Startup Success: A Podcast for Founders & Investors

Jaksot

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  How to Build a Category Leader When No One Sees the Problem 08.09.2026 28min

  Kameale Terry set out to fix EV chargers everyone insisted weren't broken. Today, she’s CEO and Co-founder of the startup ChargerHelp, the undisputed category leader in reliability-as-a-service for EV chargers. She joins Kate to share what it takes to scale, her path to a successful Series A, how AI has been instrumental in the company's growth, and her infectious enthusiasm for building!=== CHAPTERS ===01:40 — The EV Charger Reliability Issue That Sparked the Idea02:42 — Why She Took the Leap03:50 — Evolving the Solution to a Complex Problem05:55 — Creating a Whole New Market Category08:24 — Trusting Your Gut Despite Naysayers09:30 — Feel Your Customer’s Pain & Build for It10:10 — Lean Into Your Story to Convey Your Value10:59 — How She Improved Her Pitching Skills13:00 — What to Look for in a Co-Founder14:49 — Their Fundraising Journey16:00 — Positioning ChargerHelp as the Market Leader17:35 — Scaling ClimateTech Through Policy Swings21:45 — Using AI to Stay Ahead of the Competition25:00 — Advice for Founders: Build, Build, Build26:30 — It's Okay That It's Hard27:20 — Where to Find ChargerHelpStay connected with our host, Kate Adams, https://www.linkedin.com/in/kateadams22/🔗Learn more ChargerHelp at: https://www.chargerhelp.com/This episode is produced by:Brenda Hernández Jaimes: Podcast Producer & Talent Coordinator, Ellas MediaAngela R. Chong: Audio Editor & Post-Production Producer, Amplify Podcasts
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  How to Stand Out to Investors in an AI-Saturated Market 25.08.2026 30min

  Medha Agarwal, General Partner at defy.vc, joins Kate to share how founders can stand out to investors in an AI-saturated market, what she looks for before writing a check, why founder-market fit matters, and how AI is reshaping everything from startup defensibility to pricing models. She also offers a look at how devy.vc supports founders well beyond capital.Full show notes, transcript, and companion article: https://burklandassociates.com/podcasts/how-to-stand-out-to-investors-in-an-ai-saturated-market==== Chapters ====01:26 — Medha's Path From Entrepreneur to Venture02:48 — What Makes defy.vc Different Than Other VC Firms03:52 — Their Investment Focus06:49 — More Than a Check: How They Partner with Founders10:44 — Building Trust and Providing Honest Feedback13:07 — What Medha Looks For Before Writing a Check15:12 — Does defy.vc Evaluate AI Startups Differently?16:23 — How VCs Are Using AI17:19 — Advice on How to Stand Out to Investors in an AI-Saturated Market21:09 — More Startups, More Revenue — But What Happens Next?24:14 — What Makes Medha Genuinely Excited About Startups Today26:31 — Don't Forget to Zoom Out and Think Long Term27:53 — Hiring Is a Superpower, Especially Right Now29:38 — Where to Find Medha and defy.vc----Stay connected with our host, Kate Adams, here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kateadams22/🔗 Learn more at https://defy.vc/This episode is produced by:Brenda Hernández Jaimes: Podcast Producer & Talent Coordinator, Ellas MediaAngela R. Chong: Audio Editor & Post-Production Producer, Amplify Podcasts
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  Why Investors Say No to Your Pitch Deck (And How to Fix It) 11.08.2026 30min

  Our 150th episode is a big one. Kate sits down with Carl Fudge, Founder and CEO of Presentation Mode, who's helped startups raise over $1 billion in venture capital. Carl reveals why most pitch decks fall flat, the "why now" argument nearly every founder overlooks, and why logic alone isn’t enough to win investors over. Tune in to hear lessons from years spent helping founders get to “yes.”Full show notes, transcript, and companion article: https://burklandassociates.com/podcasts/why-investors-say-no-to-your-pitch-deck-and-how-to-fix-itChapters00:00 – Introduction to Carl Fudge & Presentation Mode01:10 – Carl's Background: Psychology, McKinsey, IDEO & Catching the Startup Bug02:58 – What Presentation Mode Actually Does05:50 –  How They Help Founders Craft Compelling Pitches07:50 – Why They Bring in a Trained Actor11:35 – The Must-Have Components of Every Pitch Deck13:44 – The "Why Now" Argument Most Founders Overlook15:30 – Logic vs. Feeling: The Psychology of Investor Decisions17:09 – The Mac vs. PC Lesson on Selling Features vs. Selling Feeling19:19 – Less Is More: How Much Detail Should Be on a Slide20:50 – Shifting the Power Dynamic With Investors22:50 – Fundraising Advice for AI-Native Startups vs. Non-AI Startups26:10 – Storytelling: More Than a Fundraising Tool----Stay connected with our host, Kate Adams, here on LinkedIn! 🔗 Learn more about Presentation Mode: https://www.presentationmode.co/
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  How Do Healthtech Founders Win Over Investors? 28.07.2026 29min

  Winning over investors as a healthtech founder requires fortitude, relentless pitching, and the ability to tell a hard "no" from a "not right now."In this episode, Kate sits down with Melissa Hanna, co-founder and CEO of Mahmee, a healthcare platform transforming how families experience pregnancy and postpartum care. Melissa pitched 500 to 1,000 investors before landing backers like Mark Cuban, Serena Williams, and Steve Case, plus a Series A led by Goldman Sachs.Melissa walks us through how Mahmee built the technology and workforce infrastructure that now has 70 million lives under contract. She also opens up about the fundraising grind and shares her perspective on AI's role in healthcare.Tune in to hear:Strategies for fundraising in this challenging marketHow founders outside the AI space can still leverage AIAn insider's perspective on where AI should and shouldn't be used in healthcareWhy core values are key, even at early-stage startupsMelissa’s advice to fellow founders: accept the struggle, and commit to a problem worth solving.Don't miss this conversation with a founder proving healthcare can be both high-tech and deeply human.---- Stay connected with our host, Kate Adams, on LinkedIn🔗 Learn more about Mahmee at: https://www.mahmee.com/This episode is produced by:Brenda Hernández Jaimes: Podcast Producer & Talent Coordinator, Ellas MediaAngela R. Chong: Audio Editor & Post-Production Producer, Amplify Podcasts==== Chapters ====00:17 – Fundraising for a HealthTech Startup in the AI Era02:33 – What Is Mahmee? The Platform Closing Gaps in Maternal Care04:39 – The Inspiration Behind Mahmee: A Mother's Influence06:09 – Taking the Leap: Building the Founding Team07:11 – The US Maternal Health Paradox: Spending the Most, Getting the Worst08:54 – Creating a Healthcare Platform That Adapts to Each Family's Journey10:00 – Stumbling Into New Opportunities11:18 – Where Mahmee Is Today: 70 Million Lives Under Contract16:19 – Where AI Should and Shouldn't Be Used in Healthcare18:38 – The Fundraising Journey: Pitching Hundreds of Investors22:20 – Core Values Aren’t Just for Big Companies25:35 – Parting Advice for Founders: Accept the Struggle27:33 – Where to Find Mahmee
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  Q2 2026 Snapshot: The Startup Ecosystem 14.07.2026 21min

  In this episode of Startup Success, we sit down with Steve Lord, COO and Chief Knowledge Officer at Burkland, for our quarterly update. Steve joins us to break down what's happening in the funding landscape, what founders should have on their radar, and where things are headed next.Steve unpacks a busy Q2 marked by geopolitical volatility, shifting interest rate expectations, and a VC market that may finally be turning a corner. He explains how the stock market impacts VC cycles, and why founders shouldn't panic over a single bad day in the markets. He also makes the case for why trillion-dollar IPOs — starting with SpaceX, and potentially OpenAI and Anthropic — could unlock more value than all VC-backed IPOs this century combined, recycling enormous liquidity back into the startup ecosystem.We discuss:Why using an AI-generated pitch deck will hurt your chances with VCsThe good news: 2026 is on track to be a record year in first financings for startupsThe state of interest rates, inflation, and why a Fed cut won't affect your startup in the short termAI startups are still dominating VC funding — here's where the opportunities are for everyone else If you're trying to make sense of where the funding market stands right now, this episode is the shortcut. Steve lays out the macro forces in plain terms, and tells you what it means for your next raise.====Chapters====[00:18] Q2 Recap: Geopolitical Volatility and Market Crosscurrents[02:15] Listener Question: Does the Stock Market Impact VC Cycles?[05:50] The IPO Market is Back — and It Will Give VCs More Liquidity[06:16] What the Power Law of VC Means for Founders Right Now[07:50] Upswing in VC Funding Activity [07:00] AI Funding Still Dominates[09:30] Could Be a Record Year for First Financings for Startups[10:16] The State of Smaller VC Firms and Where Opportunity Still Exists[12:51] What’s Up with the Economy, Inflation, and Interest Rates?[16:50] Advice for Founders Heading Into Q3[18:54] Why AI-Generated Pitch Decks Are Working Against Founders----Stay connected with our host, Kate Adams, here on LinkedIn! Learn more about Burkland at: https://burklandassociates.com/This episode is produced by:Brenda Hernández Jaimes: Podcast Producer & Talent Coordinator, Ellas MediaAngela R. Chong: Audio Editor & Post-Production Producer, Amplify Podcasts
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  Selling a Startup, Buying It Back, and Changing How Founders Raise: A Founder's Story 30.06.2026 20min

  In this episode of Startup Success, we sit down with Jaclyn Johnson, founder of Create & Cultivate and co-founder of the angel investing platform Cherub, for a conversation about scaling a business, navigating an exit, and the future of early-stage investing. Jaclyn shares how she built Create & Cultivate into a multi-million-dollar, bootstrapped company, why she made the difficult decision to sell, and what prompted her to buy back the company a few years later. She offers an honest look at the tradeoffs of private equity and the factors that can make or break a deal.Between the exit and the buyback, her work as an angel investor and mentor to early-stage founders led her to co-found Cherub, a platform that connects founders with angel investors they'd never reach otherwise.We discuss:The realities of selling to private equity — and what founders often overlookWhat founders need in place before they start raising capitalHow the fundraising landscape for early-stage founders is changingIf you're building your first company, preparing to raise capital, or thinking about an exit, this episode offers hard-earned lessons from a founder who has been on both sides of the table.----Stay connected with our host, Kate Adams, here on LinkedIn! 🔗 Learn more about Create and Cultivate at https://www.createcultivate.com/Learn more about Cherub at https://www.investwithcherub.com/This episode is produced by:Brenda Hernández Jaimes: Podcast Producer & Talent Coordinator, Ellas MediaAngela R. Chong: Audio Editor & Post-Production Producer, Amplify Podcasts
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  Lessons From the Front Lines of Building an AI Startup 16.06.2026 23min

  Ahmed Rashad started his career on an oil rig, taught himself to code, and went on to build and sell a company. After stops at Oracle, MIT, McKinsey, Amazon, and Scale AI, he founded Perle to solve a problem he kept running into: the AI data gap.Perle builds specialized training data for AI models in fields like medicine and linguistics — the niche areas where general AI struggles.Despite the anxiety around AI, Ahmed believes the upside far outweighs today’s disruption. Faster development doesn't shrink markets; it expands what's possible. In his view, AI isn't replacing human potential. It's amplifying it.Tune in to hear:Why the right VC partner matters more than the biggest checkThe 4 things founders should never delegateHow to keep investors engaged and informedWhat Arabic’s 22+ dialects reveal about the depth of the AI data gapWith experience at some of the world’s leading companies and now as the founder of an exciting AI startup, Ahmed has valuable insights on today’s startup ecosystem.Don’t miss this episode for practical, hard-earned advice from a founder who has been in the thick of it since day one.====Chapters====00:18 – Meet Ahmed Rashad, Founder & CEO of Perle01:15 – From Oil Rig to Software: Ahmed's Unlikely Origin Story02:34 – What Perle Does and the Problem It's Solving03:35 – Why This Problem Was Personal04:35 – Use Cases: Healthcare, STEM, and Linguistics05:02 – The Arabic Language Challenge: 22 Dialects and Counting07:22 – How the Rapidly Changing AI Landscape Is Impacting Perle09:16 – Fundraising Advice: The Four Things Founders Should Never Delegate10:40 – Why the Right VC Beats the Highest Valuation11:30 – What to Look for in an Investor Relationship12:09 – How to Communicate Effectively with Your Investors13:40 – The Reality of the Founder Journey: It's Never a Straight Line16:36 –Why Ahmed is So Optimistic About AI18:27 – What Concerns Ahmed About AI19:47 – The AI Slop Problem20:53 – Final Advice for Founders: Take Care of Yourself22:42– Where to Find Ahmed and Learn More About Perle----Stay connected with our host, Kate Adams, here on LinkedIn! Learn more about Perle: https://www.perle.ai/This episode is produced by:Brenda Hernández Jaimes: Podcast Producer & Talent Coordinator, Ellas MediaAngela R. Chong: Audio Editor & Post-Production Producer, Amplify Podcasts
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  Beyond the AI Bubble: What Founders Need to Know Now 02.06.2026 30min

  Jonathan Aberman has seen the startup world from nearly every angle: VC lawyer, investor, business school dean, and innovation policy advisor. Now he's a founder himself, building Hupside, an AI company focused on measuring "original intelligence."That 360-degree perspective of the startup ecosystem makes his take on the current AI moment especially valuable. The market is noisy. Capital is concentrating. Investors are excited, skeptical, and cautious at the same time. AI tools are making it easier than ever to build, but harder than ever to stand out.We discuss:What the AI bubble means for founders raising capital todayWhy many founders confuse fundraising with validation"Signal collapse" and why creativity is the next major startup advantageWhy Jonathan built Hupside to measure human originality in an AI worldIf you're building with AI, raising capital, or trying to stand out in a crowded market, this episode is worth your full attention.---Stay connected with our host, Kate Adams, here on LinkedIn! Learn more about Hupside: https://www.hupside.comThis episode is produced by:Brenda Hernández Jaimes: Podcast Producer & Talent Coordinator, Ellas MediaAngela R. Chong: Audio Editor & Post-Production Producer, Amplify Podcasts
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  What Investors Look for in the AI Era 19.05.2026 23min

  What does it actually take to be investment-ready in today's market? In this episode, Kate sits down with Jim Ferry, Partner at Volition Capital, a growth equity firm known for backing high-growth, founder-owned, capital-efficient businesses.Jim reveals what he looks for in a founding team, the most common mistakes he sees in pitch decks, and how the bar for raising capital has changed in the age of AI. He also explains how his firm is building AI fluency internally — and why the "defensible moat" question is now front and center in their investment decisions.We also cover:What Volition learned about successful founders after analyzing 100+ founder attributes across its portfolioHow to build a durable company when engineering is no longer a barrier to entryThe right way to present your TAM to build credibility with investorsHow investors are using AI to source and evaluate dealsNo matter where you are in your fundraising journey, Jim's perspective offers a valuable window into how top investors are thinking right now.----Stay connected with our host, Kate Adams, here on LinkedIn! Learn more about Volition Capital: https://www.volitioncapital.com/This episode is produced by:Brenda Hernández Jaimes: Podcast Producer & Talent Coordinator, Ellas MediaAngela R. Chong: Audio Editor & Post-Production Producer, Amplify Podcasts
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  When It’s Time for Founders to Step Down as CEO 05.05.2026 23min

  In this episode of Startup Success, host Kate sits down with Tony Jamous, Co-Founder and Executive Chairman of Oyster, and Hadi Moussa, the company’s newly appointed CEO, for a refreshingly honest conversation on scaling a global company— and knowing when it’s time to bring in new leadership.Tony shares the personal journey behind one of the hardest decisions any founder can make: stepping aside as CEO, and why putting the mission ahead of ego sets great founders apart. And Hadi explains how he’s approached the transition to ensure a successful handoff.We discuss:The moment Tony knew it was time to hand over the CEO roleHow to manage leadership transitions with intention and transparencyCommunicating the change in a way that builds trust and signals strengthWhy global hiring is a competitive advantage in the age of AIWhether you're navigating growth, thinking about leadership evolution, or rethinking how to build a distributed team, this episode offers a thoughtful look at what it really takes to scale—with the right people, in the right roles, at the right time.----Stay connected with our host, Kate Adams, here on LinkedIn! Learn more about Oyster at https://www.oysterhr.comThis episode is produced by Brenda Hernández Jaimes of Ellas MediaPost-Production by Angela R. Chong of Amplify Podcasts
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  Why Founders Need “Scalers” on Their Early Teams 21.04.2026 28min

  Casey Woo, CEO & Founder of Operators Guild and GP & Founder of FOG Ventures, joins us on Startup Success to discuss how scaling a startup has changed and why founders need “horizontal generalists,” or scalers, on their early teams.After helping scale several high-profile startups, Casey built Operators Guild, a global community for the operators who thrive in early-stage chaos, and later FOG Ventures, its venture capital arm. He’s seen firsthand why this new breed of operator is essential in today’s AI-driven world.Casey breaks down how these operators fuel hypergrowth and why early-stage founders should prioritize hiring them. He explains this mindset isn’t learned—it’s in your DNA. Curious, impatient, and energized by ambiguity, scalers are wired differently.We discuss:How AI is reshaping how startups hire and scale, and why adaptable, strategic thinkers matter more than ever.The new operational model that is essential to high-growth startups.How to spot a scaler on a resume and what signals to look for in the interview process.How the office of the CFO and COO has changed and what that means for today's startups.This episode blends insight and practicality—a must-listen for founders building teams in an increasingly complex landscape.----Stay connected with our host, Kate Adams, here on LinkedIn! Learn more about Fog Ventures at: https://www.fog.ventures/Learn more about Operators Guild at: https://www.operators-guild.com/
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  Q1 2026 Snapshot: The Startup Ecosystem 07.04.2026 18min

  What does the startup landscape look like right now—and what to expect in Q2?In this episode of Startup Success, Steve Lord, Chief Knowledge Officer and COO at Burkland, returns for his quarterly breakdown of the venture capital ecosystem. Together, we unpack what shaped Q1 2026 and why fundraising remains an uphill battle for many founders since it is highly concentrated, with most capital flowing to AI companies from a small group of top VC firms.Steve explores the latest macro forces—oil prices, AI hype, and interest rates—impacting the market and weighs in on whether the economy's resilience will hold.We tackle the big questions:What was fundraising like in Q1 and what is the outlook for Q2?What’s on the horizon for interest rates?Will AI deals continue to dominate investment activity?How can founders prepare for what’s next?As usual, Steve combines optimism with practical advice: stay focused on what matters, manage runway, know your numbers, and be ready to fundraise at any moment. A grounded reminder that execution still wins, even in uncertain times.----Stay connected with our host, Kate Adams, here on LinkedIn!
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  The New Startup Go-To-Market Playbook 24.03.2026 25min

  In this episode of Startup Success, Kate sits down with Marlena Sarunac, co-founder and fractional CMO at The Company Advice, a marketing firm for startups. They help startups clarify their category, sharpen their messaging, and build go-to-market strategies that actually convert. After leading marketing from Series A to Series B at Particle Health and driving go-to-market across highly technical industries, Marlena now helps founders turn complex products into compelling narratives that resonate with buyers and drive growth. She explains how tighter capital and AI-informed buyers are reshaping startup marketing — and what founders need to do differently today.We dive into:Why the traditional startup go-to-market playbook no longer works and what to do insteadThe risks of not clearly defining your market categoryHow to develop consistent messaging that builds trust with both buyers and AI search modelsWhy shared KPIs are key to aligning teams — from engineering to marketing — around growthHow to uncover your startup's hidden growth blockers with their Friction Finder toolThis episode offers practical frameworks for founders trying to break through crowded markets and build sustainable traction. If you’re working on refining your positioning, improving your go-to-market tactics, or scaling beyond founder-led sales, this one’s a must-listen.----Stay connected with our host, Kate Adams, here on LinkedIn! 🔗 Check out the Friction Finder tool here https://www.thecompanyadvice.com/friction-finder
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  Venture Debt: The Essential Guide for Founders 10.03.2026 34min

  In this episode of Startup Success, Kate sits down with Marshall Hawks, author of Venture Debt Deals and a venture lending leader with two decades of experience, including 16 years at Silicon Valley Bank, helping founders fund growth with less dilution.Drawing on real-world case studies, Marshall breaks down what venture debt really is, why it has become an increasingly important part of startup capital strategies, and how founders can use it to extend runway while minimizing dilution. He also shares a behind-the-scenes look at how lenders evaluate startups, what to expect during due diligence, and the difference between banks and private credit providers — and when to work with each.Marshall addresses:What venture debt is and where it fits within your startup’s capital strategyCommon mistakes startups make when pursuing venture debtWhat founders should expect during the screening processThis episode is a clear and thorough overview of venture debt financing. If you’re considering venture debt to support your startup’s growth or want to learn more about it, this is a must-listen. ----Stay connected with our host, Kate Adams, here on LinkedIn! 🔗 Learn more at www.venturedebtdeals.com
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  Profitability Before Funding: How One Startup Did It 24.02.2026 33min

  In this episode of Startup Success, Kate sits down with Joseph Rutakangwa, Co-Founder and CEO of Rwazi, a decision AI platform that helps enterprise teams drive growth. Joseph shares his remarkable journey—from growing up in multiple countries and finding his unique niche in global market intelligence, to building Rwazi without outside funding and scaling it into a multi-million-dollar ARR business serving Fortune 500 companies.Joseph breaks down the real problem enterprises face today: not a lack of data, but an inability to turn fragmented data into clear, actionable decisions. Rwazi’s decision AI and its copilot, Sena, help leaders see what’s really happening in the market, understand the impact on their business, decide what to do next, and execute—without guesswork, outdated reports, or expensive consultants.We discuss:How to scale by prioritizing customer acquisition above all elseProfitability before funding? Rwazi shows it’s possible—and how they did itHow Rwazi uses AI to turn business decision chaos into growth Advice for founders. Why you must build your entire business around the customerThis episode is a must-listen for founders, operators, and investors interested in AI, enterprise SaaS, and building scalable businesses grounded in real customer needs.----Stay connected with our host, Kate Adams, here on LinkedIn! 🔗 Learn more about Rwazi at https://rwazi.com
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  A Case Study on How to Build a Mission-Driven Startup 10.02.2026 28min

  In this episode of Startup Success, Kate talks with Tanya Van Court, Founder and CEO of Goalsetter, an award-winning financial education platform transforming how people learn about money.Inspired by a personal financial setback and her leadership experience at Nickelodeon, Discovery, and ESPN, Tanya built a mission-driven startup that closes a critical knowledge gap by making financial education engaging, accessible, and relevant.We discuss:Unlocking product-market fit by building products with customers at the centerStaying grounded through the highs and lows of startup lifeWhy healthy dissent makes teams strongerDon’t miss this conversation on entrepreneurship, building products that truly engage customers, and growing companies that do well by doing good.----Stay connected with our host, Kate Adams, here on LinkedIn! 🔗 Learn more about Goalsetter at https://goalsetter.co/
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  Venture Capital, Reimagined: A Conversation with Mike Collins 27.01.2026 28min

  VC pioneer Mike Collins built his firm around his passionate belief that venture capital investing shouldn’t be limited to a select few. In this episode of Startup Success, host Kate sits down with Mike Collins, Founder and CEO of Alumni Ventures, to discuss how one of the most active VC firms in the world is redefining access to venture investing, along with his advice for today’s founders and his perspective on the evolving startup ecosystem.  Alumni Ventures takes a unique approach to venture capital, investing alongside top-tier firms while drawing capital from a network of individual accredited investors. With more than 11,000 investors, over $1.5B raised, and 1,000+ portfolio companies, the firm has built a powerful ecosystem that benefits both founders and investors.Tune in to learn:What Mike and Alumni Ventures look for when evaluating startupsWhy AI is transformative—but not the only sector worth watchingMike’s key advice to founders, summed up in 3 wordsWhat sets Alumni Ventures apart from other VC firmsTune in to hear Mike’s perspective on the future of venture capital, why we’re in a golden age of innovation, and how Alumni Ventures leverages its extensive network to help founders succeed.Stay connected with our host, Kate Adams, here on LinkedIn! 🔗 Learn more about Alumni Ventures at av.vc
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  2026 Outlook: The Startup Ecosystem 13.01.2026 20min

  We’re kicking off 2026 with a returning favorite: Steve Lord, Burkland's COO and Head of Knowledge Share. He joins us to unpack what really happened in 2025—and what founders should be paying attention to now for 2026.In this wide-ranging conversation, we dive into the economy, interest rates, inflation, tariffs, market volatility, and venture capital, and what it all means for startups navigating fundraising, hiring, and growth. This episode gives founders must-have guidance on what to expect in 2026 and how to tackle the challenges ahead.We discuss:Why Steve predicts a rebound in early-stage fundingInterest rate outlook for 2026 and what could trigger cutsEconomic outlook for 2026 and what founders should be watchingM&A trends and consolidation moves founders can’t afford to ignoreWhy clean books, taxes, and cap tables matter more than everFor startup founders trying to make sense of the macro noise and wondering what to expect in 2026, this episode delivers grounded perspective, practical advice, and a cautiously optimistic outlook for the year ahead.----Stay connected with our host, Kate Adams, here on LinkedIn! 
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  How to Build Product-Market Fit Without Sacrificing Culture 30.12.2025 28min

  From power washing in Kansas to translating 30 languages in real time—Kevin Turpin’s entrepreneurial journey is anything but ordinary.In this episode of Startup Success, we welcome Kevin Turpin, CEO and founder of Weavix, for an inspiring conversation on the power of solving a problem close to your heart and leading with integrity.Hear how Kevin and his brothers built Walt, a groundbreaking smart radio that’s saved their clients billions of dollars by empowering workers to communicate and solve problems faster. We discuss:Kevin’s philosophy on scaling with trust and why culture is just as critical as product-market fitHow they are uniquely positioned to be one of the leading worker products for AIThe remarkable way Weavix is transforming industrial workplaces and elevating the value of workersWhether you’re an early-stage founder or a seasoned business leader, Kevin’s passion for solving real problems and lifting people up will leave you rethinking how you approach growth, leadership, and innovation.----Stay connected with our host, Kate Adams, here on LinkedIn! Learn more about Weavix here: https://weavix.com/
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  Purpose-Led Growth: How this Startup Built Revenue & Social Impact 16.12.2025 31min

  Where innovation meets purpose—HOPE Hydration is proving that sustainability can be both smart and scalable. In this episode of Startup Success, host Kate sits down with HOPE Hydration co-founders Jorge Richardson and Cristina Gnecco, the visionary team behind smart water refill stations designed to make clean drinking water universally accessible—and free. HOPE Hydration is pioneering a model where advertising funds sustainability, turning water stations into connected platforms that benefit both cities and brands. The company recently raised a $20M Series A, marking a major step in their mission to bring smart hydration to urban centers worldwide.We discuss:How AI has helped to fuel HOPE Hydration’s successTheir creative strategies for driving consumer adoptionWhat it means to operate as a certified B CorpHow they stay true to their mission while delivering value to investorsTune in to hear how Jorge and Cristina are blending technology, trust, and purpose to make every refill count—and build a movement toward a more sustainable, hydrated future. And if you’d like a HydroStation in your area, they’d love to hear from you!----Stay connected with our host, Kate Adams, here on LinkedIn! 🔗 Learn more about HOPE Hydration at https://www.hopehydration.com/