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 makes a startup founder stay inspired after years of building, scaling, and sometimes starting over? In this episode of The Startup Builders and Backers Podcast, Emanuel Pirker shares a founder’s journey that every entrepreneur can learn from. Recorded live at IGEL’s Now & Next event in Frankfurt, Emanuel opens up about the path from launching Stratodesk to becoming Field CTO at IGEL, where his vision continues to influence the future of secure digital workspaces.
Emanuel reflects on how he built Stratodesk into a global player in Linux-based endpoint technology and the lessons learned along the way about scaling, product focus, and resilience. His advice for founders is refreshingly practical: stay obsessed with solving real problems, move fast when you fail, and never build technology for its own sake. We also talk about how IGEL’s acquisition of Stratodesk became a story of alignment rather than loss, showing how founders can successfully transition into leadership roles within larger organizations without losing their entrepreneurial drive.
We also dive into how his leadership philosophy has evolved. Emanuel explains how letting go of control after the acquisition gave him the freedom to focus on what matters most: innovation and people. He describes how creativity thrives when leaders balance listening with action, and how this mindset now shapes his work bridging customer insights with product development at IGEL. It’s a story that reminds any founder that scaling isn’t just about growth—it’s about adapting how you lead.
From AI-powered voice tools improving human connection to IGEL’s preventative security model, Emanuel illustrates how technology can both simplify and humanize work. His enthusiasm for building purposeful, people-first innovation remains undiminished after decades in tech. For startup founders, his journey is a reminder that reinvention never ends—it just takes new forms.
If you’re a founder looking for real-world startup lessons about scaling, acquisition, and staying inspired through change, this episode is for you. What do you think helps a founder thrive after their company is acquired? Share your thoughts and join the conversation.
Useful Links
Tech Talks Daily is Sponsored by NordLayer:
Get the exclusive Black Friday offer: 28% off NordLayer yearly plans with the coupon code: techdaily-28. Valid until December 10th, 2025. Try it risk-free with a 14-day money-back guarantee.
Disclaimer
This podcast’s information is provided for general reference and was obtained from publicly accessible sources. The Podcast Collaborative neither produces nor verifies the content, accuracy, or suitability of this podcast. Views and opinions belong solely to the podcast creators and guests.
For a complete disclaimer, please see our Full Disclaimer on the archive page. The Podcast Collaborative bears no responsibility for the podcast’s themes, language, or overall content. Listener discretion is advised. Read our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy for more details.