Hello world! 🌎 I'm Luis Rieke, and I frequently extend invitations to tech founders whose business models and visions of the future intrigue me. This is the English Edition of the podcast that originally began in German. I am happy if you check out the latest episodes!
In this episode of the Digital Economics Podcast, I sit down with Sélim Benayat, co-founder and CEO of Bento, a popular micropage tool that was acquired by Linktree. Bento allows users to consolidate their online presence by offering a customizable link connecting to various social media profiles, personal websites, and portfolios. Sélim discusses the initial inspiration behind Bento, its development journey, and the philosophy of product-led growth that fueled its success. He explains how focusing on making users look as good as possible was a key principle in driving organic growth and community engagement. Sélim also shares his thoughts on the importance of building communities around products, which can offer valuable user insights and foster long-term relationships. Reflecting on Bento’s acquisition by Linktree, he talks about the strategic reasons behind the decision, emphasizing scale and the shared vision of creating more user-centric online destinations. More: Sélim Benayat: https://www.linkedin.com/in/selimbenayat/ Bento: https://bento.me/ Luis on Bento: https://bento.me/luis-rieke
02.09.24 • 64:41
In this episode, I sit down with Joran Hofman, the founder of Reditus, a platform that simplifies affiliate management for SaaS companies. Joran shares the story behind Reditus, exploring how it helps businesses leverage affiliate marketing to boost sales while minimizing risk. We delve into Joran's entrepreneurial journey, from his early days experimenting with e-commerce to his current focus on supporting SaaS companies through innovative affiliate solutions. Tune in to learn about the challenges and strategies of growing a SaaS business, the importance of bootstrapping, and the benefits of staying focused on long-term goals. Check out Reditus: https://www.getreditus.com/?red=spacif Joran Hofman: https://www.linkedin.com/in/b2b-saas-growth/
12.08.24 • 43:36
In this episode of the Digitalconomics podcast, I speak with Andrew Davis, the Chief Marketing Officer of Paddle. Paddle is a tool for invoicing and payments for SaaS businesses, particularly useful for indie makers and startups managing payments and invoices across multiple countries. Andrew explains how Paddle handles the entire payment infrastructure for digital product businesses, simplifying the complexities of international transactions. This includes managing subscriptions, fraud prevention, chargebacks, and tax compliance across different regions. He provides valuable insights into the challenges and solutions in launching such a tool, and shares tips for optimizing pricing strategies. Andrew also discusses the importance of understanding and meeting customer needs to develop a successful product. He shares his experiences as a founder and offers practical advice on scaling sales and marketing teams in startups. Andrew Davis: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andjdavies -- I talked with Paddle and everyone from my community gets a 3 months fee-free credits from Paddle. Just email directly to tharshan@paddle.com with me (luis.rieke@spacifik.com) in cc and you get the discount -- Paddle: https://www.paddle.com
05.08.24 • 41:13
In this episode of the Digital Economics Podcast, I delve into the world of legal tech with Mariam Chaduneli, co-founder of Lawformer. Mariam shares insights on how Lawformer streamlines the contract drafting and negotiation process for legal professionals through a personal digital library of attorney-drafted clauses. She explains the innovative use of AI in managing contract knowledge, reducing the time lawyers spend searching for information, and enhancing overall efficiency. We also explore the challenges and triumphs of women founding companies in the traditionally male-dominated legal and tech industries. Mariam reflects on her journey, the support systems that helped her succeed, and the importance of fostering female entrepreneurship. More about Mariam: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/m-chaduneli Lawformer:https://lawformer.com
02.08.24 • 46:56
In this Digitalconomics episode, I have Daniela Ronca and Carlo Cantarini, the Berlin Product Managers Meetup organizers, as guests. Learn how Daniela and Carlo discovered their passion for product management in Berlin and built a community. They share their journeys, their professional challenges and how they expanded the meetup from a small group to over 1,300 members. Daniela and Carlo provide valuable tips and inspiring stories for anyone interested in building a community. More: Daniele: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danieleronca/ Carlo: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carlo-cantarini-product-manager-berlin/ Berlin Product Managers: https://linktr.ee/berlinproductmanagers
28.07.24 • 46:52
Tune into this insightful episode of the Digitalconomics podcast, where we dive deep with the founder of Cyclops, an innovative open-source platform designed to simplify Kubernetes for developers. Discover the compelling journey of building and scaling a tech startup from the ground up. In this candid discussion, our guest sheds light on the challenges of monetizing open-source software, the critical role of community engagement, and the effective strategies they've employed to create traction in the competitive tech landscape. Learn about the nuances of startup funding, the impact of accelerator programs, and the importance of maintaining strong investor relations. Whether you're a tech enthusiast, a budding entrepreneur, or an investor looking for the next big thing, this episode offers a treasure trove of valuable insights. Don't miss out on learning how Cyclops is navigating the complexities of the tech world, and how community and connectivity play pivotal roles in their growth story. If you're passionate about technology and innovation, this episode is a must-listen! Don't forget to subscribe for more episodes like this and leave us a five-star rating if you enjoy our content. Your support helps us bring more great content your way! More: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juraj-karadza/ Cyclops: https://cyclops-ui.com/ Cyclops Github Repository: https://github.com/cyclops-ui/cyclops?ref=producthunt Product Hunt Launch: https://www.producthunt.com/products/cyclops#cyclops Thanks to Dealfront for sponsoring this episode! Learn more about Dealfront: https://bit.ly/3WlUziH
21.07.24 • 44:07
In this episode, explore the entrepreneurial journey of Sean Tepper, the founder and CEO of Ticker, a platform that aids investors in navigating the stock market with an innovative stock screener. Join us as we delve into the origins of Ticker, starting from a simple Excel sheet to becoming a robust software solution. Learn about Sean’s transitions from trading to developing a SaaS business, his marketing strategies, and the growth challenges he faced. This conversation is packed with insights on starting and scaling a tech business, making it essential for aspiring entrepreneurs and investors alike. More: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/seantepper/ Tykr: https://tykr.com/?gr_pk=5zEz Thanks to Dealfront for sponsoring this episode! Learn more about Dealfront: https://bit.ly/3WlUziH
20.07.24 • 72:08
In this episode of the Digitalconomics podcast, excited to have Nalin Senthamil, the innovative mind behind Storylane. As the founder and CEO, Nalin has propelled Storylane to the forefront of customer onboarding and tech product demos, making complex processes simple and engaging. Storylane was part of the Y-Combinator accelerator, which was really exciting to talk about! Nalin Senthamil: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nalinpradeep Storylane: https://www.storylane.io Thanks to Dealfront for sponsoring this episode! Learn more about Dealfront: https://bit.ly/3WlUziH
18.07.24 • 36:44
In this episode of the Digitalconomics podcast, we dive deep with David Chevalier, co-founder of Surfe. Surfe is a revolutionary tool designed to seamlessly integrate LinkedIn data into your CRM system. David shares his entrepreneurial journey from the north of Germany to Paris, where he pursued a master's program that bridged the gap between engineering and business, laying the foundation for Surfe. We discuss the bootstrap beginnings of Surfe, emphasizing the importance of being close to the user in product development and the strategic decision to focus on building a tool that enhances sales productivity by bringing CRM capabilities directly into LinkedIn. David also highlights the challenges and learnings from navigating the startup landscape, scaling the team, and making strategic decisions about bootstrapping versus fundraising. Additionally, he addresses the GDPR compliance of Surfe's operations, underscoring the importance of ethical data handling and the nuanced differences between B2B and B2C data regulations. For more on David Chevalier: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-maurice-chevalier/ Website: https://www.surfe.com/ Thanks to Dealfront for sponsoring this episode! Learn more about Dealfront: https://bit.ly/3WlUziH
16.07.24 • 48:34
Important note: I’ve been very busy lately. Sorry for the delay in publishing; the initiative is already over. Best, Luis In today's episode of the Digitalconomics Podcast, we speak with Frederik Fleck, an extraordinary entrepreneur who is giving away not just €10,000 but also 1% equity in a company yet to be founded. This unique offer is open to creative minds willing to submit their business ideas, with the chance for their concept to be selected and brought to life. Frederik, an experienced founder who has launched, sold, and invested in 75 startups, is on the lookout for innovative proposals that have the potential to solve real problems. In this inspiring episode, we discuss what Frederik looks for in a business proposal, his views on entrepreneurship and innovation, and his experiences with using AI to effectively assess business ideas. He also shares his vision of working with potential co-founders, offering a unique opportunity for anyone ready to turn their ideas into reality. This is a fascinating episode for aspiring entrepreneurs and innovators seeking a deep dive into the mindset of a successful serial entrepreneur. More about Frederik Fleck and Richmond View Ventures: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/frederikfleck/ Pitch your idea: https://pitch.rvv.tv/ (time is over)
14.07.24 • 51:56
In this captivating episode of the Digitalconomics Podcast, we delve into the innovative world of digital signatures with Malthe Vinter, co-founder of GoatSign. Starting his journey as a working student in a Danish company that offered digital consulting and custom software solutions, Malthe identified the burgeoning need for an efficient digital signature platform. GoatSign, akin to well-known services like DocuSign but with a unique twist, promises to revolutionize the way small businesses in Denmark handle their paperwork digitally. Throughout the episode, Malthe shares the inspirational story behind GoatSign's inception, highlighting the challenges and opportunities encountered while creating a software tool that makes printing and manual signing a thing of the past. With GoatSign, users can seamlessly sign documents digitally, eliminating the hassle of printers and contributing to a more sustainable environment. Listeners interested in the nuts and bolts of launching a Software as a Service (SaaS) tool will find Malthe's insights invaluable, particularly his strategies for engaging with users, prioritizing feature requests, and navigating the complexities of digital privacy and security. This episode is a must-listen for anyone keen on understanding the dynamics of starting a tech business, the importance of user feedback in shaping a product, and the future prospects of digital solutions in the realm of legal documentation. Tune in to this episode to discover how GoatSign is carving a niche in the digital signature market and how Malthe Vinter's journey from a student to a tech entrepreneur is inspiring a new wave of digital innovation. More about Malthe and Goatsign: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/malthe-kringelholt-vinter-2a8a45122/ Website: https://goatsign.io/?gr_pk=M7dG
12.07.24 • 50:54
In today's episode of the Digital Economics Podcast, we delve into the world of Flowlance, an ingenious platform crafted by founders Stepan Calta and Patrik Kruntorad. Aimed at freelancers operating on a session-based model, Flowlance streamlines administrative duties and payment procedures for a variety of professionals including consultants, coaches, and tutors. Broadcasting from Prague, the duo discusses the intricacies of developing a SaaS platform, acquiring investments, and standing out in a competitive field. This episode is a treasure trove of insights for anyone interested in the tech startup scene and the quest to simplify professional services management. More: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrikkruntorad/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/caltastepan/ Website: https://www.flowlance.com/?via=luis
10.07.24 • 36:00
In this captivating episode of the Digitalconomics podcast, we explore the entrepreneurial journey of Aleksa Mitrović, CEO & co-founder of Kohomai, a groundbreaking software aimed at scoring and securing leads. With a rich history of living in various countries, Aleksa offers a broad and insightful perspective on the startup landscape. The discussion covers Aleksa's initial challenges as a startup founder and delves into effective strategies for attracting the first B2B customers. Key topics include Aleksa's innovative use of meetups and Slack channels for building community and the essential role of personal networking in the tech sector. Aleksa shares his venture into the fintech space, detailing his experiences in diverse roles across different countries, including Serbia and India, and how these shaped his approach to business and technology. The conversation also highlights the intricacies of starting a tech company, the significance of customer segmentation and engagement, and the envisioned path forward for Kohomai. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the dynamics of startups, the integration of finance and technology, and the full spectrum of entrepreneurship, from conception to growth and expansion. Join us for an in-depth look at the startup world, the ups, and downs of founding a tech company, and cutting-edge strategies for customer engagement and product development with Aleksa Mitrović at Kohomai. For more on Aleksa Mitrović: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/1aleksa/ Website: https://www.linkedin.com/in/1aleksa/ Questions to explore with a Potential Co-Founder: https://proof-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/firstround/50 Questions for Co-Founders.pdf Thanks to Dealfront for sponsoring this episode! Learn more about Dealfront: https://bit.ly/3WlUziH
08.07.24 • 80:59
In this episode of the Digitalconomics Podcast, we explore the intricacies of Product Hunt, a platform that has become a pivotal space for tech enthusiasts and creators to showcase or discover new products. Our guest, Rohan Chaubey, a proficient growth marketer and an adept "hunter" on Product Hunt, imparts his valuable knowledge on effectively leveraging the platform. Rohan enlightens us about the distinct roles of "hunters" and "makers," along with strategic insights for launching products on Product Hunt. With a track record of over 130 product launches, Rohan provides detailed advice on preparing for a launch, the importance of compelling videos, and the ways to engage with Product Hunt's community for feedback, growth, and visibility. This episode serves as an essential guide for anyone looking to navigate the Product Hunt ecosystem, aiming to achieve recognition as the product of the day, week, or month, and seeking to delve deeper into the tech innovation landscape. Whether you are an aspiring entrepreneur, a growth marketer, or a tech aficionado, Rohan's discussion offers a deep dive into maximizing the opportunities available on Product Hunt. More: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rohanchaubey1/ ProductHunt: https://www.producthunt.com/@rohanrecommends Thanks to Dealfront for sponsoring this episode! Learn more about Dealfront: https://bit.ly/3WlUziH
21.05.24 • 45:10
In this episode of Digitalconomics, we have Domagoj Vidovic, also known as Tech Wizzdom and CTO of Sparroww Inc, as our guest. Discover how this Tech Content Creator, with his creative Reels, TikToks, and YouTube Shorts, has not only garnered over 500,000 followers on Instagram but also surpassed 200,000 on TikTok. As a Frontend Engineer and passionate coder, he produces entertaining and educational videos. Domagoj shares the beginnings of his journey as a developer and content creator, the inception of Tech Wizzdom, and the influential role his sister played. Unaware of the challenges that awaited him on Instagram in March 2022, he achieved a remarkable surge from 500 followers to 100,000 in September. Domagoj recounts the turning point that changed his life and how he suddenly received more requests for User-Generated Content. Beyond his role as a content creator, Domagoj provides insights into his life as a digital nomad. He shares his perspectives on work-life balance, why he doesn't believe in the myth, and how he prioritizes intuition over reason. Don't miss this episode to learn more about Tech Wizzdom and Sparroww Inc! More about Domagoj: Domagoj Vidovic: https://www.linkedin.com/in/domagojvidovic/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/tech_wizzdom Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tech_wizzdom/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tech_wizzdom TechWizzdom: https://www.techwizzdom.com/
03.12.23 • 74:01
In this episode of Digitalconomics, I have Mahir Isikli from IRIS as a guest. As a VC analyst, he provides insights into exciting VC cases and the path to VC funding. Discover how Mahir found his passion for VC and discover with us the critical factors for startups getting money from an investor. The big question we'll discuss is: How can successful fundraising be achieved? We explore various exit strategies and the complex startup selection process. Mahir sheds light on the VC business and reveals what makes a compelling pitch deck. Tune in for fascinating insights into the world of venture capital. More about Mahir: Mahir Isikli: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mahir-isikli/ IRIS: https://www.iris.vc/ b2venture Startup Resources: https://resources.b2venture.vc/
05.11.23 • 76:42
In this podcast episode, I have Josh Nielsen, the founder of Zencastr, as my guest. Zencastr is the platform I personally use to record this podcast. We dive deeply into Josh's fascinating entrepreneurial journey, exploring the world of crowdfunding, the inception of Zencastr, and the challenges he overcame along the way. Why did he decide to establish Zencastr, and how did he turn this idea into a reality? What happened when investors initially didn't believe in his vision? Discover more about Josh's inspiring journey, from his start in Thailand to his current base in Salt Lake City. We also tell us the advantages and challenges of living and working in distant locations. Additionally, we explore the role of his family in this adventure. This episode is packed with intriguing insights into entrepreneurship, the podcast industry, and the future of Zencastr. Join us on this inspiring journey and learn why Josh Nielsen is leaning more towards AI in the future. More about Zencastr: Josh Nielsen: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshnielsen/ Zencastr: https://zencastr.com/
01.10.23 • 90:38
In this podcast episode, I speak with Daniel Gebler, the founder & CTO of Picnic, the fastest-growing online supermarket. Picnic is revolutionizing the grocery retail industry by offering groceries online at low prices and delivering them the next day. We discuss how Picnic uses machine learning and AI to organize orders and minimize food waste. Daniel explains how Picnic aims to be fair to its customers while promoting sustainable practices. We also take a look at the challenges and the future of online grocery retail. Learn more about Picnic's exciting innovations in this episode. More about Picnic: Daniel Gebler: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielgebler/ Picnic:https://picnic.app
17.09.23 • 57:49
In this podcast episode, we have Patryk and Sebastian as our guests, who have developed the platform CodeJet. CodeJet translates designs into high-quality HTML and React code, making it easier for designers to bring their designs to the internet. With over 12,000 users worldwide, of which 60% convert more than twice and 20% convert more than four times, CodeJet boasts an impressive success rate. We delve into how AI will further enhance the process in the future and discuss the AI features that are planned. The CodeJet team is dedicated to supporting designers and solving issues in web development. They also share insights into their marketing strategy to gain upvotes and attention on platforms like Product Hunt. Additionally, we explore their future plans, potential integration with WordPress, and their approach to translations and quality within their team. More about CodeJet: Patryk Pijanowski: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrykpijanowski/ Sebastian Kurzynowski: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sebastian-k-799371126/ CodeJet: https://www.codejet.ai/ Producthunt: https://www.producthunt.com/products/codejet-2/launches
03.09.23 • 64:25
In this podcast episode, I take you to a small village in the south of Italy – Tursi. I talk with Salvatore Gulfo, the founder of Tursi Digital Nomads. He envisions transforming this little village into a hub for digital nomads and remote workers. Discover how this ambitious idea turned into reality as Salvatore, a Tursi local, took the initiative to create a community for international digital nomads. After experiencing remote work during the pandemic, he longed for a place where he could work and interact with others. We delve into the world of workations, learning about the collaboration with the town of Tursi and the challenges overcome in organizing internet access. This project offers more than just coworking and coliving – it provides authentic cultural experiences like hikes, wine tastings, and other excursions. We discuss the growth of the coliving project in the coming years, the challenges it faces, and what the future of digital nomadism might hold. More about Salvatore Gulfo: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/salvatore-gulfo Tursi Digital Nomads: Website: https://en.tursidigitalnomads.com
20.08.23 • 33:44
