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.

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Episodes

Monday Jun 24, 2024

In this enlightening episode, we sit down with Martins Bratuskins, the visionary founder behind Monetizr, a trailblazing company at the intersection of gaming and advertising. Martins shares his journey from a passionate entrepreneur to leading a company that’s revolutionizing how brands engage with gamers globally.
Discover the inception of Monetizr, a platform that seamlessly integrates branded experiences into mobile games, reaching over 340 million gamers worldwide. Martins delves into the challenges of creating immersive advertising that enhances, rather than interrupts, the gaming experience. With Monetizr, brands can now partake in the dynamic world of gaming, offering players unique rewards and experiences that resonate with their interests.
Martins also shares insights on the future of advertising within the gaming industry and how Monetizr is set to lead this transformation. With a user-centric approach, Monetizr ensures that every ad experience is meaningful, engaging, and, most importantly, fun for the player.
This episode is a must-watch for marketers, game developers, and anyone curious about the evolving landscape of digital advertising. Join us as Martins Bratuskins unveils the power of connecting brands with the vibrant community of gamers through innovative, respectful, and engaging advertising solutions.
This show is supported by www.matchrelevant.com. 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.

Monday Jun 24, 2024

Join us in an engaging episode with Chris Beall, the innovative CEO behind ConnectAndSell, as he shares the game-changing approach to revolutionizing sales conversations. Chris takes us through his journey of transforming sales teams' efficiency, making it possible to have more meaningful conversations with decision-makers without the manual hassle.
Discover how ConnectAndSell leverages technology to empower sales representatives, providing them with the tools to bypass the tedium of dialing and directly connect with potential clients. This revolutionary platform not only enhances productivity but also injects fun back into prospecting, making it a vital tool for sales teams navigating the work-from-home era.
Chris also dives into the core philosophy that drives ConnectAndSell – the belief in unleashing human potential by allowing technology to handle what it does best. With over three decades of experience in software startups, Chris's insights into creating user-friendly, impactful technology are invaluable for anyone looking to innovate in the tech space or improve their sales strategy.
Don't miss out on this episode full of actionable advice, stories of entrepreneurial resilience, and a deep dive into how ConnectAndSell is setting a new standard for sales efficiency and success.
This show is supported by www.matchrelevant.com. 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.

Monday Jun 24, 2024

In this must-watch episode, join us as we dive into an enlightening conversation with Svitlana Malovana, the visionary CEO & Co-founder of Teampulse. Discover how Teampulse is redefining the landscape of people management and employee engagement through innovative solutions.
Born out of a passion for enhancing workplace dynamics and leveraging her extensive background in law and behavioral science, Svitlana shares her entrepreneurial journey of transitioning from a seasoned lawyer to a tech startup founder. With Teampulse, she aims to bridge the gap between management efficiency and employee wellness, thereby fostering healthier, more productive work environments.
Learn about the challenges and victories on the road to building a platform that not only manages the pulse of teams but also empowers employees and leaders alike. Teampulse's mission is to transform traditional people management practices by providing tools that enhance communication, engagement, and overall team dynamics.
This episode is packed with valuable insights for leaders, HR professionals, and anyone interested in the future of work. Discover the power of Teampulse in creating happier, more engaged workplaces where teams can thrive.
This show is supported by www.matchrelevant.com. 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.

Monday Jun 24, 2024

In this groundbreaking episode, we delve deep into the world of cybersecurity and AI with Raul Popa, the co-founder and CEO of TypingDNA. Discover the innovative journey of TypingDNA, a pioneering company transforming the way we think about authentication and fraud detection through the unique concept of typing biometrics.
Raul shares his personal journey from being diagnosed with Human Growth Hormone Deficiency and administering daily injections as a child, to becoming a leader in the cybersecurity space. This episode explores how TypingDNA is not only enhancing online security but also making digital spaces more accessible and user-friendly.
Learn how TypingDNA's AI-based technology is paving the way for a future where authentication is seamless, secure, and intuitive. From winning multiple global awards to being supported by Gradient Ventures, Google's AI venture fund, TypingDNA is at the forefront of redefining digital authentication.
Hear firsthand about the challenges, successes, and future aspirations of TypingDNA as they continue to push the boundaries of what's possible in cybersecurity. Whether you're a developer, entrepreneur, or just fascinated by technology, this episode is packed with insights on AI, biometrics, and the future of online security.
This show is supported by www.matchrelevant.com. 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.

Monday Jun 24, 2024

Join us in this insightful episode as we sit down with Emre Baran, the visionary co-founder and CEO of Cerbos, who is reshaping the landscape of DevOps through innovative authorization solutions. With a rich background as an ex-Googler and entrepreneur, Emre shares his journey towards founding Cerbos and his mission to provide developers with a crucial component of the preferred DevOps tech stack: scalable authorization.
Discover how Cerbos is setting the stage for a new era in authorization, akin to Stripe's impact in financial infrastructure and Auth0's success in identity verification. Emre delves into the challenges developers face in integrating authorization layers and how Cerbos offers a groundbreaking solution that accelerates development, streamlines enterprise sales, and allows teams to focus on customer-centric features.
Hear firsthand accounts of Cerbos' impact on its customers, from saving up to six months of development time to reducing latency to microseconds, thereby enhancing user experiences and speeding up application updates. Emre also highlights the importance of open-source technology and how Cerbos stands at the forefront of authorization scalability and security.
This show is supported by www.matchrelevant.com. 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.

Monday Jun 24, 2024

In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Aaron J. Horowitz, the dynamic Founder and CEO of Empath Labs, formerly known as Sproutel. Aaron shares his deeply personal journey from a childhood filled with daily injections due to Human Growth Hormone Deficiency to leading a groundbreaking health-tech company dedicated to transforming pediatric care through play and empathy.
Empath Labs is at the forefront of designing innovative solutions that drive medication compliance and empower young patients and their families. With a mission to make healthcare more human, Aaron and his team have touched the lives of over 130,000 children worldwide, earning accolades such as two TIME Best Invention of the Year awards and 12 patents in pediatrics.
Discover how Aaron's experiences have fueled his passion for improving the patient experience for children, the challenges and successes of pioneering in the health-tech space, and the impact of Empath Labs' work on families dealing with pediatric illnesses.
This show is supported by www.matchrelevant.com. 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.

Monday Jun 24, 2024

In this episode, we dive deep into the world of extended reality (XR) and artificial intelligence (AI) with Sorob Louie, a visionary entrepreneur and the technical force behind SAAG and VirtuLabs. Louie shares his extensive experience in bridging the gap between complex technological concepts and user-friendly applications, highlighting his journey from leading roles in various software companies to founding and co-founding groundbreaking startups.
Discover how Sorob's passion for innovation and his commitment to excellence have led to creating immersive experiences and AI solutions for some of the biggest names in the industry, including Apple, Google, Nike, Samsung, Meta, and Salesforce. With expertise ranging from DevOps and automation to programming and 3D/2D development, Louie's work is at the forefront of transforming how we interact with technology.
Join us as Sorob Louie discusses the challenges and rewards of pushing the boundaries of XR and AI, his insights into the future of technology, and his advice for aspiring entrepreneurs looking to make their mark in the tech world.
This show is supported by www.matchrelevant.com. 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.

Monday Jun 24, 2024

Join us in this exciting episode as we delve into the entrepreneurial journey of Alex Nikityuk, the visionary Founder and CEO of Maroo, a groundbreaking company that's transforming how payments are processed in the event and wedding industry. Discover the challenges and triumphs of creating a platform that not only simplifies transactions but also enhances the experience for event professionals and their clients.
From his early days at Revolut, where he played a pivotal role in their monumental Series D funding round, to his incredible personal journey of relocating 17 times across the globe, Alex shares invaluable insights on resilience, innovation, and the power of a clear vision.
Maroo, a Y Combinator S21 graduate, is not just a business; it's a mission to empower event professionals with tools that foster growth and client satisfaction. In this episode, Alex discusses the inspiration behind Maroo, the importance of customer-centric solutions, and his advice for aspiring entrepreneurs navigating the complex landscape of startups.
This episode is a treasure trove for anyone interested in fintech, entrepreneurship, and the future of payments in the event industry.
This show is supported by www.matchrelevant.com. 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.

Monday Jun 24, 2024

In today’s episode, we dive into the world of data integration with Ghalib Suleiman, the visionary CEO and Co-Founder of Polytomic, the company redefining how businesses manage and synchronize their data across multiple platforms. Polytomic’s innovative "Anywhere ETL" approach allows for seamless data movement, making it a game-changer for businesses seeking efficiency in handling their data assets.
Ghalib shares his insights on the challenges of data silos, the inspiration behind Polytomic, and the company's journey through the competitive landscape of tech startups. With a robust platform that caters to dynamic data integration needs, Polytomic is empowering companies to leverage their data more effectively, making informed decisions, and enhancing operational workflows.
This episode is a must-watch for anyone interested in the future of data management, the evolution of ETL technology, and the story of a startup striving to make a significant impact in the tech industry.
Join us as we explore the intersection of innovation, data, and entrepreneurship with Ghalib Suleiman and discover how Polytomic is setting new standards for data integration.
This show is supported by www.matchrelevant.com. 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.

Monday Jun 24, 2024

Join us in this insightful episode as we sit down with Damola Ogundipe, CEO of Plural, a groundbreaking software platform revolutionizing how government relations and advocacy teams shape public policy. Discover how Plural's innovative use of data and technology empowers organizations to influence and shape public policy on a global scale.
Damola shares his journey from conceptualizing Plural to becoming a pivotal tool for leading organizations like Google, Comcast, and The Nature Conservancy. Learn about the challenges he faced in the tech startup space, Plural's mission to democratize access to public policy information, and how the platform fosters collaboration among advocacy teams.
This episode is a deep dive into the intersection of technology, public policy, and advocacy. Whether you're an entrepreneur, policy professional, or just passionate about making a difference, Damola's story and Plural's vision are bound to inspire.
This show is supported by www.matchrelevant.com. 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.

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