If you’re wondering who the best salesman for your startup is, then you might want to look into the mirror, because the answer is right in front of you: Yourself.
“But I’m not a salesman,” you might say.
And yet, you are the best sales asset your startup has; at least in the beginning.
This is because, in order to sell, you need passion for your product, and no one has more passion than a startup founder.
This is why, in this episode, I share with you how you can utilize your passion and expertise to ignite excitement for your startup and be the salesman your company needs to succeed.
Are you ready?
Let’s dive in!
Key Takeaways:
Introduction (00:00)
Why you might learn to sell before hiring (02:22)
How to scale before the initial product-market fit (05:49)
Let’s talk about modern sales (08:02)
Are you adding value to your customers? (10:13)
Additional Resources:
👉 Elevate your tech startup: https://elev8orlab.com/call
👉 Discover more podcast episodes: https://www.elev8orlab.com/podcast
👉 Follow Vlada on social media:
➡️ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vlada-lotkina/
➡️ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vlada_lotkina/
➡️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@vladalotkina
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Tech Startup Elev8or is a podcast dedicated to lifting founders to new heights in the tech sector. Be sure to follow/subscribe so you never miss an episode!
If you’ve been struggling with finding the right investors for your tech startup, then you definitely don’t want to miss this episode.
In it, I sit down with a dear friend of mine and someone who helped me a lot during my startup journey, the brilliant Eric Paley.
Eric is a partner at Founder Collective, which has backed a couple dozen $1B+ startups. Eric made the Midas List five times, and so far, reached number 9, which means that the insights he has to share are golden.
In this episode, Eric and I will be discussing the importance of selecting the right investor for your startup, the biggest mistake founders are making, why focusing on sustainable growth is more important than achieving rapid expansion, why you should NEVER inflate metrics for the sake of appearances, and more.
Are you ready for this thrilling conversation?
Then tune in now!
Key Takeaways:
Introduction (00:00)
Meet Eric (01:15)
The biggest mistake you’re making (04:17)
Are you pitching right? (11:35)
The signals of the industry (19:00)
Pivots done well (26:45)
The pressure to scale (36:55)
Is following the trends worth it? (48:30)
Additional Resources:
👉 Elevate your tech startup: https://elev8orlab.com/call
👉 Discover more podcast episodes: https://www.elev8orlab.com/podcast
👉 Follow Vlada on social media:
➡️ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vlada-lotkina/
➡️ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vlada_lotkina/
➡️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@vladalotkina
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Tech Startup Elev8or is a podcast dedicated to lifting founders to new heights in the tech sector. Be sure to follow/subscribe so you never miss an episode!
You want to get into the tech industry, but you’re not sure where to start? This is the episode for you!
In it, I explain what you need to do to take the first step towards building your own tech startup: how to build a killer tech product.
You see, a tech startup is nothing without an innovative product that solves actual real-life problems, without that, you don’t actually have a tech company.
And so, in this week’s episode of the podcast, I’ll be sharing with you actionable strategies to building killer software as a founder or CEO of an early stage startup.
Are you ready for the startup challenge?
Tune in now.
Key Takeaways:
Introduction (00:00)
Introducing the startup challenge (01:57)
Let’s talk about the speed of iteration (06:52)
The customer value proposition (12:19)
The importance of product-market fit (15:52)
Answering some questions (21:01)
Additional Resources:
👉 Elevate your tech startup: https://elev8orlab.com/call
👉 Discover more podcast episodes: https://www.elev8orlab.com/podcast
👉 Follow Vlada on social media:
➡️ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vlada-lotkina/
➡️ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vlada_lotkina/
➡️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@vladalotkina
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Tech Startup Elev8or is a podcast dedicated to lifting founders to new heights in the tech sector. Be sure to follow/subscribe so you never miss an episode!
Did you know?
Crossing the $10K Monthly Recurring Revenue (MRR) threshold is a milestone many startups dream of, but the path there is often shrouded in complexity and challenges.
What does it take to make it there?
This is the exact question I answer in this week’s episode of the Tech Startup Elev8or podcast.
Today, I’ll be sharing with you my best tips to leverage customer relationships, build scalable go-to-market strategies, understand customers’ motivations, and scale your business to break that $10K per month barrier.
Join me for an empowering session designed to catapult your startup beyond the early stages of revenue generation.
Are you ready?
Let’s dive in.
Key Takeaways:
Introduction (00:00)
Why your customers are a goldmine (04:05)
Building a scalable go-to-market for you (09:25)
Don’t overlook this strategy (14:53)
Answering some questions (21:02)
Additional Resources:
👉 Elevate your tech startup: https://elev8orlab.com/call
👉 Discover more podcast episodes: https://www.elev8orlab.com/podcast
👉 Follow Vlada on social media:
➡️ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vlada-lotkina/ ➡️ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vlada_lotkina/
➡️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@vladalotkina
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Tech Startup Elev8or is a podcast dedicated to lifting founders to new heights in the tech sector. Be sure to follow/subscribe so you never miss an episode!
Have you ever wondered why immigrant founders were behind some of the world’s most successful startups?
Then this episode is for you.
In it, I sit down with Semyon Dukach, the venture capital wizard behind One Way Ventures and a true champion for immigrant founders.
Semyon is not just any investor; he is also a visionary who's always believed in the power and potential of immigrant founders long before it became a trend.
His journey from a daring entrepreneur to a leading figure in the VC world is nothing short of inspiring, and today, he’s here to share it all– the highs, the lows, and everything in between.
He and I will also be discussing a myriad of other subjects, such as the unique challenges immigrant startup founders face, the importance of knowing how to communicate not just to investors but also to potential customers, why fundraising isn’t a success metric but a means to an end, and more.
I hope you enjoy this discussion as much as I did!
Well then, what are you waiting for?
Tune in now.
Key Takeaways:
Introduction (00:00)
Semyon’s story (01:07)
How immigrant founders are changing the industry (03:35)
Early-stage fundraising tips (08:27)
How to find investors (15:12)
Do cold outreaches to investors work? (21:38)
How to pitch like a pro (26:00)
A great team for a great founder (31:38)
Advice for founders (39:39)
Additional Resources:
👉 Elevate your tech startup: https://elev8orlab.com/call
👉 Discover more podcast episodes: https://www.elev8orlab.com/podcast
👉 Follow Vlada on social media:
➡️ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vlada-lotkina/ ➡️ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vlada_lotkina/
➡️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@vladalotkina
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Tech Startup Elev8or is a podcast dedicated to lifting founders to new heights in the tech sector. Be sure to follow/subscribe so you never miss an episode!
If you’re struggling to bring your startup efforts to fruition in the US as an immigrant founder, then this is the episode for you!
In it, I sit down with the brilliant Benjamin Zenou, a French serial entrepreneur, investor, and immigrant founder with experience in launching and exiting businesses in the tech industry.
Benjamin moved from France to the US in order to expand his burgeoning SaaS startup, SimpliField, which provides retail software solutions.
Together, he and I will be discussing the challenges and opportunities of expanding a business into the US market, why understanding the local market and adapting your business strategy accordingly is a must, the reality of raising funds and expanding in the US market, and more.
From founding successful startups to guiding the next wave of innovation, Benjamin's journey offers a wealth of knowledge and inspiration.
Are you ready to learn more about Benjamin’s work?
Tune in now!
Key Takeaways:
Introduction (00:00)
From France to the US (01:21)
SimplyField’s early customers (06:57)
Sales tips from Benjamin (14:41)
Adapting to the US market (24:50)
Working towards scaling (34:42)
Additional Resources:
👉 Elevate your tech startup: https://elev8orlab.com/call
👉 Discover more podcast episodes: https://www.elev8orlab.com/podcast
👉 Follow Vlada on social media:
➡️ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vlada-lotkina/ ➡️ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vlada_lotkina/➡️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@vladalotkina
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Tech Startup Elev8or is a podcast dedicated to lifting founders to new heights in the tech sector. Be sure to follow/subscribe so you never miss an episode!
In this bonus episode of the Tech Startup Elev8or podcast, I sit down with a very special guest (and a great friend of mine), the amazing Christopher Nyren.
Christopher is a seasoned investment banker whose mission is to support founders in EdTech through mergers and acquisitions.
Christopher is also the person who helped me sell my company (so you now understand my excitement about having him on the podcast).
In this episode, he and I will be discussing the importance of building genuine relationships and networks within our industry, how to navigate successful M&A processes, why hybrid business models work so well, Christopher’s journey and how he started focusing on the EdTech industry, and more.
We’ll also be sharing the special story that unites us, so you really don’t want to miss this episode!
Are you ready?
Let’s dive in.
Key Takeaways:
Introduction (00:00)
How Christopher builds relationships in the industry (07:56)
Our special story (11:50)
M&A as an exit strategy (20:03)
The importance of a hybrid business model (25:52)
The typical mistakes during M&As (32:37)
How Christopher works with immigrant founders (42:43)
Additional Resources:
👉 Elevate your tech startup: https://elev8orlab.com/call
👉 Discover more podcast episodes: https://www.elev8orlab.com/podcast
👉 Follow Vlada on social media:
➡️ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vlada-lotkina/ ➡️ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vlada_lotkina/➡️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@vladalotkina
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Tech Startup Elev8or is a podcast dedicated to lifting founders to new heights in the tech sector. Be sure to follow/subscribe so you never miss an episode!
A lot of technical startup founders don’t feel great about selling. They don’t know where to start, how to do it, or how to see results from it.
However, if you want your startup to succeed, then you have to learn how to sell –not just your product or service, but also yourself and your business.
Your sales efforts are essential services, not nuisances, and so, you need to use the right tool if you want these efforts to actually have good results.
This is why, in this week’s episode, I’ll be sharing with you my ultimate guide to selling and acquiring your first 10 paying customers in 90 days.
Together, you and I will be exploring everything you need to know to secure paying clients, from the importance of building a sales playbook to why adopting a service-oriented mindset will help you scale your startup.
Are you ready?
Let’s dive in!
Key Takeaways:
Introduction (00:00)
Time to find your persona (03:56)
Demand generation tips (13:32)
Build your sales playbook (16:05)
A special opportunity for you (20:26)
Answering some questions (23:44)
Additional Resources:
👉 Elevate your tech startup: https://elev8orlab.com/call
👉 Discover more podcast episodes: https://www.elev8orlab.com/podcast
👉 Follow Vlada on social media:
➡️ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vlada-lotkina/ ➡️ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vlada_lotkina/➡️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@vladalotkina
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Tech Startup Elev8or is a podcast dedicated to lifting founders to new heights in the tech sector. Be sure to follow/subscribe so you never miss an episode!
Many times, corporate executives who want to move into the world of entrepreneurship find themselves in a bind: they have skills, but they’re not sure how to leverage those skills in the ever-changing world of startups –especially tech startups.
However, it is possible –and even beneficial to leverage your corporate experience to build a thriving startup.
I know this because I have done it, transitioning from a decade in corporate consulting to launching and selling ClassTag for an 8-figure sum.
And nothing is stopping you from doing the same!
This is why, in this special Corporate to Startup Webinar episode, my guest (the brilliant Ewa Lewandowska) and I will be sharing with you everything you need to know to make your startup a success, from strategies to take the leap to how to navigate the unique challenges and advantages corporate execs bring to the startup scene.
We’ll also be discussing the 4 ultimate mistakes people make when moving from corporate to entrepreneurship and how to avoid them.
Well then, what are you waiting for?
Tune in now!
Key Takeaways:
Introduction (00:00)
Mistake #1: Cutting off your lifeline (02:16)
Mistake #2: Keeping your startup a secret (04:43)
Mistake #3: Not hiring the right people (07:55)
Mistake #4: “We are building a business, not a startup” (11:24)
The biggest surprise of moving from corporate to entrepreneurship (16:58)
Let’s talk mindset (22:09)
Additional Resources:
👉 Elevate your tech startup: https://elev8orlab.com/call
👉 Discover more podcast episodes: https://www.elev8orlab.com/podcast
👉 Follow Vlada on social media:
➡️ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vlada-lotkina/ ➡️ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vlada_lotkina/➡️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@vladalotkina
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Tech Startup Elev8or is a podcast dedicated to lifting founders to new heights in the tech sector. Be sure to follow/subscribe so you never miss an episode!
Success in business and a flourishing personal and social life are not mutually exclusive, no matter what others tell you.
So many of us try to juggle work, home, social life, friends, family, etc… and sometimes, that ends up being overwhelming.
However, it doesn’t mean that it’s impossible.
In this week’s episode, I sit down with someone who’s achieved the dream –business success without having to sacrifice everything else in her life.
My guest today is the brilliant Anastasia Koroleva, a visionary serial entrepreneur with a background in law and multiple business exits.
Anastasia has mastered the art of blending business success with a deeply fulfilling life. With her extraordinary background from a 9-digit business exit to exploring the depths of Vedic philosophy and Ayurveda, Anastasia brings a unique perspective on achieving both professional greatness and personal happiness.
She is the ultimate proof that you don’t need to sacrifice your joy in order to succeed in business.
In this episode, she and I will be discussing serial entrepreneurship, the impact of personal changes on business decisions, Anastasia’s life after her business exit, and more.
Are you ready for this?
Tune in now!
Key Takeaways:
Introduction (00:00)
Anastasia’s story (01:05)
Anastasia’s post-exit discovery (06:29)
Persevering while building businesses (08:44)
On deciding to exit a business (15:27)
Anastasia’s business regrets (23:12)
The exit paradox (32:13)
The difference between the UK and US markets (38:06)
Additional Resources:
👉 Elevate your tech startup: https://elev8orlab.com/call
👉 Discover more podcast episodes: https://www.elev8orlab.com/podcast
👉 Follow Vlada on social media:
➡️ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vlada-lotkina/ ➡️ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vlada_lotkina/➡️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@vladalotkina
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Tech Startup Elev8or is a podcast dedicated to lifting founders to new heights in the tech sector. Be sure to follow/subscribe so you never miss an episode!
Are you an ambitious founder from outside the US, looking to break into the world's most lucrative market? Do you feel your startup buzzing with potential, ready to take on the global stage, but you're not quite sure where to start in the US?
Let's clear up the path ahead, guided by someone who’s been right where you are, turning challenges into stepping stones for success. (I’m sure you’ll find my experience valuable, having scaled an educational software to 5 million users, raised $12 million, and successfully exited the business.)
Breaking into the US market is exciting, but it's also filled with pitfalls that can easily trip you up if you're not careful. As an immigrant founder, the hurdles can seem even higher. That's why, in this episode, I'll share the four biggest mistakes too many founders make when trying to enter the US market.
I’ll be talking about the big "no-nos" you'll want to avoid to keep your journey smooth and your goals within reach. By understanding them, you can prepare better, strategize smarter, and position your startup for the growth and success you envision in the US market.
Ready to learn what these common but critical missteps are and how you can sidestep them?
Check out this week's episode to learn more and confidently start your US journey.
Tune in now!
Key Takeaways:
Additional Resources:
👉 Check out the Elev8or website
👉 Follow Vlada on social media:
➡️ LinkedIn
➡️ Instagram
➡️ YouTube
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👉 Elevate your tech startup: https://elev8orlab.com/call
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Tech Startup Elev8or is a podcast dedicated to lifting founders to new heights in the tech sector. Be sure to follow/subscribe so you never miss an episode!
Bootstrapping your business can seem like a difficult task. Many entrepreneurs and aspiring entrepreneurs don’t have the unlimited funds and resources they need to truly develop their ideas.
However, don’t let that scare you from trying new things.
Bootstrapping, in the long run, is the perfect strategy to build superior products and achieve significant growth without external funding, as long as you focus on profitability and sustainability.
To discuss this in more detail, I’ve invited an expert on the podcast today.
Her name is Melissa Kwan and she is the founder of not one, not two, but three tech businesses (all three bootstrapped), as well as a multitalented intrapreneur.
Her latest company, eWebinar, was born out of her own frustrations with the repetitive live webinars she needed to attend to onboard and train clients on her products.
From the beginning, Melissa’s founder’s journey was always about solving real-life problems, and nothing shows this more than eWebinar.
In this episode, Melissa will be discussing her bootstrap philosophy and why she follows it, how to be profitable as a bootstrap startup, the importance of focusing on simplicity and user experience when innovating, and more.
I hope you enjoy this conversation as much as I did!
When then, what are you waiting for?
Tune in now.
Key Takeaways:
Introduction (00:00)
Melissa’s early days as an entrepreneur (04:00)
Blue ocean vs purple ocean (09:01)
Should you build in public? (15:48)
Horizontal expansion (21:22)
Why bootstrap companies are profit-driven (26:14)
How to measure product-market fit (32:56)
Melissa’s advice to other founders (43:06)
Additional Resources:
✨ Connect with Melissa on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissakwan/
✨ Listen to Melissa’s podcast: https://ewebinar.com/profitled-podcast
✨ Learn more about eWebinar: https://ewebinar.com/
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👉 Elevate your tech startup: https://elev8orlab.com/call
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Tech Startup Elev8or is a podcast dedicated to lifting founders to new heights in the tech sector. Be sure to follow/subscribe so you never miss an episode!
Entrepreneurship can thrive outside conventional paths, and making profit doesn’t have to be the sole goal of starting a business.
As a business owner, you can strive to not just make money, but make a positive impact on the world.
Building with purpose, championing diversity, and leaving the communities around you better than how you found them are all goals you can achieve as an entrepreneur while also growing your business and making profit.
One does not cancel the other, and no one knows this better than this week’s guest on the podcast (and a dear friend of mine), the brilliant Arthur Woods.
Arthur is a three-time TEDx speaker, a published author, the founder of several companies, and an advocate for diversity and inclusivity in the tech entrepreneurship world.
Arthur’s background includes launching a nonprofit for student entrepreneurs, working at Google, founding a DEI analytics software company, and running executive search firms.
In this episode, I sit down with him to discuss social impact through entrepreneurship, the importance of diversity and inclusion in our industry, how to learn from your failures, why being an entrepreneur is all about mindset, and more.
Ready for this thrilling conversation?
Tune in now.
Key Takeaways:
Introduction (00:00)
Meet Arthur (00:25)
The path towards social entrepreneurship (03:28)
How to measure social impact (08:01)
Nonprofit innovation vs for profit innovation (14:35)
How to make a decision about innovation (19:32)
Being an underrepresented entrepreneur (32:34)
What Arthur learned from failure (41:13)
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👉 Elevate your tech startup: https://elev8orlab.com/call
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Tech Startup Elev8or is a podcast dedicated to lifting founders to new heights in the tech sector. Be sure to follow/subscribe so you never miss an episode!
✨ Welcome to Tech Startup Elev8or (previously CEO Unboxed), Episode 7. In today's conversation, "The Heart and Soul of Innovation," Aaron guides us through his exhilarating journey of founding, building, and exiting multiple companies, and overcoming the greatest of challenges in the midst of it all.
Aaron doesn't just share his professional journey; he dives deep into the personal challenges and triumphs that have shaped him as a leader and innovator.
💙 In this episode, we get into:
+ The strategic approach behind successful early exits and the journey of bootstrapping a company to success without external funding.
+ The nuanced dance with venture capital and the resilience required to start from scratch.
+ Practical insights on overcoming challenges, the critical importance of focus, market timing, and maintaining strategic clarity.
+ The unconventional yet effective strategies that have underpinned Aaron's success.
Whether you're in the early stages of your startup or eyeing your next big move, Aaron's story offers a treasure trove of wisdom, inspiration, and tactical advice. Don't forget to leave a review, share, and subscribe for moreTech Startup Elev8or conversations.
🤖 Welcome to Tech Startup Elev8or (previously CEO Unboxed), Episode 6. Today's episode is for all the entrepreneurs tapping into the world of AI– with the visionary Krishna Raj Raja! Get to know Krishna, founder and CEO of SupportLogic, and how he's been at the forefront of AI innovation since its inception. With a keen eye for spotting trends and a knack for transforming ideas into reality, Krishna's been revolutionizing the tech industry for over a decade. After recognizing AI's potential early on, then spearheading groundbreaking projects that have reshaped the way we think about technology, you're in for a treat! Get ready to be inspired by Krishna's insights and under what contexts AI can take your business to new heights, and some of Krishna's contrarian opinions you (like myself) might actually agree with.
🔍 In this episode, we get into: 1. Misconceptions about AI for entrepreneurs
2. Selling the Opportunity to Investors (when there is no blueprint to work from)
3. Being Contrarian and Follow Your Instincts 🚀 Want to watch our latest podcast videos and bonus Vlada content?
LinkedIn: vlada-lotkina/
@vlotkina
🎙️ Welcome to Tech Startup Elev8or (previously CEO Unboxed) Ep.5! I am excited to interview the extraordinary Henrik Werdelin, a master of empathy, active listening, and serial entrepreneurship. Our meeting in New York left me inspired and eager to delve deeper into the mind behind such diverse and successful ventures.
Henrik’s journey is not just about creating companies and achieving exits; it’s a story of deep listening, innovative thinking, and challenging conventional wisdom. From selling companies to taking Barkbox public, from leading Prehype’s venture studio and corporate innovation to pioneering with Audos.AI, Henrik’s path is a testament to his unique approach to entrepreneurship.
🔍 In this episode, we explore:
1. The Essence of Success and how to Engineer it for Yourself
2. AI Know-How and Best Kept Secrets to Make it Work for You
3. The Foundations of Business Building Step by Step
Join us for this insightful conversation, where we ‘unbox’ the essence of Henrik Werdelin’s entrepreneurial spirit, his unique approach to business, and the wisdom he’s gathered along his journey.
🤯 Prepare to be captivated!
This week on Tech Startup Elev8or (previously CEO Unboxed), we're uncovering the remarkable journey of Garry Fatakhov - from college lecturing to co-founding a venture that caught Google's eye for $500 million.
🔍 In this episode, we delve deep into:
- The leap from academia to the world of tech startups.
- The vision and strategy behind a half-billion-dollar acquisition.
- Garry's unique insights on finding purpose, parenting, entrepreneurship, and making an impact in the tech sphere.
- Lessons from a two-times immigrant founder on resourcefulness and resilience.
💥 Whether you're an entrepreneur, a tech enthusiast, or someone who thrives on inspiring success stories, this episode is a must-listen!
🎙️ Join us as we dive into what it takes to turn a bold idea into a Silicon Valley legend.
📲 Share, comment, and join the conversation. What part of Garry's journey intrigues you the most?
Follow Garry: https://www.linkedin.com/in/garryfatakhov/
Follow Vlada: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vlada-lotkina/
🎙️ Welcome to the next episode of CEO Unboxed, where we share the heartfelt stories behind startup resilience and bravery.
I’m Vlada Lotkina, a fellow startup CEO, and this conversation is not just enlightening, it’s deeply personal. Join me as I sit with Vadim Rogovskiy, daring entrepreneur whose journey is a remarkable story of self-belief and audacity.
Vadim took an extraordinary leap into the world of AI and deep machine learning – fields far removed from his prior expertise, moving his family from his native Ukraine to NYC.
💡 In this intimate talk, we uncover:
- The emotional journey behind leaving familiar grounds for the unknown.
- The human side of entrepreneurship: the sacrifices, the resilience, and the relentless pursuit of a vision.
- How Vadim’s unwavering belief in himself led him from Ukraine to New York, navigating the complexities of a new industry.
Vadim’s narrative is more than a startup success; it's a testament to the spirit of taking risks, betting on oneself, and the power of stepping into the unfamiliar.
👉 Tune in for a story of courage, transformation, and the relentless human spirit driving the world of startups. Join us on Tech Startup Elev8or (previously CEO Unboxed), as we delve beyond the numbers and into the heart and soul of entrepreneurial journeys.
Welcome to Tech Startup Elev8or (previously CEO Unboxed), where we delve into the personal, unfiltered stories and unique insights of today's business leaders.
In this episode, I have the pleasure of speaking with Caya (Jose Cayasso), the innovative CEO of Slidebean, a company transforming the landscape of presentation design and startup pitches. Caya’s story is a testament to entrepreneurial resilience and creativity. It is not just about technological innovation; it's a narrative of cultural transitions and personal growth.
Originating from Costa Rica and making a significant mark in New York’s tech scene, his experiences offer a wealth of insights for any immigrant founders, and other entrepreneurs looking to break into a completely new space.
🎙️ In our conversation, we explore:
- Caya’s formative years in Costa Rica and how they shaped his approach to tech and entrepreneurship.
- The complexities and triumphs of transitioning from Costa Rica to the competitive tech environment of New York.
- The influence of Caya's heritage on his professional and personal identity.
- The genesis of Slidebean and gaining early traction for Slidebean.
- Caya’s strategy in evaluating successes and the necessity of pivots in business.
- The rollercoaster of financial highs and lows in the startup journey and the lessons therein.
Tune in as Caya shares his remarkable story, from the inception of Slidebean to navigating the complexities of the tech world as an AfroLatino entrepreneur in New York. His insights are incredibly inspiring!
Welcome to Tech Startup Elev8or, where we lift founders to new heights in the tech sector.
I'm Vlada Lotkina, and I grew my ed-tech company to 5 million users and an 8-figure exit. I'm here to help you do the same.
Each episode is packed with actionable insights from those who've navigated these waters before.
From achieving product-market fit to mastering the art of fundraising and beyond.
We go beyond the corporate achievements and showcase the beating heart behind the business.
Let's turn your startup into an unstoppable force!
🚀 Elevate your startup at: https://www.elev8orlab.com/podcast
