Building Smart Startups: Avoiding Pitfalls, Leveraging Founders, and Harnessing AI w/ Andrew Hosch from Collinear Group

In this episode, we dive into the challenges startups face—from balancing tech development with marketing to navigating founder dynamics and market uncertainty. We discuss lessons learned from failed ventures, practical strategies for adopting new technologies, and the transformative potential of AI in the startup ecosystem. Whether you’re a founder, investor, or tech enthusiast, this conversation is packed with actionable insights for building smarter, more resilient startups.

Andrew Hosch is the COO at Collinear Group where he’s helping people use the right technology for the right reasons. With their GC Accelerate program, Andrew and his team specialize in shipping Go-To-Market SaaS Solutions that elevate your business.

Music⁠⁠⁠ By Eggy Toast

0:00 - Is This The Most Challenging Time in 25 Years?

7:35 - Advice for Weathering These Interesting Times

9:45 - Tariffs & The Fundamentals to Watch Out For

15:41 - Lessons From Being a First Time VP: the N-1 Rule

25:16 - Staying Sane in AI-insane Times

28:32 - The Danger of Underestimating Marketing and How To Avoid It

41:38 - The #1 Reason(s) Startups Fail, from a 20-year Veteran

45:06 - Being COO at Collinear Group and Solving the Magic Beans Problem

53:30 - What’s Next for Collinear Group