What makes a founder fundable? In this episode of We Code, You Launch: The Startup Community Podcast From CodeLaunch &  Improving , our host Jason W. Taylor, President and Founder of CodeLaunch and Patrick McGuire , CRO of ThinkFISH , a capital-raising platform helping early-stage founders land investor meetings without giving up equity too soon.

They break down what actually matters when raising capital, how to avoid the legal traps that tank startups early, and what it takes to earn credibility with real investors.

This is a tactical conversation designed for founders building now.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode: 

The Fundable Founder Formula: Patrick shares the exact criteria ThinkFish uses to determine if a founder is worth funding, and how to become one. 

Raising Capital Without Compromising Your Cap Table: Learn how early founders can avoid common legal and ownership pitfalls that haunt many startups. 

Outreach That Works: The three layers of investor outreach: executive network, community, and cold—that book meetings weekly for ThinkFish clients. 

Investor Psychology 101: Why understanding investor fit and timing can make or break your raise—and how ThinkFish reverse-engineers their strategy. 

The Reef Advantage: Explore ThinkFish’s private platform where founders and investors connect directly, plus a massive tech stack savings directory. 

Connect with Our Guest:  
Patrick McGuire serves as the Chief Revenue Officer at ThinkFISH

Connect with Patrick on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mcguirep 

Funding Is Hard. ThinkFISH makes it easier. Learn more on their Website: https://thinkfish.co 

Access the REEF Community: https://reef.thinkfish.co 

Startup Deal Desk Newsletter: https://startupdealdesk.substack.com 


CodeLaunch is the only startup accelerator in the world that provides founders with FREE professional software development to fast-track their digital product—without taking equity. 
Learn more about CodeLaunch Accelerator at https://CodeLaunch.com

This year, CodeLaunch is hosting three events across the U.S., Mexico, and Canada, leading up to the CodeLaunch World Championship in Dallas TX, where the top startups will compete for $50K in funding.  

📅2025 Startup Application Deadlines: 
USA: July 6th 
Mexico & LATAM : August 17th 

Follow CodeLaunch updates across our social media platforms:
https://www.linkedin.com/company/codelaunch-accelerator
https://Instagram.com/CodeLaunch
https://Facebook.com/CodeLaunch
https://Twitter.com/CodeLaunch

How do meaningful startup events really come together—and what can founders learn from the process?

In this episode of We Code, You Launch: The Startup Community Podcast From CodeLaunch &  Improving , host Jason W. Taylor sits down with two key collaborators behind Startup Mania, a high-energy pitch event that debuted during Miami Tech Week 2025. 

Guests Rajiv Nathan, aka Startup Hype Man, and Guillermo Vizcaino aka "G", Global Community Director at Startup Grind, share how the idea for Startup Mania emerged from a casual email and evolved into a unique collaboration across communities, creatives, and tech ecosystems. 

They break down how intentional storytelling, community building, and trusting your gut can turn a bold idea into something founders can rally around. Whether you’re launching a product, growing a community, or planning your next community event, this episode is packed with real lessons on what it takes to build something impactful.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

Turning Founder Emotions Into Creative Expression: Rajiv shares how years of working with startups, led to the creation of Go to Market, the first-ever hip hop album inspired by startup life. He opens up about founder burnout, emotional cycles, and why music became his outlet to tell the stories many in tech are afraid to say out loud.

The Story Behind Startup Mania: From Idea to Execution: You’ll hear the real backstory of how Startup Mania started as a wild pitch in an email thread between Rajiv, G, and a contact at HubSpot for Startups—and how it evolved into a high-energy, bracket-style pitch tournament held during Miami Tech Week, backed by CodeLaunch and Startup Grind.

The Power of Collaboration in Startup Culture: JWT, G, and Rajiv reflect on how Startup Mania came together through fast trust and shared purpose—not red tape. This conversation is a reminder that when creators, founders, and ecosystem leaders align on values, bold ideas can come to life quickly—and make a lasting impact.

Building Startup Communities Where They Don’t Exist: G shares how he launched the Startup Grind Guayaquil chapter remotely from the U.S. to serve founders in Ecuador, where no ecosystem existed at the time. His grassroots approach helped grow a 23K-member community—proof that founders can build ecosystem infrastructure by leading with service.

How to Pitch When Your Revenue Is “Too Early”: Rajiv introduces the Revenue Engine Technique, a strategy he developed to help early-stage founders talk about traction when their MRR is still low. Learn how repositioning your progress can change investor perception—without inflating your numbers.

From Solo Hustle to Scalable Teams: G reflects on his journey as a startup founder, explaining how bringing in the right co-founders was the key to sustainable growth—and eventually, a successful exit. His take on founder partnerships and long-haul thinking offers practical advice for any startup leader navigating scale.

Connect with Our Guests: 

• RajNation on LinkedIn –  @startuphypeman
  🎧Check his Startup-Inspired Hip Hop Album — GOAT to Market 
• Connect with Guillermo Vizcaino on LinkedIn –  @StartupGrind  

Watch this video episode on YouTube

How do you turn a passion project into a thriving business?

In this episode, Jason W. Taylor sits down with Benedikt Hain, founder of The Self-Recording Band and Outback Recordings, to discuss how he built an international online coaching business from his home studio.

Benedikt shares his journey from being a DIY musician in Germany’s punk scene to becoming a music production coach and entrepreneur.

His story highlights key lessons for startup founders, including the power of community-driven business models, how to scale an online business, and why embracing coaching and mentorship can transform a side hustle into a sustainable venture. Whether you're a musician, tech entrepreneur, or creative founder, this episode is packed with insights on launching and growing a niche business in a competitive space.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

· From Freelancer to Founder – Benedikt Hain turned his DIY passion into a thriving global coaching business, proving that organic growth and community-driven models can scale.

· The Power of Community – The Self-Recording Band Syndicate became a global hub for musicians, showing how building a strong network enhances engagement and retention—a lesson startup founders can apply.

· Scaling an Online Business – Transitioning from one-on-one work to digital courses and memberships allowed Benedikt to scale without burning out, a strategy relevant to subscription-based startup models.

· The Role of Business Coaching – Working with a business coach transformed his strategy, showing founders why mentorship and external perspectives are crucial for scaling efficiently.

· Overcoming the Fear of Launching – Whether releasing music or launching a startup, perfectionism holds many back. Benedikt and Jason Taylor discuss how founders must push past fear and launch to grow.

Connect with our guest:
Benedikt Hain on LinkedIn
Check out The Self-Recording Band Website

Watch this video episode on YouTube

Did a CodeLaunch startup contribute to Ohio State's national championship victory? In Episode 80 of the "We Code You Launch" podcast, Jason W. Taylor sits down with CodeLaunch DFW 2023 finalist Tina Provost, founder of Five Star Fans, to explore this intriguing possibility. They discuss how Five Star Fans' innovative platform has empowered Ohio State supporters to directly impact their team's success through Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) contributions. By enabling fans to financially support athletes, Five Star Fans has played a role in enhancing player retention and performance, potentially influencing the Buckeyes' championship run. Tune in to hear how a startup's unique approach to fan engagement may have helped propel Ohio State to the pinnacle of college football. 

In this special Ask Me Anything episode of We Code You Launch, Improving’s Conrad Clark sits down with CodeLaunch founder Jason W. Taylor to dive deep into the journey and future of the groundbreaking startup accelerator. Together, they reflect on the impact of CodeLaunch’s mission to empower startups globally, and the innovative approach to tech philanthropy through Conscious Capitalism.

Listeners will also get a sneak peek into what's on the horizon for CodeLaunch in 2025, with plans for expansion, new opportunities for startups, and upcoming events designed to connect entrepreneurs, investors, and developers. Jason answers questions from fans and shares personal anecdotes, lessons learned, and his vision for how CodeLaunch will continue shaping the startup ecosystem.

Whether you’re a founder, developer, or simply a fan of innovation, this episode is packed with inspiration and insights you won’t want to miss!

Episode 78 of We Code You Launch takes listeners to the thrilling finale of the inaugural CodeLaunch World Championship 2024, where startups from the U.S., Canada, and Mexico battled for glory in front of 550 attendees, 50+ investors, and a vast livestream audience.

Host Jason W. Taylor and co-host Raheel Malik dive into the evening’s highlights, including the intense competition between eight innovative startups. The episode celebrates the triumph of Materia Bioworks, crowned World Champion by audience votes, and Endora, which swept the Judges and Investors Choice awards.

Listeners will hear exclusive interviews with Materia Bioworks founder Hasitha De Alwis and Endora co-founder Kitty Bogle Sherman, exploring their innovative approaches to biomaterial development and nostalgia-driven wellness gaming. 

Special guest Isaac Carter, founder of Contollo, joins the conversation to reflect on his company's remarkable success in the CodeLaunch Professional Coder League (PCL) Championship and its role in helping startups thrive. 

Join us for this electrifying episode that captures the spirit of innovation, collaboration, and community at the heart of CodeLaunch! 

In this episode of We Code You Launch, hosts Jason W. Taylor and Raheel Malik welcome Alyssa McEwan, founder and CEO of Harmonious Capital Administration and a judge at the CodeLaunch World Championship. Alyssa brings over a decade of experience in managing early stage companies within high-complexity, regulatory-heavy industries and a passion for fostering early stage companies success.

Harmonious Capital Administration, a leading firm in the Venture Capital, Private Equity, and FinTech space, is dedicated to providing  early stage companies with the tools, guidance, and strategic support they need to thrive. Alyssa shares her journey from managing a portfolio of 300 early stage companies for a Fortune 500 company to founding her own firm, emphasizing the importance of empowering entrepreneurs to navigate challenges and seize opportunities.

Raheel and Jason dive into Alyssa’s role as a judge at the CodeLaunch World Championship, exploring how her experience in compliance, communication, and strategic planning offers unique insights for startups. They also discuss the vital role of fostering strong relationships, overcoming regulatory challenges, and building resilience in early stage companies.

Tune in as Alyssa shares her mission to create meaningful impact in the early stage company landscape, providing actionable advice for entrepreneurs and leaders alike. Don't miss Episode 77!

In Episode 76 of We Code You Launch, hosts Jason W. Taylor and Raheel Malik reveal the stellar lineup of finalists for the CodeLaunch World Championship on November 20 at Gilley's Dallas! Get to know the innovative startups vying for the top prize:

• SeekerPitch: Showcasing candidates’ soft skills through “interview rooms” with AI feedback.
• Endora: Turning personal memories into interactive games to promote well-being.
• VSOD.io: Keeping pet care local for cost savings and better outcomes.
• Welcome Home: Connecting homeowners, service providers, and HOAs on one PropTech platform.
• Materia Bioworks: Replacing harmful plastics with bio-based materials to protect the planet.
• Lodestone: Helping product teams manage resources and decisions with AI insights.
• FIZI: Promoting local businesses with a virtual drive-thru experience.
• AlterGard: Revolutionizing video game customization with AI-powered design tools.

Catch this episode for an inside look at these groundbreaking teams and what they’ll bring to the stage at the CodeLaunch World Championship! #WeCodeYouLaunch #CodeLaunch #StartupChampionship #TechInnovation

 In this exciting episode of We Code You Launch, host Jason W. Taylor brings you the inside story from the stage at CodeLaunch Mexico 2024! Hear from this year's standout startups who wowed the crowd at Tecnológico de Monterrey Campus GDL on October 16. Champion FIZI—on a mission to bring digitization to local businesses, with the expert support of Contollo—and Judges' Choice winner K'uub México, streamlining logistics for a sustainable future with DWSoftware, share their journey, insights, and what's next. Dive into the energy, challenges, and wins that make CodeLaunch the ultimate stage for startups! #WeCodeYouLaunch #CodeLaunch #StartupInnovation #TechForGood 

In Episode 74 of the We Code You Launch podcast, host Raheel Malik introduces the 6 groundbreaking startups set to compete on stage for the CodeLaunch Mexico 2024 belt on October 16th at Tecnológico de Monterrey, Campus GDL. These innovative finalists, backed by top development teams, are ready to change the game:

• FIZI – Digitizing local businesses with Contollo
• Car-e Mobility – Simplifying car repairs with SIAC
• K'uub México – Optimizing logistics for sustainability with DWSoftware
• Keskinube – Bringing AI-powered innovation to retail with team Romio
• AlterGard – Redefining gaming’s future with DELTA TEAM of Improving Nearshore
• Viako Transporte – Revolutionizing cold chain logistics with THE BUG WHISPERERS from Improving Nearshore

And don’t miss the special highlight: PS-AI’s “Golden Ticket” awarded to Split-It, a cutting-edge solution for splitting bills seamlessly! 🎉 Find out what these dynamic startups are building as they prepare for their big moment in Guadalajara!

#CodeLaunchMexico #StartupFinalists #Innovation #TechDisruption #Entrepreneurship #WeCodeYouLaunch #FIZI #CarEMobility #KuubMexico #Keskinube #AlterGard #ViakoTransporte #PSAI #SplitIt #TechPodcast #StartupJourney