Forward Thinking Founders

In this episode, we dive into one of the most pressing conversations in technology today: the balance between innovation and security in artificial intelligence. The discussion with Will Preble of Covenant Labs unpacks why maintaining control over AI models is critical, the looming risks tied to data security, and the potential fallout of compromised systems. From the threat of economic instability to the need for transparency and collaboration, this episode explores the stakes of AI’s rapid rise. Key Takeaways: ★ Support this podcast ★

In this episode of Forward Thinking Founders, Mat Sherman interviews Cathleen Turner, founder of Autaly, a software company focused on improving logistics businesses by automating invoicing and cash flow management. Cathleen shares her unique journey into the logistics industry, the challenges faced by third-party logistics providers, and how Autaly addresses these issues. The conversation also touches on the importance of networking on platforms like X (formerly Twitter), the balance between work and personal life, and valuable lessons learned as a founder. ★ Support this podcast ★

In this episode of Forward Thinking Founders, host Mat Sherman interviews Jonathan Liu, founder of Cupidly. They discuss Jonathan's journey from a young coder to a startup founder, his experiences with venture capital and bootstrapping, and the innovative AI dating assistant he created. Jonathan shares insights on building a personal brand on X (Twitter), strategies for going viral, and his vision for the future of dating technology. 00:00: Introduction to Jonathan Liu and Cupidly 02:09: The Journey of a Tech Founder 04:39: From Coding to Startups 09:08: The Evolution of Jonathan's Projects 10:28: The Shift from VC to Bootstrapping 11:37: Building a Personal Brand on X 13:23: The Viral Phenomenon of Eunice 16:23: Tips for Going Viral 18:38: Future Aspirations and the Dating Tech Landscape ★ Support this podcast ★

In this conversation, Mat Sherman interviews Danny, the founder and CEO of Nav Robotics, about the innovative solutions his company is developing in the realm of autonomous transportation. They discuss the challenges and opportunities in creating self-driving e-bikes and golf carts, the vision for urban mobility, and the implications of moving operations to Arizona. Danny shares insights into the technology behind autonomous vehicles, the importance of compute power, and the future of learning in the tech space. In this conversation, Danny discusses the development of autonomous golf carts and the future of self-driving technology. He shares insights on the challenges of creating a viable product, the importance of safety and reliability, and the strategies for entering the market. The discussion also touches on the implications of autonomous vehicles on insurance and driving regulations, as well as the user experience in booking rides. Danny emphasizes the need for a regulatory-first approach and the potential for innovation in transportation. ★ Support this podcast ★

In this conversation, Mat Sherman interviews Harvey Pratt, the founder and CEO of Simcluster, an AI video game that combines social networking with innovative gameplay mechanics. Harvey discusses the unique aspects of Simcluster, including its fragment system that allows users to create content without typing, and the challenges he faced in the gaming industry, particularly in fundraising. He shares insights on the evolution of AI content, the importance of user engagement, and his vision for the future of gaming, where SimCluster could redefine how games and social networks interact. ★ Support this podcast ★

In this conversation, Mat Sherman interviews Audrey Chen, co-founder of Nosu, about her journey from gaining a following on social media to launching a startup focused on streamlining hackathon ops. Audrey shares her experiences of going viral on Twitter, raising capital in Silicon Valley, and the features of Nosu that cater to both hackathon organizers and participants. The discussion highlights the importance of networking, the impact of environment on startup success, and the future plans for Nosu. ★ Support this podcast ★

In this episode, Mat Sherman sits down with Andrew Rea, co-founder and CEO of Taxwire, to explore the transformative journey of entrepreneurship during the pandemic. Starting with the pivotal role of reinvention in challenging times, the conversation shifts to the intricacies of sales tax compliance and how Taxwire simplifies this daunting task for businesses. Andrew shares his entry into the tech world, shedding light on the hurdles of building a startup outside traditional tech hubs. As he narrates his transition from an employee to a founder, listeners gain insight into the birth of Taxwire and the complex ‘idea maze’ entrepreneurs often navigate. The episode delves into the fundraising journey, where Andrew underscores the importance of social capital and networking in attracting investors and growing a venture. He offers a candid reflection on the unpredictable nature of early-stage startups, highlighting the value of cultivating meaningful relationships within the venture capital ecosystem. In closing, Andrew provides valuable resources and final thoughts, leaving listeners with actionable insights into building a resilient startup in today’s ever-evolving landscape. ★ Support this podcast ★

In this conversation, Mat Sherman interviews Aleksandar Besarovic, co-founder of Aimfox, a LinkedIn outreach tool. They discuss the journey of Aimfox, including its initial launch challenges, the importance of user feedback, and the strategies implemented for a successful second launch. Aleksandar shares insights on building a user-friendly product, the role of AI in enhancing outreach, and the long-term vision for Aimfox. The conversation emphasizes the significance of listening to users and maintaining a long-term perspective in business. ★ Support this podcast ★

In this episode, Mat Sherman sits down with John Busch, founder of Iliad, an AI-powered book discovery platform designed to help readers uncover life-changing books. They dive into the challenges of current book recommendation systems, how Iliad addresses the limitations of platforms like Goodreads, and the role of AI in enhancing the reading experience while building trust in recommendations. John also shares his journey as a founder, offering actionable advice on fundraising, the importance of storytelling, and how networking and warm intros can open doors for AI startups. They explore why business model innovation is as critical as product innovation, the art of building momentum with investors, and how favorite books can shape a founder’s perspective. ★ Support this podcast ★

In this episode, Mat Sherman sits down with Edward Lando, one of the most prolific angel investors in the world, to explore the intricacies of early-stage investing. Edward shares his journey into angel investing, detailing his philosophy of prioritizing quality over quantity and the critical role relationships play in successful investments. From understanding valuations and navigating early-stage deals to constructing a portfolio that balances risk and reward, Edward provides invaluable insights for both founders and investors. Whether you’re a budding entrepreneur or an aspiring investor, this episode is packed with practical advice and strategies to help you thrive in the fast-paced world of startups. Find Edward on LinkedIn or Twitter and learn more about Pareto Holdings here. ★ Support this podcast ★

In this conversation, Mat Sherman interviews Simp4Satoshi of Truffle. Topics covered include: ★ Support this podcast ★

In this conversation, Mat Sherman and Vidy Thatte discuss the journey of building various products, the challenges faced in startups, and the impact of AI on creativity and storytelling. Vidy shares insights on his experiences with different projects, the evolution of his ideas, and the importance of learning to code in the age of AI. They also explore the future of AI in creative industries and the potential shift in how we perceive characters in storytelling. ★ Support this podcast ★

In this episode of Forward Thinking Founders, Mat Sherman interviews Marty Ringlein, cofounder of agree.com. They discuss the critical elements of growth, the importance of storytelling in sales, and the journey of launching Agree.com. Marty shares insights on the significance of trust in branding, the strategies for funding and growth, and the lessons learned from his entrepreneurial journey. In this conversation, Mat Sherman and Marty discuss the importance of recognizing when to delegate expertise, the role of investors in supporting founders, and the significance of building long-term relationships. They also explore leveraging competitor brands for market advantage and the impact of category selection when launching products. The discussion concludes with rapid-fire insights from Marty on various topics, emphasizing the need for adaptability in the ever-evolving tech landscape. ★ Support this podcast ★

In this episode, Mat Sherman sits down with Stéphane Nasser to explore the evolution of OpenVC, a platform bridging the gap between founders and investors. Steph shares his personal journey—from living in Portugal to China—and reflects on the challenges of fundraising and the critical role of founder education and support. Together, they dive into the startup ecosystem, discussing the importance of screening submissions, transferable skills, and the emotional and psychological dimensions of entrepreneurship. They also tackle the reality of startup success, the need to build personal wealth before seeking venture capital, and the often-overlooked nuances of early-stage investing. Finally, the conversation sheds light on the role of fundraising advisors, offering insights into due diligence and caution for founders navigating this space. This is a must-listen for anyone interested in the startup journey and the intricacies of venture funding. ★ Support this podcast ★

In this episode, I interview Pramod Kollamparambil & Evan Einhorn, founders of Loanscape. Loanscape is the modern way to onboard, renew and monitor third party originators. I hope you enjoy this interview! ★ Support this podcast ★

From the HyperGuap website: Aidan built the HyperGuap VC syndicate and fund alongside Gali. Prior to that, Aidan was the Chief of Staff and managed investor relations at eGenesis, a biotech startup that has raised $260M+ to help solve the organ shortage. Before that, Aidan was analyzing investment opportunities for a family office and played a pivotal role in supporting emerging biotech startups through several large financings, IPOs, and drug approvals. He is a graduate of the University of Colorado at Boulder with a B.S. in Neuroscience. ★ Support this podcast ★

Ryan Pace is the cofounder of Involio. Involio is the new home for traders across all markets to find and follow verified trades. ★ Support this podcast ★

Christian Oswald is the founder of Rainf4ll. Having a Rainf4ll enabled item means that you can now have physical items that contain a digital certificate of authenticity, ownership, and event history that continues to grow over time. ★ Support this podcast ★

In this episode of Forward Thinking Founders, host Mat Sherman sits down with Danilo Dominici, the founder of LaundryBud. They discuss how Laundry Bud is revolutionizing the laundry industry by providing on-demand laundry services to time-pressed college students. Danilo shares his vision for the company and the challenges he faces as a solo founder. If you're interested in learning more about Laundry Bud or potentially joining the team, make sure to tune in to this insightful conversation. Don't forget to visit their website [laundrybud.com] and follow them on Instagram @laundrybudinc. ★ Support this podcast ★

Brian Machado is the cofounder of Globe. Globe is running apploed AI experiments for making better tools for better robots. ★ Support this podcast ★