In this episode of GorillaCast, Ami Rubinstein sits down with veteran M&A advisor Nat Burgess, Managing Partner of TechStrat, for a deep dive into the realities of startup exits in today’s market. With over 120 tech transactions across 25 countries under his belt, Nat brings unmatched insight into what it really takes to sell a company—and when it's better to hold off.
Together, Ami and Nat unpack the often-overlooked middle ground between founding and exit, the traps of inflated valuations, and how founders can prepare for strategic acquisition or private equity interest. Nat shares powerful perspectives on capital structure, exit timing, founder psychology, and why too much money too early can sabotage even great startups.
Whether you're a founder planning for an eventual exit or an investor evaluating your portfolio's endgame, this episode delivers practical wisdom from one of the most experienced tech dealmakers in the game.
In this no-fluff, high-impact episode of GorillaCast, Ami Rubinstein sits down with sales strategist Mika Jordanov to break down one of the most dreaded—and critical—functions in early-stage startups: sales.
From cold calling to CRM hacks, Mika offers brutally honest and highly practical advice for founders who want to stop avoiding sales and start doing it right. Learn how to structure your calendar, get your first 30 customer conversations, build a repeatable outreach script, and understand why managing your pipeline is more than just admin—it’s your startup’s pulse.
Whether you love it, hate it, or fear it, this episode will help you treat sales less like a dark art and more like a trainable skill. A must-listen for any founder serious about building a business, not just a product.
In this GorillaCast episode, Ami Rubinstein and Risto Rautakorpi take a deep dive into the topic of startup valuations. They challenge the prevailing narrative that equates high valuations with success, emphasizing that valuation is merely a number—real value is only proven at exit when someone pays cash. Risto warns against the dangers of chasing inflated valuations, which often lead to unrealistic expectations and pressure that can cripple future funding rounds or force down rounds.
The episode underscores the importance of learning, customer traction, and focus over vanity metrics. Risto and Ami conclude that startup success should be measured by tangible outcomes—like paying customers, cash-flow positivity, and exits—not by the size or valuation of funding rounds.
In this episode, Ami Rubinstein talks with Tomas Forsbäck, founder and CEO of ReadPeak, about building a fast-scaling Adtech company from humble beginnings in Helsinki to success in international markets.We dive into the early iterations, the breakthrough moment in Sweden, and how ReadPeak has scaled internationally without raising additional external funding. Tomas also opens up about company culture, the importance of hands-on market entry, and what it really takes to build a profitable, global SaaS business from the Nordics.Packed with actionable insights on go-to-market strategy, founder growth, and building a values-driven company, this episode is a masterclass in scaling with substance.
In this special episode of GorillaCast, we let Notebook LM do the heavy lifting—summarizing key insights from past episodes featuring top investors and founders. Join us as we revisit game-changing lessons on finding product-market fit, customer segmentation, and scaling at the right time.Key Takeaways:Why problem-solution fit is more fluid than you thinkThe biggest mistakes founders make when scalingHow to prioritize learning over premature growthThe misalignment between early-stage founders & investorsWhether you're a founder, investor, or startup enthusiast, this episode is packed with actionable insights that will sharpen your approach.
Entrepreneurs often struggle to balance fitness, sleep, and nutrition while managing their businesses, but neglecting health can have long-term consequences.
In this episode, Levi Earl, a fitness expert who works with pro athletes and business leaders, shares practical insights on maintaining well-being without sacrificing productivity. We discuss the importance of sleep for decision-making and performance, the benefits of strength training, and how even minimal exercise can make a difference. Levi also explains how nutrition impacts energy levels, why tracking health metrics is essential, and how to stay active while traveling. With a focus on realistic strategies for busy professionals, this conversation highlights why prioritizing health leads to greater resilience, focus, and long-term success.
In this episode of GorillaCast, host Ami sits down with Aaku Asujamaa, CEO and co-founder of Buenno, to discuss the company’s journey from a field market research startup to a SaaS-driven customer feedback solution. Aaku shares insights on pivotal moments, the challenges of scaling too soon, and how Buenno reached profitability. They also dive into the role of customer feedback, lessons from hiring, and strategies for international expansion. Tune in for a candid conversation on navigating startup growth, learning from failures, and staying focused on solving real-world problems.
In this episode of GorillaCast, Ami welcomes back Risto Rautakorpi, founding partner of Gorilla Capital, to discuss critical insights for early-stage startups. Together, they explore the differences between metrics and indicators, how to measure progress before reaching product-market fit, and the importance of understanding why customers buy. Risto shares valuable advice on finding an ideal customer profile (ICP), the risks of premature scaling, and maintaining focus on learning and adaptability. Packed with actionable insights, this episode is a must-listen for founders navigating the early stages of their startup journey.
In this episode of GorillaCast, Ami sits down with Juha Lindfors, Partner at Lifeline Ventures, to explore the inner workings of venture capital strategy, especially in the context of early-stage investments. Juha shares his journey into VC, key principles Lifeline Ventures follows when backing startups, and the vital role of team evaluation. We also discuss the contrasting investment philosophies of Lifeline Ventures and Gorilla Capital, highlighting different approaches to risk, return, and capital efficiency. This episode is packed with valuable lessons for founders. Whether you're an entrepreneur seeking investment or a VC enthusiast, this episode offers a masterclass in early-stage venture strategy.
In this episode, Anna Kilponen, COO and Co-founder of Foxie talks in detail about Foxie’s search for PMF from the early small successes to the frustration of realizing how long and winding the road is towards PMF and the realization of what needs to be done to get there. This is a rare glimpse into the actual journey that is still ongoing. This episode offers a lot of learnings to founders and investors alike.
In this GorillaCast episode, Gorilla Capital co-founder Petri Lehmuskoski discusses with host Ami Rubinstein the importance of achieving a "problem-solution fit" before moving on to product-market fit. Petri shares insights on understanding customer needs, iterating based on feedback, and the challenges of scaling prematurely. He also reflects on lessons learned as an investor, highlighting patience and the value of learning from experienced mentors in the industry.
In this episode of GorillaCast, host Ami Rubinstein talks to Sampo Parkkinen, founder of Revieve and Venture Partner of Gorilla Capital. The discussion revolves around early stage focus and learning process pre-PMF. In true GorillaCast fashion the message is clear and to the point. Understanding your customers and trying to find your product market fit should be the sole focus of an early stage founder. The faster and more capital efficient you are in this stage, the better off you are in the long run.
In the debut episode of GorillaCast, host Ami Rubinstein has a discussion with Risto Rautakorpi, a founding partner at Gorilla Capital. Together, they delve into the hard-earned lessons of building successful startups. They discuss the critical stages of startup growth, including the importance of finding product-market fit and understanding why customers buy. They explore the pitfalls of premature scaling and celebrate the resilience founders need to succeed. This episode is a must-listen for aspiring founders looking to avoid common mistakes and navigate the startup journey effectively.