Founders Weekly

In this episode of Founders Weekly, we dive into the remarkable story of Hymera, a Ukrainian startup that emerged from an extreme war situation to revolutionize military radio technology. The conversation with co-founder Misha Rudominski reveals how his team transformed a crisis into an opportunity, developing battlefield-tested encrypted radios that outperform competitors at a fraction of the cost. Through the lens of wartime entrepreneurship, we explore how Hymera went from zero experience to delivering over 6,000 units and securing significant funding, all while maintaining their commitment to rapid innovation and user-centered design. The episode showcases the power of speed and continuous iteration in startup success, with Hymera's journey from prototype to mass production in just one year serving as a testament to their "learn and execute faster than anybody else" philosophy.Host:Heini ZachariassenLinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/heini/Co-Host:Hassan BazziLinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/habazzi/Guest:Misha RudominskiLinkedin:https://www.linkedin.com/in/rudominski/Himera: https://himeratech.com/Founders Weekly on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@foundersweeklyRaw Startup Social Mediahttps://youtube.com/rawstartuphttps://twitter.com/rawstartupshowhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/rawstartup/https://www.facebook.com/rawstartup/https://www.tiktok.com/@rawstartuphttps://www.instagram.com/rawstartup/

In this episode of Founders Weekly, Heini Zachariassen and Hassan Bazzi discuss their experiences building Just Release in just 4 four days. They explore the importance of managing dependencies, maintaining team dynamics, validating ideas, and the significance of clear communication and scope management. The conversation highlights the challenges faced during the hackathon, the strategies employed to overcome them, and the lessons learned about product development and teamwork. In this conversation, Heini Zachariassen discusses the strategies and experiences from the hackathon, focusing on marketing tactics, customer engagement, and the importance of momentum. He emphasizes the significance of using platforms like Reddit for promotion, the value of a waitlist for generating interest, and the lessons learned about dependencies and team dynamics. The conversation culminates in reflections on the success of the hackathon and considerations for future projects. Just Release: http://www.justrelease.ai Host: Heini Zachariassen LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heini/ Co-Host / Guest: Hassan Bazzi LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/habazzi/ Raw Startup Social Media https://youtube.com/rawstartup https://twitter.com/rawstartupshow https://www.linkedin.com/company/rawstartup/ https://www.facebook.com/rawstartup/ https://www.tiktok.com/@rawstartup https://www.instagram.com/rawstartup/

In this episode of Founders Weekly, we continue following the intense journey of the JustRelease team as they race through days 3 and 4 of their ambitious startup challenge in Barcelona. The episode captures the team's determination as they tackle complex technical hurdles, particularly with YouTube integration while building an innovative AI tool for content creators. Through late-night coding sessions, creative problem-solving, and strategic marketing efforts, the team demonstrates how rapid startup development can yield impressive results. The conversation explores their journey from technical setbacks to successful implementation, growing their waitlist to 85 potential users, and ultimately securing their first paying customer. The episode showcases the power of focused teamwork and the viability of hackathon-style development in today's startup landscape. Just Release: http://www.justrelease.ai Host: Heini Zachariassen LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heini/ Guests:  Hassan Bazzi LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/habazzi/ Staffan Ulmert LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/staffan-ulmert-11aa23145/ Levin Grünhagen Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/levin-g/ Stoyan Yankov LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stoyanyankov/  Josh / Tropic YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@tropic5 Raw Startup Social Media https://youtube.com/rawstartup https://twitter.com/rawstartupshow https://www.linkedin.com/company/rawstartup/ https://www.facebook.com/rawstartup/ https://www.tiktok.com/@rawstartup https://www.instagram.com/rawstartup/

In this episode of Founders Weekly, we dive into an exhilarating four-day challenge where a team of ambitious developers and entrepreneurs attempt to build and launch an AI-powered content generation tool in Barcelona. The episode follows Heini Zachariassen and developer Hassan Bazzi as they tackle the first two days of creating a revolutionary tool for content creators that aims to automatically generate show notes, descriptions, and social posts while maintaining each creator's unique voice. Through technical setbacks, late-night coding sessions, and their first real user test with podcaster Stoyan, the team demonstrates the intense reality of rapid product development. The conversation explores their innovative approach to AI-generated content, the importance of user experience, and the challenges of standing out in a crowded market. Just Release: http://www.justrelease.ai Host: Heini Zachariassen LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heini/ Guests:  Hassan Bazzi LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/habazzi/ Staffan Ulmert LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/staffan-ulmert-11aa23145/ Levin Grünhagen Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/levin-g/ Stoyan Yankov LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stoyanyankov/  Raw Startup Social Media https://youtube.com/rawstartup https://twitter.com/rawstartupshow https://www.linkedin.com/company/rawstartup/ https://www.facebook.com/rawstartup/ https://www.tiktok.com/@rawstartup https://www.instagram.com/rawstartup/

In this episode of Founders Weekly, hosts Heini and Courtney tackle the crucial topic of burnout, with a focus on founders and professionals. They explore the signs and symptoms of burnout, the differences between stress and burnout, and the importance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance. The conversation features a personal account from guest Oscar Werner, who opens up about his own journey through burnout, the emotional impact it had on him, and the lessons he learned in the process of recovery. Oscar discusses how burnout affected both his professional and personal relationships, the transformative changes he made in his leadership style, and the importance of self-care and mindfulness. The episode also introduces the concept of the "emotional bank account" in relationships, and touches on the challenges of balancing the drive to keep pushing with the need for rest and recovery. Oscar shares practical advice for founders on how to prevent burnout and maintain long-term well-being in both their work and personal lives. Host: Heini Zachariassen LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heini/ Co-Host: Courtney Quattrini LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/courtneyquattrini/ Guest: Oscar Werner LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/oscar-werner-248612/ Sinch: https://sinch.com/ Gilion: https://www.gilion.com/ Raw Startup Social Media https://youtube.com/rawstartup https://twitter.com/rawstartupshow https://www.linkedin.com/company/rawstartup/ https://www.facebook.com/rawstartup/ https://www.tiktok.com/@rawstartup https://www.instagram.com/rawstartup/

In this episode of Founders Weekly, hosts Heini and Brian are joined by Pat Walls, founder of Starter Story. They discuss the journey of solopreneurship versus co-founding a business. Brian shares his experiences with Backlinko and Exploding Topics, emphasizing the value of complementary skills and trust between co-founders. Pat shares stories from building Starter Story. The conversation explores the challenges and rewards of starting a business alone, such as autonomy and isolation, and highlights the importance of motivation, discipline, and adaptability. They also touch on the role of AI in improving business efficiency, the speed of decision-making, and the risks of choosing the wrong co-founder. Host: Heini Zachariassen LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heini/ Co-Host: Brian Dean LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianedean Exploding Topics: https://explodingtopics.com/ Guest: Pat Walls LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrickwalls Starter Story: https://www.starterstory.com/ Raw Startup Social Media https://youtube.com/rawstartup https://twitter.com/rawstartupshow https://www.linkedin.com/company/rawstartup/ https://www.facebook.com/rawstartup/ https://www.tiktok.com/@rawstartup https://www.instagram.com/rawstartup/

In this episode of Founders Weekly, Heini and Theis explore the challenges founders face in choosing which startup ideas to pursue, focusing on the concept of spin-outs—transforming strong ideas into independent companies. Guest Ola Sars, founder of Soundtrack Technology, offers insights from his journey spinning Soundtrack Technology out from Spotify, discussing the importance of maintaining focus, securing funding, and navigating platform dependency risks. The conversation also covers the complexities of licensing in the music industry, the benefits of being an agile company, and the necessity of achieving product market fit. Sars highlights the significance of discipline, knowing when to pivot, and addressing emerging trends in the B2B music sector. Host: Heini Zachariassen LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heini/ Co-Host: Theis Søndergaard LinkedIn: https://dk.linkedin.com/in/theissondergaard Guest: Ola Sars LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ola-sars Soundtrack Technology: https://www.soundtrackyourbrand.com/ Raw Startup Social Media https://youtube.com/rawstartup https://twitter.com/rawstartupshow https://www.linkedin.com/company/rawstartup/ https://www.facebook.com/rawstartup/ https://www.tiktok.com/@rawstartup https://www.instagram.com/rawstartup/

In this episode, Heini and Theis are joined by Brant Cebulla, co-founder of Scalero, to discuss their experiences with global teams and outsourcing. They highlight the necessity of these practices, exploring benefits like cost efficiency and quick hiring, while also addressing challenges such as cultural differences and communication styles. The conversation covers effective hiring strategies, the importance of building trust and communication in remote teams, and managing productivity and accountability. They share insights on overcoming time zone challenges and adapting communication methods, ultimately reflecting on the joys of working in diverse environments. Host: Heini Zachariassen LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heini/ Co-Host: Theis Søndergaard LinkedIn: https://dk.linkedin.com/in/theissondergaard Guest: Brant Cebulla LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brantcebulla/ Scalero: https://scalero.io/ Raw Startup Social Media https://youtube.com/rawstartup https://twitter.com/rawstartupshow https://www.linkedin.com/company/rawstartup/ https://www.facebook.com/rawstartup/ https://www.tiktok.com/@rawstartup https://www.instagram.com/rawstartup/

In this episode of Founders Weekly, the hosts tackle the contentious issue of whether AI could replace technical co-founders in startups. They discuss the current capabilities and limitations of AI tools, emphasizing their role in assisting with MVP development while highlighting the need for technical understanding. The conversation also covers Klarna's bold move to integrate AI solutions instead of traditional software, the evolving roles of product management and engineering, and the potential for AI to enhance game development. The hosts advocate for founders to leverage AI for testing hypotheses and building prototypes, while noting the enduring importance of data as a critical asset in this AI-driven future. Fast Track Your MVP with AI: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dxmbamH7vuU Host: Heini Zachariassen LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heini/ Co-Host: Hassan Bazzi LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/habazzi/ Co-Host: Theis Søndergaard LinkedIn: https://dk.linkedin.com/in/theissondergaard Raw Startup Social Media https://youtube.com/rawstartup https://twitter.com/rawstartupshow https://www.linkedin.com/company/rawstartup/ https://www.facebook.com/rawstartup/ https://www.tiktok.com/@rawstartup https://www.instagram.com/rawstartup/

In this episode, the hosts explore the vital role of product-market fit (PMF) and how to find it using the Product-Market fit score. They discuss the importance of aligning products with market demand and gathering feedback from the right users. The conversation emphasizes identifying an Ideal Customer Profile (ICP) for effective targeting and introduces the idea of sticky users—those who engage consistently with a product. Guest Herbert Bay shares insights on EarKick, a self-care app, detailing its growth and PMF evaluation. He highlights the need for repeated user engagement, examines survey methodologies, and identifies key features for enhancing retention. The episode also compares the Product Market Fit Score with the Net Promoter Score (NPS), stressing their significance in product development and user satisfaction. Founders! Please fill in the 2-minute survey on Growth: https://forms.gle/JYaBcrpvfcgLXqqw5 Product Market Fit Score in short: https://youtu.be/gEiK-bDOADg?si=_yZtQwplkXY4nM_B Host: Heini Zachariassen LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heini/ Co-Host: Theis Søndergaard LinkedIn: https://dk.linkedin.com/in/theissondergaard Guest: Herbert Bay LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/herbertbay Earkick: https://earkick.com/ Raw Startup Social Media https://youtube.com/rawstartup https://twitter.com/rawstartupshow https://www.linkedin.com/company/rawstartup/ https://www.facebook.com/rawstartup/ https://www.tiktok.com/@rawstartup https://www.instagram.com/rawstartup/

Building a startup with the goal of selling it quickly for millions can be an effective strategy, but it requires careful planning. In this weeks episode of Founders Weekly, host Heini and co-host Theis dive into strategies of building an exit for your startup. Joined by serial entrepreneur Henrik Rosendahl, who has successfully exited multiple startups, they reveal five key tactics for building with an exit in mind: starting with the end goal, solving real problems, and focusing on a solid business model. Henrik shares how to align with existing infrastructure, form strategic partnerships, and tackle hard problems customers are willing to pay for. The discussion offers valuable lessons for founders, including simplifying products, focusing on narrow problems, and understanding what buyers are looking for. Henrik also shares his passion for off-grid living, while Theis offers insights from mentoring young founders. Host: Heini Zachariassen LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heini/ Co-Host: Theis Søndergaard LinkedIn: https://dk.linkedin.com/in/theissondergaard Guest: Henrik Rosendahl LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hrosendahl/ Raw Startup Social Media https://youtube.com/rawstartup https://twitter.com/rawstartupshow https://www.linkedin.com/company/rawstartup/ https://www.facebook.com/rawstartup/ https://www.tiktok.com/@rawstartup https://www.instagram.com/rawstartup/

Founder Mode. What is it? Does it always work? They explore the transition from Founder Mode to Manager Mode. The discussion covers common advice for founders to hire well and delegate, and the potential pitfalls of this approach. The hosts share personal experiences with hiring and delegation challenges, and the role of venture capitalists. They emphasize the importance of courage when making decisions, highlighting that founder mode isn't a one-size-fits-all strategy. Each founder and startup must find their own Founder Mode and Manager Mode balance. Host: Heini Zachariassen LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heini/ Co-Host: Hassan Bazzi LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/habazzi/ Co-Host: Theis Søndergaard LinkedIn: https://dk.linkedin.com/in/theissondergaard Paul Graham Founder Mode post: https://paulgraham.com/foundermode.html Raw Startup Social Media https://youtube.com/rawstartup https://twitter.com/rawstartupshow https://www.linkedin.com/company/rawstartup/ https://www.facebook.com/rawstartup/ https://www.tiktok.com/@rawstartup https://www.instagram.com/rawstartup/

In this episode of Founders Weekly, Heini and Hassan tackle the challenging topic of startup failure. They explore the emotional and personal impact on founders, employees, and investors, delving into the top reasons why startups fail, such as a broken founding team, bad timing, and lack of product-market fit. The hosts also discuss the value of alignment between founders and investors and effective communication.  This week’s guest is Cogo Co-Founder Robin (Eriksson) Blichfeldt who recently was forced to shut down his startup Cogo. The conversation includes Robin's reflections on shutting down his startup, Cogo, the emotional toll it took, and the importance of a supportive network. They also share their own experiences with failure. Host: Heini Zachariassen LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heini/ Co-Host: Hassan Bazzi LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/habazzi/ Guest: Robin (Eriksson) Blichfeldt LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robinblichfeldt/ Cogo: https://www.cogoapp.io/ Raw Startup Social Media https://youtube.com/rawstartup https://twitter.com/rawstartupshow https://www.linkedin.com/company/rawstartup/ https://www.facebook.com/rawstartup/ https://www.tiktok.com/@rawstartup https://www.instagram.com/rawstartup/

In this episode of Founders Weekly, The hosts explore whether being in your 20s as a founder is crucial for startup success. They challenge the stereotype of the young entrepreneur, highlighting research that shows the average successful founder is 45, with companies led by older founders often achieving higher success rates. The discussion covers the differences in risk-taking, ambition, and life stage between younger and older founders, weighing the pros and cons of youth in the startup world. They also touch on key topics like experience, funding, personal growth, and the importance of balance and learning from failures. In addition, the hosts share their excitement about restarting the podcast, diving into revolutionary education, and one guest’s passion for music and launching a startup focused on experiential learning. Host: Heini Zachariassen LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heini/ Co-Host: Hassan Bazzi LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/habazzi/ Guest: Sang Shin LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sangyshin/ Fofty: https://www.fofty.net/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@foftylife Book: Open by Andre Agassi https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6480781-open Raw Startup Social Media https://youtube.com/rawstartup https://twitter.com/rawstartupshow https://www.linkedin.com/company/rawstartup/ https://www.facebook.com/rawstartup/ https://www.tiktok.com/@rawstartup https://www.instagram.com/rawstartup/

In this episode of Founders Weekly, Heini and Theis explore what makes a successful founding team, focusing on four crucial roles: the idea person, the deal maker, the builder, and the operator. They introduce a new framework with an innovative scoring system to evaluate each team member's strengths and weaknesses, sharing their own scores and insights. Heini and Theis emphasize the importance of each role in driving the startup's success and delve into the dynamics of their own founding team. They also discuss the challenges of assembling a balanced team, the necessity of founder-market and founder-founder fit, and the vital role of chemistry and teamwork. Plus, get a sneak peek into the exciting plans for the next season of the podcast! Here are the 4 roles used in the framework: Idea Person, an idea person is a creative person, full of ideas and resourcefulness, who thinks outside the box and there are no limits to what we can and how fast we can do it. Sometimes seen as the visionary leader and this really is the stereotype of a crazy founder!  Deal Maker, a Deal Maker can close a deal, this means fundraising, business deals, whatever deal needs to be done. The Deal Maker can sell, be a promoter, create excitement, tell a story and be a bit of a hustler. Builder, a builder can build whatever we are building or make sure it is being built. This role is often seen as the technical co-founder in a traditional tech startup. Either they build themselves or lead whatever team is needed to build. The key here is the ability to release, actually get stuff out there. Operator, an operator runs the business. Makes sure invoices are sent, bills are paid and everyone gets their salary on time. A startup is a business, you need someone to run that business or it will fall apart. Host: Heini Zachariassen LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heini/ Co-Host: Theis Søndergaard LinkedIn: https://dk.linkedin.com/in/theissondergaard Raw Startup Social Media https://youtube.com/rawstartup https://twitter.com/rawstartupshow https://www.linkedin.com/company/rawstartup/ https://www.facebook.com/rawstartup/ https://www.tiktok.com/@rawstartup https://www.instagram.com/rawstartup/

In this episode, Heini and Hassan dive into the story of OpenAI, the groundbreaking startup founded in 2015 by industry giants like Elon Musk and Sam Altman. They explore how the founders' expertise in entrepreneurship, technology, and AI research fueled OpenAI's mission to develop AI safely and openly. OpenAI has achieved significant AI advancements. The discussion covers key events such as Musk's departure, the shift to a limited partnership, and the rapid success of ChatGPT. The hosts also delve into the internal turmoil following CEO Sam Altman's firing and reinstatement, as well as co-founder Ilya Sutskever's departure to start a new AI company. With competition and funding concerns looming, OpenAI continues to innovate with products like Sora and ChatGPT 4o. They also touch on the notable but still unclear impact of OpenAI's partnership with Apple for Siri integration. Tune in to hear Heini and Hassan discuss what the future holds for OpenAI as it navigates these challenges and strives to sustain innovation in the AI space. Host: Heini Zachariassen LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heini/ Co-Host: Hassan Bazzi LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/habazzi/ Testing ChatGPT 4o on Founders Weekly: https://youtu.be/B9-mUYbOgCo?si=P_n8cvAZ0dB0iIo0&t=1382 Raw Startup Social Media https://youtube.com/rawstartup https://twitter.com/rawstartupshow https://www.linkedin.com/company/rawstartup/ https://www.facebook.com/rawstartup/ https://www.tiktok.com/@rawstartup https://www.instagram.com/rawstartup/

In this episode, Heini Zachariassen and Courtney Quatrini dive into how startups should master PR and navigate bad PR challenges. They reveal the secrets to creating captivating startup stories and the power of authentic storytelling. They analyze major PR blunders by Uber's Travis Kalanick and Better.com's Vishal Garg, highlighting the fallout from poor communication and the need for empathy in crisis management. They also discuss the role of PR agencies and genuine influencer partnerships. Tune in for insights on effective communication, and discover Courtney's dog obsession and Heini's excitement for the Euro 2024 football championship. Host: Heini Zachariassen LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heini/ Co-Host: Courtney Quatrini LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/courtneyquattrini/ Raw StartUp Social Media https://youtube.com/rawstartup https://twitter.com/rawstartupshow https://www.linkedin.com/company/rawstartup/ https://www.facebook.com/rawstartup/ https://www.tiktok.com/@rawstartup https://www.instagram.com/rawstartup/

In this episode of Founders Weekly, Heini Zachariassen and Theis Søndergaard explore acquisitions with guest Brian Dean, founder of Backlinko and Exploding Topics. They discuss the differences between lifestyle businesses and startups, and the three possible outcomes for startups: retention, IPO, or acquisition. They explain various types of acquisitions—strategic, tuck-in, and acqui-hire. Brian Dean recounts selling Backlinko to SEMrush, starting from the initial email that began the acquisition talks. He provides insights into the valuation process and his role after the acquisition. Dean advises founders on the importance of transparency with buyers, considering higher initial valuations, and having an experienced acquisition lawyer and advisor.  Host: Heini Zachariassen LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heini/ Co-Host: Theis Søndergaard LinkedIn: https://dk.linkedin.com/in/theissondergaard Guest: Brian Dean LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianedean/ Backlinko: https://backlinko.com/ Exploding Topics: https://explodingtopics.com/ Raw Startup Social Media https://youtube.com/rawstartup https://twitter.com/rawstartupshow https://www.linkedin.com/company/rawstartup/ https://www.facebook.com/rawstartup/ https://www.tiktok.com/@rawstartup https://www.instagram.com/rawstartup/

The conversation examines founders' personality traits and their impact on startup success, highlighting a study that underscores the importance of these traits. It discusses the Big Five personality model and the study's methodology, which involved analyzing tweets from active founders. Guest James Wise talks about his book 'Start Up Century' and the trend toward entrepreneurship and self-employment. The discussion covers policies supporting entrepreneurship, the evolving work landscape due to technology, the need for entrepreneurial role models, and reducing entry barriers. It also touches on AI's impact on job creation and successful entrepreneur traits. The conversation concludes with personal topics, including family dynamics, a documentary on 'We Are the World,' and reconnecting with old friends. Host: Heini Zachariassen LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heini/ Co-Host: Courtney Quatrini LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/courtneyquattrini/ Guest: James Wise LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamespaulwise/ James Wise’ Book: Start Up Century Research: The impact of founder personalities on startup success Raw StartUp Social Media https://youtube.com/rawstartup https://twitter.com/rawstartupshow https://www.linkedin.com/company/rawstartup/ https://www.facebook.com/rawstartup/ https://www.tiktok.com/@rawstartup https://www.instagram.com/rawstartup/

Vivino founders Heini and Theis walk through the fascinating journey behind Vivino's rise to become the world's top wine app and community. Discover the strategic decisions – from MVP strategies to unwavering consumer focus – that propelled them to success. Gain valuable insights on overcoming challenges, expanding into new markets, and navigating the delicate balance between traditional sales and digital subscriptions. Tune in as the founders reflect on pivotal decisions and share lessons essential for startup founders everywhere. Host: Heini Zachariassen LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heini/ Co-Host: Theis Søndergaard LinkedIn: https://dk.linkedin.com/in/theissondergaard Raw Startup Social Media https://youtube.com/rawstartup https://twitter.com/rawstartupshow https://www.linkedin.com/company/rawstartup/ https://www.facebook.com/rawstartup/ https://www.tiktok.com/@rawstartup https://www.instagram.com/rawstartup/

In this episode of Founders Weekly, Heini and Courtney dive into the latest founder drama at OpenAI, discussing the resignation of key members and potential disagreements over AI development. They explore the resurgence of hustle culture in startups, examining the impact on work-life balance and the rise of hacker houses. The hosts also touch on Scarlett Johansson’s voice being used without consent. Next, they talk Platform Risk with guest Mathias Hermansen CEO and Co-Founder at GamerPay. Mathias shares insights on how platform risk with Steam and Valve impacts operations. Finally, they offer tips to avoid founder drama and brainstorm future podcast ideas. Host: Heini Zachariassen LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heini/ Co-Host: Courtney Quatrini LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/courtneyquattrini/ Guest: Mathias Hermansen LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mathias-hermansen/ Gamerpay: https://gamerpay.gg/ Raw StartUp Social Media https://youtube.com/rawstartup https://twitter.com/rawstartupshow https://www.linkedin.com/company/rawstartup/ https://www.facebook.com/rawstartup/ https://www.tiktok.com/@rawstartup https://www.instagram.com/rawstartup/

In this episode, Heini and Hassan explore the fierce rivalry between Google and OpenAI, sparked by OpenAI's new search engine to challenge Google's dominance. They cover Google’s journey from Startup to the incumbent that is hit by an Innovator’s Dilemma. The challenges Google faces with AI advancements, and the potential for AI to revolutionize search engines. The hosts emphasize the importance of trust, credibility, and strategic defenses (moats) in the tech industry and for startups. They also test and discuss the impressive capabilities of OpenAI's new ChatGPT 4o. The episode concludes with reflections on the future of Google's business model and the ongoing need for innovation and adaptation in the tech world. Host: Heini Zachariassen LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heini/ Co-Host: Hassan Bazzi LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/habazzi/ Raw StartUp Social Media https://youtube.com/rawstartup https://twitter.com/rawstartupshow https://www.linkedin.com/company/rawstartup/ https://www.facebook.com/rawstartup/ https://www.tiktok.com/@rawstartup https://www.instagram.com/rawstartup/

In this episode of Founders Weekly, Heini and Hassan explore two groundbreaking startups. They delve into Wayve, a British AI startup that recently raised an astounding $1 billion in funding. They analyze investors, including Nvidia and Microsoft, and Wayve's focus on embodied AI for self-driving vehicles. They also discuss challenges in data collection and partnerships with car manufacturers. Shifting gears, they are talking about an airline for dogs, Henrik Werdelin, co-founder of Bark is on to tell the full story of the first-ever airline for dogs, Bark Air. Bark Air offers amenities like in-flight entertainment featuring squirrels and non-alcoholic champagne made of chicken broth.  Host: Heini Zachariassen LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heini/ Co-Host: Hassan Bazzi LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/habazzi/ Guest: Henrik Werdelin LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/werdelin/ Barkbox: https://www.barkbox.com/ BARK Air: https://air.bark.co/ Raw StartUp Social Media https://youtube.com/rawstartup https://twitter.com/rawstartupshow https://www.linkedin.com/company/rawstartup/ https://www.facebook.com/rawstartup/ https://www.tiktok.com/@rawstartup https://www.instagram.com/rawstartup/

In this episode, the hosts dive deep into the intense rivalry between DeepMind's co-founders, now leaders of Google and Microsoft's AI divisions, and the cautionary tale of the Rabbit R1 AI hardware device's failure. Unveil the challenges faced by Europe in AI innovation and the hurdles of MVP development in the hardware space. We also tell the inspiring tale of Valentin Schütz, Gronda's Co-Founder and CEO, who shares how the company pivoted during the Covid pandemic after initially aiming to create a LinkedIn-like platform for chefs. Gronda's founders shifted focus from a recruitment tool to leveraging chefs' shared recipes. Introducing premium memberships and a recipe paywall drove substantial revenue growth. Today, Gronda boasts one million chef users and another million foodie users worldwide, prioritizing brand and product development over fundraising. Host: Heini Zachariassen LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heini/ Co-Host: Theis Søndergaard LinkedIn: https://dk.linkedin.com/in/theissondergaard Guest: Valentin Schütz LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/valentin-schuetz/ Gronda: https://gronda.com/  Raw Startup Social Media https://youtube.com/rawstartup https://twitter.com/rawstartupshow https://www.linkedin.com/company/rawstartup/ https://www.facebook.com/rawstartup/ https://www.tiktok.com/@rawstartup https://www.instagram.com/rawstartup/

In this episode, hosts Courtney and Heini delve into how founders navigate sensitive political situations and discuss a notable case involving a founder sentenced to prison for defrauding investors. They explore the pivotal role of effective communication by founders and the importance of authenticity, responsibility, and due diligence in the startup landscape. Sharon Gillenwater, co-founder and former CEO of Boardroom Insiders, joins the conversation to share her journey of building a bootstrapped startup and selling it for $25 million.  Sharon sheds light on talent acquisition strategies, bootstrapping intricacies, and the challenges of sustaining viability while operating under bootstrap constraints. Tune in as Heini, Courtney, and Sharon unravel the complexities of founder accountability, authentic leadership, and scaling a tech company in today's market. Host: Heini Zachariassen LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heini/ Co-Host: Courtney Quatrinni LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/courtneyquattrini/ Guest: Sharon Gillenwater LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharonkgillenwater/ Web: https://www.sharonkgillenwater.com/ Raw StartUp Social Media https://youtube.com/rawstartup https://twitter.com/rawstartupshow https://www.linkedin.com/company/rawstartup/ https://www.facebook.com/rawstartup/ https://www.tiktok.com/@rawstartup https://www.instagram.com/rawstartup/

In this episode, we look at the launch of Humane AI’s AI Pin. What can we learn from the launch that failed after 5 years of work? We dissect the launch gone awry, stressing the significance of prioritizing functionality over aesthetics. As we explore the challenges of entering competitive markets The conversation between Theis and Heini also delves deep into operating in legal gray zones, drawing parallels with Uber's market struggles and a chat about the recent $7.2 billion raise by Andreessen Horowitz.  Tune in for a candid discussion on the nuances of startup dynamics, including the role of multiple CEOs and the trajectory of the AI industry. Tony Fadell's Build https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/59696349 Cherub App https://www.investwithcherub.com/ Host: Heini Zachariassen LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heini/ Co-Host: Theis Søndergaard LinkedIn: https://dk.linkedin.com/in/theissondergaard Raw Startup Social Media https://youtube.com/rawstartup https://twitter.com/rawstartupshow https://www.linkedin.com/company/rawstartup/ https://www.facebook.com/rawstartup/ https://www.tiktok.com/@rawstartup https://www.instagram.com/rawstartup/

In this episode, we talk tech giants bypassing copyright laws to train AI models, the challenges of innovation in large companies, and a new publicly traded fund that invests in high-profile private companies.  This week’s guest is Morten Primdahl, co-founder of Zendesk, who shares his experience of the IPO day and the journey leading up to it. In this part of the conversation, Morten describes his experience of the Zendesk IPO and the emotions he felt during the process. He talks about the excitement of being at the New York Stock Exchange, ringing the bell, and seeing the stock start trading. He also discusses the validation and sense of accomplishment that comes with going public. The conversation then shifts to the challenges and downsides of doing an IPO, including the pressure to meet market expectations and the potential impact on product development and customer focus. The hosts also discuss the current state of the IPO market and the importance of focusing on profitability and building a strong company Host: Heini Zachariassen LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heini/ Co-Host: Hassan Bazzi LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/habazzi/ Guest: Morten Primdahl LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/mortenprimdahl/ Raw StartUp Social Media https://youtube.com/rawstartup https://twitter.com/rawstartupshow https://www.linkedin.com/company/rawstartup/ https://www.facebook.com/rawstartup/ https://www.tiktok.com/@rawstartup https://www.instagram.com/rawstartup/

In this episode of Founders Weekly, the hosts delve into Yahoo's acquisition of AI startup Artifact, examining its impact on founders. They discuss the varying struggles founders face and how financial security can affect their drive. The conversation extends to news stories covering team reactions to acquisitions, competitor shutdowns, fund misuse, and legal disputes. We are talking Canoo, Truth Social, Drizly and other startups. Emphasizing corporate governance and ethical behavior, Heini and Theis also touch upon meme stocks, Reddit's IPO, and the podcast's ongoing improvement efforts. Tune in for a concise exploration of startup acquisitions, ethical dilemmas, and the evolving founder journey. Host: Heini Zachariassen LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heini/ Co-Host: Theis Søndergaard LinkedIn: https://dk.linkedin.com/in/theissondergaard Raw StartUp Social Media https://youtube.com/rawstartup https://twitter.com/rawstartupshow https://www.linkedin.com/company/rawstartup/ https://www.facebook.com/rawstartup/ https://www.tiktok.com/@rawstartup https://www.instagram.com/rawstartup/

In this episode, the hosts explore big tech's legal woes, including Apple's antitrust issues and its control over iPhone hardware. They also discuss how big tech impacts startups, highlighting their agility and courage. The positive influence of AI on startups is examined, along with investment trends in Ukrainian startups and Adam Neumann's WeWork buyback offer. Heini and Hassan analyze the challenges facing WeWork, discussing its long-term commitments and potential for a successful reboot. They also cover Trump's SPAC and Truth Social, debunking misconceptions about financial gains.  Challenges with the podcast are also discussed - scheduling hurdles and the importance of planning are discussed, along with the concept of the Messy Middle phase in projects.  Host: Heini Zachariassen LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heini/ Co-Host: Hassan Bazzi LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/habazzi/ Book: The Messy Middle: Finding Your Way Through the Hardest and Most Crucial Part of Any Bold Venture by Scott Belsky https://www.amazon.com/Messy-Middle-Finding-Through-Hardest/dp/0735218072 Raw StartUp Social Media https://youtube.com/rawstartup https://twitter.com/rawstartupshow https://www.linkedin.com/company/rawstartup/ https://www.facebook.com/rawstartup/ https://www.tiktok.com/@rawstartup https://www.instagram.com/rawstartup/

In this episode of Founders Weekly, Neuralink's brain implant technology, Apple's talks with Google about AI offering, Blue Origin's race to the moon, Apple's App Store problems, and short news on IPOs, Fisker, and Saudi Arabia's AI investment.  The hosts are joined by Aaron McDaniel, who shares his experience pitching on Shark Tank. Aaron McDaniel shares his experience on Shark Tank and the lessons he learned from the show. He discusses his decision to stay professional despite facing criticism and offers from the sharks. Aaron also talks about the editing process and the importance of understanding the power of narrative. He reflects on the impact of the show on his business and personal life.  Host Name: Heini Zachariassen LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heini/ Co-Host Name: Hassan Bazzi LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/habazzi/ Guest  Name: Aaron McDaniel LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrbiz/ Raw Startup Social Media https://youtube.com/rawstartup https://twitter.com/rawstartupshow https://www.linkedin.com/company/rawstartup/ https://www.facebook.com/rawstartup/ https://www.tiktok.com/@rawstartup https://www.instagram.com/rawstartup/

In this episode of Founders Weekly, Heini Zachariassen and Theis Søndergaard discuss Bitcoin reaching an all-time high, the TikTok ban in the US, OpenAI's response to Elon Musk's lawsuit, AI regulation in Europe, and other short news updates. They also interview Joakim Bruchmann, co-founder and CEO of Pluto Markets, about his experience with Y Combinator and the challenges of raising funding after the program. The conversation covers the challenges of generating traction, the trade-offs of joining Y Combinator, the tailored approach of Y Combinator for regulated industries, managing expectations and team morale, and the question of whether being a startup founder is for everybody. The podcast's performance is also reviewed, with a focus on the number of downloads and the plan for future episodes. Host Name: Heini Zachariassen LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heini/ Co-Host Name: Theis Søndergaard LinkedIn: https://dk.linkedin.com/in/theissondergaard Guest  Name: Joakim Bruchmann LinkedIn: https://dk.linkedin.com/in/joakim-bruchmann-87b6b653 Book Recommendation: Read Write Own by Chris Dixon - https://readwriteown.com/ Please subscribe: https://youtube.com/rawstartup https://twitter.com/rawstartupshow https://www.linkedin.com/company/rawstartup/ https://www.facebook.com/rawstartup/ https://www.tiktok.com/@rawstartup https://www.instagram.com/rawstartup/

Reddit is planning an IPO, aiming to go public with a potential $5 billion valuation, engaging its community by offering shares to top users. Microsoft invests €15 million in French AI company Mistral AI, expanding its AI partnerships beyond OpenAI, amidst discussions on AI regulation and market competition. Thrasio, an e-commerce aggregator, files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy despite previous valuations over $1 billion. Nvidia's market value reaches $2 trillion, driven by a significant surge in AI demand. Google halts its Gemini AI image generation feature due to concerns over historical inaccuracies, reflecting the tech industry's ongoing challenges with AI ethics and reliability.