Founders Podcast

Ash Lonare

Welcome to Founder's Podcast, This is a show where I interview proven founders and industry experts who share their stories, strategies, and insights to help you build, launch, and grow your business.

  1. 2d ago

    How One E-Commerce Brand Cut Costs 30% Before Spending More on Ads

    EPISODE DESCRIPTION - Ready to publishE-commerce brands do not fail because of bad ads alone - they fail because the numbers, supply chain, and retention system are broken long before scaling begins. Cem Atik reveals how he spots the hidden leaks that keep brands stuck, and the exact playbook he uses to turn messy operations into profitable growth.From a retailer doing 18 to 20 million a month to a business scaling faster and more profitably after major cost cuts, Cem shares how fixing packaging in China, renegotiating supplier terms, and shifting spend to the right products can transform the economics of a brand. He also explains why the first 10 million is not the real game, and why many founders are dangerously overconfident once growth starts.You'll discover: Why ego and emotion quietly destroy decision-making in businessThe CLTV to CAC metric Cem uses to expose weak subscription businessesHow to evaluate a brand on the first call by digging into P&Ls, COGS, fulfillment, and marginsWhy retention marketing and conversion rate optimization matter just as much as acquisitionThe supply chain changes that can cut fixed costs by 25 to 30 percentHow a brand can spend less on marketing and still become twice as profitableCem also breaks down how he approaches SaaS founders who want traction but do not yet know if the market truly wants their product. His advice is blunt: before you raise, build proof. Talk to the exact ICP, test for real pain, and use the channels where your audience is already talking about the problem. If you are waiting for permission to validate your idea, this part alone could save you months.This episode matters because most founders are optimizing the wrong thing. They chase more traffic, more spend, and more growth, while ignoring the fundamentals that actually make a company scale. Cem shows what happens when you start with clarity, not hype.Essential listening if you are building an e-commerce brand, a SaaS product, or any business that needs sharper execution, better numbers, and less guesswork.

  2. Aug 25

    How a Tiny Dublin Startup Sold for $425M

    Most founders overlook a simple but powerful secret—protecting their ideas with the right legal strategies can turn a modest startup into a multimillion-euro exit. In this episode, Phil Crowley reveals how a Dublin-based AI startup turned a $500 million acquisition, sharing the tactical legal moves that fueled their journey from code to collapse and rebirth.You'll discover how early-stage founders can leverage intellectual property, patents, and strategic legal protections to safeguard their innovations without breaking the bank. Phil breaks down the true value of patents versus trade secrets in software, explains why a limited liability company setup is critical, and offers practical advice on avoiding personal liability traps that could derail your startup.We also explore the often-missed legal vulnerabilities that even successful founders regret ignoring—like improper IP assignments or neglecting formalized agreements with collaborators. Phil shares real-world anecdotes, including a $425 million sale, and distills crucial lessons on building a legally resilient business foundation.Why does neglecting legal infrastructure cost startups millions in lost value or legal trouble? Because in today’s fast-moving tech landscape, protecting your "secret sauce" isn’t just good practice—it's a game changer. If you're an early-stage founder or planning your next fundraising round, this episode arms you with the knowledge to shield your innovation and accelerate your growth confidently.Perfect for entrepreneurs looking to unlock legal strategies that build lasting value, or for anyone curious about how legal foresight can turn a modest idea into a thriving, protected business—this is your blueprint to avoid common pitfalls and claim your rightful share of success.Phil Crowley is Managing Partner at Crowlew Law, known for guiding tech startups through complex legal terrain from Dublin to New York, and for helping them secure millions through strategic IP and legal protections.

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Welcome to Founder's Podcast, This is a show where I interview proven founders and industry experts who share their stories, strategies, and insights to help you build, launch, and grow your business.