Get ready for a fascinating episode of Something New, where we sit down with Mike Rosenthal, co-founder of It’s Good, and learn about his unconventional journey from director and photographer in the film industry to founding a travel-tech startup. Mike’s story is full of twists and turns, from working on America’s Next Top Model to building a platform that curates personalized, trusted travel recommendations.

In this episode, Mike discusses how his passion for travel, art, and authentic experiences shaped the creation of It’s Good, the importance of storytelling in both filmmaking and fundraising, and how he navigated the challenges of building a remote team during the pandemic. With insights on consumer trust, scaling a startup, and navigating the peaks and valleys of entrepreneurship, this episode is packed with inspiration for founders and creatives alike.

Meanwhile, Steph and Leeor catch up on the latest MKBHD controversy, analyzing the intersection of tech critique and product development. They also discuss the power of storytelling in startup culture, particularly when it comes to raising capital and building an authentic brand.

Don’t forget to follow Leeor on Twitter at https://twitter.com/lmushin and Steph at https://twitter.com/stephmui. Learn more about the Something New podcast at https://somethingnewpod.com.

Key Discussion Points:

Mike’s transition from the film industry to tech entrepreneurship.
How storytelling helped Mike and his team raise funds and attract attention.
The challenges of team-building and remote work during the pandemic.
The evolution of It’s Good and how it aims to offer curated, trusted travel recommendations.
The importance of authenticity and how Mike’s background in art and filmmaking shapes his approach to tech.

Guest Info:

Mike Rosenthal is the co-founder of It’s Good, a travel app that provides personalized recommendations from trusted sources. Before entering the tech world, Mike had a successful career as a director and photographer, working on projects like America’s Next Top Model and various high-profile ad campaigns. His passion for storytelling, travel, and authentic experiences has driven the vision behind It’s Good, aiming to connect travellers with genuine, curated advice based on personal experiences.