The Entrepreneur Experiment

I first met Luke Mackey back in September 2019 when he appeared on episode 29 of this podcast.

Fast forward 4.5 years and 300 episodes later, he's back to tell me about his latest venture Kota.

Prediction time - Luke & Kota will be one of the hottest startups in Europe in the next 12 months.

We break down the process of building a venture backed startup & the lessons he's bringing into his journey as a second-time founder.

In 2023, Wired magazine picked Kota as one of their hottest startups in Europe.

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Feargal Brady is the co-founder of NoFrixion and joined us back on episode 230.

Today, he teaches us about the triple bottom line.

A serial entrepreneur, he sold his most recent venture, Blueface, to US giant Comcast for an undisclosed sum believed to be €20 million+ in 2020.

He is the definition of a modern, mobile entrepreneur. He divides his time between Ireland, Portugal, and Spain while working across multiple different projects including NoFrixion, and his private equity group, VentureWave Capital. 

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Today's guest is Eoin Bara, the founder of Tipple, the e-commerce infrastructure company for alcohol brands.

Eoin's entrepreneurial journey began by flying to South Africa to learn how to make gin to now building a company that could completely change how people buy and sell alcohol across the world. 

He raised €400k in just 30 days back in 2022 to get his venture off the ground.

From the personal anecdotes of distilling in South Africa to the formidable obstacles of navigating international taxes and logistics, our discussion takes you behind the scenes of what it truly means to run a disruptive venture in a traditional industry.

This episode is a masterclass in turning challenges into opportunities. 

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In this special solo episode, I share the 5 key learnings I've picked up over the 5 years of doing The Entrepreneur Experiment podcast.

From business failures to expensive experiments, I share never told before stories on how the podcast began and where it will be in 5 years time!

This episode is an intimate diary entry, chronicling the profound impact of pivoting when the world stands still, and the unexpected success that can follow.

The episode encapsulates the ethos of 'survive to thrive,' as we acknowledge the mental fitness required for the entrepreneur life

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Welcome Chris Kelly, the co-founder of Tracworx to the pod! 

Join us to learn how Tracworx revolutionized asset tracking across industries, from healthcare patient management systems to the brewing sector's battle against asset loss.

We'll reveal how embracing customer feedback and transparent communication can forge unbreakable client relationships, and how strategic funding and angel investors like Liam Casey, and Barry Lunn are instrumental in steering companies toward success. 

Through tales of setbacks and serendipity, Chris and I illustrate the resilience and creativity that are the lifeblood of entrepreneurship.

 

(00:00) Introduction (07:38) Asset Management in Supply Chains (14:42) From Dating App to Patient Management (23:48) Innovating Healthcare Technology and Contact Tracing (33:48) Business Pivot and Sustainable Solutions (41:24) Building Relationships Through Customer Communication (46:06) Entrepreneurial Success Through Strategic Funding (50:40) Supply Chain Automation and Efficiency (58:59) Entrepreneurial Networking and Growth (01:02:37) Automating Retail

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Ali Ryan, the founder of Goss Media, joins Gary Fox on today's episode.

After being told "This is just a hobby" by an investor, she began a mission to build a media empire.

Over the last 10 years, Ali has bootstrapped her way to the top of the online media world in Ireland. Each month Goss.ie gets over 1 million readers.

Navigating the relentless tides of the media industry requires more than just a good idea—it demands grit, strategy, and a hint of rebellion.

Ali shares her experiences of bootstrapping Goss Media without outside investment, braving the legal threats that come with disrupting the status quo, and weathering the financial storm brought on by a global pandemic.

Her journey underscores the importance of innovation, from pioneering virtual events to leveraging the virality of TikTok, revealing how adaptability can lead to remarkable business growth even in tumultuous times.

Ali's narrative is a powerful reminder that the path to success is often a personal odyssey, marked by a balance of relentless drive and mindful self-care strategies that keep one's vision clear and passions burning bright.

Join us for a deep dive into the heart of a media empire built on unwavering belief and the refusal to accept failure as an option.

Chapters (00:00) Building a Media Empire (08:48) Navigating Challenges in Showbiz Industry (18:35) Building a Media Business From Scratch (26:11) Challenges of Starting a Business (34:20) Building Brand Success Through Innovation (43:56) Navigating Entrepreneurial Growth and Challenges (48:15) Entrepreneurs and Determination in Disruption (54:09) Lobbying for Anti-Trolling Legislation (01:00:10) Women's Empowerment and Self-Care Journeys (01:11:23) Belief in Possibility and Self-Driven Success

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This week's mentor is Marc McCabe, GP at Nomad Capital

Marc was one of the first employees and helped it scale to become a global brand.

Today, he answers the question every entrepreneur wants to know, "What do investors look for when they decide on making an investment or not?

To listen to the full episode, go back to episode 228

 

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Go wherever in the world you are treated best.  This is the financial & life philosophy of my guest, Andrew Henderson, the founder of Nomad Capitalist.

In a world of remote work, low cost travel and freedom of choice, where should you live in 2024?

In this revealing chat, we explore the concept of being a global citizen. How can this save you money, cut your tax, improve your quality of life & open up a world of investment choices.

We peel back the layers of identity and home in a world where mobility and diverse opportunities are reshaping what it means to be a global citizen.

Lastly, we delve into the intricate world of geopolitics, multiple passports, and tax planning in an era where global living is no longer just for the wealthy elite.

This episode isn't just a conversation; it's a masterclass in harnessing the power of global perspectives to fuel business growth and personal fulfilment.

 

(00:02) - The Future of Digital Marketing (04:14) - Factors Influencing Nomadic Capitalist Lifestyle (11:43) - Global Nomad Capitalist Lifestyle Trends (23:48) - Geopolitical Changes and Multiple Passports (34:57) - Global Mobility in Tax Planning (42:43) - Navigating Politics, Wealth, and Power (48:05) - Complexities of Libertarianism and Crypto Adoption (52:51) - International Entrepreneurship and Business Growth (01:00:21) - Self-Awareness and Investment Philosophy (01:06:25) - Seeking Simplicity in Business Growth

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Shana is the founder of Tailr, which is redefining production for the clothing industry.

This was one of the most open & frank chats on the pod in 2024. 

Shana and I peel back the layers of startup advice, highlighting the importance of filtering through the noise to find what truly resonates with your own entrepreneurial spirit.

After two years, she faced an impossible decision, give up or start again.

We navigated the complex journey from concept to market, with Shauna opening up about the challenges faced when developing her AI-driven sizing solution, and the grit needed to persevere through failed pitches and critical feedback.

It's not just about bouncing back; it's about asking the right questions and having those transformative Eureka moments that steer your product to success. Sharing personal stories, we reflected on the crucial role of mentorship, learning from setbacks, and the validation that comes with launching a product that genuinely impacts people's lives.

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Rob Horgan, the founder of Velo Coffee is your mentor this week. He is a master marketer, so naturally, I had to find out his secret. Here is Rob's marketing masterclass.

Rob's full episode with Gary is episode 221.

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