When Jude moved from Singapore to Melbourne as a teenager, fashion wasn’t the obvious path. After studying fine arts, serving two years in Singapore’s military, and starting over, he found his creative calling — designing clothes that reflect personality, playfulness, and purpose.
In this episode, Jude shares how he built Design by Jude from scratch — beginning with a single sewing machine, small design markets, and a couple of small loans — to growing into a permanent Fitzroy store and recognition on the Melbourne Fashion Festival main stage.
We talk about:
Design by Jude is proudly made in Melbourne using locally produced and ethically sourced materials. If you’re in town, visit the store at 252 Johnston Street, Fitzroy — or explore the latest collections online at designbyjude.com. You can also find Jude on Instagram and Facebook @designbyjude.
Tune in to hear how passion, persistence, and purpose built one of Melbourne’s most beloved independent fashion labels.
In this episode of Founders and Funders Australia, Ray sits down with Louis — an actor, model, and photographer whose creative journey spans continents and industries. From moving to Australia as a child and navigating cultural shifts, to signing with one of the top acting agencies in the country and walking the runway at Melbourne Fashion Week, Louis shares a story of resilience, belonging, and artistic growth.
Louis opens up about his early experiences in drama school, overcoming cultural barriers, finding his creative voice, and breaking into the acting and modeling industries. He discusses the pivotal moment he signed with Morrissey Agency, how photography became a way to reclaim his image, and why self-acceptance was the biggest transformation of all.
We also dive into:
This episode is perfect for aspiring actors, models, and creatives who want an honest look at breaking into the industry while staying true to yourself.
Follow Louis’ work:
Instagram: @le.studio.photography
Website: lestudiophotography.com.au
Follow Ray: @rayzworld
In this episode of Founders and Funders, host Ray Yee speaks with Karen, founder of The Creative Warehouse. Based in Australia, Karen shares her journey of building a creative business from the ground up, offering insights into entrepreneurship, resilience, and how creativity can fuel business growth.
What you'll learn in this episode:
If you're an aspiring entrepreneur, a creative founder, or simply curious about the Australian startup landscape, this episode is packed with lessons and inspiration.
Connect with Karen at The Creative Warehouse and on Instagram.
Hosted by Ray Yee
In this episode of Founders and Funders Australia, host Ray Yee sits down with Mitch, the driving force behind The Essential, a supplement brand dedicated to transparency and quality. Mitch shares his journey from aspiring athlete to successful entrepreneur, discussing the challenges of navigating the supplement industry and the importance of integrity in product development. Tune in to learn about the evolution of The Essential, the role of education in consumer choices, and Mitch's insights on balancing business growth with personal values. Don't miss this inspiring conversation about passion, perseverance, and the pursuit of excellence.
Find Mitch:
Melbourne Fitness and Performance: Follow them on Instagram for updates and more information about their gym activities.
The Essential AU: You can find their supplement brand on Instagram or visit their website to explore their products, including whey protein in chocolate and vanilla flavors, and creatine. They also offer sample packs for those interested in trying their products.
This episode is brought to you by Riverside, the platform for studio-quality remote recordings. Use code Ray15 for 15% off your first subscription.
In this episode, we explore the inspiring story of Justin Rooney, who left a successful career in investment banking to co-found Flame Security. Learn about the challenges and triumphs of developing cutting-edge fire safety solutions and the impact of their products on global markets.
Show Notes:
Introduction to Justin Rooney and Flame Security The transition from banking to fire safety innovation Key challenges in developing fire retardant products Strategic partnerships and market expansion Insights into the future of fire safety technology Advice for aspiring entrepreneurs
Hashtags: #FireSafety #Innovation #Entrepreneurship #FlameSecurity
Contact Justin Rooney: Visit flamesecurity.com.au or firecoat.au for more information. Follow Flame Security on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube
This episode is brought to you by Riverside, the platform for studio-quality remote recordings. Use code Ray15 for 15% off your first subscription.
In this episode of Founders and Funders, I sit down with Ray Wang, co-founder and CEO of Luca Plus, to explore his journey from accountant at Nike to fintech founder reshaping B2B payments.
We talk about how Luca Plus is giving small businesses access to flexible supplier credit, the inspiration behind its name, and Ray's commitment to integrity, transparency, and building a capital-efficient future.
What we cover:Ray Wang is the co-founder and CEO of Luca Plus. With deep roots in accounting and real experience supporting small business owners, he brings a uniquely grounded perspective to solving financial pain points through technology.
Links & Resources:Join us on Founders and Funders Australia as we explore the future of education with Dhruv, the innovative founder of Huddled. In this episode, Dhruv reveals how Huddled’s AI-driven platform—described as "Slack for educators and students"—is transforming the learning experience. By enhancing student engagement, empowering teachers, and fostering inclusive, secure spaces, Huddled is redefining education. From his early days as a teenage STEM prodigy—winning science awards and representing Australia at the G20 Young Entrepreneurs Association—to leading a global EdTech venture now impacting educational providers in five countries, Dhruv’s story inspires entrepreneurs, educators, and tech lovers alike. Learn how Huddled addresses today’s education hurdles, such as chaotic group assignments and administrative burdens, with advanced AI solutions that bring efficiency and calm to institutions.
Want to dive deeper? Connect with Huddled on LinkedIn to follow their journey, or visit Huddled’s website to see how they’re shaping the future of learning.
In this episode of Founders and Funders Australia, host Ray explores the cutting-edge intersection of AI and law with Daniel and Jordan, the founders of LawMe, a platform that’s transforming legal work with AI-powered virtual workers. From their university days to launching a tool that automates drafting, compliance, and research, they share their inspiring startup journey, the pivot from legal research to workflow automation, and the challenges of finding product-market fit in a risk-averse industry.
Discover how LawMe empowers lawyers to focus on practicing law by automating routine tasks, and hear the founders’ vision for a future where AI reshapes legal pricing and efficiency. Packed with insights on B2B sales, branding, and building trust through referrals, this episode is a must-listen for legal professionals, tech enthusiasts, and aspiring entrepreneurs.
Key Topics:
Want to learn more? Visit lawme.ai or connect with the team on LinkedIn to explore how LawMe is revolutionizing the legal industry.
What would make you walk away from a stable career? For Jaryd Krause, it was the realization that the life he had built as a plumber wasn’t the one he wanted.
So, he left it all behind. No business experience. No roadmap. Just a desire to create financial freedom. Today, Jaryd runs one of the world’s largest communities for buying and growing online businesses, helping others escape the 9-to-5 grind.
In this episode, we talk about:
This isn’t just a conversation about business—it’s about designing a life that works for you.
For more from Jaryd, visit BuyingOnlineBusinesses.com or connect with him on LinkedIn.
Listen now.
#Entrepreneurship #OnlineBusiness #PassiveIncome #Podcasting #FinancialFreedom #DigitalAssets #WorkLifeBalance #Startups #PersonalGrowth
In this episode of Founders and Funders, I chat with Jay Pottenger from EQ Minds. We explore his journey from a successful career in banking to building a thriving mental health and mindfulness business. Jay shares how EQ Minds grew from a deeply personal experience into a company helping thousands improve their mental health and performance worldwide.
We cover:
How Jay transitioned from banking to EQ Minds
Practical strategies for building resilience and managing stress
The future of workplace wellbeing
What it takes to start and scale a business in the mental health space
Follow EQ Minds on Instagram for more tools and tips on living a happier, healthier life.
In this episode of Founders and Funders Australia, I sit down with Helena Turpin, co-founder of GoFigr, an Australian career tech platform helping businesses retain and upskill talent. Helena shares her journey from working in HR at Adecco and Randstad to launching her own startup through the Antler accelerator program.
We dive into the challenges of building a SaaS business, securing early customers, and leveraging AI to drive workforce transformation. Helena also discusses the importance of internal talent mobility, the future of AI in HR, and lessons learned from growing a global company.
Whether you’re a startup founder, HR leader, or tech enthusiast, this episode is packed with insights on navigating entrepreneurship, funding, and scaling a business.
Show Notes:
🔗 Learn more about GoFigr: GoFigr.ai
🔗 Connect with Helena Turpin on LinkedIn: Helena Turpin LinkedIn
🔗 Subscribe to Helena’s Substack for Future of Work insights: GoFigr Substack
🎙️ Hosted by Ray Yee
James McClure is a Partner at Antler Australia, a global early-stage VC firm. With a background in tech leadership roles at Google, Airbnb, and other innovative companies, James brings a wealth of experience in scaling startups, building teams, and navigating the venture capital landscape.
Key topics:
Breaking barriers in venture capital to support founders globally. James’ Journey: From corporate tech to venture capital. Startup Challenges: Overcoming co-founder compatibility, funding hurdles, and idea validation Antler’s Program: 10-week bootcamp for founders focused on building, validating, and funding their ideas. Case Studies: Highlights of startups nurtured by Antler
Links and Resources:
Learn more about Antler:
Connect with Antler on
In this episode, Ray sits down with Tick, CEO and founder of NUVC, to explore her inspiring entrepreneurial journey. Tick shares how her early ventures, a challenging property career, and personal setbacks shaped her resilience and determination. Discover how she pivoted into AI, building tools for investors and redefining deal-making in the venture capital world. Join us for insights on overcoming obstacles, creating impact, and lessons on building a scalable business.
Sponsor: This episode is proudly sponsored by Riverside —the ultimate platform for recording studio-quality podcasts and videos remotely.
Exclusive Offer for Our Listeners:Start your podcasting journey with a special discount! Use the code Ray15 at checkout to receive 15% off your first subscription. Click here to get started.
In this episode of Founders and Funders, Ray sits down with Alina, the director of Coolibah Downs Private Estate, a premier wedding venue in the Gold Coast hinterland. Alina shares her inspiring journey from helping out in her family's business as a teenager to taking the reins of a struggling venue and transforming it into a thriving destination.
Alina discusses the unique challenges of running a wedding venue, her experiences in the corporate world, and how she applied lessons from her background in mergers and acquisitions to streamline operations and enhance customer experience. From rebranding the business to exploring new markets like intimate weddings and corporate events, Alina's strategic approach serves as a blueprint for aspiring entrepreneurs in the events industry.
Topics Covered in This Episode:
Guest Bio:Alina is the director of Coolibah Downs Private Estate, one of the Gold Coast's most sought-after wedding destinations. With a background in law and commerce, Alina has transformed Coolibah Downs into a premium venue known for its bespoke services and picturesque location. Her journey exemplifies resilience, adaptability, and a passion for creating unforgettable experiences.
Connect with Coolibah Downs:
Listen Now:Tune in to learn how Alina combined creativity, strategy, and hard work to create a thriving wedding destination. Perfect for aspiring entrepreneurs, event planners, and anyone passionate about the wedding industry.
Sponsor:This episode is proudly sponsored by Riverside.fm—the ultimate platform for recording studio-quality podcasts and videos remotely.
Exclusive Offer for Our Listeners:Start your podcasting journey with a special discount! Use the code Ray15 at checkout to receive 15% off your first subscription. Click here to get started.
In this exciting episode of Founders and Funders, Ray speaks with Dan Copsey, a seasoned entrepreneur, philanthropist, and early-stage startup investor. Dan’s journey spans from his roots in Melbourne’s suburbs to building multiple successful businesses and investing in the next generation of startups.
Discover: How Dan turned a landscaping career into a springboard for entrepreneurship. The story behind his viral clothing brand and its successful exit. Lessons learned from navigating the challenges of a transport business. His strategies for scaling digital marketing agencies and investing in tech, hospitality, and innovative startups. Insights into his approach to mentoring founders and spotting opportunities in early-stage companies.
Dan’s story will inspire aspiring entrepreneurs and founders looking to scale and secure investments.
💡 Key Takeaways:
How resilience and mentorship shape entrepreneurial success. Why the right partnerships and team culture are key to growth. Emerging opportunities in professional services and the tech startup ecosystem.
Show Notes
Guest: Dan Copsey
Connect with Dan on LinkedIn:
Sponsor:
This episode is proudly sponsored by Riverside.fm—the ultimate platform for recording studio-quality podcasts and videos remotely.
Exclusive Offer for Our Listeners:
Start your podcasting journey with a special discount! Use the code Ray15 at checkout to receive 15% off your first subscription. Click here to get started.
Episode Highlights:
Dan’s journey from landscaping to entrepreneurship and investment. The rise and sale of a viral clothing brand. Rebounding from business failures with hard-earned lessons. Scaling digital marketing agencies and supporting startups. Dan’s approach to investing in early-stage startups and what he looks for in founders. Opportunities in tech, professional services, and innovative industries.
Join us in this episode of Founders and Funders as we speak with Amanda Siqueira, co-founder and CEO of VAPAR, a trailblazing company transforming the way we manage infrastructure. Amanda shares her inspiring journey from civil engineering to entrepreneurship, creating a groundbreaking AI-powered platform that automates pipe condition assessments for municipalities worldwide.
We explore:
Discover how VAPAR is improving infrastructure management globally, from Australia and New Zealand to the U.K. and U.S., and why Amanda believes consistency and passion are key to entrepreneurial success.
Special Thanks to Our Sponsor:
This episode is brought to you by Riverside, our favorite for recording studio-quality podcasts and videos remotely. Whether you're interviewing founders or funders, Riverside makes it seamless.
Exclusive Offer for Our Listeners:
Use the code Ray15 for 15% off your first subscription!
👉 Click here to get started
In this episode, the host welcomes Susan, also known as 'The Laundry Lady,' who shares her inspiring journey from a corporate career in international marketing and business development to founding and scaling her own business, The Laundry Lady. She discusses the challenges and tipping points that led her to start her laundry service, balancing motherhood with entrepreneurship, and her experiences on Shark Tank Australia. Susan also delves into the technological advancements and systems implemented in scaling her business and future plans for further expansion and investment. Key insights include leveraging off-the-shelf solutions, the importance of flexibility, and the value of staying true to core business values.
Sponsored by Riverside
15% discount for our listeners using discount code:Ray15 at checkout!
https://creators.riverside.fm/RayYee
Connect with Susan
linkedin.com/in/susan-toft-b855ab41
In this episode of Founders and Funders, Ray Yee sits down with Lisa, the founder of The Saucy Wench, to talk about her transition from a career in architecture to becoming a successful sauce maker. Lisa shares her inspiring story, from a stormy night where she made her first batch of chili oil to scaling her business and eventually landing her products in Woolworths. They discuss the challenges of entrepreneurship, scaling a food business, and the importance of staying true to authentic flavors. If you're interested in food entrepreneurship or love a great story about following your passion, this episode is for you!
Special Thanks to Our Sponsor:This episode is brought to you by Riverside, our favorite for recording studio-quality podcasts and videos remotely. Whether you're interviewing founders or funders, Riverside makes it seamless.
Exclusive Offer for Our Listeners:Use the code Ray15 for 15% off your first subscription!👉 Click here to get started
In this episode of Founders and Funders, Ray Yee sits down with Georgia from Sprint Ventures to explore her journey from corporate banking at Westpac to venture capital. Georgia shares insights into the world of family offices, venture capital, and private equity. The conversation covers how startups can approach investors, the importance of competitive analysis in pitch decks, and what makes a successful investment relationship. If you're a founder looking to raise capital or understand the inner workings of the investment process, this episode is for you.
Special Thanks to Our Sponsor:This episode is brought to you by Riverside, our favorite for recording studio-quality podcasts and videos remotely. Whether you're interviewing founders or funders, Riverside makes it seamless.
Exclusive Offer for Our Listeners:Use the code Ray15 for 15% off your first subscription!👉 Click here to get started
In this episode, Ray speaks with Will and Scott, co-founders of Driva, a fast-growing auto finance platform simplifying car loans and other lending processes. They share their journey from corporate backgrounds at McKinsey and Goldman Sachs to founding Driva, scaling the business, leveraging AI and fintech innovations, and acquiring customers through digital marketing strategies. Listen in to learn how they've navigated the challenges of building a startup in a highly competitive market, the impact of interest rates on the finance industry, and their future plans for expansion in Australia and globally.
Special Thanks to Our Sponsor:This episode is brought to you by Riverside, our favorite for recording studio-quality podcasts and videos remotely. Whether you're interviewing founders or funders, Riverside makes it seamless.
Exclusive Offer for Our Listeners:Use the code Ray15 for 15% off your first subscription!👉 Click here to get started