Think your business needs to go viral to grow? Josh Simons crossed that off his list early on.

The former Buchanan frontman, Vampr co-founder and Vinyl Group CEO joins Anna Shepherd to share how a frustrating experience in his music career sparked a technology business, and how he kept it alive when fundraising became difficult and investors lost patience.

From finding Vampr’s first 10,000 users to leading a publicly listed media and music technology company, Josh talks openly about big ambitions, expensive lessons and the creativity behind his business decisions.

They also explore why Josh believes brand trust matters more as AI-generated content fills the internet, and how business owners can find their audience without chasing viral fame.

In this episode:

• Moving from musician to tech founder.

• Turning a personal frustration into Vampr.

• Raising capital and the risks of high valuations.

• Balancing conviction with a little delusion.

• Building alignment with partners and leadership teams.

• Connecting audiences, creators and brands.

• AI, authenticity and online authority.

• Testing marketing channels and knowing when to invest.

• Leading with creativity and radical transparency.

For founders, business owners, marketers and creatives who want to grow their business while staying true to themselves.