Startup Builders & Backers
Startup Builders & Backers
Podcast Description
Startup Builders & Backers is a podcast that takes you inside the minds of the people shaping the future of technology and entrepreneurship. Part of the Tech Talks Network, this series goes beyond headlines and hype to bring you real conversations with startup founders, angel investors, VCs, and seasoned operators who are building, backing, and scaling the next generation of companies.You might know me from Tech Talks Daily, where we explore a broad spectrum of business technology. But here, the focus narrows to the pulse of the startup ecosystem. From the spark of an idea to the complexities of funding, go-to-market strategies, team building, and exits, this series unpacks what it really takes to create a successful venture in today’s fast-moving environment.In each episode, we uncover what motivates founders to leave stability behind in pursuit of something bigger. We explore how investors identify promise amid uncertainty, what they’re looking for right now, and how early-stage bets evolve into long-term partnerships. Along the way, we look at the less polished moments—the pivots, the pressures, and the personal lessons that shape both people and products.Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, an investor looking for your next big bet, or a startup operator navigating growth, these conversations offer insight, connection, and an honest look at the reality behind the pitch decks.So what does it take to build something from nothing, and who are the people willing to take that risk? Let’s find out together. And if you’ve got a story to tell or a venture to share, I’d love to hear from you.
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
The podcast focuses on various critical topics within the startup landscape, including international expansion strategies, legal implications of AI on intellectual property, team building, and funding dynamics. Specific episodes cover themes like avoiding risks when taking a startup international and the evolving legal frameworks surrounding AI-generated content.
Startup Builders & Backers is a podcast that takes you inside the minds of the people shaping the future of technology and entrepreneurship. Part of the Tech Talks Network, this series goes beyond headlines and hype to bring you real conversations with startup founders, angel investors, VCs, and seasoned operators who are building, backing, and scaling the next generation of companies.
You might know me from Tech Talks Daily, where we explore a broad spectrum of business technology. But here, the focus narrows to the pulse of the startup ecosystem. From the spark of an idea to the complexities of funding, go-to-market strategies, team building, and exits, this series unpacks what it really takes to create a successful venture in today’s fast-moving environment.
In each episode, we uncover what motivates founders to leave stability behind in pursuit of something bigger. We explore how investors identify promise amid uncertainty, what they’re looking for right now, and how early-stage bets evolve into long-term partnerships. Along the way, we look at the less polished moments—the pivots, the pressures, and the personal lessons that shape both people and products.
Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, an investor looking for your next big bet, or a startup operator navigating growth, these conversations offer insight, connection, and an honest look at the reality behind the pitch decks.
So what does it take to build something from nothing, and who are the people willing to take that risk? Let’s find out together. And if you’ve got a story to tell or a venture to share, I’d love to hear from you.
What does it really take to scale a startup from an idea to a thriving business generating over $100M in ARR? In this episode of Startup Builders & Backers, we explore that journey with Luke Diaz, founder of DBT Ventures, an angel investment fund focused on supporting underrepresented founders. Drawing on his extensive background leading customer success teams and scaling early-stage companies, Luke shares powerful lessons on driving product adoption, boosting retention, and practicing conscious leadership.
Our conversation uncovers practical strategies that founders can apply immediately, from structuring effective onboarding programs to understanding churn before it becomes a problem. Luke emphasizes that customer success is not just a department but a foundational philosophy that impacts every area of a startup’s growth trajectory. His advice on creating a transparent culture of continuous improvement offers a refreshing look at how leadership style directly influences business outcomes.
Beyond operational tactics, Luke offers a candid view of the funding landscape, sharing tips on how startups can better quantify their potential, attract the right investors, and overcome the biases that still exist within traditional venture capital ecosystems. His commitment to supporting diverse founders highlights an important shift happening across the industry.
We also discuss emerging technologies and the importance of focusing on business outcomes rather than getting caught up in the latest hype. Luke’s insights on integrating tools like ChatGPT into business operations offer a grounded perspective on how startups can use AI to enhance decision-making without losing sight of the fundamentals.
Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, an investor seeking promising ventures, or a startup operator focused on scaling sustainably, this episode offers practical, real-world insights that go beyond the headlines. Tune in to discover how conscious leadership and strategic customer success can help unlock the true potential of your venture—and why a focus on people, not just products, might be the key to long-term success.
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