Founded & Grounded - podcast cover

Founded & Grounded

Ollie Collard & Dr Becky Sagefoundedandgrounded.com
Grappling with startup uncertainty? Welcome home, early-stage founders; this podcast is for you. Bringing you the honest realities of startup life since 2019 from those a couple of steps ahead – UK’s No.2 startup podcast. Why listen? 1. Innovative Format: Our unique three-part format combines insightful interviews, thoughtful analysis, and actionable advice for your business. Where guests speak more than the hosts. 2. Real Stories, Real Struggles: We delve into the gritty realities of startup life, exploring the emotional rollercoaster, resilience, and mental battles that founders face. We discuss issues rarely addressed elsewhere. 3. Diverse Voices, Genuine Impact: We champion women and underrepresented founders driving global change, amplifying voices often unheard in the startup world. Get ready to be understood, motivated, and part of a supportive community.https://foundedandgrounded.com
Download Metacast podcast app
Podcasts are better in Metacast mobile app
Don't just listen to podcasts. Learn from them with transcripts, summaries, and chapters for every episode. Skim, search, and bookmark insights. Learn more

Episodes

Jordan Schwarzenberger: The creator economy is a lie, here’s the model that works

7 billion views and counting: the growth secrets of Sidemen's creative mastermind, Jordan Schwarzenberger. Managing one of the world’s biggest creator collectives is no small feat. We dive deep with the man behind Arcade Media and the Sidemen’s explosive rise, blending sharp self-awareness, cultural intuition, and a bold approach to building in public. The creator economy is dead. Jordan reveals why relying on brand deals is outdated and how the Sidemen have built entire business models through ...

Mar 24, 20252 hr 9 minSeason 6Ep. 5

18Sixty: How to create standout podcasts that captivate and keep audiences hooked

What separates a great podcast from the noise? We uncover the secrets of podcasting success with Gareth Evans , founder of 18Sixty, an agency that helps brands connect with their audience through high-quality audio storytelling. From working with Virgin/Absolute Radio and BBC Radio to launching his own agency, Gareth shares his journey through the evolution of podcasting, revealing what it takes to create audio content that really holds the audience's attention. Key Takeaways Knowing your audien...

Mar 10, 20251 hr 18 minSeason 6Ep. 4

Airtasker: From hustle to IPO – the truth about scaling a marketplace

From $0 to $400 Million Valuation: The Incredible Journey of Tim Fung and Airtasker . From humble beginnings to a marketplace giant. But Tim's journey is much more than just success. Through resilience, identifying mutual benefit, and embracing change, he has created a company that has changed the future of work. Tim delves into his upbringing, the inception of Airtasker, and the company's funding journey, offering valuable advice for new founders. Explore the balance between transparency and fo...

Feb 24, 20251 hr 24 minSeason 6Ep. 3

Brilliant Labs: How AI glasses are shaping the future

What do Stephen Hawking, AR glasses, and open-source design have in common? Join us as we chat with Bobak Tavangar , co-founder of Brilliant Labs , about his remarkable journey and insights into innovation. From leadership lessons to fundraising advice, this episode is packed with valuable gems for entrepreneurs and tech enthusiasts. Bobak discusses his career, including a memorable encounter with Stephen Hawking and the role of open-source design in innovation. He explores the challenges of AR ...

Feb 10, 20251 hr 43 minSeason 6Ep. 2

Optimise AI: Spinout success uncovered, strategies that work!

From academia to entrepreneurship: The remarkable story of Nick Tune and the secrets to converting research into commercial success, with his spinout company Optimise AI. Gain valuable insights on the mindset shifts necessary for transitioning from corporate to startup life, the importance of support networks, and how to embrace failures. Uncover the economic impact of Nick's spinout company Optimise AI, their differentiators in the market, and his valuable advice on team growth and work-life ba...

Jan 27, 20251 hr 21 minSeason 6Ep. 1

Alfa Technology: From celebrity magician to startup founder

From performing magic for prime ministers and billionaires to gracing stages on shows like Britain's Got Talent. Alfie Whattam shares his unorthodox journey from entertainment to launching his own recruitment startup, Alfa Technology . Alfa builds software engineering teams for businesses operating in cutting-edge technologies like AI and Web3. Uncover Alfie's game-changing insights on cultivating a bulletproof mindset, building effective content strategies, and disrupting outdated industries ri...

Jun 10, 20241 hr 14 minSeason 5Ep. 17

Connectd: Embracing delusion, neurodiversity, and self-awareness in startup success

How this entrepreneur overcame ADHD and dyslexia and used these diagnoses as his superpower to build two businesses worth millions. Hear the inspiring story of Roei Samuel , who discusses the importance of self-belief, transparency, and resilience in entrepreneurship. Roei got an exit with his first business, Real Sport, and has gone on to build the UK's fastest-growing startup community in Connectd . The platform has shaken the early-stage investment landscape by utilising data to ensure transp...

May 27, 20241 hr 16 minSeason 5Ep. 16

Sooper Books: The £5 Dragons’ Den Deal that made history

Meet the power couple who quit their jobs and made Dragons' Den history, by giving away 5% of their business for £5. Introducing Charlene Mitchell-Hood and Simon Hood , the founders of Sooper Books . Hear their incredible journey, which started as a simple idea to aid their daughter’s bedtime routine, which quickly turned into the world's number one bedtime story streaming service and saw all five Dragons invest. Their journey will inspire you and arm you with valuable insights for your own star...

May 13, 20241 hr 49 minSeason 5Ep. 15

Season 5 teaser

A teaser for Season 5. We deep dive into the minds of early-stage founders, who are only a couple of steps ahead. Our unique podcast format, blending interviews with analysis, brings you closer to the action. Our hosts, Dr Becky Sage and Ollie Tiramuragan Collard unpack the business lessons for you. Join us as we tackle taboo topics and feature a diverse range of guests, with over 1 in 3 being female founders and 1 in 4 being from an ethnic minority background since the podcast was launched in 2...

May 02, 202415 min

Clementine: Freeing millions of women to go from I can't to I can

The untold story of how one woman's mental health crisis led her to create a revolutionary mindset company for women. Meet Kim Palmer founder of Clementine, a company on a mission to free women from unhelpful thoughts, feelings & expectations. Kim's very personal crisis led her to champion mental well-being and create a movement for women. Clementine is reimagining mental health and paving the way for digital therapeutics. Kim risked it all as the main breadwinner, giving up her well-paid jo...

Apr 29, 20241 hr 19 minSeason 5Ep. 14

SCVC: College dropout to IPO - the journey from cofounder to deeptech investor

Get a rare insight into one entrepreneur's remarkable journey to a $1.5B market cap. Discover John Williams 's insider strategies and personal challenges as he co-founded and scaled Kudan from startup through to IPO. John's next chapter is building SCVC , a deep tech VC he and partner Harry Destecroix wished they had as founders. This episode is a must-listen for every entrepreneur and tech enthusiast. Key Takeaways - Insider IPO Strategies: from leading Kudan through to a historic IPO, John sha...

Apr 15, 20241 hr 28 minSeason 5Ep. 13

Mr Bug - From music to mealworms

Meet Conal Cunningham , a music industry veteran turned pet food innovator, and discover his remarkable business journey of perseverance and innovation. We deep-dive into the origins of Mr Bug , a company redefining pet nutrition through sustainably bred insect protein. This startup story has everything from kitchen experiments to funding struggles and scaling triumphs. Whether you're a founder, an eco-conscious individual, or simply curious about the intersection of sustainability and business,...

Apr 01, 202458 minSeason 5Ep. 12

SOS Dance Global: Choreographing change and empowering a generation

Entrepreneurship is a lot like dancing; both require resilience, adaptability, and the courage to step outside your comfort zone. Find out how one startup, SOS Dance Global , is combining these elements to reach the top of the industry. This is a story of empowerment, resilience, and defying the odds. Bonnie Parsons , shares her remarkable journey from professional dancer to pioneering entrepreneur, and how she's empowering a generation of women through the universal language of dance. Key Takea...

Mar 18, 20241 hr 36 minSeason 5Ep. 11

Rare Founders: How one entrepreneur turned his failed startup into a community empowering platform

Experiencing the collapse of a startup can be devastating, yet for Vasily Alekseenko , it was the catalyst for change. After witnessing the dark side of fundraising, Vasily took matters into his own hands. Rare Founders was born with a simple mission to connect founders and investors. This is a must-listen for anyone interested in the intersection of networking, pitching, investment, and the magic that happens when founders come together to uplift one another. We discuss the importance of divers...

Mar 04, 20241 hr 17 minSeason 5Ep. 10

Sharesy - Growing communities one local authority at a time

The innovator turning forgotten spaces into thriving community hubs. Meet Felix Atkin , founder of tech startup Sharsey - the Airbnb for community spaces. What stemmed from a personal problem of trying to book a local venue for his kids' birthday party has blossomed into a business that has already generated over £1million in bookings. Felix delves deep into his journey, unveils the strategic steps behind Sharesy's considered growth, and shares invaluable insights on coping with the demands of s...

Feb 19, 20241 hr 28 minSeason 5Ep. 9

envoPAP: Turning waste into sustainable wealth

Meet Kaushal Shah , the impact entrepreneur behind envoPap , who is on a mission to help save the planet while making a profit. He turns agricultural waste into sustainable paper and packaging, and in this conversation, he shares his secrets to success in business and beyond. Key takeaways - Sustainable Innovation: Learn how Kaushal has built out an end-to-end sustainable business model focused on both community development and economic growth - Smart scaling: We peel back the layers to unpick h...

Feb 05, 20241 hr 13 minSeason 5Ep. 8

Rival: The man who gave Gary Vee the "jab, jab, jab, right hook"

The former MD of Gary Vee's Vayner Media left everything behind to pursue his dream, and the results will leave you inspired. Tune into a thought-provoking journey with Eric Fulwiler , the visionary co-founder behind the growth marketing consultancy Rival . What was the tipping point that compelled him to take the plunge? In reality, there wasn't one... Eric pulls back the glitzy entrepreneurial curtain and reveals the unfiltered realities of day-to-day startup life. Key Takeaways - Define Your ...

Jan 22, 20241 hr 22 minSeason 5Ep. 7

Phasecraft: Leap into the future with Quantum Algorithms

What comes to mind when you think of the future? Flying cars, human-like robots, time travel? But what about quantum computing? Prepare to have your mind blown. Join us for an exhilarating journey into the future with Phasecraft , a groundbreaking startup that is pushing the boundaries of algorithmic innovation in the quantum realm. Get an insider view from Ashley Montanaro - co-founder & CEO - as he unravels the mysteries of quantum computing Key Takeaways - Explore the Infinite: Discover t...

Jan 08, 20241 hr 8 minSeason 5Ep. 6

SRSLY Low Carb: why we need to STOP sugar coating the truth

We are currently facing a public health crisis. In this episode, you'll hear the story of Andy Welsh , the ambitious founder of SRSLY Low Carb . After a wake-up call, he left the corporate world to enter the challenging world of health-focused entrepreneurship. Picture this: You're trying to offer healthier food options in a market that is dominated by six conglomerates producing ultra-processed food. Quite a challenge, right? What's his secret weapon? It's listening to his customers. Their feed...

Dec 18, 20231 hr 34 minSeason 5Ep. 5

Greenworkx: Small Steps, Big Impact: Building 10 Million Green Jobs

From advising UK Prime Ministers to spearheading green innovation. Mat Ilic takes us from the corridors of Whitehall to the frontlines of green innovation. Discover his journey from Belgrade to becoming a UK visionary. Mat spent his career advising the likes of Boris Johnson and Theresa May. Now, he’s on a mission with Greenworkx to foster environmental change and generate 10 million green jobs Key Takeaways - How can small steps lead to massive impact? This conversation holds the answers. - Bri...

Dec 11, 20231 hr 21 minSeason 5Ep. 4

Hexa Finance: Breaking Stereotypes & Reimagining Finance for Startups

The incredible journey of Hexa Finance is not just a tale of success; it's a true story of how being bold and true to yourself can pay dividends. From a simple idea in 2016 to launching amidst the global lockdown, co-founders Ben Davies and Stu Mason have navigated it all. They dive deep into their journey, sharing the sacrifices made, the critical role of timing, and the essence of trust and understanding in their partnership. Key takeaways - Back yourself and go for it, as you've started somet...

Nov 27, 20231 hr 26 minSeason 5Ep. 3

Yuup: Turning Experiences into Businesses

As an early-stage founder, the decision to bootstrap or raise capital can make or break your business. But don't worry, serial entrepreneur Dominic Mills has been there and has the answers you need to succeed. We uncover the power of community, localism, and entrepreneurship as we follow Dominic's journey from exit to founding his latest startup, Yuup - a marketplace that connects people with local experiences. Key Takeaways - Community as a Catalyst: Learn from Dominic's experience with 'Yuup' ...

Nov 13, 20231 hr 12 minSeason 5Ep. 2

More Happi: Overcoming Fear and Burnout: Unveiling the Power of Coaching

Unlock the secrets to overcoming fear, addressing burnout, and finding happiness with the power of coaching. Meet Ashleigh Tennent , founder of More Happi - a platform making coaching affordable for all. Discover how she conquered her fears, recognised burnout, and built a successful coaching business that's changing lives. Key Takeaways - Overcoming Fears and Limiting Beliefs: Learn how Ashleigh tackled her fear of public speaking, which was rooted in her childhood - Addressing Burnout: Discove...

Oct 30, 20231 hr 5 minSeason 5Ep. 1

Flow Neuroscience: Pioneering a Drug-Free Pathway for Depression (season finale)

Depression affects 1 in 6 adults in the UK, with medication being the most common treatment. But what if there was a drug-free approach that actually works? The CEO of Flow Neuroscience , Erin Lee, reveals how their innovative headset is changing the game in mental health treatment. Key Takeaways - Embracing uncertainty is part of the startup journey, and as your knowledge grows, the awareness of what you don't know increases. - Authenticity in leadership, Erin reveals how sharing your flaws and...

Jun 26, 202354 minSeason 4Ep. 17

Unyoked: Tapping into mother nature

Twin brothers. A unique vision. And a determination to create a global nature brand against all odds. This is the remarkable story of Unyoked : hear from co-founder Cam about his unstoppable startup that has overcome bushfires, floods, and a pandemic to bring sustainable off-grid cabins to the world. Key Takeaways - Creating a category is a bold move that differentiates your startup from competitors and requires deep market understanding, a clear USP, and significant marketing efforts to educate...

Jun 12, 20231 hr 3 minSeason 4Ep. 16

Johnny Palmer: The Power of Personal Responsibility to unleash your Inner Entrepreneur

Join us on board a real Boeing 727 as we dive deep into the mind of a passionate business leader, entrepreneur, and activist, Johnny Palmer . From software to hospitality to renewable energy, he has built multiple successful ventures and now shares his blueprint for success with you. Are you ready to join the ride? We discuss his core values of disruption, growth, and sustainability, the importance of delegation and trust, the benefits of building a support network, and the challenges of dealing...

May 15, 202350 minSeason 4Ep. 15

MAGIC: Mirror mirror on the wall, who is the fittest of them all?

Imagine seeing all your fitness progress in a Magic mirror, powered by AI. That's exactly what entrepreneur Varun has created with his tech-first personal training solution after his personal battles with unhealthy habits. Discover how he overcame investor rejection and built an MVP, plus the sacrifices he made along the way. Key Takeaways - How to fund and build an MVP - Having a co-founder with complementary skills can be invaluable for supporting and sharing the entrepreneurial journey, makin...

May 01, 20231 hr 6 minSeason 4Ep. 14

Heights: From Burnout to Braincare, how Dan Murray-Serter built a £500k+ MRR business in public

How one entrepreneur turned his struggles into a thriving business. We speak with serial entrepreneur, co-founder of Heights and host of the Secret Leaders podcast , Dan Murray-Serter . Hear how Dan went from struggling with insomnia and anxiety to becoming a successful entrepreneur in the world of nutrition and wellbeing. Discover Dan's insights on resilience, building a unique brand, and creating your own category. Key Takeaways - Find out how Dan used a newsletter to grow his business and the...

Apr 17, 20231 hr 14 minSeason 4Ep. 13

Angel Investing School: Talent is everywhere, opportunity isn’t

Do you dream of being an angel investor but don't know where to begin? Learn from the co-founder of The Angel Investing School , Andy Ayim , about how he is democratising the world of angel investing and why being a non-conformist can lead to great leaps in learning. Find out how Andy's backpacking trip at 21 sparked personal and professional growth and led him on the path to entrepreneurship and angel investing. Key Takeaways - Find out what keeps Andy moving forward with confidence, and how so...

Apr 03, 202354 minSeason 4Ep. 12

Moblox: Making money with Piers Linney - ex-Dragons’ Den Investor and C4 Secret Millionaire

Get an inside look at the mind of a successful serial entrepreneur and investor. Former Dragon, Piers Linney shares his upbringing, mistakes, and what really drives him in business. In this interview, he shares his personal story and key insights on starting and growing businesses that will fascinate and motivate any founder or aspiring entrepreneur. Key Takeaways - Pursue what you enjoy and collaborate with people you like working with - The importance of pivoting or starting anew if your busin...

Mar 20, 20231 hr 6 minSeason 4Ep. 11
For the best experience, listen in Metacast app for iOS or Android
Open in Metacast