Born In Silicon Valley
Born In Silicon Valley is a podcast that features founders’ stories. Each episode highlights the journey of success, pivots, and what entrepreneurs have learned when building from the ground up. Host Jake Aaron Villarreal interviews founders, discussing their struggles, triumphs, and their progress along the way. Listeners will gain insight into leadership and the operations of a startup. This podcast is supported by Match Relevant, a company that helps startups find top talent to grow their businesses.
Episodes
Monday Jun 24, 2024
Monday Jun 24, 2024
Meet Christian Byza, CEO & Co-Founder of Learn.xyz, an innovative platform where generative AI meets education to create addictive learning experiences about any topic, in any language. In this exciting episode, Christian discusses his journey from co-founding OMR, one of the world's largest digital marketing events, to leading the charge at Learn.xyz. We delve deep into how Learn.xyz is transforming casual learning, making it more accessible, engaging, and customized for learners worldwide.
Discover the challenges and triumphs of integrating AI into learning experiences, Christian's insights into the future of education, and how Learn.xyz is shaping up to be the "Duolingo and Wikipedia meet generative AI". If you're intrigued by the intersection of technology and education, this episode is a treasure trove of insights and inspirations. Join us as we uncover the story behind Learn.xyz and its mission to democratize learning for all.
This show is supported by Match Relevant. A company that helps venture-backed Startups find the best people available in the market, who have the skills, experience, and desire to grow. With over a decade of experience in recruitment across multiple domains, they give people career options to choose from in their career journey. Learn more about Match Relevant at matchrelevant.com
Monday Jun 24, 2024
Monday Jun 24, 2024
Join us in an engaging conversation with Yoshi Yokokawa, Co-Founder & CEO at Alpaca, as we explore the innovative world of commission-free US stock trading. Dive deep into how Alpaca is empowering developers and traders globally with its simple REST Trading API and free real-time market data. From big banks to home-brew quants and software developers, Yoshi and his team are democratizing financial markets and making investing more accessible to everyone.
Discover Yoshi's journey through the financial industry, his vision for Alpaca, and how he's helping fintech founders and CTOs around the world build and scale in the investing space. Get insights into the future of stock and crypto trading, the challenges of building a global API brokerage platform, and the exciting new frontiers in fintech innovation. Don't miss this episode packed with valuable insights from a leading figure in the fintech community!
This show is supported by Match Relevant. A company that helps venture-backed Startups find the best people available in the market, who have the skills, experience, and desire to grow. With over a decade of experience in recruitment across multiple domains, they give people career options to choose from in their career journey. Learn more about Match Relevant at matchrelevant.com
Monday Jun 24, 2024
Monday Jun 24, 2024
Join us in an exciting episode with Ahmed Rashad, the driving force behind Sapien.io, as we explore his journey from offshore oil drilling to leading a groundbreaking tech company in AI data preparation. Discover how Sapien.io is revolutionizing the way AI is trained through an innovative 'Train2Earn' consumer game, allowing players to earn cash while contributing to AI development.
In this in-depth conversation, Ahmed shares insights from his diverse career, spanning roles at Oracle, McKinsey, Amazon, and Scale AI, leading up to his current position at Sapien.io. Learn about the challenges and triumphs of creating a two-sided marketplace for dataset labeling and his vision for the future of AI and machine learning.
Don't miss out on this compelling narrative of technology, entrepreneurship, and innovation that is shaping the future of AI training!
This show is supported by Match Relevant. A company that helps venture-backed Startups find the best people available in the market, who have the skills, experience, and desire to grow. With over a decade of experience in recruitment across multiple domains, they give people career options to choose from in their career journey. Learn more about Match Relevant at matchrelevant.com
Monday Jun 24, 2024
Monday Jun 24, 2024
Welcome to an enlightening episode where we dive into the world of financial compliance with Owen Rapaport, the Co-founder & CEO of Aer Compliance. A Y Combinator S21 company, Aer Compliance is pioneering the next generation of employee compliance software specifically designed for the cryptocurrency and finance sectors.
In this episode, Owen shares his journey from working as an Associate Consultant at Bain & Company to spearheading a leading startup in the crypto compliance space. He talks about the challenges and triumphs of navigating the complex and rapidly evolving world of cryptocurrency, and how Aer Compliance is setting a new standard for compliance in the industry.
Owen also discusses his varied experiences, from internships at Major League Baseball Advanced Media and Bridgewater Associates to his role at the Oxford Global Model United Nations, and how these shaped his entrepreneurial journey.Tune in to gain valuable insights into the intersection of technology, finance, and compliance, and to hear Owen's vision for Aer Compliance and the future of regulatory adherence in the fast-paced crypto world.
Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe for more episodes that delve into the minds of industry innovators and disruptors.
This show is supported by Match Relevant. A company that helps venture-backed Startups find the best people available in the market, who have the skills, experience, and desire to grow. With over a decade of experience in recruitment across multiple domains, they give people career options to choose from in their career journey. Learn more about Match Relevant at matchrelevant.com
Monday Jun 24, 2024
Monday Jun 24, 2024
Join us in this fascinating episode as we sit down with Alexander Jekowsky, the Co-founder and CEO of Cents, an innovative company that's reshaping the laundry industry. Alexander, also recognized on the Forbes 30 Under 30 list, shares his journey from founding Ulyngo to leading Cents, a platform dedicated to modernizing laundry services through technology.
Discover how Alexander and his team at Cents are building a network of small and medium-sized businesses to outsource laundry services, thereby empowering local businesses. We delve into the challenges and successes of transforming an 'unsexy' industry and how technology can create new opportunities in traditional markets.
Alexander also discusses his passion for leadership and human development, and his love for creating and thinking innovatively. With his unique perspective on entrepreneurship and industry disruption, this episode is a goldmine of insights for both budding and seasoned entrepreneurs.
Don't forget to subscribe for more inspiring stories and industry insights, and hit the like button if you enjoy our content!
This show is supported by Match Relevant. A company that helps venture-backed Startups find the best people available in the market, who have the skills, experience, and desire to grow. With over a decade of experience in recruitment across multiple domains, they give people career options to choose from in their career journey. Learn more about Match Relevant at matchrelevant.com
Monday Jun 24, 2024
Monday Jun 24, 2024
Welcome to our latest episode featuring Alex Wu, an experienced Fractional CFO and Startup Advisor with a rich background in helping startups scale quickly and sustainably. With a Stanford MBA and a history of advising over 30 startups across diverse sectors like SaaS, fintech, and web3, Alex has been instrumental in raising over $100M in venture capital.
In this insightful conversation, Alex shares his journey and experiences in the world of startup finance. He delves into the challenges and strategies of fundraising, financial planning, and go-to-market support for emerging companies. Discover Alex's unique approach to guiding startups towards financial success and learn about the trends shaping the future of startup financing.
Alex also offers valuable advice for founders seeking to navigate the complex landscape of venture capital and financial management. From his time at CFO Advisors to his involvement with top-tier VCs like Tiger, Lightspeed, and Google Ventures, Alex's expertise is invaluable for anyone looking to understand the financial intricacies of startup growth.
Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe for more content like this, where we explore the journeys of influential figures in the business world.
This show is supported by Match Relevant. A company that helps venture-backed Startups find the best people available in the market, who have the skills, experience, and desire to grow. With over a decade of experience in recruitment across multiple domains, they give people career options to choose from in their career journey. Learn more about Match Relevant at matchrelevant.com
Monday Jun 24, 2024
Monday Jun 24, 2024
Welcome to an insightful episode where we delve into the world of philanthropy with Adam Nash, the CEO and Co-Founder of Daffy, a groundbreaking not-for-profit organization aimed at transforming the way we think about and engage in charitable giving.
In this exclusive interview, Adam Nash discusses the inception of Daffy, its core mission, and the innovative concept of 'The Daffy Pledge' - a commitment to setting aside funds for those in need. Discover how Daffy is leveraging technology to make philanthropy more accessible, habitual, and impactful for everyone.
Adam also shares his rich background in the tech industry, from his influential roles at Dropbox and Wealthfront to his insights as an angel investor and lecturer. He provides a unique perspective on how technological advancements can intersect with and enhance philanthropic efforts.
Join us as we explore how Daffy is not just an organization but a movement to inspire and facilitate generosity in a modern world. Learn about the challenges, triumphs, and future goals of Daffy under Adam's visionary leadership.
Don't forget to subscribe for more enlightening conversations like this, and be sure to share your thoughts in the comments below.
This show is supported by Match Relevant. A company that helps venture-backed Startups find the best people available in the market, who have the skills, experience, and desire to grow. With over a decade of experience in recruitment across multiple domains, they give people career options to choose from in their career journey. Learn more about Match Relevant at matchrelevant.com
Monday Jun 24, 2024
Monday Jun 24, 2024
Welcome to our latest episode featuring Dana Dunford, the visionary CEO and Co-founder of Hemlane, a cutting-edge property management technology platform. Hemlane has been redefining the rental property management landscape across the United States with its innovative, next-generation technology.
In this episode, Dana delves into how Hemlane automates approximately 70% of property management tasks while empowering owners to make crucial decisions. Discover Hemlane's unique approach to matching owners with local leasing agents and self-guided tour technology, and how this platform simplifies tenant placement and turnover coordination.
Dana also explores the 24/7 repair coordination service that Hemlane offers, providing real-time transparency into every step of the workflow. We discuss the challenges and triumphs of building Hemlane, the company's mission, and its impact on the real estate industry.
For anyone owning or managing rental properties, Dana offers insights into how Hemlane's services, starting at $30 per month, can revolutionize your business. Join us for this insightful conversation with one of the most influential leaders in property technology today!
Don't forget to visit Hemlane's website: www.hemlane.com for more information and to check out their quick explanatory video: https://youtu.be/bRntiZnQ1CM.
This show is supported by Match Relevant. A company that helps venture-backed Startups find the best people available in the market, who have the skills, experience, and desire to grow. With over a decade of experience in recruitment across multiple domains, they give people career options to choose from in their career journey. Learn more about Match Relevant at matchrelevant.com
Monday Jun 24, 2024
Monday Jun 24, 2024
Join us in this captivating episode as we dive into the entrepreneurial journey of Zack Dugow, Founder and CEO of Insticator, a leading global publisher engagement platform. With a team spanning the globe and nearly 2000 publishers using their innovative solutions, Insticator is making significant strides in the media industry.
Zack shares his experiences in creating an environment that maximizes talent, leading to Insticator's remarkable growth and recognition on prestigious lists such as the Inc. 5000 and Deloitte Technology Fast 500. He discusses his early partnerships with media giants like The Washington Post and his mentorship roles, providing a unique perspective on leadership and innovation.
We also explore Zack's roles as CEO of Balihoo and OKO Digital, his investment strategies, and insights into the ever-evolving digital media landscape. This episode is a goldmine for aspiring entrepreneurs and media enthusiasts alike, offering invaluable lessons on building successful, innovative companies in today's fast-paced digital world.
Tune in to hear Zack Dugow's inspiring story of success, challenges, and the vision that drives one of North America's fastest-growing companies.
This show is supported by Match Relevant. A company that helps venture-backed Startups find the best people available in the market, who have the skills, experience, and desire to grow. With over a decade of experience in recruitment across multiple domains, they give people career options to choose from in their career journey. Learn more about Match Relevant at matchrelevant.com
Monday Jun 24, 2024
Monday Jun 24, 2024
Join us in this insightful episode as we explore the entrepreneurial journey of Austin Ogilvie, the Founder of Thoropass and former CEO of Yhat (acquired by Alteryx NYSE:AYX). From his days at Y Combinator (YC W15) to leading a data science platform and now driving compliance through Thoropass, Austin's path is filled with innovation and strategic thinking.
Discover how Austin transitioned from the world of data science to the realm of compliance software, and the challenges and successes he encountered along the way. We delve into his experiences as an angel investor, exploring investments in deep tech, urban mobility, fintech, digital health, and more.
Austin also shares his insights on the startup ecosystem, the importance of adapting to change, and tips for aspiring entrepreneurs. With a diverse background that spans across multiple industries, his story is a testament to the power of resilience and vision in the entrepreneurial world.
Don't miss out on this episode full of valuable lessons, behind-the-scenes stories, and Austin's unique perspective on building successful ventures.
This show is supported by Match Relevant. A company that helps venture-backed Startups find the best people available in the market, who have the skills, experience, and desire to grow. With over a decade of experience in recruitment across multiple domains, they give people career options to choose from in their career journey. Learn more about Match Relevant at matchrelevant.com