Startup Builders & Backers

Startup Builders & 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.

Reviews:
How Scribe is Helping Experts and Entrepreneurs Write, Publish, and Market Their Book.
Startup Builders & BackersJune 08, 202500:35:16

How Scribe is Helping Experts and Entrepreneurs Write, Publish, and Market Their Book.

You've probably heard it before: "Self-published books don't make money." But what if we're measuring success with the wrong metrics? Eric Jorgensen, CEO of Scribe Media and million-copy bestselling ...

Building Before You Launch? David Hirschfeld on Why That Might Be a Mistake
Startup Builders & BackersJune 01, 202500:34:09

Building Before You Launch? David Hirschfeld on Why That Might Be a Mistake

What if the biggest risk for startups isn't failure, but building the wrong thing too soon? In this episode of Startup Builders & Backers , I sit down with David Hirschfeld, founder of Tekyz Inc....

Gregory Shepard on Engineering Startup Success Through Structure, Not Hype
Startup Builders & BackersMay 24, 202500:28:59

Gregory Shepard on Engineering Startup Success Through Structure, Not Hype

What if the reason so many startups fail has less to do with bad ideas and more to do with skipping the hard but necessary stages of building? In this episode of Startup Builders & Backers , I’m ...

From Startup to Scale: How Tailscale Built a Billion-Dollar Business with Simplicity at Its Core
Startup Builders & BackersMay 17, 202500:32:05

From Startup to Scale: How Tailscale Built a Billion-Dollar Business with Simplicity at Its Core

What does it take to turn a bold idea into a billion-dollar company during one of the most unpredictable periods in recent history? In this episode of Startup Builders and Backers , we meet Avery Pen...