Default Global Podcast: Navigating Global Expansion, Remote Teams, and International Talent

Hosted by Vit Koval

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126

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Jan 2025

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About the show

👋 Welcome to Default Global, the podcast hosted by Vit, a seasoned expert with over a decade of experience assisting tech companies in building global teams. Join us as we dive into insightful conversations with remote and global-first entrepreneurs, founders of international tech companies, and HR specialists who share their expertise on business expansion, global hiring, and remote work strategies. 🔍 Explore topics crucial for US & EU Entrepreneurs: ✔️International Market Entry, ✔️Global Hiring Best Practices, ✔️Remote Work Optimization, ✔️Cost-Cutting Strategies, ✔️Sales Expansion Across Borders, ✔️Cash Raise Techniques on a Global Scale, ✔️Cross-Cultural Team Dynamics. ✅ Ideal for C-level Executives and Tech Leaders: ✔️Insights on Cutting-edge Business Expansion, ✔️Tips for Increasing Sales Globally, ✔️Cost-Efficient Global Hiring Tactics, ✔️Strategies for Navigating International Markets, ✔️Global Cash Raise Approaches. 👌 Perfect for Global Tech Talent Seeking Opportunities: ✔️Joining and Thriving in Global Companies, ✔️Navigating Remote Work Opportunities, ✔️Building a Successful Career on a Global Scale, ✔️Remote Work Trends and Innovations. 🎙️ Join us on Default Global and stay ahead in the dynamic world of global business expansion, remote teams, and international talent acquisition. Whether you're a tech leader, entrepreneur, or a global professional seeking new opportunities, this podcast is your go-to resource for staying at the forefront of the global business landscape. Subscribe now and unlock the keys to successful global growth!

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60 recent

January 23, 202527 min

From $1Billion to $100 Billion: Secrets to Scaling Globally

🔊 How can you grow your startup from $1 billion to $100 billion and conquer the global market?In this episode of the Default Global Podcast, I sit down with Klaus Wehage, a global expansion pro and co-author of Global Class. Klaus has helped over 2,000 leaders from 50+ countries figure out how to scale internationally and nail fundraising in tough markets.Klaus also spills lessons from 400+ top leaders at some of the fastest-growing companies. He shares tips on fundraising, picking the right markets, and scaling up without the stress.Key Takeaways:Easy tips to raise money in 2025 and crush your first funding round.Inspiring stories of how startups like BlaBlaCar, Slack, and LinkedIn went global.Find out the mindset shifts founders need to take their business from local to global.How global teams spark great ideas and push your business forward.How to simplify company culture so it works across borders.If you’re ready to take your startup to the next level and raise funds in 2025, don’t miss this one, it’s packed with ideas to help you grow big and think bigger!Klaus Wehage on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/globalscalingcoach/Episode on Youtube: https://youtu.be/uBKffFCbmCMDefault Global Website: https://gogloby.io/podcast/ Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCM9SzxOhqqjOckcVG7XYKFA Default Global LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/default-global/ Vit Koval, Host Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vitalykoval/

January 15, 202528 min

How He Raised $77M in a $60B Market

💹 Raising $77M in funding and taking on a $60B market, this episode has so much for founders.On this episode of Default Global, I sat down with Alexander Jekowsky, the CEO and co-founder of Cents. Alex has raised $77M, including a $40M Series B, to build a tech platform for the laundromat industry, a market most people don’t even think about.We talk about why raising $77M doesn’t mean success and what really drives a startup to grow. Alex shares how he found huge opportunities in a “boring” $60B industry and turned them into a thriving business.He also explains how he pitched his way to a $40M Series B and gives advice to founders on scaling their businesses, pitching to investors, and avoiding mistakes during fundraising.Key Takeaways:Raising $77M isn’t success, it’s just the beginning of bigger challenges and growth.Securing a $40M Series B requires a clear vision and the right strategies to pitch investors.Scaling isn’t just about adding customers; it’s about sustainable growth and avoiding burnout.A laundromat owner saw a 60% revenue increase using tech, proving the power of simple solutions.The laundromat industry is worth $60B, and overlooked industries can have massive potential.If you’re raising funds, working on your pitch, or trying to grow your startup, this episode is packed with advice you can use. Don’t miss it!Alexander Jekowsky on LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/ajekowskyEpisode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/0z_xw2Jzy1sDefault Global Website: https://gogloby.io/podcast/ Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCM9SzxOhqqjOckcVG7XYKFA Default Global LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/default-global/ Vit Koval, Host Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vitalykoval/

January 10, 202521 min

Raising $1.1M to Disrupt Immigration Law Using AI

🔊 In this episode of Default Global Podcast, I chatted with Khalil Zlaoui, CEO of CaseBlink, to unpack his remarkable journey of raising $1.1 million in pre-seed funding for an AI-powered immigration legal tech startup.Khalil gives some real talk about tackling the fundraising scene, making the most of accelerator programs, and crafting a standout pitch in the busy AI world.Key Takeaway:Fundraising Strategies: Be protective of your time during investor meetings.Pitch Deck Essentials: Clearly articulate market size and opportunityTeam and Operational Insights: Create overlapping work windows for global teamsAI and Industry Disruption Insights: How AI and automation are reshaping industries and creating new opportunities.If you’re looking for tips on raising your first round, building a startup, or scaling in 2024, this episode is for you. Don’t miss it!Khalil Zlaoui on LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/khalilzlaouiEpisode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/9bBft0JRHsYDefault Global Website: https://gogloby.io/podcast/ Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCM9SzxOhqqjOckcVG7XYKFA Default Global LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/default-global/ Vit Koval, Host Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vitalykoval/

December 19, 20241 min

From Red Hat to $10.8M in Funding

In this episode of Default Global, I sit down with Frederic Branczyk, the founder and CEO of Polar Signals.Frederic has an incredible story, he went from leading cutting-edge observability projects at Red Hat to raising $10.8 million for a startup that’s redefining continuous profiling for cloud-native environments.Key Takeaway:The fundraising strategies that helped him close two successful rounds—and what’s changed in the investment landscape since 2021.How to find the right investors, build strong relationships, and leverage their networks.What it takes to grow a remote-first, global team while keeping your investors in the loop.Adapting to today’s fundraising challenges and navigating the shift from “hype money” to a more cautious market.If you’re looking to raise your first seed round or prepare for your next big funding push, this episode is packed with actionable insights and real-world advice for today’s founders.Tune in to learn how to raise funds and build a product that investors and customers can’t resist!Frederic Branczyk on LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/frederic-branczyk-3b88299bEpisode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/BJPG1kVYQKQDefault Global Website: https://gogloby.io/podcast/ Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCM9SzxOhqqjOckcVG7XYKFA Default Global LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/default-global/ Vit Koval, Host Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vitalykoval/

December 12, 202426 min

149 Rejections, 1 Yes: The Truth About Fundraising

🔊 Startup founders raising capital in 2024, this one’s for you.In this episode of Default Global, I sit down with John Corrigan, Co-Founder and COO of Kurve, to unpack the challenges and lessons of raising venture capital.With 18+ years of experience, including a successful exit and raising $35M in climate tech, John delivers hard-earned insights for founders navigating today’s funding landscape.Key Takeaway:Why early climate tech ventures failed.How to avoid wasting time pitching to investors.The top three cap table mistakes that can derail your startup’s success.The reason revenue is the ultimate safety net for every founder.If you’re stuck or feeling lost in the fundraising process, this episode is packed with practical advice and actionable strategies to help you secure funding in 2024.John Corrigan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnmcorrigan/Episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/wdTfIg72LFoDefault Global Website: https://gogloby.io/podcast/ Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCM9SzxOhqqjOckcVG7XYKFA Default Global LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/default-global/ Vit Koval, Host Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vitalykoval/

December 10, 202419 min

Scaling Startups Globally: Hard Truths from 30+ Companies

🔊 In this episode of Default Global, I sat down with Vladimir Baranov, an Executive Coach and founder of Human Interfaces.With 20+ years in FinTech, DeepTech, and SpaceTech, Vladimir has worked with leading names like PayPal, NASA, and startups that have achieved successful exits.Key Takeaway:What Vladimir learned from working with 30+ companies about expanding into global markets.How choosing the wrong hiring model (outsourcing, staff augmentation, or direct hiring) can burn over $1M.Why most early-stage companies struggle to hire remote teams—and how to do it right.Simple, practical tips for building strong, global teams that actually work together.Why emotional intelligence is a game-changer for tech leaders managing remote teams.If you’re trying to grow across borders or lead remote teams, this one’s packed with advice you can use.Vladimir Baranov on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vladimirbaranov/Episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/_lkGz82YzLoDefault Global Website: https://gogloby.io/podcast/ Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCM9SzxOhqqjOckcVG7XYKFA Default Global LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/default-global/ Vit Koval, Host Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vitalykoval/

December 3, 202430 min

From a $1,500 Credit Card Loan to a $7M Raised

🔊 In this episode of Default Global, I chat with Ivan Burazin, Co-Founder & CEO of Daytona, to learn more about his amazing story.Ivan discusses how he established CodeAnywhere on a shoestring, turned the SHIFT Developer Conference into one of Europe's largest gatherings with over 5,000 attendees, and made $7 million for Daytona in only 16 months.Daytona’s open-source project has already garnered 9,500+ GitHub stars, and their enterprise tool is gaining traction with dozens of customers.Key Takeaways:How Ivan secured funding from over 60 investors after holding 460 meetings.Techniques to help developers who have the appropriate tools increase their productivity by 56%.Quick tips on how to grow pre-seed and seed rounds, such as how Daytona raised $300K in 3 days and received $1 million more than it asked for.Why Ivan thinks DevTools are ready to grow: they are at the center of both SaaS and AI progress.The mental and strategic tricks he used to get investors to fear missing out and close his round.This episode is full of big numbers and actionable ideas that will help you decide what to do next, whether you want to start from scratch, grow, or raise millions of dollars.Ivan Burazin on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ivanburazin/Episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/SfnH5OyuE2ADefault Global Website: https://gogloby.io/podcast/ Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCM9SzxOhqqjOckcVG7XYKFA Default Global LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/default-global/ Vit Koval, Host Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vitalykoval/

November 22, 202423 min

How can you raise $11 million for a hardware startup?

💰 Getting funding for hardware startups in 2024 is no walk in the park.But Michael Corr, CEO of Duro Labs, shows it’s absolutely possible—even in a space most investors usually avoid.In this episode of Default Global, we uncover Michael’s inspiring journey, from bootstrapping his startup to closing an impressive $11M seed round.He explains how Duro Labs bridges software and hardware to streamline product development and supply chain management.Michael shares practical strategies for grabbing investors’ attention, handling rejection, and proving traction—even in a niche market.Plus, we discuss why now is the best time to dive into hardware, how 3D printing and COVID changed the investment landscape, and the factors driving innovation in the hardware space.Key Takeaway:How Duro Labs Raised $11M: From bootstrapping to securing funding for a hardware startupBlending Software and Hardware: Centralizing data for better product development and supply chains.Winning Over Investors: How to attract VCs, handle rejection, and show progress in niche markets.Why Hardware is Hot in 2024: 3D printing, shifting investor views, and rising innovation.Tactical Fundraising Advice: Build VC relationships, refine your pitch, and stay persistent.If you're planning a funding round, fine-tuning your pitch, or exploring the hardware space, this episode offers real stories, practical tips, and insights to guide you forward.Michael Corr on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelgcorr/Episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Ty0yM9jnzUMDefault Global Website: https://gogloby.io/podcast/ Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCM9SzxOhqqjOckcVG7XYKFA Default Global LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/default-global/ Vit Koval, Host Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vitalykoval/

November 20, 202430 min

How He Raised $3 Million Pre-Seed in Just 3 Weeks

🔊 In this episode of Default Global, I sit down with Marty Ringlein, co-founder of Agree.com and an investor known for spotting high-potential startups like Stripe, SpaceX, Roblox, Coinbase, Deel, Uber, and others.Marty has backed over 10 unicorns at the seed stage, bringing a wealth of experience in identifying what makes a startup ready for substantial growth. His insights reveal how founders can steer pitch meetings and authentically connect with investors to stand out in a crowded field.Beyond Agree.com, Marty has supported companies that have redefined industries. He discusses his approach to investing and how entrepreneurs may lead pitch sessions, establish meaningful connections with investors, and differentiate their businesses.Tune in to learn what truly captures a VC's attention, the common pitch mistakes to avoid, and how to use your 'first hundred users' to fuel momentum.Key TakeawaysPractical strategies for pitching VCsThe story of raising $3 million pre-seed in just three weeksTips on making your startup memorable in a crowded marketHow Marty secured major domains like Agree.com early onLessons from Marty’s investments in companies like Stripe, Coinbase, SpaceX, and UberWhy building real relationships with investors—even before you’re officially raising—is so importantThis episode is a must-watch for founders ready to take their fundraising to the next level.Marty Ringlein on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/martymadrid/Episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/U340nk90zHwDefault Global Website: https://gogloby.io/podcast/ Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCM9SzxOhqqjOckcVG7XYKFA Default Global LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/default-global/ Vit Koval, Host Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vitalykoval/

November 13, 202417 min

How to Raise Seed Funding for Cybersecurity Startups

🔊 In this episode of Default Global, I talk with Garret Grajek, CEO of YouAttest and a veteran in identity governance within the cybersecurity space.With over 30 years of experience and 13 patents, Garret shares actionable tips on securing seed funding, navigating today’s valuations, and finding the right investors.He also discusses the challenges of scaling a global team and emphasizes that business savvy is just as essential as technical expertise.Key takeaways:Raising startup capital in a competitive cybersecurity market.How a business-savvy spouse can strengthen your investor pitch.Strategies for managing valuation and attracting investors.Leveraging a multinational workforce to address security concerns.Positioning your business strategy for growth and ROI.Insights from cybersecurity investment trends and investor priorities.If you're a cybersecurity founder looking to secure funding, attract the right investors, and build a solid business case, this episode is packed with valuable insights.Garret Grajek on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/theauthguy/Episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/QCm6f5zB3m0Default Global Website: https://gogloby.io/podcast/ Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCM9SzxOhqqjOckcVG7XYKFA Default Global LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/default-global/ Vit Koval, Host Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vitalykoval/