Masterful Founders

How I funded my SaaS startup – without chasing VCs? 💸 In this episode, Emil Vargelius shares 7 proven ways to finance your SaaS startup. From bootstrapping and customer funding to government grants, debt financing, and freelancing – we break down real-world strategies that work in 2025’s startup landscape. You’ll learn how to keep control of your company, when to use soft money, and why you should start building investor relationships before you need them. 🚀Whether you're a first-time founder or looking to launch your second SaaS, this conversation is packed with funding wisdom. #StartupFunding #Bootstrapping #SaaSFinance #StartupStrategy #AngelInvestors 🔗 Mentioned Resources:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/emil-wargelius https://www.revelate.app/ We are online: ➧ Website - https://masterful.info (get a marketing checklist at no cost) ➧ Podcast - https://podcast.masterful.info/ ➧ LinkedIn of Will (Host) - https://www.linkedin.com/in/wilhelmlaubach   ➧ LinkedIn of Chris (Host) https://www.linkedin.com/in/ruehringer/ ➧ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/masterful.info  ➧ Email - wl.interwebs@gmail.com Notes: 🔹 Bootstrapping – Self-funding and revenue reinvestment. 🔹 Customer Funding (direct) – Early customer payments and validation. 🔹 Customer Funding (industry support) – Industry partnerships that fund development. 🔹 Soft Funding – Grants or support from governments, universities, etc. 🔹 Debt Financing – Loans with or without government support. 🔹 Freelancing/Side Gigs – Using external income to support startup. 🔹 Equity Investment – Business angels, accelerators, venture capitalists.

Thinking of selling your SaaS startup? In this candid interview, serial entrepreneur Peter Fedoročko shares the unfiltered truth behind two real SaaS exits. Learn what really happens during due diligence, how buyers evaluate your startup, and why selling isn’t the finish line—it’s just the beginning. Peter shares mistakes to avoid, how to prepare your team, and what makes a SaaS business acquirable. If you’re a founder thinking about your exit strategy, this is a must-watch. ✅ Insider tips on LOIs (Letter of Intent), earnouts, and employee dynamics ✅ Real-life advice from selling to Workday.com and a second upcoming exit ✅ The emotional and strategic layers of startup sales 🔗 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share with other SaaS founders! #SaaSExit #StartupExit #SellYourStartup #SaaSSuccess #PeterFedorocko understandlabs.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/fedorocko/ We are online: ➧ Website – https://masterful.info ➧ Podcast – https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/masterful-info ➧ LinkedIn of Will (Host) – https://www.linkedin.com/in/wilhelmlaubach ➧ Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/masterful.info ➧ Email – wl.interwebs@gmail.com

Want to know how remote freelancers can 10x your startup growth? In this episode, we talk to Elena Zangeeva, an international HR and remote team expert with 12 years of hands-on experience building high-performing global teams. Learn how to manage remote freelancers, avoid common mistakes, and unlock massive potential by improving communication, motivation, and culture. Whether you've struggled with disengaged remote workers or you’re looking to scale your startup efficiently, this conversation is full of actionable advice tailored for startup founders.   🎯 Topics: 📡 Remote team engagement 🧩 Freelancer management best practices ⚖️ Hiring for values vs. skills 🚫 Common founder mistakes 🌍 Building startup culture remotely   #RemoteWork #FreelancerManagement #RemoteTeams #RemoteLeadership #HRStrategy 🔗 Mentioned Resources: Culture Map Book: https://erinmeyer.com/books/the-culture-map/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/elenazangeeva/ We are online: ➧ Website - https://masterful.info ➧ Podcast - https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/masterful-info ➧ LinkedIn of Will (Host) - https://www.linkedin.com/in/wilhelmlaubach ➧ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/masterful.info ➧ Email - wl.interwebs@gmail.com

🚴 In this episode, I consult Valentino Sturba, co-founder of the Italian startup XOA – a smart maintenance and tracking app for passionate cyclists. We dive into how to position and promote a niche SaaS product, build traction on a limited budget, and leverage strategic partnerships with workshops, micro-influencers, and cycling clubs. If you're building a niche product and need a step-by-step marketing playbook - from local launch to European growth - this conversation is packed with actionable insights. 🎯 Topics include: 🔥 How to launch a SaaS product with a €20K marketing budget 📍 Why starting hyper-local can be your fastest path to growth 📢 Cold outreach, flyers, and guerrilla tactics that still work in 2025 🤝 Why micro-influencers often beat Meta Ads 🚀 How to build trust and momentum in passionate hobby communities Perfect for SaaS founders, especially those targeting tight-knit or sport-based audiences. #SaaS #MarketingTips #StartupGrowth #Entrepreneurship We are online: ➧ Website - https://masterful.info ➧ Podcast - https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/masterful-info ➧ LinkedIn of Will (Host) - https://www.linkedin.com/in/wilhelmlaubach ➧ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/masterful.info ➧ Email - wl.interwebs@gmail.com

In this episode, I talk with Stefan Tabakov, a SaaS founder in the crypto trading space, about how he grew his business using Reddit as his main marketing channel - without spending a cent on ads.With crypto-related ads banned on platforms like Meta and Google, Stefan had to find another way. The result? An organic growth strategy that turned Reddit users into loyal Discord members and paying customers.We break down exactly how he did it: what kind of posts worked, how to build trust on Reddit, how to funnel traffic into your community, and why Reddit can outperform even paid ads - especially if you're a startup in a regulated or competitive market.Highlights include:🔒 How to market SaaS when you're banned from Meta and Google Ads💬 Why helpful comments beat viral posts👤 Building a Reddit profile that converts without being spammy🔁 Turning Reddit threads into Discord members and paying users🔥 Using trolls and criticism to your advantageWhether you're in crypto, edtech, SaaS, or any other niche where ads are expensive (or restricted), this episode will show you a powerful alternative.#saasmarketing #redditmarketing #startupgrowth #reddit https://sofex.ioMasterful Founders – SaaS Growth Hub ★The best marketing strategies for promotion. ★We correct marketing mistakes and increase sales.★Assistance in promoting startups using SaaS technology.Come in, watch and subscribe to the channel!We are online:➧ Website - https://masterful.info ➧ Podcast - https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/masterful-info ➧ LinkedIn of Will (Host) - https://www.linkedin.com/in/wilhelmlaubach ➧ LinkedIn of Chris (Host) - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ruehringer ➧ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/masterful.info ➧ Email - wl.interwebs@gmail.com

What if selling before building was the key to SaaS success?In this episode, I sit down with Deepak from Sunrise AI, a seasoned B2B founder who’s built multiple companies by breaking the rules of traditional marketing and sales.Forget the typical funnel of marketing – SDRs – sales – customer success. Deepak Shrivastava (https://www.linkedin.com/in/deepak-shrivastava-3baa12/) explains why that model fails today – and what to do instead. We cover why founders must sell early, how to avoid drowning in AI-generated outreach, and what it really takes to validate your idea before wasting time on code.Whether you're pre-launch, MVP stage, or stuck in post-product confusion, this conversation offers raw, real strategies to help you win your first customers faster.#SaaSMarketing #StartupGrowth #CustomerDiscovery✅ Topics covered:💡 Selling before building: why it works📉 The death of the B2B funnel⚠️ Why outsourcing too early is a trap📬 Using authentic outreach to cut through noise💬 Turning rejection into insight💰 How to price – even when you're early📞 What 100+ customer conversations taught Deepak🎧 Subscribe for more tactical interviews with SaaS founders & marketers.Masterful Founders – SaaS Growth Hub ★The best marketing strategies for promotion. ★We correct marketing mistakes and increase sales.★Assistance in promoting startups using SaaS technology.Come in, watch and subscribe to the channel!We are online:➧ Website - https://masterful.info ➧ Podcast - https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/masterful-info ➧ LinkedIn of Will (Host) - https://www.linkedin.com/in/wilhelmlaubach ➧ LinkedIn of Chris (Host) - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ruehringer ➧ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/masterful.info ➧ Email - wl.interwebs@gmail.com Our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@masterful-info

What if storytelling is the most powerful marketing tool your SaaS startup isn’t using yet?In this episode, copywriting and storytelling expert Mike Garner joins host Wilhelm Laubach to reveal how SaaS founders can build trust, create emotional connections, and stand out in crowded markets—all by telling real, human stories.Whether you’re launching a new AI product or scaling your SaaS tool, learn how to move from bland, feature-heavy messaging to authentic storytelling that drives growth.🎯 In this episode, you’ll discover:- Why storytelling in SaaS marketing creates stronger customer loyalty- How to find and shape your founder story (even if it feels boring)- The difference between generic content and stories that resonate- How to collect and use customer stories as powerful social proof- Emotional hooks for “boring” B2B products- The ROI of human, soul-driven marketing💬 Whether you're a first-time founder or a seasoned SaaS marketer, this conversation will change how you see content, brand, and customer engagement.🔔 Subscribe for tactical interviews that help you scale smarter.📎 Connect with the host Wilhelm Laubach (Will)https://www.linkedin.com/in/wilhelmlaubach/ 👀 Want to connect with Mike Garner?Check out his books “Stories That Matter” and “How to Show Off”:https://www.storiesthatmatter.co/books-by-mike-garnerOr connect on https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikegarner-storiesthatmatter/

As a SaaS founder, one of the biggest reasons your product isn't selling like hotcakes isn't your features, pricing, or even your tech – it's that you're not solving a real, validated problem. In this video, I sit down with entrepreneur Huxley Peckham, who built a SaaS product around an AI assistant by doing one thing exceptionally well: finding the real pain point his audience couldn't ignore. We break down: - Why identifying the right pain is 80% of your success - How to validate ideas before building anything - Real examples of talking to users and adjusting the offer - Lessons from launching a viral AI cheat sheet - LinkedIn and outreach strategies that actually work Whether you're still ideating or already launched your SaaS, this episode will help you understand how to build something people actually want – and pay for. #SaaSMarketing#ProductMarketFit#StartupTips#AIStartup ✅ Subscribe for tactical interviews that drive results. 📎 Connect with Huxley Peckham: https://www.linkedin.com/in/huxley-peckham/ 📎 Connect with the host Wilhelm Laubach (Will)https://www.linkedin.com/in/wilhelmlaubach/

Are you a tech or SaaS founder looking to grow faster and avoid common mistakes? This podcast is made for you! Learn essential lessons on marketing, psychology, and AI - powerful tools that can make or break your startup journey. Hosted by Wilhelm Laubach, a seasoned on-demand marketing director with 15+ years of experience, we dive into real stories from founders and top specialists. Discover the critical aha moments that changed their startups - so you can skip the painful learning curve. 🚀 Understand people better. Master your mindset. Build smarter, grow faster. 🎧 Follow us now and don't miss new episodes. 💬 Want to boost your startup’s marketing? Schedule a consultation with Wilhelm https://www.linkedin.com/in/wilhelmlaubach/ and get insights from 15+ years of real-world experience helping tech and SaaS founders grow faster! Get marketing advice from someone who's been in your shoes. #SaaSStartup #StartupGrowth #MarketingStrategy #EntrepreneurMindset

What makes investors say “yes” to a €1.6M round? Jorrit Willaert from URImesh didn’t have a polished pitch, but he had something better: traction, positioning, and a strong vision. In this conversation, we unpack what actually worked — not the theory. Learn how to: – Validate your product in a boring, high-value niche – Turn cold outreach into real client meetings – Build momentum and create FOMO among investors – Avoid common fundraising mistakes (like raising too early) This is a playbook for SaaS founders who want to scale fast and raise smart. ✅ Subscribe for tactical interviews that drive results. 📎 Connect with Jorrit Willaert: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jorritwillaert 📎 Connect with the host Wilhelm Laubach (Will)https://www.linkedin.com/in/wilhelmlaubach/ #StartupSuccess #FundraisingTips #SaaSFounders

In this episode, I sit down with Masha Moisseyeva, founder of a B2B SaaS startup helping tech companies comply with EU cybersecurity regulations. We talk about how she landed her first 6 paying clients, validated her idea in just 3 months, and built a product after understanding the real problems in the market.📌 Whether you’re just starting out with a software product or you’re trying to pivot your existing startup, this conversation is packed with actionable strategies and honest insights.#saas #clientacquisition #startups #SaaSMarketing #B2BSaaS

Want to grow fast and avoid startup failure? It starts with the *right people*. In this interview with Pavan Konanur, co-founder of Hoja.ai, we break down exactly how he chose his co-founders, what mistakes to avoid, and how their app reached 60,000 downloads in just three weeks. Learn how to build a team that won’t hold you back — and how to launch faster with less risk.✅ Find the right co-founder✅ Balance creativity & execution✅ Avoid team conflict✅ Make faster launch decisions#StartupTips #BusinessGrowth #Entrepreneurship #TeamSuccess ✨ If you’re an early-stage founder trying to get your first users, this episode is for you. It’s about building trust, understanding your ideal clients, and staying grounded while growing fast.👍 Don’t forget to like the video if you find it helpful, and subscribe for more interviews with real founders doing real work.📥 Get free startup marketing tips from me here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wilhelmlaubach/?locale=en_UShttps://www.hoja.ai

Behind-the-scenes journey of building Acedit.ai, an AI-powered Chrome extension that helps people feel confident and prepared in online interviews. From late-night coding sessions to nailing product-market fit, Ethan opens up about the struggles, lessons, and wins along the way. 🔑 What you’ll learn:✅ Why Ethan built Acedit.ai and how it helps job seekers in real time✅ The importance of shipping early (even when it feels unfinished)✅ Smart ways to collect user feedback and analyze product performance✅ SEO growth hacks that actually work (especially for startups!)✅ B2C vs B2B strategies and lessons learned✅ Real talk about marketing burnout, Google Ads frustrations, and growing organically✅ How to stay focused and not get overwhelmed with "growth advice overload"Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, a solo founder, or just curious about the behind-the-scenes of startup building - this one's packed with golden advice.#Startup #Founders #ProductLaunch #JobInterviewTips Connect with Ethan Bloom: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ethanbloom/https://www.acedit.ai/Connect with the host Wilhelm Laubach (Will)https://www.linkedin.com/in/wilhelmlaubach/

What if the real reason your startup isn’t growing… is that you’re targeting the wrong people?In this powerful episode, Sam Davis (co-founder of Blunge.ai) opens up about the underestimated success factor that nearly derailed his AI startup: getting the buyer persona wrong.We unpack the emotional rollercoaster of speaking to “interested” users who never buy, chasing feedback from the wrong crowd, and how a single power user changed everything.If you’ve ever felt lost in product development, drowning in feedback, or struggling to find your audience — this is for you.🎯 Key topics:The danger of vague buyer personasHow to know when to pivotWhy negative feedback is actually a sign of tractionWhen to ignore what people say they want🔗 Try Blunch: https://www.blunge.ai/Connect with the host Wilhelm Laubach (Will)https://www.linkedin.com/in/wilhelmlaubach/ —Follow for more real startup stories and founder insights. Subscribe for weekly episodes that go beyond surface-level advice.#startup #entrepreneurship #buyerpersona #founderstory

Our first SaaS startup was anything but smooth. We faced feature creep, financial struggles, and tempting opportunities that weren’t what they seemed. In this story, Wilhelm unpacks the mistakes, the wins, and the crucial lessons for every entrepreneur looking to avoid common pitfalls. Connect with Wilhelm: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wilhelmlaubach/ https://www.masterful.info/ #SaaS #StartupJourney #Entrepreneurship #TechStartup #StartupMistakes #Bootstrapping #BusinessLessons #StartupLife