Startups Decoded

Send us a text

In the Season 2 opener of Startups Decoded, host Andy Walsh sits down with Mike Jones, General Partner at Science Inc., the venture studio and fund behind household names like Dollar Shave Club, Liquid Death, and PlayVS.

With more than $1.3 billion in exits and angel investments including Scopely, GoodReads, and Maker Studios, Mike has seen what separates billion-dollar companies from the ones that stall out.

From his early days founding Userplane, CEO of MySpace, to building Science into one of the most successful venture studios in the world, Mike shares the hard truths about brand, product, team dynamics, and the role of instinct versus data. This episode dives into how breakout companies really get built, the future of venture studios in a world transformed by AI, and why some startups endure while most fade.

If you want a candid look at what it takes to scale a company that actually lasts, this conversation is a must-listen.

Mike Jones

Mike Jones is the General Partner of Science Inc., the venture fund and studio behind brands like Dollar Shave Club, Liquid Death, and PlayVS. Since launching Science in 2011, Mike has led it to over $1.3 billion in exits, shaping household names through a unique blend of venture investment and hands-on company building.

Science Inc.

Fund, develop, and advise companies focused on solving the everyday problems of modern living. Science is a unique platform where talent, resources, and financing are brought together in a bid to nurture and develop ideas, arm emerging businesses with the strategy, expertise, and capital they need to grow, and to transform existing internet ventures, injecting them with new talent and innovation.

Music Credit:

"Neptuno" - Phondupe (Album: Onykia)

Takeaways

• Mike Jones emphasizes the non-linear paths of entrepreneurs.
• The importance of technology shifts in creating business opportunities.
• Venture studios aim for long-term growth rather than immediate profits.
• Successful brands like Dollar Shave Club leverage strong narratives.
• Building a great product is essential for customer retention.
• AI is transforming the way businesses are built and marketed.
• Investors expect comprehensive business plans and prototypes.
• Team dynamics are crucial for the success of startups.

Need clarity on fundraising, strategy, or scaling? 

You can book me, Andy Walsh, directly on Hubble for focused 1:1 advice. 15, 30, or 45 minutes no fluff, just solutions.

Head to hubble.social/AndyWalsh

Send us a text

In this episode of Startups Decoded, I sit down with Joseph Lee, founder and CEO of Supademo, to talk about the real founder’s journey behind raising capital and the tradeoffs that come with it. Joseph shares how past experiences with over-capitalization shaped the way he thinks about growth today, and why staying true to vision matters more than chasing VC expectations.

We dig into what it means to build on your own terms: scaling with AI, defining success beyond vanity metrics, and keeping customers at the center of the story. For any founder navigating fundraising or rethinking their growth playbook, this conversation offers a candid blueprint for balancing capital, conviction, and clarity.

Joseph Lee

Joseph Lee is the Co-Founder and CEO of Supademo, an AI-powered platform revolutionizing how teams create and share interactive product demos. Since its inception in April 2023, Supademo has empowered over 50,000 professionals in marketing, sales, and customer success to enhance product adoption and close more deals.

A serial entrepreneur with a passion for building zero-to-one products, Joseph has been creating since the age of 15. His approach emphasizes organic growth, community engagement, and delivering tangible value. Under his leadership, Supademo has achieved significant milestones, including being recognized as G2’s #5 fastest-growing software product in 2025.

Joseph is also a Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree and a Techstars alum. He actively shares insights on startup growth, product development, and founder experiences through his personal LinkedIn and Twitter profiles.

Supademo

Supademo is an AI-powered platform that helps teams create high-converting interactive product demos in minutes, without code or design work. Used by over 60,000 professionals across sales, marketing, and customer success, Supademo enables faster onboarding, higher product adoption, and more effective storytelling through intuitive, step-by-step walkthroughs. With features like dynamic personalization, AI-generated voiceovers, multi-language support, and advanced analytics, it’s become a go-to tool for modern teams looking to scale product education and conversion without relying on traditional video or live demos.

Music Credit:

"Neptuno" - Phondupe (Album: Onykia)

Takeaways

• Fundraising comes with expectations and pressure to deliver 

Need clarity on fundraising, strategy, or scaling? 

You can book me, Andy Walsh, directly on Hubble for focused 1:1 advice. 15, 30, or 45 minutes no fluff, just solutions.

Head to hubble.social/AndyWalsh

Send us a text

In this episode of Startups Decoded, host Andy Walsh sits down with Malcolm Buick, Partner & Chief Creative Officer at Athletics and a seasoned creative director, to unpack how design drives startup growth. 

From his journey through music and branding to building global identities for brands like IBM, Nike, Google Chrome, Major League Soccer, and MoMA, Malcolm explores how storytelling, community, and culture shape lasting companies.

Great startups don’t just build products, they build meaning. Malcolm reveals how founders can turn design into a strategic advantage: expressing vision, earning trust, and scaling smarter. The conversation highlights the importance of authenticity, flexibility in brand systems, and creating collaborative environments that bring a brand to life.

Too often, founders underinvest in design early on. This episode reframes design as a growth lever, helping startups tell better stories, attract the right users, and build cultures that endure.

Malcolm Buick

Malcolm Buick is a seasoned creative director and partner at Athletics, a Brooklyn-based brand studio. With over 25 years of experience in design and branding, his career began in London during the mid-1990s, focusing on music branding. He later moved to Burlington, Vermont, to serve as Creative Lead at JDK, where he contributed to evolving Burton Snowboards into a global lifestyle brand. Subsequently, he became Creative Director at the renowned branding agency Wolff Olins in New York. Since joining Athletics in 2014, Malcolm has led major projects for clients including IBM, Nike, MLS, and MoMA.

Athletics

Athletics is a Brooklyn-based brand studio that transforms opportunity into beautifully usable identities, websites, and tools. Guided by a shared reverence for purposeful design, we partner with ambitious organizations—from startups to global icons—to build brands that are as strategic as they are striking.

Music Credit: 

"Neptuno" - Phondupe (Album: Onykia)

Takeaways

• Malcolm Buick emphasizes the importance of instinct and energy in branding.
• Good branding reflects the DNA of a brand and its people.
• Branding should be purposeful, not just decorative.
• Authenticity is key; customers can sense when a brand is genuine.
• A living, breathing identity is essential for mode

Need clarity on fundraising, strategy, or scaling? 

You can book me, Andy Walsh, directly on Hubble for focused 1:1 advice. 15, 30, or 45 minutes no fluff, just solutions.

Head to hubble.social/AndyWalsh

Send us a text

In this episode of Startups Decoded, Andy Walsh sits down with Jay Erickson, Chief Innovation Officer and co-founder of Modus, to explore why most digital strategies are already outdated, and how to fix them.

They dive into emergent strategy: a flexible, human-centered approach to navigating today’s breakneck pace of change. Drawing on systems thinking, design, and culture, Jay shares how resilient teams can adapt in real time, address bias, and build strategies that evolve as fast as the world around us.

Jay Erickson

Jay Erickson is a digital strategist, product leader, and purpose-driven entrepreneur with over 20 years of experience guiding organizations through innovation and transformation. As Chief Innovation Officer and co-founder of Modus, he brings a human-centered approach to digital strategy, helping mission-driven companies design impactful products and experiences. Jay is passionate about ethical innovation, team culture, and using technology as a force for good.

Modus Digital

Modus is a global digital consultancy that partners with organizations to unlock growth through innovation, strategy, and design. With expertise across product development, UX, engineering, and transformation, Modus helps companies—from ambitious startups to Fortune 500s—build digital experiences that matter. The firm is known for its collaborative, purpose-led approach and commitment to delivering lasting impact in complex environments.

Takeaways

• Digital strategy must evolve rapidly due to technological changes.
• Design thinking is a timeless framework for innovation.
• Understanding human behavior is crucial in digital product design.
• SMBs face unique challenges compared to larger corporations.
• Organizations are shifting from hierarchical to complex systems.
• Emergent strategy allows for adaptability in uncertain environments.
• Building a resilient team culture is essential for success.
• Generalists bring valuable skills to modern teams.
• Addressing unconscious bias improves decision-making processes.
• Transparency fosters a collaborative and innovative work environment.

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction to Digital Strategy Evolution
• 01:06 Jay's Journey: From Computer Science to Digital Innovation
• 06:19 The Shift from Web 1.0 to Web 2.0
• 08:02 Design Thinking: A Framework for Digital Strategy
• 11:59 Understanding H

Need clarity on fundraising, strategy, or scaling? 

You can book me, Andy Walsh, directly on Hubble for focused 1:1 advice. 15, 30, or 45 minutes no fluff, just solutions.

Head to hubble.social/AndyWalsh

Send us a text

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

Send us a text

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

Send us a text

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, 

Send us a text

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.

Send us a text

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 Celebrati

Send us a text

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