Founders Unplugged

What does hands-on VC actually look like? In this episode of Founders Unplugged, Greg sits down with Kealan Doyle and Michael Theodosiou from Symvan Capital, one of the UK’s most disciplined early-stage venture capital firms.Kealan and Michael share what really goes into building a successful VC firm — from avoiding “spray and pray” investing to supporting founders through the toughest stages of growth.They talk founder-led sales, the broken pre-seed market, the myth of the ‘gut feel’ VC, and why too many funds look the part but don’t do the work. If you're raising capital, running a startup, or building a fund, this episode is full of hard-earned insight you won’t get from the highlight reel.New episodes every week. Subscribe and hit the bell to stay plugged in.📍 CHAPTERS00:00 Welcome and intros01:30 Michael’s route from barrister to venture capital03:35 How Kealan and Nick started Symvan Capital05:05 The EIS market and why Symvan bet on high-risk, high-return07:50 What drew Michael to startups and why VC felt like the perfect fit09:55 How Symvan supports pre-revenue founders12:00 Transitioning from investment banking to startups13:30 Why most VCs aren't really “venture” capitalists15:00 Rigour vs gut feel — the myth of the instinct-led investor18:00 Is due diligence killing early-stage innovation?21:45 Why Symvan’s DD process focuses more on founders than forecasts23:00 Founders as evangelists — why most early salespeople fail26:35 The case for hard skills in early-stage investing29:00 Why technical founders often can’t sell — and how to fix it32:45 Building a startup is more like making a film than you think35:10 Sales MVPs and the myth of the perfect pitch37:50 Can founders grow with their startup — or do they need to be replaced?40:05 Why most first hires fail and how founders can avoid it42:00 Communication, clarity, and the founder’s real job--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------🔗 Follow Kealan Doyle on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kealandoyle/🔗 Follow Michael Theodosiou on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-theodosiou-4a9280a3/🚀 Check out Symvan Capital:https://www.symvancapital.com/💬 Book a free 1-hour commercial advisory session with host Greg McCallum:https://meetings-eu1.hubspot.com/meetings/gmccallum?uuid=c8f5cecd-0222-4c6e-92d1-ea9f224a60fd

Sponsored by FounderCatalystIf you're raising capital in the UK, don’t do it without them.🎯 Get 5% off their services → https://2ly.link/1zDIJThe Truth About Startup Hiring: What Founders Get Wrong w/ Alper Yurder – Part TwoHow do startups get hiring so wrong—so often?In Part Two of this brutally honest conversation, Alper Yurder (founder of Forte, ex-Flowla) returns to explore why early-stage hiring fails, when AI hurts more than it helps, and what founders can do to build real sales leadership—without burning bridges.🎧 In this episode:Why AI can't replace human nuance in sales coachingHow over-automating demotivates repsWhat early-stage founders get wrong about hiringThe danger of outsourcing core problems too soonBuilding GTM teams around learning, not just equityPro bono work, fractional leaders & sustainable scalingThe human cost of broken promises in startup cultureThis is a must-listen for any founder building a GTM engine, hiring their first sales lead, or trying to balance AI tools with real leadership.🔗 Follow Alper YurderLinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/alper-yurder/🌐 Forte → https://www.fortegrowth.co/💬 Book a free 1-hour commercial advisory session with host Greg McCallum:https://meetings-eu1.hubspot.com/meetings/gmccallum?uuid=8d3797e4-e8fe-4037-9277-c941aa56a5caSpotify SEO Keywords:Alper Yurder, startup hiring mistakes, AI in sales coaching, early-stage sales teams, GTM leadership, fractional sales leader, sales playbooks, startup compensation, founder-led sales, outbound sales, startup culture challenges, Founders Unplugged podcast

Sponsored by FounderCatalystIf you're raising capital in the UK, don’t do it without them.🎯 Get 5% off their services → https://2ly.link/1zDIJHow to Build Sales Systems That Actually Work w/ Alper Yurder – Part OneWhat makes a sales system actually work for startups?In this episode, Greg McCallum sits down with Alper Yurder, co-founder of Flowland and go-to-market advisor, to unpack the mindset and mechanics behind successful early-stage sales. From the power of messaging to the common mistakes founders make in their first sales hires, Alper shares real, tactical advice from helping 100+ startups grow.🎧 In this episode:The traits great salespeople and great founders shareHow to handle rejection and build resilience in salesWhy founders must sell before building a sales teamOutbound vs inbound: how they should work togetherWhat most startups misunderstand about bootstrapping vs fundingThe key role of feedback in both product and salesHow to turn weekly learnings into a repeatable sales playbookWhether you're still founder-led or building your first team, this episode is packed with insights that will change how you approach growth.🔗 Follow Alper YurderLinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/alper-yurder/🌐 Forte → https://www.fortegrowth.co/💬 Book a free 1-hour commercial advisory session with host Greg McCallum:https://meetings-eu1.hubspot.com/meetings/gmccallum?uuid=8d3797e4-e8fe-4037-9277-c941aa56a5caSpotify SEO Keywords:Alper Yurder, startup sales systems, early-stage sales strategy, founder-led sales, sales playbook, outbound sales, inbound sales, go-to-market advisor, sales messaging, sales resilience, bootstrapping vs VC, Flowland platform, Founders Unplugged podcast

Sponsored by FounderCatalystIf you're raising capital in the UK, don’t do it without them.🎯 Get 5% off their services → https://2ly.link/1zDIJMaking the Difficult Decision to Shut Down Your Business w/ Daniya Stewart – Part TwoWhat does it really feel like to walk away from a business you built from scratch?In this powerful Part Two episode, Greg McCallum sits down with Daniya Stewart to unpack the emotional, strategic, and financial layers behind closing her food startup, PHOMO. From pitching at Selfridges to managing product recalls, Daniya shares an unfiltered look at the pressure to scale, the packaging challenges that became insurmountable, and why shutting down was ultimately the bravest—and most difficult—decision.🎧 In this episode:Navigating the realities of retail, margins, and growthWhy omnichannel and PR strategies only go so farHow a perfect storm of challenges forced a tough callThe emotional weight of letting go of your businessHow to talk about failure without shameWhat Daniya would (and wouldn’t) do againIf you're in the thick of building—or deciding whether to stop—this is a must-listen.🔗 Follow Daniya StewartLinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniyastewart/💬 Book a free 1-hour advisory session with host Greg McCallum:https://meetings-eu1.hubspot.com/meetings/gmccallum?uuid=8d3797e4-e8fe-4037-9277-c941aa56a5caSpotify SEO Keywords:Daniya Stewart interview, shutting down a business, food startup journey, packaging failures, ambient product development, omnichannel strategy, founder honesty, emotional resilience, crowdfunding follow-up, PHOMO business story, Founders Unplugged podcast

Sponsored by FounderCatalystIf you're raising capital in the UK, don’t do it without them.🎯 Get 5% off their services → https://2ly.link/1zDIJFrom Banking to Food Startup: The Early Journey of a Founder w/ Daniya Stewart – Part OneWhat happens when a corporate career collides with a deep craving for Vietnamese food?In this episode, Greg McCallum sits down with Daniya Stewart, founder of the food startup PHOMO, to explore her journey from banking and project finance to building a Vietnamese food brand from scratch. From selling out in 90 minutes at a farmer’s market to navigating Seedrs crowdfunding and family life, Daniya shares a real, grounded view of what it takes to become a founder.🎧 In this conversation:Launching a food startup with no prior experienceHow customer feedback shaped PHOMO’s early successThe reality of crowdfunding and the investment journeyJuggling parenting teenagers with entrepreneurial chaosThe power of communication skills—in business and in familyLessons from closing the business and what came nextThis is an honest, inspiring conversation for founders, parents, and anyone navigating the unpredictable road of entrepreneurship.🔗 Follow Daniya StewartLinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniyastewart/💬 Book a free 1-hour commercial advisory session with host Greg McCallum:https://meetings-eu1.hubspot.com/meetings/gmccallum?uuid=8d3797e4-e8fe-4037-9277-c941aa56a5caSpotify SEO Keywords:food startup journey, Daniya Stewart interview, Vietnamese food business, parenting and entrepreneurship, crowdfunding on Seedrs, women in entrepreneurship, startup investment, founder life, mental load of business, Phomo food brand, Founders Unplugged podcast

Sponsored by FounderCatalystIf you're raising capital in the UK, don’t do it without them.🎯 Get 5% off their services → https://2ly.link/1zDIJScaling a Wellness Brand in an AI-Dominated World w/ Hector Hughes of Unplugged – Part TwoIn this episode, Greg McCallum and Hector Hughes, co-founder of Unplugged, explore what it means to protect our mental health, creativity, and sense of connection in a world increasingly shaped by AI and always-on technology.They discuss Hector’s plan to double Unplugged’s off-grid cabin network, the growing demand for digital detox, and how AI may soon reshape everything from education to communication to how we define being human.🎧 In this conversation:The operational challenges and wins of scaling UnpluggedWhy digital detoxing is gaining cultural relevanceThe future of AI and its impact on human interactionHow AI could revolutionise education and communicationThe importance of relationships and compassion in modern lifeWhy perception, nuance, and depth still matterWhether you're a founder, creator, or someone simply trying to stay grounded, this episode offers both practical wisdom and deep reflection.🔗 Follow Hector HughesLinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/hector-hughes-10082195/🌐 Explore Unplugged → https://unplugged.rest/💬 Book a free 1-hour commercial advisory session with host Greg McCallum:https://meetings-eu1.hubspot.com/meetings/gmccallum?uuid=8d3797e4-e8fe-4037-9277-c941aa56a5caSpotify SEO Keywords:digital detox, unplugged cabins, AI and mental health, wellness startups, startup growth, mental health for founders, Hector Hughes interview, technology and humanity, scaling wellness brands, Founders Unplugged podcast

Sponsored by FounderCatalystIf you're raising capital in the UK, don't do it without them.🎯 Get 5% off their services → https://2ly.link/1zDIJBuilding a Business That Encourages Digital Detox w/ Hector Hughes of Unplugged – Part OneWhat if the key to building a successful brand… was encouraging people to do nothing?In this episode, Greg McCallum sits down with Hector Hughes, co-founder of Unplugged, to unpack the story behind their fast-growing digital detox company—offering 3-day, off-grid cabin breaks without phones, Wi-Fi, or inboxes.But this is more than a startup story.They explore founder identity, mental health, the role of trauma in ambition, and why downtime might be the most underrated growth strategy for both founders and businesses.🎧 In this conversation:How Unplugged scaled from idea to 62 cabinsThe role of consistent messaging in brand growthWhy doing less leads to better decision-makingFounders and emotional suppression: a quiet crisisPain, therapy, and ambition—how they connectThe hidden power of data-driven marketing and external expertiseIf you're building a mission-led brand or navigating your own founder burnout, this one is for you.🔗 Follow Hector HughesLinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/hector-hughes-10082195/🌐 Explore Unplugged → https://unplugged.rest/💬 Book a free 1-hour advisory session with host Greg McCallum:https://meetings-eu1.hubspot.com/meetings/gmccallum?uuid=8d3797e4-e8fe-4037-9277-c941aa56a5ca

Sponsored by FounderCatalystIf you're raising capital in the UK, don't do it without them.🎯 Get 5% off their services → https://2ly.link/1zDIJIn Part Two of this conversation, Greg McCallum and Vasilis Stoidis, founder of 7L International, go beyond business tactics to explore the philosophy and responsibility of entrepreneurship.From reframing legacy as responsibility to unpacking how startups should approach market targeting and feedback, this is a thoughtful and practical guide to building a business that matters—without losing your edge.🎧 In this conversation:The balance between self-care and societal contributionWhy focusing on value always beats chasing vanityThe pitfalls of vague messaging and spray-and-pray marketingHow to use early sales conversations to define your ICPWhy specificity is the growth hack no one talks aboutThe symbiotic relationship between sales, marketing, and productHow to create honest messaging without being off-puttingIf you're navigating the messy middle of startup building, this one will help you reset and refocus.🔗 Follow Vasilis StoidisLinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/stoidis/🌐 Learn more about 7L International → https://7linternational.com/💬 Book a free 1-hour advisory session with host Greg McCallum:https://meetings-eu1.hubspot.com/meetings/gmccallum?uuid=c8f5cecd-0222-4c6e-92d1-ea9f224a60fd

Sponsored by FounderCatalystIf you're raising capital in the UK, don't do it without them.🎯 Get 5% off their services → https://2ly.link/1zDIJIn this episode, Greg McCallum sits down with Vasilis Stoidis, serial tech founder and CEO of 7L International, to break down what separates real innovation from noise.From navigating generational shifts to staying relevant in the age of AI, Vasilis brings a clear-eyed, first-principles view to building products that actually solve problems—at scale.🎧 In this conversation:Why your solution must be 10X better, not just differentHow to build long-term value in fast-changing marketsWhy creativity can derail focus if left uncheckedThe real reason free speech and pluralism matter in businessEthics, space tech, and the psychology behind enduring companiesHow complacency, not competition, kills most startupsWhether you’re building, scaling, or just trying to avoid the same traps as others—this one hits deep.🔗 Follow Vasilis StoidisLinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/stoidis/🌐 Learn more about 7L International → https://7linternational.com/💬 Book a free 1-hour advisory session with host Greg McCallum:https://meetings-eu1.hubspot.com/meetings/gmccallum?uuid=c8f5cecd-0222-4c6e-92d1-ea9f224a60fd

Sponsored by FounderCatalystIf you're raising capital in the UK, don't do it without them.🎯 Get 5% off their services → https://2ly.link/1zDIJIn Part Two, Greg McCallum sits down again with Frank Sondors, CEO of Salesforge, to explore the next phase of AI in sales—and the looming question: Where do humans still fit?From the rise of autonomous agents to the loss of nuance in hyper-efficient systems, this episode explores the delicate balance between scale and soul in the modern sales stack.🎧 In this conversation:How AI agents are changing the shape of sales teamsAgent-to-agent communication and the future of workflowsWhy companies should focus on data quality, not just quantityThe danger of removing too much friction from customer interactionsWhat “human intuition” still does better than any modelWhere AI companies (like 11x) are pushing boundaries—and hitting limitsThe real future of AI isn’t automation—it’s orchestrationWhether you’re building with AI or adapting to it, this is a must-listen for anyone in sales, tech, or leadership.Follow Frank SondorsLinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/franksondors/Explore Salesforge → https://www.salesforge.ai/Book a free 1-hour advisory session with host Greg McCallum:https://meetings-eu1.hubspot.com/meetings/gmccallum?uuid=c8f5cecd-0222-4c6e-92d1-ea9f224a60fd

Sponsored by FounderCatalystIf you're raising capital in the UK, don't do it without them.🎯 Get 5% off their services → https://2ly.link/1zDIJWhat happens when you apply ruthless efficiency, strategic delegation, and AI-powered SDRs to a broken sales model?You get Salesforge.ai—and a startup that scaled to $3M ARR in four months.In this episode, Greg McCallum sits down with Frank Sondors, CEO of Salesforge, to unpack how he’s building a smarter, leaner sales machine—and how founders can apply the same thinking to their teams, tech stack, and time management.🎧 In this conversation:Why sales is broken—and how AI can fix itDelegation, dopamine, and building around founder energyHow consultants can outperform full-time hiresSEO, brand, and content as levers for compounding growthThe challenges of SaaS pricing and how to stand outWhat makes an A-player in sales—and how to scale themIf you're a founder, sales leader, or just tired of bloated teams and slow growth—this one’s for you.Follow Frank SondorsLinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/franksondors/Explore Salesforge → https://www.salesforge.ai/Book a free 1-hour advisory session with host Greg McCallum:https://meetings-eu1.hubspot.com/meetings/gmccallum?uuid=c8f5cecd-0222-4c6e-92d1-ea9f224a60fd

Sponsored by FounderCatalystIf you're raising capital in the UK, don't do it without them. 🎯 Get 5% off their services → https://2ly.link/1zDIJWhy Understanding 'Why' Matters More Than 'How' in the AI Era w/ Olivier Soucy – Part TwoIn Part Two, Greg McCallum and Olivier Soucy, founder of Okube, explore the evolving role of developers in a world dominated by AI tools and LLMs.This episode isn’t just about new technology—it’s about a shift in mindset. From over-reliance on automation to the quiet erosion of creativity in software, Olivier breaks down what’s really happening under the surface of today’s hype cycle.🎧 In this conversation:Why soft skills now matter more than technical fluencyThe looming risk of homogenised software and cookie-cutter productsHow data mismanagement derails innovation before it startsThe impact of AI agents on business operationsWhy developers must stop chasing “how” and start understanding “why”And the real risk of replacing vision with automationIf you’re building, hiring, or just trying to stay relevant in this next wave of AI-native development, this is essential listening.Follow Olivier Soucy:LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/olisoucy/Explore Okube → https://www.okube.ai/Book a free 1-hour advisory session with host Greg McCallum:https://meetings-eu1.hubspot.com/meetings/gmccallum?uuid=c8f5cecd-0222-4c6e-92d1-ea9f224a60fd

Sponsored by FounderCatalystIf you're raising capital in the UK, don't do it without them.🎯 Get 5% off their services → https://2ly.link/1zDIJOlivier Soucy went from building helicopter flight simulators to designing open-source data tools that engineers actually want to use.Now the founder of Okube and creator of Lactory (an open-source ETL framework), Olivier joins Greg McCallum to share his transition from specialist to product builder—and why he values community, clarity, and clean documentation over rapid monetization.From crypto trading failures to open-source culture, this episode dives deep into the real-world decisions behind technical product development.🎧 In this episode:Leaving the flight simulation industry behindWhy data engineers are more essential than everThe tough balance between consulting and product buildingHow open source changes the rules of engagementWhy “useful” beats “fundable” when you’re building for devsWhat actually went wrong with that crypto trading botThis one’s for the builders, tinkerers, and technical founders trying to keep their product focused and their freedom intact.Follow Olivier Soucy:LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/olisoucy/Explore Okube → https://www.okube.ai/Book a free 1-hour advisory session with host Greg McCallum:https://meetings-eu1.hubspot.com/meetings/gmccallum?uuid=c8f5cecd-0222-4c6e-92d1-ea9f224a60fd

Sponsored by FounderCatalystGet 5% off their services via this link:https://2ly.link/1zDIJIn Part Two, Greg McCallum sits down again with Ben Borton—Co-Founder of PodPlay—to unpack how a content-first go-to-market strategy helped them grow to $1.5M in ARR without a sales team. Ben shares how PodPlay’s user-initiated video replay feature created viral momentum, the role fun plays in both product design and mission, and why franchising is their next big bet.🎧 In this conversation:How replay tech became part of the club cultureTurning short-form video into inbound demandWhy PodPlay chose content over cold callsFundraising lessons from Sequoia and beyondScaling vertically by solving real estate problemsBalancing customer happiness with ruthless prioritisationFranchising as a model for community-led growthLessons learned from mistakes in locations and roadmapThis is a rare look at what it takes to grow a vertical SaaS platform from scratch, build a movement around joy and autonomy, and rethink how people play.Follow Ben on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/borton/Check out PodPlay:https://podplay.app/Book a free 1-hour advisory session with host Greg McCallum:https://meetings-eu1.hubspot.com/meetings/gmccallum?uuid=c8f5cecd-0222-4c6e-92d1-ea9f224a60fd

Sponsored by FounderCatalystGet 5% off their services via this link:https://2ly.link/1zDIJIn this episode, Greg McCallum is joined by Ben Borton—Co-Founder of PodPlay Technologies—to explore how autonomous, tech-driven venues are reshaping the way people play and connect through sports. Ben shares his unexpected journey from cultural criticism and hedge funds to building a vertically integrated SaaS platform powering venues like PingPod, Sharks, and more.They dive into the origin story behind PodPlay, the explosion of pickleball, and why removing staff from sports clubs isn’t a drawback—it’s a strategic advantage. From self-service models to video-enabled replays and licensing out the platform, this is the future of sports infrastructure.🎧 In this conversation:How table tennis sparked a startupThe cultural importance of sports and shared storiesLaunching a physical venue just before the pandemicWhy autonomous venues work better for customersHow pickleball became a nationwide phenomenonUsing tech to drive community, content, and scaleWhy the “human touch” isn’t always a good thingThe early vision behind licensing PodPlay to other industriesThis is a conversation about building something niche, sticky, and scalable—and doing it with purpose, creativity, and precision.Follow Ben on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/borton/Check out PodPlay:https://podplay.app/Book a free 1-hour advisory session with host Greg McCallum:https://meetings-eu1.hubspot.com/meetings/gmccallum?uuid=c8f5cecd-0222-4c6e-92d1-ea9f224a60fd