#284 The Future of Tech Funding: Angel Insights and VC Shifts with Andrew Ryan

01/17/24 • 58 min

Navigating the stormy seas of tech fundraising, we were fortunate enough to be joined by the insightful Andrew Ryan, the mastermind behind NewChip Accelerator and Astralabs. Andrew, with his extensive experience in startups and AI, opened up about the tremors shaking the investment landscape. He painted a vivid picture of the ongoing downturn in investments and what it means for startups scrambling for capital. We tackled the evolving role of AI in shaping competition and investment outlooks, and the creative strategies founders employ, from bootstrapping to seeking support from angel investors.

As Andrew and I sifted through the complex world of venture capital, we uncovered the stark contrasts between the approaches of VCs and angel investors. The conversation took a turn to reflect on the perils of VC investment, focusing on the pitfalls of unsustainable growth and the ballooning of valuations that often accompany it. Through the lens of Pitch.com's bold step away from VC reliance, we discussed the profound effect investment decisions have on a company's trajectory and the intricate dance between investors and founders post-funding.

Our dialogue then shifted gears, bringing to light the often-overlooked personal battles faced by CEOs, particularly during global crises like the pandemic. Andrew didn't shy away from sharing his own struggles, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing one's health and well-being amid the high-stakes game of leadership. He left us with a powerful reminder that self-care is not just a luxury—it's an essential component of sustained success. Join us for a candid and eye-opening journey into the heartbeat of tech innovation and investment.

More about Ryan:

https://andrewryan.io/about

https://twitter.com/andrewryanatx

00:46 Introduction and Guest Introduction

01:10 Andrew's Journey into AI and FinTech

03:56 The State of Fundraising in 2024

05:34 The Impact of Economic Conditions on Startups

06:10 Alternatives to Traditional Fundraising

06:26 The Changing Landscape of Venture Capital

11:48 The Challenges of Working with VCs

12:05 The Shift Towards Profitability and Revenue Generation

20:25 The Role and Impact of Accelerators

24:48 The Need for a Reset in the Tech Industry

29:08 The Rise of Unqualified Tech Analysts

30:17 The Impact of COVID-19 on Tech Industry

30:30 The Decline of Fake Tech Analysts

31:08 The Key Factors for Startup Success

31:41 The Role of Profitability in Startup Success

32:09 The Impact of Crypto on the Tech Industry

33:39 The Shift in Investor Expectations

35:18 The Challenges of Being a CEO in Tech

35:27 The Importance of Experience in Startup Success

35:51 The Impact of the Startup Bubble Burst

36:31 The Story of Silicon Valley Bank

47:58 The Importance of Self-Care for Founders

50:07 The Future of AI in Tech

54:33 The Role of Twitter in Networking

More about Ryan:

https://andrewryan.io/about

https://twitter.com/andrewryanatx

00:46 Introduction and Guest Introduction

01:10 Andrew's Journey into AI and FinTech

03:56 The State of Fundraising in 2024

05:34 The Impact of Economic Conditions on Startups

06:10 Alternatives to Traditional Fundraising

06:26 The Changing Landscape of Venture Capital

11:48 The Challenges of Working with VCs

12:05 The Shift Towards Profitability and Revenue Generation

20:25 The Role and Impact of Accelerators

24:48 The Need for a Reset in the Tech Industry

29:08 The Rise of Unqualified Tech Analysts

30:17 The Impact of COVID-19 on Tech Industry

30:30 The Decline of Fake Tech Analysts

31:08 The Key Factors for Startup Success

31:41 The Role of Profitability in Startup Success

32:09 The Impact of Crypto on the Tech Industry

33:39 The Shift in Investor Expectations

35:18 The Challenges of Being a CEO in Tech

35:27 The Importance of Experience in Startup Success

35:51 The Impact of the Startup Bubble Burst

36:31 The Story of Silicon Valley Bank

47:58 The Importance of Self-Care for Founders

50:07 The Future of AI in Tech

54:33 The Role of Twitter in Networking

Previous Episode

#283 Innovative Leadership: Coaching Tech Founders Towards Success with Vladimir Baranov

Unlock the secrets to effective leadership within the tech realm as I, Mehmet, join forces with the esteemed executive coach, Vladimir Baranov. Together, we shed light on the pivotal role that coaching plays in aiding tech industry leaders and founders to steer their own ship. As Vladimir eloquently distinguishes coaching from mentoring, consulting, and therapy, he shares how his approach empowers clients to uncover new possibilities through strategic questioning, rather than spoon-feeding them advice. The crux of our conversation reveals when leaders should seek coaching and how to measure its transformative impact on their journey to becoming more effective at the helm.

Navigating the terrain of tech startups, we dissect the intricate ballet between maintaining technological innovation and a human-centric approach. As I converse with Vladimir, we underscore the frequently overestimated user engagement with tech solutions and address the friction that can arise between tech-savvy and non-technical co-founders. We provide strategies for preserving the delicate balance between innovation and human-centricity as companies burgeon, all while considering how industry influences sculpt the organizational culture. For tech leaders aiming to scale their enterprises without compromising their core values, these insights are invaluable.

Lastly, we cast our gaze upon the future, exploring how technology shapes the coaching industry itself. By recognizing the diversity of each business context, I draw parallels from my company, Human Interfaces, to stress the uniqueness of communication and decision-making processes. We caution tech founders against cookie-cutter strategies, instead encouraging informed decision-making in new and unfamiliar landscapes. With a nod to technology trends influencing startups, our dialogue offers a compass for founders to navigate the ever-changing seas of the tech industry.

More about Vladimir:

If you feel that a change in your entrepreneurial path is overdue, it’s a signal to stop wasting your precious time and life. Vladimir specializes in converting your signals into aligned outcomes.

✅ Zero-to-MVP Start-up Journey

✅ Team Management

✅ Transitioning from full-time role

✅ C-Suite Relationship with CTOs

✅ Perfect vs Good Decision Making

Vladimir offer for the audience : https://www.humaninterfaces.co/mehmet

00:45 Introduction and Guest Presentation

01:47 Understanding Executive Coaching

03:17 Differentiating Coaching and Mentoring

04:15 The Role of a Coach in Leadership

05:58 When to Start Having a Coach

06:56 Measuring the Impact of Coaching

09:57 Challenges Tech Leaders Face in Accepting Coaching

18:51 The Interplay of Technology and Organizational Behavior

24:24 Maintaining Culture and Values in Scaling Organizations

41:11 The Future of Personal Development Technology

44:14 Conclusion and Contact Information

Next Episode

#285 Crossroads of Creativity: Barry Luijbregts' Synergy of Software Development and Podcasting

The unmistakable beep and whir of an MSX computer booting up marked the start of Barry Luijbregts' lifelong dance with code, a passion he shares with us as we traverse the landscape of software development and podcasting. Our conversation glides from his early days of programming to his current endeavor, Podhome FM, a modern podcast hosting platform. Through Barry's eyes, we witness the transformation of technology from the bulky tapes and CRT screens of yesteryear to the sleek digital advancements of today — a journey that reveals the potent magic of Microsoft technologies and the rich history of software development.

Barry's narrative doesn't just stay locked in the past; it's a forward march into the realms of teaching, cloud computing with Microsoft Azure, and the conscious decision to back personal interests over traditional industries. He opens up about the motivations behind choosing podcasting as his focus, underscoring the empowering nature of podcasts to spread knowledge and inspiration. As we examine the interplay between technology and content creation, Barry highlights a pivotal truth — it's often the essence of your project that resonates with audiences, not the pursuit of perfection.

Wrapping up our journey, we extend a warm invitation to our listeners, both seasoned and newcomers, to become a more integral part of our community. Your input not only enriches our content but also fuels our creativity. So, whether you’re a tech aficionado, a podcasting pro, or simply intrigued by the synergy of technology and storytelling, Barry's insights and our discussions are sure to provide a wellspring of wisdom and encouragement for your own creative ventures.

More about Barry:

Barry Luijbregts began his career as a software developer, fueling his passion for bringing ideas to life through code. With nearly two decades in the software industry, he has evolved from crafting software to imparting knowledge, spending eight years as an educator in software development through in-person and online courses. Recognized as a thought leader, particularly in Microsoft technology and Microsoft Azure, Barry earned the title of Microsoft Azure MVP for five years and gained prominence as an international speaker.

In early 2023, seeking new challenges, Barry contemplated various paths including the healthcare sector, but ultimately decided to leverage his expertise to empower creators. This led to the creation of Podhome, a sophisticated podcasting platform. Launched in November 2023, Podhome offers unique features such as Podhome AI for automated content generation, comprehensive podcasting 2.0 support, and enhanced user engagement tools. Barry's extensive experience and dedication were pivotal in the rapid development of Podhome. He finds joy in supporting his users, helping them enhance productivity and improve their content's quality.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/barryluijbregts

https://www.podhome.fm

00:46 Introduction and Guest Presentation

01:34 Early Experiences and Passion for Software Development

03:11 First Projects and the Magic of Programming

06:49 Transition to Microsoft Technologies and Teaching

12:42 Understanding Business Needs and Technology Solutions

17:16 Choosing Podcasting and Building Podhome

18:53 The Value of Podcasting and Future Plans

26:45 The Importance of Podcast Workflow and Metadata

27:54 The Role of AI in Streamlining Podcast Production

29:22 The Benefits of a Unified Podcasting Platform