The Founder Files

Metavolve
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Rated #1 Podcast for Entrepreneurs in South Africa in 2023 by Feedspot. The Founder Files is where founders come to explore proven growth strategies and real entrepreneurial challenges. Hosted by Cameron Coutts, each episode unpacks the complex journeys of scaling businesses, delivered by entrepreneurs who've walked the path. No script, no filter – just a fireside chat between growth-driven founders. If you’re seeking practical advice and relatable stories to fuel your growth journey, this is your go-to resource. Subscribe now!

  1. From South Africa to the World: How AURA Is Revolutionizing Emergency Response - Ryan Green, AURA

    قبل ٣ أيام

    From South Africa to the World: How AURA Is Revolutionizing Emergency Response - Ryan Green, AURA

    What does it take to build a tech company that literally saves lives, and scale it from South Africa to the world? In this episode of The Founder Files, Cameron Coutts sits down with Ryan Green, Co-Founder and CPO of AURA, the emergency-response platform transforming how people access help anywhere, anytime. Ryan shares the story behind AURA’s rise from an idea inside a security company to a global safety platform trusted by insurers, banks, and e-hailing giants: • How AURA started by solving South Africa’s broken emergency-response system • The decision to go B2B instead of B2C, and why it changed everything • Building a marketplace that connects users to the nearest vetted responders in seconds • Expanding from South Africa to Kenya, the UK, and the US • Working with government to use data to predict and prevent crime • The culture, systems, and leadership mindset behind scaling a mission-driven company If you’re a founder, operator, or visionary building in tough markets, this episode will challenge your idea of scale, focus, and purpose, and remind you what it really means to build something that matters. ---------- Book a curiosity call with Cameron: https://www.metavolve.co/curiosity-call This episode is brought to you by Metavolve.Metavolve is a team of focused experts committed to helping entrepreneurs like you scale their businesses successfully. Reach out to our team to learn more: https://metavolve.co/ ---------- To support The Founder Files: 🔔 Subscribe and turn post notifications on ⭐ Leave a comment to let us know your thoughts 💭 Share your thoughts on Linkedin and tag Cameron Coutts 🔗 Connect with Ryan:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-green-48b47952/ 🔗 Connect with Cameron: Instagram:   / thefounderfilespodcast   LinkedIn:   / cameron-metavolve   ---------- Chapters: 00:00 Introduction 04:19 The Problem That Sparked AURA 08:47 Security Meets Medical: Expanding the Vision 11:20 Inside AURA’s Business Model & Scale  15:06  The “Powered by AURA” Ecosystem 26:10 Scaling to 1.5 Million Users in SA 31:08 Building Radical Convenience for Users and Responders 46:35 Turning Data into Real-World Impact 01:00:54 The Truth About Crime in South Africa 01:09:16 Going Global: From SA to the UK & USA 01:20:11 Culture, Leadership & Scaling a Mission-Driven Team 01:35:19 Founder Reflections: Motivation, Mindset & Smart Hustle

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  2. How Humanity SA Built a 7-Figure Business with Zero Experience - Shaun Raaff, Humanity SA

    ٦ أكتوبر

    How Humanity SA Built a 7-Figure Business with Zero Experience - Shaun Raaff, Humanity SA

    What does it really take to build a business from nothing: no experience, no funding, and no plan, and still make it work? In this episode of The Founder Files, Cameron Coutts sits down with Shaun Raaff, the co-founder and CEO of Humanity SA, a people-first talent and consulting group that’s reshaping the way recruitment and employer branding is done in South Africa. Shaun shares the real story behind Humanity SA’s journey: How he went from PE teacher to entrepreneur with no business background. The eight years of no profit before their hockey-stick growth. The power of ADHD, sport, and resilience in business. Why Humanity wins by playing the long game, putting people and relationships before quick wins. The founder breakup lessons that shaped the company’s future If you’re a founder, business owner, or builder who’s stuck in the trenches, this episode will give you perspective, patience, and practical lessons to keep going. ---------- Unlock Your Scale-Ready Score: https://playbook.metavolve.co/ Book a curiosity call with Cameron: https://www.metavolve.co/curiosity-call This episode is brought to you by Metavolve. Metavolve is a team of focused experts committed to helping entrepreneurs like you scale their businesses successfully. Reach out to our team to learn more: https://metavolve.co/ ---------- To support The Founder Files: 🔔 Subscribe and turn post notifications on ⭐ Leave a comment to let us know your thoughts 💭 Share your thoughts on Linkedin and tag Cameron Coutts 🔗 Connect with Shaun: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaun-raaff-98257230/ 🔗 Connect with Cameron: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefounderfilespodcast/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cameron-metavolve/ ---------- Chapters: 00:00 Introduction 04:28 How Humanity SA Started 07:21 Hockey Stick Growth: 8 Years, No Profit 14:18 How Sports and ADHD Shaped My Mindset as a Founder 26:14 The Real Reason Humanity SA Finally Scaled 49:54 From Four Founders to One: The Shareholding Journey 1:10:47 Crucial Conversations: Lessons in Conflict, Clarity, and Leadership 1:27:32 The Future of Humanity SA: Betting Big on People

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  3. Life After the Exit: Rebuilding, Reflecting, and Investing Smarter - Ariel Navarro, OneCart

    ٢٩ سبتمبر

    Life After the Exit: Rebuilding, Reflecting, and Investing Smarter - Ariel Navarro, OneCart

    What really happens after you sell your company? In this episode of The Founder Files, Ariel Navarro (Past co-founder of OneCart, acquired by Massmart/Walmart) opens up about life after exiting his business: the highs, the lows, and the lessons he wishes every founder knew. We dive into the emotional rollercoaster of stepping away, the reality of burnout, the money mistakes no one talks about, and how Ariel is rebuilding his life and career with new clarity and purpose. If you’re an entrepreneur chasing an exit (or recovering from one), this conversation is packed with hard truths and practical wisdom about wealth, identity, and what comes next. ---------- Unlock Your Scale-Ready Score: https://playbook.metavolve.co/ Book a curiosity call with Cameron: https://www.metavolve.co/curiosity-callThis episode is brought to you by Metavolve.Metavolve is a team of focused experts committed to helping entrepreneurs like you scale their businesses successfully. Reach out to our team to learn more: https://metavolve.co/---------- To support The Founder Files:🔔 Subscribe and turn post notifications on⭐ Leave a comment to let us know your thoughts💭 Share your thoughts on Linkedin and tag Cameron Coutts🔗 Connect with Ariel:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arielnavarro/?originalSubdomain=za🔗 Connect with Cameron:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefounderfilespodcast/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cameron-metavolve/----------

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  4. Powering Africa: How Open Access Is Scaling Clean Energy, James Irons - Open Access Energy

    ٢٢ سبتمبر

    Powering Africa: How Open Access Is Scaling Clean Energy, James Irons - Open Access Energy

    How do you take a renewable energy startup and scale it into one of Africa’s leading clean power providers?In this episode of The Founder Files, we sit down with James Irons, as the past co-founder of SolarAfrica, how he grew it into one of SA’s leading energy players before exiting. From early struggles with cancelled projects to raising capital and powering mines, factories, and communities, James shares the behind-the-scenes journey of scaling a business at the heart of Africa’s energy future.We dive into: • Why Africa’s energy crisis is also its biggest opportunity • The challenges of regulation, funding, and market trust • Lessons in resilience, leadership, and navigating the rollercoaster of entrepreneurshipIf you’ve ever wondered what it takes to solve some of Africa’s toughest infrastructure challenges, this conversation is packed with insights you won’t want to miss. ---------- Unlock Your Scale-Ready Score: https://roadmap.metavolve.co/ Book a curiosity call with Cameron: https://www.metavolve.co/curiosity-call This episode is brought to you by Metavolve. Metavolve is a team of focused experts committed to helping entrepreneurs like you scale their businesses successfully. Reach out to our team to learn more: https://metavolve.co/ ---------- To support The Founder Files: 🔔 Subscribe and turn post notifications on ⭐ Leave a comment to let us know your thoughts 💭 Share your thoughts on Linkedin and tag Cameron Coutts 🔗 Connect with James:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-irons-89299b36/ 🔗 Connect with Cameron:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefounderfilespodcast/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cameron-metavolve/ ---------- Chapters 00:00 Introduction 08:10 How Solar Africa started in Kenya: The early challenges 21:20 First Major Joint Venture: Managing R300–400 million in CapEx 36:23 The Wheeling Revolution Explained 54:42 Open Access Energy’s role in Simplifying a Complex Industry 01:00:05 An existential founder moment: Why James Stepped Away from Solar Africa 01:01:24 Visionary vs. Integrator Partnerships 01:08:14 Entrepreneurship & Motivation Shifts 01:30:00 The origin story of Open Access Energy  01:36:23 James’s new role as Executive Chairman 01:45:38 Future of Open Access & Energy Markets

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  5. How RIYP Became South Africa’s Fastest-Growing Exporter - Uzair Essack, Riyp

    ١٥ سبتمبر

    How RIYP Became South Africa’s Fastest-Growing Exporter - Uzair Essack, Riyp

    How do you turn debt and risk into global growth? In this episode of The Founder Files, we sit down with Uzair Essack, founder of Riyp one of South Africa’s fastest-growing exporters in agriculture and logistics. From being a million rand in debt in his early 20s to building a business that ships fresh produce across the globe, Uzair shares the raw realities of scaling under pressure. He opens up about why he risked his last money to fly to Qatar in search of opportunity, how he reinvented the exporter–farmer model, and why he believes outsourcing beats in-house hiring for scale. This is a masterclass in resilience, strategy, and spotting opportunity in tough markets. We dive into: • How Uzair went from R1M in debt to exporting globally • The leap of faith that changed his life in Qatar • Why the old export model was broken and what he built instead • The power of outsourcing vs. hiring internally • Lessons from scaling one of SA’s fastest-growing exporting company This episode is packed with lessons for founders about risk, resilience, and building scalable systems that last. ---------- Unlock Your Scale-Ready Score: https://roadmap.metavolve.co/ Book a curiosity call with Cameron: https://www.metavolve.co/curiosity-call This episode is brought to you by Metavolve.Metavolve is a team of focused experts committed to helping entrepreneurs like you scale their businesses successfully. Reach out to our team to learn more: https://metavolve.co/ ---------- To support The Founder Files:🔔 Subscribe and turn post notifications on⭐ Leave a comment to let us know your thoughts💭 Share your thoughts on Linkedin and tag Cameron Coutts 🔗 Connect with Uzair:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/uzairessack/ 🔗 Connect with Cameron:Instagram:    / thefounderfilespodcast   LinkedIn:   / cameron-metavolve   ----------Chapters:00:00 Introduction04:14 How Uzair Built a Global Export Business Alone11:19 The Hidden Cost of Scaling Solo: Burnout & Bottlenecks13:27 Why Growing Up With Less Sparked Uzair’s Drive18:17 University Struggles: Choosing Hustle Over Assignments25:18 Pineapples, Persistence, and the First Steps Toward RIYP35:33 Breaking the Old Model: How Uzair Won Farmers’ Trust47:27 At 23 A Million Rand in Debt: From Suicidal Thoughts to Lessons in Resilience55:34 The Sheikh, The Deal, The Funding: Riyp’s First Big Break01:18:06 Outsourcing + Systems: How Ripe Scaled Solo01:37:28 What Does The Future Look Like For Riyp

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  6. The Family Business Brewing Change in Coffee - Daniel Pretorius & Lulu Larche, 4WKS

    ٨ سبتمبر

    The Family Business Brewing Change in Coffee - Daniel Pretorius & Lulu Larche, 4WKS

    How do you build a coffee brand that blends sustainability, taste, and habit change? In this episode of The Founder Files, we sit down with Daniel and Lulu, co-founders of 4WKS, the coffee brand redefining convenience and sustainability. Built around the philosophy of “four weeks”, their pods are designed to fully break down in 28 days, align with the perfect window to enjoy coffee at peak flavor, and represent the time it takes to build a new habit. From tackling the waste problem in coffee culture to inspiring mindful consumption, Daniel and Lulu shares the lessons behind building a values-driven brand with global potential. We dive into: • Why the “four weeks” concept drives everything from flavor to sustainability • The challenges of breaking into a saturated coffee market with a bold mission • How 4WKS is educating consumers about compostable pods and waste reduction • The link between coffee rituals, new habits, and lifestyle change • Lessons on purpose-led entrepreneurship and brand storytelling This episode is packed with insights on building sustainable businesses, reshaping consumer habits, and creating brands that matter. ---------- Unlock Your Scale-Ready Score: https://roadmap.metavolve.co/ Book a curiosity call with Cameron: https://www.metavolve.co/curiosity-call This episode is brought to you by Metavolve.Metavolve is a team of focused experts committed to helping entrepreneurs like you scale their businesses successfully. Reach out to our team to learn more: https://metavolve.co/ ---------- To support The Founder Files:🔔 Subscribe and turn post notifications on⭐ Leave a comment to let us know your thoughts💭 Share your thoughts on Linkedin and tag Cameron Coutts 🔗 Connect with Daniel: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-pretorius-54937814b/ 🔗 Connect with Lulu:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lulu-larch%C3%A9-a3b31b2b4/ 🔗 Connect with Cameron:Instagram:   / thefounderfilespodcast  LinkedIn:   / cameron-metavolve   ---------- Chapters: 00:00 Introduction 04:10 The Story Behind 4WKS: More Than Just a Name 05:33 Inside the 4WKS Business Model: From Roasters to Retail 11:33 The Inspiration Behind 4WKS: Where Coffee Meets Sustainability 16:43 From Red Espresso to 4WKS: Carving Their Own Path 20:26 Why Lulu Joined 4WKS and the Meaning Behind the Name 27:05 How 28 Days Off Became a Core Value 38:51 Playing to Strengths: Why 4WKS Focuses on Output, Not Hours 46:03 When Founders Disagree: Lessons From 4WKS 01:02:39 From Supply Chain Struggles to Partnerships With Bootlegger & Seattle 01:22:27 Bringing Café Quality Home; Without the Waste 01:26:09 The Road Ahead: Scaling 4WKS Beyond South Africa

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  7. Reinventing Recruitment: How Wamly Built a Global Solution - Francois de Wet, Wamly

    ١ سبتمبر

    Reinventing Recruitment: How Wamly Built a Global Solution - Francois de Wet, Wamly

    How do you turn a simple idea into a global HR solution? In this episode of The Founder Files, we sit down with Francois de Wet, founder of Wamly, an HR tech company transforming the way businesses hire. What started as a video interview platform has evolved into a full end-to-end hiring solution used in 147 countries. From navigating customer churn to learning the power of community-driven product building, Fran shares the real lessons behind scaling Wamly, co-creating with clients, and staying adaptable in a fast-changing market. We dive into: • How Wamly pivoted from video interviews to an all-in-one hiring tool • Lessons learned from early churn and rebuilding trust • The importance of co-creating solutions with customers • Scaling across 147 countries while staying lean • Building resilience as a founder in HR tech This episode is packed with insights on growth, adaptability, and the future of recruitment technology. ---------- Unlock Your Scale-Ready Score: https://roadmap.metavolve.co/ Book a curiosity call with Cameron: https://www.metavolve.co/curiosity-call This episode is brought to you by Metavolve. Metavolve is a team of focused experts committed to helping entrepreneurs like you scale their businesses successfully. Reach out to our team to learn more: https://metavolve.co/ ---------- To support The Founder Files: 🔔 Subscribe and turn post notifications on ⭐ Leave a comment to let us know your thoughts 💭 Share your thoughts on Linkedin and tag Cameron Coutts 🔗 Connect with Francois:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/frandewet/ 🔗 Connect with Cameron:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefounderfilespodcast/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cameron-metavolve/ ---------- 00:00 Introduction 05:49 From video interviews to HR tech: How Wamly started 07:35 Why listening to clients changed everything 16:10 The 4 data points that predict job success 21:14 How Wamly brings science into recruitment 29:34 Why the War for talent demands faster hiring 38:20 The painful truth behind why we had to pivot 52:57 Building an all-in-one hiring solution that stays simple 01:03:20 How Wamly used Wamly to build Wamly 01:09:55 The danger of complacency after you ‘Make It’ 01:18:42 Imposter syndrome and the founder’s burden 01:30:57 The leadership lesson that nearly broke me

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  8. From 1 Café to 12 Brands: The Story of No Name Hospitality - Ariel Segal, No Name Hospitality Group

    ٢٥ أغسطس

    From 1 Café to 12 Brands: The Story of No Name Hospitality - Ariel Segal, No Name Hospitality Group

    How do you build a hospitality group that reshapes an entire city? In this episode of The Founder Files, we sit down with Ariel Segal, co-founder of NoName Hospitality Group, the team behind some of Cape Town’s most exciting restaurant brands. Starting with Jared’s Espresso Bar, Ariel and his brother spotted a market gap inspired by Australia’s coffee and dining culture and went on to create 12 unique brands employing over 400 people. From tackling supply chain challenges to transforming Sea Point into a thriving culinary hub, Ariel shares the realities of building and scaling a hospitality group while staying true to customer experience and brand values. We dive into: • The early days of spotting market gaps and building Jaryds • Challenges of scaling restaurants in South Africa’s supply chain context • Balancing customer needs with brand identity • Why Sea Point became the perfect hub for their growth • Lessons on passion, innovation, and sustainable hospitality This episode is packed with insights for founders on growth, resilience, and creating experiences that stand the test of time. ---------- Unlock Your Scale-Ready Score: https://roadmap.metavolve.co/ Book a curiosity call with Cameron: https://www.metavolve.co/curiosity-callThis episode is brought to you by Metavolve. Metavolve is a team of focused experts committed to helping entrepreneurs like you scale their businesses successfully. Reach out to our team to learn more: https://metavolve.co/ ---------- To support The Founder Files: 🔔 Subscribe and turn post notifications on ⭐ Leave a comment to let us know your thoughts 💭 Share your thoughts on Linkedin and tag Cameron Coutts 🔗 Connect with Ariel:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ariel-segal-no-name/ 🔗 Connect with Cameron:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefounderfilespodcast/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cameron-metavolve/ ---------- 00:00 Introduction  04:12 How NoName Hospitality Group Began 08:58 The Hidden Challenges of Scaling Restaurants in South Africa 14:16 The Rise of Experience-Driven Dining 17:16 Balancing Brand Ego with Customer Needs 27:01 How to Stay True to Values While Innovating 30:15 Ad 31:59 How Sea Point Became an Untouched Gem 46:31 How We Expanded from One Café to a Group 55:15 Why Timing and Market Fit Matter More Than Ideas 01:00:34 Soft Launch vs Hard Launch: Which Works Best?

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Rated #1 Podcast for Entrepreneurs in South Africa in 2023 by Feedspot. The Founder Files is where founders come to explore proven growth strategies and real entrepreneurial challenges. Hosted by Cameron Coutts, each episode unpacks the complex journeys of scaling businesses, delivered by entrepreneurs who've walked the path. No script, no filter – just a fireside chat between growth-driven founders. If you’re seeking practical advice and relatable stories to fuel your growth journey, this is your go-to resource. Subscribe now!

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    Metavolve
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    ٢٠٢٤ - ٢٠٢٥
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    © Metavolve
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    The Founder Files