Why Most Startups Fail—and How Cypher Beat the Odds to Scale Fast

What does it take to bridge the gap between small businesses and the capital they desperately need? In this episode of The Disruption Lab, we’re joined by Jannae Gammage and Alaia Martin, the powerhouse co-founders of Cyphr, a tech startup revolutionizing small business financing through AI and data innovation. Jannae and Alaia share their inspiring journey of building a borrower-centric platform that’s already transforming how entrepreneurs access funding. They open up about their early entrepreneurial experiences, from Jannae’s teenage ventures to Alaia’s success scaling and exiting her first business. Together, they’ve tackled the complex world of small business financing with Cyphr, now a profitable and fast-growing startup. We explore: The biggest mistakes small business owners make when seeking funding—and how to fix them. Why customer discovery is the secret weapon for startup success. The challenges and opportunities in Kansas City’s innovation ecosystem. How complementary co-founders can supercharge a business. The mindset shifts required to navigate the highs and lows of entrepreneurship. Whether you’re a founder, a small business owner, or someone curious about the future of AI-driven startups, Jannae and Alaia’s story is a must-listen. Tune in to uncover their unique strategies, actionable insights, and bold vision for 2025.