Growth Capital Podcast

🧱 Growth Capital Podcast — Episode 84 🧱 Does every startup need to become a billion-dollar unicorn? In this episode of the Growth Capital Podcast, host Justin Dixon sits down with Ethan Mayers, Venture Partner at Fairbridge, to challenge one of the biggest assumptions in entrepreneurship—that venture capital is the only path to building a successful company. Drawing on his experience as a founder, investor, and advisor to startup ecosystems in more than 60 countries, Ethan explains why founders should focus on building businesses that fit their goals rather than someone else's definition of success. From venture capital and permanent capital to AI's impact on entrepreneurship, this conversation offers a fresh perspective on what sustainable growth really looks like. In this episode, you'll learn: Why venture capital isn't the right fit for every company The difference between building a venture-backed startup and a durable business What makes founders successful beyond technical skills How AI is changing startup creation and investor expectations Why capital innovation is creating more opportunities for entrepreneurs Connect with Ethan Mayers 🌐https://postunicorncapital.com/ 🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ethanmayers/ 👍 If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe to the Growth Capital Podcast, like the video, and leave a comment: Do you think every startup should chase venture capital, or are there better paths to building a great company?

🥩 Growth Capital Podcast — Episode 83 🥩 What if the future of meat isn't replacing it, but making it better? In this episode of the Growth Capital Podcast, Justin Dixon sits down with Paul Shapiro, Co-founder & CEO of The Better Meat Co., a food technology company pioneering the use of mycelium to create healthier, more sustainable, and more affordable meat products. After spending years as a lobbyist for animal welfare, Paul leaped into entrepreneurship to tackle one of humanity's biggest challenges: feeding a growing population with limited resources. From startup fundraising and IP battles to category creation and AI-powered innovation, Paul shares the lessons he's learned building a deep-tech company at the intersection of food, science, and sustainability. 🔍 What you'll learn: • Why The Better Meat Co. focuses on improving meat, and not replacing it • The business case for microbial agriculture • How startups can "minimize the number of miracles" they need to perform • Lessons from raising venture capital and surviving years of IP litigation • How AI is helping accelerate innovation in food manufacturing • Why mycelium could become an entirely new food category 🚀 Whether you're a founder, investor, operator, or simply curious about the future of food, this episode offers valuable insights on innovation, scaling, and building companies that create lasting impact. 📩 Learn more about The Better Meat Co. at https://www.bettermeat.co/ 👉 Like, subscribe, and leave a comment: What emerging technology do you believe will reshape an entire industry over the next decade?

⚕️ Growth Capital Podcast — Episode 82 ⚕️ What happens when you build a healthcare company with AI at its core from day one? In this episode of the Growth Capital Podcast, Justin Dixon sits down with Samuel Searcy, Co-founder and CEO of ClinTrial Research, a rapidly growing network of clinical trial sites helping pharmaceutical companies bring new therapies to market. Before building ClinTrial Research, Sam worked across the clinical research industry, launched successful healthcare services businesses, and even served as a North Carolina State Senator. Now, he's applying those lessons to scale an AI-native healthcare company operating across multiple states. Sam shares how AI is changing the economics of healthcare services, why clinical trials are becoming more specialized and complex, and what founders can learn about fundraising, operational discipline, and scaling in regulated industries. 🔍 What you'll learn: • Why AI-native companies scale differently from legacy organizations • How clinical trial site networks support pharmaceutical innovation • The similarities between fundraising for startups and political campaigns • Why healthcare services businesses succeed or fail on operational execution • How AI is helping leaders manage faster-growing organizations with fewer resources • The future of clinical research and healthcare innovation Whether you're a founder building in healthcare, an operator navigating AI adoption, or an investor evaluating emerging trends, this episode offers practical insights on scaling in one of the world's most regulated industries. 📩 Connect with Samuel Searcy on LinkedIn - https://lnk.ua/ES8z0628K 🎧 Watch it on YouTube or listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. 👉 If you enjoyed this episode, like, subscribe, and leave a comment. How is AI changing the way you build and scale your business?

✍️ Growth Capital Podcast — Episode 81 ✍️ What if the biggest revenue problem in your business isn't winning customers—it's getting paid? In this episode of the Growth Capital Podcast, Justin Dixon sits down with Marty Ringlein, Co-founder & CEO of Agree.com and General Partner at Adventure Fund, to discuss how AI is transforming the entire contract-to-cash process. Marty shares his journey from building and selling a company to Twitter, serving as a Presidential Innovation Fellow at the White House, investing in companies like Anthropic and SpaceX, and now building Agree.com—a platform designed to automate everything from contracts and invoicing to payments and collections. 🔍 What you'll learn: • Why "the deal isn't done until the wire hits" • How AI is transforming revenue operations and financial workflows • The hidden revenue leak between contracts and cash collection • Why data, not AI alone, is the real competitive advantage • How product-led growth can become a powerful distribution engine • Why per-seat SaaS pricing is under pressure • What Marty looks for when investing in early-stage startups • How founders can build defensible businesses in the AI era 🚀 Whether you're a founder, investor, operator, or revenue leader, this conversation offers valuable insights on scaling businesses, monetizing software, and leveraging AI to create operational leverage. 📲 Connect with Marty: X/Twitter: @martymadrid Email: [email protected] 👉 Like, subscribe, and leave a comment: What business workflow do you think AI will completely reinvent next?

👮 Growth Capital Podcast — Episode 80 👮 What happens when artificial intelligence, biometric data, and human performance come together to support the people who run toward danger? In this episode of the Growth Capital Podcast, Justin Dixon sits down with Sean Bair, Co-founder & CEO of SWORN.ai, to discuss how technology is helping police officers, firefighters, and other first responders better manage stress, improve wellness, and build longer, healthier careers. Sean shares his journey from a police analyst to a serial entrepreneur, including building a crime analytics platform that was later acquired by LexisNexis. He also explains why he believes AI, wearable technology, and proprietary data are reshaping not only public safety but the future of entrepreneurship itself. 🔍 In this episode, you'll learn: How Sworn.ai uses biometric data and AI to support first responder wellness The hidden costs of stress, burnout, and turnover in public safety Why retention and recruitment are becoming wellness challenges How AI is lowering barriers to entrepreneurship Why proprietary data is the real competitive moat in the AI era Lessons from building and exiting multiple companies What founders should know about the future of AI-powered software Whether you're a founder, operator, investor, or simply interested in the future of AI and workforce wellness, this conversation offers valuable insights on technology, leadership, and building businesses that solve meaningful problems. Connect with Sean 🌐 Website: https://seanbair.ai/ 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/seanbair/ 👉 If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and COMMENT with your biggest takeaway.

♟️ Growth Capital Podcast — Episode 79 ♟️ What separates businesses that survive from businesses that scale? In this episode of the Growth Capital Podcast, host Justin Dixon sits down with John Smalley, Founder & Managing Partner of J Smalley Group, a multi-company holding group built around a disciplined investment and operating framework focused on long-term growth. From scaling businesses across wellness, recruiting, environmental science, pest control, and AI infrastructure, John shares the strategic framework he uses to evaluate opportunities, build recession-resistant companies, and create lasting enterprise value. 🔍 In this episode, they cover: • The 4-pillar investment thesis behind scalable businesses • Why recurring revenue changes company value • How to innovate in “sleepy industries” that competitors ignore • The transition from corporate executive to serial entrepreneur • Why self-managing companies create founder freedom • How AI is leveling the playing field for small businesses • Lessons on leadership, hiring, and operational discipline John also shares how his experience inside large organizations shaped the way he builds companies today and why founders should stop chasing trends and focus on fundamentals that compound over time. 📩 Connect with John on LinkedIn - https://lnk.ua/X0yCE2hyu 🎧 Watch now and subscribe for more conversations with private equity leaders, founders, and operators building high-growth companies. 👉 If this episode resonates, leave a comment and share your biggest takeaway.

🌱 Growth Capital Podcast — Episode 78 🌱 What if the future of startup funding isn’t about chasing unicorns, but building stronger local economies? In this episode of the Growth Capital Podcast, Justin Dixon sits down with Jeffrey Kaplan, Director of Venture Asheville and CEO of Optimist Ventures, to discuss how venture philanthropy is creating a new capital model for underserved founders and regional businesses. After Hurricane Helene devastated Asheville’s business community, Jeffrey and his team launched an innovative funding structure combining grants and shared-profit agreements to help entrepreneurs recover, grow, and scale without giving up equity. This episode dives into: 🔹 Why “anti-unicorn” investing may create stronger communities 🔹 How venture philanthropy blends impact with investor returns 🔹 The shared-profit agreement model replacing traditional venture debt 🔹 Why AI and vibe coding are unlocking opportunities for smaller markets 🔹 How founders can scale sustainably without chasing billion-dollar exits 🔹 What regional ecosystems can teach Silicon Valley about resilience Whether you’re a founder, investor, operator, or economic development leader, this conversation challenges traditional assumptions about capital, growth, and what success really looks like. 🔗 Connect with Jeffrey Kaplan: https://www.optimistventures.co/ https://ventureasheville.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffdude/ 🎧 Listen now on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major podcast platforms. 👉 Like, subscribe, and comment: Should more communities adopt this “anti-unicorn” funding model?

🐾 Growth Capital Podcast — Episode 77 🐾 What happens when a founder combines marketplace thinking, AI, and a mission-driven problem worth solving? In this episode of the Growth Capital Podcast, host Justin Dixon sits down with Chloe Fabiani, Founder & CEO of Paaw, the platform building the operating system for modern pet ownership. After launching Paaw in France and expanding into the U.S., Chloe is tackling one of the most fragmented industries in the world: pet adoption and pet care. With over 60,000 adoptions facilitated in the U.S. alone, PAW is leveraging AI, data, and trust to improve pet-owner matching, reduce shelter overcrowding, and reshape how people adopt and care for pets. 🔍 In this episode, they discuss: • Why pet ownership is becoming a massive global market opportunity • How AI can improve adoption matching and reduce pet abandonment • Building trust in marketplace businesses • Why fragmented industries create the best startup opportunities • How non-technical founders can build products using AI tools • The future of pet ownership platforms and AI-powered services 📲 Connect with Chloe: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chloe-fabiani-94135490/ Platform: https://paaw.co/en 🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major podcast platforms. 👉 If you enjoyed this episode: • Subscribe for more conversations with founders, investors, and operators • Like the video • Comment with your biggest takeaway from the episode

🛠️ Growth Capital Podcast — Episode 76 🛠️ What if the best way to evaluate a founder isn’t a pitch deck, but working side by side with them? In this episode of the Growth Capital Podcast, Justin Dixon sits down with Mike Ma, Founder & Managing Partner of Sidecut Ventures, to unpack a radically different approach to early-stage investing—one built on execution, coachability, and real-world performance. Instead of traditional diligence, Mike runs a 30-day “do diligence” process: rolling up his sleeves and working directly with founders before writing a check. The result? Deeper conviction, stronger partnerships, and better outcomes. This episode is a must-watch for founders, operators, and investors looking to rethink how great companies and great partnerships are built. 🔍 What you’ll learn: Why coachability is the #1 trait Mike looks for in founders How “do diligence” replaces traditional venture evaluation What most VCs get wrong about value-add Why founder–investor fit matters more than you think How to identify real moats in an AI-saturated market 🚀 Whether you're raising capital, deploying it, or scaling a business, this conversation will challenge how you think about early-stage investing. 📩 Connect with Mike Ma on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelwma/ 🌐 Learn more about Sidecut Ventures: https://www.sidecut.vc/ 👉 Like, subscribe, and comment: Would you go through a 30-day diligence process before taking capital?

🩺 Growth Capital Podcast — Episode 75 🩺 What if one of the biggest opportunities in healthcare isn’t innovation—but fixing what’s already broken? In this episode of the Growth Capital Podcast, Justin Dixon sits down with Dean Margolis, Co-Founder & CEO of Red Sky Health, to unpack a massive inefficiency hiding in plain sight: healthcare claim denials. With billions of dollars lost each year due to manual processes and outdated workflows, Dean shares how AI is transforming the way healthcare providers recover revenue—while also diving into his broader lessons from building and scaling multiple startups. 🔍 What you’ll learn: Why the best founders don’t build alone, and how to find the right co-founders The real reason healthcare claims get denied (and why most never get fixed) How AI can automate complex, high-volume operational problems Why “outcome as a service” is replacing traditional SaaS models How remote hiring unlocks better talent and stronger companies 🚀 Whether you’re a founder, operator, or investor, this episode offers practical insights on building companies, solving real problems, and aligning incentives for growth. 📩 Connect with Dean: [email protected] 🌐 Learn more about Red Sky Health: https://www.redskyhealth.com/ 👉 If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to like, subscribe, and drop a comment: What’s the biggest operational inefficiency you’ve seen in your industry?

🎬 Growth Capital Podcast — Episode 74 🎬 What happens after a successful exit? For many founders, it’s not retirement—it’s reinvention. In this episode of the Growth Capital Podcast, Justin Dixon sits down with Jason Kiesel, Co-founder & CEO of Packed House Pictures, to explore what comes after building, scaling, and exiting a company—twice. Jason shares how he went from GovTech entrepreneur to media founder, why he’s betting on vertical storytelling, and how new content formats are reshaping the economics of entertainment. This is a conversation about second acts, emerging markets, and what it really means to build again from scratch. 🔍 In this episode, you’ll learn: Why founders struggle more with idle time than failure The rise of vertical micro-content and its billion-dollar potential How indie creators are being underserved by traditional distribution Why platform models scale faster than project-based businesses How AI is transforming production, hiring, and creative workflows 🌐 Connect with Jason: Website: https://linktr.ee/jasonkiesel Email: [email protected] 🚀 Whether you're a founder post-exit, an investor tracking new markets, or an operator thinking about your next move—this episode delivers real insight. 👉 Watch now, subscribe, and drop a comment: What would your “second act” look like?

🏠 Growth Capital Podcast — Episode 73 🏠 What if the future of property management isn’t better software, but software that actually runs your business? In this episode of the Growth Capital Podcast, host Justin Dixon sits down with Shahar Goldboim, Co-Founder & CEO of Boom, to unpack how short-term rental businesses are evolving from fragmented, manual operations into fully integrated, AI-driven systems. Drawing from his experience building and scaling a $150M+ short-term rental platform, Shahar shares why the traditional tech stack is broken and what replaces it. 🔍 What you’ll learn: Why short-term rentals are one of the most operationally complex asset classes The shift from “tools that help” to systems that actually run your business How fragmented software stacks are limiting growth Where AI creates the most leverage inside operations Why private equity is moving toward operators—not just assets 🚀 Whether you’re a private equity investor, operator, or founder scaling a portfolio, this episode offers a clear look at where the market is heading and how to stay ahead of it. 📩 Connect with Shahar Goldboim on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/shahar-goldboim-80820b95/ 🌐 Learn more about Boom: ​​https://www.boomnow.com/ 👉 Subscribe for more conversations with top operators and investors 👍 Like the video and share your biggest takeaway in the comments

🤝 Growth Capital Podcast — Episode 72 🤝 In this episode of the Growth Capital Podcast, Justin Dixon sits down with Joseph Dalton, Founder & Managing Partner of Arsenal Enterprise Capital, to unpack one of the most misunderstood dynamics in private equity: investing in relationship-driven businesses. From navigating founder transitions to sourcing proprietary deal flow, Joseph shares how his operator-first mindset shapes better investment decisions—especially in industries where relationships drive revenue. 🔍 What you’ll learn: Why founder-led businesses require different diligence frameworks How to manage key man risk without losing enterprise value The advantage of sourcing deals directly from founders Why financials don’t tell the full story of a business How to create value through operations, not just capital 🚀 Whether you’re a PE investor, founder preparing for exit, or operator scaling a company, this episode offers practical insights you won’t hear in a pitch deck. 📩 Connect with Joseph Dalton on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/joseph-w-dalton/ 🏢 Learn more about Arsenal Enterprise Capital - https://www.arsenalenterprisecapital.com/ 👉 Watch now, subscribe, and drop a comment: What’s the biggest risk you’ve seen in founder-led businesses?

🧠 Growth Capital Podcast — Episode 71 🧠 In this episode of the Growth Capital Podcast, Justin Dixon sits down with Erica Olsen, Co-founder & CEO of Madison AI, to unpack what it really takes to reinvent a business from consulting to SaaS at exactly the right moment. Erica shares how a simple shift, listening to what customers actually wanted, led to a completely new company, a $1M ARR milestone, and a fast-growing GovTech platform serving cities and counties across the U.S. This isn’t theory. It’s a real-time case study in adapting to AI, finding product-market fit, and building with focus in a market most founders avoid. 🔍 What you’ll learn: • Why customers should define your product • The realities of selling AI into government (and why most fail) • How to transition from services to scalable SaaS • Why niche focus beats broad ambition in early-stage growth • How AI is changing how executives work, not just what they do 🚀 Whether you're a PE-backed operator, startup founder, or investor, this episode offers a practical look at building and scaling in the age of AI. 🔗 Connect with Erica on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ericajolsen/ 🌐 Learn more: https://madisonai.com/ 👉 Subscribe for more insights from founders, investors, and operators 👍 Like the video and share your thoughts in the comments: What would you rebuild differently in an AI-first world?

⚠️ Growth Capital Podcast — Episode 70 ⚠️ What does it really take to scale a service business—without outside capital, without a “breakout moment,” and without shortcuts? In this episode of the Growth Capital Podcast, Justin Dixon sits down with Cameron Magee, Founder & Owner of avad3 Event Production, to unpack the realities of building a national business from a college dorm room. From surviving COVID when revenue dropped to zero overnight, to scaling through word-of-mouth and operational discipline, Cameron shares a refreshingly honest look at what actually drives long-term growth. 🔍 What you’ll learn: Why consistency beats “breakthrough moments” in scaling How word-of-mouth can outperform traditional sales strategies The operational fundamentals most service businesses get wrong What it takes to survive a full revenue collapse—and rebuild How to think about pricing, capacity, and saying “no” to the wrong work Why in-person experiences are making a strong comeback 🚀 Whether you’re a founder, operator, or investor, this episode is a masterclass in building a resilient, high-performing service business. 📩 Connect with Cameron Magee on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/c-magee/ 👉 If you found value in this episode, make sure to like, subscribe, and drop a comment—what’s been the hardest part of scaling your business?

🍽️ Growth Capital Podcast — Episode 69 🍽️ What happens when a personal health challenge exposes a massive market opportunity? In this episode of the Growth Capital Podcast, host Justin Dixon sits down with Dylan McDonnell, Founder & CEO of Foodini, a dietary intelligence platform helping restaurants communicate clearly with customers who have food allergies or dietary restrictions. After living with celiac disease for most of his life, Dylan experienced firsthand how difficult it was to navigate restaurant menus safely. What began as a personal frustration evolved into a startup tackling one of the restaurant industry's most overlooked infrastructure problems: accurate dietary and allergen data. Today, Foodini works with restaurants to ingest menu, recipe, and supplier data to create personalized menus that tell customers exactly what they can — and cannot — eat. With new allergen disclosure regulations emerging across the U.S., Dylan explains why this problem is becoming not just a customer experience issue, but a compliance and operational necessity. 🔍 In this episode, they cover: Why nearly half the U.S. population has a dietary restriction or allergy • How new regulations are forcing restaurants to rethink menu transparency • Why restaurants lose entire groups of customers when dietary needs aren't addressed • The hidden data problem inside restaurant operations • How AI is helping scale allergen and dietary intelligence • Lessons from building a startup around a personal problem 🚀 Whether you're a founder, investor, or operator, this conversation reveals how regulation, data infrastructure, and consumer demand are converging to create a new category in restaurant technology. Connect with Dylan: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dylan-mcdonnell-a5787574/ Website: https://foodini.co/ Email: [email protected] 🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or watch here on YouTube. 👉 Subscribe, like, and comment: Would you trust a restaurant more if its menu clearly showed what you can safely eat?

🚗 Growth Capital Podcast — Episode 68 🚗 What happens when cars no longer sit idle in driveways, but instead operate like a software platform? In this episode of the Growth Capital Podcast, host Justin Dixon sits down with Ezra Goldman, Co-Founder & CEO of Upshift, to explore how autonomous vehicles, AI-powered dispatch systems, and subscription-based access could reshape the entire mobility economy. Instead of owning a car that sits unused most of the time, Ezra believes the future will look more like “Netflix for cars”—where a vehicle shows up when you need it and disappears when you don’t. From fleet logistics and utilization economics to the role AI will play in orchestrating thousands of vehicles in real time, this conversation dives into what the next mobility stack actually looks like and why the biggest opportunity may not be the car itself, but the software layer managing it. In this episode, they discuss: Why most cars sit idle nearly all the time, and the massive inefficiency it creates The shift from car ownership to “mobility as a service” How AI-powered dispatch systems could unlock profitable fleet economics Why autonomous vehicles will likely start in luxury markets before scaling to mass adoption The operational challenges behind running large autonomous fleets How founders can use AI as a strategic thinking partner Whether you’re a founder building mobility tech, an investor tracking autonomous vehicles, or an operator thinking about logistics and fleet optimization, this episode offers a fascinating look at how transportation may evolve over the next decade. Connect with Ezra & Upshift: 🌐 Website: https://www.upshiftcars.com/ 🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ezrajgoldman/ 📱 Social: Facebook, Instagram, and X 👍 If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to like, subscribe, and comment with your thoughts on the future of mobility.

🤖 Growth Capital Podcast — Episode 67 🤖 AI is moving fast. Most companies are moving faster — without governance. In this episode of the Growth Capital Podcast, host Justin Dixon sits down with Allen Martinez, Founder & Chief AI Architect of Noble Digital, to unpack what most operators are getting wrong about AI implementation. While everyone is racing to add new AI tools, Allen makes a compelling case that the real competitive advantage isn’t more AI — it’s better control. Drawing from his background in film production and enterprise marketing strategy, Allen explains why AI systems need a “director,” how tool sprawl creates exponential risk, and why companies must move from soft policy documents to hard, machine-executable governance. 🔍 In this episode, they cover: Why AI is probabilistic — and why that changes everything The exponential collision risk of adding multiple AI tools The hidden “reconciliation tax” companies are already paying How to govern one workflow in 30 days and prove ROI Why AI alignment will define category leaders in the next 18 months Allen Martinez is the creator of BXAIOS, the governance system that stops AI from freelancing in your brand's name and creates a competitive advantage as you scale. 📍 Connect with Allen Personal Site: allenmartinez.net Noble Digital: https://nobledigital.com Primary Site: https://bxaios.com/ He is also the author of The Brand Experience AI Operating System. Get the first chapter for FREE — https://preview.mailerlite.io/forms/1780848/170432170750379532/share If you’re a founder, operator, or investor thinking about AI beyond the hype — this episode is essential. 👉 Subscribe for more conversations with private equity leaders and high-growth executives. 👍 Like the episode and share your thoughts in the comments: Are you adding AI tools or governing them?

💼 Growth Capital Podcast — Episode 66 💼 In this episode of the Growth Capital Podcast, host Justin Dixon sits down with Brandon Wolfe, Co-Founder & Partner at Jordan Partners, a private equity firm based in Raleigh, North Carolina, focused on software and tech-enabled services businesses in the lower middle market. Brandon’s path to private equity wasn’t traditional. He grew up in a small town in Appalachia, started his career as a middle school math teacher, and ultimately built an investment firm grounded in discipline, alignment, and long-term value creation. This conversation goes far beyond career trajectory. It dives deep into: 🔹 Why private equity is fundamentally an apprenticeship business 🔹 How alignment wins deals—even when you’re not the highest bidder 🔹 Building buy-and-build platforms under $10M EBITDA 🔹 Operational rigor vs. financial engineering 🔹 Services-to-software transitions for multiple expansion 🔹 AI as automation, not headcount elimination If you’re a founder considering a partner, an operator navigating growth, or an investor thinking about durable alpha, this episode delivers practical insight without hype. 📍 Learn more about Brandon Wolfe and Jordan Partners LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandon-wolfe-87674634/ Email: [email protected] 🎧 Subscribe for more conversations with leaders in private equity, venture capital, and high-growth companies. 👍 Like the episode 💬 Comment with your biggest takeaway 🔔 And turn on notifications so you don’t miss future drops.

🏠 Growth Capital Podcast — Episode 65 🏠 Energy adoption isn’t failing because of technology. It’s failing because of complexity. In this episode of the Growth Capital Podcast, host Justin Dixon sits down with Arshia Jahangiri, Founder & CEO of Solenery, a platform simplifying clean energy upgrades for residential and commercial property owners across North America. Arshia shares his entrepreneurial journey—from launching his first venture in high school to building a climate-tech platform designed to eliminate the friction around energy incentives, contractor selection, and ROI clarity. But this conversation goes beyond energy. It dives into: Why fragmentation kills adoption in regulated industries The hidden operational drag complexity created in real estate investing How AI is compressing the startup build cycle Why generalist founders may have the edge in today’s tech shift What investors really look for when allocating capital Solenery is building a one-stop platform for property owners to access solar, HVAC, heat pumps, EV chargers, and energy incentives—removing confusion and improving clarity in decision-making. 📩 Connect with Arshia on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/arshyya/ If you’re a founder, operator, or investor navigating infrastructure, climate tech, or regulated markets—this episode will sharpen your thinking. 👉 Subscribe for more conversations with private equity leaders, founders, and CEOs scaling growth businesses. 👍 Like, comment, and share your biggest takeaway. Watch or listen now!

🔗 Growth Capital Podcast — Episode 64 🔗 Why do some startups hold together under pressure, while others break at the first sign of scale? In this episode of the Growth Capital Podcast, host Justin Dixon sits down with Andrew Ackerman, Executive Director, REACH Labs, at Second Century Ventures, to unpack how investors really evaluate early-stage companies—and why startups behave more like chains than ropes. Andrew draws on his experience as a founder, angel investor, accelerator builder, and venture capitalist to explain how one weak link—whether it’s the team, product, market, or go-to-market—can derail even the most promising startup. The conversation dives deep into how founders can de-risk before raising capital, the difference between seed validation and Series A scaling, and why buzzwords don’t replace real proof. Key topics discussed: Why startups fail at their weakest link How investors think about risk at different stages Proving demand before raising capital AI in startups: real use cases vs. hype Founder growth ceilings and scaling leadership 🔗 Connect with Andrew: Website: https://asangelsseeit.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewbackerman/ 👉 Subscribe for more conversations with investors, operators, and founders 👍 Like the episode if it resonated 💬 Comment with the “weak link” you see most often in startups

🌍 Growth Capital Podcast — Episode 63 🌍 Remote work unlocked flexibility and global talent—but it also created a massive compliance gap that most companies and professionals aren’t prepared for. In this episode of the Growth Capital Podcast, host Justin Dixon sits down with Maxwell Nee, Co-Founder of Flamingo, to unpack the overlooked tax, residency, and regulatory risks hiding inside today’s borderless work environment. Maxwell shares how remote work, global mobility, and digital nomadism have outpaced the systems designed to track them—and why even sophisticated executives often discover their exposure only when audits, visa reviews, or penalties appear. Drawing on his experience living and working across multiple countries, he explains why compliance failures are rarely intentional but almost always infrastructural. What you’ll learn in this episode: Why most professionals and companies don’t track global work accurately How remote and distributed teams create silent tax and residency exposure The difference between where you’re hired and where liability actually accrues Why simplicity and privacy-first design matter in regulated markets How global mobility is becoming a strategic issue for founders, operators, and investors Whether you’re leading a PE-backed company, managing a distributed workforce, or investing in global growth, this conversation highlights a risk you can’t afford to ignore. 🔗 Connect with Maxwell on LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/maxwellnee/ 👉 Subscribe for more insights from private equity leaders, founders, and operators 👍 Like this episode if it sparked a new perspective 💬 Comment below: Where has remote work created unexpected complexity for your business?

🧠 Growth Capital Podcast — Episode 62 🧠 What does it really take to build and invest in companies that operate at the intersection of government and commercial markets? In this episode of the Growth Capital Podcast, host Justin Dixon sits down with Bryan Mabry, Partner at New North Ventures, to unpack how investors evaluate dual-use businesses, why government revenue alone rarely produces venture-scale outcomes, and where founders often misstep when navigating procurement, accreditation, and product focus. Bryan brings a rare perspective shaped by time in the CIA, senior government roles, and hands-on startup leadership—offering a clear-eyed look at how capital, access, and operational discipline actually drive success in regulated markets. 🔍 Key topics discussed: How investors assess government, commercial, and dual-use growth strategies Why dual-use models can de-risk valuation and revenue volatility The danger of chasing one-off government funding When building for the most demanding customer becomes a competitive advantage Why expertise and access often matter more than capital 🎧 Whether you’re a founder exploring government markets, a VC underwriting complex growth paths, or a PE leader thinking about resilience and scale—this conversation delivers practical insight. 👉 Watch now, subscribe to the channel, and drop a comment with your biggest takeaway. 📩 Connect with Bryan Mabry: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryan-m-9a02b1100/ Email: [email protected] 🌐 Learn more about New North Ventures: https://www.newnorthventures.com/

🛡️ Growth Capital Podcast — Episode 61 🛡️ What happens when a real-world cybersecurity incident becomes the spark for a category-defining startup? In this episode of Growth Capital Podcast, host Justin Dixon sits down with Mario Soave, Founder & CEO of CleverFi, to unpack how a personal cybersecurity crisis in an Airbnb led to a fundamentally different way of thinking about Wi-Fi, access control, and trust. Mario shares how shared Wi-Fi passwords expose property owners and small businesses to serious risk—and why connectivity should be treated like identity-based infrastructure, not a static utility. Drawing parallels to Visa and Mastercard, he explains how CleverFi enables personalized, revocable network access anywhere in the world—without hardware or apps. This conversation is a must-watch for founders, operators, and investors interested in: Turning personal pain points into scalable platforms Why Wi-Fi is an access-control problem, not a convenience feature The massive, overlooked security gaps in SMBs How infrastructure businesses create trust and network effects Balancing bold vision with disciplined execution and capital efficiency 🎧 Available now on YouTube and all major podcast platforms. 👉 Subscribe for more conversations with founders, CEOs, and investors shaping the future of growth. 💬 Comment below: Where do you see hidden infrastructure risks in your business? 🔗 Connect with Mario Soave on LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariosoave/ (don’t forget to mention that you saw or heard on the Growth Capital Podcast for a response)

🧑‍💻 Growth Capital Podcast — Episode 60 🧑‍💻   What if the biggest barrier to building a tech company is already gone? In this episode of the Growth Capital Podcast, host Justin Dixon sits down with Joel Walker, Founder & CEO of Hotline, to unpack how non-technical founders can now go from idea to working product—before hiring engineers or raising significant capital.   Joel shares how he used modern AI and code-assist tools to build a functioning prototype himself, logging 100-hour weeks to turn a personal pain point into a scalable platform. The conversation explores what this shift means for founders, investors, and operators—and why execution, clarity, and obsession still matter more than tools. 🎧 In this episode, you’ll learn: How AI is changing who gets to build technology Why “prototype first, hire later” creates leverage What non-technical founders must still own in product development How founder obsession leads to better product decisions Why execution discipline matters more than ever in an AI-driven world This episode is especially relevant for founders, PE-backed CEOs, venture investors, and operators thinking about product, talent, and scale. 📩 Connect with Joel Walker on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joelw3/ 👉 Watch now, subscribe for more conversations with growth-stage leaders, and drop a comment: Do you think AI changes how early-stage teams should be built?

👤 Growth Capital Podcast — Episode 59 👤 What happens when the skills that built the company start to limit its growth? In this episode of Growth Capital Podcast, host Justin Dixon sits down with Jason Putnam, CEO of Vetty, to explore one of the most challenging transitions in building a company: transitioning from founder-led control to scalable leadership. Jason shares hard-earned lessons from stepping into CEO roles after founding companies, scaling them from $10M to $50M+, and building repeatable systems that enable growth without chaos. From why repeatability matters more than hustle, to how brand has become a critical growth lever in an AI-driven market, this conversation is a must-watch for founders, operators, and investors navigating scale. 🔍 What you’ll learn: Why what gets a company started won’t get it to the next stage How founders know when it’s time to step back—or evolve The real meaning of repeatability in sales and operations Why brand now outperforms demand gen in modern GTM How elite operators scale faster by bringing proven teams Where AI accelerates growth—and where strategy still wins Whether you’re a founder preparing for your next phase, a PE-backed CEO scaling operations, or an investor evaluating leadership risk, this episode offers a clear operator’s perspective on what scalable leadership really requires. 🎧 Watch now on YouTube 🎙️ Listen on Apple Podcasts & Spotify 📩 Connect with Jason Putnam: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonputnam/ Website: http://www.vetty.co 👉 Subscribe for more conversations with PE leaders, operators, and founders 💬 Drop a comment: When did you realize leadership had to change to scale?

🏷️ Growth Capital Podcast — Episode 58 🏷️ Most B2B SaaS leaders treat pricing as a number to optimize—when in reality, it’s one of the most powerful strategic levers in the business. In this episode of the Growth Capital Podcast, host Justin Dixon sits down with Daniel Balcauski, Founder & Chief Pricing Officer of Product Tranquility, to unpack why pricing is less about math and more about strategy, positioning, and customer value. Dan shares hard-earned insights from working with B2B SaaS companies scaling from $20M to $50M+ ARR, including how pricing decisions impact net revenue retention, sales velocity, expansion revenue, and long-term competitiveness. The conversation also explores how AI is reshaping SaaS cost structures—and why usage-based or token pricing is often the wrong reaction. 🎯 In this episode, you’ll learn: Why “who” and “how” you charge matters more than “what” you charge How pricing and packaging influence net revenue retention and expansion The hidden risks of “average pricing” in growing SaaS businesses Why pricing projects often expose deeper strategy and ICP issues How to think about monetizing AI without confusing or alienating customers 🚀 Whether you’re a founder, operator, or investor, this episode reframes pricing as a core growth discipline—not a finance afterthought. 📩 Connect with Dan Balcauski: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/balcauski/ Website: https://www.producttranquility.com 👉 Subscribe for more conversations with private equity leaders, PE-backed CEOs, and SaaS founders. 💬 Comment below: How intentional is your pricing strategy today?

🌴 Growth Capital Podcast — Special Episode (Part 2) 🌴 What does rest look like for founders, CEOs, and private equity leaders who spend their lives building and scaling businesses? In the final episode of our 2-part Year-End Series, we step away from balance sheets and boardrooms and into something just as important: reset, perspective, and time away. In Founders Reset: Favorite Vacation Spots of 2025, guests from across the Growth Capital Podcast share the places that helped them unplug, recharge, and think clearly — from quiet coastal towns to historic cities, nature escapes, and global destinations. 🌍 Vacation spots featured in this episode include: • Santa Claus Village, Arctic Circle, Finland • Charleston, South Carolina • Oregon Coast • Puerto Vallarta & Sayulita, Mexico • Anna Maria Island & St. Pete Beach, Florida • Abaco Island, Bahamas • Hawaii • London • Humacao, Puerto Rico • Lisbon • Madrid, Spain • Ephraim, Wisconsin • South Korea • Israel • Florence, Italy • Costa Rica • Japan Each destination comes with a story — why it matters, what it provides, and how time away ultimately makes leaders better at what they do. And to close out the episode, Justin Dixon shares his own favorite place— and why it continues to pull him back year after year. 🎧 Whether you’re planning your next trip or simply rethinking how you disconnect, this episode is a reminder that rest is not a reward — it’s a strategy. 👉 Comment below: Where do you go to truly reset?

📖 Growth Capital Podcast — Special Episode (Part 1) 📖 What do today’s founders, operators, and investors actually read when the stakes are high? In the first part of our special year-end two-part episode of the Growth Capital Podcast, Justin Dixon breaks down the most recommended books of 2025, based on insights shared by private equity leaders, CEOs of PE-backed companies, and startup founders throughout the year. These aren’t trend-driven picks — they’re battle-tested books that shape how leaders think about: Scaling companies Building strong teams Making hard decisions Developing habits that compound Navigating uncertainty with clarity 📚 Books featured in this episode: The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho Never Split the Difference by Chris Voss Crossing the Chasm by Geoffrey Moore Who Not How by Dan Sullivan Atomic Habits by James Clear Good to Great by Jim Collins The Five Dysfunctions of a Team by Patrick Lencioni Whether you’re leading a PE-backed business, building your first startup, or investing in growth-stage companies, this episode offers a practical reading roadmap grounded in real operator experience. 👉 Listen now and let us know in the comments: What book had the biggest impact on you this year? 🔔 Subscribe for more insights from founders, investors, and executives shaping the future of growth

🌿 Growth Capital Podcast — Episode 57 🌿 What if the fastest way to scale a services business isn’t adding headcount or waiting on referrals—but strategically buying the capabilities you need? In this episode of the Growth Capital Podcast, Justin Dixon sits down with Bart Davis, Co-Founder & CEO of 512 Financial, a rapidly growing Austin-based firm offering fractional accounting, finance, HR, and executive search services. After three years of organic growth, Bart and his team completed two acquisitions in one year—without raising institutional capital. The result? A multi-service platform designed to support clients across the entire talent and G&A lifecycle. Together, they unpack: 🔹 Why services businesses hit a ceiling with organic growth alone 🔹 How M&A can compress years of expansion into months 🔹 The “people-first” integration process that ensured near-perfect retention 🔹 The strategic power of expanding into full talent lifecycle services 🔹 Why ignoring AI is “signing your company up to die” 🔹 The founder-to-CEO mindset shift required to scale beyond yourself Whether you're a founder, operator, or investor, this episode breaks down a pragmatic roadmap for scaling smarter—not just bigger. Connect with Bart: 📩 Email: [email protected] 🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bartdavis512/ Listen & Subscribe: If this episode adds value, hit Like, leave a comment, and make sure to subscribe to stay updated on future conversations with leaders in private equity, venture capital, and high-growth companies.

💼 Growth Capital Podcast — Episode 56 💼 What really changes when a founder moves from a scrappy, bootstrapped operation to a venture-backed, high-growth company? In this episode, Justin Dixon sits down with Jeff Majka, Founder of The Security Bulldog, to unpack the mindset shift, execution challenges, and strategic demands that come with raising outside capital. The Security Bulldog is an AI-driven cybersecurity intelligence platform helping teams turn overwhelming data into fast, actionable decisions. Jeff shares his founder journey—from building professional services businesses to launching his first VC-backed SaaS company—and the unexpected realities he’s faced along the way. 🔍 What You’ll Learn in This Episode: • Why cybersecurity is ultimately a human problem—not a technology one • How lean teams can build enterprise-grade products without heavy overhead • The real tradeoffs of taking venture capital vs. bootstrapping • Why founder-led sales and thought leadership still matter • How AI fits into cybersecurity workflows in the real world • What it takes to raise capital in today’s market • How revenue and “new logos” solve most early-stage challenges 📩 Connect with Jeff: Website: https://securitybulldog.com/ Email: [email protected] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffmajka/ If you’re building, investing in, or scaling tech companies—especially in cybersecurity or enterprise SaaS—this conversation is packed with insights you won’t want to miss. 👉 Watch more episodes, subscribe, and leave a comment with your biggest takeaway!

🌉 Growth Capital Podcast — Episode 55 🌉 What does it really take to turn a great idea into a real, functioning business? In this episode of the Growth Capital Podcast, Justin Dixon sits down with Zackary McKibbon, CEO & Founder of Vellora.AI. This next-generation AI-driven sales platform automates the administrative tasks that hold teams back. Zack shares how he moved from raw inspiration to true implementation—rapid prototyping, leveraging accelerators, building a specialized technical team, and navigating today’s funding environment. We also dive into a live demo of Vellora.AI and explore how AI-driven sales systems are reshaping how modern teams sell, scale, and compete. Whether you're a founder, operator, or investor, this episode offers a practical look at the execution gap that separates ideas from actual businesses—and what it takes to cross it. 🔍 What You’ll Learn Why sales teams spend only 28% of their time actually selling—and how AI can change that The real startup chasm: moving from concept → product → paying customers How accelerators like Antler shorten execution cycles and improve go-to-market strategy Why time—not capital—is the biggest killer of early-stage startups The founder mindset needed to build from zero, and how to attract the right early team A live demo of Vellora.AI and how it automates CRM, next steps, and deal execution 📩 Connect with Zack LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zmckibbon/ 👍 Enjoyed the episode? Like the video, drop a comment with your biggest insight, and subscribe for conversations with leaders across private equity, venture capital, and high-growth startups.

👥 Growth Capital Podcast — Episode 54 👥 In this episode of the Growth Capital Podcast, host Justin Dixon sits down with Ron Ondechek Jr., Founder & Managing Director of South Highland Ventures, to unpack how his firm is redefining what business succession looks like for the next generation. Ron shares how his partnership with Novastone Partners has created a first-of-its-kind model that pairs experienced operators with legacy businesses—preserving jobs, culture, and decades of founder-built success. Together, they explore why the $10 trillion “succession gap” is one of the most overlooked investment opportunities of our time. 🔍 Key Topics Discussed: The $10 trillion opportunity behind America’s succession crisis How South Highland Ventures and Novastone’s 10-step model pairs capital with leadership Why legacy and long-term growth can outperform short-term returns How “operator-led entrepreneurship” is transforming private equity What experienced leaders look for when taking over founder-led companies 💬 Connect with Ron Ondechek Jr.: 🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rondechek/ 📧 Email: [email protected] 🏢 Company: South Highland Ventures If you believe the next wave of growth comes from preserving what’s already great, this episode is for you. 👉 Watch, subscribe, and drop a comment on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts: How do you define smart succession?

📘 Growth Capital Podcast — Episode 53 📘 In this episode, Marc Pickren, CEO of Springbot, shares with Justin Dixon how he’s rewriting the rules of leadership — scaling an AI-powered marketing platform through creative deal structures, non-dilutive capital, and relentless operational discipline. Marc has built a reputation as a multi-time turnaround CEO, leading companies from chaos to clarity. Here, he breaks down the real work of modern leadership — how to scale smarter, integrate teams without breaking momentum, and build predictable growth in an unpredictable market. 🔍 In this episode: How to scale a company through roll-ups and tuck-ins The new “lean unicorn” model: 10 people, $100M in revenue Why stability — not speed — defines great leadership Creative, non-dilutive capital strategies (including Regulation CF) How AI agents are redefining productivity and headcount The death of vanity metrics — and what real growth looks like 📍 Connect with Marc Pickren: LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcpickren/ Learn more about Springbot → http://www.springbot.com 🎧 Listen now on: YouTube | Spotify | Apple Podcasts 💬 If this conversation challenged your thinking, drop a comment with your biggest takeaway — and don’t forget to subscribe for more insights from PE-backed CEOs and founders building businesses that last.

⚡ Growth Capital Podcast - Episode 52 ⚡ In crowded markets, being “better” isn’t enough — you have to be different. In this episode, Otherwise Brewing Co-Founder and CEO Aaron Gervais joins host Justin Dixon to unpack how he built one of the only gluten-free beer brands in the U.S. — and turned a small niche into a scalable business opportunity. Aaron shares how he identified a white space in a saturated industry, found the right co-founder to complement his strengths, and built a company rooted in process, not just passion. From product-market fit to operational discipline, this conversation reveals why differentiation is the real growth engine behind enduring brands. 🔍 What You’ll Learn: Why differentiation matters more than competition How to find (and validate) white space in mature markets The importance of complementary co-founders Applying MVP thinking to physical products Turning passion into process for scalable growth 📩 Connect with Aaron Gervais: Visit their website — https://www.otherwisebrewing.com/ to learn more or get in touch. 🎧 Listen now on: YouTube | Spotify | Apple Podcasts 👉 Subscribe for more conversations with founders, investors, and PE leaders who are building the next generation of growth. 💬 Drop a comment: What’s the biggest differentiator in your business today?    

🪖 Growth Capital Podcast — Episode 51 🪖   What happens when leadership, discipline, and service meet entrepreneurship? In this episode of the Growth Capital Podcast, host Justin Dixon sits down with Patrick Flood, Founder & CEO of Owners in Honor, a nonprofit helping veterans transition from military service to business ownership through acquisition. A 26-year Army veteran and former Green Beret, Patrick shares how his post-service mission evolved from personal success to collective purpose — building a model where veterans don’t just find jobs, but own their next mission. 🔍 What you’ll learn: Why purpose, not profit, drives sustainable leadership How Owners in Honor helps veterans acquire, grow, and exit small businesses The six-phase system behind successful Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition (ETA) How “service-first” leadership translates into business success Why fulfillment, not just financial return, defines modern leadership 🌐 Connect with Patrick Flood: Website: https://www.ownersinhonor.org/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrickmichaelflood/ 🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms. 👉 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more leadership conversations that move the market forward.

🏗️ Growth Capital Podcast — Episode 50 🏗️ Private equity isn’t just about capital—it’s about connection. In this episode, Justin Dixon sits down with Rob Regan, Principal of Business Development at Boyne Capital, to explore why the most successful investors put people first. Rob’s journey—from military intelligence and diplomacy to private equity dealmaking—reveals how trust, empathy, and disciplined leadership build companies that stand the test of time. They discuss: 🔹 The people-first approach behind Boyne Capital’s founder-friendly investments 🔹 How relationship intelligence beats financial modeling in driving lasting value 🔹 Why adding human capital matters more than replacing it 🔹 How AI is reshaping due diligence and portfolio strategy in private equity 🔹 What discipline and humility from military life teach us about leadership and growth Whether you’re a founder considering outside capital, a PE professional, or a startup operator, this episode dives deep into the mindset that sustains real, human-centered growth. 📩 Connect with Rob Regan: LinkedIn or via https://boynecapital.com/ 🎧 Watch on YouTube 💬 Like, comment, and share: What does “people-first investing” mean to you? 👉 Don’t forget to subscribe for more insights from leaders in private equity, venture capital, and high-growth entrepreneurship.

🌊 Growth Capital Podcast - Episode 49 🌊 Artificial Intelligence has evolved through three distinct eras—from logic-based systems to today’s data-hungry LLMs. But are we truly getting smarter, or just scaling bigger? In this episode of the Growth Capital Podcast, host Justin Dixon sits down with Peter Voss, Founder, CEO, and Chief Scientist at Aigo.ai, to explore the next frontier: Cognitive AI—machines that can think, learn, and reason like humans. Peter breaks down the three waves of AI as defined by DARPA, why current large language models (like ChatGPT) have reached their limits, and how the next phase of AI will be defined by adaptability, learning, and reasoning—not brute force. 🔍 What you’ll learn: The evolution from symbolic logic to statistical AI to cognitive AI Why bigger models no longer mean smarter systems How cognitive AI could reshape business, work, and society The moral and human implications of truly “thinking” machines Why fear of AI is overblown—and how intelligence can actually improve morality 🎯 About Peter Voss: Peter is a serial entrepreneur, engineer, and AI pioneer. His company, Aigo.ai, is leading the development of cognitive AI—a system that learns and reasons like humans, designed to create more personalized and ethical intelligence.   📩 Connect with Peter: Email: [email protected] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vosspeter/ Check his articles on Substack and Medium 🎧 Watch or listen now on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts. 💬 Drop a comment: Do you believe AI will make humanity better—or just faster? 👉 Don’t forget to subscribe for more conversations with leaders shaping the future of business, technology, and growth.

👥 Growth Capital Podcast — Episode 48 👥 What happens when founders actually listen to their customers? In this episode of the Growth Capital Podcast, host Justin Dixon sits down with Gaurav Gupta, Founder & CEO of Squanto—a gig marketplace app for live entertainment. What started as a simple tipping and discovery app for street performers quickly evolved into something bigger. Through countless customer conversations, Gaurav realized the real challenges performers and venues faced: landing gigs, sorting through hundreds of applicants, and building trust in a two-sided marketplace. In this episode, you’ll learn: 🔹 Why assumptions can lead startups in the wrong direction 🔹 How customer feedback drives pivots that matter 🔹 The challenge of choosing the right ICP (Ideal Customer Profile) 🔹 How AI can bring clarity to chaotic processes (and when it doesn’t belong) 🔹 Why failure in startups still makes you a stronger professional Gaurav’s story is a masterclass in adapting strategy to customer reality—something every founder, investor, and operator can learn from. 📩 Connect with Gaurav and learn more about Squanto: https://squanto.app/ 📧 Email: [email protected] 👉 If you found this episode valuable, please like, comment, and subscribe to the channel. Your feedback helps us bring more insights from leaders shaping the future of startups and growth.

📊 Growth Capital Podcast — Episode 47 📊 When does a founder really need a CFO—and how can fractional or interim finance leadership change the trajectory of a business? In this episode of the Growth Capital Podcast, host Justin Dixon sits down with Salvatore Tirabassi, Founder & Managing Director of CFO Pro+Analytics, to explore how founders, family-owned businesses, and PE-backed companies can leverage cash flow planning, forecasting, and analytics to scale with confidence. 💡 What you’ll learn in this episode: Why cash flow clarity is the first step to peace of mind How driver-based forecasts create PE-grade financial discipline The difference between fractional vs. interim CFOs—and when to use each Why financial readiness directly impacts exit value in PE transactions How AI tools like Claude and Copilot are reshaping the finance function 📌 Guest Info: 🌐 Learn more about Salvatore’s firm at https://cfoproanalytics.com/ 💼 Or connect with him directly on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stirabassi/   🎧 Available now on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify. 👉 Don’t forget to subscribe, comment, and share your biggest takeaway. 📅 Upcoming Webinar of Salvatore: Salvatore will also be speaking on a September 10th webinar hosted by HubiFi on subscription-led growth—ideal for anyone building or investing in recurring revenue SaaS models. To join, reach out to HubiFi via their website - https://www.hubifi.com/

🤖 Growth Capital Podcast - Episode 46 🤖 What’s hype, what’s real, and where does AI actually deliver ROI? In this episode of the Growth Capital Podcast, Justin Dixon sits down with Jeff Torello, Founder & CTO of Sinjun AI, to unpack the reality of AI adoption for small and mid-sized businesses. From the pitfalls of early adoption to the promise of Agentic AI, Jeff shares how leaders can distinguish between noise and value — and how AI is already transforming workflows, content creation, and workforce structures. 🔍 What you’ll learn: Why most early AI projects failed — and what’s different this time How Agentic AI moves us beyond automation into decision-making and workflow execution The “Crawl, Walk, Run” approach to adopting AI without million-dollar mistakes How AI will shift human roles from “doers” to “reviewers” in the workplace Why adaptability, not prediction, is the skill that will define careers in the AI era 🚀 Whether you’re leading a PE-backed portfolio company, scaling a startup, or advising growth-stage businesses, this episode cuts through the hype and provides practical insights you can apply today. 📩 Connect with Jeff Torello: https://sinjun.ai/ or on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/jtorello/ 👉 Watch more episodes and subscribe for insights on scaling, investing, and building companies with the right talent. 👍 Like, comment, and share your thoughts — how do you see Agentic AI changing your business?

🏆 Growth Capital Podcast - Episode 45 🏆 What does it take to risk everything — and still push forward? In this episode of the Growth Capital Podcast, host Justin Dixon sits down with Amy Bett, Co-Founder & CEO of Melo, a sparkling kava beverage disrupting the non-alcoholic drinks market. Amy shares how a personal struggle with alcohol inspired her to create an alternative, how a family crisis shaped her entrepreneurial grit, and why she left Australia to launch her business in the U.S. — moving alone, renting a room, and betting on herself. From overcoming supply chain setbacks to breaking into national retail chains, Amy’s story is a candid look at resilience, sacrifice, and the founder’s mindset required to scale in consumer packaged goods. 🔍 What you’ll learn in this episode: Why true growth demands stepping beyond comfort How to build a beverage brand without industry experience The role of storytelling and pitch competitions in breaking into retail Why founders need thick skin to survive CPG scaling challenges 📩 Connect with Amy: [email protected] 🌐 Learn more: www.drinkmelo.co 👉 Watch, subscribe, and comment below — where do you think the line is between smart risk and reckless risk?

🔗 Growth Capital podcast - Episode 44 🔗 What does it take to walk away from a high-paying, stable career—and step into the uncertainty of entrepreneurship? In this episode of the Growth Capital Podcast, host Justin Dixon sits down with Mark Stern, Founder & CEO of Custom Box Agency, an experiential marketing firm based in Austin, Texas. Mark shares how a dream (or premonition) pushed him to leave Deloitte while on the cusp of becoming a partner, the mindset shift required to move from corporate life to entrepreneurship, and why blending physical and digital experiences is the future of customer engagement. 🔑 Topics Covered: The “golden handcuffs” dilemma and what it takes to break free Why corporate and entrepreneurship are like checkers vs. chess The power of physical + digital touchpoints in building trust and retention “57 Hats”: A framework for founders to shed the roles holding them back Why recognition isn’t just a celebration—it’s a retention strategy 📩 Connect with Mark Stern: 👉 Website: https://customboxagency.com/ (Free consultation available) 👉 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marustern/ 👉 Facebook: ​​https://www.facebook.com/share/19thwK3Ymy/?mibextid=wwXIfr 🎧 Available on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts 💬 Like, subscribe, and comment—would you walk away from corporate security to pursue your vision?

🔁 Growth Capital Podcast — Episode 43 🔁 In this episode of the Growth Capital Podcast, host Justin Dixon sits down with Alexander Harmsen, Founder & CEO of PortfolioPilot, to explore how AI is disrupting the financial advisory industry and reshaping how people invest, plan, and build confidence in their financial future. Originally built as a personal side project after exiting his first company, PortfolioPilot has since grown to manage $30B in assets across 30,000+ users—all with a lean team of just 9 people and a bold vision to make high-quality, personalized advice accessible to everyone. 💡 In this episode, you’ll learn: Why AI-native financial tools are moving beyond robo-advisors How PortfolioPilot is reframing advice from money management to financial coaching Why trust, transparency, and velocity are core to building in fintech The generational shift redefining expectations in wealth planning How velocity (weekly shipping) creates product-market momentum Whether you’re a founder in fintech, a growth-stage investor, or someone rethinking how to scale consumer products, this episode is packed with insights on building with speed, trust, and user obsession. 📍 Connect with Alexander Harmsen 🔗 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/alexanderharmsen 🐦 Twitter: https://x.com/alexharm?s=21 🌐 Website: http://portfoliopilot.com/ 💥 Use promo code PODCAST for one month free on PortfolioPilot Gold 👉 Like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations with leaders in private equity, high-growth startups, and venture-backed companies. 🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and all major platforms.

👤 Growth Capital Podcast — Episode 42 👤   What if the strongest growth advantage isn’t found in automation — but in staying human? In this episode of the Growth Capital Podcast, Justin Dixon sits down with Brian Von Ancken, founder and CEO of the Wellness Growth Mastermind, a community for leaders in the wellness industry. What started as an “accidental” mastermind has grown into a trusted hub for founders, executives, and growth leaders. Brian shares: 🔹 Why human-curated connections still outperform AI-driven matches 🔹 The overlooked challenge of scaling wellness companies in crowded markets 🔹 How trust compounds in communities, and why it takes time to build 🔹 The role of distribution strategy in separating winners from noise 🔹 Why mixing scrappy startups with established brands sparks breakthrough ideas This conversation is a blueprint for founders, investors, and operators who believe people—not just platforms—are the real growth engine. 📩 Connect with Brian: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianvonancken/ 🎧 Watch now on YouTube or listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and everywhere you get your shows. 👉 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe to the Growth Capital Podcast for more insights from founders, investors, and private equity leaders.

🏢 Growth Capital Podcast — Episode 41 🏢   Static dashboards. Siloed tools. Endless logins. What if you could connect every app you use, ask it a question, and get the answer instantly — in plain English? In this episode of the Growth Capital Podcast, host Justin Dixon sits down with Mikael Lemberg, Founder & CEO of mybizz, an AI-native platform that unifies thousands of business applications into one command center. Together, they explore: How AI is transforming business intelligence from charts to conversations The challenge (and cost) of “tool sprawl” in SMBs and scaling companies Why privacy-first AI adoption matters for leaders in data-sensitive industries Lessons from raising a friends-and-family funding round as a first-time founder The next 24 months in AI — and what it means for startups and enterprise alike 🚀 Whether you’re running a PE-backed portfolio company, a growing SaaS startup, or an agency managing multiple clients, this conversation will change how you think about data, decisions, and scale.   📍 Connect with Mikael Lemberg: Website: https://mybizz.ai (note: two Z’s) LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikaellemberg/ 🎧 Listen on all major podcast platforms or watch full episodes on YouTube. 👍 Like, subscribe, and drop a comment — How would you use AI to simplify your business?

🔋 Growth Capital Podcast — Episode 40 🔋 What happens when an oil & gas user sets out to electrify one of the most overlooked parts of aviation? In this episode of the Growth Capital Podcast, Justin Dixon sits down with Nick Holland, Co-Founder & CEO of VIRV, to explore how an outsider’s perspective uncovered a massive opportunity: bringing swappable batteries and electrons-as-a-service to airports and other high-uptime, off-highway vehicle fleets. They discuss: ✅ Why hardware startups require patience, grit, and a different funding strategy ✅ How an outsider mindset can expose hidden problems ✅ Why regional airports are an untapped innovation market ✅ How Verve is making clean tech adoption a cost advantage, not just a green initiative ✅ The role of AI in smarter battery swaps and fleet uptime Guest Info: 📌 Nick Holland — Co-Founder & CEO, VIRV 🌐 Website: http://virv.io 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickhollandvirv2020/   🎧 Listen & Subscribe: Watch here on YouTube, or listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major podcast platforms. 💬 Drop your thoughts in the comments — what’s the most overlooked electrification opportunity you’ve seen? 📌 Like, share, and subscribe for more founder insights, PE/VC perspectives, and real stories of scaling companies.

💡 Growth Capital Podcast - Episode 39 💡 What happens when your product is good—but not good enough? In this episode of the Growth Capital Podcast, host Justin Dixon sits down with Trevor Lee, Co-founder & CEO of Myko AI, to unpack the hard-earned lessons behind one of the smartest pivots in early-stage tech. Originally a financial modeling tool, Myko is now an AI-powered platform helping field sales teams eliminate admin work and streamline post-meeting execution—entirely by voice. Trevor shares how he navigated early failure, what it takes to earn product-market fit, and why most founders wait too long to pivot. From fundraising rejection to enterprise traction, this is a candid look at what it takes to go from nice-to-have to must-have. 🔍 In this episode: The moment Trevor knew it was time to pivot Why product-market fit isn’t about features—it’s about pain How AI can automate sales workflows without losing trust The tools founders should use to scale smarter, faster What enterprise adoption of AI looks like today 📩 Connect with Trevor on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/trevorlee20/ 🎧 Available now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and right here on YouTube. 👉 Subscribe for weekly insights from founders, operators, and PE-backed CEOs.

🧩 Growth Capital Podcast - Episode 38 🧩   What does it really take to launch a medical device company without outside funding? In this episode of the Growth Capital Podcast, Justin Dixon sits down with Téa Phillips, Founder & CEO of ATS Innovations, to share her remarkable journey from engineering student to first-time founder—and what it meant to risk everything to build a product that could change lives. Téa developed the Metaflex Glove—now an FDA-registered medical device — that combines compression, grip strengthening, and finger stretching for individuals with arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, Parkinson’s disease, and other conditions. 💥 But getting to market wasn’t easy. Téa shares: Why she quit a secure engineering job to bet on herself How she bootstrapped a capital-intensive business with no outside funding Lessons learned from bad hires, ex-partners, and hard pivots How she navigated tariffs that nearly shut down her business overnight Why building something meaningful starts with deep personal conviction Whether you're a founder, investor, or operator—this is a masterclass in grit, creativity, and purpose-driven building. 🛠 Learn more about Metaflex: https://www.metaflexglove.com 📩 Connect with Téa: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tsphillips/ You can also check her company's LinkedIn account: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ats-innovations/ 💬 Drop a comment: What’s the boldest bet you’ve made on yourself? 👉 Like, Subscribe, and hit the bell so you don’t miss future episodes. 🎧 Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube.

📉 Growth Capital Podcast - Episode 37 📉   Is venture capital always the right move? Or is it just a shortcut to pressure, burn, and misalignment? In this episode of the Growth Capital Podcast, host Justin Dixon sits down with four-time founder and prolific angel investor Adam Spector, now Founder & CEO of Chore, a bootstrapped startup helping founders offload the back-office work that slows them down. Whether you're an early-stage founder, PE-backed CEO, or VC investor, this episode challenges conventional wisdom around fundraising, automation, and the real cost of growth. 🔍 What you’ll learn: ✅ Why most operational tasks can’t be automated ✅ The hidden danger of taking venture capital too early ✅ The critical difference between founder energy and founder leverage ✅ What it takes to scale a startup around your strengths 📩 Learn more about Adam’s company: https://www.hirechore.com 💼 Connect with Adam on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamspector2/   🎁 Want to try Chore? Click this link and get 15% off the first month. 🔗 https://www.hirechore.com/partner/growth-capital-podcast   👍 Like this video? Subscribe for weekly interviews with growth-minded founders and PE leaders. 🧠 Drop a comment: How do you think about capital vs. control?