Follow What Feels Alive: Building Two Mission-Driven Startups with Jillian Bichanich

Podcast Sponsor The Startup Wisconsin Podcast is presented by Valency Fund. Episode Notes “It shouldn’t be this hard to do good in this world.” In this episode, I sit down with Jillian Bichanich, a Wisconsin-born founder and builder, to discuss how she is growing two mission-driven startups at the same time. Jillian shares her journey as the co-founder of Cubbi, an app designed to support families navigating disabilities, and as the founder of Pocketchange, a platform dedicated to helping consumers shop based on their values.  Jillian explains why following what feels alive has guided her entrepreneurial path and how facing rejection and chaos shaped her drive. We explore the unique partnership she shares with her co-founder and her experience of bootstrapping both companies. Jillian also reflects on the importance of aligning business with personal values, and her vision for revolutionizing industries with purpose-driven ventures. Tune in to learn: Why building two startups at once can fuel growth and creativity How following what feels alive can guide founders through chaos and uncertainty Why aligning your business with your personal values creates lasting impact Jump into the conversation: (00:00) Introduction (00:33) Meet Jillian Bichanich of Cubbi and Pocketchange (01:40) Cubbi’s mission to support families (06:42) How Cubbi transitioned to sponsor funding (09:38) Jillian's path to founding Cubbi and Pocketchange (12:16) Building a strong co-founder partnership (15:42) How Jillian balances two startups (19:24) Why ego-free collaboration is essential for success (22:46) Building a values-driven shopping app (25:37) From branding to MVP the hard way (28:03) Why Madison is ideal for entrepreneurs (37:28) Cubbi’s new "pay what you can" model Connect with the Guest Connect with Jillian Bichanich: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jillianphyllis/ Check out Cubbi: https://www.cubbiapp.com/ Check out Pocketchange: https://pocketchangethe.world/ Podcast SponsorValency FundFlexible funding solutions designed for sustainable growth of Wisconsin companies.Learn more at https://www.valencyfund.com/🔻 Connect With Us 🔻Subscribe to the Startup Wisconsin Newsletterhttps://www.startupwi.org/Upcoming Tech and Startup Events in Wisconsin (400+ every year)https://www.startupwi.org/eventsFollow us on LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/startup-wisconsin/Connect with Jacob Miller:https://www.linkedin.com/in/kineticbearInterested in being a guest? Reach [email protected] Wisconsin's mission is to connect, educate, inspire, and grow tech startup communities across the state, not just during events, but year-round. This podcast is part of that vision, creating deeper connections and sharing the knowledge that helps Wisconsin's startup ecosystem thrive.This podcast is made by your friends at Headway.https://www.headway.io