BONUS: Building Agile Startups with Nick Hughes of Founders Live

Welcome, Agile friends! In this episode, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Nick Hughes, the founder of Founders Live, a global startup community now operating in more than 100 cities and 50 countries. Our conversation explored what it really takes to build a business and how the principles of agility can help entrepreneurs adapt, iterate, and thrive.

If you’ve ever wondered how to sharpen your message, build resilience in the face of setbacks, and foster meaningful connections in the startup world, this episode is for you!

The Birth of Founders Live

“Test, learn, iterate, and grow. That’s how I built Founders Live.”

Nick’s story began over 10 years ago when he noticed something missing in the entrepreneurial world—a supportive community where early-stage founders could connect, learn, and grow together. As a founder himself, he knew firsthand how isolating the startup journey could be.

He decided to experiment with an idea, and it worked. Founders Live has since become a thriving global movement where entrepreneurs pitch their ideas, connect with like-minded people, and celebrate innovation in an engaging, fun atmosphere.

Each Founders Live event follows a simple but powerful format: five founders deliver 99-second pitches, followed by four minutes of audience Q&A. Then, the crowd votes on the winner. Add some networking, food, and drinks, and you’ve got a recipe for an unforgettable experience!

The takeaway here? Test small, see what works, and refine from there.

The Power of a 99-Second Pitch

“It’s not easy to create your 99-second pitch. But that time frame forces founders to really think: What is my message?”

Nick’s 99-second pitch format is more than a clever gimmick—it’s a forcing function for founders to get crystal clear about their message. In a short window of time, founders must distill their big idea into something precise, engaging, and impactful.

Many founders tell Nick that while it’s nerve-wracking at first, they walk away feeling more confident and impressed with their own ability to communicate under pressure. It’s not just about pitching—it’s about building communication agility and clarity of purpose.

Why Networking and Mentorship Matter

“If you figure out ways to help people and open doors for them, it comes back to you tenfold.”

One of the most valuable aspects of Founders Live is its emphasis on connection