A weekly podcast featuring in-depth discussions with founders and leaders of the world's most innovative companies. Each episode focuses on a different guest, exploring their unique journey to success and the lessons they have learned along the way.
Hosted by tech entrepreneur Albi Zhulali, Founders Room delves into the strategies and mindset behind successful startups, offering valuable insights and inspiration to listeners looking to build their own businesses or advance their careers.
Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting out, Founders Room has something to offer.
Andrew Gazdecki - How to sell your startup in 2026
In this conversation, Andrew Gazdecki, founder of Acquire.com, shares insights on the startup acquisition landscape, discussing the challenges of building a marketplace, current trends in startups, and the evolving buyer landscape. He emphasizes the importance of preparation for founders looking to sell their businesses and highlights common mistakes that can derail deals. Gazdecki also explores the shift in valuation trends from revenue to profit multiples and the impact of AI on the acquisition process. He concludes with advice for founders on building to exit and the potential of productized services in the market.
SOCIAL LINKS
• Follow @albizhulali (https://instagram.com/albizhulali) on Instagram
• Follow @foundersroom (https://instagram.com/foundersroom) on Instagram
• Follow @foundersroom (https://tiktok.com/@foundersroom) on TikTok
• More information at: foundersroom.co (https://www.foundersroom.co)
3 Nov 2025
Julien Coustaury - How to raise your first VC round
In this conversation, Albi Zhulali interviews Julien Coustaury, managing partner at Fil Rouge Capital, discussing his transition from operator to investor, the investment philosophy of Fil Rouge, and the unique challenges and opportunities in the venture capital landscape, particularly in Central and Eastern Europe. Julien shares insights on the importance of chemistry with founders, the significance of transparency post-investment, and the common mistakes founders make when approaching VCs. He emphasizes the need for energy and a well-prepared pitch while also addressing the evolving space industry and the types of companies Fil Rouge invests in.
SOCIAL LINKS
• Follow @albizhulali (https://instagram.com/albizhulali) on Instagram
• Follow @foundersroom (https://instagram.com/foundersroom) on Instagram
• Follow @foundersroom (https://tiktok.com/@foundersroom) on TikTok
• More information at: foundersroom.co (https://www.foundersroom.co)
14 Oct 2025
Matthias Sziraczki - The hidden cost of founding a startup
In this conversation, Albi and Matthias discuss the often-overlooked mental load and burnout that entrepreneurs face. Matthias shares his personal journey from a young entrepreneur to experiencing burnout and developing a framework that integrates health as a key performance indicator in business. They explore the importance of managing stress, the role of technology in health management, and the impact of diet and recovery strategies. The discussion also touches on the hustle culture, common mistakes founders make, and the need for a balanced work environment that prioritizes health and well-being.
SOCIAL LINKS
• Follow @albizhulali (https://instagram.com/albizhulali) on Instagram
• Follow @foundersroom (https://instagram.com/foundersroom) on Instagram
• Follow @foundersroom (https://tiktok.com/@foundersroom) on TikTok
• More information at: foundersroom.co (https://www.foundersroom.co)
23 Sept 2025
Tim Draper - How to get funded by top VCs
In this conversation, Tim Draper shares his insights on what he looks for in entrepreneurs and startups, emphasizing the importance of energy, resilience, and customer delight. He discusses the differences between first-time and experienced founders, common mistakes made by entrepreneurs, and the significance of market timing. Draper also highlights emerging industries such as blockchain, AI, and space, and provides frameworks for evaluating new sectors. The discussion culminates in the adventurous spirit of entrepreneurship and the importance of distribution alongside product development.
SOCIAL LINKS
• Follow @albizhulali (https://instagram.com/albizhulali) on Instagram
• Follow @foundersroom (https://instagram.com/foundersroom) on Instagram
• Follow @foundersroom (https://tiktok.com/@foundersroom) on TikTok
• More information at: foundersroom.co (https://www.foundersroom.co)
30 Jul 2025
Kambis Kohansal Vajargah - WKO: Why European startups fall behind
In this conversation, Kambis Kohansal Vajargah shares his extensive experience in the startup ecosystem, discussing his journey from founder to investor and his role in shaping Austria's entrepreneurial landscape. He highlights the unique aspects of Vienna as a startup hub, the challenges faced by European founders, and the importance of building a supportive ecosystem. Kambis emphasizes the need for a more unified approach within the EU to foster growth and innovation, while also offering practical advice for founders looking to navigate the complexities of the European market.
SOCIAL LINKS
Follow @albizhulali (https://instagram.com/albizhulali) on Instagram
Follow @foundersroom (https://instagram.com/foundersroom) on Instagram
Follow @foundersroom (https://tiktok.com/@foundersroom) on TikTok
More information at foundersroom.co (https://www.foundersroom.co)
30 Jun 2025
Jeff Burton - The founding story of Electronic Arts (EA)
In this episode, Jeff Burton the co-founder of Electronic Arts shares his remarkable journey from working at Atari to building one of the most iconic gaming companies in the world. He reveals the origin of EA Sports legendary tagline, details EA’s evolution from a publishing house to a game development powerhouse, and reflects on the early challenges of gathering player feedback.Beyond gaming, he talks about life after EA, the importance of mentoring the next generation of founders, and the core values that drive successful entrepreneurs. Jeff also talks about his new venture, Day 1 Sports, where they’re revolutionizing the cricket gaming experience, exploring the future of entertainment and the rise of interactive experiences in sports and media.
SOCIAL LINKS
• Follow @albizhulali (https://instagram.com/albizhulali) on Instagram
• Follow @foundersroom (https://instagram.com/foundersroom) on Instagram
• Follow @foundersroom (https://tiktok.com/@foundersroom) on TikTok
• More information at: foundersroom.co (https://www.foundersroom.co)
18 Jun 2025
Arjun Mahadevan - Doola: Start a U.S. company from anywhere in the world
In this conversation, Arjun Mahadevan, founder and CEO of Doola, shares his journey from Dropbox to creating a platform that simplifies business formation for global entrepreneurs. He discusses key lessons learned from his time at Dropbox, the importance of validating startup ideas through customer feedback, and the balance between technology and human interaction in service delivery. Arjun emphasizes the advantages of incorporating in the US, the significance of content marketing, and the evolving landscape of global entrepreneurship. He also touches on the challenges of maintaining compliance and the future of work culture at Doola, which embraces a hybrid model.
SOCIAL LINKS
• Follow @albizhulali (https://instagram.com/albizhulali) on Instagram
• Follow @foundersroom (https://instagram.com/foundersroom) on Instagram
• Follow @foundersroom (https://tiktok.com/@foundersroom) on TikTok
• More information at: foundersroom.co (https://www.foundersroom.co)
9 Jun 2025
Marty Ringlein - Agree.com vs DocuSign: The product war no one saw coming
In this engaging conversation, Marty Ringlein shares his multifaceted journey as an entrepreneur, investor, and advisor, discussing the importance of creativity, design, and relationships in business. He reflects on his experiences at the White House, Twitter, and Brex, and how these shaped his approach to building Agree.com. Marty emphasizes the role of generative AI in modern business, the significance of a strong domain name, and the strategies that led to rapid growth for his latest venture. He also offers insights into the challenges of maintaining clarity and simplicity in product design, the importance of storytelling, and the lessons learned from past exits.
SOCIAL LINKS
Follow @albizhulali (https://instagram.com/albizhulali) on Instagram
Follow @foundersroom (https://instagram.com/foundersroom) on Instagram
Follow @foundersroom (https://tiktok.com/@foundersroom) on TikTok
More information at: foundersroom.co (https://www.foundersroom.co)
21 Feb 2023
Pitching Softmogul at Draper University Demo Day
Bonus content.
Show Links:
Follow @albizhulali (https://instagram.com/albizhulali) on Instagram
Follow @foundersroom (https://instagram.com/foundersroom) on Instagram
Follow @foundersroom (https://tiktok.com/@foundersroom) on TikTok
More information at: foundersroom.co (https://www.foundersroom.co)
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
YouTube views
2,672
Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
3 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 36 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
32
Social presence
0
YouTube
68
Engagement
32
Contact Founders Room Podcast
Guest appearances
Books guests
Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.
Host of Founders Room Podcast?
Claim your podcast to manage its listing and keep your show details accurate.
Pod Engine is an independent podcast discovery and analytics service and is not affiliated with or endorsed by this podcast. Artwork and show content belong to their owners. Full legal notice.
Explore this show Podcast research with Pod Engine
