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
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

Monday Jun 24, 2024
Monday Jun 24, 2024
Join us in this invigorating episode as we sit down with Yanni Hufnagel, the Founder and CEO of The Lemon Perfect Company. Dive into the story of Lemon Perfect, a zero-sugar, hydrating, and delicious flavored lemon water that is transforming the beverage industry.
Learn about Yanni’s unique transition from a successful career as a men's college basketball coach to creating a health-focused drink that's gaining rapid popularity. Lemon Perfect, infused with organic lemons, electrolytes, and vitamin C, is not just a beverage but a mission to offer healthy hydration accessible to all.
In this episode, Yanni shares insights from his entrepreneurial journey, the challenges and triumphs of building a brand, and how Lemon Perfect is reshaping the way we think about hydration. We also delve into Yanni's vision for the future of the beverage industry and his advice for aspiring entrepreneurs.
The Lemon Perfect Company, based in Atlanta, GA, is a testament to Yanni’s commitment to promoting a healthier lifestyle. Tune in to hear more about this innovative company's journey and Yanni Hufnagel's inspiring story.
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 where we dive into the world of AI-powered sales with Anis Bennaceur, the Co-Founder and CEO of Attention. In this insightful conversation, Anis shares his journey from a second-time founder and angel investor to leading Attention, a cutting-edge platform transforming the sales process through generative AI.
Discover how Attention's AI-powered assistant is redefining sales strategies by providing real-time coaching, automating CRM entries, and crafting intelligent follow-up emails derived from conversation data. Anis also delves into how Attention equips revenue leaders with unprecedented visibility into sales activities, streamlining enablement content and reporting.
Join us as Anis Bennaceur elaborates on how Attention has propelled over 100 sales teams towards faster deal closures and increased revenue. If you're intrigued by the intersection of AI and sales, or simply curious about the potential of AI in business, this episode is a must-watch!
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 talk with Dawson Chen, the innovative mind and Co-Founder of Martin (YC S23), about the development of their personal voice AI, Martin. Discover the inspiration and technology behind Martin, an app designed to transform our daily interactions through AI-driven conversations. Learn about Dawson's journey from his early days at CampusGuide to his groundbreaking work at Martin, where he's pushing the boundaries of conversational AI. We delve into the challenges and successes of developing a voice AI that understands and responds to individual needs, offering a glimpse into the future of human-AI interaction. Whether you're a tech enthusiast or just curious about the role of AI in our lives, this episode provides unique insights into the world of voice-assisted technology and its potential to change how we communicate.
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 as we sit down with Matthew Busel, Co-Founder of Whalesync, a groundbreaking platform transforming how businesses manage and sync data across no-code tools. In this episode, Matthew shares the story behind Whalesync, a company reshaping the way customer data, marketing campaigns, and blog content are managed across various SaaS applications. Discover the inspiration, challenges, and triumphs of building a startup that empowers businesses to effortlessly synchronize their data across platforms like Airtable, Webflow, Notion, Bubble, and Postgres, without the need for complex coding or software engineering. Learn how Whalesync is making data integration seamless and accessible for businesses of all sizes, and get a peek into the future of no-code technology and its impact on the tech industry.
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 for an insightful conversation with Intesar Shannan Mohammed, Co-founder of PerfAI, an innovative AI-driven platform enhancing API performance. In this episode, Intesar delves into the complexities of API performance and how PerfAI's cutting-edge technology is making a significant impact in the tech world. He discusses the challenges and breakthroughs in developing high-performing APIs that not only improve user experience but also drive business success. With a rich background in cloud computing, network security, and machine learning, Intesar shares his expertise and vision in advancing AI within the API sector. Learn about PerfAI's journey, its unique approach to performance optimization, and how it's shaping the future of web and mobile applications.
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








