Building Tech Products & Scaling Startups: Launchbase

John Radford - Building Better Products, Teams & Tech
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Launchbase is the go-to podcast for startup founders and tech leaders building and scaling software products. Hosted by John Radford (software expert with $50M+ in funding success), each 30-minute episode brings practical insights on AI adoption, product strategy, and scaling high-performing teams. Hear from real founders, investors, and CTOs as they unpack the challenges of building tech, raising funds, and navigating digital transformation.

  1. JUN 18

    From Exit to Execution: Griffin Parry on Scaling SaaS, Product Mark Fit and GTM

    In this episode of Launchbase, John Radford sits down with Griffin Parry, founder and CEO of M3ter and former co-founder of Gamesparks (acquired by Amazon), to explore the realities of scaling a SaaS startup in a fast-changing market. Griffin shares his journey from corporate life to building, exiting, and starting again.  We explore lessons from Gamesparks and how they’re influencing his latest venture, M3ter. The conversation covers: Why usage-based pricing is reshaping SaaS business models How Griffin approached raising capital with a proven track record The key to building a go-to-market strategy that actually works How to listen for true customer pain points Achieving product-market fit and keeping churn low What it’s like to sell a startup to Amazon The emotional and strategic shift from exiting to starting again If you're a SaaS founder thinking about pricing models, investor conversations, or long-term product-market fit this one’s for you.

    29 min
  2. From Bootstrap to Millions: Jack Henderson's Journey

    JUN 12

    From Bootstrap to Millions: Jack Henderson's Journey

    In this episode of Launch Base, host John Radford interviews Jack Henderson, a serial entrepreneur who has successfully built and scaled multiple ventures in the healthcare sector without initial investment. Jack shares his journey from medical recruitment to founding KPI Health, discussing the challenges of cash flow management, the importance of having the right team, and the transition from founder to CEO. He also talks about his current ventures in Dubai, the launch of KMO and Flexo, and his experiences as an angel investor in healthcare startups. Jack emphasises the significance of understanding customer needs and the value of believing in oneself as a founder.   Takeaways Jack Henderson is a serial entrepreneur focused on healthcare. He bootstrapped KPI Health to over £20 million in revenue. Cash flow management is crucial for startup success. Building a strong team is essential for growth. Understanding customer needs is key to product development. Jack transitioned from founder to CEO with a focus on processes. He launched tech ventures in Dubai to access a broader talent pool.

    28 min
  3. UK vs US Tech: Inside the Mind of a Modern VC with Alistair Russell

    MAY 14

    UK vs US Tech: Inside the Mind of a Modern VC with Alistair Russell

    In this episode, John Radford sits down with Alistair Russell, investor at Venrex, to unpack the realities of startup fundraising, the evolving nature of venture capital, and the key differences between the UK and US tech ecosystems. Alistair shares his personal journey into VC, lessons learned from early bets, and what separates average startups from exceptional ones. From the importance of product-market fit and customer feedback, to why technology alone isn’t enough—this conversation is packed with insights for founders, startup operators, and anyone navigating the world of early-stage investment. Whether you're raising your first round, refining your pitch, or exploring transatlantic growth, this episode is a masterclass in modern venture capital strategy.

    35 min
  4. The Art and Science of Startup Investment

    MAY 7

    The Art and Science of Startup Investment

    In this episode, John Radford interviews Tony Kula, a seasoned entrepreneur and angel investor, discussing the intricacies of early-stage B2B SaaS investing. They explore the importance of founder characteristics, the balance between bootstrapping and seeking funding, common mistakes made by founders, and the role of an angel investor. Tony shares insights from his investment journey, emphasizing the significance of authenticity and the long-term nature of investor-founder relationships. takeaways Angel investing is a blend of art and science. The founder's characteristics are crucial for investment decisions. Bootstrapping can be a viable path for startups. Investors should focus on capital efficiency and MRR growth. Common mistakes include creating fake urgency and overselling. Authenticity in storytelling is vital for founders. Investors often look for founder-investor fit. Sales issues are a common challenge for startups. Time is often underestimated in the startup journey. Angel investing can be rewarding and keeps investors engaged.

    25 min

  5. APR 30

    The Art of Storytelling in Startups

    In this episode of Launch Base, host John Radford speaks with Phil McSweeney, an advisor and author, about the challenges founders face in scaling their businesses. They discuss the importance of storytelling, the reasons behind founder failures, and the key traits that make exceptional founders. Phil shares insights on angel investing, the significance of brand positioning, and the impact of no-code solutions on startups. The conversation culminates with a discussion of Phil's book, 'Angel Think', which offers valuable advice for founders looking to understand investor perspectives and gain a competitive edge. takeaways Founders often fail due to a lack of market fit. Storytelling is crucial for engaging investors. Execution is more important than just having an idea. Building a personal brand can help in fundraising. Determination and self-belief are key traits of successful founders. Creating a strong narrative is essential for attracting investment. Revenue generation is more important than having a perfect product. No-code solutions can help validate ideas without significant investment. Building relationships with investors before asking for money is vital. Competitive advantage comes from more than just intellectual property.

    26 min

  6. APR 17

    From Tech to Tranquility: The Unplugged Journey

    In this episode of Launchbase, host John Radford speaks with Hector Hughes, co-founder of Unplugged, a hospitality startup focused on providing digital detox experiences through off-grid cabins. Hector shares his journey from the tech industry to creating a business that encourages people to disconnect from their devices and reconnect with nature. The conversation explores the impact of digital detox on mental health and relationships, lessons learned from Hector's startup experiences, insights into fundraising, and the future vision for Unplugged as a movement promoting offline living.   Takeaways Hector transitioned from tech to hospitality to promote digital detox. Unplugged offers unique off-grid cabins for disconnection. The first day of detox can be challenging but leads to calm. Couples benefit significantly from spending time offline together. Digital distractions can hinder empathy and focus in relationships. Hector learned the importance of product focus in startups. Hiring slowly and thoughtfully is crucial for company culture. Cold outreach can be effective for fundraising if done right. Understanding funding terms is more important than the amount raised. Unplugged aims to create a cultural movement around digital detox.

    30 min

  7. APR 2

    Building the Future: AI Forge's Mission

    In this episode of LaunchBase, John Radford sits down with Kevin Jackson, Chairman of AI Forge, to explore what it takes to build and scale AI startups. Kevin shares his journey from advertising to AI, the mission of AI Forge, and the rigorous selection process founders must go through. They dive into the challenges and opportunities in AI, the role of resilience in entrepreneurship, and why AI is becoming as fundamental as electricity. If you're an aspiring AI founder or curious about where AI is heading, this episode is packed with insights on funding, innovation, and the future of work.

    28 min

  8. MAR 26

    From Banking to Angel Investing: Katie Dunn's Journey

    In this episode of Launch Base, host John Radford is joined by Katie Dunn, an angel investor and startup advisor, to discuss her journey from corporate banking to the world of angel investing. They dive into the critical role of personal branding on LinkedIn, the key qualities that make a successful founder, and the evolving startup ecosystem. Katie shares valuable insights on navigating investor relationships, the significance of founder-market fit, and the growing impact of AI in investment opportunities. Tune in for practical tips on fundraising, networking, and leveraging your unique skills to succeed in the startup world. Takeaways: The importance of LinkedIn for building a personal brand and network. Insights on the transition from corporate banking to angel investing. What makes a successful founder, and why experience matters. How to effectively communicate with investors and tell your story. The evolving role of AI in investment strategies and startup success. Listen now for actionable advice on securing investment and scaling your startup!

    30 min
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About

Launchbase is the go-to podcast for startup founders and tech leaders building and scaling software products. Hosted by John Radford (software expert with $50M+ in funding success), each 30-minute episode brings practical insights on AI adoption, product strategy, and scaling high-performing teams. Hear from real founders, investors, and CTOs as they unpack the challenges of building tech, raising funds, and navigating digital transformation.

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