Founder Stories

I get asked “Why did you leave your company?” often. This is my story. — A few years ago, the company that I founded, Twenty20, was acquired. Most founders would be thrilled. For me, it was quite different because two years prior I had left the company. I’m often asked by friends and family why I left. But I’ve been slow to share my story…

Below are the best quotes from Onward: How Starbucks Fought For Its Life Without Losing Its Soul by Howard Schultz: Opening Credits Build a great, enduring company No business can do well for its shareholders without first doing well by the people the business touches Refuse to abandon your purpose Don’t take…

Every founder knows the unique weight of building something from the ground up. It’s a journey filled with moments that test your resilience, moments that will later turn into precious memories 😁 The path of entrepreneurship isn’t meant to be walked alone. It’s essential to lean on your fellow founders…

An interview with Natalie Ruiz — As part of my Powerful Women series, I had the pleasure of interviewing Rachael Howourth, Award-winning global sales & business mentor, and Founder of Her Infinite Abundance. She shared five lessons she has learned through her life and career — some of which she wishes she had learned sooner! Rachael…

My partner has published the first episode of her podcast called Founders in Berlin as her first solo initiative after working two years in Berlin for one of the biggest ad networks. I’m an engineer so took up the role of modern day handyman helping with all sorts of technical…

The Story of Agnovate with JG Shields. Agnovate is a South African insurance and financial services provider, founded and fast-growing in South Africa. The business was co-founded by JG Shields, a former farmer turned agri-entrepreneur and this is some of the history. Have you ever looked at massive brands, perhaps their glittering, glass-faceted buildings as you drive…

A guide to challenge assumptions, answer objections and test your hypotheses directly with your users. — As an early-stage founder, your ability to deliver value quickly is your most critical — and sometimes the only — competitive advantage over the incumbent competition. In an era where it’s easier than ever to create something from nothing, validating (or invalidating) ideas quickly and iterating toward a solution…

During the latest Pitch Practice session, we had the pleasure of hosting a special guest, Rebecca Clyde, who shared her latest pitch deck for Botco.ai! As a company within our portfolio, we might be perceived as having a bias, but recognizing a great pitch is not a difficult task. Here…

Memories from early days at the Live Music Project — 7 years ago today, here I am bright-eyed and bushy-tailed and excited to be interviewed for KING FM’s Musical Chairs show with Michael Brooks. I think it was my first time being on the radio, and Mike made it easy. Two months before, Live Music Project incorporated in Washington State…