Building Great Tech

Simon Hook & Anastasija Krysa

Building Great Tech is the podcast that helps mission-driven tech businesses become more profitable and customer-focused. Whether you're just starting out or optimising what you’ve already built, each episode helps you drive conversion, retention, and real business growth. We dive into customer-focused strategies, killer product experiences, ethical tech, team dynamics, and smart roadmaps. Expect expert interviews, startup case studies, and practical advice to help make your tech profitable, scalable, and deeply aligned with your mission. 

 Build better tech. Serve more customers. Scale with purpose.

  1. 3 DAYS AGO

    AI is killing authentic dating - with Daniel Cheaib founder of Feels App

    Follow Daniel on Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielcheaib/?originalSubdomain=fr Check out the Feels App - https://www.feels-app.com/ In this episode of the Building Great Tech podcast, hosts Simon Hook and Anastasija Krysa sit down with Daniel Cheaib, the founder and CEO of Feels, a dating app designed specifically for Gen Z. With over 8 million downloads and an impressive 80% year-on-year revenue growth, Daniel shares insights into how his app is redefining online dating by fostering authentic connections among users under 30. The conversation delves into the unique challenges of Gen Z, including the phenomenon of dating app fatigue and the evolving nature of loneliness in a digital age. Daniel also discusses the role of AI in enhancing user experiences while maintaining the importance of real-life interactions. Join us as we explore the future of dating, the impact of technology on relationships, and the innovative strategies behind Feels. Follow us on Linkedin! Building Great Tech is the podcast that helps mission-driven tech businesses become more profitable and customer-focused. Whether you're just starting out or optimising what you’ve already built, each episode helps you drive conversion, retention, and real business growth. We dive into customer-focused strategies, killer product experiences, ethical tech, team dynamics, and smart roadmaps. Expect expert interviews, startup case studies, and practical advice to help make your tech profitable, scalable, and deeply aligned with your mission. Build better tech. Serve more customers. Scale with purpose.

    1h 2m

  2. 29 JAN

    Legal Time Bombs Ticking in Your Startup - with Gretchen Lennon

    Follow Gretchen on Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/gretchen-lennon-55455664/?originalSubdomain=uk Lennon Legal Website - https://lennonlegal.com/ In this episode of the Building Great Tech podcast, hosts Simon Hook and Anastasija Krysa sit down with Gretchen Lennon, a seasoned startup lawyer who transitioned from a prestigious city law firm to establish her own boutique practice. With a focus on supporting early-stage companies, Gretchen shares her insights on the critical legal pitfalls that founders often encounter, the importance of intellectual property ownership, and the evolving role of AI in the legal landscape. As they delve into the complexities of legal agreements, funding rounds, and the value of professional legal advice, listeners will gain valuable knowledge to navigate the often daunting world of startup law. Join Simon, Anastasija, and Gretchen for an engaging discussion that highlights the intersection of law and entrepreneurship in today's fast-paced tech environment. Follow us on Linkedin! https://www.linkedin.com/in/anastasijakrysa/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/simonvhook/ Building Great Tech is the podcast that helps mission-driven tech businesses become more profitable and customer-focused. Whether you're just starting out or optimising what you’ve already built, each episode helps you drive conversion, retention, and real business growth. We dive into customer-focused strategies, killer product experiences, ethical tech, team dynamics, and smart roadmaps. Expect expert interviews, startup case studies, and practical advice to help make your tech profitable, scalable, and deeply aligned with your mission. Build better tech. Serve more customers. Scale with purpose.

    59 min

  3. 22 JAN

    Is your co-founder the reason you're stuck? - with Nicki Coe

    See how Nicki can help your business relationships - https://www.nickicoe.com/ In this episode of the Building Great Tech podcast, hosts Simon Hook and Anastasija Krysa sit down with Nicki Coe, a coach dedicated to helping co-founders navigate the complexities of their partnerships. Often referred to as the "couple's therapist for business partners," Nicki shares her insights on the critical importance of effective communication and the challenges that arise when co-founders face misalignment in their roles and visions. With a staggering 65% of startups failing due to co-founder fallout, Nicki is on a mission to change this statistic by fostering stronger, more resilient partnerships. Join Simon and Anastasija as they delve into the dynamics of co-founder relationships, the transition from founder to leader, and practical strategies to nurture collaboration and joy in the workplace. Nicki Coe discusses the importance of effective communication between co-founders, emphasising that it's not just about talking more, but understanding different communication styles and how to listen effectively. The conversation highlights the transition from being a founder to a leader, with Nicky explaining that this shift involves relinquishing some control and adapting to a new role that focuses on building a strong team culture Nicki shares practical advice for co-founders, encouraging them to have meaningful meetings, communicate about their communication, and remember to have fun together. Follow us on Linkedin! https://www.linkedin.com/in/anastasijakrysa/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/simonvhook/ Building Great Tech is the podcast that helps mission-driven tech businesses become more profitable and customer-focused. Whether you're just starting out or optimising what you’ve already built, each episode helps you drive conversion, retention, and real business growth. We dive into customer-focused strategies, killer product experiences, ethical tech, team dynamics, and smart roadmaps. Expect expert interviews, startup case studies, and practical advice to help make your tech profitable, scalable, and deeply aligned with your mission. Build better tech. Serve more customers. Scale with purpose.

    51 min

  4. 15 JAN

    When is THE BEST time to rebrand your platform?

    In this episode of the Building Great Tech podcast, hosts Simon Hook and Anastasija Krysa delve into the often costly world of rebranding. They discuss the staggering $20 billion wasted annually by global tech companies on ineffective rebranding strategies, highlighting the potential pitfalls and hidden costs associated with such initiatives. Through engaging examples, including the recent rebranding of Starling Bank and notable failures from giants like Netflix and Uber, Simon and Anastasija explore the reasons companies pursue rebranding and the importance of aligning it with genuine business goals. Tune in as they share insights on how to approach rebranding with purpose, ensuring it amplifies rather than distracts from your core product experience. Simon expresses his irritation with Starling Bank's rebranding, particularly the new font and logo, highlighting how it detracted from the user experience he previously enjoyed.   Anastasija shares a cautionary tale about a company that spent a significant amount on rebranding, including creating a mascot, which ultimately failed to resonate with users and distracted from the app's core functionality.   The hosts discuss the importance of aligning rebranding efforts with actual business evolution, using Airbnb's introduction of experiences as a successful example of how a rebrand can reflect and support a company's growth. Follow us on Linkedin! https://www.linkedin.com/in/anastasijakrysa/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/simonvhook/  Building Great Tech is the podcast that helps mission-driven tech businesses become more profitable and customer-focused. Whether you're just starting out or optimising what you’ve already built, each episode helps you drive conversion, retention, and real business growth. We dive into customer-focused strategies, killer product experiences, ethical tech, team dynamics, and smart roadmaps. Expect expert interviews, startup case studies, and practical advice to help make your tech profitable, scalable, and deeply aligned with your mission. Build better tech. Serve more customers. Scale with purpose.

    35 min

  5. 8 JAN

    Why Most Founders Never Get VC Funding - With Venture Scout Ritika Mehta

    In this episode of the Building Great Tech podcast, hosts Simon Hook and Anastasija Krysa delve into the challenging world of venture capital funding with special guest Ritika Mehta. As a New York-based go-to-market strategist and advisor to venture-backed startups, Ritika shares her insights on the role of Venture Scouts in bridging the gap between founders and investors. With a wealth of experience in early-stage companies, she discusses the current state of the VC market, the importance of traction, and the critical factors that can make or break a startup's chances of securing funding. Tune in to discover valuable advice for founders seeking investment and learn how to navigate the complexities of the venture capital landscape. Simon and Anastasija discuss the role of Venture Scouts with Ritika Mehta, highlighting how they act as connectors between founders and VCs, helping both parties understand each other's needs better. Ritika shares her insights on the current VC market, noting a significant shift towards investing in AI, healthcare, and deep tech, while also emphasising the importance of traction and proof of concept for early-stage startups. The conversation touches on the critical need for founders to focus on a single ideal customer profile (ICP) rather than spreading themselves too thin, as this focus can significantly impact their chances of securing funding and achieving product-market fit. Follow us on Linkedin! https://www.linkedin.com/in/anastasijakrysa/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/anastasijakrysa/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/simonvhook/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/simonvhook/ Building Great Tech is the podcast that helps mission-driven tech businesses become more profitable and customer-focused. Whether you're just starting out or optimising what you’ve already built, each episode helps you drive conversion, retention, and real business growth. We dive into customer-focused strategies, killer product experiences, ethical tech, team dynamics, and smart roadmaps. Expect expert interviews, startup case studies, and practical advice to help make your tech profitable, scalable, and deeply aligned with your mission. Build better tech. Serve more customers. Scale with purpose.

    1 hr

  6. 18/12/2025

    7 Interview Biases Costing You Customers (And How to Fix Them)

    In this episode of the Building Great Tech podcast, hosts Simon Hook and Anastasija Krysa outline the top 7 interview biases that are stopping you and your startup from getting accurate user feedback! 86% of startups dismiss the most important feedback! Are you putting your efforts in the wrong place? Interview bias can cuase founders to validate their vision and NOT satisfy what user actually need. Simon and Anastajia outline the most dangerous biases and offer specific solutions to help you maximise your feedback! Follow us on Linkedin! https://www.linkedin.com/in/anastasijakrysa/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/simonvhook/ Building Great Tech is the podcast that helps mission-driven tech businesses become more profitable and customer-focused. Whether you're just starting out or optimising what you’ve already built, each episode helps you drive conversion, retention, and real business growth. We dive into customer-focused strategies, killer product experiences, ethical tech, team dynamics, and smart roadmaps. Expect expert interviews, startup case studies, and practical advice to help make your tech profitable, scalable, and deeply aligned with your mission. Build better tech. Serve more customers. Scale with purpose.

    32 min

  7. 11/12/2025

    AI Hype Vs Reality

    In this episode of the Building Great Tech podcast, hosts Simon Hook and Anastasija Krysa delve into a recent report by HSBC that raises eyebrows about the financial sustainability of OpenAI and the broader AI industry. With claims that OpenAI may require a staggering $207 billion by 2030 just to continue operating at a loss, Simon and Anastasija explore whether AI is genuinely transformative or merely a bubble waiting to burst. They discuss the contrasting timelines for Artificial General Intelligence (AGI), the current profitability of AI companies, and the implications of AI on the workforce. Join them as they cut through the hype and examine the reality of AI's impact on technology and society. Simon highlights the staggering claim from HSBC that OpenAI will need to raise at least $207 billion by 2030 just to continue operating while still losing money, prompting a discussion on the sustainability of AI companies. Anastasija reflects on the insights shared by Jolene, the former Meta AI chief, who emphasises that rather than replacing jobs, AI will enhance workforce capabilities, suggesting a more realistic timeline for AI's impact on the job market. Simon and Anastasija conclude that while AI technology is revolutionary, the short-term impact may be limited, and real companies with solid product-market fit will ultimately prevail, regardless of their use of AI. Follow us on Linkedin! https://www.linkedin.com/in/anastasijakrysa/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/simonvhook/ Building Great Tech is the podcast that helps mission-driven tech businesses become more profitable and customer-focused. Whether you're just starting out or optimising what you’ve already built, each episode helps you drive conversion, retention, and real business growth. We dive into customer-focused strategies, killer product experiences, ethical tech, team dynamics, and smart roadmaps. Expect expert interviews, startup case studies, and practical advice to help make your tech profitable, scalable, and deeply aligned with your mission. Build better tech. Serve more customers. Scale with purpose.

    28 min

  8. 04/12/2025

    How Social Biases Trick You into Shipping The Wrong Product

    In this episode of the Building Great Tech podcast, hosts Simon Hook and Anastasija Krysa delve into the critical topic of cognitive and social biases that can significantly impact product development in the tech industry. They explore how these biases often lead founders to make decisions based on peer influence rather than genuine customer needs, highlighting cautionary tales like Quibi. The discussion covers various biases, including the bandwagon effect, authority bias, and the halo effect, and how they can distort perceptions of user feedback. Simon and Anastasija also share practical strategies to overcome these biases, ensuring that tech leaders can create products that truly resonate with their target audiences. Tune in for valuable insights that could reshape your approach to product development! Simon highlights the cautionary tale of Quibi, illustrating how the founders prioritised social proof over actual customer needs, leading to their eventual failure despite significant investment. Anastasija shares a fascinating experiment by Dr. Todd Ross, demonstrating how participants unconsciously adjusted their ratings of attractiveness based on group feedback, showcasing the power of social influence. Simon and Anastasija discuss the importance of diverse user panels, emphasising that recruiting users from different backgrounds can help uncover hidden biases and ensure that product development is informed by a broader range of perspectives. Follow us on Linkedin! https://www.linkedin.com/in/anastasijakrysa/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/simonvhook/ Building Great Tech is the podcast that helps mission-driven tech businesses become more profitable and customer-focused. Whether you're just starting out or optimising what you’ve already built, each episode helps you drive conversion, retention, and real business growth. We dive into customer-focused strategies, killer product experiences, ethical tech, team dynamics, and smart roadmaps. Expect expert interviews, startup case studies, and practical advice to help make your tech profitable, scalable, and deeply aligned with your mission. Build better tech. Serve more customers. Scale with purpose.

    1h 1m
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About

Building Great Tech is the podcast that helps mission-driven tech businesses become more profitable and customer-focused. Whether you're just starting out or optimising what you’ve already built, each episode helps you drive conversion, retention, and real business growth. We dive into customer-focused strategies, killer product experiences, ethical tech, team dynamics, and smart roadmaps. Expect expert interviews, startup case studies, and practical advice to help make your tech profitable, scalable, and deeply aligned with your mission. 

 Build better tech. Serve more customers. Scale with purpose.

Information

  • Creator
    Simon Hook & Anastasija Krysa
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    21
  • Show Website
    Building Great Tech