The Founder Files

Metavolve
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The Founder Files

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 Collapse to Comeback: The Altify Story - Sean Sanders, Altify

    2D AGO

    From Collapse to Comeback: The Altify Story - Sean Sanders, Altify

    In this powerful episode, Sean Sanders—founder of Revix and now Altify—opens up about navigating one of the most intense crises a startup can face: losing customer funds after a major crypto collapse.We follow the rollercoaster journey that led to a high-stakes merger, a full rebrand, and a reimagined mission to democratize access to private markets.We go deep into:•How to lead during a trust-breaking crisis•What true accountability looks like in leadership•Navigating the emotional toll of a startup failure•Merging companies under pressure•Reinventing your identity as a founderThis episode is a masterclass in grit, resilience, and rebuilding with purpose.----------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 Sean:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/seanandrewsanders/🔗 Connect with Cameron:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefounderfilespodcast/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cameron-metavolve/----------00:00 Intro: From Revix to Altify03:25 What Altify really does04:26 Why the rebrand was critical 09:34 The real problem with private markets13:56 Breaking down barriers to entry17:01 Who Altify is built for19:06 How to use Altify20:59 Managing risk and investor anxiety24:23 The Revix crisis unfolds27:25 The collapse of FTX32:27 Rebuilding trust in chaos35:00 Taking extreme ownership36:55 Managing the crisis40:22 How crisis changes a founder41:20 The power of support structures44:55 How did this experience change you48:33 Balancing compassion and performance as a CEO56:52 The birth of the merger idea01:03:46 Becoming CEO post merger01:07:35 The unforeseen challenges 01:13:55 The nightmare launch01:19:51 Reflecting on the journey01:24:30 Altify's biggest challenges now01:27:30 What's next for Altify?

    1h 31m
  2. The Truth About Start Up Growth No One Tells You About-Tinashe Ruzane, FlexClub

    JUN 10

    The Truth About Start Up Growth No One Tells You About-Tinashe Ruzane, FlexClub

    Tinashe reveals what it really takes to build and sustain a startup in Africa—where capital is scarce, exits are rare, and profitability is everything. From walking away from a high-growth but unsustainable model, to forming game-changing partnerships with local giants. This episode is a gold mine of:-strategy-mindset-realism It’s about building businesses that last—not just ones that look good on pitch decks.---------- 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 Tinashe:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/truzane/🔗 Connect with Cameron:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefounderfilespodcast/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cameron-metavolve/----------00:00 Introduction04:50 What is FlexClub?08:30 What is the Silicon Valley Model?12:51 How does the Silicon Valley model translate into the South African market?21:37 Silicon Valley model expectations39:21 Why the Silicon Valley model doesn't fit locally55:11 Simplicity vs Complexity01:01:30 Lessons from failing in Mexico01:07:38 Separating founder identity from the business01:09:39 Thinking hats framework 01:18:22 What is the problem that you're solving?01:28:05 Partnering with Avis01:36:08 What has shifted your thinking?01:39:04 What challenges are you currently facing?01:41:18 What does the next year look like for FlexClub?01:44:30 What question would you like to answer?

    1h 47m
  3. How Jem Built Financial Wellness Into Payroll and Why Banks Should be Worried - Simon Ellis, Jem HR

    JUN 2

    How Jem Built Financial Wellness Into Payroll and Why Banks Should be Worried - Simon Ellis, Jem HR

    In this round-two episode, we’re joined again by Simon Ellis, co-founder of Jem HR, to unpack how the company is making big strides in delivering HR and employee benefits to thousands of employees across South Africa.Since our last chat, Jem has refined its product, redefined its positioning, and raised significant funding. But what does that process actually feel like as a founder?We go deep into:- What achieving product-market fit actually takes- How to communicate change when your vision moves faster than your team- The challenges of balancing innovation vs. focus with a co-founder- Structuring your business to scale without chaos- Segmenting sales and prioritising customers the smart wayThis is an honest look at what it takes to be a visionary founder who’s always a few steps ahead—and how to bring your team and customers along for the ride. ---------- 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 ---------- 00:00 Introduction03:40 What is Jem HR?07:57 Why is WhatsApp as the interface so important?11:56 How the business model works and getting the value proposition right24:12 The importance of the customer buying and onboarding journey33:07 The evolution of the core product and how Jem made it zero-cost43:28 Running through the pricing and revenue model53:33 Jem’s biggest bottleneck to growth right now01:04:20 The organisational design and view towards it01:08:34 Raising R60 Million01:14:10 How do you maintain focus and clear priorities?01:18:19 How to get along with a co-founder who is very different to you01:22:12 What are the Biggest Challenges Simon is facing right now?01:27:09 What are the challenges that the business is facing?01:30:32 What advice would Simon give his younger self?

    1h 33m
  4. Pivoting from Hyper Growth to Stability - Peter and Simon Magner, Iridium

    MAY 26

    Pivoting from Hyper Growth to Stability - Peter and Simon Magner, Iridium

    In this episode, we reunite with Simon and Peter from Iridium, two years and 100+ episodes after their first TFF episode. Since then, their accounting business has scaled from 17 to 60+ people across multiple divisions—automation, advisory, and accounting. But here's the twist: after years of hyperscaling, they’re now shifting gears to focus on operational stability, refining systems, and removing themselves as bottlenecks. We unpack how they’re building a business that can scale without them—and why that’s the true mark of success. ---------- 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 ---------- 00:00 Introduction 03:25 What Is Iridium? 05:34 The Current Scale of the Business 09:51 Why Simon and Peter Stepped Back From Hyper-Scaling 20:22 The Founding Story of Iridium 35:30 How Iridium Actually Delivers on Its Value Propositions 43:56 Rethinking the Entire Business 50:55 How Simon and Peter Are Evolving in Their Roles as Leaders 57:42 Delegation and Restructuring at Iridium 01:11:08 How to Decide What to Run With — and What to Let Burn 01:22:44 What Does the Future Look Like for Iridium? 01:30:36 Can a Successful Founder Still Play Lots of Padel and Golf? 01:32:21 Reflection

    1h 34m
  5. The Brutal Truth About How To Build and Scale a Business - Daniel Novitzkas, Specno

    MAY 12

    The Brutal Truth About How To Build and Scale a Business - Daniel Novitzkas, Specno

    Daniel Novitzkas returns to The Founder Files to unpack how Specno scaled from a two-man startup to building over 200 ventures.We go deep on Daniel’s brutally honest approach to product-market fit, why early-stage startups need to stop chasing perfection, and how to validate real solutions with paying customers from day one. Daniel also breaks down Specno’s three business units—from venture building, to corporate innovation, to scaling global talent.This episode is packed with hard-won insight on building tech startups, thinking like a founder, and why talking to users is still the most underrated move in tech. ---------- 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 ---------- 00:00 Introduction 04:00 What Is Specno? 15:39 Inside the Venture Builder Business Unit 23:20 What Do You Look For in CEOs? 28:34 Final Thoughts on the Venture Builder Unit 31:49 How AI Will Truly Make a Difference 45:16 Specno’s Second Business Unit 49:42 Why Daniel Believes He Can Compete With McKinsey and Accenture 58:48 A Core Skill Daniel Had to Learn 01:07:44 Specno’s Third Business Unit 01:22:14 Daniel’s Story: Lowest Low and Highest High 01:41:45 What Does the Future Look Like for Daniel and Specno? 01:45:14 Reflection

    1h 47m

  6. MAY 5

    The Secret to Building a World-Class Sales Engine - Phillip Tillman, Konsise

    In this episode, I sit down with Phillip Tillman, founder of SurTech and Konsise, to explore the real-world challenges of building and scaling software businesses in the African market.We unpack the founding story of SurTech, a specialist distribution business in the SaaS space, and dive deep into what it takes to build a high-performance sales function from the ground up.Phillip shares practical insights on:- The power of cold calling and why rainmakers still matter- How to cultivate strong salespeople and structure a sales engine that scales- Understanding the customer buying cycle and aligning your team around it- The iterative journey of building Konsise and how customer feedback shaped the product- Balancing growth between two businesses and managing control as a founder- Why company culture, intellectual property, and exit strategy all matter more than you thinkWe also discuss remote work, future plans, and what it means to build a sustainable business while maintaining a healthy work-life balance.This one is packed with valuable lessons for founders building sales-led companies, especially in emerging markets. ---------- 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 ---------- 00:00 Introduction 03:50 What Is SurTech and Konsise? 08:48 The Founding Story of SurTech 18:11 Building the First Sales Function at SurTech 26:52 How to Get Other People to Sell Like You 35:50 How to Cultivate Rainmaker Characteristics in Yourself and Your Team 45:24 How to Map Out Your Customer Buying Cycle 51:52 Next Steps to Cultivate a Rainmaker Salesperson 57:56 How to Take Someone From Immature to Mature in Sales 59:55 How to Get the Best Salespeople Into the Hiring Process 01:09:02 How Konsise Came Into the Fold 01:15:19 Phillip’s Relationship With His CIO 01:18:30 Current Growth Obstacles 01:23:39 How Phillip Is Thinking About Exit 01:38:07 What Does the Future Look Like for Phillip? 01:42:24 Phillip’s Advice to Other Entrepreneurs

    1h 45m
  7. He Cracked Last-Mile Delivery in South Africa’s Toughest Markets - Godiragetse, Delivery Ka Speed

    APR 28

    He Cracked Last-Mile Delivery in South Africa’s Toughest Markets - Godiragetse, Delivery Ka Speed

    In this episode, I sit down with Godiragetse, founder and CEO of Delivery Ka Speed, to explore how he’s building one of South Africa’s most exciting township logistics businesses. What started with bicycles and WhatsApp has grown into a company now partnered with global giants like Alibaba, Temu, and Shein, delivering across four provinces—and aiming to go national. We dive into how Godi pivoted from food delivery to logistics, broke even in just three months, and tackled the challenge of managing customer complexity while scaling fast. He shares how founders often become bottlenecks, and how stepping into “full founder mode” helped him unlock his team’s potential. We also get into how he’s built a culture of ownership, getting employees 100% bought into the mission, and why customer service is still their biggest edge—especially in township markets. Securing multinational clients has changed the game for Delivery Ka Speed—and Godi reveals what this means for their future growth. This episode is packed with real talk on scaling, pivoting, and building something that truly serves its market. ---------- 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 ---------- 00:00 Introduction 03:36 What Is Delivery Ka Speed? 06:26 Who Is the Target Market and Customer? 08:37 Handling Complexity in Managing Customer Relationships and Sales 14:12 The First Route to Growth 19:22 Realizing They Needed to Pivot 24:41 Managing Customer Experience as We Scale 34:12 Bottlenecks That Come From the Founder’s Intuition 37:36 How to Get Employees 100% Bought In 44:23 How to Focus on the Right Things 52:49 How to Turn Your Customers Into Advocates 57:33 Securing Big Multinational Clients and What It Changes for the Business 01:00:40 What Does the Future Look Like for Delivery Ka Speed? 01:04:27 Who Is Godi?

    1h 9m
  8. How He Built a Business That Actually Helps the Planet - Jasper Eales, Sealand

    APR 21

    How He Built a Business That Actually Helps the Planet - Jasper Eales, Sealand

    In this episode, I sit down with Jasper Eales — co-founder and creative director of Sealand Gear — to unpack the journey of one of South Africa’s most iconic sustainable brands.Sealand Gear is a proudly local business based in Cape Town, known for its world-class upcycled bags, apparel, and accessories. But behind the brand is a powerful story of resilience, purpose, and a deep commitment to sustainability.We dive into:- What it really means to build a sustainable business- How Sealand secured global certifications (after a 6-year process!)- The tough realities of scaling production while staying true to your values- The operational challenges of upcycling — and how they manage supply consistency- What it means to be a “Sealander” and build a values-driven company culture- And finally, what inspires Jasper to keep pushing this mission forwardThis one is for the builders who care about purpose and performance — and anyone curious about what it takes to scale a brand with integrity. ---------- 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 ---------- 00:00 Introduction 04:11 What Is Sealand? 06:30 The Founding Story of Sealand 22:03 How to Hire A-Players 29:34 Educating the Market Before We Could Sell 41:03 Transparency and Sustainability Reporting at Scale 51:15 Moving Away From D2C — and Then Returning 59:32 Selling Face Masks During COVID and the Impact It Had 01:04:47 Comparing Sealand’s Scale in 2021 vs. Today 01:12:32 The Biggest Challenges Sealand Has Overcome 01:28:30 The Main Challenges Sealand Is Currently Facing 01:33:46 The Future of Sealand and What Lies Ahead for Jasper 01:36:18 What Inspires Jasper 01:39:02 Reflection

    1h 40m
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About

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!

Information

  • Creator
    Metavolve
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2025
  • Episodes
    126
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Metavolve
  • Show Website
    The Founder Files

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