Startup Builders and Backers

Startup Builders and Backers

Startup Builders & Backers is a podcast that takes you inside the minds of the people shaping the future of technology and entrepreneurship. Part of the Tech Talks Network, this series goes beyond headlines and hype to bring you real conversations with startup founders, angel investors, VCs, and seasoned operators who are building, backing, and scaling the next generation of companies.

You might know me from Tech Talks Daily, where we explore a broad spectrum of business technology. But here, the focus narrows to the pulse of the startup ecosystem. From the spark of an idea to the complexities of funding, go-to-market strategies, team building, and exits, this series unpacks what it really takes to create a successful venture in today’s fast-moving environment.

In each episode, we uncover what motivates founders to leave stability behind in pursuit of something bigger. We explore how investors identify promise amid uncertainty, what they’re looking for right now, and how early-stage bets evolve into long-term partnerships. Along the way, we look at the less polished moments—the pivots, the pressures, and the personal lessons that shape both people and products.

Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, an investor looking for your next big bet, or a startup operator navigating growth, these conversations offer insight, connection, and an honest look at the reality behind the pitch decks.

So what does it take to build something from nothing, and who are the people willing to take that risk? Let’s find out together. And if you’ve got a story to tell or a venture to share, I’d love to hear from you.

How Founder-Led Thinking Creates Faster AI Innovation
Startup Builders and BackersMarch 10, 202600:21:55

How Founder-Led Thinking Creates Faster AI Innovation

What happens when the best AI hires are not AI specialists at all, but founders? In this episode of Startup Builders and Backers, I sat down with Fran Loftus, Chief Experience Officer at EliseAI, to t...

The Hidden Cost Of A Bad Hire In Early Stage Startups
Startup Builders and BackersFebruary 18, 202600:27:43

The Hidden Cost Of A Bad Hire In Early Stage Startups

In this episode of Startup Builders, I sit down with Darren Tompkins, Founder and CEO of Vader-Rey, to unpack what really happens when startups get hiring right, and what it costs them when they do no...

From Founder to Educator: How Danielle Vogel Is Shaping the Next Generation of Builders
Startup Builders and BackersJanuary 25, 202600:33:25

From Founder to Educator: How Danielle Vogel Is Shaping the Next Generation of Builders

What if entrepreneurship were not only about starting companies, but about shaping how a generation thinks about impact, ownership, and responsibility? In this episode of Startup Builders and Backers,...

From High School Dropout to Redefining Modern Wealth Management
Startup Builders and BackersJanuary 05, 202600:23:55

From High School Dropout to Redefining Modern Wealth Management

What does it really take to rewrite your own story, and then challenge an entire industry at the same time? In this episode of Startup Builders & Backers, I’m joined by