In this episode, I share an honest look at what's really happening across my two businesses right now. My AI agency is growing fast, but my seaweed farm, Ocean Greens, is running out of runway, and I'm being transparent about both.

I reflect on the Claude Fable launch and why I think there's showmanship behind AI marketing, where I believe the real dangers of AI actually lie, and why the current hype feels symptomatic of a bubble. I also share what it's like fundraising for a real-world climate business, the challenge of running two companies at once, and my thoughts on building a world-class team and culture at Lightning Ventures.

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In this episode, I sit down with Andy Crebar, a founder who went from failing Accounting 101 to raising over $10 million and selling two companies. We unpack his journey from Macquarie Group to San Francisco, building Sapling into an employee onboarding platform used by companies like Warby Parker and Kayak, and the pandemic decision that saved his business.

We also dive into the realities of imposter syndrome when raising capital, how to build a business that can actually be sold, the blind usability test every founder should run, and why rapid iteration and customer feedback are the true path to great products.

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In this episode, I share a candid look at what it's really like to build and scale an AI company. I reflect on the challenges of hiring, building a high-performing team, rebuilding after setbacks, and navigating rapid growth in one of the fastest-moving industries in the world.

I also share my thoughts on the future of AI-native talent, why quality businesses will stand out in the AI era, and the lessons I'm learning as I build a company focused on creating positive impact through technology.

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In this episode of Unconventional Founders, Simon, a civil engineer turned entrepreneur, shares his journey from the mining industry to launching successful ventures in real estate and software. After facing challenges in his real estate business, Simon bootstrapped his current software company, BrickRoad. He discusses the benefits of using Bubble.io to build a low-maintenance, customer-centric product and emphasizes the importance of strategic planning, community support, and strong sales and marketing in building a successful software startup.

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Sign up here: https://www.skool.com/lightning-accelerator-5204

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In this episode, we dive into the fascinating journey of Tan, the visionary behind Emotive, a groundbreaking company in the field of brain technology. From her beginnings in law to becoming a leader in neurotech innovation, Tan shares her story of transformation and the challenges she faced along the way. Discover how Emotive is revolutionizing the way we understand and interact with our brains, and learn about the exciting new products on the horizon. Join us for an inspiring conversation about technology, innovation, and the future of brain-computer interfaces.

Join our Lightning Products accelerator program. Take your idea to working product!

Sign up here: https://www.skool.com/lightning-accelerator-5204

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Join David McManus as he sits down with Scott, co-founder of Espresso, to explore the fascinating journey from a university project to a thriving startup. Discover how Scott and his team navigated the challenges of entrepreneurship, from prototyping and fundraising to scaling production amidst global disruptions. This episode is packed with insights on innovation, perseverance, and the power of solving real-world problems. Tune in to learn from their experiences and get inspired to tackle your own entrepreneurial dreams.

Join our Lightning Products accelerator program. Take your idea to working product!

Sign up here: https://www.skool.com/lightning-accelerator-5204

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In this episode of Unconventional Founders, Chey discusses her passion for education and technology, particularly in early childhood education. She shares her journey from being an educator to founding software companies aimed at reducing the cognitive load on teachers through AI and no-code tools. The discussion also touches on the importance of understanding how we learn, the future of skills in education, and the significance of community building in entrepreneurship. Chey emphasizes the need to overcome fears and take action, highlighting that learning is a continuous journey.

Join our Lightning Products accelerator program. Take your idea to working product!

Sign up here: https://www.skool.com/lightning-accelerator-5204

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In this episode of Unconventional Founders, Josh shares his unconventional journey from graphic design to co-founding Hey Juno, an AI research tool. He discusses his early career in user experience design, the evolution of digital transformation in Australia, and the mission behind his previous company, Neo. Josh reflects on the challenges of transitioning to remote work, the birth of Juno, and the power of no-code tools in simplifying development. He emphasizes the importance of understanding human needs and the role of APIs in modern software development. In this conversation, Josh shares his journey from developing a product idea to successfully launching it with the help of AI technology. He discusses the challenges of selling a new product, the importance of partnerships, and the strategies that led to their early success. Josh also shares his insights on the future of AI, emphasizing the need for a deep understanding of human behavior in technology development.

Join our Lightning Products accelerator program. Take your idea to working product!

Sign up here: https://www.skool.com/lightning-accelerator-5204

Enjoyed this episode? Don’t forget to subscribe and leave us a review! Connect with us on LinkedIn and Twitter for more insights and updates. Visit our website at www.lightningproduct.io for additional resources and episode transcripts.