I'm joined by Saher Shodhan, founder of Thera Travel, a startup that's disrupting the healthcare industry by providing patients with access to affordable and high-quality medical care abroad. With a background in marketing and growth, Saher has leveraged AI tools to drive growth and reduce marketing costs by 10x. In this conversation, we dive deep into the challenges of building a successful startup, the role of AI in healthcare, and how Thera Travel is making a difference in people's lives.Key Discussion Points:🔥 What sparked the idea for Thera Travel and how Saher identified a problem in the healthcare system🚀 How Saher used AI tools to reduce marketing costs by 10x and drive growth🤖 The role of AI in healthcare and how Thera Travel is disrupting the industry💡 The importance of understanding government data and using it to drive business decisions📈 How Saher built a successful startup from scratch, from idea to exit in four yearsTimecodes:0:00 - Introduction0:36 - The Spark Behind TheraTravel4:45 - The Journey of a Solo Founder7:06 - Using AI for Marketing and Content Creation16:09 - The Truth Behind Startup Valuations19:51 - Navigating the Challenges of AI in Business22:10 - Lessons from the Traktion Journey24:12 - Finding the Right Acquirer for Your Startup36:45 - Evolving Advertising Strategies in 202642:28 - Rethinking Team Size as a Success Metric43:18 - The Reality of Fundraising Celebrations44:52 - Learning from Failures in Startup Growth48:24 - Selling Growth Strategies to Startups51:11 - Analyzing Competitor Success in Marketing52:46 - Recommended Reading for Founders54:45 - Closing Remarks and Contact InformationImportant Links:You can reach Saher Shodhan at https://www.linkedin.com/in/sahersVishesh, your host at https://vishesh.spaceCheckout Thera Travel at http://theratravel.co.uk/P.S. If you are writing on LinkedIn https://tryjerry.com🎙️ Subscribe for more episodes!#Episode56 #VenturingWithVishesh #Startups #Entrepreneurship

I'm joined by Scott Persinger, Co-founder and CTO of BizTrip AI, a company focused on utilizing AI technology to enhance corporate travel management. With a background in software development and a passion for innovation, Scott has led BizTrip AI from its inception to become a leader in the AI-powered travel industry. In this conversation, we dive deep into the challenges of integrating AI into legacy travel tech stacks and the strategic decision to target the B2B market.

The travel industry is ripe for transformation with AI, but it's not just about implementing technology - it's about understanding the underlying challenges and creating solutions that truly serve the needs of users. Scott Persinger, Co-founder and CTO of BizTrip AI, shares his insights on debunking AI myths, building features that customers want, and the importance of cross-functional experience in understanding different roles within a company.

Timecodes:

0:00 - Introduction

2:42 - Choosing B2B Over B2C in Travel AI

5:35 - Challenges of Integrating AI with Legacy Systems

9:08 - Scott's Engineering Background and Current Tech Stack

11:14 - The Evolution of AI Tools in Development

13:09 - Fine-Tuning AI Models for Specific Use Cases

14:38 - Misunderstanding AI's Capabilities in Software Development

20:34 - The Importance of Customer Insights in Product Development

26:32 - Future of AI in Travel Tech: Contextual Understanding

34:44 - The Importance of Historical Data in AI Recommendations

36:22 - Learning from Memorable Failures in Startups

39:33 - Evolving Leadership Styles in Tech Teams

42:07 - Advice for New Engineers: Networking Beyond Tech

47:25 - Lessons from Stripe

52:43 - Closing Remarks and Contact Information

Important Links:

You can reach Scott Persinger at https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottpersinger

Vishesh, your host at https://vishesh.space

Checkout BizTrip AI at https://biztrip.ai

P.S. If you are writing on LinkedIn https://tryjerry.com

I'm joined by Brian Leor Frankel, Growth Consultant at Ignite.Consulting, with a background in market research and over 20 years of experience in B2B campaigns. With a passion for teaching and helping startups scale, Brian brings a unique perspective on customer acquisition cost optimization and marketing strategy.

Optimizing customer acquisition costs is crucial for startups and entrepreneurs. In this conversation, we dive into the art of CAC optimization, exploring strategies for bringing down customer acquisition costs and scaling marketing efforts. We discuss the importance of understanding customer desires and fears, creating effective messaging, and leveraging AI to improve marketing performance.

Key Discussion Points:

🔥 What's the one thing that's holding you back from achieving profitable growth?

🤔 How to identify the 20% of your marketing efforts that drive 80% of your results

📈 The surprising way to bring down customer acquisition costs by 50% or more

📊 Why most founders get AI implementation completely wrong (and how to do it right)

💡 The counterintuitive way to create messaging that resonates with your target audience

📈 How to use data to inform your marketing decisions and drive real growth

Timecodes:

0:00 - Intro

2:20 - Why CAC Starts High for Startups

6:39 - Identifying the Core Value Proposition

9:27 - How to Find & Test Messaging

13:40 - Testing Angles, Hooks & Visuals

15:55 - Budgeting Ad spend

19:07 - Using AI for Quick Sentiment Analysis

21:17 - The 5-Step Consumer Purchase Process (CPP)

30:56 - How AI Enhances the Consumer Purchase Process

32:02 - Personal Section: Long COVID & Recovery Journey

36:30 - Slowing Down While Still Being Results-Driven

37:58 - Working With Keith Ferrazzi

38:40 - Lessons From “Never Eat Alone” & Networking

40:50 - Why You Must Still Learn to Know People Yourself

41:33 - Final Thoughts on Running Campaigns Across Platforms

44:24 - Where to Find Brian Online

44:54 - Closing Thanks

Important Links:

You can reach Brian Leor Frankel at https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianfrankel

Vishesh, your host at https://vishesh.space

Checkout Ignite.Consulting

P.S. If you are writing on LinkedIn https://tryjerry.com

David Abaev is the founder of Databar.ai; a powerful, plug-and-play data enrichment platform built for lean GTM teams. In this episode, we unpack how David is building a category-defining product in the shadow of VC-backed behemoths, his playbook for partnerships and product prioritization, and what founders get wrong about GTM data, AI agents, and scraping.

From a rough AppSumo launch to scaling 1,000+ customers with under $500k raised, David brings raw insight and GTM clarity.

Key Discussion Points:

🔥 How a painful personal experience as an investor led to the creation of Databar

📊 The impact of AISDRs on a data business

📈 The role of email in GTM

🚀 The difference between launching on ProductHunt and AppSumo

Timecodes:

0:00 - Introduction

1:00 - David's Journey from Investor to Founder

2:30 - Identifying the Gap in Data Tools

4:00 - The Evolution of DataBar's Product Focus

5:30 - Finding the Right Ideal Customer Profile (ICP)

6:45 - Competing with Clay: Market Positioning

8:15 - Differentiation Strategies Between DataBar and Competitors

9:50 - The Impact of AI SDRs on DataBar's Business

11:30 - The Importance of High-Quality Data in Outreach

13:00 - Multi-Channel Strategies for Customer Engagement

14:20 - Launching on Product Hunt vs. AppSumo

17:00 - Key Differences Between Product Hunt and AppSumo Audiences

18:30 - Recommendations for Launch Timing and Strategy

20:00 - Book Recommendations for Founders

20:30 - Tools and Workflows: What Needs Improvement

21:00 - Nurturing Cold Leads: Strategies for Follow-Up

22:30 - The Role of LinkedIn in Lead Engagement

23:00 - Closing Thoughts and Where to Find DataBar

24:30 - Final Advice for Founders and Entrepreneurs

Important Links:

You can reach David Abaev at https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidabaev1/

Vishesh, your host at https://vishesh.space

Checkout Databar at https://databar.ai

P.S. If you are writing on LinkedIn https://tryjerry.com

I'm joined by Bradley Jones, the Founder & CEO of ThatRound, a pioneering investment platform in the UK. With a background in mathematics and experience in the financial sector, Bradley has a unique understanding of the challenges and opportunities in early-stage investments. In this conversation, we explore how ThatRound is disrupting traditional early-stage investments in the UK, the looming AI Bubble, early-stage investing in general, and more!Key Discussion Points:🔥 What sets the ThatRound model apart from traditional early-stage investments?💸 What are the key factors that contribute to a startup's success in securing funding?📈 How can entrepreneurs balance risk and reward when making investment decisions?Timecodes:0:00 - Introduction2:15 - Background on the Podcast and Host4:30 - The Journey of Building a Network in Entrepreneurship7:00 - Transitioning from Startup to Podcasting9:45 - Insights on Funding and Investment Strategies12:30 - The Importance of Networking in Silicon Valley15:00 - Discussion on Deep Tech and Innovative Startups18:15 - Challenges in Raising Capital for Startups21:00 - Overview of the New Business: That Round24:30 - The Problem with Current Funding Processes27:00 - How That Round Streamlines Capital Access30:00 - Business Model: Startups vs. Investors33:15 - Due Diligence and Quality Control in Startups36:00 - Addressing the Needs of Investors and Founders39:00 - The Future of Funding and Investment Trends42:15 - The Next Wave45:00 - The Investor Pain53:00 Cracking the startup investor marketplace58:00 Wrap up and promo codeImportant Links:You can reach Bradley Jones at https://www.linkedin.com/in/bradley-jones-founderCheck out ThatRound at https://www.thatround.com/Vishesh, your host at https://vishesh.spaceP.S. If you are struggling with writing on LinkedIn, https://tryjerry.com

Episode 51 with Santosh Sharan, Co-Founder & CEO at ZeerAI.I'm joined by Santosh Sharan, Co-Founder & CEO of ZeerAI, a pioneer in AI-driven go-to-market strategies. With a background in engineering and a passion for innovation, Santosh has led ZeerAI from its early days to a successful SaaS company. In this conversation, we dive deep into the challenges of building a successful SaaS business, discuss the impact of AI on go-to-market strategies, and explore practical strategies for SaaS founders navigating the changing landscape.In this episode, we explore the future of SaaS and the impact of AI on business models, customer acquisition costs, and the sales process. We discuss the importance of smart automation, unique data strategies, and community building to create a competitive moat.Key Discussion Points:🔥 Why most SaaS founders get AI implementation completely wrong🤖 The surprising way AI is changing the sales process📈 How to create a competitive moat in the SaaS landscape💡 The importance of unique data strategies in SaaS business models👥 How community building can drive customer acquisition and retention🚀 The future of SaaS and the impact of AI on customer acquisition costs💻 Why traditional CRM systems are no longer effective in the AI eraTimecodes:0:00 - Introduction1:00 - Santosh's Journey from Engineer to Founder3:15 - The Importance of Staying in One Industry5:00 - Learning Curve and Career Optimization7:30 - Overview of Zeer and Its Mission9:45 - The Shift in Go-To-Market Strategies12:00 - Challenges in Building a Two-Sided Marketplace14:30 - The Evolution of Product Development with AI17:00 - Impact of AI on Customer Acquisition Costs20:00 - The Future of SaaS: Legacy vs. New Players22:30 - Organizational Changes in the Age of AI25:00 - Hiring Strategies for AI-Driven Companies28:15 - The Role of Junior Employees in the Future Workforce30:45 - Learning Beyond the Job: A New Mindset33:00 - Go-To-Market Strategies: PLG vs. Sales-Led38:00 - Understanding Buyer Needs in Sales40:30 - The Role of Content in Buyer Engagement41:30 - Inspirational Reads and Philosophy42:30 - Closing Remarks and How to Connect with SantoshImportant Links:You can reach Santosh Sharan at https://www.linkedin.com/in/ssharanVishesh, your host at https://vishesh.spaceCheckout ZeerAI at https://zeer.aiP.S. If you are writing on LinkedIn https://tryjerry.com🎙️ Subscribe for more episodes!#Episode51 #VenturingWithVishesh #Startups #Entrepreneurship #startups #entrepreneurship #venturingwithvishesh

I'm joined by Gautam Rishi, the Co-Founder & CEO of OneShot.ai, a pioneering AI-powered sales development platform. With a background in tech and a passion for innovation, Gautam has led OneShot from its early days to a successful company that's changing the face of sales development. In this conversation, we dive deep into the challenges of sales development in the AI era and explore practical strategies for building successful sales teams.

This episode explores the challenges of sales development in today's AI-driven landscape, highlighting the importance of human touch and listening skills in building successful sales teams. Gautam Rishi shares his journey from a successful tech career to founding OneShot, discussing the impact of AI on the sales development representative industry and how his company positioned itself in the market before the AI boom.

Key Discussion Points:

🔥 Why do most AISDRs fail?

🤖 How human touch can revive sales in AI times

👥 The rise of young entrepreneurs: How they're changing the sales landscape

🚀 Channels to focus on in B2B Sales

And more!

Timecodes:

0:00 - Introduction

1:00 - The Journey from SDR to Founder

5:00 - Identifying the Problem in the SDR Industry

8:00 - The Impact of AI on Outbound Sales

11:00 - Navigating Early Success and Market Changes

14:00 - The Shift from Email to Phone Outreach

17:00 - Hiring Fractional SDRs: Benefits and Challenges

20:00 - Building a Hybrid Sales Model

23:00 - The Importance of Human Element in Sales

26:00 - Addressing the Skills Gap in Modern Sales Teams

29:00 - The Role of Curiosity and Self-Improvement in Sales

32:00 - Understanding Customer Needs Through Outbound

35:00 - Common GTM Mistakes Startups Make

38:00 - Pre and Post Product-Market Fit Strategies

41:00 - Aligning Engineering and Sales Goals

44:00 - Incentivizing Engineers for Better Alignment

47:00 - The Importance of Resilience in Startups

50:00 - Final Thoughts for Founders

52:00 - Where to Find Gautam and OneShot.ai

Important Links:

You can reach Gautam Rishi at https://www.linkedin.com/in/grishi

Vishesh, your host at https://vishesh.space

Checkout OneShot.ai

P.S. If you are writing on LinkedIn https://tryjerry.com

I'm joined by Ananya Grover, Founder of HealCycle, a Labouisse Fellow, and Entrepreneur-in-Residence at Antler. With a background in public health and a passion for women's health, Ananya has dedicated her career to developing innovative solutions for women's health and wellness.

This episode explores the intersection of hormonal and mental health, discussing the importance of emotional support and personalized insights for women dealing with premenstrual symptoms and conditions like PMDD. Ananya shares her journey in founding HealCycle, a hormone and mood tracking app, and emphasizes the need for a holistic approach to women's health.

Key Discussion Points:

🔥 What happens when hormonal and mental health intersect?

🤯 The surprising connection between PMS and PMDD

💡 How AI can help support women's mental health

📊 The importance of personalized user experiences in health tech

👥 The role of community building in mental health support

💻 The challenges of developing AI companions for mental health

🚀 The future of women's health technology and its potential impact

Timecodes:

0:00 - Introduction

0:15 - The Spark Behind HealCycle: Ananya's Journey

5:55 - The Importance of Hormonal Tracking in Women's Health

8:16 - Product Design Choices: Addressing Serious Health Concerns

10:51 - HealCycle's Global Reach: User Demographics

12:03 - Differentiating HealCycle from Competitors

14:55 - Building the First 100 Users: Strategies and Insights

20:34 - Safeguarding Users: AI Companion Ethics

23:08 - Balancing Warmth and Guidance in AI Interactions

25:40 - Learning from Failures: Distribution Challenges

27:12 - User Onboarding: Cultural Considerations

30:06 - Direct-to-Consumer Strategy: Insights on Healthcare Distribution

32:39 - Exploring Partnerships with Healthcare Professionals

35:38 - Future Directions: Habit Change and Health Coaching

36:59 - Current Challenges: Growth and Retention

37:18 - Lessons Learned: Growth Hacks and Mistakes

38:37 - Never Get A Cold Email

41:23 - Closing Remarks and Where to Find HealCycle

Important Links:

You can reach Ananya Grover at https://www.linkedin.com/in/ananya-grover

Vishesh, your host at https://vishesh.space

Checkout HealCycle at https://www.healcycle.com/

P.S. If you are writing on LinkedIn https://tryjerry.com