Hi, I'm Mat! During the day, I'm helping companies grow @ Product Hunt. On nights and weekends, I am thinking/writing/podcasting/building.

Latest Episodes

960 - The Power Of One Visit To Silicon Valley w/ Audrey Chen (Nosu)

In this conversation, Mat Sherman interviews Audrey Chen, co-founder of Nosu, about her journey from gaining a following on social media to launching a startup focused on streamlining hackathon ops. Audrey shares her experiences of going viral on Twitter, raising capital in Silicon Valley, and the features of Nosu that cater to both hackathon organizers and participants. The discussion highlights the importance of networking, the impact of environment on startup success, and the future plans for Nosu.

959 - One Man's Journey Of Breaking Into Silicon Valley From Ohio w/ Andrew Rea (Taxwire)

In this episode, Mat Sherman sits down with Andrew Rea, co-founder and CEO of Taxwire, to explore the transformative journey of entrepreneurship during the pandemic. Starting with the pivotal role of reinvention in challenging times, the conversation shifts to the intricacies of sales tax compliance and how Taxwire simplifies this daunting task for businesses. Andrew shares his entry into the tech world, shedding light on the hurdles of building a startup outside traditional tech hubs. As he narrates his transition from an employee to a founder, listeners gain insight into the birth of Taxwire and the complex ‘idea maze’ entrepreneurs often navigate.The episode delves into the fundraising journey, where Andrew underscores the importance of social capital and networking in attracting investors and growing a venture. He offers a candid reflection on the unpredictable nature of early-stage startups, highlighting the value of cultivating meaningful relationships within the venture capital ecosystem. In closing, Andrew provides valuable resources and final thoughts, leaving listeners with actionable insights into building a resilient startup in today’s ever-evolving landscape.

958 - Creating A Masterful UX In A Crowded Field w/ Aleksandar Besarovic (Aimfox)

In this conversation, Mat Sherman interviews Aleksandar Besarovic, co-founder of Aimfox, a LinkedIn outreach tool. They discuss the journey of Aimfox, including its initial launch challenges, the importance of user feedback, and the strategies implemented for a successful second launch. Aleksandar shares insights on building a user-friendly product, the role of AI in enhancing outreach, and the long-term vision for Aimfox. The conversation emphasizes the significance of listening to users and maintaining a long-term perspective in business.

957 - How AI Can Revolutionize Book Recommendations W/ John Busch (Iliad)

In this episode, Mat Sherman sits down with John Busch, founder of Iliad, an AI-powered book discovery platform designed to help readers uncover life-changing books. They dive into the challenges of current book recommendation systems, how Iliad addresses the limitations of platforms like Goodreads, and the role of AI in enhancing the reading experience while building trust in recommendations. John also shares his journey as a founder, offering actionable advice on fundraising, the importance of storytelling, and how networking and warm intros can open doors for AI startups. They explore why business model innovation is as critical as product innovation, the art of building momentum with investors, and how favorite books can shape a founder’s perspective.

956 - How To Become The World's Most Active Angel Investor w/ Edward Lando (Pareto Holdings)

In this episode, Mat Sherman sits down with Edward Lando, one of the most prolific angel investors in the world, to explore the intricacies of early-stage investing. Edward shares his journey into angel investing, detailing his philosophy of prioritizing quality over quantity and the critical role relationships play in successful investments. From understanding valuations and navigating early-stage deals to constructing a portfolio that balances risk and reward, Edward provides invaluable insights for both founders and investors. Whether you’re a budding entrepreneur or an aspiring investor, this episode is packed with practical advice and strategies to help you thrive in the fast-paced world of startups.Find Edward on LinkedIn or Twitter and learn more about Pareto Holdings here.