Founders Room Podcast

Andrew Gazdecki - How to sell your startup in 2026

In this conversation, Andrew Gazdecki, founder of Acquire.com, shares insights on the startup acquisition landscape, discussing the challenges of building a marketplace, current trends in startups, and the evolving buyer landscape. He emphasizes the importance of preparation for founders looking to sell their businesses and highlights common mistakes that can derail deals. Gazdecki also explores the shift in valuation trends from revenue to profit multiples and the impact of AI on the acquisition process. He concludes with advice for founders on building to exit and the potential of productized services in the market. SOCIAL LINKS • Follow @⁠⁠⁠albizhulali⁠⁠⁠ [https://instagram.com/albizhulali] on Instagram • Follow @⁠⁠⁠foundersroom⁠⁠⁠ [https://instagram.com/foundersroom] on Instagram • Follow @⁠⁠⁠foundersroom⁠⁠⁠ [https://tiktok.com/@foundersroom] on TikTok • More information at: ⁠⁠⁠foundersroom.co [https://www.foundersroom.co]

Julien Coustaury - How to raise your first VC round

In this conversation, Albi Zhulali interviews Julien Coustaury, managing partner at Fil Rouge Capital, discussing his transition from operator to investor, the investment philosophy of Fil Rouge, and the unique challenges and opportunities in the venture capital landscape, particularly in Central and Eastern Europe. Julien shares insights on the importance of chemistry with founders, the significance of transparency post-investment, and the common mistakes founders make when approaching VCs. He emphasizes the need for energy and a well-prepared pitch while also addressing the evolving space industry and the types of companies Fil Rouge invests in. SOCIAL LINKS • Follow @⁠⁠albizhulali⁠⁠ [https://instagram.com/albizhulali] on Instagram • Follow @⁠⁠foundersroom⁠⁠ [https://instagram.com/foundersroom] on Instagram • Follow @⁠⁠foundersroom⁠⁠ [https://tiktok.com/@foundersroom] on TikTok • More information at: ⁠⁠foundersroom.co [https://www.foundersroom.co]

Matthias Sziraczki - The hidden cost of founding a startup

In this conversation, Albi and Matthias discuss the often-overlooked mental load and burnout that entrepreneurs face. Matthias shares his personal journey from a young entrepreneur to experiencing burnout and developing a framework that integrates health as a key performance indicator in business. They explore the importance of managing stress, the role of technology in health management, and the impact of diet and recovery strategies. The discussion also touches on the hustle culture, common mistakes founders make, and the need for a balanced work environment that prioritizes health and well-being. SOCIAL LINKS • Follow @⁠⁠albizhulali⁠⁠ [https://instagram.com/albizhulali] on Instagram • Follow @⁠⁠foundersroom⁠⁠ [https://instagram.com/foundersroom] on Instagram • Follow @⁠⁠foundersroom⁠⁠ [https://tiktok.com/@foundersroom] on TikTok • More information at: ⁠⁠foundersroom.co [https://www.foundersroom.co]

Tim Draper - How to get funded by top VCs

In this conversation, Tim Draper shares his insights on what he looks for in entrepreneurs and startups, emphasizing the importance of energy, resilience, and customer delight. He discusses the differences between first-time and experienced founders, common mistakes made by entrepreneurs, and the significance of market timing. Draper also highlights emerging industries such as blockchain, AI, and space, and provides frameworks for evaluating new sectors. The discussion culminates in the adventurous spirit of entrepreneurship and the importance of distribution alongside product development. SOCIAL LINKS • Follow @⁠albizhulali⁠ [https://instagram.com/albizhulali] on Instagram • Follow @⁠foundersroom⁠ [https://instagram.com/foundersroom] on Instagram • Follow @⁠foundersroom⁠ [https://tiktok.com/@foundersroom] on TikTok • More information at: ⁠foundersroom.co [https://www.foundersroom.co]

Kambis Kohansal Vajargah - WKO: Why European startups fall behind

In this conversation, Kambis Kohansal Vajargah shares his extensive experience in the startup ecosystem, discussing his journey from founder to investor and his role in shaping Austria's entrepreneurial landscape. He highlights the unique aspects of Vienna as a startup hub, the challenges faced by European founders, and the importance of building a supportive ecosystem. Kambis emphasizes the need for a more unified approach within the EU to foster growth and innovation, while also offering practical advice for founders looking to navigate the complexities of the European market. SOCIAL LINKS * Follow @albizhulali [https://instagram.com/albizhulali] on Instagram * Follow @foundersroom [https://instagram.com/foundersroom] on Instagram * Follow @foundersroom [https://tiktok.com/@foundersroom] on TikTok * More information at foundersroom.co [https://www.foundersroom.co]