A Fond Farewell to TechCrunch’s Found Podcast: A Journey Through My Favorite Episodes
Since its launch in April 2022, TechCrunch’s Found podcast has been a beacon for listeners eager to uncover the stories behind the startups. Having joined as a host in November 2022, I had the privilege of engaging with over 75 founders, each one contributing unique perspectives from diverse sectors like AI, climate tech, ecommerce, and education.
As we release our final episode today, I find myself reflecting on some standout conversations that have left a lasting impression. You might observe a common thread among these episodes: the most compelling founders didn’t simply pitch their products or make exaggerated claims. Instead, they offered honest insights into the challenges and triumphs of startup life.
- Liu from Airtable: Liu’s storytelling was as captivating as the app’s design, inspired by an animated movie character. It was a conversation filled with creativity and insight.
- Frosst in AI: Amidst AI hype, Frosst stood out by acknowledging industry overselling. A refreshing take from an informed founder.
- Campus’s Unique Vision: Campus breaks away from typical iterations with its online community college model—truly one of a kind.
- Nicolas Green of Thrive Market: Thrive Market’s inclusive approach to healthy groceries was both strategic and heartening, especially considering its pre-COVID launch.
- Glacier’s Futuristic Recycling: Using computer vision for recycling, Glacier offers a peek into the future. Plus, their robots have names!
- The Honey Pot’s Beatrice Dixon: Dixon’s tale is both gritty and sweet, highlighting the relentless drive needed to succeed.
- Olipop’s Innovative Approach: Goodwin’s personal touch on flavor creation in a flourishing gut-healthy soda market made for an engaging chat.
- Pair Team’s Impactful Mission: Batlivala taps into government resources to serve underserved communities—a bright spot in tech.
- Misfits Market’s Bold Moves: Ramesh shared candid insights post-acquisition of Imperfect Foods, offering lessons in growth and adaptation.
- Graham Hine and ePlant: AI sensors for tree health? Yes! Hine’s unique approach made for an enlightening discussion on environmental tech.
- Amy Rosenberg of Low Vision Tech: Rosenberg’s assistive tech is rooted in personal experience, shining light on often-overlooked innovations.
- Kamakshi Sivaramakrishnan of Samooha: A powerhouse in tech, Sivaramakrishnan’s journey from hospital signings to successful sales offers invaluable lessons.
- Ben Lamm’s Colossal Biosciences: Reviving extinct species sounds wild until Lamm explains it—suddenly it all makes sense!
- The Mill’s Creative Solutions with Rogers: From iPhone development to home composting, Rogers shares hilarious anecdotes that entertain and inform.
- GigFinesse’s Hwang & Innovative Booking: With amusing tales and a cool gig-booking tool, Hwang’s story is as entertaining as it is inspiring.
“The best founders offered clearheaded accounts of building their companies and navigating startup life.”
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Though the Found podcast concludes here, these episodes serve as a testament to the ingenuity and resilience within the startup ecosystem. Each founder’s story is a chapter filled with valuable lessons for anyone on this entrepreneurial journey.
