Launch Chat
220 episodes - English - Latest episode: almost 2 years ago - ★★★★★ - 47 ratingsWant to start a startup? Launch Chat is daily 15 minute episodes answering all of your burning startup questions. If you're an entrepreneur or startup founder trying to build the next big thing, then listen as we dish out answers on how to raise angel investment, build an app, get traction, and everything in between. Hosted by Jake Hare of Launchpeer, the show combines his (and his team's) experience working with hundreds of startups around the world.
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Episodes
How does a pre-product startup compete with post-product startups?
June 03, 2022 13:49 - 17 minutes - 16.4 MBIn this episode, we talk about how a pre-product startup can compete for investors when they're up against other startups who have already built and launched their app. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/launchchat/message
How to structure equity agreements with early team members
May 27, 2022 12:55 - 14 minutes - 13.6 MBIn this episode, we talk about how you should structure equity agreements with your earliest employees, contractors, advisors, and cofounders. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/launchchat/message
The current stage of the startup funding market
May 24, 2022 13:25 - 16 minutes - 15.3 MBIn today's episode, we talk about what's going on with the startup funding market and why (most) startups shouldn't be worried about it. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/launchchat/message
Putting valuations on early-stage startups?
May 19, 2022 13:32 - 16 minutes - 15.3 MBIn today's episode, we talk about whether entrepreneurs should put a valuation on their early-stage startup, and what investors expect from you in relation to that valuation. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/launchchat/message
What business model should startups choose?
May 16, 2022 13:02 - 13 minutes - 12.4 MBIn this episode, we talk about the different types of business models startups can choose to generate revenue, and rank them from easiest to hardest to implement. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/launchchat/message
When is it time to call it quits on your startup idea?
May 11, 2022 13:33 - 14 minutes - 13.7 MBIn today's episode, we talk about how long a founder should wait it out before calling it quits on their startup idea. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/launchchat/message
Should startups be worried about the economy?
May 10, 2022 13:08 - 16 minutes - 14.9 MBIn today's episode, we talk about the current state of the economy and how it's impacting fundraising for startups at every stage. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/launchchat/message
Do you need a technical cofounder in 2022?
May 09, 2022 13:06 - 13 minutes - 12.2 MBIn this episode, we talk about whether startups need a technical cofounder in 2022, especially when it comes time to talk to their first investors. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/launchchat/message
How should startups handle early competition?
May 05, 2022 12:46 - 13 minutes - 12.2 MBIn today's episode, we talk about what startup founders should do when they stumble upon a competitor doing the exact same thing as them. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/launchchat/message
How & why to raise funding from friends and family
May 04, 2022 13:05 - 14 minutes - 13.8 MBIn today's episode, we talk about the importance of raising funding from friends and family and how to do it without being or feeling sleazy. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/launchchat/message
How do you handle your idea with non-cofounders?
May 03, 2022 12:17 - 12 minutes - 11.4 MBIn today's episode, we talk about how you should handle discussing your idea with non-cofounders, specifically those who you've been bouncing ideas off of and interacting with at the start of your startup journey. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/launchchat/message
Bootstrapping vs Raising Capital in 2022
May 02, 2022 10:00 - 13 minutes - 12.9 MBIn this episode, we talk about whether startups should bootstrap or raise capital for their startup in 2022, and depending on the choice what they should think about doing differently as they startup. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/launchchat/message
Are financial projections important for pre-seed startups?
April 28, 2022 10:00 - 16 minutes - 15 MBIn this episode, I break down why financial projections (spoiler) are important for pre-seed stage startups, BUT the reasons why may not be what you think... --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/launchchat/message
Top tools for startups in 2022
April 27, 2022 10:00 - 24 minutes - 22.7 MBIn this episode, I run down the top tools I'd recommend to new startups in 2022 ranging from domain names and website builders to legal and finance tools. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/launchchat/message
Is it okay to work on more than one startup?
April 26, 2022 10:00 - 12 minutes - 11.1 MBIn today's episode, I talk about whether startup investors will have a problem if a founder is working on more than one startup at a time. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/launchchat/message
We're back!
April 25, 2022 12:37 - 13 minutes - 12.7 MBDid you miss us? Well, we're back and well-rested after a 2-year break from the show ready to answer your startup's burning questions. A lot has changed in the startup landscape since we left which means new topics to cover, and we can't wait to help you get your startup built, launched, and funded through daily answers to your burning questions. Have a question you want answered on the show? Just head to launchchat.com! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/launchchat/message
Handling investor objections
September 14, 2020 18:11 - 10 minutes - 10.1 MBIn this episode Jake talks about ways to handle investor objections that ensure you get a 'yes' at the end of your pitch. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/launchchat/message
Skills without ideas?
September 10, 2020 15:59 - 10 minutes - 9.4 MBIn this episode we field a question from someone who has a ton of 'startup skills' but can't seem to find an idea to work on. Jake breaks down the methods he uses to find great ideas and how to use them. Join our free Idea Program at https://launchpeer.com/idea --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/launchchat/message
Top skill for new entrepreneurs?
September 09, 2020 16:15 - 11 minutes - 10.3 MBIn today's episode Jake talks about the number one skill he wish he'd mastered at the beginning of his startup journey, and why it's probably not what you think... --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/launchchat/message
Tips for growing a family while growing a startup
September 04, 2020 16:13 - 32 minutes - 30.1 MBIn this episode Jake talks about what it's been like being married for 12 years and building his business for 6, and 12 specific tips that entrepreneurs should take in order to make life easier for themselves and their families during startup life. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/launchchat/message
Should you build B2B or B2C?
September 03, 2020 16:29 - 11 minutes - 10.8 MBIn this episode we talk about what factors you should consider when trying to decide between building a B2B or a B2C startups, and what Jake's preference would be if starting up. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/launchchat/message
Why Competition Doesn't Matter
September 02, 2020 17:07 - 10 minutes - 9.37 MBIn this episode we talk about why competition for your startup doesn't matter, and how to turn competition into your best friend. Want to ask a question? Go to LaunchChat.com and post it there. Want to join our free community? Go to Launchpeer.com/join and request an invite. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/launchchat/message
Rebuild or Keep Going?
January 27, 2020 17:01 - 12 minutes - 11.3 MBIn this episode we talk about whether it's best to rebuild your app to go faster, or just stick with what you got. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/launchchat/message
How To Handle Startup Competition
January 24, 2020 12:00 - 15 minutes - 14.9 MBIn this episode we talk about how your startup should handle the competition (or if you should even care about them in the first place). --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/launchchat/message
Paying for PR Distribution
January 23, 2020 12:00 - 11 minutes - 10.9 MBIn this episode we talk about whether or not PR distribution services work, and also whether PR is even worth your time as a startup founder. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/launchchat/message
Tell People About Your Startup?
January 22, 2020 12:00 - 14 minutes - 13.5 MBIn this episode we talk about whether you should build your startup 'in stealth mode' or tell everyone you can about your idea. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/launchchat/message
Too Many Cofounders?
January 21, 2020 12:00 - 13 minutes - 12.5 MBIn this episode we talk about whether or not you can have too many cofounders, and what you should do to ensure your team is set up for success (and you're protected). --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/launchchat/message
Beating Perfectionism for Entrepreneurs
January 20, 2020 10:00 - 12 minutes - 11.3 MBIn this episode we break down some strategies entrepreneurs can use to beat perfectionism and keep pushing toward their goals. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/launchchat/message
What is an MVP?
April 26, 2019 10:00 - 8 minutes - 8.01 MBToday's question comes from Pete. If I were to use a Facebook or WordPress page to test the validity of my idea, would this be enough to act as an MVP? --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/launchchat/message
What is a MVP?
April 26, 2019 10:00 - 8 minutes - 8.01 MBToday's Question Today's question comes from Pete. If I were to use a Facebook or WordPress page to test the validity of my idea, would this be enough to act as a MVP? Jake's Answer The best way to define a MVP is that it is a solution that allows you to acquire users. Generally speaking, it's the minimum product you can build to get users. Emphasis on minimum Most problems can be solved with simple solutions that are mostly manual in the beginning. Is it an ideal solution? No....
How to pitch investors in a phone conversation
April 25, 2019 10:00 - 11 minutes - 10.2 MBToday's question comes from Josh. I was recently contacted by an investor online and I am wondering which elements of my startup I should emphasize on the phone, as my previous investor pitches haven't amounted to anything. How can I spark excitement about my startup over the phone? --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/launchchat/message
When to keep going and when to walk away
April 24, 2019 10:00 - 10 minutes - 9.24 MBToday's question comes from an anonymous listener. I've been working on my startup for about 18 months, but I feel like it's been forever. I don't like the industry I'm in due to regulations and there's no grand vision for the product - I'm only doing it to make money. How do you know when to keep going or when to walk away from your startup? --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/launchchat/message
How to protect your startup idea
April 23, 2019 10:00 - 8 minutes - 8.17 MBToday's question comes from Ben. How can you stop someone from copying your web-based startup idea? What do I do if someone copies what I've done and try to launch it? --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/launchchat/message
How to split your time between learning and implementation
April 22, 2019 10:00 - 8 minutes - 8.02 MBToday's question comes from Michaela. I am currently experimenting with ideas and exploring product market fit for one of them. I'm reading and listening to a lot of material on how to build my business, but how much time should I spend learning versus implementing the material? --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/launchchat/message
How should you incorporate your startup?
April 10, 2019 10:00 - 9 minutes - 8.44 MBToday's question comes from anonymous. I recently incorporated my startup in Delaware to release apps on the app store, but since I live in California, my CPA told me that I have to pay a franchise tax in addition to my regular taxes and fees. Should I reincorporate in California or just continue to pay the franchise tax? --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/launchchat/message
Juggling a startup and college (or a full-time job)
April 09, 2019 10:00 - 9 minutes - 8.98 MBToday's question comes from Chris. I have a year left in college and I had an idea for a startup so I created an MVP. I'm at a crossroads, should I pursue the startup idea further or use my school to get an internship data science and AI, which is something I'm interested in? --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/launchchat/message
When is it too early to approach investors?
April 08, 2019 10:00 - 10 minutes - 9.93 MBToday's question comes from Sonny. I have an idea for a company that could really take off and we've done some market research but the product is only half done. When is the right time to get investors? --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/launchchat/message
Direct mail as a marketing strategy for startups
April 03, 2019 10:00 - 8 minutes - 7.87 MBToday's question comes from Abe. I currently don't have enough connections to be able to get a warm introduction to an investor. Since the barrier to entry of sending an email is so low, most investors must get hundreds of emails per day of people trying to pitch their startup. Is high-quality direct mail a possible solution? --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/launchchat/message
Getting users on both sides for marketplace apps
April 02, 2019 10:01 - 8 minutes - 7.99 MBToday's question comes from Decker. We developed a platform where users can add reviews based on personal experience of a local place, but we can't expect people the one side to use it when we're not able to get enough users acquired on the other side of the application to make it valuable. How can we overcome this chicken and egg problem? --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/launchchat/message
Venture capital vs bootstrapping
April 01, 2019 10:00 - 10 minutes - 9.81 MBToday's question comes from Byron. The product I'm working on had a successful pilot, but it still has a long way to go before it's fully ready for the market. Should I keep going and try to build this organically or should I start looking for VC money? What kinds of factors go into how I make this decision? --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/launchchat/message
Is getting a .com domain still important?
March 29, 2019 10:00 - 10 minutes - 9.35 MBToday's Question Today's question comes from Jim. We're launching a dating app, but our .com domain is taken. What is our next best option? Jake's Answer The .com is always the best option but sometimes that's just not a possibility. Here's how I think about what the next option is that I should go for. What to do when the .com is unavailable 1. Reach out to the domain owner. Who.is can help you look up who owns it and then you can offer them some money to get the domain. Howev...
Is getting a .com domain still important?
March 29, 2019 10:00 - 10 minutes - 9.35 MBToday's question comes from Jim. We're launching a dating app, but our .com domain is taken. What is our next best option? --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/launchchat/message
How to negotiate a fair compensation package
March 28, 2019 10:00 - 9 minutes - 8.92 MBToday's question comes from Neil. How does compensation work in early team formation at a startup? I'm coming in as a partner so I want to make sure my value is compensated appropriately. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/launchchat/message
What to look for in a co-founder
March 27, 2019 10:00 - 7 minutes - 6.87 MBToday's question comes from Bruce. What are the things I should be looking for when trying to bring on my first co-founder? --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/launchchat/message
How to move past the MVP stage and keep your business moving
March 26, 2019 10:00 - 11 minutes - 10.3 MBToday's question comes from Lucien. I have a prototype built for a B2C app but I'm trying to decide what my focus should be in the MVP phase. How should I think about the next stages of my business development? --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/launchchat/message
When do you truly know you have a good idea?
March 26, 2019 04:00 - 11 minutes - 10.2 MBToday's question comes from Christopher. I have a product I want to import and sell in my country. I setup a pre-launch page with an email signup and have done some paid ads. How do I know when my idea is valid? --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/launchchat/message
When do you truly know you have a good idea?
March 26, 2019 04:00 - 11 minutes - 10.2 MBToday's Question Today's question comes from Christopher. I have a product I want to import and sell in my country. I setup a pre-launch page with an email signup and have done some paid ads. How do I know when my idea is valid? Jake's Answer In Christopher's case, he's spent $20 in Google Ads per day for a week and in that time he had 57 click-throughs and 22 people signed up with their email. Let's talk about what sign up means - since you haven't launched your product, chances...
Where to focus your energy as an early-stage startup
March 22, 2019 10:00 - 10 minutes - 9.19 MBToday's question comes from Gloria. I'm trying to start a new startup, but I'm not sure where to focus on my attention. A lot of it feels like I can't focus on one thing without focusing on another and it makes me feel lost. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/launchchat/message
Whitelabeling products for ecommerce startups
March 21, 2019 10:00 - 9 minutes - 8.75 MBToday's question comes from Dan. I want to start an ecommerce business where I purchase products overseas and then rebrand them as my own. What are the possible implications of this route? --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/launchchat/message
What to do with an idea and $1,000
March 20, 2019 10:00 - 9 minutes - 9.06 MBToday's question comes from Colton. I won a $1000 at a hackathon to use on my idea, but I have no idea what to do with the money. I've built a prototype on my own already but am not sure if it's something I can scale to take to investors. Where is the money I won best spent at this stage? --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/launchchat/message