Accelerators can speed up your startup if you choose and apply smartly. 👉 Don’t apply until you hear this advice! In this episode, Valdis Sprogis, an entrepreneur who joined four major accelerators (including two of the world’s top programs), shares exactly: - How to pick the best accelerator for your startup stage - What top accelerators like Y Combinator and 500 Startups look for - How to write an application that gets noticed - How to use referrals to boost your chances - Common mistakes founders make when applying 🎧 Hosted by Wilhelm Laubach, this episode helps early-stage founders shortcut their path to startup growth. #StartupAccelerator #StartupFunding #Antler #ycombinator #SaaS Join our SaaS founders’ community for $5/month and get step-by-step courses, proven strategies, and peer support: https://masterfulhub.com/ Connect with Us: - Host: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wilhelmlaubach/ - Guest: https://www.linkedin.com/in/valdis-sprogis/ https://www.hovi.id/ Chapters for Easy Navigation: 00:00 Introduction 00:48 About Valdis and His Startup Journey 01:30 What Founders Gain from Accelerator Programs 02:23 Building Valuable Connections 03:15 The Importance of Community for Founders 04:45 How Networking Opens Opportunities 07:00 Minimum Requirements for Joining an Accelerator 10:10 Local vs. Global Accelerators 12:20 Small Accelerators as a Stepping Stone 14:15 Full-Time Commitment 17:00 Solo Founders vs. Teams 19:50 Red Flags and How to Evaluate Accelerator Programs 22:00 How to Choose the Right Accelerator Program 24:40 Researching Programs 26:30 Beware of Scam or Misleading Accelerator Programs 28:00 How to Increase the Chances of Acceptance in an Accelerator Program 30:00 YC, Antler, and 500 Startups 32:10 Tips for a Strong Application to an Accelerator Program 36:00 The Role of the Idea and Founder’s Potential 37:50 Final Advice for Founders Considering Accelerators 39:00 About Hovi 40:20 Connect with Valdis and Learn More 41:00 Closing Thoughts  

Entrepreneurship can be mentally brutal. In this episode, I talk with Thomas Ousterhout about the emotional side of building a company: - How to handle self-criticism,- Manage stress, and- Process uncomfortable emotions instead of suppressing them. We discuss practical tools like journaling and box breathing, and how small mindset shifts can prevent burnout and help make better decisions.  If you’ve ever felt pressure, doubt, or exhaustion as a founder, this one’s for you. #FounderMentalHealth #entrepreneurmindset  #StartupLife #MentalHealthAwareness #stressmanagement  Join our SaaS founders’ community for $5/month and get step-by-step courses, proven strategies, and peer support: https://masterfulhub.com/ Connect with Us:- Host: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wilhelmlaubach/- Guest: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomas-ousterhout/

<p>What if selling before building was the key to SaaS success?In this episode, I sit down with Deepak from Sunrise AI, a seasoned B2B founder who’s built multiple companies by breaking the rules of traditional marketing and sales.Forget the typical funnel of marketing – SDRs – sales – customer success. Deepak Shrivastava (https://www.linkedin.com/in/deepak-shrivastava-3baa12/) explains why that model fails today – and what to do instead. We cover why founders must sell early, how to avoid drowning in AI-generated outreach, and what it really takes to validate your idea before wasting time on code.Whether you&#39;re pre-launch, MVP stage, or stuck in post-product confusion, this conversation offers raw, real strategies to help you win your first customers faster.<strong>#SaaSMarketing</strong><br><strong>#StartupGrowth</strong><br><strong>#CustomerDiscovery</strong>✅ Topics covered:💡 Selling before building: why it works📉 The death of the B2B funnel⚠️ Why outsourcing too early is a trap📬 Using authentic outreach to cut through noise💬 Turning rejection into insight💰 How to price – even when you&#39;re early📞 What 100+ customer conversations taught Deepak🎧 Subscribe for more tactical interviews with SaaS founders &amp; marketers.Masterful Founders – SaaS Growth Hub ★The best marketing strategies for promotion. ★We correct marketing mistakes and increase sales.★Assistance in promoting startups using SaaS technology.Come in, watch and subscribe to the channel!We are online:➧ Website - https://masterful.info ➧ Podcast - https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/masterful-info ➧ LinkedIn of Will (Host) - https://www.linkedin.com/in/wilhelmlaubach ➧ LinkedIn of Chris (Host) - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ruehringer ➧ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/masterful.info ➧ Email - wl.interwebs@gmail.com Our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@masterful-info</p>

<p>In this episode, I talk with Stefan Tabakov, a SaaS founder in the crypto trading space, about how he grew his business using Reddit as his main marketing channel - without spending a cent on ads.With crypto-related ads banned on platforms like Meta and Google, Stefan had to find another way. The result? An organic growth strategy that turned Reddit users into loyal Discord members and paying customers.We break down exactly how he did it: what kind of posts worked, how to build trust on Reddit, how to funnel traffic into your community, and why Reddit can outperform even paid ads - especially if you&#39;re a startup in a regulated or competitive market.Highlights include:🔒 How to market SaaS when you&#39;re banned from Meta and Google Ads💬 Why helpful comments beat viral posts👤 Building a Reddit profile that converts without being spammy🔁 Turning Reddit threads into Discord members and paying users🔥 Using trolls and criticism to your advantageWhether you&#39;re in crypto, edtech, SaaS, or any other niche where ads are expensive (or restricted), this episode will show you a powerful alternative.#saasmarketing #redditmarketing #startupgrowth #reddit https://sofex.ioMasterful Founders – SaaS Growth Hub ★The best marketing strategies for promotion. ★We correct marketing mistakes and increase sales.★Assistance in promoting startups using SaaS technology.Come in, watch and subscribe to the channel!We are online:➧ Website - https://masterful.info ➧ Podcast - https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/masterful-info ➧ LinkedIn of Will (Host) - https://www.linkedin.com/in/wilhelmlaubach ➧ LinkedIn of Chris (Host) - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ruehringer ➧ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/masterful.info ➧ Email - wl.interwebs@gmail.com </p>

How can you fund a SaaS startup without giving up control too early?In this episode, Emil Vargelius shares 7 proven funding strategies founders are using in 2025. We cover: Bootstrapping and customer funding for early traction Grants, loans, and other “soft money” options Freelancing or side gigs to fuel growth When and how to approach equity investors Why building investor relationships early is critical You’ll walk away knowing exactly which funding path fits your stage, how to avoid common traps, and how to secure capital while keeping ownership.   🔗 Mentioned Resources: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emil-wargelius https://www.revelate.app/   Join our SaaS founders' community for $5/month and get step-by-step courses, proven strategies, and peer support: https://masterfulhub.com/ Connect with Us: Host: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wilhelmlaubach/ Guest: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gotodiego/

Thinking of selling your SaaS startup?In this candid interview, serial entrepreneur Peter Fedoročko shares the unfiltered truth behind two real SaaS exits. Learn what really happens during due diligence, how buyers evaluate your startup, and why selling isn’t the finish line—it’s just the beginning. Peter shares mistakes to avoid, how to prepare your team, and what makes a SaaS business acquirable. If you’re a founder thinking about your exit strategy, this is a must-watch. ✅ Insider tips on LOIs (Letter of Intent), earnouts, and employee dynamics✅ Real-life advice from selling to Workday.com and a second upcoming exit✅ The emotional and strategic layers of startup sales 🔗 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share with other SaaS founders! #SaaSExit #StartupExit #SellYourStartup #SaaSSuccess #PeterFedorocko understandlabs.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/fedorocko/ We are online:➧ Website – https://masterful.info➧ Podcast – https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/masterful-info➧ LinkedIn of Will (Host) – https://www.linkedin.com/in/wilhelmlaubach➧ Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/masterful.info➧ Email – wl.interwebs@gmail.com

Big trends can make or break a startup. Get in at the right time, and you lead the market. Get in too early, and you fight an uphill battle. Michael knows this well. He’s launched businesses in the earliest stages of major trends: sometimes perfectly timed, sometimes too early. Learn his biggest lessons on how to make the best out of trends. Join our SaaS founders’ community for $5/month and get step-by-step courses, proven strategies, and peer support: https://masterfulhub.com/ Connect with Us: - Host: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wilhelmlaubach/ - Guest Michael Tippett : https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaeltippett/   #StartupOpportunities #Innovation #AITrend #StartupSuccess

Imagine landing great clients, boosting your credibility, and getting insider advice. That’s what a good accelerator can do for your startup. 🎯 In this video, you’ll learn: - How to find the right accelerator for your SaaS startup - The requirements most top programs look for - Proven strategies to boost your chances of getting accepted - How to maximize every stage of the accelerator experience Join our SaaS founders’ community for $5/month and get step-by-step courses, proven strategies, and peer support: https://masterfulhub.com/ Connect with Us: - Host: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wilhelmlaubach/ - Guest: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tonykim-zephior/  https://zephior.ai/ #StartupAccelerator #FounderSupport #StartupMentorship #StartupGrowth #EarlyStageStartups

Want your SaaS brand to attract customers without chasing them? Mia Bastos shares how to combine authenticity, platform strategy, and ads that deliver results. In this episode, you’ll discover: How to create a brand that generates leads 24/7 Ways to blend education, entertainment, and sales for higher engagement Smart audience warm-up strategies that improve conversions and reduce ad spend Get full access to our SaaS growth community for just $5/month — step-by-step courses, proven tactics, and peer support: http://masterfulhub.com Guest: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mia-bastos/

Closing $100K Clients as a SaaS Founder is about navigating the long, complex world of enterprise sales, aligning with internal champions, and building trust across departments. In this episode, you’ll hear the real, insider breakdown. Our guest, Tom Blake, shares what it actually takes to succeed in founder-led sales, from 12– to 24–month deal cycles to the trust signals that enterprise clients look for before signing. What You’ll Learn: How to land enterprise clients The internal politics behind B2B sales How to qualify decision-makers Why trust, not price, is the dealbreaker Join our SaaS founders’ community for $5/month and get step-by-step courses, proven strategies, and peer support: https://masterfulhub.com/ #EnterpriseSales #FounderLedSales #ClosingBigDeals #B2BSales #StartupSales Connect with Us: Host: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wilhelmlaubach/ Guest: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-blake-60306961/ tenderfy.org

Discover how The Winner Effect reshapes the way founders think about power, success, and leadership. In this exclusive interview, a startup founder – Moreno Franjkovic – shares how reading The Winner Effect: How Power Affects Your Brain transformed his entrepreneurial mindset and decision-making. Whether you’re a founder, entrepreneur, or aspiring leader, this conversation is full of real-world insights on how power changes the brain — and why that matters in business. From neuroscience to practical application, this video connects science with startup life.

Pricing can make or break your startup. In this interview, Diego Regules shares lessons on designing business models that attract users, keep costs under control, and scale with your SaaS. What You'll Learn: 📱 Why subscription fatigue frustrates users and why hybrid models can be more sustainable 💸 The hidden risks for AI startups: every API call costs money, and wrong pricing can make bills skyrocket ⚖️ How to balance free plans, freemium, and premium tiers without losing money on heavy users 📊 The importance of customer acquisition costs and lifetime value when designing pricing 🚫 The pitfalls of free users who generate costs but bring no revenue, and how to manage that 💡 Practical pricing strategies like user limits, small pay-per-use fees, or configurable payment caps to avoid surprise bills 🎯 How to differentiate in a crowded AI SaaS market by solving real problems, not just adding AI features Join our SaaS founders' community for $5/month and get step-by-step courses, proven strategies, and peer support: https://masterfulhub.com/ Connect with Us: Host: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wilhelmlaubach/ Guest: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gotodiego/ #SaaS #AIStartup #PricingStrategy #Freemium #StartupTips

In this SaaS founder story, Douglas Lim (Memberply) reveals how he rebuilt a bootstrapped SaaS after a co-founder stole the entire codebase, transforming despair into a successful Shopify app while mastering the art of entrepreneurial resilience and handling messy co-founder issues. What you’ll learn – The night his co-founder walked off with the repo – and how Doug rewrote the product in 5 a.m. sprints for eight months– Practical guardrails for choosing, managing, and legally protecting co-founders– Why a tightly scoped architecture beats premature microservices for bootstrappers– Leveraging ChatGPT/Copilot as a “first hire” to ship faster without extra payroll– How Memberply turned recurring-revenue psychology into a top-rated Shopify membership app Join our SaaS founders’ community for $5/month and get step-by-step courses, proven strategies, and peer support: https://masterfulhub.com/ ----more---- Connect with Us: Host: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wilhelmlaubach/ Guest: https://www.linkedin.com/in/douglaslim/ Also available on other platforms: Apple Podcast YouTube  

Want to know how remote freelancers can 10x your startup growth? In this episode, we talk to Elena Zangeeva, an international HR and remote team expert with 12 years of hands-on experience building high-performing global teams. Learn how to manage remote freelancers, avoid common mistakes, and unlock massive potential by improving communication, motivation, and culture. Whether you've struggled with disengaged remote workers or you’re looking to scale your startup efficiently, this conversation is full of actionable advice tailored for startup founders.   🎯 Topics: 📡 Remote team engagement 🧩 Freelancer management best practices ⚖️ Hiring for values vs. skills 🚫 Common founder mistakes 🌍 Building startup culture remotely   #RemoteWork #FreelancerManagement #RemoteTeams #RemoteLeadership #HRStrategy 🔗 Mentioned Resources: Culture Map Book: https://erinmeyer.com/books/the-culture-map/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/elenazangeeva/ We are online: ➧ Website - https://masterful.info ➧ Podcast - https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/masterful-info ➧ LinkedIn of Will (Host) - https://www.linkedin.com/in/wilhelmlaubach ➧ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/masterful.info ➧ Email - wl.interwebs@gmail.com

<p>🚴 In this episode, I consult Valentino Sturba, co-founder of the Italian startup XOA – a smart maintenance and tracking app for passionate cyclists.</p><p>We dive into how to position and promote a niche SaaS product, build traction on a limited budget, and leverage strategic partnerships with workshops, micro-influencers, and cycling clubs. </p><p>If you&#39;re building a niche product and need a step-by-step marketing playbook - from local launch to European growth - this conversation is packed with actionable insights.</p><p>🎯 Topics include:</p><p>🔥 How to launch a SaaS product with a €20K marketing budget</p><p>📍 Why starting hyper-local can be your fastest path to growth</p><p>📢 Cold outreach, flyers, and guerrilla tactics that still work in 2025</p><p>🤝 Why micro-influencers often beat Meta Ads</p><p>🚀 How to build trust and momentum in passionate hobby communities</p><p>Perfect for SaaS founders, especially those targeting tight-knit or sport-based audiences.</p><p>#SaaS #MarketingTips #StartupGrowth #Entrepreneurship We are online:</p><p>➧ Website - https://masterful.info </p><p>➧ Podcast - https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/masterful-info </p><p>➧ LinkedIn of Will (Host) - https://www.linkedin.com/in/wilhelmlaubach </p><p>➧ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/masterful.info </p><p>➧ Email - wl.interwebs@gmail.com </p>

<p>What if storytelling is the most powerful marketing tool your SaaS startup isn’t using yet?In this episode, copywriting and storytelling expert Mike Garner joins host Wilhelm Laubach to reveal how SaaS founders can build trust, create emotional connections, and stand out in crowded markets—all by telling real, human stories.Whether you’re launching a new AI product or scaling your SaaS tool, learn how to move from bland, feature-heavy messaging to authentic storytelling that drives growth.🎯 In this episode, you’ll discover:- Why storytelling in SaaS marketing creates stronger customer loyalty- How to find and shape your founder story (even if it feels boring)- The difference between generic content and stories that resonate- How to collect and use customer stories as powerful social proof- Emotional hooks for “boring” B2B products- The ROI of human, soul-driven marketing💬 Whether you're a first-time founder or a seasoned SaaS marketer, this conversation will change how you see content, brand, and customer engagement.🔔 Subscribe for tactical interviews that help you scale smarter.📎 Connect with the host Wilhelm Laubach (Will)https://www.linkedin.com/in/wilhelmlaubach/ 👀 Want to connect with Mike Garner?Check out his books “Stories That Matter” and “How to Show Off”:https://www.storiesthatmatter.co/books-by-mike-garnerOr connect on https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikegarner-storiesthatmatter/</p>

<p>As a SaaS founder, one of the biggest reasons your product isn&#39;t selling like hotcakes isn&#39;t your features, pricing, or even your tech – it&#39;s that you&#39;re not solving a real, validated problem. </p><p>In this video, I sit down with entrepreneur Huxley Peckham, who built a SaaS product around an AI assistant by doing one thing exceptionally well: finding the real pain point his audience couldn&#39;t ignore.</p><p>We break down:</p><p>- Why identifying the right pain is 80% of your success</p><p>- How to validate ideas before building anything</p><p>- Real examples of talking to users and adjusting the offer</p><p>- Lessons from launching a viral AI cheat sheet</p><p>- LinkedIn and outreach strategies that actually work</p><p>Whether you&#39;re still ideating or already launched your SaaS, this episode will help you understand how to build something people actually want – and pay for.</p><p>#SaaSMarketing#ProductMarketFit#StartupTips#AIStartup</p><p>✅ Subscribe for tactical interviews that drive results.</p><p>📎 Connect with Huxley Peckham: https://www.linkedin.com/in/huxley-peckham/</p><p>📎 Connect with the host Wilhelm Laubach (Will)https://www.linkedin.com/in/wilhelmlaubach/</p>

<p>Are you a tech or SaaS founder looking to grow faster and avoid common mistakes? <strong>This podcast is made for you!</strong></p><p>Learn essential lessons on marketing, psychology, and AI - powerful tools that can make or break your startup journey. </p><p>Hosted by Wilhelm Laubach, a seasoned on-demand marketing director with 15+ years of experience, we dive into real stories from founders and top specialists. Discover the critical aha moments that changed their startups - so you can skip the painful learning curve.</p><p>🚀 Understand people better. Master your mindset. Build smarter, grow faster.</p><p><br></p><p>🎧 Follow us now and don&#39;t miss new episodes.</p><p>💬 Want to boost your startup’s marketing?<br>Schedule a consultation with Wilhelm https://www.linkedin.com/in/wilhelmlaubach/ and get insights from 15+ years of real-world experience helping tech and SaaS founders grow faster!</p><p>Get marketing advice from someone who&#39;s been in your shoes. </p><p><strong>#SaaSStartup #StartupGrowth #MarketingStrategy #EntrepreneurMindset</strong></p>

<p>What makes investors say “yes” to a €1.6M round?</p><p>Jorrit Willaert from URImesh didn’t have a polished pitch, but he had something better: traction, positioning, and a strong vision.</p><p>In this conversation, we unpack what actually worked — not the theory.</p><p>Learn how to:</p><p>– Validate your product in a boring, high-value niche</p><p>– Turn cold outreach into real client meetings</p><p>– Build momentum and create FOMO among investors</p><p>– Avoid common fundraising mistakes (like raising too early)</p><p>This is a playbook for SaaS founders who want to scale fast and raise smart.</p><p>✅ Subscribe for tactical interviews that drive results.</p><p>📎 Connect with Jorrit Willaert: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jorritwillaert</p><p>📎 Connect with the host Wilhelm Laubach (Will)https://www.linkedin.com/in/wilhelmlaubach/ </p><p>#StartupSuccess #FundraisingTips #SaaSFounders </p>

<p>In this episode, I sit down with Masha Moisseyeva, founder of a B2B SaaS startup helping tech companies comply with EU cybersecurity regulations. We talk about how she landed her first 6 paying clients, validated her idea in just 3 months, and built a product after understanding the real problems in the market.📌 Whether you’re just starting out with a software product or you’re trying to pivot your existing startup, this conversation is packed with actionable strategies and honest insights.#saas #clientacquisition #startups #SaaSMarketing #B2BSaaS </p>