DevReady Podcast

Get Ready to Date Differently: Kara Zervides on the Humpday Movement! | Ep 181 | DevReady Podcast

In this episode of the DevReady Podcast, Anthony Sapountzis  is joined by Kara Zervides, Co-Founder and CEO of the Humpday App. Kara shares her unique journey from physiotherapist to tech entrepreneur, discussing how her passion for problem-solving led her to create a dating app aimed at addressing the challenges of modern dating. With Humpday, Kara seeks to combat the loneliness and dissatisfaction that many users experience with traditional dating apps by encouraging more offline connections. Kara reflects on her personal transition from her previous career to the startup world, emphasising the pivotal moment she joined Antler's accelerator, which solidified her decision to pursue Humpday full-time.
Humpday stands out in the crowded dating app market by focusing on scarcity, compatibility, and real-world interactions. Unlike other dating apps that keep users swiping endlessly, Humpday offers a curated match once a week, designed to foster genuine relationships. Kara highlights how the app is built to counter the effects of dating app fatigue, particularly among millennials who are often left feeling dissatisfied by their online experiences. Humpday bridges the gap between online and offline interactions, hosting events where users can meet in person, creating meaningful connections that extend beyond the app.
The app's innovative business model combines revenue from event-based income with affiliate partnerships, offering long-term value to both users and venues. Kara explains how these offline events not only generate revenue but also serve as a powerful marketing tool, driving community growth through word-of-mouth referrals. As Humpday matures, the company aims to scale internationally with a city-by-city approach, targeting expansion into markets like the US by FY26. Their goal is to become a subscription-based model for sustainable growth while maintaining their core mission of fostering real-world connections.
Throughout the episode, Kara discusses her experience as a non-technical founder and the challenges she faced building Humpday. She relied on a reputable design agency and leaned on her network to navigate the tech world, emphasizing the importance of learning from experienced founders and surrounding herself with knowledgeable people. She also shares valuable lessons from the early stages of the business, such as the need for careful planning and aligning short-term and long-term goals. By staying focused, testing ideas methodically, and continuously learning from early mistakes, Kara and her team have been able to optimise Humpday’s growth strategy and build a thriving community.

Simplify to Amplify: Kayla Medica’s Formula for Marketing Success | Ep 180 | DevReady Podcast

In this episode of the DevReady Podcast, Anthony Sapountzis  sits down with Kayla Medica, CMO of Mehdeeka, to discuss her unique journey from translating Japanese marketing materials to becoming a fractional CMO for tech startups. Kayla shares how her early experiences with Japan's demanding work culture helped shape her marketing expertise, particularly in translating complex technical messages for different audiences. Now focused on scaling growth for B2B SaaS businesses, she also authors the Mehdeeka newsletter, where she provides insights into the challenges of product marketing for startups.
Kayla reflects on her transition from translating marketing materials to a broader consulting role, helping businesses effectively communicate their value. She compares working with tech startup founders to collaborating with chefs, highlighting the passion and strong opinions that both groups share. Early in her career, Kayla gained valuable experience by offering affordable services to startups, although she admits that this often led to undervaluing her work. Her journey eventually led to a full-time position at a startup, where she gained structured business knowledge and marketing experience.
As her career progressed, Kayla took on key roles in product marketing, working with founders, investors, and building frameworks for growing businesses. She touches on her time at Willow and Perkbox, where she navigated international expansion and challenging environments. After Willow, Kayla shifted back to freelancing, this time focusing on tasks she enjoys and leveraging her diverse experience to help her clients grow. She emphasises her preference for product marketing over more traditional roles like social media management.
Throughout the episode, Kayla stresses the importance of simplifying marketing messages to avoid overwhelming audiences with technical jargon. She encourages founders to gather market feedback early on and avoid waiting for perfection before sharing their products. Additionally, Kayla discusses the need for clear communication between founders and marketers, especially in setting expectations for feedback and understanding the iterative nature of marketing. The conversation also touches on the growing demand for fractional product marketers, reflecting the increasing complexity of modern marketing strategies.

From Data to Decisions: Dr. Evan Shellshear on the Game Theory of Success! | Ep 179|DevReady Podcast

In this episode of the DevReady Podcast host Andrew Romeo is joined by Dr. Evan Shellshear, CEO of Ubidy, to explore his dynamic journey through technology, startups, and innovation. Dr. Shellshear's early passion for mathematics led him to pursue a Ph.D. in Game Theory, and although he found the theoretical aspects compelling, he shifted his focus towards programming for its practical applications. This episode delves into Dr. Shellshear's experiences in both the academic world and the tech industry, providing listeners with a deeper understanding of how he transitioned from theoretical studies to real-world problem-solving.
Dr. Shellshear's venture into game theory began with his fascination for the Shapley value proof, which he describes as a mathematical masterpiece. However, recognising the limited applicability of non-cooperative game theory in practical scenarios, he pivoted to programming and eventually began teaching a business strategy course at the University of Queensland. In his classes, he applies game theory to everyday business situations, helping students develop strategic thinking without diving too deep into complex mathematical formulas. His ability to merge theory with real-world applications has made his teaching approach both accessible and impactful.
His startup journey began in Sweden, where Dr. Shellshear worked on high-tech solutions, including an augmented reality printable keyboard. While the product did not achieve commercial success, it sparked his passion for building innovative technologies. Upon returning to Australia, Dr. Shellshear continued exploring the startup scene, ultimately helping a friend's startup grow significantly. This experience reinforced the importance of aligning technological innovations with market demand, a lesson that has shaped his approach to business ever since.
Dr. Shellshear also discusses the importance of innovation in minimising the cost of failure. His book, written around 2015, focuses on tools and strategies that allow businesses to test ideas quickly and inexpensively. By shortening the innovation cycle, companies can experiment more freely without incurring heavy financial losses. Dr. Shellshear highlights how these principles remain relevant today, particularly with the rise of rapid prototyping and other modern methods that support faster iterations and smarter decision-making.
The conversation rounds off with Dr. Shellshear's reflections on AI and data science, specifically addressing the common misconceptions that surround these fields. Alongside Douglas Gray, he co-authored a book to demystify the inflated expectations around AI. Dr. Shellshear emphasises that AI is not a quick fix but a rigorous science that requires deep expertise and a clear problem to solve. Without a well-defined strategy and an understanding of the field's complexity, many AI projects are doomed to fail. He concludes the episode by sharing his enthusiasm for his company's global focus and how his international travels have shattered cultural prejudices, allowing him to see the world through a more optimistic lens.

Swiping Right on Restaurants: How SPOT is Changing the Game | Ep 178 | DevReady Podcast

In this episode of the DevReady Podcast, Anthony Sapountzis  sits with Daniel Wang, a Commerce student at the University of Melbourne and the Non-Technical Founder of the startup SPOT. Daniel shares his journey as a young entrepreneur, balancing university life with his ambitious startup goals. SPOT, often described as "Tinder for restaurants," offers a platform designed to help restaurants gain visibility without the need for costly commission fees. Daniel reflects on his early entrepreneurial experiences, including his first pitch competition, which, although ending in disappointment, only fueled his passion for startups and building innovative solutions.
Daniel explains how SPOT has evolved through several iterations. Originally created to solve time coordination issues with friends, the concept pivoted based on user feedback. The current version of SPOT focuses on helping people discover restaurants, offering a personalised experience where users swipe through restaurant options based on preferences. This differentiates SPOT from other platforms like Google Maps or Zomato, aiming to provide a more tailored and engaging way to choose dining spots.
As a non-technical founder, Daniel faced challenges finding the right technical partner to bring his vision to life. He relied heavily on LinkedIn outreach to find a co-founder, navigating the difficulties of aligning visions and personalities with potential candidates. Eventually, he found a co-founder with strong technical expertise, allowing Daniel to focus on product features and business development while his partner handled the platform's technical aspects. This collaboration has been key to SPOT's progress, but it took several attempts and partnerships to find the right fit.
Daniel also addresses the difficulties of attracting investors and building a marketplace without charging restaurants commission fees. He plans to list 3,000 restaurants on the platform for free as part of a data-driven trial to prove SPOT’s value to potential clients. The long-term goal is to use this data to demonstrate the platform’s effectiveness in driving customer engagement and improving restaurant visibility. Daniel’s vision for SPOT extends beyond local markets, with plans for international expansion and a commission-based revenue model that incentivizes users to engage with the platform.
In closing, Daniel reflects on the importance of finding the right co-founder, sharing his personal experiences with challenging partnerships. He highlights the need for aligned visions and mutual trust to ensure long-term success. Despite the obstacles, Daniel remains optimistic about SPOT's potential to scale globally, hoping to integrate payment tracking systems and develop the platform into the go-to solution for restaurant bookings worldwide. His story serves as a valuable lesson for aspiring entrepreneurs about the importance of perseverance, collaboration, and clear strategic direction.

Future-Proofing Health Tech: MVP Strategies for Lasting Success! | Ep 177 | DevReady Podcast

In this episode of the DevReady Podcast, Anthony Sapountzis welcomes Steven Whittington, Founder & CEO of My Health Match and the Head of Operations (Fractional) of The Mind Room, to discuss the evolving landscape of health tech. Steven shares his journey from cloud computing to revolutionising healthcare practices through innovative tech solutions. Together, they explore the challenges of scaling health tech startups, the importance of data interoperability, and the critical role of collaboration between technical and non-technical founders. Packed with valuable insights, this episode offers practical advice for navigating the complex intersection of healthcare and technology.
Steven shares his extensive journey into the health tech space, beginning with his early career focused on health and cloud computing. He discusses his role in revolutionising a psychology practice by implementing cloud-based solutions, which significantly contributed to its growth. Steven also touches on data security challenges and the need for seamless data sharing in healthcare, leading him into product management and health tech innovation.
Throughout the episode, Steven discusses the evolution of health tech, especially the acceleration of cloud adoption during the pandemic and the growing focus on data interoperability. He highlights the importance of standards like FHIR (Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources) for improving medical data sharing. However, despite progress, many legacy systems still hinder effective data transfer, particularly in allied health sectors. Steven sees the future of healthcare relying on the ability to break down data silos and create more connected, interoperable systems that prioritize patient care.
Steven and Anthony also delve into the challenges of adopting new technologies within the healthcare and dental sectors. Clinics are often hesitant to modernise due to high costs and potential workflow disruptions. The conversation underscores the complexities of integrating new systems with legacy hardware while ensuring data privacy. For startups in the health tech space, Steven emphasizes the need to think about long-term scalability and integration early on, cautioning against building hardcoded solutions that will require costly overhauls in the future.
 
In a key segment, Steven shares practical advice for non-technical founders looking to enter the health tech space. He urges them to collaborate with experienced tech partners, conduct thorough research, and prioritize scalable solutions from the start. Rushing to release a minimally viable product without considering scalability or compliance can lead to expensive rework. Both Steven and Anthony agree that balancing customer demands with practical product development is essential, and founders should remain focused on their core product vision to avoid unnecessary complexity and distractions.

The MVP Mindset with Kirsten Cilliers: Putting Users First | Ep 176 | DevReady Podcast

In this episode of the DevReady Podcast host Andrew Romeo sits down with Kirsten Cilliers, Product Manager at PX4 Software, to explore the intricacies of product management within startups. They discuss the crucial balance between meeting customer needs and ensuring technical feasibility, emphasising the role of product managers as vital links between design, development, and business strategy. Kirsten shares his personal journey from print design to product management, highlighting how his design and front-end development background have allowed him to bridge the gap between technical and non-technical teams, thus enhancing overall communication and collaboration.
A significant part of their conversation focuses on the essential skills product managers need, particularly the importance of understanding both technical and non-technical aspects of a product. Kirsten points out the unique challenges faced by non-technical managers when interacting with developers, warning that miscommunication can lead to project delays and misaligned expectations. He explains how a foundational understanding of software architecture can greatly inform design decisions, emphasising that even minor changes—such as adding an extra input field—can significantly affect development. Both Andrew and Kirsten agree that encouraging designers to acquire basic coding knowledge enhances their ability to create practical, scalable designs that developers can efficiently implement.
Kirsten also delves into the evolving responsibilities of a product manager, noting that as one advances in their career, the focus shifts from hands-on tasks to delegation and cross-team communication. He discusses how his daily routine is filled with meetings, requiring him to engage effectively with developers, designers, and stakeholders alike. Despite the varying industries in which product managers may work, Kirsten emphasises that core principles remain constant, with successful product management ultimately revolving around achieving business objectives while simplifying solutions for users.
The episode further emphasises the importance of prioritising user needs when managing product scope. Kirsten reflects on his learning experiences over the past three years, particularly the insights gained from a UX designer who helped him distinguish between what users think they need and what they genuinely require. He advocates for creating a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) that focuses on essential features before expanding, stressing that a user-centered approach is vital for product success. Additionally, both speakers highlight the need for open dialogues with customers to ensure that products address real challenges rather than superficial demands from upper management.
Finally, Andrew and Kirsten discuss the rapid advancements in AI technology and their implications for product management. Kirsten notes the increasing use of AI tools for tasks such as email management and website creation, underscoring that while these tools boost productivity, they do not replace the need for skilled human involvement. The conversation concludes with a shared belief that integrating AI into product management processes will enhance efficiency and value, reinforcing the idea that AI should support, not supplant, human expertise in navigating complex stakeholder conversations and decision-making.

Transform Your Sales Game with Sales Director Central’s Secret Formula | Ep 175 | DevReady Podcast

In this episode of the DevReady Podcast, host Anthony Sapountzis, Co-Founder and CTO of Aerion Technologies and Co-Founder of DevReady.Ai welcomes Paul Sargeant, Co-Founder of Sales Director Central. Paul provides a deep dive into his role as a fractional sales leader and how his team supports technology businesses in selling complex B2B products. He outlines how Sales Director Central aids organisations by setting up effective sales frameworks and managing sales operations until they are ready to hire a full-time sales leader. Paul’s approach emphasises bridging the gap between technical and business teams, ensuring that the sales process aligns with the client’s buying journey to speed up deal closures.
Paul explains that his team utilises a comprehensive 75-point "blueprint" checklist to build robust sales structures. They integrate into the client’s organisation for a period of 6-12 months, focusing on not just implementing growing revenue but embedding a sales framework that aligns with the company's business goals. This process involves assessing and correcting existing sales practices to ensure that every sales activity is meaningful and contributes to achieving business objectives.
One key aspect of Paul’s service is helping businesses avoid common pitfalls in the sales process. He highlights that many companies fall into the trap of focusing too heavily on their product’s features rather than addressing the customer’s needs. Paul’s team works with clients to shift their focus from merely presenting features to understanding and solving real problems for customers. This approach transforms sales conversations from product pitches into value-based discussions, enhancing the effectiveness of their sales efforts.
Paul also discusses the importance of understanding the buyer’s journey in enterprise sales. By the time buyers engage with a company, they are typically well into their research phase. Paul’s team helps clients establish a "know, like, and trust" relationship through strategic content and an effective online presence, which helps filter leads and set the stage for successful sales engagements. They emphasise the need for multiple touchpoints and aligning the sales process with the buyer’s perspective to improve the likelihood of closing deals.
In addition to these strategies, Paul highlights the importance of a solid onboarding process and clear role definitions when hiring new sales representatives. His team assists clients in creating a clear sales DNA and onboarding plan to ensure that new hires are effectively integrated into the company’s sales operations. Paul also advises on the right type of sales rep needed based on the company’s specific needs, helping to avoid the mistake of hiring based on strong interviewing skills alone.
The episode concludes with Paul discussing how Sales Director Central supports businesses by offering mentorship and ongoing support beyond initial engagements. His team’s extensive experience in sales and leadership allows them to stay involved with clients, providing continued guidance and adjustment to sales strategies as needed. Paul invites listeners to reach out via email or their website for further information or to book a call, emphasising the value of their expertise in driving sales success for their clients.
Connect with Paul:
Paul Sargeant | LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulsargeant/
Book a call with Paul: Book a meeting with Sarge
Email Paul: paul@salesdirectorcentral.com

From Academia to AI: Mas Abdi’s Journey with Easy Apply | Ep 174 | DevReady Podcast

In this episode of the DevReady Podcast, host Anthony Sapountzis is joined by Mas Abdi, Founder of Easy Apply and a PhD in Artificial Intelligence. Mas shares his journey from academia to entrepreneurship, providing insights into his work with generative AI, specifically focusing on variational autoencoders and GANs. He discusses the evolution of AI, particularly how large models have advanced AI capabilities. Additionally, Mas touches on the risks associated with AI-generated misinformation and introduces his startup Easy Apply, which uses AI to help job seekers tailor resumes and cover letters.
Mas explains how his background in AI and data science helped him identify opportunities for automating the resume creation process. Through his work developing AI-based products, he realised the need for a tool that simplifies resume customisation for job seekers. This led to the creation of Easy Apply, a platform that allows users to upload and tailor their resumes quickly to various job applications. By using AI to adjust resumes based on specific job descriptions, Easy Apply helps improve the chances of success for job seekers. Mas also introduces TalentRun, another AI platform aimed at helping recruiters filter through applications more efficiently.
As Easy Apply evolves, Mas shares how the platform began as a browser extension to simplify LinkedIn applications but has now grown to offer fully tailored resumes and cover letters. While the platform is seeing significant engagement, it is still in the testing phase for recruiter-side integration. He reflects on the competitive landscape of recruitment technology, acknowledging that many companies are already leveraging advanced tools such as AI-powered interviews and scheduling features.
Mas and Anthony discuss the importance of customer feedback in building a successful product, noting that while gathering user insights is crucial, startup founders must also trust their intuition to innovate effectively. They discuss how disruptive companies like Uber and Airbnb transformed their industries by staying true to their visions. Mas shares his experience with Easy Apply, emphasising that balancing feedback with intuition can lead to groundbreaking solutions in recruitment technology.
The conversation concludes with a discussion about the future of work and the role AI will play in reshaping job roles. Mas envisions a shift towards managing AI agents for various tasks, making multidisciplinary roles more prominent. Easy Apply is already helping job seekers tailor resumes, and Mas outlines future plans to expand its capabilities to include other document types. Both Mas and Anthony agree that while AI can handle many tasks, human oversight and interaction will remain essential for maintaining trust and adding nuance in the workplace.

The Biz Lab’s Startup Zodiac: Aligning Startups with Success | Ep 173 | DevReady Podcast

In this episode of the DevReady Podcast host Andrew Romeo sits down with Dr. Yong Hsin Ning, Co-Founder of The Biz Lab, to explore her transformative journey from tax accounting to empowering startups. Dr. Yong shares insights into the innovative tools developed by The Biz Lab, designed to enhance the success rates of incubators and accelerators. Together, they delve into the challenges faced by startup founders and discuss the importance of data-driven approaches in navigating the unpredictable landscape of entrepreneurship. Join us as they uncover strategies for fostering growth and resilience in the startup ecosystem.
Dr. Yong shares her inspiring journey from tax accounting to co-founding a startup focused on enhancing outcomes for incubators and accelerators. She discusses her transition to organisational behavior and entrepreneurship, emphasising the importance of data-driven tools designed to support startup founders. Among the innovative tools developed by The Biz Lab are the "Startup Zodiac," which provides insights into business model alignment and growth potential, and a cash flow and valuation tool that aids founders in creating strategic financial projections and overcoming confidence bias.
Throughout the discussion, Andrew and Dr. Yong address the unpredictable nature of startups, noting that businesses often deviate from their original plans and must continuously adapt. Dr. Yong introduces another essential tool, the "Growth Simulator," which enables founders to evaluate various growth scenarios, such as customer acquisition costs and retention rates. This tool, combined with their cash flow tool, equips startup founders with a strategic game plan to navigate challenges and optimise growth from the outset.
The conversation shifts to how The Biz Lab's tools can benefit incubators and accelerators by offering data-driven insights that help founders gain a clearer understanding of their businesses. Dr. Yong points out that while many incubators measure activities like pitch nights and funds raised, they often overlook tracking their direct impact on founder success. She stresses the importance of focusing on the "demand side," ensuring that founders can effectively absorb the interventions provided. The "Startup Zodiac" tool also allows for the segmentation of founders based on self-assessment, enabling more personalised and effective support from incubators.
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Dr. Yong further explains that the "Startup Zodiac" categorises startups according to their business model and growth potential, using playful animal symbols to simplify the understanding of their commercial viability. This segmentation allows incubators to tailor their resources and support to match each startup's needs, ultimately preventing wasted time and resources. While integrating such tools at the application stage can be challenging, many institutions are incorporating the "Startup Zodiac" during the education phase to enhance founders’ understanding of different business models and growth trajectories.
Lastly, Dr. Yong emphasises that the success of incubators and accelerators is heavily dependent on the resilience and motivation of the founders. She argues that while these programs provide crucial resources, the journey of entrepreneurship is inherently filled with challenges that require a robust game plan. A clear go-to-market strategy, beyond just achieving product-market fit, is vital for long-term success. By leveraging data at both micro and macro levels, The Biz Lab aims to foster targeted interventions that enhance the overall startup ecosystem, showcasing the significant role that quality data and emerging technologies like AI play in improving startup outcomes.

From Cambridge to Creator Economy: Streamlining Licensing with Pactify | Ep 172 | DevReady Podcast

In this episode of the DevReady Podcast host Andrew Romeo sits with Rahul Moudgil, Co-Founder of Pactify, to explore the transformative changes in the creator economy. Rahul, who left Cambridge to pursue his passion for improving talent management processes, delves into the evolving landscape of influencer marketing and intellectual property. From navigating the complexities of brand deals to the shift from traditional advertising to niche influencer partnerships, Rahul shares his insights on how creators can better retain ownership and monetize their content. Tune in to discover the innovative solutions Rahul and Pactify are bringing to the table and gain valuable perspectives on the future of the creative economy.
Rahul recounts his unconventional journey from dropping out of Cambridge to launching a startup aimed at revolutionising processes for talent managers in the creator economy. He explains the challenges faced by these managers, who juggle multiple creators and often contend with lengthy and inefficient brand deal negotiations. Rahul underscores the need for enhanced infrastructure and practices to empower creators and ensure they retain control over their content, drawing parallels to the evolution seen in sectors like Web3.
Rahul's interest in intellectual property (IP) and licensing was sparked during his university years after meeting the CEO of the Smiley Company, which owns the iconic smiley face trademark. This encounter led him to explore the monetisation of IP, reflecting on how companies like Smiley and Disney leverage their IP assets. He highlights the complexities and ethical considerations surrounding IP ownership, particularly for creators in social media and music. Rahul aims to address these issues through Pactify's software solutions, designed to streamline licensing and administrative tasks for talent managers, thereby simplifying their currently fragmented workflows.
Joining the Antler accelerator program provided Rahul with critical insights into building a startup. He initially faced difficulties in defining his problem and finding a suitable co-founder but ultimately succeeded by refining his business strategy. Rahul and Andrew discuss the startup ecosystem, emphasising the importance of a sustainable business model and solving immediate customer problems over merely pursuing funding. Andrew shares his experience with customer-funded product development as an alternative to traditional capital raising.
The conversation also delves into the strategic importance of targeting specific markets rather than broad, unfocused goals. Rahul recounts his experience finding a co-founder through the Y Combinator directory and the value of partnering with someone experienced. Both Andrew and Rahul stress the importance of balancing long-term vision with adaptability, focusing on customer feedback to drive product development. They discuss the necessity of addressing real problems and delivering genuine value to attract both early adopters and long-term users.
Finally, Rahul provides a glimpse into his daily life as an early-stage startup founder, sharing how he navigates existential doubts and prioritises tasks. His commitment to democratising licensing fuels his drive and the team's perseverance. The episode concludes with a discussion on the shifting landscape of influencer marketing, where Rahul highlights the growing influence of smaller, highly engaged influencers over traditional celebrities. He predicts a future where the creative economy will increasingly favor genuine, engaged partnerships, enabling creators to better monetise their unique contributions.