Startup, Shut Up, Show Up: How These Creators Made Skeptics Eat Their Words

Episode Title: Episode Audio Link: https://podcast.ablackexec.com/episode/Startup, Shut Up, Show Up: How These Creators Made Skeptics Eat Their Words Episode Video Link: In this electrifying episode of A Black Executive Perspective, hosts Tony Tidbit and Chris P. Reed sit down with the visionary trio behind AKCRU—Anthoni, Patrick, and Kwasi. Together, they unpack the bold creation of AKCRU, a streaming platform that fuses the best of Netflix, Tinder, Uber Eats, and Instagram into one boundary-breaking experience. The conversation dives deep into the uphill battle of building a tech company as outsiders—navigating investor doubt, technical setbacks, and the pressure to prove they belonged in the room. Through it all, the founders leaned on grit, emotional resilience, and an unshakable collective vision. You’ll hear the story behind the platform, their roles as co-creators, and the hard-earned lessons that shaped their path. Plus, they share how their initiative, Forgive Our Honesty, is paying it forward to first-time founders. This episode offers a raw and inspiring look at what it takes to build something revolutionary when the world tells you “No.” Relentless innovation. Real talk. And a roadmap for doing the impossible.▶︎ In This Episode 00:00: The Power of Persistence01:03: Introduction to A Black Executive Perspective01:48: Meet the Founders of AKCRU07:28: The Origin Story of AKCRU13:34: Challenges and Triumphs in the Industry18:33: Innovating the Streaming Platform20:41: Roles and Responsibilities26:47: Overcoming Doubts and Building Success33:30: The Struggle to Raise Initial Funds35:08: Building the Prototype Against All Odds37:28: Navigating the Challenges of Development40:15: Advice for Aspiring Founders43:04: Introducing the AC Crew App51:25: Future Vision and Expansion Plans56:26: Final Thoughts and Encouragement🔗 Resources Links and resources mentioned in this episode:🔔 Listen and Subscribe Listen to this episode and subscribe for future updates subscribe to A Black Executive Perspective podcast onYouTube PodcastsApple PodcastsSpotify PodcastsAmazon MusicOther platforms or by searching "TonyTidbit" if you like what we're doing and would like to support us, here's some ways you can help us continue the uncomfortable conversations that drive changesubscribe to our newslettergive us up to a 5 star review on Apple Podcastsshare an episode with a friend, family member or colleague🗣️ Follow @ablackexecfollow us across social media @aBlackExecLinkedInInstagramFacebookYouTubeTwitterTikTokWhatsApp ⭐️ Follow @TonyTidbitfollow Tony across social media @TonyTidbitTwitterLinkedInFacebook This episode was produced by TonyTidbit ™ . Copyright © 2024 A BLACK EXECUTIVE PERSPECTIVE LLC. All rights reserved. No part of this podcast may be reproduced without prior written permission. For permissions, email [email protected] .