak

Founding Principal at London Real Ventures, the first media-powered investment firm blending media and finance. After transitioning from medicine, Ankur led investments in Web3 and AI projects like Shrapnel, Story Protocol, and NAYMS. Leveraging London Real’s platform of 5M+ subscribers, he connects founders and investors, offering strategic insights, media exposure, and capital. Ankur’s focus is on building long-term, value-driven relationships across AI, blockchain, and the metaverse.

London Real Ventures

Invests in cutting-edge Web3, AI, and Metaverse companies, offering more than just capital. They leverage their global network of 5 million subscribers to rapidly build brand visibility, drive customer acquisition, and foster partnerships.

Their process includes:

1. Production: A custom, high-definition interview with the CEO/Founder to promote the brand and secure funding.
2. Distribution: Broadcasting the interview and clips to a global audience, creating media buzz.
3. Connection: Linking companies with influential guests from various industries for strategic opportunities.
4. Expansion: Providing capital and continuous support to grow the business until exit.

Music Credit: "Neptuno" - Phondupe (Album: Onykia)

Summary

In this episode of Startups Decoded, host Andy Walsh engages in a deep conversation with Dr. Ankur Pathak, exploring the significance of storytelling in startups, the journey from healthcare to investment, and the role of media in amplifying founder narratives. 

Dr. Ankur shares insights on personal branding, the importance of building relationships over mere transactions, and the long-term value approach in investing. The discussion also delves into crafting and communicating compelling stories that resonate with investors and audiences alike, emphasizing the human element in the investment process.

Takeaways

Storytelling is crucial for startups to connect with audiences.

Dr. Ankur transitioned from healthcare to investment, emphasizing the importance of financial literacy.

The media platform plays a vital role in amplifying startup stories.

Investors are more likely to support founders they have a relationship with.

Personal branding is essential for founders to stand out.

Documenting the entrepreneurial journey builds trust and engagement.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Storytelling in Startups

03:44 Dr. Ankur Pathak's Journey from Healthcare to Investment

06:10 The Role of Media in Startup Success

08:54 Understanding the Audience and Investor Dynamics

11:12 Building a Community of Angel Investors

14:08 The Syndicate Investment Process Explained

16:41 The Importance of Relationships in Fundraising

19:23 Documenting the Founder Journey

21:58 The Mindset Shift in Fundraising

23:22 The Art of Pitching and Relationship Building

27:41 Long-Term Value and Trust in Investments

31:53 The Importance of Storytelling and Communicat

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In this episode of Startups Decoded, Michael Landers shares why culture isn’t just an HR function; it’s a startup’s competitive edge. 

We’ll explore how founders can intentionally shape company culture from day one, avoid common leadership pitfalls, and navigate cross-cultural challenges as they scale globally.

Key discussion points:

• Why culture is the foundation of startup success, not an afterthought
• How to build and scale a company culture that aligns with business goals
• The role of founder leadership in shaping team dynamics and company values
• Cross-cultural challenges in hiring, partnerships, and expansion
• Lessons from working with global organizations on culture-driven leadership

Michael’s insights will help founders think beyond strategy and execution, because in the end, a strong culture is what sustains high-growth startups.

Michael Landers.

Speaker, Author, and Founder of Culture Crossing.

Michael Landers is a globally recognized speaker, author, and consultant specializing in organizational culture, leadership development, and cross-cultural communication. With a career dedicated to empowering organizations to reach their full human potential, he has worked with leaders and teams worldwide to cultivate purpose-driven cultures that foster awareness, alignment, and growth.

A Global Perspective on Culture and Leadership

Having grown up in Latin America and later lived in Japan, Michael developed a deep appreciation for diverse cultures and ways of working. These experiences shaped his understanding of how culture influences leadership, team dynamics, and business outcomes. His insights have guided leaders in navigating complex, multicultural environments and building high-performing, inclusive organizations.

Founder of Culture Crossing

As the founder of Culture Crossing, Michael helps organizations cultivate intentional cultures that align with their values, vision, and goals. 

Driving Impact Through Thought Leadership

Michael is the author of Culture Crossing: Discover the Key to Making Successful Connections in the New Global Era, a practical guide to navigating cultural differences in business and leadership. 

SHOW NOTES

Music Credit: "Neptuno" - Phondupe (Album: Onykia)

Chapters

00:00 Understanding Culture in Startups

02:33 Michael Landers' Journey and Expertise

04:36 The Evolution of Corporate Culture

06:13 Observing Culture: The Gap Between Intent and Reality

10:56 The Role of Leadership in Shaping Culture

13:17 Defining Culture in Early-Stage Startups

15:49 The Importance of Language in Cultural Frameworks

18:52 Behavioral Modeling and Leadership Influence

20:50 Transforming Culture: Is It Too Late?

22:27 The Impact of Managers on Employee Retention

25:04 Hiring for Culture vs. Skills

27:17 Celebrating Growth: The Founder’s Perspective

29:16 Integrated Excellence: A Framework for Success

29:22 Transforming Organizational Culture and Productivity

31:32 The Interconnection of Culture, Alignment, and Customer Centricity

34:03 Internal Customer Service as a Reflection of External Experience

37:45 The Importance of Constructive Feedback

41:03 Navigating Leadership and Feedback Dynamics

46:42 Cross-Generational

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Many founders are chasing scale, but at what cost? 

In this episode, Leila Lahbabi shares how purpose-driven leaders can grow thriving companies without burning out or losing themselves in the process. We explore the real tension between being a present parent and an ambitious entrepreneur, and how to build high-performing teams that unlock freedom rather than dependence.

Leila Lahbabi

Leila Lahbabi is a trusted advisor to purpose-driven founders and CEOs, helping them scale their companies without sacrificing their freedom, values, or well-being. With a background in strategy consulting for Fortune 100 companies, five years as an entrepreneur, and a deep foundation in psychology, mindfulness, and personal development, Leila brings a holistic, high-impact approach to leadership and business growth.

Her work focuses on building high-performing teams and fostering leadership autonomy, enabling founders to step out of the operational grind and into sustainable, values-aligned growth. Leila is also the author of the upcoming book The Billion Dollar Purpose, which explores how mission-driven leaders can unlock talent, scale impact, and build thriving businesses from the inside out.

https://www.leilalahbabi.com/impact-at-scale

SHOW NOTES

Music Credit: "Neptuno" - Phondupe (Album: Onykia)

In this episode of Startups Decoded, Andy Walsh speaks with Leila Lahbabi about her journey from consulting to entrepreneurship, emphasizing the importance of scaling without sacrificing personal well-being. They discuss the challenges of balancing motherhood and business, the significance of mindfulness and prioritization, and the need to focus on the hard work that truly drives business success. Leila shares her insights on transitioning from being a Chief Everything Officer to a CEO, highlighting the importance of delegation and adaptability in scaling a business effectively.

Takeaways

Starting a business is challenging, especially when balancing multiple roles.

Mindfulness can help manage stress and improve focus.

It's crucial to prioritize actions that drive results.

Balancing work and family requires conscious effort and planning.

Entrepreneurs often face burnout due to overwhelming responsibilities.

Delegation is essential for scaling a business effectively.

Understanding the difference between working hard and doing hard work is key.

Investing time and intention in your business leads to growth.

Adaptability is a critical factor for business success.

Reflection and feedback are vital for continuous improvement.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Scaling Without Sacrifice

02:20 Leila's Journey: From Consulting to Entrepreneurship

04:54 The Reality of Entrepreneurship and Balancing Roles

09:42 Catalysts for Change: The Impact of COVID-19

13:00 Finding Purpose and Direction in Business

16:14 Juggling Parenthood and Entrepreneurship

20:33 The Importance of Mindfulness and Strategy

23:15 Recognizing Burnout and Its Effects

25:00 Challenging Startup Norms and Expectations

25:27 The Hidden Struggles of Founders

28:20 Reframing Hard Work vs. Doing Hard Work

36:20 Transitioning from Chief Everything Officer to CEO

42:26 Investing Time for Business Growth

43:53 Scaling with Adaptability and Reflection

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Matthew Burris joins Startups Decoded to unpack how venture studios are evolving from a misunderstood startup model into a formal, fundable asset class.

We explore what’s missing from today’s narrative, the standards being built behind the scenes, and what it will take to legitimize venture studios in the eyes of institutional capital. This is a conversation about quality, vision, and opportunity — and why the next wave of innovation infrastructure might look more like a studio than a fund.

Matt Burris 

A leading voice in the global venture studio ecosystem. As a Partner at Venture Studio Associates, he collaborates with studios managing over $500 million in assets, providing strategic guidance on design, operations, and scaling.​

Through his Substack newsletter, Venture Studio Perspective, Matthew shares in-depth analyses and insights drawn from his study of more than 500 venture studios worldwide.​

With a background that includes organizing and mentoring at Startup Weekends across Indiana, where he worked with over 450 aspiring entrepreneurs, Matthew brings a wealth of experience in turning ideas into viable businesses.

Matthew is passionate about demystifying the venture studio model and helping founders and investors make informed decisions through proven frameworks.​

The Venture Studio Forum

A global nonprofit trade association dedicated to advancing the venture studio model as a recognized and impactful asset class in the startup ecosystem. It serves as a central hub for studio operators, investors, and ecosystem supporters, providing resources, research, and a collaborative community to foster the growth and success of venture studios worldwide.​

SHOW NOTES

Music Credit: "Neptuno" - Phondupe (Album: Onykia)

Summary

In this episode of Startups Decoded, Andy Walsh interviews Matt Burris about the evolving landscape of venture studios. They discuss the history, current market perception, and the challenges faced by venture studios as an asset class. Matt shares insights on the Venture Studio Forum, the importance of validation in the startup process, and the development of the Venture Studio Index. The conversation also touches on equity models and the future of venture studios in the investment ecosystem.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Venture Studios

03:08 The Evolution of Venture Studios

05:20 Current Market Perception of Venture Studios

07:07 The Venture Studio Forum

09:33 Defining a Venture Studio

11:03 The Role of Automation in Startups

13:46 The Importance of Validation

15:04 The Stages of Building Companies in a Studio

17:34 Balancing Intuition and Data

20:44 Creating Standardized Reports for Investors

22:49 Gathering Insights and Data from Studios

26:15 Identifying Studio Challenges

27:41 The Venture Studio Index Explained

30:58 Evaluating Studio Roles and Strategies

36:08 Understanding Operator Equity Models

40:41 Investor Perspectives on Studio Ownership

45:06 Envisioning a Mature Venture Studio Ecosystem

46:09 Supporting the Venture Studio Forum

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In this episode of Startups Decoded, Kevin Jurovich (Founder & CEO of Hubble) joins me to unpack the raw, early-stage lessons no one talks about enough: compromise, confusion, burnout, and the clarity that comes after blowing it all up and starting again.

From an NFL career, to winging it and rebuilding from scratch, to embracing paid consulting and learning how to truly see people, Kevin shares the messy truth behind his pivot journey and how he finally stopped trying to be “right” and started building to get it right.

We talk about the real hustle behind Hubble, the weight of early inbound growth, and the mindset shifts it takes to survive long enough to build something meaningful.

Kevin Jurovich:

Founder & CEO of Hubble, a platform helping creators and domain experts turn their knowledge into income, and more importantly, impact.

A former NFL wide receiver turned wealth advisor turned founder, Kevin’s journey into startups began in 2013 while serving tech entrepreneurs in Silicon Valley. Since then, he’s been all-in on building, scaling, and mentoring within the startup ecosystem. He’s on a mission to inspire others to do more of what inspires them—and to shape a future where expertise becomes a catalyst for opportunity.

Hubble

Empowers creators and experts to monetize their knowledge through experiences, services, and products, without needing a massive following. It’s designed for those with real expertise, not just social reach, and gives them the tools to grow, serve, and scale their audience through authenticity and value.

At its core, Hubble is about transforming expertise into impact, helping people build meaningful, sustainable income from what they know and love.

SHOW NOTES

Music Credit: "Neptuno" - Phondupe (Album: Onykia)

Summary

In this conversation, Kevin Yurovich shares insights into the mindset and self-awareness required for founders. He discusses his journey from being an NFL player to becoming a startup founder, emphasizing the importance of community, vulnerability, and learning from failures. Kevin highlights how leveraging platforms like LinkedIn can foster growth and connections, and he elaborates on the development of Hubble, a marketplace for expert advice. The discussion underscores the significance of adaptability and the iterative nature of entrepreneurship.

Takeaways

The older we are, the more we tend to care less about what other people think.

You gotta leave the shore; have the courage to go all in.

There's no such thing as a self-made individual; it takes a village.

Confidence comes from the little things we tell ourselves.

Failure is not finite; it's a point in time where you learn something.

We are not here to be right; we are here to get it right.

The MVP you launch has to work and solve a problem.

If you're passionate about it, start getting it out there.

Community and vulnerability are key in building relationships.

You never know when your efforts will come back full circle.

Chapters

00:00 The Mindset of a Founder

04:18 Transitioning from Sports to Startups

08:26 Reflections on Career Changes

13:11 The Importance of Pivots

18:02 Leveraging LinkedIn for Growth

28:07 The Role of Community and Vulnerability

31:32 The Shift in Startup Culture

34:05 Building Hubble: A Journey of Val

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In this episode, we explore why the best founders don’t wait for perfect plans—they launch, learn, and build in public. 

From early growth hacks to fast feedback loops and sales that start before the product’s finished, we unpack what it really takes to grow quickly and stay ahead. If you're stuck planning instead of building, this one will light a fire.

Cory Blumenfeld

Cory Blumenfeld is a seasoned entrepreneur and business strategist with a passion for empowering individuals to find their voice and start their own ventures. He has co-founded multiple startups, including CoHealth, a digital platform promoting healthy behavior change, and Caribou, a healthcare planning software for financial advisors that raised over $3 million in funding. 

Currently, Cory serves in Strategy Operations at LearnLux Financial Wellbeing, applying his diverse experience to enhance financial wellness solutions. A graduate of Wilfrid Laurier University and a Next 36 alumnus, Cory is dedicated to inspiring and guiding aspiring entrepreneurs through his insights and leadership.

SHOW NOTES

Music Credit: "Neptuno" - Phondupe (Album: Onykia)

In this episode of Startups Decoded, Andy Walsh and Corey Blumenfeld discuss the concept of building in public, exploring its significance in the startup ecosystem. Corey shares his journey as a founder, emphasizing the importance of storytelling, authenticity, and the power of relationships in business. They delve into the balance between sharing ideas publicly versus keeping them private, the necessity of validation and testing in product development, and the role of trust and vulnerability in fostering a successful team culture. The conversation also touches on how effective storytelling can attract investment and the long-term benefits of building genuine connections within the entrepreneurial community.

Takeaways

Building in public allows for authentic connections.

Storytelling is crucial for engaging with audiences.

Validation through testing is essential for success.

Trust and vulnerability foster a positive team culture.

Investors are interested in the founder's story and decisions.

Sharing experiences can lead to unexpected opportunities.

Building relationships is key to long-term success.

The future of selling lies in genuine storytelling.

You can learn from every interaction, regardless of experience.

Being respectfully assertive is important in business.

Sound Bites

"You can learn from every single person."

"You need to be respectfully assertive."

"The future of selling is storytelling."

Chapters

00:00 Building in Public: A New Era for Startups

05:02 The Journey of Entrepreneurship: Lessons Learned

08:55 The Power of Sharing Your Story

11:41 Learning from Every Interaction

14:19 Building Relationships in a Digital Age

16:45 Transparency vs. Stealth: The New Norm

18:57 Testing Fast: Validating Ideas Quickly

23:51 The Importance of Hypothesis Testing in Business

25:33 The Power of Storytelling and Sharing in Public

28:05 Building Trust Through Vulnerability and Authenticity

33:29 The Role of Trust and Delegation in Business Growth

38:48 Storytelling as a Tool for Investment and Revenue Generation

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Angel investors are no longer just writing checks – they’re becoming strategic advisors, board members, and even fractional executives. 

But how do founders attract the right angel investors who bring more than money to the table?

Tony Kula

Tony Kula is a seasoned entrepreneur with over three decades of experience in the communications sector. He has successfully founded and exited multiple companies, navigating both bootstrapped and venture capital-backed ventures. Now based between the south of France and Berlin, Tony is dedicated to sharing his entrepreneurial insights through mentoring and angel investing. With a human-centric approach to business, he brings a wealth of knowledge in scaling startups, building impactful networks, and fostering sustainable growth. Outside of business, Tony is an avid triathlete and a devoted family man.

Tony Kula has built a career around creating and scaling communications-focused ventures, leveraging his extensive industry expertise to drive innovation and market success. With a proven track record of both bootstrapped and VC-backed exits, Tony now channels his entrepreneurial energy into supporting the next wave of founders as a mentor and angel investor. His ventures have spanned digital media, telecommunications, and strategic communications, each with a focus on transformative growth and long-term impact. Today, he continues to foster connections and opportunities for founders across Europe, combining his business acumen with a passion for community and mentorship.

SHOW NOTES

Music Credit: "Neptuno" - Phondupe (Album: Onykia)

In this episode of Startups Decoded, host Andy Walsh engages with angel investor Tony Kula, who shares his extensive journey from an early career in IT to becoming a successful entrepreneur and angel investor. Tony discusses the importance of building relationships in the investment space, the lessons learned from his own experiences, and the evolving landscape of angel investing. He emphasizes the need for founders to demonstrate traction and financial discipline while also highlighting the significance of authenticity in storytelling. The conversation concludes with insights into the future of investing and the importance of supporting the next generation of founders.

Takeaways

Tony Kula's journey from IT to entrepreneurship is marked by a desire for independence.

Angel investing involves learning from mistakes and adapting strategies over time.

Building relationships with investors is crucial for founders seeking funding.

Authenticity and transparency in storytelling are vital for successful pitches.

Investors look for financial discipline and traction in startups before investing.

The landscape of angel investing is evolving, with a shift towards profitability over rapid growth.

Founders should focus on building genuine connections rather than just seeking capital.

Diversity in an investment portfolio is essential for angel investors.

The importance of mentorship and support for young founders cannot be overstated.

The future of investing may lean towards smaller, sustainable businesses rather than unicorns.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Angel Investment

01:26 Tony's Early Career and Entrepreneurial Journey

06:16 Transitioning to Angel Investing

12:16 Insights for Founders Seeking Investment

22:57 Building Relationships with Investors

29:03 The Future of Angel Investing

38:19 Supporting the Next Generation of Founde

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