Founders Podcast - podcast cover

Founders Podcast

Ash Lonareshows.acast.com

Welcome to Founder's Podcast.


This is a show where I interview proven founders and industry experts who share their stories, strategies, and insights to help you build, launch, and grow your SaaS business.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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Episodes

3 Exits but Still Building

In this episode of Founders Podcast, Raj Singh shares his journey as a successful entrepreneur with multiple exits, including an acquisition by Mozilla. He discusses the importance of understanding the startup landscape, customer acquisition strategies, and the lessons learned from navigating challenges such as COVID-19 and market saturation. Raj emphasizes the significance of conviction, perseverance, and the need for founders to focus on their unique vision while being mindful of the financial...

Jul 01, 202542 minSeason 13Ep. 6

How to Build $20 Million Bathroom Business

Summary In this conversation, David Sauers shares his journey as the co-founder and CEO of Royal Restrooms, a company that revolutionized the portable restroom industry. He discusses the importance of pursuing passions, building trust with customers, and the challenges of gaining initial traction. David reflects on the lessons learned over 22 years in business, including the significance of community engagement, customer feedback, and the value of franchising. He emphasizes the need for continuo...

Jun 27, 202545 secSeason 13Ep. 9

How to Start a Dating Website and Get Your First 10k Users

Summary In this conversation, Eric McHugh discusses his innovative AI-powered matchmaking service, Dating, which aims to create meaningful connections by leveraging users' digital footprints. He shares insights into the challenges of traditional dating apps, the unique features of his platform, and the importance of user experience. Eric also reflects on his entrepreneurial journey, the dynamics of his team, and the strategies for marketing and user acquisition. Throughout the discussion, he emp...

Jun 16, 202541 minSeason 13Ep. 4

How Founders Are Hacking Growth with Simple, Smart AI Workflows

Summary In this episode of Founders Podcast, Ash interviews Marnie Wills, an AI trainer and strategist who shares her journey from being a physical education teacher and personal trainer to embracing technology and AI in her businesses. Marnie discusses the importance of mental shifts for non-technical founders, strategies for acquiring customers, and the significance of targeting the right market. She emphasizes the need for authentic content in the age of AI and the growing desire for communit...

Jun 09, 202549 minSeason 13Ep. 3

The Founder Who Builds 6 Figure Funnels in His Sleep

He’s the kind of entrepreneur who doesn’t just talk growth—he builds it, scales it, and engineers it for measurable impact. From mastering calisthenics to mastering conversions, his life is a case study in discipline, vision, and purpose. This guest isn’t just a digital marketer—he’s a strategist who’s helped brands unlock massive ROI, and he runs a performance-driven agency that blends AI with marketing science. And if you’ve ever wondered how values like freedom, health, and spirituality can f...

Jun 05, 202548 minSeason 13Ep. 3

$8M Raw Truth Behind Real Estate Success

He flipped over 100 properties, built not one, not two, but three property management companies, and scaled a real estate team to $8 million in annual sales—all before most people knew what a real estate team even was. This is not your average entrepreneur story. It’s the kind with crashes, comebacks, and candid truths no one tells you about building real wealth. From losing it all after the 2008 crash to launching an insurance agency in 2023, our guest is proof that business isn’t a straight li...

Jun 02, 202540 minSeason 13Ep. 2

Patent Pitfalls, The Shocking Truth Most Entrepreneurs Learn Too Late

700+ patents. Two decades of experience. One global mission to protect your million-dollar ideas. Ever wondered what separates a napkin sketch from a billion-dollar business? Or why some ideas get stolen while others get sealed with ironclad protection? Today’s guest has been on both sides of the patent battlefield—first as a U.S. Patent Examiner, and now as the fierce advocate behind one of the most trusted patent law offices in the country. From nanotech to international filings, he's the go-t...

May 21, 202546 min

The No 1 Reason Employees Leave (And How to Fix It Fast)

Every 500-employee company risks losing over $4 million each year— not from poor sales or failed products , but from something far more silent: employee turnover . Now, imagine keeping 95% of your team happy, motivated, and thriving. What would that mean for your bottom line? Our guest today didn’t just imagine it—she built an entire company to solve it. With a background rooted in leadership and a mission to make expert-led coaching accessible to all, she’s helping organisations retain talent a...

May 19, 202550 min

How Podcasting Since 2010 Made This Entrepreneur Unstoppable

🔥 15 years, 1 digital agency, and over 20 podcast episodes later... From newsrooms in Pennsylvania to the frontlines of digital marketing, today’s guest has turned career burnout into a creative empire. He’s not just another voice in the podcasting world—he’s a podcasting coach, an SEO specialist, and a tech-savvy entrepreneur who helps others find their voice while growing his own digital marketing agency. Whether he’s working with clients, creating content, or walking his Airedoodle named Oli...

May 12, 202547 min

The Secret Tricks Pros Use to Crush Online Meetings

💥 3100+ articles. 100+ C-level interviews every year. One mission: to save healthcare through technology. Imagine a future where your smartwatch alerts your doctor before you even know you’re sick. A world where seniors live safely at home longer, employees get healthier (and companies richer), and diseases are tackled before they take root. That future isn’t science fiction—it’s being built right now. Our guest today is a visionary who’s not just predicting this transformation—he’s helping lea...

May 08, 202550 min

The #1 Branding Mistake Every Startup Makes (And How to Fix It)

Founders Podcast: Guest Intro for Sapna Pieroux 🎯 80% of people never get past the logo when judging a business — and today's guest knows exactly why. She’s a multi-award-winning brand consultant, a best-selling author, and a woman who’s helped hundreds of leaders go from invisible to unforgettable. With a background working with giants like L’Oréal and Toyota, she ditched the glitz of media parties to build brands with purpose — and rebuild her own life after a deeply personal health journey. ...

Apr 28, 202541 min

8 Startup Mistakes You’re Probably Making Without Realising

8 out of 10 startups fail —but what if most of those failures were avoidable? Imagine having a toolkit that not only shows you where things go wrong but also teaches you how to “goof-proof” your business before disaster strikes. Today’s guest has made—and survived—his fair share of entrepreneurial blunders. From navigating the rollercoaster of launching WhirlWhims LLC to mentoring small business owners on how not to self-sabotage, he’s distilled his wisdom into a powerful new book, UH-OH! He’s a...

Apr 15, 202542 min

How to Run a Business Like a Fortune 500 Company (Without the Budget)

Imagine saving thousands of dollars a year on business tools—no per-user fees, no unnecessary add-ons, just everything you need to scale. Sounds too good to be true? Well, today’s guest made it a reality. He’s a serial entrepreneur, best-selling author, and a fierce advocate for small businesses. From cutting costs to maximising efficiency, he’s here to share the game-changing strategies that level the playing field between startups and industry giants . He’s the mastermind behind InLink.com , a...

Apr 04, 202550 min

Want a 7-Figure Business? Guaranteed Here is How

Imagine losing your six-figure job and feeling completely lost… and then, within weeks, transforming your mindset, regaining confidence, and stepping into a life of abundance. Sounds impossible? Well, today’s guest has made this possible for countless entrepreneurs. He’s a master of shifting people from stress and scarcity to confidence and success. Known as the Architect of The Warrior’s L.I.F.E. Code, he helps people break free from limiting beliefs and build a future where they can Live Incre...

Apr 01, 202548 min

She Built a $143M Business, Now She’s Taking on AI Giants!

🚀 From $1.2M to $143M— in just two years! What if I told you that today's guest turned a food business into a nine-figure empire before jumping into AI? She started as a factory worker, made it to FHM’s 100 Sexiest Women list, built award-winning startups, and now she’s revolutionising how we communicate with AI. A true master of reinvention, she’s here to share how she defies expectations and builds success across industries. Welcome to the show, Cheryl Cunningham, Founder and CEO of HURO AI! ...

Mar 31, 20251 hr 8 min

24 Years of Financial Wisdom in 30 Minutes

In the world of emerging businesses, less than 10% make it to their fifth year. But what if you had the financial insight to break that mould and thrive? Today’s guest is a master at helping businesses do just that. With over 24 years of experience in strategic finance, Salvatore Tirabassi is the founder of CFO Pro + Analytics, a firm dedicated to guiding entrepreneurs through complex financial landscapes. Having worked in venture capital and as a fractional CFO, Salvatore is a true advocate for...

Mar 28, 202555 min

A 300-Year-Old Industry About to Be Turned Upside Down

300 years. That’s how long an industry has operated the same way—until now. Imagine a world where selling a business doesn’t involve middlemen, commissions, or hidden fees. A world where buyers have to put skin in the game before they can even reach a seller. Our guest today is on a mission to disrupt the business-for-sale market in a way no one else has dared to. From serving in the military to getting a black belt in Hapkido, from managing a full house remodel to bootstrapping his own startup,...

Mar 26, 202545 min

What Makes a Leader Great?

93% of leaders believe they need better communication skills, yet most never take action to improve them. Why? Because leadership isn’t just about authority—it’s about facilitation. Today’s guest has spent over two decades equipping leaders with the skills to thrive, transform teams, and navigate the toughest workplace challenges. She’s the co-author of The Facilitation Advantage , a leadership consultant, and the Director of Facilitation Excellence at Proteus International. Her journey from per...

Mar 24, 202550 min

Software Engineer's Love Story Led to a $793 Billion Revolution

Did you know that the global horse racing industry is projected to reach over $793 billion by 2030? With such staggering figures, efficient horse management has never been more crucial. Our guest today transformed a personal need into a groundbreaking solution for horse owners worldwide. Combining his expertise in software engineering with a passion for equestrian care, he developed a platform that streamlines everything from veterinary records to performance tracking. Hosted on Acast. See acast...

Mar 21, 20258 min

She Closed a Deal with Mark Cuban—Then Lost It All

What if I told you that landing a deal with Mark Cuban on Shark Tank wasn’t the peak of success—but just the beginning of a rollercoaster ride? Today’s guest took that leap, built a brand, and faced the brutal realities of entrepreneurship—losing six figures in inventory, shutting down her dream company, and then reinventing herself in the world of luxury real estate. Now, she’s helping founders navigate the startup grind with hard-earned wisdom and no sugar-coating. She’s the host of The Seed M...

Mar 20, 202550 min

How Claire Alvis Scaled Deliveroo and Other Start-Ups to Industry Giants

What’s the secret behind scaling some of the most successful start-ups in the world—like Deliveroo, Vita Mojo, and beyond? Today’s guest knows exactly what it takes to turn fledgling businesses into industry giants. Claire Alvis has spent her career building high-performance teams and customer success strategies that drive massive growth. But it’s not all just business—Claire is also a mum of two, managing the balance of start-up life and family life. In this episode, she’ll share her journey fr...

Mar 19, 202543 min

£500K, 8 Months, 1 Game-Changing AI Startup

What would you do with £500,000 in startup funding? Our guest today didn’t just raise that—he built a thriving AI company with it. As the Co-founder & Chief Product and Technology Officer of Vente AI , he’s revolutionising how recruitment agencies automate business development. With over a decade of experience in AI, blockchain, and SaaS, he’s led game-changing projects for Coca-Cola, Gatorade, and even HMRC . From securing investments to scaling startups, he knows exactly what it takes to t...

Mar 18, 202548 min

The Future of E-Commerce: How AI Is Replacing Repetitive Work

Imagine working for over a decade at one of the biggest tech giants, seeing first-hand how digital commerce was getting more complex, and thinking—there has to be a better way. Most people might just complain. But our guest today? He built the solution. He’s a serial entrepreneur, a tech startup CEO, and a proud restaurant owner. By day, he’s revolutionising how brands manage e-commerce with AI-powered merchandising at Syntheum AI . By night? You might just find him brewing up the best matcha in...

Mar 11, 202554 min

200 Rejections, 30 Awards: How This Author Refused to Quit

Imagine walking out of prison with nothing but a few dollars in your pocket and nowhere to go. Society has moved on, doors are shut, and the odds are stacked against you. But what if someone believed in you enough to give you a second chance? Today’s guest knows all about second chances—not just giving them but living them. From homelessness to business ownership, from rejection to award-winning success, his journey is a testament to resilience, redemption, and the power of never giving up. He’s...

Mar 04, 202547 min

AI Avatars Are Taking Over—Are You Ready?

Imagine battling 11 years of chronic pain, only to turn that struggle into a relentless drive for innovation. Now, picture building companies that serve giants like UBS Bank, KPMG, and the European Banking Authority—all while exploring the cutting edge of AI and Web3. Today's guest is not just a tech entrepreneur; he's a philosopher at heart, deeply influenced by thinkers like Nietzsche, constantly questioning the "why" behind everything. From managing Airbnbs to pioneering the Metaverse, and no...

Feb 27, 202546 min

This Entrepreneur Found the Secret to Breaking Free from Debt

Imagine a world where debt doesn’t control your life – where instead, innovation and new solutions empower you to break free. Today’s guest is someone who’s not just thinking about this future, but building it. With over two decades of experience in the entrepreneurial world, he’s been behind two successful exits and has mentored hundreds of startups. His journey includes shaping the future of entrepreneurship globally and revolutionising the way we manage debt. From teaching at Techstars to sha...

Feb 27, 202546 min

From Broke to millionaire: The Untold Story of Steven Zeller

💡 What if I told you that the road to success isn’t paved with degrees, but with relentless determination? Our guest today could have been a neurosurgeon, but instead, he chose the high-risk, high-reward path of entrepreneurship—one that took him from struggling to afford McDonald's to shopping for jets and private islands. He’s built and scaled multiple businesses across industries, from real estate to AI and biotech. He’s fascinated by the future—gene therapies, quantum computing, space explo...

Feb 25, 202548 min

Ready to Sell Your Business? Darryl Bates-Brownsword Reveals the Secrets to Maximising Value

What’s the one thing every business owner eventually faces but rarely plans for? The exit. Whether it’s passing the torch, selling up, or stepping back, exiting a business can be a make-or-break moment. But how do you ensure your life’s work isn’t undervalued—or worse—unsellable? Today’s guest is an expert in preparing businesses for that critical transition. With a proven 21-step methodology and a mission to help owners extract maximum value, he’s revolutionised the way businesses prepare for t...

Feb 10, 202552 min
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