Podcast
The Founder
Hosted by Kallaway · EN
The Founder is a show that features world-class entrepreneurs and their early stories of ingenuity, struggle and perseverance to get their companies off the ground. Kallaway goes in-depth with founders in straight talk, uncensored conversations to understand their thoughts, feelings and actions behind the big decisions that influenced the direction of their startup. At the end of each episode, founders share their 1-2 favorite ideas for other businesses they wish existed and we riff on how they'd bring them to market.Think My First Million meets Joe Rogan meets How I Built This.
10episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
55. Kendrick Nguyen | Republic (democratizing startup investing)
Aug 10, 202101:10:01Tap to summarizeKendrick Nguyen is the Co-Founder & CEO of Republic.During the episode, we break down:The origin story for building Republic and what makes it different from other crowdfunding platformsHow the team thinks about building products for the next wave of Millennial and Gen Z investors The Republic platform product mix including access to private companies, crypto projects, real estate deals, video games and moreRepublic’s autopilot project which acts as a pseudo robo-advisor for private deals on their platformThe biggest trends in the investment space and how VCs, solo capitalists and micro-investors will all have a seat at the table in the futureRepublic’s process for analyzing deals and how they decide which companies are allowed to raise on their platformThe power of crypto and how it enables the democratization of investing across the worldThe token economy and how Republic’s note token will drive their business in the futureLessons learned working as an understudy of Naval RavikantAnd much moreTune in to hear Kendrick’s incredible story!And remember, at the end of the episode, we asked Kendrick to brainstorm other business ideas that he would chase if Republic was gone tomorrow. Our brainstorm covered happiness and building an Equinox type of fitness for improving mental health. Watch this episode on YouTube here.Republic – republic.coFollow Kendrick on TwitterFollow Republic on Twitter / InstagramKendrick’s content and learning recommendations The Founder - www.thefounderpod.com Follow The Founder (@founderpodcast) on Twitter // Instagram // Newsletter
Transcribe →54. Kevin Lee | Immi (healthy ramen)
Jul 20, 202101:11:31Tap to summarizeKevin Lee is the Co-Founder of Immi.During the episode, we break down:Immi’s origin storyLaunching the #1 community for product managers (Product Manager HQ) and top 3 keys to community buildingThe massive market opportunity for healthy ramen and other “better for you” Asian American foodUsing a data driven approach to unlock the core product attributes of Immi (low carb, high protein, plant based)Biggest food & beverage trends for the next 5 years“Sleepy” food categories (other than ramen) that are ripe for disruptionKevin’s angel investing criteria and getting into deals like Sweetgreen, The Hustle and SpaceXThe common trait that gives entrepreneurs their edgeAnd much moreTune in to hear Kevins’s incredible story!And remember, at the end of the episode, we asked Kevin to brainstorm other business ideas that he would chase if Immi were gone tomorrow. Our brainstorm highlighted creating a “better for you” conglomerate that owns multiple food brands across different categories.Watch this episode on YouTube here. Immi - immieats.comFollow Kevin on Twitter / InstagramFollow Immi on InstagramKevin’s content and learning recommendations The Founder - www.thefounderpod.com Follow The Founder (@founderpodcast) on Twitter // Instagram // Newsletter
Transcribe →53. Lucie Fink | Lucie Fink Media (lifestyle influencer)
Jun 29, 202101:19:45Tap to summarizeLucie Fink is a lifestyle influencer and Founder of Lucie Fink Media.During the episode, we break down:Her journey to go from neuroscience major to lifestyle influencerHer experience working as the lead on-camera talent for Refinery29How to think about leaving your corporate job and starting on your ownGoing beneath the hood and breaking down the most important revenue streams for a content creatorThe struggles in life as an influencerHow to build a content team that supports brand deals with companies like Adobe, TikTok and moreThe top 5 most important lessons for a content creatorThe playbook for starting out as a content creator todayAnd more!Tune in to hear Lucie’s incredible story!And remember, at the end of the episode, we asked Lucie to brainstorm other businesses that she wished existed. Our brainstorm highlighted next-generation products/services that would make life easier for content creators.Watch this episode on YouTube here. Lucie Fink Media – luciefink.comFollow Lucie on Instagram / Youtube Lucie’s content and learning recommendations The Founder - www.thefounderpod.com Follow The Founder (@founderpodcast) on Twitter // Instagram // Newsletter
Transcribe →52. Oliver Zak, Selom Agbitor | Mad Rabbit (tattoo aftercare)
Jun 15, 202100:58:02Tap to summarizeOliver Zak and Selom Agbitor are the Co-Founders of Mad Rabbit.What started as a side project during their senior year at Miami University, turned into a DTC juggernaut that’s taking over the tattoo industry. Mad Rabbit does $4M/year in sales and recently inked a deal with Mark Cuban on Shark Tank. During the episode, we break down the playbook to starting a company in college, the power of building community and go behind the curtain of what it’s really like to film an episode of Shark Tank.Tune in to hear Oliver and Selom’s incredible story!If you have tattoos and are interested in the best tattoo aftercare products on the planet, get 20% off by using code Kallaway at checkout.And remember, at the end of the episode, we ask Oliver and Selom to brainstorm other business ideas that they’d explore if Mad Rabbit was gone tomorrow. Our brainstorm included a better model for virtual customer service and building a platform to crowdsource answers from your community Watch this episode on YouTube here. Mad Rabbit – madrabbittattoo.comFollow Mad Rabbit on InstagramFollow Oliver and Selom on InstagramOliver’s content and learning recommendations The Founder - www.thefounderpod.com Follow The Founder (@founderpodcast) on Twitter // Instagram // Newsletter
Transcribe →51. Robbie Bent | Inward (guided breathwork)
Jun 1, 202101:20:38Tap to summarizeRobbie Bent is the Co-Founder & CEO of Inward.Inward is a next generation mental health company, combining physical spaces (ice baths + saunas) and the largest library of breathwork content in the world. Prior to Inward, Robbie spent 4 years working on growth at the Ethereum Foundation, a $300 billion cryptocurrency. He also runs a Clubhouse Show on Psychedelic Medicines and loves resilience challenges. You can learn more about him here and follow him on twitter @robbiebent1. Tune in to hear Robbie’s incredible story!And remember, at the end of the episode, we ask Robbie to brainstorm other business ideas that he’d explore if Inward was gone tomorrow. Our brainstorm included solving for loneliness through community, commune living and regenerative farming.Get 25% off your Inward membership today by using KALLAWAY25 at checkout.Watch this episode on YouTube here. Inward – inwardbreathwork.comFollow Inward on Instagram // TwitterFollow Robbie Bent on TwitterRobbie’s content and learning recommendations The Founder - www.thefounderpod.com Follow The Founder (@founderpodcast) on Twitter // Instagram // NewsletterDon't have time to listen to the full episode? Read the 5-minute version here
Transcribe →50. Anne Mahlum | solidcore (high intensity pilates)
May 18, 202101:12:43Tap to summarizeAnne Mahlum is the Founder & CEO of solidcore.solidcore is an intense, full body workout that combines pilates and strength training. With over 70 corporate-owned studios nationwide, it's one of the biggest winners in the boutique fitness industry. And for good reason! Their workouts live up to their name as they generate a core burn unlike any other.Tune in to hear Anne’s incredible story!And remember, at the end of the episode, we ask Anne to brainstorm other business ideas that she’d explore if solidcore was gone tomorrow. Our brainstorm included the future of beauty and social justice reform.Watch this episode on YouTube here solidcore– solidcore.coFollow solidcore on Instagram // TwitterFollow Anne Mahlum on InstagramAnne’s content and learning recommendations The Founder - www.thefounderpod.com Follow The Founder (@founderpodcast) on Twitter // Instagram // NewsletterDon't have time to listen to the full episode? Read the 5-minute version here.
Transcribe →49. David Roger | Felix Gray (blue light blocking glasses)
May 4, 202101:00:38Tap to summarizeDavid Roger is the Co-Founder & CEO of Felix Gray.Felix Gray is the pioneer of mainstream blue light blocking glasses and a dominant player in the digital wellness category. Their lenses are 15x more effective than competitors and 9/10 customers report a significant improvement in digital eye strain when wearing the product consistently.In the digital age, many of us are glued to screens 24/7. One of the best gifts you can give yourself is a pair of blue light blocking glasses to protect your eyes and minimize headaches, dizziness and fatigue throughout the day. Get 10% off Felix Gray glasses with code Kallaway. Tune in to hear David’s story!And remember, at the end of the episode, we ask David to brainstorm other business ideas that he’d explore if Felix Gray was gone tomorrow. Our brainstorm included future of work/living solutions and infrastructure to help influencers create and grow their own brands.Watch this episode on YouTube – here.Felix Gray – shopfelixgray.comFollow Felix Gray on Instagram // TwitterFollow David Roger on Twitter // InstagramDavid’s content and learning recommendations The Founder - www.thefounderpod.com Follow The Founder (@founderpodcast) on Twitter // Instagram // NewsletterDon't have time to listen to the full episode? Read the 5-minute version here.
Transcribe →48. Jeremy Cai | Italic (affordable luxury shopping club)
Apr 20, 202100:59:07Tap to summarizeJeremy Cai is the Founder & CEO of Italic.Italic is positioned to disrupt the traditional retail value chain by giving consumers access to high-end products at cost. That means you only pay what it costs the manufacturer to make and deliver it to you – no markups for branding or retail middlemen. Imagine getting access to products from Burberry, Prada, Alexander Wang, Tumi and All Clad for 80% off the traditional retail price! [Italic has officially entered the chat]How do they do it? Italic built relationships with the same manufacturers that make the raw goods for your favorite luxury brands. Instead of pushing manufacturers to drive prices down, Italic realigns incentives by paying manufacturers more and passing the traditional brand mark-up margin onto customers as savings. Instead of making a large profit on each item, Italic charges an annual membership fee of $120 for members to access all of their products. It's the members only shopping club you've always dreamed of.And because Italic’s founder Jeremy is a friend, he’s offering 30% off your first year of the membership to join the club. Visit italic.com/founder to take advantage of the offer!Tune in to hear Jeremy’s story!Watch this episode on YouTube – here Italic – italic.comFollow Italic on Instagram // TwitterFollow Jeremy Cai on Twitter // InstagramJeremy’s content and learning recommendations The Founder - www.thefounderpod.com Follow The Founder (@founderpodcast) on Twitter // Instagram // NewsletterDon't have time to listen to the full episode? Read the 5-minute version here
Transcribe →47. Leo Wang | Buffy (home goods - comfortable meets sustainable)
Apr 6, 202101:11:22Tap to summarizeLeo Wang is the Co-Founder & CEO of Buffy.Buffy is a breath of fresh air in the home goods space, optimizing their products for two things – comfort and sustainability. After iterating and testing various comforter concepts for months, Leo and Co-Founder Shoaib launched with a promise to use earth-friendly fabrics and manufacturing methods to redefine the definition of soft. Today their product suite includes comforters, pillows, bedding and sheets made from eucalyptus, hemp and recycled polyester.Tune in to hear Leo’s story!EPISODE TOPICS Sections(11:54) – The Origin Story(14:57) – The Build(49:57) – The Brainstorm(55:43) – The FounderTopics(2:23) Leo’s background (7:45) Speech writing for the UK House of Lords(11:54) Assessing the market opportunity(14:57) Buffy’s core values(17:47) The importance of sustainability at Buffy(22:39) Building a culture of innovation(26:50) Product roadmap(29:53) What hasn’t worked in growing Buffy(33:44) Hiring(38:47) Startup Manifesto(49:57) Brainstorm – home goods products designed to deliver comfort while traveling and furniture as fashion(55:43) Advice to younger self(58:54) Leo’s wellness stack(1:01:53) Emerging trendsWatch this episode on YouTube here.Buffy – buffy.coFollow Buffy on InstagramLeo’s content and learning recommendations The Founder - www.thefounderpod.com Follow The Founder (@founderpodcast) on Twitter // Instagram // NewsletterDon't have time to listen to the full episode? Read the 5-minute version here.
Transcribe →46. Alex Lieberman | Morning Brew (business and tech news)
Mar 23, 202100:57:39Tap to summarizeAlex Lieberman is the Co-Founder & CEO of Morning Brew.Alex is a first time entrepreneur and started Morning Brew during his undergrad days at University of Michigan in 2015.Morning Brew is a media company focused on delivering business and tech news to 3M+ subscribers. Alex and Co-Founder Austin grew Morning Brew into a household name on the back of their free daily business email. The team supercharged subscriber growth by building robust ambassador and referral programs and launching several other content products including Emerging Tech Brew, Marketing Brew, Retail Brew, Sidekick and their hit podcast, Business Casual. In October of 2020, Morning Brew sold a majority stake to Business Insider for a reported $75M.Tune in to hear Alex’s story!EPISODE TOPICS Sections (2:29) – The Origin Story (6:04) – The Build(47:35) – The Founder(52:24) – The Brainstorm Topics(2:29) Alex’s background(6:04) Growth playbook(8:18) Hub and spoke growth model(11:28) Ambassador and referral Programs(20:42) “We’ve got something” moment(23:39) What hasn’t worked(26:49) Hiring(34:27) Selling to Business Insider(41:06) Alex’s Startup Manifesto(47:35) Starting from scratch building an audience today(52:24) The Brainstorm – Business education and mental health via emotional sherpaWatch this episode on YouTube here Morning Brew – morningbrew.comFollow Morning Brew on Twitter // InstagramFollow Alex on Twitter // InstagramAlex's content and learning recommendations The Founder - www.thefounderpod.com Follow The Founder (@founderpodcast) on Twitter // Instagram // NewsletterDon't have time to listen to the full episode? Read the 5-minute version here
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