Startups Decoded

Andy Walsh
  • 5.0 (21)
  • ENTREPRENEURSHIP
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Startups Decoded is a podcast that provides real-world insights into startup strategy and growth, featuring expert-led content, insider stories, and actionable takeaways for founders and investors. We bridge the gap between theory and practice, offering practical lessons to help entrepreneurs thrive in today’s fast-paced ecosystem. More than just a podcast, it's a resource for innovators who dive deep into the strategies behind building and scaling successful startups.

  1. S2E15: We Need To Scale Angel Investing — with Cheryl Kellond, Play Money.

    3D AGO

    S2E15: We Need To Scale Angel Investing — with Cheryl Kellond, Play Money.

    Startup investing used to be gated, exclusive networks, complex diligence, and full-time fund managers. But what if anyone could build a startup portfolio the same way they’d shop online? In this episode, Cheryl Kellond, serial founder and CEO of Play Money, shares how her platform is democratizing early-stage investing by pairing curated deals from new fund managers with an experience that feels more like shopping than finance.  We dive into her journey from launching Bia Sport and Apostrophe (acquired by Centivo) to building Play Money, the new “fantasy league” for startup investing. Expect a candid lesson on why making startup capital more inclusive can reshape who gets funded and who gets to build wealth. Subscribe now Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Play Money and Its Mission04:37 The Challenges of Accessing Capital11:21 The Evolution of Early Stage Investing16:59 Understanding the Angel Investment Landscape22:30 The Role of Education in Angel Investing28:20 The Founder Experience on Play Money33:49 Building Trust and Validation in Startups39:27 The Future Vision for Play MoneyCheryl Kellond Founder & CEO of Play Money, is a concept-to-launch expert who has driven $750M+ in revenue from healthtech, SaaS, hardware, and media products. She previously founded Apostrophe (Techstars ’17, acquired by Centivo) and Bia Sport (Lemnos ’12), and has launched major products at Adobe, Yahoo, and E*TRADE. Voted Denver’s Most Admired CEO and a 40 Over 40 honoree, she’s passionate about disrupting legacy industries and building founder-friendly ecosystems. Who Should Listen Aspiring angel investors who want a smarter, accessible entry pointFounders curious about new funding pathwaysEmerging fund managers building their first LP baseAnyone interested in wealth-building through startups without “full-time VC” complexityMusic Credit “Neptuno” – Phondupe (Album: Onykia)Access All Areas. Listen: Apple || Spotify || YouTubeSubscribe: SubstackCommunity & Events: Founders CircleConnect: LinkedInSocials: TikTok || Instagram || XWeb: startupsdecoded.com

    48 min
  2. S2E14: When AI Chases Invoices Better Than You Do – Mihir Deo, Founder - Invoice Butler.

    DEC 15

    S2E14: When AI Chases Invoices Better Than You Do – Mihir Deo, Founder - Invoice Butler.

    As AI moves from clever tool to “virtual teammate,” nowhere is the shift more real than in finance. In this episode of Startups Decoded, Invoice Butler founder & CEO Mihir Deo joins Andy Walsh to explore what happens when AI agents start doing the unglamorous work humans have always done—chasing invoices, managing cash flow, and acting like your accounts team. We unpack how Invoice Butler is quietly replacing manual accounts receivable workflows with an AI-powered, human-backed agent, what that means for trust, brand, and relationships, and why the future of finance teams is smaller, sharper, and heavily automated, not human-free. Subscribe now Chapters 00:00 Introduction to AI and Trust06:48 The Impact of AI on Business Dynamics10:58 The Birth of Invoice Butler16:51 How Invoice Butler Works22:54 The Future of Automation and Human Touch37:44 Target Customers and Vision for Invoice ButlerMihir Deo:Founder & CEO of Invoice Butler. With a background in software and product development, Mihir is focused on building AI tools that solve real problems, blending automation with human-first design. Invoice Butler: Invoice Butler blends AI efficiency with human oversight to deliver automated financial processes businesses can actually trust — reducing admin, improving cash flow, and giving founders more time to focus on growth. Music Credit: “Neptuno” - Phondupe (Album: Onykia) Access All Areas. Listen: Apple || Spotify || YouTube Subscribe: Substack Community & Events: Founders Circle Connect: LinkedIn Socials: TikTok || Instagram || X Web: startupsdecoded.com Startups Decoded is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber on Substack.

    43 min
  3. S2E13: From Fundraise to Exit: What Every Founder Needs to Know — Jennifer Lewis, Exited Founder - Lex

    DEC 8

    S2E13: From Fundraise to Exit: What Every Founder Needs to Know — Jennifer Lewis, Exited Founder - Lex

    In this episode, Andy Walsh sits down with Jennifer Lewis, former Founder CEO of queer social app Lex, to unpack the full arc from first fundraise to exit. Jennifer shares what really happens behind the scenes when you’re raising as a queer female founder, how she navigated a co-founder departure mid-fundraise, and why “perfect data rooms” don’t close rounds, relationships, and conviction do. They walk through how she scaled Lex into a beloved LGBTQ+ community, decided to sell to 9count, and protected the mission and culture through the acquisition. If you’re a founder wrestling with fundraising, leadership, or whether to sell, this is a candid, hard-won playbook from someone who’s actually done it. Subscribe now Jennifer LewisJennifer is an expert in launching and scaling startups from Seed to Series B. With global experience across Nike, Universal Music, Unilever, and Pepsi, she brings a bold, creative mindset to growth. She’s known for her work in women’s health, LGBTQ+ tech, and community-driven brands, and has led Lex through a major rebrand and exit. Jennifer has won 3 marketing effectiveness awards and over 40 creative awards. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Journey of a Founder01:28 From Advertising to Startups: Jennifer’s Background04:47 Building Lex: A Personal Mission09:57 The Importance of Fast Decision-Making17:19 Navigating Co-Founder Dynamics and Fundraising21:53 Navigating Leadership and Team Dynamics25:34 Lessons from Fundraising Challenges29:12 The Reality of Fundraising for Female Founders33:16 The Importance of Culture in Acquisitions36:41 Reflections on the Acquisition Decision39:59 Exploring New Ventures and Personal GrowthAbout LexLex is a social app for LGBTQ+ connection, inspired by vintage personal ads. Originally launched in 2019, it grew into a vibrant digital community for queer expression, with over 1 million downloads and millions of messages sent monthly. In 2024, Lex was acquired by 9count, home to other social platforms like Wink and Summer. Music Credit: “Neptuno” - Phondupe (Album: Onykia) Access All Areas. Listen: Apple || Spotify || YouTubeSubscribe: SubstackCommunity & Events: Founders CircleConnect: LinkedInSocials: TikTok || Instagram || XWeb: startupsdecoded.com

    45 min
  4. S2E12: There Is No Perfect Pitch Deck - What You Actually Need, with Robert Harary, CEO and VC - Decko

    DEC 1

    S2E12: There Is No Perfect Pitch Deck - What You Actually Need, with Robert Harary, CEO and VC - Decko

    Robert Harary found his first venture deal while in high school detention, and hasn’t looked back since.  Today, he sits at the center of the venture ecosystem as both an investor and founder, with a decade-plus obsession for making access to capital more transparent, efficient, and equitable. Robert is the #2 at Evolution VC Partners, where he’s been part of 300+ Culture Tech investments. He runs Timeless Ventures as GP, and has investments in companies like Colossal, Figure AI, and Sindarin. On the founder side, he co-founded DECKO (helping 300+ startups and funds raise $1.2B+) and Raisi (bringing founders in front of 2,000+ investors monthly). Startups Decoded is brought to you by Decko. Contact Decko and use the code word "Decoded" for 20% off. HQ@GetDECKO.com In this conversation, we break down: Why access to capital, not ideas, is the biggest bottleneck for foundersHow Robert evaluates moonshots (and why he backed OpenAI early)Lessons learned from co-founding DECKO and WeraiseWhere the venture ecosystem is failing—and what needs to changeHis belief that democratizing capital will unlock the next wave of transformative companiesChapters 00:00 The Utopian World of Fundraising06:40 The Evolution of Pitch Decks13:16 Crafting the Perfect Pitch Deck20:12 Understanding Investor Psychology21:59 Cold Outreach and Investor Engagement23:50 The Three Pillars of Startup Success26:08 Effective Cold Email Strategies28:29 The Art of Storytelling in Fundraising32:40 Investor Marketing as a Relationship Game39:14 Building Long-Term Investor RelationshipsGuest Bio Robert Harary is an investor, founder, and venture capitalist obsessed with making capital access more equitable. He is a GP at Timeless Ventures, #2 at Evolution VC Partners (300+ Culture Tech investments), and an angel investor in moonshots, including OpenAI and Colossal. He has co-founded DECKO and Weraise, platforms that have helped 300+ startups and funds raise $1.2B+ from Sequoia, a16z, Accel, YC, and others. Who Should Listen Founders frustrated by investor access or gatekeepingInvestors curious about democratized deal flowOperators interested in the “deck science” behind successful fundraisingAnyone tracking moonshot bets reshaping the futureMusic Credit “Neptuno” – Phondupe (Album: Onykia) Access All Areas. Listen: Apple || Spotify || YouTube Subscribe: Substack Community & Events: Founders Circle Connect: LinkedIn Socials: TikTok || Instagram || X Web: startupsdecoded.com

    48 min
  5. S2E11: Use Banks, Not VCs: Non-Dilutive Capital for Founders with Ashley D. Bell & Redemption Bank.

    NOV 24

    S2E11: Use Banks, Not VCs: Non-Dilutive Capital for Founders with Ashley D. Bell & Redemption Bank.

    Attorney, entrepreneur, and policy leader Ashley D. Bell is building Redemption Bank, a modern Minority Depository Institution designed to give founders something Silicon Valley rarely does: non-dilutive capital that preserves ownership. With experience spanning the SBA, the White House, and co-founding the National Black Bank Foundation with Dr. Bernice A. King (daughter of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.), Ashley is fusing community banking, MDI syndication, and fintech infrastructure into a new model of founder finance. In this episode, we break down how to use banks—not just VCs—to extend runway, stabilize cash cycles, and raise without giving up equity. What We Cover Why Redemption Bank: the market gaps MDIs can uniquely fill—credit where venture dollars don’t reachDebt > Dilution (sometimes): picking the right facility (LOC, equipment, AR, revenue-based) for your stageUnderwriting that sees your business: when ARR, AR aging, and cohorts matter more than FICOSyndication & Scale: how MDIs partner to increase check sizes without predatory termsTreasury as RevOps: banking tools that speed collections, reduce working-capital dragSignals & Stakeholders: why banking with a mission brand opens doors (enterprise, municipal, talent)Playbook: the 30-day path to “bank-ready” for early-stage companiesChapters  00:00 Introduction to Modern Banking and Treasury05:42 Ashley Bell's Journey to Redemption Bank11:08 The Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.16:11 Redemption Bank's Unique Approach to Banking20:15 The Importance of Role Models in Entrepreneurship26:36 Reimagining Banking for Modern Founders34:25 Building Community and Trust in BankingAshley D. Bell Co-Founder, Chairman & CEO of Redemption Bank. A former SBA Regional Administrator and White House policy advisor, he co-founded the National Black Bank Foundation with Dr. Bernice A. King to channel capital into underserved communities. As an attorney and entrepreneur, he’s focused on building a scalable, tech-forward MDI that expands access to responsible credit for founders and small businesses. Who Should Listen Founders exploring non-dilutive options (SaaS, e-comm, services)Operators/finance leads responsible for cash conversion cyclesAngels/seed investors advising portco’s on runway without dilutionEcosystem builders interested in MDIs, community finance, and equitable growthMusic Credit “Neptuno” – Phondupe (Album: Onykia) Access All Areas. Listen: Apple || Spotify || YouTube Subscribe: Substack Community & Events: Founders Circle Connect: LinkedIn Socials: TikTok || Instagram || X Web: startupsdecoded.com

    48 min
  6. S2E10: The FemTech Edge: Build and Train by Your Menstrual Cycle - Lizzy Palmer (Founder, SyncN).

    NOV 17

    S2E10: The FemTech Edge: Build and Train by Your Menstrual Cycle - Lizzy Palmer (Founder, SyncN).

    94 percent of sports-science research excludes female physiology. The result? A $10 billion fitness industry that burns women out, leads to injury, and disrupts hormonal health. Lizzy Palmer, Founder and CEO of SyncN, is changing that. SyncN is the first cycle-aware fitness and nutrition platform that personalizes training and nourishment around women’s hormonal rhythms — used by athletes, creators, and founders who want performance without burnout. Sponsored by Cherub In this conversation, Lizzy unpacks: How SyncN helps founders align health with high performance — designing systems for consistency, not guilt.The hidden toll of fundraising — what chronic stress does to founders’ energy, hormones, and focus, and how to lead without self-erasure.Scaling through partnerships — how SyncN’s growth strategy ties mission to distribution through gyms, coaches, and women’s health platforms.What a free 6-month trial on SyncN?* Visit the SyncN Linktree and use the word Decoded” to unlock a Startups Decoded exclusive trial today. (Conditions apply) Disclosure: Andy Walsh serves as an advisor to SyncN. The views expressed here are my own and not influenced by my advisory role. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Health and Wellness for Founders 01:21 Lizzy’s Journey: From Dance to FemTech 04:37 The Gap in Female Health Research 09:10 Understanding Female Physiology and Hormones 13:16 Training Female Athletes: The Importance of Cycle Awareness 17:57 Self-Compassion and Acceptance in Fitness 22:15 Normalizing Conversations Around Menstruation 25:53 Partnerships and Collaboration in FemTech 28:15 Building Partnerships for Growth 31:20 The Importance of Action in Partnerships 32:52 Leveraging Professional Relationships 36:10 Storytelling and Education in Fitness 39:34 Mental Health and Founder Life 43:50 Navigating Fundraising Challenges 49:45 Introducing Sync In: A New Approach to Women’s Health Guest Bio Lizzy Palmer is the Founder and CEO of SyncN, a cycle-aware fitness and nutrition platform helping women train and fuel in sync with their physiology. A former UX researcher at Meta and Roblox and a professional dancer and fitness coach, Lizzy founded SyncN to close the research gap in women’s health and empower female founders to optimize performance without burnout. Check out SyncN Music Credit “Neptuno” – Phondupe (Album: Onykia) Access All Areas. Listen: Apple || Spotify || YouTube Subscribe: Substack Community & Events: Founders Circle Connect: LinkedIn Socials: TikTok || Instagram || X Web: startupsdecoded.com

    52 min
  7. S2E9: From Peter Thiel’s Fellowship to 1517 Fund — The VC Who Funds Rebels (Michael Gibson)

    NOV 10

    S2E9: From Peter Thiel’s Fellowship to 1517 Fund — The VC Who Funds Rebels (Michael Gibson)

    Forget Ivy League. Build Your Own Startup Empire. From Peter Thiel’s Fellowship revolution to building the 1517 Fund, Michael Gibson has made a career out of betting on outsiders.  In this episode, he reveals how Thiel’s philosophy, back people, not pedigrees, shaped his mission to fund dropouts, renegades, and deep-tech builders rewriting the future. We unpack how to spot unconventional talent before the world does, why early bets on unproven founders can outperform safe money, and how the next wave of transformative startups won’t emerge from Ivy League halls, but from the edges of the system. Chapters 00:00 From Journalism to Venture Capital: A Unique Journey07:05 The Dynamics of Founders and VCs12:50 The Role of Experience in Venture Capital17:32 Investing in Young Founders: The 1517 Fund22:56 Backing Renegades: A New Approach to Investment24:36 The Democratization of Innovation25:36 Identifying the Renegade Mindset28:10 The Impact of Educational Systems on Creativity32:25 Curiosity as a Key Trait36:20 The Role of Unorthodox Thinking38:40 Challenging the 10,000 Hour Rule42:16 The Importance of Unique Perspectives45:48 Managing Investor ExpectationsGuest Bio Michael Gibson is the co-founder and general partner of 1517 Fund, a venture firm dedicated to backing dropouts, renegade students, and deep tech scientists who challenge the traditional path.  Before starting 1517, he was Vice President of Grants at the Thiel Foundation, where he helped launch and run the Thiel Fellowship, and worked at Thiel Capital. With an academic background in philosophy from Oxford and early editorial roles at places like MIT Technology Review, Michael brings both intellectual depth and contrarian edge to venture capital.  At 1517, he’s leading a reformation of how innovation is funded, betting on people with the courage to break from convention. Michael Gibson Links LinkedInXBook: "Paper Belt on Fire"Who Should Listen Founders who’ve taken the unconventional path — dropouts, outsiders, or builders challenging industry norms.Aspiring entrepreneurs looking for insight into how Peter Thiel’s philosophy still shapes venture investing today.VCs and angel investors who want to understand how to spot raw, uncredentialed talent before it becomes obvious.Operators and innovators curious about how deep-tech and frontier thinkers are funded at the idea stage.Music Credit “Neptuno” – Phondupe (Album: Onykia) Access All Areas. Listen: Apple || Spotify || YouTube Subscribe: Substack Community & Events: Founders Circle Connect: LinkedIn Socials: TikTok || Instagram || X Web: startupsdecoded.com

    50 min
  8. S2E8: Founders: The Easy Way to Land Angels, Fast - Jaclyn Johnson, CEO - Cherub

    NOV 3

    S2E8: Founders: The Easy Way to Land Angels, Fast - Jaclyn Johnson, CEO - Cherub

    Jaclyn Johnson is a powerhouse entrepreneur, investor, and advocate for women in business. By 35, she had already launched and sold two multimillion-dollar companies, including Create & Cultivate, a first-of-its-kind platform for female entrepreneurs that scaled to eight-figure revenue and partnered with Fortune 500 brands like Amazon, Mastercard, and Microsoft. Now, she’s back with Cherub, a double-sided marketplace designed to bridge the gap between underrepresented founders and democratizing access to category-defining companies. As both an angel investor and advisor, Jaclyn has backed businesses like Away, Live Tinted, and Chillhouse, bringing hard-won experience from her own journey into the founder–funding relationship. Subscribe now In this conversation, we break down: Jaclyn’s origin story: why she built CherubHow she approaches angel investing and the lessons she’s learnedWhat makes a great angel pitch (and what doesn’t)The realities of being an accredited investorWhy representation in funding isn’t just moral, it’s market-changingChapters 00:00 The Importance of Angel Investments 02:49 Jaclyn’s Journey as a Founder and Investor 05:41 Understanding Angel Investors vs. Venture Capitalists 08:28 The Role of Angel Advisors 11:23 Building Relationships with Angels 14:15 The Power of Brand Fame 17:25 Cherub’s Mission and Deal Flow 20:07 Educating Angels and Standardizing Investments 23:13 Creating Effective Fundraising Pages 26:12 The Role of Analytics in Fundraising 29:04 Onboarding Founders to Cherub 32:01 Connecting with Angels: Best Practices 35:03 Diversifying the Investment Landscape 37:58 The Future of Angel Investing 40:35 Special Offers for Founders on Cherub Guest Bio Jaclyn Johnson is the founder of Cherub and creator of Create & Cultivate, which she scaled to an eight-figure exit while reshaping how brands and communities support female entrepreneurs. Named a Forbes 30 Under 30 and an Adweek Disruptor, Jaclyn is an angel investor and advisor to companies including Away, Live Tinted, and Chillhouse. She’s dedicated to making capital and community more accessible for underrepresented founders while equipping the next generation of women entrepreneurs to scale. Who Should Listen Founders raising their first angel roundEntrepreneurs seeking representation and resourcesPeople curious about Angel Investing and how to get startedOperators looking to understand the angel landscapeMusic Credit “Neptuno” – Phondupe (Album: Onykia) Access All Areas. Listen: Apple || Spotify || YouTube Subscribe: Substack Community & Events: Founders Circle Connect: LinkedIn Socials: TikTok || Instagram || X Web: startupsdecoded.com

    47 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
21 Ratings

About

Startups Decoded is a podcast that provides real-world insights into startup strategy and growth, featuring expert-led content, insider stories, and actionable takeaways for founders and investors. We bridge the gap between theory and practice, offering practical lessons to help entrepreneurs thrive in today’s fast-paced ecosystem. More than just a podcast, it's a resource for innovators who dive deep into the strategies behind building and scaling successful startups.

Information

  • Creator
    Andy Walsh
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    48
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Startups Decoded
  • Show Website
    Startups Decoded

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