Founded & Grounded

Ollie Tiramuragan Collard & Dr Becky Sage

Tired of startup hype? So are we. Ranked in the top 2.5% of podcasts globally and a top 5 startup podcast in Europe, Founded & Grounded gives unseen founders the mic, where real stories rise above the noise. Our unique 3-part format blends founder interviews, co-host analysis, and actionable takeaways you can use right now. We go beyond the highlight reel to explore the human, unvarnished side of building a business, from emotional well-being strategies to exploring the paradoxes of entrepreneurship. If you’re an early-stage founder, welcome home. You’ve found your people. Apply to feature 👇 foundedandgrounded.com YouTube 👇 https://www.youtube.com/@FoundedandGroundedPod Spotify 👇 https://open.spotify.com/show/26LBRTAS1epLbLGMWkzasd?si=fb01a80d59e94913 Apple 👇 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/founded-grounded/id1486339606

  1. 4 DAYS AGO

    The Grounding (live) with SWIG Finance: Navigating uncertainty

    How do founders navigate a business landscape shaped by volatility, uncertainty, complexity and ambiguity? In this live conversation, we speak with Matt Wilde from SWIG Finance about the funding gaps many businesses still face and what it really takes to grow in an unstable global environment. From working capital and supply chains to the role of trusted advisors and stronger ecosystem support, Matt shares what founders need to get right when the pressure is on. Key takeaways: Businesses that want to thrive in uncertain times need strong foundations, especially around working capital and effective supply chain management. Social impact lenders like SWIG Finance play an important role in supporting a wide range of businesses with tailored financial solutions that help them grow and sustain operations. AI can free up time for more valuable human-centred work, but businesses need to balance efficiency with sound judgement and human values.  We also explore the role of SWIG Finance as a social enterprise lender, supporting businesses with finance options that help founders start, sustain and scale. The conversation looks at the importance of good advisors, access to capital and stronger ecosystem connectivity, and how these factors shape a founder’s ability to build a resilient business. Alongside this, we discuss the growing influence of AI on the way businesses operate. While technology can create efficiencies, Matt makes the case for keeping human judgment at the centre of decision-making. The episode closes with real examples, reflections on smarter financial decisions and a broader look at what founders need to succeed in a VUCA world. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    52 min
  2. 24/03/2025

    Jordan Schwarzenberger: The creator economy is a lie, here’s the model that works

    7 billion views and counting: the growth secrets of Sidemen's creative mastermind, Jordan Schwarzenberger.  Managing one of the world’s biggest creator collectives is no small feat. We dive deep with the man behind Arcade Media and the Sidemen’s explosive rise, blending sharp self-awareness, cultural intuition, and a bold approach to building in public.  The creator economy is dead. Jordan reveals why relying on brand deals is outdated and how the Sidemen have built entire business models through strategic partnerships and leveraging their audience. This is a masterclass in staying relevant, building with intention, and growing without losing who you are. Key takeaways 🔥 Know yourself to grow yourself. Jordan believes brutal self-awareness and personal branding are essential. When you understand who you truly are and fully embrace it, you unlock clarity, confidence, and business momentum.  📹 Don’t just create. Document. It’s not just about creating content. Jordan shows how documenting your journey with purpose builds trust, drives growth, and keeps your brand aligned with your goals. 🤝 You can’t win alone.  Strategic partnerships are the key ingredient to scale. Find operators who complement your strengths and share your vision. Have questions about this episode? Ask our hosts, chat now via our website https://foundedandgrounded.com/episodes/lqtT800N1V6 Hit play and discover how to build something that actually lasts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    2h 9m
  3. 10/03/2025

    18Sixty: How to create standout podcasts that captivate and keep audiences hooked

    What separates a great podcast from the noise? We uncover the secrets of podcasting success with Gareth Evans, founder of 18Sixty, an agency that helps brands connect with their audience through high-quality audio storytelling. From working with Virgin/Absolute Radio and BBC Radio to launching his own agency, Gareth shares his journey through the evolution of podcasting, revealing what it takes to create audio content that really holds the audience's attention.  Key Takeaways Knowing your audience: The key to a successful podcast lies in deeply understanding your listeners and crafting content that serves their needs Finding Balance: Effective time management, habit stacking, and prioritisation are essential for navigating business demands while maintaining a fulfilling personal life. Business growth strategies:  Differentiating yourself, leveraging word-of-mouth, and building strong connections are crucial for scaling your business.  Whether you're an early-stage founder, an aspiring podcaster, or just curious about the future of branded podcasts, this episode is packed with practical insights and behind-the-scenes wisdom.  Have questions about this episode? Ask our hosts, chat now via our website https://foundedandgrounded.com/episodes/j54mNsooOdH   Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    1h 18m
  4. 24/02/2025

    Airtasker: From hustle to IPO – the truth about scaling a marketplace

    From $0 to $400 Million Valuation: The Incredible Journey of Tim Fung and Airtasker. From humble beginnings to a marketplace giant.  But Tim's journey is much more than just success. Through resilience, identifying mutual benefit, and embracing change, he has created a company that has changed the future of work. Tim delves into his upbringing, the inception of Airtasker, and the company's funding journey, offering valuable advice for new founders.  Explore the balance between transparency and forward planning, Tim's IPO experience, and the transition from blitzscaling to a lean approach. Learn about the significance of humility, team support, and managing expectations. We conclude the episode by discussing the future of work, embracing AI, and societal changes. Key Takeaways High expectations can undermine resilience, so maintaining realistic goals can help sustain long-term motivation and perseverance.Aligning business strategies and goals among all stakeholders ensures smoother operations and mutual benefits, making it easier to achieve sustainable growth.Adapting to market conditions and being open to changing strategies, even if it means shifting from aggressive expansion to a leaner approach, is crucial for long-term success. Have questions about this episode? Ask our hosts, chat now via our website https://foundedandgrounded.com/episodes/z0Sw0OlIhm1 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    1h 24m
  5. 10/02/2025

    Brilliant Labs: How AI glasses are shaping the future

    What do Stephen Hawking, AR glasses, and open-source design have in common? Join us as we chat with Bobak Tavangar, co-founder of Brilliant Labs, about his remarkable journey and insights into innovation. From leadership lessons to fundraising advice, this episode is packed with valuable gems for entrepreneurs and tech enthusiasts. Bobak discusses his career, including a memorable encounter with Stephen Hawking and the role of open-source design in innovation. He explores the challenges of AR adoption, company culture, and hardware startups, offering leadership lessons on humility and communication. Hear Bobak's advice on fundraising, cofounder dynamics, and balancing startup life. Finally, we end with reflections on AI's future, data privacy, and the influence of faith in entrepreneurship. Key Takeaways - AI and AR technologies have the potential to revolutionise memory augmentation, providing perfect recall and proactive insights based on an individual's life experiences. - Building a successful global team requires extreme specificity and over-communication to avoid costly miscommunications, especially in hardware development. - Achieving a balance between openness and data privacy is crucial for tech companies to build trust and positively influence industry standards. Have questions about our podcast or an episode? Ask our hosts, chat now https://foundedandgrounded.com/episodes/X7Y6MMrIIzw   Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    1h 43m
  6. 10/06/2024

    Alfa Technology: From celebrity magician to startup founder

    From performing magic for prime ministers and billionaires to gracing stages on shows like Britain's Got Talent. Alfie Whattam shares his unorthodox journey from entertainment to launching his own recruitment startup, Alfa Technology. Alfa builds software engineering teams for businesses operating in cutting-edge technologies like AI and Web3.    Uncover Alfie's game-changing insights on cultivating a bulletproof mindset, building effective content strategies, and disrupting outdated industries ripe for innovation.  The recruitment industry is broken. Hear how Alfie is challenging the status quo, taking on the incumbent ‘dinosaurs’, questioning unethical practices, and doing things differently.    Alfie's insights delve into pressing issues, like the ethical implications of AI, and the exponential speed of development, which could soon reach an irreversible tipping point. Alfie emphasises the need for genuine community-driven approaches in recruitment.  Key takeaways - How to build a winning Content Strategy – Alfie shares his blueprint so you can drive inbound demand for your business. He stresses the importance of consistency and a clear strategy to make content work effectively for your goals.  - Delegation and Automation - Alfie emphasises the significance of delegating tasks, systematising, and automating to avoid burnout and maximise productivity.  - The potential and dangers of AI and Web3 technologies. Hear the immense potential for transforming entire industries and creating new business opportunities. But the rapid evolution also poses ethical and existential questions that we explore Have questions about this episode? Ask our hosts, chat now via our website   Text us your feedback and feature on the show Support the show Proudly sponsored by our wonderful partners: National Protective Security Authority - NSPA: The Secure Innovation campaign helps you take steps to protect your business from hostile threats. Don’t leave it too late. Use the link to download the quick-start guide now: NPSA.gov.uk/innovation Hexa Finance: Hexa provides business finance to help you grow from start-up to success. To access your free consultation, simply go to: hexafinance.co.uk/contact Have questions about our podcast or an episode? Ask our hosts, chat now Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    1h 14m
  7. 27/05/2024

    Connectd: Embracing delusion, neurodiversity, and self-awareness in startup success

    How this entrepreneur overcame ADHD and dyslexia and used these diagnoses as his superpower to build two businesses worth millions.  Hear the inspiring story of Roei Samuel, who discusses the importance of self-belief, transparency, and resilience in entrepreneurship. Roei got an exit with his first business, Real Sport, and has gone on to build the UK's fastest-growing startup community in Connectd. The platform has shaken the early-stage investment landscape by utilising data to ensure transparency, trust, and better connectivity in the investment process. By the end of the episode, you'll be encouraged to think bigger, embrace bold decisions, and navigate the entrepreneurial landscape with more confidence and resilience. Key Takeaways - How to create an unstoppable mindset - Roei shares how he has created an intoxicating self-belief to overcome challenges and remove crippling self-doubt. - Develop self-awareness and play to your strengths - How to become more self-aware and focus on your personal strengths. Embrace who you are and prioritise self-care to achieve long-term success and happiness. - Create a big vision - Roei is on a mission to democratise the investment landscape and empower entrepreneurs worldwide.  Have questions about this episode? Ask our hosts, chat now via our website Text us your feedback and feature on the show Support the show Proudly sponsored by our wonderful partners: National Protective Security Authority - NSPA: The Secure Innovation campaign helps you take steps to protect your business from hostile threats. Don’t leave it too late. Use the link to download the quick-start guide now: NPSA.gov.uk/innovation Hexa Finance: Hexa provides business finance to help you grow from start-up to success. To access your free consultation, simply go to: hexafinance.co.uk/contact Have questions about our podcast or an episode? Ask our hosts, chat now Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    1h 16m

Trailers

5
out of 5
35 Ratings

About

Tired of startup hype? So are we. Ranked in the top 2.5% of podcasts globally and a top 5 startup podcast in Europe, Founded & Grounded gives unseen founders the mic, where real stories rise above the noise. Our unique 3-part format blends founder interviews, co-host analysis, and actionable takeaways you can use right now. We go beyond the highlight reel to explore the human, unvarnished side of building a business, from emotional well-being strategies to exploring the paradoxes of entrepreneurship. If you’re an early-stage founder, welcome home. You’ve found your people. Apply to feature 👇 foundedandgrounded.com YouTube 👇 https://www.youtube.com/@FoundedandGroundedPod Spotify 👇 https://open.spotify.com/show/26LBRTAS1epLbLGMWkzasd?si=fb01a80d59e94913 Apple 👇 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/founded-grounded/id1486339606

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