In this episode of Startup Hustle, Lauren Conaway, and Tamela Handie, Host of Gumbo Nights with Miss Handie talk about how to level-up your communication.

Find Startup Hustle Everywhere:

https://linktr.ee/startuphustle
This episode is sponsored by Full Scale:

https://fullscale.io/

Learn more about Gumbo Nights with Miss Handie:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/.gumbo-nights-with-miss-handie/id1453701868

Learn more about InnovateHER KC:

https://www.innovateherkc.com/

In this episode of Startup Hustle, Lauren Conaway, and&nbsp;Tamela Handie,&nbsp;Host of&nbsp;Gumbo Nights with Miss Handie talk about how to level-up your communication.
Find Startup Hustle Everywhere:
<a href="https://linktr.ee/startuphustle">https://linktr.ee/startuphustle</a> This episode is sponsored by Full Scale:
<a href="https://fullscale.io/">https://fullscale.io/</a>
Learn more about Gumbo Nights with Miss Handie:
<a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/.gumbo-nights-with-miss-handie/id1453701868">https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/.gumbo-nights-with-miss-handie/id1453701868</a>
Learn more about InnovateHER KC:
<a href="https://www.innovateherkc.com/">https://www.innovateherkc.com/</a>

Startup Hustle is a podcast for entrepreneurs, by entrepreneurs.  With the mission of telling the real story of startups and entrepreneurs, topics range from funding to failure and beyond.  If you want to start, own, or build a business then you're in the right place.   

Startup Hustle is a podcast for entrepreneurs, by entrepreneurs.&nbsp; With the mission of telling the real story of startups and entrepreneurs, topics range from funding to failure and beyond.&nbsp; If you want to start, own, or build a business then you're in the right place.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Startups, Entrepreneurship and Business are Not Easy

Startup Hustle

Startup Hustle is a podcast for entrepreneurs, by entrepreneurs.  With the mission of telling the real story of startups and entrepreneurs, topics range from funding to failure and beyond.  If you want to start, own, or build a business then you're in the right place.

Level-up Your Communication

In this episode of Startup Hustle, Matt Watson interviews Robby Yates, co-founder and Chief Everything Officer of FollowApp, a networking software company. They discuss Robbie's journey from being a salesperson to becoming an IT guy and starting his own company. They also talk about the importance of networking, the challenges of being a non-technical founder, and the benefits of white labeling. Robby shares tips for effective networking and emphasizes building a strong team and listening to others. He also highlights the importance of perseverance and believing in oneself as an entrepreneur.

Important Takeaways
Networking is a valuable tool for entrepreneurs and should be approached with intention and a focus on helping others.
Building a strong team and listening to advisors are crucial for success as a non-technical founder.
White labeling can be a game changer for a business, allowing for easier promotion and increased revenue.
Effective networking requires being yourself, not wearing a mask, and following up with contacts.
Raising funds can be challenging, but networking events can lead to unexpected opportunities.
It's important to embrace rejection and keep going, believing in oneself and the value of the product or service being offered.

Don't miss this insightful conversation about becoming a non-tech founder in the tech world. 



Find Startup Hustle Everywhere:

https://gigb.co/l/YEh5



This episode is sponsored by Full Scale:

https://fullscale.io



Visit the Follow App website: 

https://thefollowapp.co



Learn more about Robby Yates:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-yates-130105



Sign up for the Startup Hustle newsletter:

https://newsletter.startuphustle.xyz



Highlighted Discussion Points
Creating a software company, challenges and lessons learned. 0:31
Entrepreneurship, trust, and business growth. 6:03
Pricing sensitivity and value-based pricing, with a focus on B2B vs. B2C. 10:53
White labeling software, networking, and app deployment. 12:43
Networking strategies for introverts and extroverts. 17:49
Using software to manage networking at events. 22:33
Entrepreneurship, networking, and fundraising challenges. 25:41
Building a tech company, overcoming challenges, and staying motivated. 30:44

In this episode of Startup Hustle, Matt Watson interviews Robby Yates, co-founder and Chief Everything Officer of FollowApp, a networking software company. They discuss Robbie's journey from being a salesperson to becoming an IT guy and starting his own company. They also talk about the importance of networking, the challenges of being a non-technical founder, and the benefits of white labeling. Robby shares tips for effective networking and emphasizes building a strong team and listening to others. He also highlights the importance of perseverance and believing in oneself as an entrepreneur.
Important Takeaways
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Networking is a valuable tool for entrepreneurs and should be approached with intention and a focus on helping others.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Building a strong team and listening to advisors are crucial for success as a non-technical founder.</li>
<li aria-level="1">White labeling can be a game changer for a business, allowing for easier promotion and increased revenue.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Effective networking requires being yourself, not wearing a mask, and following up with contacts.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Raising funds can be challenging, but networking events can lead to unexpected opportunities.</li>
<li aria-level="1">It's important to embrace rejection and keep going, believing in oneself and the value of the product or service being offered.</li>
</ul>
Don't miss this insightful conversation about becoming a non-tech founder in the tech world. 
 
Find Startup Hustle Everywhere:
<a href="https://gigb.co/l/YEh5">https://gigb.co/l/YEh5</a>
 
This episode is sponsored by Full Scale:
<a href="https://fullscale.io/">https://fullscale.io</a>
 
Visit the Follow App website: 
<a href="https://thefollowapp.co/">https://thefollowapp.co</a> 
 
Learn more about Robby Yates:
<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-yates-130105/">https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-yates-130105</a> 
 
Sign up for the Startup Hustle newsletter:
<a href="https://newsletter.startuphustle.xyz/">https://newsletter.startuphustle.xyz</a>
 
Highlighted Discussion Points
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Creating a software company, challenges and lessons learned. 0:31</li>
<li aria-level="1">Entrepreneurship, trust, and business growth. 6:03</li>
<li aria-level="1">Pricing sensitivity and value-based pricing, with a focus on B2B vs. B2C. 10:53</li>
<li aria-level="1">White labeling software, networking, and app deployment. 12:43</li>
<li aria-level="1">Networking strategies for introverts and extroverts. 17:49</li>
<li aria-level="1">Using software to manage networking at events. 22:33</li>
<li aria-level="1">Entrepreneurship, networking, and fundraising challenges. 25:41</li>
<li aria-level="1">Building a tech company, overcoming challenges, and staying motivated. 30:44</li>
</ul>

From Sales Guy to Tech Founder

Join us as Chase Harmer, a seasoned entrepreneur with over 20 years in the fintech industry, dives deep into the challenges and innovations of building a fintech company with heart. In this episode, we explore the intersection of financial technology and charitable giving through Chase's latest venture, Wishes—a platform designed to transform how we support causes we care about.

Episode Highlights:
The Genesis of Wishes: From overcoming compliance hurdles to raising $30 million, Chase shares the behind-the-scenes of starting and scaling a fintech venture focused on solving real-world problems, such as hotel booking issues and incentivizing charitable donations with cashback rewards.
A New Era for Charities: Discover how Wishes is redefining charitable giving by ensuring transparency, reducing administrative costs, and enhancing donor engagement through innovative features like virtual cards and a rewards system.
Blockchain Meets Charity: Learn about the role of blockchain in fintech and how Wishes utilizes this technology alongside traditional systems to create a hybrid model that promotes transparency and efficiency in charitable transactions.
The Cost of Innovation: Chase breaks down the financial realities of building a fintech company—from the initial $2 million launch cost to ongoing platform and compliance expenses.
Strategic Nonprofit Partnerships: Hear how Wishes is not just a tech platform but a community builder, fostering strong connections between nonprofits and donors, and addressing challenges like homelessness through financial technology.
Looking Ahead: Chase discusses the future of fintech in the nonprofit sector and his vision for scaling Wishes to ensure a positive impact on the charity landscape.

Don't miss this insightful conversation about the fusion of technology and philanthropy, where passion meets purpose in the fintech space.



Find Startup Hustle Everywhere:

https://gigb.co/l/YEh5



This episode is sponsored by Full Scale:

https://fullscale.io



Visit the Wishes Inc. website: 

https://www.wishes.inc



Learn more about Chase Harmer:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/chase-harmer-657a5b5



Sign up for the Startup Hustle newsletter:

https://newsletter.startuphustle.xyz



Highlighted Discussion Points
Entrepreneurship, FinTech, and building a charity-related FinTech company. 0:32
Building a tech company in FinTech, compliance challenges, and scaling. 3:42
Charity platform Wishbone, its features, and how it solves problems in the charity space. 9:48
Charity work and nonprofit alignment in FinTech industry. 15:31
Blockchain technology and its potential in the financial industry, with a focus on transparency and revenue generation for non-profit organizations. 18:07
The high costs of building and maintaining a FinTech company, including compliance, platform fees, and ongoing expenses. 23:45
Startup challenges and nonprofit fundraising strategies. 29:08
Nonprofit fundraising and payment processing. 31:38
Disrupting the nonprofit charitable giving industry with innovative technology. 37:01

Join us as Chase Harmer, a seasoned entrepreneur with over 20 years in the fintech industry, dives deep into the challenges and innovations of building a fintech company with heart. In this episode, we explore the intersection of financial technology and charitable giving through Chase's latest venture, Wishes—a platform designed to transform how we support causes we care about.
Episode Highlights:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">The Genesis of Wishes: From overcoming compliance hurdles to raising $30 million, Chase shares the behind-the-scenes of starting and scaling a fintech venture focused on solving real-world problems, such as hotel booking issues and incentivizing charitable donations with cashback rewards.</li>
<li aria-level="1">A New Era for Charities: Discover how Wishes is redefining charitable giving by ensuring transparency, reducing administrative costs, and enhancing donor engagement through innovative features like virtual cards and a rewards system.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Blockchain Meets Charity: Learn about the role of blockchain in fintech and how Wishes utilizes this technology alongside traditional systems to create a hybrid model that promotes transparency and efficiency in charitable transactions.</li>
<li aria-level="1">The Cost of Innovation: Chase breaks down the financial realities of building a fintech company—from the initial $2 million launch cost to ongoing platform and compliance expenses.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Strategic Nonprofit Partnerships: Hear how Wishes is not just a tech platform but a community builder, fostering strong connections between nonprofits and donors, and addressing challenges like homelessness through financial technology.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Looking Ahead: Chase discusses the future of fintech in the nonprofit sector and his vision for scaling Wishes to ensure a positive impact on the charity landscape.</li>
</ul>
Don't miss this insightful conversation about the fusion of technology and philanthropy, where passion meets purpose in the fintech space.
 
Find Startup Hustle Everywhere:
<a href="https://gigb.co/l/YEh5">https://gigb.co/l/YEh5</a>
 
This episode is sponsored by Full Scale:
<a href="https://fullscale.io/">https://fullscale.io</a>
 
Visit the Wishes Inc. website: 
<a href="https://www.wishes.inc/">https://www.wishes.inc</a>
 
Learn more about Chase Harmer:
<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/chase-harmer-657a5b5/">https://www.linkedin.com/in/chase-harmer-657a5b5</a>
 
Sign up for the Startup Hustle newsletter:
<a href="https://newsletter.startuphustle.xyz/">https://newsletter.startuphustle.xyz</a>
 
Highlighted Discussion Points
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Entrepreneurship, FinTech, and building a charity-related FinTech company. 0:32</li>
<li aria-level="1">Building a tech company in FinTech, compliance challenges, and scaling. 3:42</li>
<li aria-level="1">Charity platform Wishbone, its features, and how it solves problems in the charity space. 9:48</li>
<li aria-level="1">Charity work and nonprofit alignment in FinTech industry. 15:31</li>
<li aria-level="1">Blockchain technology and its potential in the financial industry, with a focus on transparency and revenue generation for non-profit organizations. 18:07</li>
<li aria-level="1">The high costs of building and maintaining a FinTech company, including compliance, platform fees, and ongoing expenses. 23:45</li>
<li aria-level="1">Startup challenges and nonprofit fundraising strategies. 29:08</li>
<li aria-level="1">Nonprofit fundraising and payment processing. 31:38</li>
<li aria-level="1">Disrupting the nonprofit charitable giving industry with innovative technology. 37:01</li>
</ul>

Navigating FinTech Challenges and Charitable Giving Tech Solutions

Steve Wolfe, managing partner and co-founder of Growth Street Partners, joins Matt Watson on the Startup Hustle podcast to discuss practical fundraising for founders. They explore the challenges faced by practical founders in raising money and the drawbacks of traditional venture capital funding. They emphasize the importance of founder market fit and the advantages it brings. They also discuss the benefits of having a growth equity firm like Growth Street Partners as an investor, including the ability to provide liquidity to founders and the flexibility to scale at a pace that suits the business.

The episode reveals the following insights:
Founder market fit is crucial for success. Entrepreneurs with experience, expertise, and passion for solving the problems their business addresses have a competitive advantage.
Traditional venture capital funding may not be suitable for practical founders. It often requires raising large amounts of money and focuses on rapid growth, which may not align with the goals and needs of practical founders.
Growth equity firms like Growth Street Partners provide an alternative for practical founders. They invest in companies that have proven their product but need capital to scale. They offer a unique solution for practical founders serving medium-sized addressable markets.
Having the right team, industry connections, funding and resources, a first-mover advantage, an existing customer base, and a world-class team can all contribute to a founder's success.
Growth Street Partners helps practical founders navigate scaling challenges, providing guidance on hiring, sales and marketing, and strategic decision-making.

So, jump in and learn about practical funding and founder-market fit!





Find Startup Hustle Everywhere:

https://gigb.co/l/YEh5



This episode is sponsored by Full Scale:

https://fullscale.io/



Visit the Growth Street Partners website: 

https://growthstreetpartners.com



Learn more about Steve Wolfe:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephen-wolfe-ba5a596/



Sign up for the Startup Hustle newsletter:

https://newsletter.startuphustle.xyz/



Highlighted Discussion Points
Raising money for startups with a focus on practical founders and scalability. 0:31
Venture capital funding and growth strategies for startups. 4:25
Investing in startups, prioritizing financial stability. 11:30
Potential downsides of venture capital funding include loss of decision-making control and unrealistic expectations. 16:12
Startup funding, founder market fit, and the risks involved. 20:36
Investment philosophy, industry connections, and funding resources. 24:57
Key factors for startup success include team, capital, and existing customers. 29:22
Scaling challenges for B2B SaaS companies, with product, sales, and marketing insights. 36:00

Steve Wolfe, managing partner and co-founder of Growth Street Partners, joins Matt Watson on the Startup Hustle podcast to discuss practical fundraising for founders. They explore the challenges faced by practical founders in raising money and the drawbacks of traditional venture capital funding. They emphasize the importance of founder market fit and the advantages it brings. They also discuss the benefits of having a growth equity firm like Growth Street Partners as an investor, including the ability to provide liquidity to founders and the flexibility to scale at a pace that suits the business.
The episode reveals the following insights:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Founder market fit is crucial for success. Entrepreneurs with experience, expertise, and passion for solving the problems their business addresses have a competitive advantage.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Traditional venture capital funding may not be suitable for practical founders. It often requires raising large amounts of money and focuses on rapid growth, which may not align with the goals and needs of practical founders.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Growth equity firms like Growth Street Partners provide an alternative for practical founders. They invest in companies that have proven their product but need capital to scale. They offer a unique solution for practical founders serving medium-sized addressable markets.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Having the right team, industry connections, funding and resources, a first-mover advantage, an existing customer base, and a world-class team can all contribute to a founder's success.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Growth Street Partners helps practical founders navigate scaling challenges, providing guidance on hiring, sales and marketing, and strategic decision-making.</li>
</ul>
So, jump in and learn about practical funding and founder-market fit!
 
 
Find Startup Hustle Everywhere:
<a href="https://gigb.co/l/YEh5">https://gigb.co/l/YEh5</a>
 
This episode is sponsored by Full Scale:
<a href="https://fullscale.io/">https://fullscale.io/</a>
 
Visit the Growth Street Partners website: 
<a href="https://growthstreetpartners.com">https://growthstreetpartners.com</a> 
 
Learn more about Steve Wolfe:
<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephen-wolfe-ba5a596/">https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephen-wolfe-ba5a596/</a> 
 
Sign up for the Startup Hustle newsletter:
<a href="https://newsletter.startuphustle.xyz/">https://newsletter.startuphustle.xyz/</a> 
 
Highlighted Discussion Points
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Raising money for startups with a focus on practical founders and scalability. 0:31</li>
<li aria-level="1">Venture capital funding and growth strategies for startups. 4:25</li>
<li aria-level="1">Investing in startups, prioritizing financial stability. 11:30</li>
<li aria-level="1">Potential downsides of venture capital funding include loss of decision-making control and unrealistic expectations. 16:12</li>
<li aria-level="1">Startup funding, founder market fit, and the risks involved. 20:36</li>
<li aria-level="1">Investment philosophy, industry connections, and funding resources. 24:57</li>
<li aria-level="1">Key factors for startup success include team, capital, and existing customers. 29:22</li>
<li aria-level="1">Scaling challenges for B2B SaaS companies, with product, sales, and marketing insights. 36:00</li>
</ul>

Level-up Your Communication

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