Best Bootstrapped Giants Podcasts (2025)

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No VC, No Limits! How Bootstrapping Built Manoj Pranik’s Global Cloud Giant Atlantic.Net? 1:15:40

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6d ago1:15:40

1:15:40

Dorm Room Dreams to Cloud Empire From a dorm room startup to building a global cloud infrastructure powerhouse without venture capital. Manoj Pranik, Founder & CEO of Atlantic.Net, shares his story of resilience, innovation, and vision. 🙏 Special Thanks A big thank you to PayPal Stadium, San Jose Earthquakes Press Room, and the entire San Jose Eart…

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German Startup News Sept 2025: Deep Tech, VC Surge, Fintech & Big Fundings 28:47

2d ago28:47

28:47

In this September 2025 wrap-up, hosts Jörn “Joe” Menninger and Chris Fahrenbach break down the signals that actually matter for B2B operators: where capital is flowing, how deep tech is commercializing, and what shifting regulatory winds mean for product, go-to-market, and hiring. Expect fast, factual coverage of German startups, Swiss and Austrian…

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The Untold Truth About Agency Growth: Why Small Teams Beat Giant Competitors 34:02

6d ago34:02

34:02

From Oracle Sales to Digital Product Pioneer: Building a Sustainable Tech Agency in the Mobile Era.In this episode of How I Grew This, host Adam speaks with Robert Armstrong, Co-Founder and CEO of Appstem, about his 15-year journey building a successful digital product agency from the early days of mobile apps to today's AI-driven landscape, alongs…

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German Startup News Sept 2025: $2.3B AI Unicorn, N26 Crisis & Climate Tech 21:32

6d ago21:32

21:32

Berlin’s AI unicorn skyrocketed from $350M to $2.3B in valuation in just months. Meanwhile, fintech giant N26 faces its most severe governance crisis yet, as its co-founder CEO steps down after regulatory pressure. And Europe’s climate tech sector is booming with mega-funding rounds, including a record €825M hydrogen allocation. This is your Septem…

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Beyond Success: Gagan Biyani’s Inner Journey Building Udemy, Sprig, and Maven 1:15:38

11d ago1:15:38

1:15:38

What does it take to build, lose, and rebuild as an entrepreneur—while staying true to yourself? In this conversation, host Dave Kashen sits down with Gagan Biyani (co-founder of Udemy, Sprig, and Maven) to explore the emotional and practical realities of entrepreneurship: co-founder dynamics, letting go of team members, navigating failure, and mov…

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Salt-Free Water Softener: How AQON PURE Bootstrapped a Cleantech Startup 49:55

13d ago49:55

49:55

What if fixing hard water could also save energy and rivers? That’s the question Maximilian Wilk, Co-Founder & CEO of AQON PURE, set out to answer. His team developed a salt-free water softener that prevents limescale, lowers energy bills, and avoids the chloride pollution caused by traditional salt-based systems. In this episode of Startuprad.io, …

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How to Change Without Willpower, Guilt, or Discipline 56:08

18d ago56:08

56:08

Ever find yourself stuck in a cycle of self-discipline, shame, and yo-yo habits? In this episode of Heart of Entrepreneurship, Jesse and Dave dive deep into the psychology behind personal growth—and why punishing yourself into change doesn’t actually work. From fitness routines to leadership patterns, they explore how to unlock lasting behavior cha…

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Discover the Power of Podcasting 54:55

19d ago54:55

54:55

Tune to here personal journey of host, from her early days in radio to building a thriving podcasting platform. Pranali dives into the passion, challenges, and lessons learned along the way, highlighting the key benefits of podcasting and how it can ignite your own creative journey. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, startup founder, business owner, o…

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Agentic AI for SaaS: Multi-Agent Playbooks, Pricing Agents & EU AI Act Trust 56:20

20d ago56:20

56:20

Dashboards don’t decide. Agents do. In this episode of Startuprad.io, we sit down with Jennifer Grün, Senior Specialist for Generative AI & ML at AWS, to explore how agentic AI is rewriting the rules of SaaS. Instead of static dashboards and brittle automations, SaaS is moving toward agents that reason, plan, and act—delivering outcomes like churn …

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The Parts You Reject Are Blocking Your Potential 48:18

22d ago48:18

48:18

Why You Resist Feeling Bad (And How It Holds You Back as a Founder) ✅ Are you bootstrapping? You need this: https://bootstrappedgiants.com/subscribe ✅ Master the Inner Game of Entrepreneurship here: https://www.davekashen.com/newsletter-sign-up 00:00 – Intro + today's topic: “shadows” and the parts we deny 01:30 – Jesse’s shadow: the victim 03:00 –…

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The Hidden Blueprint - Customers Who Sell Your Product 53:38

26d ago53:38

53:38

How to Turn Your First Customers into Superfans? Your first customers aren’t just transactions—they’re the foundation of your startup’s growth. In this episode of Bootstrap Banter, uncover strategies most founders overlook when turning early adopters into loyal design partners and superfans. What you’ll learn: Transform your first customers into co…

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Turning Insights Into Impact: The Art of Strategic Creativity 33:42

27d ago33:42

33:42

In this episode of How I Grew This, hosts Amanda and Adam sit down with Jason White, Head of Acquisition at Policygenius, to explore the evolving landscape of digital marketing and SEO. Jason shares invaluable insights from his journey from a local bike shop to leading acquisition strategies, discussing why traditional marketing principles still ma…

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AI Monetization Strategy: From POC to Proof of Value with AWS 1:00:14

27d ago1:00:14

1:00:14

POC is dead. Proof of Value is the new standard for AI startups. In this episode, AWS’s Jennifer Grün reveals the AI monetization strategy that separates demos from businesses. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: – Why hybrid pricing models (subscriptions + credits) outperform per-seat SaaS in AI – How to replace Proof of Concept with Proof of Value…

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How Enjoyment (Not Hustle) Drives Real Growth 47:51

1M ago47:51

47:51

7 Inner Shifts That Make You a Better Leader (Without Forcing It) ✅ Are you bootstrapping? You need this: https://bootstrappedgiants.com/subscribe ✅ Master the Inner Game of Entrepreneurship here: https://www.davekashen.com/newsletter-sign-up 00:00 – Intro: Dave’s coaching lineage + the Groundbreakers retreat 01:30 – Why even high-performing founde…

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German Startup Funding, Deep Tech AI, & Fintech M&A – September 2025 News 29:00

1M ago29:00

29:00

What if the next billion-dollar startup was brewing in Berlin, Munich, or Vienna right now? In this episode, we cover the game-changing deals, deep tech breakthroughs, and green innovation stories shaping the DACH startup scene in September 2025. Whether you’re a founder, VC, or ecosystem insider, this is your shortcut to staying ahead in Europe’s …

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DACH Startup News: Berlin AI Rockets, N26 Shakes & Europe’s Hydrogen Bet 21:33

1M ago21:33

21:33

Berlin’s AI just rocketed from $350M to $2.3B. At the same time, Switzerland locked in €825M hydrogen funding, and N26 faced its toughest governance test yet. This is not Silicon Valley news. This is the DACH region (Germany, Austria, Switzerland) reshaping startup dynamics — and it’s moving fast. In this Startuprad.io Summer Wrap-Up 2025, we unpac…

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The Personas Playing You: How Founders Get Trapped in Drama & Identity 55:21

1M ago55:21

55:21

The Personas Playing You: How Founders Get Trapped in Drama & Identity ✅ ARE YOU BOOTSTRAPPING? YOU NEED THIS: https://bootstrappedgiants.com/subscribe ✅ Master the Inner Game of Entrepreneurship here: https://www.davekashen.com/newsletter-sign-up Show Notes: 00:00 – Intro + why entrepreneurship doesn’t have to be painful 01:30 – What is a persona?…

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How Climate Tech SaaS Is Ending Greenwashing | Irene Rosique, Nuvio Planet 30:38

1M ago30:38

30:38

Greenwashing is everywhere — from supermarket shelves to corporate ESG reports. But are those “eco-friendly” claims worth anything without data to back them up? In this episode of Startuprad.io, host Jörn “Joe” Menninger speaks with Irene Rosique-Conesa, CEO & Co-Founder of Nuvio Planet, a climate tech SaaS spun out of BASF. Irene believes the solu…

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Why Unfelt Feelings Become a Prison for Founders 50:28

1M ago50:28

50:28

What Are You Resisting? How Founders Block Growth by Avoiding Emotion ✅ ARE YOU BOOTSTRAPPING? YOU NEED THIS: https://bootstrappedgiants.com/subscribe ✅ Master the Inner Game of Entrepreneurship here: https://www.davekashen.com/newsletter-sign-up Show Notes: 00:00 – Intro + recap: resisting emotions, what it means for founders 02:00 – Why emotions …

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Productionizing AI: AWS Bedrock, MCP & Agentic Workflows for Startups 57:14

2M ago57:14

57:14

What does it really take to move from a GenAI prototype to a production-ready system? In this episode, AWS AI Engineering Specialist Dennis Traub breaks down the hard truths behind scaling, securing, and monitoring AI systems — and why the future belongs to startups who learn how to productionize AI fast. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Why most…

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How Startups Can Use GenAI Without Breaking GDPR or Trust 48:10

2M ago48:10

48:10

Startups love GenAI. But most founders are using it unsafely — and exposing their team, their customers, and their legal risk without even realizing it. In this episode of Startuprad.io, we sat down with Dennis Traub, AI Engineering Specialist at AWS, to unpack what safe adoption of Generative AI really means for founders, CTOs, and product leads. …

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The Answers Are Hiding in Your Repressed Emotions 48:13

2M ago48:13

48:13

Emotions Are Not the Enemy: Unlocking Leadership, Clarity & Decision-Making Through Feeling ✅ ARE YOU BOOTSTRAPPING? YOU NEED THIS: https://bootstrappedgiants.com/subscribe ✅ Master the Inner Game of Entrepreneurship here: https://www.davekashen.com/newsletter-sign-up Most entrepreneurs think their emotions get in the way. But what if they’re actua…

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How Count Finance Tackles Millennial Money Anxiety with Automation & Empathy 30:34

2M ago30:34

30:34

What if your money app actually reduced your anxiety instead of triggering it?In this episode, Laura Cornely shares how she walked away from private equity to build Count — a fintech that’s deeply personal, empathy-led, and built for millennial mental clarity. What You'll Learn: How money anxiety is the unspoken epidemic of our generation — and how…

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5 Growth Hacks to win your first five customers (No Budget Startup Guide) 54:48

2M ago54:48

54:48

What if I told you 5 game-changing startups never paid for their first customers… and still won? No ads. No funding. No big team. Just one thing they all had in common! Today on Bootstrap Banter, I’m digging into a set of patterns most founders overlook in their early days. And once you see it… you can’t unsee it. This isn’t theory. It’s a decoded …

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Second-Life EV Batteries: How Voltfang Raised €15M to Replace Coal in Europe 25:33

3M ago25:33

25:33

What if the key to Europe’s energy independence lies in the batteries of yesterday’s electric cars? This isn’t science fiction—it’s Voltfang’s reality. Today’s episode takes you inside the world of second-life EV batteries, where German climate tech startup Voltfang is repurposing used electric car batteries to stabilize power grids, decentralize e…

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Finance Automation for SMEs: Moss CEO on Scaling, AI & Fintech Lessons 48:41

3M ago48:41

48:41

What if finance wasn’t a bottleneck but your secret growth weapon? Moss CEO Ante Spittler joins Startuprad.io to reveal how his Berlin fintech is helping over 5,000 SMEs automate spend, ditch spreadsheets, and scale smarter. What You'll Learn: How Moss raised €180M and scaled to process €5B+ annually The biggest finance automation challenges for Eu…

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Subscription App Growth: Insights from the Frontlines 34:37

3M ago34:37

34:37

Join Adam and Amanda as they sit down with Shumel Lais, a mobile growth expert with over a decade of experience, to explore the essential strategies for launching and scaling subscription apps. From setting up proper analytics and understanding payback periods to navigating iOS challenges and leveraging AI, this episode delivers practical insights …

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Creative Tension: The Secret to Creating Big Results Without the Grind 51:47

3M ago51:47

51:47

Why do some goals drain you while others inspire action? In this powerful conversation, Jesse Pujji and executive coach Dave Kashen unpack a core concept at the heart of entrepreneurship: the Desired Future State (DFS). They explore how clean motivation, grounded in acceptance and vision—not fear or lack—can transform the way you lead, strategize, …

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Motorboat Leadership vs. Sailboat Leadership 41:18

3M ago41:18

41:18

[00:00:00] Intro – Jesse hints at a personal and professional transition [00:00:27] Jesse’s life update – spiritual journey and post-Japan reflection [00:01:30] The Motorboat vs Sailboat leadership metaphor explained [00:02:51] Internal conflict: fear of letting go and team dependency [00:04:03] Overwhelm from managing multiple businesses – “a comp…

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Why Emotional Branding Is the Startup Superpower You’re Ignoring | Jakob Trpin 29:30

3M ago29:30

29:30

Your startup isn’t failing because of your tech or funding—it’s because people don’t feel your brand. In this episode, Jakob Trpin, founder of Yesyesandtwo, breaks down why emotional branding is the hidden growth engine for startups. Discover how subconscious branding cues, human-to-human marketing (H2H), and internal culture alignment create trust…

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What really builds a robust business? 54:48

3M ago54:48

54:48

Are you building for likes or for longevity? In this Bootstrap Banter episode, we dive into the game-changing difference between chasing votes (validation) and building real weight (value). If you're navigating noise, distractions, or hype while building your business—this one's for you. 🔍 Learn: ✔️ What truly drives sustainable success ✔️ How to s…

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Helsing, Luma, and EU Billions: DACH Startup Funding 2025 Unleashed 38:05

3M ago38:05

38:05

What happens when Germany creates its second decacorn and the EU drops €10B to scale startups? This month’s news episode breaks it all down — from funding explosions in deep tech to the future of biotech, fintech innovation, and defense AI. The DACH startup scene has never been this hot. What You'll Learn Why Helsing dethroned Celonis to become Ger…

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Is Spirituality the Missing Key for Founders? 46:37

3M ago46:37

46:37

You're Not Your Inner Voice: Meditation, Spirituality, and Mental Clarity for Founders ✅ ARE YOU BOOTSTRAPPING? YOU NEED THIS: https://bootstrappedgiants.com/subscribe ✅ Master the Inner Game of Entrepreneurship here: https://www.davekashen.com/newsletter-sign-up 00:00 – Jesse introduces the topic: spirituality for entrepreneurs 01:00 – What does s…

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From Parties to Platforms: Swiss Fintech CEO on AI Accounting for Startups 41:23

3M ago41:23

41:23

What if one platform could handle your startup’s banking, accounting, and invoicing—all automated? In this episode of Startuprad.io, we talk to Blas Pegenaute, CEO of Sequence ERP, a Swiss fintech startup redefining what accounting software can do for small businesses and freelancers. Blas shares his founder story—starting in nightlife, moving thro…

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How Fiskaly Scaled to 1M+ POS with Cloud Fiscal Compliance Software 32:31

4M ago32:31

32:31

Ever wondered how a startup from Vienna broke into one of the world’s most heavily regulated tech ecosystems — and scaled to over 1 million POS integrations? Today’s episode dives into the story of Fiskaly, the RegTech that made fiscal compliance software scalable, seamless, and cloud-first. What You'll Learn: How to navigate and win in Germany’s c…

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Close - Focused CRM does $50 million a year 49:11

4M ago49:11

49:11

[00:00:00] Intro – Andrew sets up the conversation: sales reluctance, AI, and CRM evolution [00:00:47] Steli explains Close's positioning: high-communication CRM for salespeople [00:01:41] Revenue milestone: Close is on track to hit $50M this year [00:02:36] Bootstrapping vs. fundraising: why Close chose profitability over VC [00:04:01] Why staying…

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How Codoflow Reinvents Data Architecture for AI-Ready Startups 43:52

4M ago43:52

43:52

Ever wondered why so many AI projects fall flat—despite great teams and tools? It often comes down to one silent saboteur: your data architecture. In this episode, we sit down with Stefan Opitz, Founder & COO of Codoflow, to explore how SMEs can build AI-ready infrastructure by rethinking data modeling from the ground up. What You'll Learn: Why tra…

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Startup Storytelling That Wins: Craft a Pitch Investors Remember 42:40

4M ago42:40

42:40

What if your startup pitch didn’t just inform — but moved people to believe? This episode reveals how the most effective founders use strategic storytelling to build trust, spark action, and secure funding. What You'll Learn: Why most pitch decks fail to convert — and how to fix them How to use emotional storytelling to resonate with investors How …

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May 2025: AI Unicorns, Mega VC Funds, and Regulation Shakeups in DACH 31:18

4M ago31:18

31:18

Startups in the DACH region are heating up — from AI unicorns to VC mega-funds. In this monthly startup news roundup, we unpack the most important trends in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland’s tech ecosystem. Learn how Parloa became Germany’s second unicorn of the year, how Quantum Systems secured €160M to dominate aerial AI, and how the EIB’s €70B…

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Negotiate Like the FBI: Sales Psychology for Startup Founders 46:42

4M ago46:42

46:42

What happens when an FBI-trained negotiation coach brings elite sales psychology into the startup world? You get a masterclass in influence, integrity, and investor persuasion. Today’s episode of Startuprad.io features Matthias Bullmahn, a crisis negotiation expert, former Accenture executive, and storytelling coach — here to show founders how to n…

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Why Europe’s Venture Capital Needs a Mindset Reboot | Andy Goldstein 40:05

5M ago40:05

40:05

🎧 Opening: Why do Europe’s startups scale slower than their U.S. counterparts? In this raw, revealing episode, Andy Goldstein uncovers what’s really holding back the European venture capital scene—and what we can do about it. 💡 What You'll Learn: How investor education can radically improve VC decision-making Why German founders hesitate to interna…

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How AI Is Transforming Industrial Tech — Visionaries Club’s Bold VC Strategy 56:59

5M ago56:59

56:59

Opening What happens when Europe's top startup operators become VCs — and use AI to disrupt billion-euro legacy sectors? Today’s episode uncovers how Marton Sarkadi Nagy, Partner at Visionaries Club, is backing founders who are rewriting the playbook for industrial tech innovation. What You'll Learn: 🔧 How applied AI is replacing legacy SaaS and tr…

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How Trust-Based Leadership Drives Startup Culture That Scales (2/2) 19:48

5M ago19:48

19:48

Most startups talk about culture. But very few measure it. Even fewer know how to scale it. In Part 2 of our interview with Christian Conrad — coach, former Kellogg’s exec, and author of Magical Company Culture — we go deep into the execution side of culture. Forget team-building retreats. Christian outlines a leadership playbook where trust, behav…

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He's controlling ChatGPT responses 50:56

5M ago50:56

50:56

[00:00:36] Intro: ChatGPT as a traffic driver and Chirag’s early insight [00:01:48] Revenue Numbers and Profitability of Taco [00:02:24] Personal investment strategy and non-AI assets [00:03:36] How Chirag uses AI agents to replace writers and boost efficiency [00:05:42] What makes Taco a true AI-powered agency [00:07:03] Tracking brand rankings in…

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Culture Is ROI: How Christian Conrad Builds Magnetic Company Cultures in Startups (1/2`) 48:28

5M ago48:28

48:28

Sponsor 👉 Struggling with small biz finances? Tide’s free account + up to €400 cashback makes it a no-brainer: tide.co/Podcastsde – use code STARTUPRADIO 🎧 Opening What if your company culture was your biggest growth engine? In this episode, we dive deep with leadership coach Christian Conrad to unpack what makes startup cultures not only magnetic …

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Green Tech Startups: VC Insights & ESG Scaling Strategies from DACH 51:17

5M ago51:17

51:17

Sponsor This episode is brought to you by Vanta. Automate your startup’s security and compliance for SOC 2, ISO 27001, and more. 🔗 Learn more at vanta.com/startupradio Opening: What does it really take for a green tech startup to secure venture funding in 2025? In this episode, we uncover what makes VCs say yes—and what founders consistently get wr…

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1440 is a Bootstrapped Giant 49:49

5M ago49:49

49:49

[00:00:00] Quick Montage (Growth, Grit, Vision, Revenue, Meaning of 1440) [00:00:36] Intro: Why 1440 is Different [00:01:48] Revenue Numbers and Profitability [00:02:24] How They Funded Without Venture Capital [00:04:48] How Big Can an Email Newsletter Get? [00:05:15] Why They Ignored Advice to “Go Niche” [00:06:09] 1440’s Thesis: Inch-Deep, Mile-W…

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€1.3B Raised, 1 Fintech Crashes: April 2025 DACH Startup News Breakdown 41:52

5M ago41:52

41:52

In April 2025, DACH startups raised over €1.3 billion—while one of Europe’s top fintechs spiraled into crisis. This isn’t just another news roundup. This is your investor-grade, startup-founder-relevant, executive-level briefing from the DACH region’s leading podcast. 🚀 This episode is brought to you by Vanta. Automate your SOC 2, ISO 27001, and GD…

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Germany’s 2025 Startup Vision: Bold Promises, Budget Caveats, and Missed Opportunities 16:37

5M ago16:37

16:37

🚀 This episode is brought to you by Vanta. Automate your security and compliance — and save $1,000 when you sign up at vanta.com/startupradio. Did Germany just promise an innovation revolution — while forgetting its startups? In today’s episode, we break down the 2025 SPD-CDU Coalition Agreement and its real implications for founders, investors, an…

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The Founder's Guide: Stop Burnout & Build a Startup 51:37

6M ago51:37

51:37

StartupRad.io sits down with psychotherapist Imre Remenyi to explore burnout prevention, leadership, and culture for sustainable startup growth. Burnout is silently killing startups. Discover how top founders and leaders detect it early, prevent it, and scale sustainable companies. Are you a startup founder, tech executive, or investor navigating t…