TEDM – Dan Novaes – Standing at the Forefront of Innovation in Technology and Entrepreneurship (Episode 227)

Dan Novaes is the CEO of Mode Mobile and creator of the EarnPhone. Mode Mobile is revolutionizing the mobile industry with its “Earn As You Go” software, enabling millions of users to turn daily smartphone habits into passive income. Under Dan’s leadership, Mode Mobile achieved 32,481% revenue growth (2019–2022), earned the #1 spot in software on Deloitte's 2023 Technology Fast 500 List, and pioneered a fundraising model leveraging 30,000+ everyday investors. Now, they’re on a mission to reach 1 million shareholders while tackling a $1 trillion market opportunity. In this episode Patrick sits down with entrepreneur and visionary Dan Novaes, co-founder of Mode Mobile. Dan shares how a string of early failures led to the creation of the “EarnPhone” — a platform that transforms everyday screen time into real income — and how he hyper scaled the concept from $100K to $25M in just three years. The conversation dives into Mode Mobile’s evolving business model and ever-expanding opportunities to explore. Dan reflects on the challenges of building and restructuring teams, the importance of core values (AACCT), and the ways Mode Mobile has embedded recognition and feedback into its culture. From his curious and opportunistic entrepreneurial beginnings to his vision of taking Mode Mobile public, Dan opens up about leadership through turbulent times, leaning on mentors, and embracing accountability at the top. He also shares innovative ways for everyday users to become shareholders, including a first-of-its-kind points-for-shares option within the app. Packed with insights on resilience, innovation, and purpose-driven growth, this episode offers an inside look and important insights of what it takes to build a company, stay aligned with your values and bring relevant, forward-thinking solutions to a market that is ready for them!