How 2 Students raised $100k in 1 Week with crapy MVP

How 2 Students raised $100k in 1 Week with crapy MVP

Author: Ash Lonare December 30, 2025 Duration: 1:03:35

In this episode of the Founders Podcast, hosts Ash, Cosimo, and Omer discuss the journey of building MindStash, a tool designed to help users manage information overload. They share their inspirations, the challenges of execution, and the importance of curiosity in entrepreneurship. The conversation delves into the problem of information overload, the research process behind validating their idea, and the strategies for pricing and community engagement. Cosimo and Omer also reflect on their backgrounds, the fundraising journey, and the significance of building a movement around their product.


Takeaways


Curiosity drives innovation and entrepreneurship.

Execution is crucial; ideas need to be acted upon.

Identifying a real problem is key to building a successful product.

Research and validation are essential before launching a product.

Pricing strategies should be flexible and based on user feedback.

Building a community around your product fosters engagement and loyalty.

Founders should be prepared for the challenges of fundraising.

Authenticity in communication resonates with investors and customers alike.

The journey of entrepreneurship is filled with ups and downs, requiring resilience.

Curiosity and grit are essential traits for successful founders.


Chapters


00:00 Inspiration and Motivation

02:33 The Journey Begins: From Idea to Execution

06:29 Identifying the Problem: Information Overload

11:51 Researching the Market: Validating the Problem

14:23 Pricing Strategies: Finding the Right Model

18:29 Founders' Background: The Roots of Entrepreneurship

34:09 Fundraising Journey: Pitching and Learning

34:38 The Reality of Entrepreneurship

36:20 Business Size and Team Dynamics

37:47 Community Engagement and Technology Relationships

40:32 The Art of Pitching and Fundraising

42:55 Strategies for Growth and Traction

50:31 Curiosity and Grit in Founding

56:00 Productivity Tools and Habits

57:10 Innovative Business Ideas and Future Visions

59:29 Fun Facts and Personal Insights



Ash Lonare hosts Founders Podcast, a series of conversations that go straight to the source. Each episode features a different founder or seasoned expert, but the format feels less like a formal interview and more like a candid exchange you might overhear between colleagues after a long day. The focus is on the tangible details often glossed over in success stories-the specific decisions, the unforeseen obstacles, and the practical strategies that actually worked when theory met reality. You’ll hear about the early doubts, the pivotal moments that changed a company’s direction, and the personal philosophies that guide these leaders through constant uncertainty. This podcast is built on the premise that the most valuable lessons come from those who have navigated the complex journey of building something from nothing. Listening feels like gaining access to a private roundtable, offering perspectives that are both inspirational and immediately useful for anyone involved in their own venture. The discussions are grounded in real experience, providing a resource that feels substantive and directly applicable to the daily challenges of launching and growing a business.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Founders Podcast
Podcast Episodes
5 Proven Steps to Close More Sales Using a System [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 49:27
Imagine being able to walk into any room, talk to any client, and know exactly what to say to make them feel like you truly understand them. What if you could decode human behaviour and use it to build genuine trust, eff…
Meet the Woman Behind Canada’s Most Game-Changing Startup [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 39:14
What does it take to build not one, but two award-winning tech products while reshaping industries and championing innovation? Imagine balancing strategic leadership, product vision, and global growth—all while empowerin…
Data-Driven Strategies for Explosive Business Growth [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 52:27
What if the secret to scaling your business lies not in chasing trends but in orchestrating harmony between data, strategy, and creativity? Today's guest has mastered this art. With over a decade leading brands to measur…
Secrets Behind Scaling a Business to 1.8 Million Monthly Users [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 48:09
Have you ever wondered what it takes to turn a simple idea into a data-driven revolution for hundreds of brands worldwide? Imagine navigating the complexities of deep-tech startups, e-commerce marketplaces, and data-powe…
Secrets to Grow Your Business from $5M to $15M in 18 Months [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 51:24
Imagine taking a company from $5 million to $15 million in just 18 months. Picture transforming a 40-year-old manufacturing firm into a paragon of 98% on-time delivery. Or scaling an internet business that you eventually…
How to Raise Funds as a First Time Founder [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 53:54
Ever wondered what it takes to turn a bold idea into a thriving global business? Our guest today has done it all—from building startups and leading venture studios to coaching founders on how to unleash their true potent…
How to Build a Seven-Figure Business in Two Years with Sheryl Plouffe [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 50:03
Are you ready to unlock the secret to skyrocketing your business income? Today, we have a truly inspiring guest, Sheryl Plouffe, co-founder of ICONMAKER®. Sheryl and her team have been transforming the lives of coaches,…