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Alexej Pikovsky
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Learn how business leaders grew their businesses and dealt with challenges in a smart way: - Fundraising - First customer - Scaling - Acquisition & exit - Balance between work, health and family

  1. Turn Clicks Into Cash: Conversion Hacks Every Business Needs

    12/06/2024

    Turn Clicks Into Cash: Conversion Hacks Every Business Needs

    Oliver Kenyon is a UK-based entrepreneur and the Co-Founder of ConversionWise, a company specializing in conversion rate optimization (CRO). Under his leadership, ConversionWise has collaborated with over 3,500 brands, including GFUEL, Lotus Biscuits, and Lamborghini, as well as prominent figures like Lionel Messi and Kim Kardashian. He is also the Founder of AffiliateFix, a leading affiliate marketing community that grew to over 70,000 members and 400,000 discussions. This platform was later acquired by Neil Patel’s investment firm in 2017. Before his entrepreneurial ventures, Oliver was a fully qualified chef. Beyond his business achievements, he is dedicated to education, offering courses on platforms like Udemy to share his expertise in CRO.  Summary In this episode with Oliver Kenyon, you’ll learn: How Oliver built ConversionWise, a large conversion rate optimization (CRO) agency, including how they helped put landing pages on the map. Since the landing page industry exploded, how ConversionWise has evolved and adapted. When Oliver met his co-founder Andy and how they divide their workload. Whether they have any systems in place, such as EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating System) or OKR (Objectives and Key Results). The current status of the affiliate community that Oliver built (and his first exit), AffiliateFix. Whether Oliver started out specifically aiming at eCommerce or if he had adopted a more general approach. Some examples from Oliver of best practices that apply across the whole industry. Where Oliver sees issues where direct response does not really work but conversion is optimized, such as traffic that is too expensive. Whether Oliver thinks tech stack and brand infrastructure can affect conversion. How he feels about the future, including CMS (content management systems), Shopify, and AI. How ConversionWise works with brands on the CRO side and what their retention is like. How you can get in touch with Oliver.

    46 min
  2. Don’t Dilute Your Ownership! The Debt vs Equity Debate Every Tech Founder Needs to Hear

    11/29/2024

    Don’t Dilute Your Ownership! The Debt vs Equity Debate Every Tech Founder Needs to Hear

    In this episode with Luc Arama, you’ll learn: HSBC Innovation Banking’s acquisition of Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) and Luc’s feelings about it.How companies manage a debt facility with SVB in both the UK and the US.Why a founder should consider going down the debt route rather than the equity route.At what stages does HSBC Innovation Banking lend to companies.What terms HSBC Innovation Banking usually offer for someone who is raising money through both an equity round and a venture debt facility.How HSBC Innovation Banking differentiates itself in the market against traditional banks, venture debt funds, and VC funds.How it differentiates from revenue-based financing.Why HSBC Innovation Banking helps so many software companies compared to e-commerce.What the due diligence process is for HSBC Innovation Banking when it underwrites.Examples of covenants being breached and what happens if they are breached.What needs to happen for HSBC Innovation Banking to auction off a business.How Luc sees the financing landscape evolving in the future.How you can get in touch with Luc.

    35 min
  3. The Path to Independent Success: Rand Fishkin on How to Build Without VC Funding

    10/28/2024

    The Path to Independent Success: Rand Fishkin on How to Build Without VC Funding

    In this podcast episode, Alexej and Rand Fishkin discuss the advantages of angel funding over venture capital for startups, emphasizing sustainable business growth over rapid scaling. Rand shares insights from his experience with Moz and SparkToro, highlighting alternative investment structures and the potential impact of AI on search and SaaS industries. They also explore wealth-building approaches for entrepreneurs and the importance of antitrust policies in fostering innovation. 🔍Timestamps: 00:01 Alexej welcomes Rand to the conversation 00:44 Rand introduces himself, discussing Moz and SparkToro 02:19 Discussion on non-VC funding choices 04:40 Reasons for preferring angel investment over VC 08:34 Critique of the venture capital model 13:57 Explanation of SparkToro’s unique funding terms 18:19 Approach to building profitable, sustainable businesses 22:18 Liquidation preferences and SparkToro’s terms 24:31 Structure of SparkToro’s board and decision-making 29:27 Investors overlapping in multiple projects 34:01 Future of search and AI's impact on Google 38:03 Discussion on AI's role in SaaS 42:05 Implications of AGI and SaaS models 45:07 Wealth-building through sustainable entrepreneurship 51:54 Challenges of modern entrepreneurship and monopolies 57:00 How to connect with Rand on LinkedIn and Threads -- LINKS --  ► Show Notes: https://nuoptima.com/saas-podcast/sparktoro-rand-fishkin 🔗 Follow NUOPTIMA: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexej-pikovsky-9743701/Website: https://www.nuoptima.com  🔗 Follow Rand: LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/randfishkinWebsite: https://sparktoro.com/ 🔔 Stay Updated: Turn on notifications to never miss our latest videos on growth tactics in SaaS, trends, and business insights.

    57 min
  4. From Viral B2C AI Video templates to leading AI Video SaaS platform

    07/31/2024

    From Viral B2C AI Video templates to leading AI Video SaaS platform

    In this podcast episode, we dive deep into Rizzle's innovative journey from a short-form video platform to a leading SaaS for AI-driven video creation. Discover how Rizzle prioritizes product features, manages challenges, and envisions the future of video editing. Hear personal insights on fundraising, team dynamics, and the entrepreneurial spirit from the co-founder with a rich tech background. Don't miss key lessons and an inspiring success story on navigating the tech industry and scaling a startup. 🔍Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction to Product Features and Prioritization 01:03 What is Rizzle? 03:21 The Journey of the Founders 05:13 Pivoting the Business Model 12:15 Current Focus and Market Positioning 16:34 Team Structure and Engineering Talent 22:49 Building Brand Awareness and Moving Away from Free Models 23:10 The Future of Video Editing with AI 25:46 Challenges in Fundraising and Market Competition 29:44 Lessons Learned from Fundraising Struggles 35:18 Splitting Roles and Responsibilities in a Startup 36:26 Critical Lessons for SaaS Founders 39:48 Quick Fire Questions and Closing Thoughts -- LINKS --  ► Show Notes: nuoptima.com/saas-podcast/rizzle-vidya-narayanan 🔗 Follow NUOPTIMA: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexej-pikovsky-9743701/Website: https://www.nuoptima.com  🔗 Follow Vidya: LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/hellovidyaWebsite: https://rizzle.com/ 🔔 Stay Updated: Turn on notifications to never miss our latest videos on growth tactics in SaaS, trends, and business insights.

    48 min
  5. How to be a Tech Disruptor in One of the Oldest Sports Industries of our Time

    07/01/2024

    How to be a Tech Disruptor in One of the Oldest Sports Industries of our Time

    In this podcast episode we dive deep into Pegasus, a pioneering SaaS platform transforming the equestrian event management industry. Sam, the founder, takes us through the company's vision of becoming the global operating system for the equestrian economy. Learn about their unique journey from bootstrap beginnings to launching with potential, powered by a strong marketing strategy and deep industry insights. Discover the challenges and triumphs of developing such specialized software, their strategic approach to market entry, and how they plan to dominate this niche yet lucrative industry. Perfect for tech enthusiasts, aspiring founders, and anyone with a passion for SaaS and equestrian sports. 🔍Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 00:07 Overview of Pegasus and Its Vision 01:46 Event Management System Features 03:12 Marketplace and Future Plans 05:29 Founder's Journey into Equestrian Tech 05:48 Building the Business During COVID 08:23 Initial Challenges and Launch 11:51 Marketing Strategy and Brand Building 13:24 Podcasting as a Growth Tool 18:44 Personal Podcast Preferences 23:14 CrossFit and Business Insights 27:53 CrossFit's Unique Business Model 29:20 The Appeal of CrossFit Competitions 31:01 Marketing Strategies in Sports 33:05 Building Pegasus: A Journey of Trust and Relationships 36:06 Soft Launch and Customer Feedback 38:57 Challenges and Strategies in Scaling 43:06 The Role of Venture Capital 46:03 Lessons from a Founder Couple 52:41 Contact and Final Thoughts -- LINKS --  ► Show Notes: http://nuoptima.com/saas-podcast/pegasus-sam-baynes 🔗 Follow NUOPTIMA: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexej-pikovsky-9743701/Website: https://www.nuoptima.com  🔗 Follow Sam: LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/sam-baynes-1b039013b/Website: https://www.thepegasus.app/ 🔔 Stay Updated: Turn on notifications to never miss our latest videos on growth tactics in SaaS, trends, and business insights.

    57 min
  6. How to Build a Modern B2B Commerce Network

    06/24/2024

    How to Build a Modern B2B Commerce Network

    In this episode, we sit down with Dipti, the founder of CRSTL, a modern B2B commerce network focused on enabling brands of all sizes to go omni-channel. Dipti shares the journey of launching CRSTL, discusses the challenges faced, and the unique value CRSTL brings in the EDI space. Learn about her background, the importance of customer focus, and the strategic decisions behind building and scaling a SaaS business in the eCommerce infrastructure space. Timestamped segments include the origin story of CRSTL, growth channels, customer validation, team building, resource allocation, fundraising experiences, and advice for other entrepreneurs. 🔍Timestamps: 00:00 Welcome and Introduction 00:08 The Story Behind CRSTL 04:29 Understanding CRSTL's Market and Product 06:03 Building and Growing the Business 07:52 Customer Focus and Differentiation 30:07 Challenges and Resource Allocation 35:23 Quick Fire Questions and Conclusion -- LINKS --  ► Show Notes: http://nuoptima.com/saas-podcast/crstl-dipti-desai 🔗 Follow NUOPTIMA: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexej-pikovsky-9743701/Website: https://www.nuoptima.com  🔗 Follow Dipti: LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/diptidesai/Website: https://www.crstl.so/ 🔔 Stay Updated: Turn on notifications to never miss our latest videos on growth tactics in SaaS, trends, and business insights.

    42 min
  7. Leading WhatsApp Integrations SaaS for CRMs and Sales

    06/18/2024

    Leading WhatsApp Integrations SaaS for CRMs and Sales

    In this episode of the SaaS Minds Podcast, host Alex interviews Ishay Tentser, CEO and founder of Timeless AI. Ishay shares his unique journey of pioneering a business on WhatsApp five years ago, which has now become a trend among VCs. He explains how he runs Timeless AI, which integrates WhatsApp with CRM systems to bring all customer communication into one platform. Ishay also discusses managing platform risks, maintaining a first-mover advantage, and balancing his time with a web development agency he co-founded. The discussion covers Timeless AI’s product-led growth strategy, challenges faced with WhatsApp API changes, and future plans. Ishay emphasizes the importance of focusing on customer needs, SEO, and the compound interest effect, alongside recommending great SaaS tools and sharing valuable advice for other SaaS founders. 🔍Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction to Ishay Tentser's Journey 01:15 Building a Business on WhatsApp 03:14 From Web Development to SaaS 06:20 Growth and Customer Acquisition Strategies 10:57 Product Market Fit and Future Plans 20:33 Navigating CRM Partnerships and Integration 22:37 Exploring Product Roadmap and Platform Expansion 23:53 Addressing Platform Risks and API Dependencies 28:04 Preventing Misuse and Ensuring Ethical Practices 30:33 Quick Fire Questions and Recommendations 35:45 Final Thoughts and Key Takeaways 38:10 Conclusion and Promotion -- LINKS --  ► Show Notes: http://nuoptima.com/saas-podcast/timelinesai-ishay-tentser 🔗 Follow NUOPTIMA: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexej-pikovsky-9743701/Website: https://www.nuoptima.com  🔗 Follow Ishay: LinkedIn:  https://il.linkedin.com/in/tentserWebsite: https://timelines.ai/ 🔔 Stay Updated: Turn on notifications to never miss our latest videos on growth tactics in SaaS, trends, and business insights.

    41 min
  8. Bootstrapping to $1m ARR while competing at American Ninja Warrior

    06/11/2024

    Bootstrapping to $1m ARR while competing at American Ninja Warrior

    In this episode of the SaaS Minds podcast, we explore the remarkable journey of serial entrepreneur Chris Baden. Chris, a three-time founder and CEO of Flowchat, shares his experience in transforming his latest startup from an agency tool to a standalone SaaS business, achieving $1M in annual recurring revenue (ARR) in just two years. Discover how Chris balances his entrepreneurial ventures with family life, having three kids, and competing in multiple seasons of American Ninja Warrior. Learn about his strategies for scaling Flowchat, the importance of branding and partnerships, and insights from his involvement in Dan Martell's SaaS Academy. This episode is packed with valuable lessons on entrepreneurship, growth, and personal development. 🔍Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction to Chris Baden's Journey 01:03 Chris Baden's Background and Flowchat 02:04 Challenges and Strategies in SaaS 04:06 Non-Technical Founder Insights 05:55 Lead Generation and Early Success 08:22 Transition from Agency to SaaS 12:31 White Labeling and Customer Segmentation23:12 Balancing Family and Entrepreneurship26:50 Daily Life in Vegas 27:26 American Ninja Warrior Journey29:01 Lessons from Ninja Warrior32:15 Flowchat's Branding and Growth 35:55 Scaling with Strategic Partnerships39:45 Future Goals and 10X Thinking43:05 Insights from SAS Academy47:33 Best Advice and Closing Thoughts -- LINKS --  ► Show Notes: http://nuoptima.com/saas-podcast/flowchat-chris-baden 🔗 Follow NUOPTIMA: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexej-pikovsky-9743701/Website: https://www.nuoptima.com  🔗 Follow Chris: LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/thechrisbaden/Website: https://www.flowchat.com/ 🔔 Stay Updated: Turn on notifications to never miss our latest videos on growth tactics in SaaS, trends, and business insights.

    53 min
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About

Learn how business leaders grew their businesses and dealt with challenges in a smart way: - Fundraising - First customer - Scaling - Acquisition & exit - Balance between work, health and family

Information

  • Creator
    Alexej Pikovsky
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    27
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Alexej Pikovsky
  • Show Website
    Play It Smart