Startups Unpacked

10: Re-Thinking the Educational Marketplace with Shawn Lestage of Riipen

In this episode, Dan sits down with Shawn Lestage, Director of Operations at Riipen, a project-based educational platform that immerses students in industry projects to help equip them with work-ready skills. The conversation includes how Riipen got started and the way they are helping to shape the marketplace.

09: The Actionable Social Network for Innovators with Ireland Carter of Bricleir

In this episode, Dan is joined by Ireland Carter, Founder and CEO of Bricleir, a platform that helps businesses discover the best of startup innovation and helps to transform B2B e-commerce.

Going from Product Lead to YC-backed CEO and $10M Raised, with Catch.co's Kristen Anderson

In this episode, Dan sits down with Founder & CEO of Catch.co [https://catch.co] Kristen Anderson. Kristen is the Founder & CEO of Catch - a benefits platform for people who don't have employer-provided benefits, like gig workers, entrepreneurs, etc. As she tells the story behind the startup, Kristen shares how she identified the opportunity behind the common misconception that technology alone made the 20th century a success- it was really benefits! Kristen talks about starting at Catch as head of product, then actually moving into the Founder/CEO role later! Then, touches on what benefits mean in the age of multiple income streams, what it was like at YC, and how she ultimately raised $10M. She offers valuable business and fundraising advice throughout the interview. Product Market Misfits is a podcast that helps entrepreneurs learn more about starting companies and getting funded by sharing conversations with venture-backed founders. For more, visit us at www.ProductMarketMisfits.com [http://www.productmarketmisfits.com]

06: Reinventing How We Learn Languages with Taylor Nieman & Toucan

In this episode, Dan sits down with Taylor Nieman, Co-Founder, and CEO of Toucan, to talk about the innovative startup and how the company is using a web plug-in to allow users to learn new languages.

05: Building a Rental Marketplace From Scratch with Ross Richmond of Arrive Outdoors

In this episode, Dan Hightower sits down with Ross Richmond, COO and Co-Founder of Arrive Outdoors to talk about the exploding outdoor activities market. Arrive Outdoors looks to create a world where customers can experience the outdoors sustainably. They talk about the starting of the business, lessons in the early stages and where Arrive is headed in the future.