Startup Success: A Podcast for Founders & Investors

Hosted by Burkland

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Episodes

146

Latest episode

Jun 2026

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About the show

On Startup Success, we discuss what’s working right now for scaling founders and investors... You’ll hear interviews with founders and investors who have compelling stories to share, new trends, and conversations from thought leaders and experts who have walked the walk. Each episode will dig into a crucial area of startup success: finance, entrepreneurship, fundraising, hiring, marketing, sales, and operations to help your startup or portfolio company scale.

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60 recent

June 16, 202623 min

Lessons From the Front Lines of Building an AI Startup

Ahmed Rashad started his career on an oil rig, taught himself to code, and went on to build and sell a company. After stops at Oracle, MIT, McKinsey, Amazon, and Scale AI, he founded Perle to solve a problem he kept running into: the AI data gap.Perle builds specialized training data for AI models in fields like medicine and linguistics — the niche areas where general AI struggles.Despite the anxiety around AI, Ahmed believes the upside far outweighs today’s disruption. Faster development doesn't shrink markets; it expands what's possible. In his view, AI isn't replacing human potential. It's amplifying it.Tune in to hear:Why the right VC partner matters more than the biggest checkThe 4 things founders should never delegateHow to keep investors engaged and informedWhat Arabic’s 22+ dialects reveal about the depth of the AI data gapWith experience at some of the world’s leading companies and now as the founder of an exciting AI startup, Ahmed has valuable insights on today’s startup ecosystem.Don’t miss this episode for practical, hard-earned advice from a founder who has been in the thick of it since day one.----Stay connected with our host, Kate Adams, here on LinkedIn! Learn more about Perle: https://www.perle.ai/This episode is produced by:Brenda Hernández Jaimes: Podcast Producer & Talent Coordinator, Ellas MediaAngela R. Chong: Audio Editor & Post-Production Producer, Amplify Podcasts

June 2, 202630 min

Beyond the AI Bubble: What Founders Need to Know Now

Jonathan Aberman has seen the startup world from nearly every angle: VC lawyer, investor, business school dean, and innovation policy advisor. Now he's a founder himself, building Hupside, an AI company focused on measuring "original intelligence."That 360-degree perspective of the startup ecosystem makes his take on the current AI moment especially valuable. The market is noisy. Capital is concentrating. Investors are excited, skeptical, and cautious at the same time. AI tools are making it easier than ever to build, but harder than ever to stand out.We discuss:What the AI bubble means for founders raising capital todayWhy many founders confuse fundraising with validation"Signal collapse" and why creativity is the next major startup advantageWhy Jonathan built Hupside to measure human originality in an AI worldIf you're building with AI, raising capital, or trying to stand out in a crowded market, this episode is worth your full attention.---Stay connected with our host, Kate Adams, here on LinkedIn! Learn more about Hupside: https://www.hupside.comThis episode is produced by:Brenda Hernández Jaimes: Podcast Producer & Talent Coordinator, Ellas MediaAngela R. Chong: Audio Editor & Post-Production Producer, Amplify Podcasts

May 19, 202623 min

What Investors Look for in the AI Era

What does it actually take to be investment-ready in today's market? In this episode, Kate sits down with Jim Ferry, Partner at Volition Capital, a growth equity firm known for backing high-growth, founder-owned, capital-efficient businesses.Jim reveals what he looks for in a founding team, the most common mistakes he sees in pitch decks, and how the bar for raising capital has changed in the age of AI. He also explains how his firm is building AI fluency internally — and why the "defensible moat" question is now front and center in their investment decisions.We also cover:What Volition learned about successful founders after analyzing 100+ founder attributes across its portfolioHow to build a durable company when engineering is no longer a barrier to entryThe right way to present your TAM to build credibility with investorsHow investors are using AI to source and evaluate dealsNo matter where you are in your fundraising journey, Jim's perspective offers a valuable window into how top investors are thinking right now.----Stay connected with our host, Kate Adams, here on LinkedIn! Learn more about Volition Capital: https://www.volitioncapital.com/This episode is produced by:Brenda Hernández Jaimes: Podcast Producer & Talent Coordinator, Ellas MediaAngela R. Chong: Audio Editor & Post-Production Producer, Amplify Podcasts

May 5, 202623 min

When It’s Time for Founders to Step Down as CEO

In this episode of Startup Success, host Kate sits down with Tony Jamous, Co-Founder and Executive Chairman of Oyster, and Hadi Moussa, the company’s newly appointed CEO, for a refreshingly honest conversation on scaling a global company— and knowing when it’s time to bring in new leadership.Tony shares the personal journey behind one of the hardest decisions any founder can make: stepping aside as CEO, and why putting the mission ahead of ego sets great founders apart. And Hadi explains how he’s approached the transition to ensure a successful handoff.We discuss:The moment Tony knew it was time to hand over the CEO roleHow to manage leadership transitions with intention and transparencyCommunicating the change in a way that builds trust and signals strengthWhy global hiring is a competitive advantage in the age of AIWhether you're navigating growth, thinking about leadership evolution, or rethinking how to build a distributed team, this episode offers a thoughtful look at what it really takes to scale—with the right people, in the right roles, at the right time.----Stay connected with our host, Kate Adams, here on LinkedIn! Learn more about Oyster at https://www.oysterhr.comThis episode is produced by Brenda Hernández Jaimes of Ellas MediaPost-Production by Angela R. Chong of Amplify Podcasts

April 21, 202628 min

Why Founders Need “Scalers” on Their Early Teams

Casey Woo, CEO & Founder of Operators Guild and GP & Founder of FOG Ventures, joins us on Startup Success to discuss how scaling a startup has changed and why founders need “horizontal generalists,” or scalers, on their early teams.After helping scale several high-profile startups, Casey built Operators Guild, a global community for the operators who thrive in early-stage chaos, and later FOG Ventures, its venture capital arm. He’s seen firsthand why this new breed of operator is essential in today’s AI-driven world.Casey breaks down how these operators fuel hypergrowth and why early-stage founders should prioritize hiring them. He explains this mindset isn’t learned—it’s in your DNA. Curious, impatient, and energized by ambiguity, scalers are wired differently.We discuss:How AI is reshaping how startups hire and scale, and why adaptable, strategic thinkers matter more than ever.The new operational model that is essential to high-growth startups.How to spot a scaler on a resume and what signals to look for in the interview process.How the office of the CFO and COO has changed and what that means for today's startups.This episode blends insight and practicality—a must-listen for founders building teams in an increasingly complex landscape.----Stay connected with our host, Kate Adams, here on LinkedIn! Learn more about Fog Ventures at: https://www.fog.ventures/Learn more about Operators Guild at: https://www.operators-guild.com/

April 7, 202618 min

Q1 2026 Snapshot: The Startup Ecosystem

What does the startup landscape look like right now—and what to expect in Q2?In this episode of Startup Success, Steve Lord, Chief Knowledge Officer and COO at Burkland, returns for his quarterly breakdown of the venture capital ecosystem. Together, we unpack what shaped Q1 2026 and why fundraising remains an uphill battle for many founders since it is highly concentrated, with most capital flowing to AI companies from a small group of top VC firms.Steve explores the latest macro forces—oil prices, AI hype, and interest rates—impacting the market and weighs in on whether the economy's resilience will hold.We tackle the big questions:What was fundraising like in Q1 and what is the outlook for Q2?What’s on the horizon for interest rates?Will AI deals continue to dominate investment activity?How can founders prepare for what’s next?As usual, Steve combines optimism with practical advice: stay focused on what matters, manage runway, know your numbers, and be ready to fundraise at any moment. A grounded reminder that execution still wins, even in uncertain times.----Stay connected with our host, Kate Adams, here on LinkedIn!

March 24, 202625 min

The New Startup Go-To-Market Playbook

In this episode of Startup Success, Kate sits down with Marlena Sarunac, co-founder and fractional CMO at The Company Advice, a marketing firm for startups. They help startups clarify their category, sharpen their messaging, and build go-to-market strategies that actually convert. After leading marketing from Series A to Series B at Particle Health and driving go-to-market across highly technical industries, Marlena now helps founders turn complex products into compelling narratives that resonate with buyers and drive growth. She explains how tighter capital and AI-informed buyers are reshaping startup marketing — and what founders need to do differently today.We dive into:Why the traditional startup go-to-market playbook no longer works and what to do insteadThe risks of not clearly defining your market categoryHow to develop consistent messaging that builds trust with both buyers and AI search modelsWhy shared KPIs are key to aligning teams — from engineering to marketing — around growthHow to uncover your startup's hidden growth blockers with their Friction Finder toolThis episode offers practical frameworks for founders trying to break through crowded markets and build sustainable traction. If you’re working on refining your positioning, improving your go-to-market tactics, or scaling beyond founder-led sales, this one’s a must-listen.----Stay connected with our host, Kate Adams, here on LinkedIn! 🔗 Check out the Friction Finder tool here https://www.thecompanyadvice.com/friction-finder

March 10, 202634 min

Venture Debt: The Essential Guide for Founders

In this episode of Startup Success, Kate sits down with Marshall Hawks, author of Venture Debt Deals and a venture lending leader with two decades of experience, including 16 years at Silicon Valley Bank, helping founders fund growth with less dilution.Drawing on real-world case studies, Marshall breaks down what venture debt really is, why it has become an increasingly important part of startup capital strategies, and how founders can use it to extend runway while minimizing dilution. He also shares a behind-the-scenes look at how lenders evaluate startups, what to expect during due diligence, and the difference between banks and private credit providers — and when to work with each.Marshall addresses:What venture debt is and where it fits within your startup’s capital strategyCommon mistakes startups make when pursuing venture debtWhat founders should expect during the screening processThis episode is a clear and thorough overview of venture debt financing. If you’re considering venture debt to support your startup’s growth or want to learn more about it, this is a must-listen. ----Stay connected with our host, Kate Adams, here on LinkedIn! 🔗 Learn more at www.venturedebtdeals.com

February 24, 202633 min

Profitability Before Funding: How One Startup Did It

In this episode of Startup Success, Kate sits down with Joseph Rutakangwa, Co-Founder and CEO of Rwazi, a decision AI platform that helps enterprise teams drive growth. Joseph shares his remarkable journey—from growing up in multiple countries and finding his unique niche in global market intelligence, to building Rwazi without outside funding and scaling it into a multi-million-dollar ARR business serving Fortune 500 companies.Joseph breaks down the real problem enterprises face today: not a lack of data, but an inability to turn fragmented data into clear, actionable decisions. Rwazi’s decision AI and its copilot, Sena, help leaders see what’s really happening in the market, understand the impact on their business, decide what to do next, and execute—without guesswork, outdated reports, or expensive consultants.We discuss:How to scale by prioritizing customer acquisition above all elseProfitability before funding? Rwazi shows it’s possible—and how they did itHow Rwazi uses AI to turn business decision chaos into growth Advice for founders. Why you must build your entire business around the customerThis episode is a must-listen for founders, operators, and investors interested in AI, enterprise SaaS, and building scalable businesses grounded in real customer needs.----Stay connected with our host, Kate Adams, here on LinkedIn! 🔗 Learn more about Rwazi at https://rwazi.com

February 10, 202628 min

A Case Study on How to Build a Mission-Driven Startup

In this episode of Startup Success, Kate talks with Tanya Van Court, Founder and CEO of Goalsetter, an award-winning financial education platform transforming how people learn about money.Inspired by a personal financial setback and her leadership experience at Nickelodeon, Discovery, and ESPN, Tanya built a mission-driven startup that closes a critical knowledge gap by making financial education engaging, accessible, and relevant.We discuss:Unlocking product-market fit by building products with customers at the centerStaying grounded through the highs and lows of startup lifeWhy healthy dissent makes teams strongerDon’t miss this conversation on entrepreneurship, building products that truly engage customers, and growing companies that do well by doing good.----Stay connected with our host, Kate Adams, here on LinkedIn! 🔗 Learn more about Goalsetter at https://goalsetter.co/