Startup Builders & Backers

Tech Talks Network

Startup Builders & Backers is a podcast that takes you inside the minds of the people shaping the future of technology and entrepreneurship. Part of the Tech Talks Network, this series goes beyond headlines and hype to bring you real conversations with startup founders, angel investors, VCs, and seasoned operators who are building, backing, and scaling the next generation of companies. You might know me from Tech Talks Daily, where we explore a broad spectrum of business technology. But here, the focus narrows to the pulse of the startup ecosystem. From the spark of an idea to the complexities of funding, go-to-market strategies, team building, and exits, this series unpacks what it really takes to create a successful venture in today’s fast-moving environment. In each episode, we uncover what motivates founders to leave stability behind in pursuit of something bigger. We explore how investors identify promise amid uncertainty, what they’re looking for right now, and how early-stage bets evolve into long-term partnerships. Along the way, we look at the less polished moments—the pivots, the pressures, and the personal lessons that shape both people and products. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, an investor looking for your next big bet, or a startup operator navigating growth, these conversations offer insight, connection, and an honest look at the reality behind the pitch decks. So what does it take to build something from nothing, and who are the people willing to take that risk? Let’s find out together. And if you’ve got a story to tell or a venture to share, I’d love to hear from you.

  1. The LoopUp Startup Story to Becoming the World's Most Global Telco

    12 OCT

    The LoopUp Startup Story to Becoming the World's Most Global Telco

    In this episode of Tech Talks Daily, I sit down with Steve Flavell, co-CEO of LoopUp, to hear how a company once known for improving conference calls became a global force in cloud telephony. LoopUp began in 2003 with a mission to make conference calls less frustrating, growing steadily for more than a decade before going public on the London Stock Exchange in 2016. When the pandemic hit, their core business vanished almost overnight as platforms like Teams and Zoom took over the world. Rather than giving up, Steve and his team made a bold pivot. They transformed LoopUp from a conferencing specialist into a global provider of cloud telephony for Microsoft Teams. Today, the company delivers enterprise voice services across 136 countries and proudly calls itself the world’s most multinational telco. Steve explains how this shift helps multinational businesses simplify operations by replacing dozens of regional telecom providers with a single unified system. With one contract, one support model, and one management portal, LoopUp allows companies to manage telephony the same way they already manage Teams globally. We also talk about the wider transformation of the telecom industry. Legacy phone systems are being replaced by cloud infrastructure that integrates directly into the platforms people use every day. Steve shares what that change means for businesses seeking efficiency, scalability, and control. Our conversation isn’t only about technology; it’s about leadership. Steve opens up about the lessons he’s learned through both highs and setbacks, from staying persistent during tough times to keeping honest communication flowing across the team. He also reflects on the strength of his long partnership with fellow co-founder Michael Hughes. For anyone building through uncertainty or leading through change, Steve’s journey is a powerful reminder that adaptability and openness are key to lasting success.

    25 min
  2. Building a Support Ecosystem That Drives Startup Growth

    4 SEPT

    Building a Support Ecosystem That Drives Startup Growth

    What if you could accelerate your startup’s growth with the combined power of AI, targeted mentorship, and a connected community? In this episode of Startup Builders and Backers, I speak with serial entrepreneur, investor, and technologist Paul Pluschkell, the founder of StartupOS, to unpack how their Launchpad platform is reshaping the way early-stage companies find their footing and scale. Paul shares lessons from his own entrepreneurial journey and explains how StartupOS helps founders refine their pitch decks, reach product-market fit, and assemble strong teams. We discuss how AI-powered tools can streamline investor readiness, surface strategic insights, and guide decision-making in ways that were previously out of reach for most startups. The conversation also explores the importance of surrounding founders with the right ecosystem — one that blends mentorship, investor access, and collaborative networks — and how accelerators, enterprises, and even universities can plug into the StartupOS model. Paul offers his view on where the venture space is heading over the next year and what that means for early-stage founders looking to break through. If you are building a startup and seeking practical, tech-driven ways to accelerate growth, this episode provides a blueprint for leveraging AI and community to drive success. ********* Visit the Sponsor of Tech Talks Network: Land your first job in tech in 6 months as a Software QA Engineering Bootcamp with Careerist https://crst.co/OGCLA

    30 min
  3. Inside the Mind of a Founder: Startup Psychology, Burnout, and Co-Founder Dynamics

    26 JUL

    Inside the Mind of a Founder: Startup Psychology, Burnout, and Co-Founder Dynamics

    In this raw and deeply human conversation, I sit down with Yael Daniely, a seasoned startup psychologist, co-founder, therapist, and founder of one of the world’s only clinical practices dedicated to the emotional well-being of startup leaders. Yael joins me from Israel in the middle of a war zone, where the urgency of her message becomes even more profound. Together, we explore what founders rarely talk about publicly: emotional fatigue, burnout, the silent strain on co-founder relationships, and the psychological toll of building a startup when your identity is wrapped up in its success or failure. Drawing from her work with over 400 founders and leadership teams around the world, Yael breaks down: Why startup life often mimics survival mode and how to manage itThe unconscious emotional drivers behind decision-making and leadership fatigueHow dysfunctional co-founder dynamics quietly derail 65% of startupsWhy psychological contracts matter as much as shareholder agreementsThe overlooked link between childhood experience and startup behaviorWhat founder burnout really looks like and how to recover from it holisticallyAs Yael puts it, “High-growth startups require high-growth founders.” This episode is an honest, moving reflection on what it really takes to survive and thrive as a startup leader, especially during times of extreme uncertainty.

    46 min
  4. Wells Fargo: AI, IPOs, and the Future of Venture Capital

    15 JUL

    Wells Fargo: AI, IPOs, and the Future of Venture Capital

    In this episode of Startup Builders and Backers, I sat down with Rahul Baig, Head of Venture Capital and Growth Equity Coverage at Wells Fargo, for one of the most wide-ranging and insightful conversations I’ve had this year. We discuss the seismic shifts occurring across the tech landscape, particularly how AI is driving a new cycle of investment, innovation, and disruption. With $200 billion already invested in AI infrastructure and more to come, Rahul breaks down why this moment feels different from anything we've seen before—more accessible, more transformative, and, in many ways, more challenging. We also talk about the slowdown in software growth, the short-term pressure on IT budgets, and how the most innovative companies are leveraging AI not just to survive, but to innovate faster and extend their competitive edge. Rahul also shared his views on the state of venture capital, the consolidation of VC firms, and why traditional players are regaining dominance. For founders, this episode is packed with candid insights. Rahul pulls no punches when discussing what it takes to get funded today, what investors are looking for, and why financial discipline and real-world use cases are now non-negotiables. If you’re still clinging to a “raise at all costs” mindset, this is the wake-up call you didn’t know you needed. 🎧 In this conversation, we cover: How AI is reshaping the rules of the game for software and infrastructureWhy 55,000 venture-backed companies is a sign of overinvestment, not progressWhat it now takes to go public and why the IPO bar is higher than everWhy the next generation of great startups will emerge from this tougher environmentThe impact of geopolitical tensions, rate shifts, and investor risk appetite on capital marketsIf you're a founder, investor, or just trying to make sense of where tech is headed next, this one’s for you. You can find Rahul on LinkedIn, and as always, I’d love to hear your thoughts on the conversation.

    29 min
  5. From Startup Grit to Enterprise Scale: The Cask Canada Approach

    7 JUL

    From Startup Grit to Enterprise Scale: The Cask Canada Approach

    In this episode of Startup Builders & Backers, we sit down with Jeff Butler, General Manager of Cask Canada, for a candid conversation on what it really takes to launch and grow a high-performing tech consultancy in today's evolving enterprise landscape. In just over a year, Jeff helped Cask Canada scale to 25 employees and win 11 major clients, all while navigating a crowded implementation partner market, the complexity of ServiceNow, and the growing expectations of Canadian enterprises. We explore how authenticity, trust, and relentless focus on value have been key to Cask’s success. Jeff reflects on lessons from the dot-com era, the power of genuine client relationships, and why every implementation is more about outcomes than technology alone. From the rise of AI-enhanced platforms to growing demand for local partnerships, we cover emerging trends reshaping the ServiceNow ecosystem. Jeff also discusses the increasing role of automation, the future of implementation services, and why the best consultants push back instead of simply checking boxes. If you're building in the enterprise tech space, thinking about platform partnerships, or just want to understand what it takes to lead with heart in a technical world, this episode is for you.

    48 min
  6. Building the Internet of Trees: Dryad Networks’ Bold Vision for Wildfire Prevention

    21 JUN

    Building the Internet of Trees: Dryad Networks’ Bold Vision for Wildfire Prevention

    On this episode of Startup Builders & Backers, I sit down with Carsten Brinkschulte, co-founder and CEO of Dryad Networks, to uncover how a seasoned telecom entrepreneur pivoted from software to saving forests. Carsten explains how witnessing devastating wildfires and his own daughter’s climate activism pushed him to found Dryad Networks, a company deploying solar-powered sensors and mesh networks deep into forests to detect wildfires before they spread. We dive into what it takes to build rugged IoT devices for some of the world’s harshest, most remote environments, how Dryad trains edge AI to sniff out the gas signatures of a forest fire, and why satellite partnerships are vital to keeping the network online when traditional connectivity vanishes. He also shares hard-earned insights on scaling hardware startups, building trust with governments and forestry organisations worldwide, and balancing climate impact goals with commercial reality. This episode is a masterclass for anyone interested in climate tech, IoT innovation, or the grit required to turn a fresh idea into a global venture that could prevent millions of hectares from going up in smoke. Tune in and get inspired by a founder turning sensors, AI and satellite links into tools for fighting climate change—one forest at a time.

    22 min
  7. How Scribe is Helping Experts and Entrepreneurs Write, Publish, and Market Their Book.

    8 JUN

    How Scribe is Helping Experts and Entrepreneurs Write, Publish, and Market Their Book.

    You've probably heard it before: "Self-published books don't make money." But what if we're measuring success with the wrong metrics? Eric Jorgensen, CEO of Scribe Media and million-copy bestselling author, challenges this conventional wisdom with a simple but powerful insight: "A book does not have to make money to make you money." Rethinking Book Success The math is compelling. While most self-published books won't sell millions of copies, even reaching 1,000-5,000 targeted readers can transform a business. Look at any major conference - roughly half the speakers include "author" in their bios, often listing it before achievements that took far longer to accomplish. Why? Because books build authority at scale. Forget the image of the solitary author in a cabin. Today's most successful business authors work with teams, use structured processes, and leverage technology. As Jorgensen notes, "There's such thing as writer's block, but there's no such thing as talker's block." Modern book creation is about converting expertise into written content, often through conversation and collaboration. Technology as the Game-Changer While AI won't replace human authors, it's revolutionizing the process of creating books. From organizing content to generating ideas and processing existing materials (like podcasts and talks), technology is making book creation more accessible. The key is understanding that "options are now free, and the judgment to choose the options remains human." The Audio Advantage Audiobooks now generate up to one-third of book royalties for some authors. However, the format decision extends beyond financial considerations. For consultants, speakers, and experts, narrating your audiobook creates a powerful trust bridge. When prospects hear your voice for hours before meeting you, you've already built significant credibility. Strategic Over Mass Market Success isn't about maximizing hardcover sales. It's about reaching the right readers. One Scribe Media author who helps financial planners transition their businesses found that readers who connected with his book became clients. Another, a lawyer, converted readers into high-value customers. The book became their most effective sales tool. The publishing world has changed. Success no longer means hitting bestseller lists or selling hundreds of thousands of copies. Instead, it's about strategically positioning your expertise and reaching the readers who can become your best clients, partners, and advocates. A well-executed book isn't just another product, it's a business transformation tool that works while you sleep. Want to get started? Begin by defining your ideal reader and the change you want to create. The technology and teams are in place to support everything else.

    35 min
  8. Building Before You Launch? David Hirschfeld on Why That Might Be a Mistake

    1 JUN

    Building Before You Launch? David Hirschfeld on Why That Might Be a Mistake

    What if the biggest risk for startups isn't failure, but building the wrong thing too soon? In this episode of Startup Builders & Backers, I sit down with David Hirschfeld, founder of Tekyz Inc., to explore a different way of thinking about early-stage success. With more than 35 years in software and experience across over 90 startups, David shares what he has learned from both the wins and the missteps. At the heart of this conversation is the Launch First Method, a framework David created to help founders validate demand before investing in development. It is a strategy designed to reduce time, cost, and the need for outside funding, while dramatically increasing the odds of building something people actually want. We also dig into: How AI is reshaping the way software gets builtWhere automation helps and where it still falls shortThe key traits that define high-performing development teamsHow detailed artifacts like status reports and estimation tracking improve outcomesWhy successful founders fall in love with the problem, not the productDavid’s story spans decades of building, selling, and supporting software companies. He brings sharp insight and practical advice to anyone navigating the unpredictable path of early-stage growth. If you're starting a company or backing one, this episode will help you ask better questions and make smarter decisions from day one. Are you building what customers need or just hoping they show up? Let’s dig into that.

    34 min
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About

Startup Builders & Backers is a podcast that takes you inside the minds of the people shaping the future of technology and entrepreneurship. Part of the Tech Talks Network, this series goes beyond headlines and hype to bring you real conversations with startup founders, angel investors, VCs, and seasoned operators who are building, backing, and scaling the next generation of companies. You might know me from Tech Talks Daily, where we explore a broad spectrum of business technology. But here, the focus narrows to the pulse of the startup ecosystem. From the spark of an idea to the complexities of funding, go-to-market strategies, team building, and exits, this series unpacks what it really takes to create a successful venture in today’s fast-moving environment. In each episode, we uncover what motivates founders to leave stability behind in pursuit of something bigger. We explore how investors identify promise amid uncertainty, what they’re looking for right now, and how early-stage bets evolve into long-term partnerships. Along the way, we look at the less polished moments—the pivots, the pressures, and the personal lessons that shape both people and products. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, an investor looking for your next big bet, or a startup operator navigating growth, these conversations offer insight, connection, and an honest look at the reality behind the pitch decks. So what does it take to build something from nothing, and who are the people willing to take that risk? Let’s find out together. And if you’ve got a story to tell or a venture to share, I’d love to hear from you.

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