https://simplecast.com Founderville.vc Learn from some of the top founders about the opportunities and obstacles of scaling their businesses. 2025 | Founderville.vc | 9/8 Central en Wed, 8 Apr 2026 14:00:00 +0000 Wed, 8 Apr 2026 14:00:33 +0000 https://founderville-vc.simplecast.com Founderville.vc https://image.simplecastcdn.com/images/5ebaf1dd-2480-4ea0-8544-a9ad0071bf94/775c94d8-adf1-4811-964f-5873eb236289/3000x3000/founderville-founderville-cream-logo-with-green-background-with-tagline.jpg?aid=rss_feed https://founderville-vc.simplecast.com episodic Learn from some of the top founders about the opportunities and obstacles of scaling their businesses. Shay Houser false https://feeds.simplecast.com/nMc6eEtc 9/8 Central admin@98c.org d2166818-08fa-4d20-a3b6-4dda9fcf4e5e Builidng an AI-forward Agency Wed, 8 Apr 2026 14:00:00 +0000 admin@98c.org (9/8 Central) https://founderville-vc.simplecast.com/episodes/builidng-an-ai-forward-agency-2R1Wky1p Builidng an AI-forward Agency 9/8 Central 00:37:05 Jami Mullikin, multi-time founder and CEO of Wonder, on building an AI-forward agency. Jami Mullikin, multi-time founder and CEO of Wonder, on building an AI-forward agency. false full 26 8983f634-daef-4cb0-8a4f-ac31be7374ce Manufacturing a Startup Wed, 25 Mar 2026 14:00:00 +0000 admin@98c.org (9/8 Central) https://founderville-vc.simplecast.com/episodes/manufacturing-a-startup-50Jf4utL Manufacturing a Startup 9/8 Central 00:34:18 Nicole Johnson, co-founder and CEO of Boyd Manufacturing, on building a unique manufacturing startups to scale. Nicole Johnson, co-founder and CEO of Boyd Manufacturing, on building a unique manufacturing startups to scale. false full 25 35f114d8-5c99-42ff-ac88-6e7498058c2e The Journey Building Custom Software Systems Thu, 12 Mar 2026 14:00:00 +0000 admin@98c.org (9/8 Central) https://founderville-vc.simplecast.com/episodes/the-journey-building-custom-software-systems-On7LHc2U-6xfyk1py The Journey Building Custom Software Systems 9/8 Central 00:42:59 Andy Kurtz, founder and CEO of Kopis, discusses his startup journey to building Kopis into a leading custom software development company. Andy Kurtz, founder and CEO of Kopis, discusses his startup journey to building Kopis into a leading custom software development company. false full 24 7ba27ecc-46a8-43ca-b344-787f32a64cb2 Cultivating an Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Eric Weissman, Executive Director of Greenville, SC-based nonprofit NextGen, discusses his journey to helping build Greenville, SC's entrepreneurial ecosystem.

We are experienced founders backing the next generation of founders. Learn more at founderville.vc

]]> Wed, 18 Feb 2026 15:00:00 +0000 admin@98c.org (9/8 Central) https://founderville-vc.simplecast.com/episodes/cultivating-an-entrepreneurial-ecosystem-ZSkATA7_ Eric Weissman, Executive Director of Greenville, SC-based nonprofit NextGen, discusses his journey to helping build Greenville, SC's entrepreneurial ecosystem.

We are experienced founders backing the next generation of founders. Learn more at founderville.vc

]]> Cultivating an Entrepreneurial Ecosystem 9/8 Central 00:47:23 Eric Weissman, Executive Director of Greenville, SC-based nonprofit NextGen, discusses his journey to helping build Greenville, SC's entrepreneurial ecosystem. Eric Weissman, Executive Director of Greenville, SC-based nonprofit NextGen, discusses his journey to helping build Greenville, SC's entrepreneurial ecosystem. false full 23 197bbf5c-6fa0-46ed-af37-96102154fd1e How do you create the startup idea? Daniel Jeffords reviews his experience in a variety of startup situations.

We are experienced founders backing the next generation of founders. Learn more at founderville.vc

]]> Wed, 4 Feb 2026 15:00:00 +0000 admin@98c.org (9/8 Central) https://founderville-vc.simplecast.com/episodes/how-do-you-create-the-startup-idea-L5avmvru Daniel Jeffords reviews his experience in a variety of startup situations.

We are experienced founders backing the next generation of founders. Learn more at founderville.vc

]]> How do you create the startup idea? 9/8 Central 00:50:42 Daniel Jeffords reviews his experience in a variety of startup situations. Daniel Jeffords reviews his experience in a variety of startup situations. false full 22 3cb1c7cc-d5d4-4d64-91bf-4d6677fda2c4 Building a 2-sided Marketplace Alex discusses what it takes to build a startup and, in particular, a 2-sided marketplace.

We are experienced founders backing the next generation of founders. Learn more at founderville.vc

]]> Wed, 21 Jan 2026 15:00:00 +0000 admin@98c.org (Alex Bezzebuts) https://founderville-vc.simplecast.com/episodes/building-a-2-sided-marketplace-k0XSiY2q Alex discusses what it takes to build a startup and, in particular, a 2-sided marketplace.

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]]> Building a 2-sided Marketplace Alex Bezzebuts 00:47:30 Alex discusses what it takes to build a startup and, in particular, a 2-sided marketplace. Alex discusses what it takes to build a startup and, in particular, a 2-sided marketplace. false full 21 5f3976cc-cdfb-40a2-ae1f-3fdcae1a5aa6 How Pixlmob continues its expansion through AI tools Moses and Matty, founders of Pixlmob, discuss how they are incorporating AI tools to ensure long-term expansion for Pixlmob

We are experienced founders backing the next generation of founders. Learn more at founderville.vc

]]> Wed, 3 Dec 2025 15:00:00 +0000 admin@98c.org (9/8 Central) https://founderville-vc.simplecast.com/episodes/how-pixlmob-continues-its-expansion-through-ai-tools-EdZXIYrJ Moses and Matty, founders of Pixlmob, discuss how they are incorporating AI tools to ensure long-term expansion for Pixlmob

We are experienced founders backing the next generation of founders. Learn more at founderville.vc

]]> How Pixlmob continues its expansion through AI tools 9/8 Central 00:51:49 Moses and Matty, founders of Pixlmob, discuss how they are incorporating AI tools to ensure long-term expansion for Pixlmob Moses and Matty, founders of Pixlmob, discuss how they are incorporating AI tools to ensure long-term expansion for Pixlmob false full 20 5a29279a-4985-438d-9b6a-9ed3c03b2fae The South Carolina Research Authority Strategy Matt Bell, head of SC Lauch, discusses SCRA's strategy of supporting and investing in South Carolina's entrepreneurial ecosystem

We are experienced founders backing the next generation of founders. Learn more at founderville.vc

]]> Wed, 19 Nov 2025 15:00:00 +0000 admin@98c.org (9/8 Central) https://founderville-vc.simplecast.com/episodes/the-south-carolina-research-authority-strategy-4ZzEQ_Os Matt Bell, head of SC Lauch, discusses SCRA's strategy of supporting and investing in South Carolina's entrepreneurial ecosystem

We are experienced founders backing the next generation of founders. Learn more at founderville.vc

]]> The South Carolina Research Authority Strategy 9/8 Central 00:41:38 Matt Bell, head of SC Lauch, discusses SCRA's strategy of supporting and investing in South Carolina's entrepreneurial ecosystem Matt Bell, head of SC Lauch, discusses SCRA's strategy of supporting and investing in South Carolina's entrepreneurial ecosystem false full 19 c293b7f8-59e4-4a07-b384-3745c38ec93d From Idea to Private Equity Exit Founder of PE-backed Keymark, Jim Wanner, discusses how we built Keymark from scratch to a 100+ person team

We are experienced founders backing the next generation of founders. Learn more at founderville.vc

]]> Wed, 22 Oct 2025 14:00:00 +0000 admin@98c.org (9/8 Central) https://founderville-vc.simplecast.com/episodes/from-idea-to-private-equity-exit-utFbj4a3 Founder of PE-backed Keymark, Jim Wanner, discusses how we built Keymark from scratch to a 100+ person team

We are experienced founders backing the next generation of founders. Learn more at founderville.vc

]]> From Idea to Private Equity Exit 9/8 Central 00:40:40 Founder of PE-backed Keymark, Jim Wanner, discusses how we built Keymark from scratch to a 100+ person team Founder of PE-backed Keymark, Jim Wanner, discusses how we built Keymark from scratch to a 100+ person team false full 18 3bc0c9a5-0daf-4969-861d-8737b4bac562 Creating from Personal Experience Founder and CEO of MEO Continuity, Maximillon Glodde discusses how he started a business based on personal experience in a large corporate environment

We are experienced founders backing the next generation of founders. Learn more at founderville.vc

]]> Wed, 8 Oct 2025 21:45:00 +0000 admin@98c.org (9/8 Central) https://founderville-vc.simplecast.com/episodes/creating-from-personal-experience-2JwaPGD5 Founder and CEO of MEO Continuity, Maximillon Glodde discusses how he started a business based on personal experience in a large corporate environment

We are experienced founders backing the next generation of founders. Learn more at founderville.vc

]]> Creating from Personal Experience 9/8 Central 00:39:03 Founder and CEO of MEO Continuity, Maximillon Glodde discusses how he started a business based on personal experience in a large corporate environment Founder and CEO of MEO Continuity, Maximillon Glodde discusses how he started a business based on personal experience in a large corporate environment false full 17 59d836cf-9b39-4971-ba32-714889f2d406 Building a team to IPO The head of Sterling Sales discusses his life of entrepreneurship and the building of an IPO-bound company.

We are experienced founders backing the next generation of founders. Learn more at founderville.vc

]]> Wed, 27 Aug 2025 14:00:00 +0000 admin@98c.org (9/8 Central) https://founderville-vc.simplecast.com/episodes/building-a-team-to-ipo-cBUZbS_s The head of Sterling Sales discusses his life of entrepreneurship and the building of an IPO-bound company.

We are experienced founders backing the next generation of founders. Learn more at founderville.vc

]]> Building a team to IPO 9/8 Central 00:56:35 The head of Sterling Sales discusses his life of entrepreneurship and the building of an IPO-bound company. The head of Sterling Sales discusses his life of entrepreneurship and the building of an IPO-bound company. false full 16 c8ce9755-0588-4ecc-9f81-8b3610d3ecf4 Building from the kitchen to PE exit The Founders of BDV Solutions discuss their journey from the brink of catastrophe to a private equity exit

We are experienced founders backing the next generation of founders. Learn more at founderville.vc

]]> Wed, 13 Aug 2025 14:00:00 +0000 admin@98c.org (9/8 Central) https://founderville-vc.simplecast.com/episodes/building-from-the-kitchen-to-pe-exit-RzaL2569 The Founders of BDV Solutions discuss their journey from the brink of catastrophe to a private equity exit

We are experienced founders backing the next generation of founders. Learn more at founderville.vc

]]> Building from the kitchen to PE exit 9/8 Central 00:40:03 The Founders of BDV Solutions discuss their journey from the brink of catastrophe to a private equity exit The Founders of BDV Solutions discuss their journey from the brink of catastrophe to a private equity exit false full 15 6267cc62-f95b-4c13-b092-35aa0e0ce2f4 Pivots and mindset in the startup journey John Sterling, multi-time founder and entrepreneur, discusses his theories on building sales and marketing teams while using analysis and testing to judge the right people in the right jobs.

We are experienced founders backing the next generation of founders. Learn more at founderville.vc

]]> Wed, 30 Jul 2025 10:00:00 +0000 admin@98c.org (John Sterling, Shay Houser, Scott Millwood) https://founderville-vc.simplecast.com/episodes/pivots-and-mindset-in-the-startup-journey-tysHB9Qp John Sterling, multi-time founder and entrepreneur, discusses his theories on building sales and marketing teams while using analysis and testing to judge the right people in the right jobs.

We are experienced founders backing the next generation of founders. Learn more at founderville.vc

]]> Pivots and mindset in the startup journey John Sterling, Shay Houser, Scott Millwood 00:42:07 John Sterling, multi-time founder and entrepreneur, discusses his theories on building sales and marketing teams while using analysis and testing to judge the right people in the right jobs. John Sterling, multi-time founder and entrepreneur, discusses his theories on building sales and marketing teams while using analysis and testing to judge the right people in the right jobs. false full 14 580abf91-4cb5-4191-b313-d78d736e2ed3 Finding TRUTH when building a startup Hunter Hodnett, co-founder and CTO of Chipp.ai, discusses his journey with a co-founder to build a leading AI company, Chipp.ai.  He gets deep into the importance of founder partnerships and finding truth when making decisions.

We are experienced founders backing the next generation of founders. Learn more at founderville.vc

]]> Wed, 16 Jul 2025 10:00:00 +0000 admin@98c.org (Scott Millwood, Shay Houser) https://founderville-vc.simplecast.com/episodes/finding-truth-when-building-a-startup-gTZxELcM Hunter Hodnett, co-founder and CTO of Chipp.ai, discusses his journey with a co-founder to build a leading AI company, Chipp.ai.  He gets deep into the importance of founder partnerships and finding truth when making decisions.

We are experienced founders backing the next generation of founders. Learn more at founderville.vc

]]> Finding TRUTH when building a startup Scott Millwood, Shay Houser 00:47:24 Hunter Hodnett, co-founder and CTO of Chipp.ai, discusses his journey with a co-founder to build a leading AI company, Chipp.ai. He gets deep into the importance of founder partnerships and finding truth when making decisions. Hunter Hodnett, co-founder and CTO of Chipp.ai, discusses his journey with a co-founder to build a leading AI company, Chipp.ai. He gets deep into the importance of founder partnerships and finding truth when making decisions. false full 13 489c06f4-8419-4b3a-aef2-b246a319c25f Spinning out and capitalizing a SaaS platform Charles Houser, CEO of Strata Platforms, reviews the Herculean efforts of spinning out a SaaS platform from a parent company and then raising capital in this difficult environment.

We are experienced founders backing the next generation of founders. Learn more at founderville.vc

]]> Wed, 2 Jul 2025 10:00:00 +0000 admin@98c.org (Shay Houser) https://founderville-vc.simplecast.com/episodes/spinning-out-and-capitalizing-a-saas-platform-JtcrQFgP Charles Houser, CEO of Strata Platforms, reviews the Herculean efforts of spinning out a SaaS platform from a parent company and then raising capital in this difficult environment.

We are experienced founders backing the next generation of founders. Learn more at founderville.vc

]]> Spinning out and capitalizing a SaaS platform Shay Houser 00:32:21 Charles Houser, CEO of Strata Platforms, reviews the Herculean efforts of spinning out a SaaS platform from a parent company and then raising capital in this difficult environment. Charles Houser, CEO of Strata Platforms, reviews the Herculean efforts of spinning out a SaaS platform from a parent company and then raising capital in this difficult environment. false full 12 112eb4b0-cf65-4f5e-a424-4973732300b2 Building a Newsletter Empire In this episode of the Founderville.vc podcast, hosts Shay Houser and Scott Millwood sit down with Ryan Heafy and Ryan Johnston, co-founders of 6AM City, to unpack the fascinating story behind one of the fastest-growing newsletter-based media companies in the U.S.

They take us back to the early days, meeting through Leadership Greenville and bonding over a shared passion for local community development. Fueled by bourbon and bold ideas, they envisioned a new kind of media: one that focused on positive, community-focused content delivered daily via email. Their model rejected divisive, negative news and embraced a brand-safe, advertiser-friendly format that allowed both readers and businesses to thrive.

What started as a Greenville-based experiment grew into a powerful content engine serving 31 cities, delivering eight-figures in revenue. They’ve since expanded into “newsletters as a service,” working with major brands and professional sports organizations to help them package, deliver, and monetize content—often using their full-stack newsletter production model.

We dive into how AI is accelerating their operational efficiency and enabling the company to scale content creation, development workflows, and client engagements faster and cheaper. Their smart adoption of automation and AI has become a key competitive advantage.

We end with valuable advice on raising capital, including their strategy of tranche-based funding, protecting equity, and focusing on traction to build investor confidence. And they reflect on the importance of equal equity in co-founder dynamics and the strength it adds to decision-making and company culture.

We are experienced founders backing the next generation of founders. Learn more at founderville.vc

]]> Wed, 18 Jun 2025 10:00:00 +0000 admin@98c.org (9/8 Central) https://founderville-vc.simplecast.com/episodes/building-a-newsletter-empire-IeicgOiE In this episode of the Founderville.vc podcast, hosts Shay Houser and Scott Millwood sit down with Ryan Heafy and Ryan Johnston, co-founders of 6AM City, to unpack the fascinating story behind one of the fastest-growing newsletter-based media companies in the U.S.

They take us back to the early days, meeting through Leadership Greenville and bonding over a shared passion for local community development. Fueled by bourbon and bold ideas, they envisioned a new kind of media: one that focused on positive, community-focused content delivered daily via email. Their model rejected divisive, negative news and embraced a brand-safe, advertiser-friendly format that allowed both readers and businesses to thrive.

What started as a Greenville-based experiment grew into a powerful content engine serving 31 cities, delivering eight-figures in revenue. They’ve since expanded into “newsletters as a service,” working with major brands and professional sports organizations to help them package, deliver, and monetize content—often using their full-stack newsletter production model.

We dive into how AI is accelerating their operational efficiency and enabling the company to scale content creation, development workflows, and client engagements faster and cheaper. Their smart adoption of automation and AI has become a key competitive advantage.

We end with valuable advice on raising capital, including their strategy of tranche-based funding, protecting equity, and focusing on traction to build investor confidence. And they reflect on the importance of equal equity in co-founder dynamics and the strength it adds to decision-making and company culture.

We are experienced founders backing the next generation of founders. Learn more at founderville.vc

]]> Building a Newsletter Empire 9/8 Central 00:38:36 Ryan Heafy and Ryan Johnston, co-founders of 6AM City, share their journey from a back-of-a-napkin idea to scaling an eight-figure local media company operating in 31 cities—while transforming how newsletters are built, monetized, and scaled using AI and community-driven content. Ryan Heafy and Ryan Johnston, co-founders of 6AM City, share their journey from a back-of-a-napkin idea to scaling an eight-figure local media company operating in 31 cities—while transforming how newsletters are built, monetized, and scaled using AI and community-driven content. false full 11 37290c31-007e-457b-8f7a-6699fe72576d Winning with Social Impact Wed, 4 Jun 2025 14:00:00 +0000 admin@98c.org (9/8 Central) https://founderville-vc.simplecast.com/episodes/winning-with-social-impact-XpORifjt Winning with Social Impact 9/8 Central 00:50:14 Mario Brown, founder and CEO of Affordable Upstate, guides us through the founding and scaling of a meaningful social impact venture. Mario Brown, founder and CEO of Affordable Upstate, guides us through the founding and scaling of a meaningful social impact venture. false full 10 a7046e15-936c-4a5c-9d48-148d1cd82f39 Bootstrapping Service Organizations Wed, 21 May 2025 14:00:00 +0000 admin@98c.org (9/8 Central) https://founderville-vc.simplecast.com/episodes/bootstrapping-service-organizations-OHEJUnTt Bootstrapping Service Organizations 9/8 Central 00:33:22 Britton Briley, founder and CEO of Ghost Brands, explains why social media is not marketing Britton Briley, founder and CEO of Ghost Brands, explains why social media is not marketing false full 9 b867a9fe-97f6-428f-bd24-0339ef675669 Becoming an Entrepreneur Wed, 7 May 2025 14:00:00 +0000 admin@98c.org (9/8 Central) https://founderville-vc.simplecast.com/episodes/becoming-an-entrepreneur-5fdMfFmL Becoming an Entrepreneur 9/8 Central 00:38:15 Didi Caldwell, founder and CEO of Global Location Strategies, discusses her journey to tech entrepreneurship and launching Strata Platforms Didi Caldwell, founder and CEO of Global Location Strategies, discusses her journey to tech entrepreneurship and launching Strata Platforms false full 8 37973f40-738e-4b7d-adb9-f99fc7fdd197 Continuing to Grow Wed, 23 Apr 2025 14:00:00 +0000 admin@98c.org (9/8 Central) https://founderville-vc.simplecast.com/episodes/continuing-to-grow-a2CcvUIh Continuing to Grow 9/8 Central 00:42:04 Capers Easterby, founder and CEO of Medfirst Staffing, discusses his journey to entrepreneurship and why he keeps growing. Capers Easterby, founder and CEO of Medfirst Staffing, discusses his journey to entrepreneurship and why he keeps growing. false full 7 39a0672a-85b3-4339-85b4-a672215a54b1 Startup Culture Wed, 9 Apr 2025 14:00:00 +0000 admin@98c.org (9/8 Central) https://founderville-vc.simplecast.com/episodes/startup-culture-m6ygrMmJ Startup Culture 9/8 Central 00:38:56 Marty Osborn, founder of By Design Advisors, leads a great discussion on culture and leadership.Startup Culture Marty Osborn, founder of By Design Advisors, leads a great discussion on culture and leadership.Startup Culture false full 6 76eeeb26-4b5b-487a-9648-7f3d89fa6974 Building an Ecosystem Wed, 26 Mar 2025 14:00:00 +0000 admin@98c.org (9/8 Central) https://founderville-vc.simplecast.com/episodes/building-an-ecosystem-YGv_W0wR Building an Ecosystem 9/8 Central 00:42:35 Peter Marsh, founder and CEO of Flywheel Coworking, guides us through his entrepreneurial journey Peter Marsh, founder and CEO of Flywheel Coworking, guides us through his entrepreneurial journey false full 5 ea85ce0e-ba62-4024-a417-af05584b2e9f 275 Startups and Counting Wed, 12 Mar 2025 14:00:00 +0000 admin@98c.org (9/8 Central) https://founderville-vc.simplecast.com/episodes/275-startups-and-counting-Cnj63uw_ 275 Startups and Counting 9/8 Central 00:31:28 Bryan Davis, Executive Director of Furman's Hill Institute, discusses key entrepreneurial lessons Bryan Davis, Executive Director of Furman's Hill Institute, discusses key entrepreneurial lessons false full 4 ddb8f89a-59a8-405c-8f62-c9a4b70f31f5 Startup Legal Advice Wed, 26 Feb 2025 15:00:00 +0000 admin@98c.org (9/8 Central) https://founderville-vc.simplecast.com/episodes/startup-legal-advice-BKCQUg6V Startup Legal Advice 9/8 Central 00:36:38 Expert corporate attorney, Bo Russell, helps guide startups towards the best legal strategies Expert corporate attorney, Bo Russell, helps guide startups towards the best legal strategies false full 3 d484d9fe-ba0f-47b8-b61d-d823a8c545ea Digital Site Box Wed, 12 Feb 2025 15:00:00 +0000 admin@98c.org (9/8 Central) https://founderville-vc.simplecast.com/episodes/digital-site-box-Uj6uNyvG Digital Site Box 9/8 Central 00:23:00 Thomas, co-counder of Digital Site Box, discusses the founding journey and why they decided to secure outside capital. Thomas, co-counder of Digital Site Box, discusses the founding journey and why they decided to secure outside capital. false full 2 654be4e6-0130-4dee-973f-27ad4bb7f1c4 Designli Wed, 29 Jan 2025 15:00:00 +0000 admin@98c.org (9/8 Central) https://founderville-vc.simplecast.com/episodes/designli-24IYQtYF Designli 9/8 Central 00:33:10 Keith and Josh, founders of Designli, discuss their founding journey and why they decided to bootstrap and bypass outside capital. Keith and Josh, founders of Designli, discuss their founding journey and why they decided to bootstrap and bypass outside capital. false full 1 b34cdb93-ef7d-4a12-9ee9-fae9bf6cbc92 Trailer Fri, 17 Jan 2025 05:00:00 +0000 admin@98c.org (9/8 Central) https://founderville-vc.simplecast.com/episodes/trailer-Lgb7gY5_ Trailer 9/8 Central 00:00:50 false trailer