Launchbase: Building Tech Products & Scaling Startups

UK vs US Tech: Inside the Mind of a Modern VC with Alistair Russell

In this episode, John Radford sits down with Alistair Russell, investor at Venrex, to unpack the realities of startup fundraising, the evolving nature of venture capital, and the key differences between the UK and US tech ecosystems. Alistair shares his personal journey into VC, lessons learned from early bets, and what separates average startups from exceptional ones.
From the importance of product-market fit and customer feedback, to why technology alone isn’t enough—this conversation is packed with insights for founders, startup operators, and anyone navigating the world of early-stage investment.
Whether you're raising your first round, refining your pitch, or exploring transatlantic growth, this episode is a masterclass in modern venture capital strategy.

The Art and Science of Startup Investment

In this episode, John Radford interviews Tony Kula, a seasoned entrepreneur and angel investor, discussing the intricacies of early-stage B2B SaaS investing. They explore the importance of founder characteristics, the balance between bootstrapping and seeking funding, common mistakes made by founders, and the role of an angel investor. Tony shares insights from his investment journey, emphasizing the significance of authenticity and the long-term nature of investor-founder relationships.
takeaways
Angel investing is a blend of art and science.
The founder's characteristics are crucial for investment decisions.
Bootstrapping can be a viable path for startups.
Investors should focus on capital efficiency and MRR growth.
Common mistakes include creating fake urgency and overselling.
Authenticity in storytelling is vital for founders.
Investors often look for founder-investor fit.
Sales issues are a common challenge for startups.
Time is often underestimated in the startup journey.
Angel investing can be rewarding and keeps investors engaged.

The Art of Storytelling in Startups

In this episode of Launch Base, host John Radford speaks with Phil McSweeney, an advisor and author, about the challenges founders face in scaling their businesses. They discuss the importance of storytelling, the reasons behind founder failures, and the key traits that make exceptional founders. Phil shares insights on angel investing, the significance of brand positioning, and the impact of no-code solutions on startups. The conversation culminates with a discussion of Phil's book, 'Angel Think', which offers valuable advice for founders looking to understand investor perspectives and gain a competitive edge.
takeaways
Founders often fail due to a lack of market fit.
Storytelling is crucial for engaging investors.
Execution is more important than just having an idea.
Building a personal brand can help in fundraising.
Determination and self-belief are key traits of successful founders.
Creating a strong narrative is essential for attracting investment.
Revenue generation is more important than having a perfect product.
No-code solutions can help validate ideas without significant investment.
Building relationships with investors before asking for money is vital.
Competitive advantage comes from more than just intellectual property.

From Tech to Tranquility: The Unplugged Journey

In this episode of Launchbase, host John Radford speaks with Hector Hughes, co-founder of Unplugged, a hospitality startup focused on providing digital detox experiences through off-grid cabins. Hector shares his journey from the tech industry to creating a business that encourages people to disconnect from their devices and reconnect with nature. The conversation explores the impact of digital detox on mental health and relationships, lessons learned from Hector's startup experiences, insights into fundraising, and the future vision for Unplugged as a movement promoting offline living.
 
Takeaways
Hector transitioned from tech to hospitality to promote digital detox.
Unplugged offers unique off-grid cabins for disconnection.
The first day of detox can be challenging but leads to calm.
Couples benefit significantly from spending time offline together.
Digital distractions can hinder empathy and focus in relationships.
Hector learned the importance of product focus in startups.
Hiring slowly and thoughtfully is crucial for company culture.
Cold outreach can be effective for fundraising if done right.
Understanding funding terms is more important than the amount raised.
Unplugged aims to create a cultural movement around digital detox.
 

Building the Future: AI Forge's Mission

In this episode of LaunchBase, John Radford sits down with Kevin Jackson, Chairman of AI Forge, to explore what it takes to build and scale AI startups. Kevin shares his journey from advertising to AI, the mission of AI Forge, and the rigorous selection process founders must go through. They dive into the challenges and opportunities in AI, the role of resilience in entrepreneurship, and why AI is becoming as fundamental as electricity.
If you're an aspiring AI founder or curious about where AI is heading, this episode is packed with insights on funding, innovation, and the future of work.
 
 

From Banking to Angel Investing: Katie Dunn's Journey

In this episode of Launch Base, host John Radford is joined by Katie Dunn, an angel investor and startup advisor, to discuss her journey from corporate banking to the world of angel investing. They dive into the critical role of personal branding on LinkedIn, the key qualities that make a successful founder, and the evolving startup ecosystem. Katie shares valuable insights on navigating investor relationships, the significance of founder-market fit, and the growing impact of AI in investment opportunities. Tune in for practical tips on fundraising, networking, and leveraging your unique skills to succeed in the startup world.
Takeaways:
The importance of LinkedIn for building a personal brand and network.
Insights on the transition from corporate banking to angel investing.
What makes a successful founder, and why experience matters.
How to effectively communicate with investors and tell your story.
The evolving role of AI in investment strategies and startup success.
Listen now for actionable advice on securing investment and scaling your startup!

Is Europe’s Startup Scene Ready to Go American?

In this episode of LaunchBase, I sit down with Dan Bowyer, partner at Super Seed, to discuss early-stage investing and why Europe’s tech scene needs a serious shift.
We cover:
✅ Why Dubai’s tech hype doesn’t compare to Europe and the US model✅ How Europe can ‘Americanise’ its approach to funding and scaling✅ The importance of founder-market fit and how it drives investment decisions✅ Why personalized outreach trumps cold emails when raising capital✅ Dan’s new fund focusing on very early-stage startups and what it takes to win
Dan also shares his thoughts on the differences between the European and US startup ecosystems, why second-time founders have an edge, and why having skin in the game is crucial for attracting serious investors. Tune in for insights on how to better navigate early-stage funding and take your startup to the next level.

Inside the VC Mind: What Founders Get Wrong About Fundraising

In this episode of LaunchBase, I sit down with Kiran Mehta, a former VC turned startup advisor, to break down the biggest mistakes founders make when raising capital. We cover:
✅ Why B2B SaaS is the safer bet for UK VCs✅ What investors really want to see at pre-seed, seed, and Series A✅ The funding challenges founders are facing today—and how to navigate them✅ The real tipping point for scaling a SaaS startup✅ Common founder mistakes (and how great founders set themselves apart)
Kiran also shares insights on his transition from VC to working directly with founders, why some startups struggle to raise pre-seed funding, and the importance of hiring well, proving commercial traction early, and knowing when to say no to bad deals.

From Idea to Seven Figures: Callum Woodcock’s Journey with WineFi

In this episode of Launchbase, I sit down with Callum Woodcock, the founder & CEO of WineFi, a platform that’s transforming fine wine into an accessible investment class.
 
🚀 Key Highlights:
How Callum went from idea to £1M+ in revenue within seven months.
The power of building in public and leveraging LinkedIn for early traction.
Raising £500K in an oversubscribed pre-seed round—before even having a product.
Why personal brand matters for startup founders (and how Callum got his whole team posting).
The mindset shift that helped him overcome rejection while fundraising.
 
📢 One big takeaway? Startups don’t fail because of bad ideas. They fail because they don’t find product-market fit fast enough. WineFi nailed it early—before even launching a platform.

From Police Officer to 7-Figure Exit: Eddie Whittingham’s No-BS Guide

In this episode of Launchbase, John Radford sits down with Eddie Whittingham—ex-police officer, lawyer, and tech entrepreneur. Eddie bootstrapped The Defense Works, a cybersecurity training company, and successfully exited to Proofpoint, a NASDAQ-listed firm. Now, he’s building Ministry of Work, a premium co-working space for ambitious founders.
They discuss:
✅ Bootstrapping to exit—what worked and what didn’t✅ The role of luck vs. hard work in startup success✅ Why most online training is terrible—and how Eddie made it better✅ The reality of selling a business—how Proofpoint found him through LinkedIn✅ Why founder networks matter more than ever