Podcasts by Category

Startup Therapy

Startup Therapy

Startups.com

The "No BS" version of how startups are really built, taught by actual startup Founders who have lived through all of it. Hosts Wil Schroter and Ryan Rutan talk candidly about the intense struggles Founders face both personally and professionally as they try to turn their idea into something that will change the world.

251 - This is BOOTSTRAPPED - 3 Strategies to Build Your Startup Without Funding
0:00 / 0:00
1x
  • 251 - This is BOOTSTRAPPED - 3 Strategies to Build Your Startup Without Funding

    In this episode of the startup therapy podcast, Ryan Rutan and Wil Schroter delve into bootstrapping a startup. They address common misconceptions about funding, emphasizing the importance of making do with what you have and prioritizing what's truly necessary for business growth. The conversation covers practical ways to manage expenses without external funding, including strategies for hiring, marketing, and managing operational costs through discipline and creative solutions. 


    The hosts share personal experience on how to navigate the challenges of bootstrapping, highlighting the importance of being resourceful, making money to spend money, and avoiding typical startup traps. 


    Sign up for the Startups Newsletter

    https://www.startups.com/newsletter

    Resources:

    Startup Therapy Podcast https://groups.startups.com/Join our Network of Top Founders Check in with us on LinkedIn | Wil Schroter | Ryan Rutan


    00:00 Welcome to Startup Therapy

    00:08 The Realities of Bootstrapping

    01:35 Navigating the Bootstrapping Journey

    04:50 Mastering the Art of Compensation in Bootstrapping

    22:00 Innovative Marketing on a Shoestring Budget

    26:50 Leveraging Vendor Terms and Historical Examples

    28:18 The Power of Deferred Payments in Business Growth

    33:20 Strategic Use of Credit Cards for Business Expenses

    42:20 The Path to Efficient Startup Growth


    Mon, 18 Mar 2024
  • 250 - The Spectrum of Investor Advice

    In this episode of the Startup Therapy Podcast, Ryan Rutan and Wil Schroter discuss the complexities of handling feedback from investors, emphasizing the critical need for founders to properly qualify and assess the advice they receive. They highlight the dangers of acting on feedback without considering its relevance, potential bias, and the investor's qualifications. The discussion covers the spectrum of investor types, from well-meaning but inexperienced individuals to top-tier venture capitalists, and the importance of understanding the context and motivation behind their advice. 


    You will find how to advocate for a balanced approach that involves questioning, verifying, and thoughtfully considering advice before taking action.


    Sign up for the Startups Newsletter

    https://www.startups.com/newsletter

    Resources:

    Startup Therapy Podcast https://groups.startups.com/Join our Network of Top Founders Check in with us on LinkedIn | Wil Schroter | Ryan Rutan


    Mon, 11 Mar 2024
  • 249 - $10K Per Month isn't Just Revenue. It's Life Support

    In today's Startup Therapy Podcast, Wil and Ryan talks about why earning atleast $10,000 per month is one of the most important milestones in your startup career. They stress the need to do whatever it takes to keep your business alive. Hitting this milestone gives you room to handle setbacks and shows that you're making real progress. Tune in for tips on managing startup finances and staying resilient in the ever-changing business world.


    Sign up for the Startups Newsletter

    https://www.startups.com/newsletter


    Resources:

    Startup Therapy Podcast https://www.startups.com/beginJoin our Network of Top Founders Check in with us on LinkedIn | Wil Schroter | Ryan Rutan


    What to Listen For

    00:00 Intro01:08 The most important milestones in your business06:20 Everybody’s number is different10:27 The existential costs of both a business and its founders12:28 Do whatever it takes to reach the basic milestone16:12 Your startups should survive restarts19:50 The importance of having a backstop24:45 Maybe it’s not your year26:05 Finding value in small milestones
    Mon, 04 Mar 2024
  • 248 - Why Do VCs Keep Giving "failed" Founders Money?

    In today's Startup Therapy Podcast, Wil and Ryan talks about why investors choose to invest on “failed” founders. They debunk the myth that failure marks the end of a founder's journey and shows why giving people a second chance is the best investment. Tune in as they explore the investor mindset, focusing on why they prefer to invest in founders who have shown they can bounce back and learn from failure, ultimately changing how we think about startup success.


    Sign up for the Startups Newsletter

    https://www.startups.com/newsletter


    Resources:

    Startup Therapy Podcast https://www.startups.com/beginJoin our Network of Top Founders Check in with us on LinkedIn | Wil Schroter | Ryan Rutan


    What to Listen For

    00:00 Intro01:03 Why giving people a second chance is the best investment02:29 Redefining failure04:59 “One failure doesn’t make the person a failure…”09:30 If you’re making mistakes, you’re also learning10:05 Spotlight on failure13:59 The value of experience16:49 Before the failure, there was a success20:33 Trust and familiarity in investor-founder relationships23:21 Challenge of investor decision-making27:14 Focusing on building relationships30:42 Investing in the founder’s mindset rather than ideas
    Mon, 26 Feb 2024
  • 247 - If It Makes Money, It Makes Sense

    In today's Startup Therapy Podcast, Wil and Ryan talks about the importance of generating revenue and being willing to do whatever it takes to move a startup forward. They discuss why it's crucial for entrepreneurs to prioritize generating income and share insights on how to overcome challenges in achieving financial sustainability. 


    Sign up for the Startups Newsletter

    https://www.startups.com/newsletter


    Resources:

    Startup Therapy Podcast https://www.startups.com/beginJoin our Network of Top Founders Check in with us on LinkedIn | Wil Schroter | Ryan Rutan


    What to Listen For

    00:00 Intro00:18 Difference between good and bad revenue01:34 Unexpected opportunities05:22 Prioritizing cash flow in the startup journey08:43 The importance of runway11:43 Focusing on startup survival 13:31 Reality of startup timelines15:00 Why surviving matters more than speed17:03 Overcoming self-imposed barriers18:53 The value of paid product discovery22:00 Learning through services24:18 Building MVPs that truly deliver value26:10 How side gigs can propel your startup forward30:36 Sacrifice and success35:13 Willingness x Hard Work = Cash
    Mon, 19 Feb 2024
Show More Episodes