Startups Decoded – Details, episodes & analysis

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How LLMs are rewriting application security: less false positives, faster triage, and real-world founder playbooks.

Founders are sprinting on AI—attackers are too. Traditional security tools drown teams in alerts and miss the real threats. 

In this episode, Almanax founder & CEO Francesco Piccoli breaks down AI-native application security: how LLMs detect logic bugs legacy scanners miss, cut up to 90% of noise, and triage vulnerabilities at the pace you ship. We cover where “shift-left” falls short, how to operationalize low-friction code scanning in GitHub, and what legal/compliance leaders expect before they’ll sign your deal.

If you’re building or buying AI-accelerated software as a founder, CTO, or security lead, this is the playbook.

Chapters

00:00 AI-Native Security: Why It Matters Now
01:19 Francesco’s Path to AppSec
05:26 Why Legacy Tools Miss Real Bugs
10:48 The Cat-and-Mouse Reality of Cyber
15:46 Legal & Compliance: What Founders Owe
20:34 Founder Best Practices (Week-1 Checklist)
28:46 Cutting 90% of Alert Noise
36:32 Making Security Usable for Devs
39:45 When Breaches Happen: First Calls
41:53 Wrap-Up + Next Steps

Francesco Piccoli

Founder and CEO of Almanax, joins us to unpack how his team is building AI-native systems to catch 5x more bugs while cutting 90% of the noise. We talk about the future of application security, why shift-left isn’t enough anymore, and how triaging vulnerabilities at scale requires a new kind of intelligence.

Who Should Listen

• Seed–Series B founders shipping fast on AI-native stacks
• Eng leaders drowning in SAST/DAST false positives
• Security & compliance owners prepping for SOC 2 / ISO 27001

Music Credit: 

"Neptuno" - Phondupe (Album: Onykia)

Access All Areas.

• Listen: Apple || Spotify || YouTube
• Subscribe: Substack
• Community & Events: Founders Circle
• Connect: 

Need clarity on fundraising, strategy, or scaling? 

You can book me, Andy Walsh, directly on Hubble for focused 1:1 advice. 15, 30, or 45 minutes no fluff, just solutions.

Head to hubble.social/AndyWalsh

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Expert insights and proven strategies from Australia's top investors. Build your wealth.

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In this episode of Startups Decoded, Andy Walsh talks with Charlie Hills, a global leader in LinkedIn growth strategy.

AI is rewriting LinkedIn, and Charlie Hills has the receipts. In 466 days, he went from zero to 100k+ followers and ranked #1 worldwide for LinkedIn Growth. We break down the exact AI-led playbook: repeatable content systems, scroll-stopping visuals, audience targeting, repurposing loops, and lead-magnet funnels that turn attention into revenue.

If you want your LinkedIn to stand out and convert in 2025, this is the blueprint.

Access All Areas.

• Listen: Apple || Spotify || YouTube
• Subscribe: Substack
• Community & Events: Founders Circle
• Connect: LinkedIn
• Socials: TikTok || Instagram || X
• Web: startupsdecoded.com

Charlie Hills

Charlie Hills is the Founder of Linked Agency and a global leader in LinkedIn growth strategy. 

In 2024, he scaled his following to 50k+ in under one year, and by early 2025, he surpassed 100k+ followers in just 466 days. Ranked #1 worldwide for LinkedIn Growth, Charlie blends AI tools with proven content frameworks to help brands and individuals grow faster, engage deeper, and convert more effectively.

Linked Agency

Linked Agency helps founders, executives, and creators dominate LinkedIn using AI-powered content strategies. Through bespoke content plans, engagement systems, and visual optimisation, Linked Agency enables clients to scale their reach, build authority, and drive inbound opportunities without spending countless hours on content creation.

Music Credit: “Neptuno” - Phondupe (Album: Onykia)

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction to LinkedIn and Personal Bran

Need clarity on fundraising, strategy, or scaling? 

You can book me, Andy Walsh, directly on Hubble for focused 1:1 advice. 15, 30, or 45 minutes no fluff, just solutions.

Head to hubble.social/AndyWalsh

Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify

Support the show

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Discover how effective storytelling captivates investors and builds a compelling personal brand. 

Join us as we unpack the strategies founders and leaders use to craft narratives that drive investment and inspire action. Whether you're looking to secure funding, attract customers, or refine your startup’s story, this episode is packed with actionable insights to elevate your brand and make a real impact.

Dr. Ankur Pathak

Founding Principal at London Real Ventures, the first media-powered investment firm blending media and finance. After transitioning from medicine, Ankur led investments in Web3 and AI projects like Shrapnel, Story Protocol, and NAYMS. Leveraging London Real’s platform of 5M+ subscribers, he connects founders and investors, offering strategic insights, media exposure, and capital. Ankur’s focus is on building long-term, value-driven relationships across AI, blockchain, and the metaverse.

London Real Ventures

Invests in cutting-edge Web3, AI, and Metaverse companies, offering more than just capital. They leverage their global network of 5 million subscribers to rapidly build brand visibility, drive customer acquisition, and foster partnerships.

Their process includes:

1. Production: A custom, high-definition interview with the CEO/Founder to promote the brand and secure funding.
2. Distribution: Broadcasting the interview and clips to a global audience, creating media buzz.
3. Connection: Linking companies with influential guests from various industries for strategic opportunities.
4. Expansion: Providing capital and continuous support to grow the business until exit.

Music Credit: "Neptuno" - Phondupe (Album: Onykia)

Summary

In this episode of Startups Decoded, host Andy Walsh engages in a deep conversation with Dr. Ankur Pathak, exploring the significance of storytelling in startups, the journey from healthcare to investment, and the role of media in amplifying founder narratives. 

Dr. Ankur shares insights on personal branding, the importance of building relationships over mere transactions, and the long-term value approach in investing. The discussion also delves into crafting and communicating compelling stories that resonate with investors and audiences alike, emphasizing the human element in the investment process.

Takeaways

Storytelling is crucial for startups to connect with audiences.

Dr. Ankur transitioned from healthcare to investment, emphasizing the importance of financial literacy.

The media platform plays a vital role in amplifying startup stories.

Investors are more likely to support founders they have a relationship with.

Personal branding is essential for founders to stand out.

Documenting the entrepreneurial journey builds trust and engagement.

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In this episode of Startups Decoded, Michael Landers shares why culture isn’t just an HR function; it’s a startup’s competitive edge. 

We’ll explore how founders can intentionally shape company culture from day one, avoid common leadership pitfalls, and navigate cross-cultural challenges as they scale globally.

Key discussion points:

• Why culture is the foundation of startup success, not an afterthought
• How to build and scale a company culture that aligns with business goals
• The role of founder leadership in shaping team dynamics and company values
• Cross-cultural challenges in hiring, partnerships, and expansion
• Lessons from working with global organizations on culture-driven leadership

Michael’s insights will help founders think beyond strategy and execution, because in the end, a strong culture is what sustains high-growth startups.

Michael Landers.

Speaker, Author, and Founder of Culture Crossing.

Michael Landers is a globally recognized speaker, author, and consultant specializing in organizational culture, leadership development, and cross-cultural communication. With a career dedicated to empowering organizations to reach their full human potential, he has worked with leaders and teams worldwide to cultivate purpose-driven cultures that foster awareness, alignment, and growth.

A Global Perspective on Culture and Leadership

Having grown up in Latin America and later lived in Japan, Michael developed a deep appreciation for diverse cultures and ways of working. These experiences shaped his understanding of how culture influences leadership, team dynamics, and business outcomes. His insights have guided leaders in navigating complex, multicultural environments and building high-performing, inclusive organizations.

Founder of Culture Crossing

As the founder of Culture Crossing, Michael helps organizations cultivate intentional cultures that align with their values, vision, and goals. 

Driving Impact Through Thought Leadership

Michael is the author of Culture Crossing: Discover the Key to Making Successful Connections in the New Global Era, a practical guide to navigating cultural differences in business and leadership. 

SHOW NOTES

Music Credit: "Neptuno" - Phondupe (Album: Onykia)

Chapters

00:00 Understanding Culture in Startups

02:33 Michael Landers' Journey and Expertise

04:36 The Evolution of Corporate Culture

06:13 Observing Culture: The Gap Between Intent and Reality

10:56 The Role of Leadership in Shaping Culture

13:17 Defining Culture in Early-Stage Startups

15:49 The Importance of Language in Cultural Frameworks

18:52 Behavioral Modeling and Leadership Influence

20:50 Transforming Culture: Is It Too Late?

22:27 The Impact of Managers on Employee Retention

25:04 Hiring for Culture vs. Skills

27:17 Celebrati

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Many founders are chasing scale, but at what cost? 

In this episode, Leila Lahbabi shares how purpose-driven leaders can grow thriving companies without burning out or losing themselves in the process. We explore the real tension between being a present parent and an ambitious entrepreneur, and how to build high-performing teams that unlock freedom rather than dependence.

Leila Lahbabi

Leila Lahbabi is a trusted advisor to purpose-driven founders and CEOs, helping them scale their companies without sacrificing their freedom, values, or well-being. With a background in strategy consulting for Fortune 100 companies, five years as an entrepreneur, and a deep foundation in psychology, mindfulness, and personal development, Leila brings a holistic, high-impact approach to leadership and business growth.

Her work focuses on building high-performing teams and fostering leadership autonomy, enabling founders to step out of the operational grind and into sustainable, values-aligned growth. Leila is also the author of the upcoming book The Billion Dollar Purpose, which explores how mission-driven leaders can unlock talent, scale impact, and build thriving businesses from the inside out.

https://www.leilalahbabi.com/impact-at-scale

SHOW NOTES

Music Credit: "Neptuno" - Phondupe (Album: Onykia)

In this episode of Startups Decoded, Andy Walsh speaks with Leila Lahbabi about her journey from consulting to entrepreneurship, emphasizing the importance of scaling without sacrificing personal well-being. They discuss the challenges of balancing motherhood and business, the significance of mindfulness and prioritization, and the need to focus on the hard work that truly drives business success. Leila shares her insights on transitioning from being a Chief Everything Officer to a CEO, highlighting the importance of delegation and adaptability in scaling a business effectively.

Takeaways

Starting a business is challenging, especially when balancing multiple roles.

Mindfulness can help manage stress and improve focus.

It's crucial to prioritize actions that drive results.

Balancing work and family requires conscious effort and planning.

Entrepreneurs often face burnout due to overwhelming responsibilities.

Delegation is essential for scaling a business effectively.

Understanding the difference between working hard and doing hard work is key.

Investing time and intention in your business leads to growth.

Adaptability is a critical factor for business success.

Reflection and feedback are vital for continuous improvement.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Scaling Without Sacrifice

02:20 Leila's Journey: From Consulting to Entrepreneurship

04:54 The Reality of Entrepreneurship and Balancing Roles

09:42 Catalysts for Change: The Impact of COVID-19

13:00 Finding Purpose and Direction in Business

16:14 Juggling Parenthood and Entrepreneurship

20:33 The Importance of Mindfulness and Strategy

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Matthew Burris joins Startups Decoded to unpack how venture studios are evolving from a misunderstood startup model into a formal, fundable asset class.

We explore what’s missing from today’s narrative, the standards being built behind the scenes, and what it will take to legitimize venture studios in the eyes of institutional capital. This is a conversation about quality, vision, and opportunity — and why the next wave of innovation infrastructure might look more like a studio than a fund.

Matt Burris 

A leading voice in the global venture studio ecosystem. As a Partner at Venture Studio Associates, he collaborates with studios managing over $500 million in assets, providing strategic guidance on design, operations, and scaling.​

Through his Substack newsletter, Venture Studio Perspective, Matthew shares in-depth analyses and insights drawn from his study of more than 500 venture studios worldwide.​

With a background that includes organizing and mentoring at Startup Weekends across Indiana, where he worked with over 450 aspiring entrepreneurs, Matthew brings a wealth of experience in turning ideas into viable businesses.

Matthew is passionate about demystifying the venture studio model and helping founders and investors make informed decisions through proven frameworks.​

The Venture Studio Forum

A global nonprofit trade association dedicated to advancing the venture studio model as a recognized and impactful asset class in the startup ecosystem. It serves as a central hub for studio operators, investors, and ecosystem supporters, providing resources, research, and a collaborative community to foster the growth and success of venture studios worldwide.​

SHOW NOTES

Music Credit: "Neptuno" - Phondupe (Album: Onykia)

Summary

In this episode of Startups Decoded, Andy Walsh interviews Matt Burris about the evolving landscape of venture studios. They discuss the history, current market perception, and the challenges faced by venture studios as an asset class. Matt shares insights on the Venture Studio Forum, the importance of validation in the startup process, and the development of the Venture Studio Index. The conversation also touches on equity models and the future of venture studios in the investment ecosystem.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Venture Studios

03:08 The Evolution of Venture Studios

05:20 Current Market Perception of Venture Studios

07:07 The Venture Studio Forum

09:33 Defining a Venture Studio

11:03 The Role of Automation in Startups

13:46 The Importance of Validation

15:04 The Stages of Building Companies in a Studio

17:34 Balancing Intuition and Data

20:44 Creating Standardized Reports for Investors

22:49 Gathering Insights and Data from Studios

26:15 Identifying Studio Challenges

27:41 The Venture Studio Index Explained

30:58 Evaluating Studio Roles and Strategies

36:08 Understanding Operator Equity Models

40:41 Investor

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In this episode of Startups Decoded, Kevin Jurovich (Founder & CEO of Hubble) joins me to unpack the raw, early-stage lessons no one talks about enough: compromise, confusion, burnout, and the clarity that comes after blowing it all up and starting again.

From an NFL career, to winging it and rebuilding from scratch, to embracing paid consulting and learning how to truly see people, Kevin shares the messy truth behind his pivot journey and how he finally stopped trying to be “right” and started building to get it right.

We talk about the real hustle behind Hubble, the weight of early inbound growth, and the mindset shifts it takes to survive long enough to build something meaningful.

Kevin Jurovich:

Founder & CEO of Hubble, a platform helping creators and domain experts turn their knowledge into income, and more importantly, impact.

A former NFL wide receiver turned wealth advisor turned founder, Kevin’s journey into startups began in 2013 while serving tech entrepreneurs in Silicon Valley. Since then, he’s been all-in on building, scaling, and mentoring within the startup ecosystem. He’s on a mission to inspire others to do more of what inspires them—and to shape a future where expertise becomes a catalyst for opportunity.

Hubble

Empowers creators and experts to monetize their knowledge through experiences, services, and products, without needing a massive following. It’s designed for those with real expertise, not just social reach, and gives them the tools to grow, serve, and scale their audience through authenticity and value.

At its core, Hubble is about transforming expertise into impact, helping people build meaningful, sustainable income from what they know and love.

SHOW NOTES

Music Credit: "Neptuno" - Phondupe (Album: Onykia)

Summary

In this conversation, Kevin Yurovich shares insights into the mindset and self-awareness required for founders. He discusses his journey from being an NFL player to becoming a startup founder, emphasizing the importance of community, vulnerability, and learning from failures. Kevin highlights how leveraging platforms like LinkedIn can foster growth and connections, and he elaborates on the development of Hubble, a marketplace for expert advice. The discussion underscores the significance of adaptability and the iterative nature of entrepreneurship.

Takeaways

The older we are, the more we tend to care less about what other people think.

You gotta leave the shore; have the courage to go all in.

There's no such thing as a self-made individual; it takes a village.

Confidence comes from the little things we tell ourselves.

Failure is not finite; it's a point in time where you learn something.

We are not here to be right; we are here to get it right.

The MVP you launch has to work and solve a problem.

If you're passionate about it, start getting it out there.

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In this episode, we explore why the best founders don’t wait for perfect plans—they launch, learn, and build in public. 

From early growth hacks to fast feedback loops and sales that start before the product’s finished, we unpack what it really takes to grow quickly and stay ahead. If you're stuck planning instead of building, this one will light a fire.

Cory Blumenfeld

Cory Blumenfeld is a seasoned entrepreneur and business strategist with a passion for empowering individuals to find their voice and start their own ventures. He has co-founded multiple startups, including CoHealth, a digital platform promoting healthy behavior change, and Caribou, a healthcare planning software for financial advisors that raised over $3 million in funding. 

Currently, Cory serves in Strategy Operations at LearnLux Financial Wellbeing, applying his diverse experience to enhance financial wellness solutions. A graduate of Wilfrid Laurier University and a Next 36 alumnus, Cory is dedicated to inspiring and guiding aspiring entrepreneurs through his insights and leadership.

SHOW NOTES

Music Credit: "Neptuno" - Phondupe (Album: Onykia)

In this episode of Startups Decoded, Andy Walsh and Corey Blumenfeld discuss the concept of building in public, exploring its significance in the startup ecosystem. Corey shares his journey as a founder, emphasizing the importance of storytelling, authenticity, and the power of relationships in business. They delve into the balance between sharing ideas publicly versus keeping them private, the necessity of validation and testing in product development, and the role of trust and vulnerability in fostering a successful team culture. The conversation also touches on how effective storytelling can attract investment and the long-term benefits of building genuine connections within the entrepreneurial community.

Takeaways

Building in public allows for authentic connections.

Storytelling is crucial for engaging with audiences.

Validation through testing is essential for success.

Trust and vulnerability foster a positive team culture.

Investors are interested in the founder's story and decisions.

Sharing experiences can lead to unexpected opportunities.

Building relationships is key to long-term success.

The future of selling lies in genuine storytelling.

You can learn from every interaction, regardless of experience.

Being respectfully assertive is important in business.

Sound Bites

"You can learn from every single person."

"You need to be respectfully assertive."

"The future of selling is storytelling."

Chapters

00:00 Building in Public: A New Era for Startups

05:02 The Journey of Entrepreneurship: Lessons Learned

08:55 The Power of Sharing Your Story

11:41 Learning from Every Interaction

14:19 Building Relationships in a Digital Age

16:45 Transparency vs. Stealth: The New Norm

18:57 Testing Fast: Validating Ideas Quickly

23:51 The Importance of Hypothesis Testing in Business

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Angel investors are no longer just writing checks – they’re becoming strategic advisors, board members, and even fractional executives. 

But how do founders attract the right angel investors who bring more than money to the table?

Tony Kula

Tony Kula is a seasoned entrepreneur with over three decades of experience in the communications sector. He has successfully founded and exited multiple companies, navigating both bootstrapped and venture capital-backed ventures. Now based between the south of France and Berlin, Tony is dedicated to sharing his entrepreneurial insights through mentoring and angel investing. With a human-centric approach to business, he brings a wealth of knowledge in scaling startups, building impactful networks, and fostering sustainable growth. Outside of business, Tony is an avid triathlete and a devoted family man.

Tony Kula has built a career around creating and scaling communications-focused ventures, leveraging his extensive industry expertise to drive innovation and market success. With a proven track record of both bootstrapped and VC-backed exits, Tony now channels his entrepreneurial energy into supporting the next wave of founders as a mentor and angel investor. His ventures have spanned digital media, telecommunications, and strategic communications, each with a focus on transformative growth and long-term impact. Today, he continues to foster connections and opportunities for founders across Europe, combining his business acumen with a passion for community and mentorship.

SHOW NOTES

Music Credit: "Neptuno" - Phondupe (Album: Onykia)

In this episode of Startups Decoded, host Andy Walsh engages with angel investor Tony Kula, who shares his extensive journey from an early career in IT to becoming a successful entrepreneur and angel investor. Tony discusses the importance of building relationships in the investment space, the lessons learned from his own experiences, and the evolving landscape of angel investing. He emphasizes the need for founders to demonstrate traction and financial discipline while also highlighting the significance of authenticity in storytelling. The conversation concludes with insights into the future of investing and the importance of supporting the next generation of founders.

Takeaways

Tony Kula's journey from IT to entrepreneurship is marked by a desire for independence.

Angel investing involves learning from mistakes and adapting strategies over time.

Building relationships with investors is crucial for founders seeking funding.

Authenticity and transparency in storytelling are vital for successful pitches.

Investors look for financial discipline and traction in startups before investing.

The landscape of angel investing is evolving, with a shift towards profitability over rapid growth.

Founders should focus on building genuine connections rather than just seeking capital.

Diversity in an investment portfolio is essential for angel investors.

The importance of mentorship and support for young founders cannot be overstated.

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Chris Tottman, Founding General Partner at Notion Capital, shares how collaboration between radically different thinkers — founders, investors, and operators — creates force-multiplying outcomes. 

This episode explores why the best startups aren't built solo, how pattern recognition meets founder intuition, and why energy alignment matters more than experience at early stages.

Chris Tottman

Founding General Partner at Notion Capital ($1B+ AUM), where he backs exceptional B2B SaaS founders and helps shape go-to-market strategy at scale. He’s the founder of Included.vc, AlphaGraph.club, and TheFoundersCorner newsletter, and the author of The GTM Handbook for B2B SaaS Leaders and the wildly candid BrainDumps series.

A serial investor in over 500 founders, Chris is also an active advisor to leaders and companies across stages. Beyond venture, he invests through his family office with a growing interest in super rare classic cars.

When he’s not investing, you’ll find him coaching, creating, and collaborating with the kind of brilliant, incrementalist founders who value long games and thoughtful growth — often referred by close-knit networks or discovered in unexpected corners of the internet.

NOTION Capital

A venture capital firm specializing in European SaaS and cloud startups. With over 100 investments to date, Notion backs exceptional founders with long-term capital and hands-on support through its value-add platform — helping build category-defining companies from seed to scale.

SHOW NOTES

Music Credit: "Neptuno" - Phondupe (Album: Onykia)

“We don't want to be concerned about Founders solving the problems that have been solved many times before.”

In this episode of Startups Decoded, host Andy Walsh engages in a deep conversation with Chris Tottman from Notion Capital about the critical relationship between founders and investors. They explore Tottman's journey into venture capital, the importance of understanding founder dynamics, and the evolving landscape of startup investment, particularly in the context of AI. 

Tottman shares insights on investment strategies, the significance of empathy in investor relationships, and the need for founders to solve unique problems. The discussion also touches on the balance between intuition and data in decision-making, the importance of differentiation in the market, and the value-added infrastructure that can support founders in their journey.

Chapters

00:00: Introduction to Founder-Investor Fit

03:06: Chris Tottman's Journey into Venture Capital

05:42: The Role of Founders in Venture Capital

08:29: Notion Capital's Investment Strategy

11:15: The Impact of AI on Investment Opportunities

13:12: Navigating Hype Cycles in Technology

15:09: The Evolution of Investor-Startup Relationships