In a world where over 3 million podcasts exist, finding gems that truly enlighten and inspire can be daunting. Our article introduces you to the best startup podcasts, offering a lifeline of insights and strategies from those who’ve navigated these treacherous waters. These podcasts are a goldmine of entrepreneurial stories, where inspiration meets practical advice. Discover your next source of startup wisdom!
Why Listen to Startup Podcasts?
If you’re interested in entrepreneurship and innovation or simply enjoy hearing inspiring stories about people turning their ideas into reality, then startup podcasts could very well be exactly what you’re looking for. Here’s why you should give it a try.
- Learning from Others’ Experiences
Startup podcasts often serve as platforms where industry leaders and experts share their insights. These podcasts feature entrepreneurs sharing their journeys, including the ups, the downs, and those twists and turns that took them by surprise. Such firsthand insight can prove invaluable.
- Staying Up to Date with Trends
The world of startups is dynamic and constantly evolving. Podcasts offer a way to stay informed about the latest trends, technologies, and shifts across various industries. So regularly listening to these podcasts not only enhances your understanding of the sector-specific language but also builds familiarity with the latest developments.
- Finding Networking and Collaboration Opportunities
Some podcast hosts and guests may announce or discuss upcoming industry events, webinars, or collaboration opportunities.
- Inspiration and Motivation
It’s not just about the information, it’s about the inspiration. Each episode can be a lightbulb moment, sparking ideas or offering solutions to problems you didn’t even know you had.
- Identifying Potential Mentors and Role Models
As you learn about various industry leaders through podcasts, you’ll begin to identify those whose career paths or approaches resonate with you. This understanding can guide you in seeking mentorship or advice, as you’ll have a clearer idea of whose guidance aligns best with your professional aspirations and personal values.
- Community Connection
Ever caught yourself responding out loud to your podcast? Well, there’s a good chance others do too! Many podcasts have accompanying social media communities or forums where listeners can engage with each other and sometimes even with the podcast guests themselves.
- Diverse Perspectives
With a wide range of startup podcasts available, you can hear perspectives from different industries, cultural backgrounds, and levels of experience. This diversity can broaden your understanding and expose you to new ideas.
- Flexibility and Convenience
Podcasts are a flexible way to absorb information. You can listen while commuting, working out, or during other activities. This makes it easy to fit learning and inspiration into a busy schedule.
Criteria for Selection
Before we explore our handpicked list of the best startup podcasts, it’s important to understand the criteria that guided our selection.
- Theme and Focus
The best startup podcasts on our list cover a broad range of themes within the startup and entrepreneurial sectors. They delve into various aspects like technology, innovation, business strategies, entrepreneurship insights, and investment opportunities.
If you’re interested in the impact of new technologies on healthcare, we also have podcasts focusing on this niche, discussing advancements, challenges, and prospects in the intersection of technology and healthcare.
Moreover, the podcasts include inspiring stories and effective strategies from successful women entrepreneurs, offering a varied range of topics that appeal to an audience with diverse interests in the many aspects of entrepreneurship and innovation.
- Content and Approach
The best startup podcasts on our list showcase a diverse range of content and approaches. They feature in-depth interviews with successful entrepreneurs, industry leaders, and innovators, offering a blend of personal stories, business strategies, and expert insights.
These podcasts excel in presenting complex concepts in an accessible manner, often combining storytelling with actionable advice. They cover a spectrum of topics from startup culture and entrepreneurship to specific fields like health and medtech, while also highlighting stories of women in business.
- Hosts’ Background
The hosts of the best startup podcasts on our list come from varied and impressive backgrounds, including seasoned entrepreneurs, industry leaders, and specialized experts. Their diverse experiences add depth and credibility to the discussions.
Their unique insights and knowledge enable the podcasts to offer a wide range of perspectives and advice, proving invaluable for listeners at different stages of their entrepreneurial journeys.
Podcasts for Startups
This Week in Startups
Theme and Focus: startups, technology, markets, media, and trending topics in business and technology
Latest Episodes:
- “Earth Reimagined: Crafting a planet-scale digital twin with Blackshark.AI’s Michael Putz”
- “Genomes Unlocked: Anne Wojcicki’s Vision for 23andMe and the Future of Proactive Healthcare”
- “AI demos: Figma’s FigJam, AI drawing, dancing avatars, and more!”
Host’s Background: Jason Calacanis is an American internet entrepreneur, angel investor, author, and podcaster with tech industry expertise.
Hosted by Jason Calacanis, “This Week in Startups” features interviews with influential founders, operators, investors, and innovators. It’s one of the best startup podcasts providing a comprehensive overview of current and emerging trends in the startup and tech world.
Entrepreneurs On Fire
Theme and Focus: entrepreneurship and small business ownership
Latest Episodes:
- “How to Avoid The Top 3 Things that Take Entrepreneurs Out of The Game with Shawn Stevenson”
- “The Art of Persuasion: Turning Strangers into Buyers in 45 Minutes with Elena Daccus”
- “How to Build a Learning Organization and What You are Doing Wrong with Ryan Sutton”
Host’s Background: John Lee Dumas is a former active duty officer who turned to entrepreneurship after a period of uncertainty about his career path. He has also authored a book titled “The Common Path to Uncommon Success,” which provides a roadmap to financial freedom and fulfillment.
“Entrepreneurs On Fire” is a popular podcast that features daily interviews with successful entrepreneurs. The main topics covered include business strategies, personal development, and success principles.
The focus of the podcast is to provide valuable insights, advice, and success stories for entrepreneurs, aiming to inspire and educate its audience. It has achieved significant fame, with over 100 million listens of its 3000+ episodes and over 2 million listens per month.
Masters of Scale
Theme and Focus: innovation, entrepreneurship, scaling businesses effectively, insights from industry leaders
Trending Episodes:
- “Navigating a leadership crisis”
- “Remix: Scott Harrison & charity: water, 5 years later”
- “GaryVee wants your attention”
Host’s Background: Reid Hoffman is a renowned entrepreneur and venture capitalist, best known as the co-founder of LinkedIn. With a rich history in Silicon Valley, he brings extensive experience in building and scaling successful companies, and is a respected advisor and investor in numerous startups.
Featuring conversations with successful entrepreneurs and business leaders, “Masters of Scale” is the best startup podcast if you’re looking for insights on growing your startup into a major player in the industry.
Hoffman’s expertise enables him to extract valuable lessons and strategies from guests, making it an essential listen for anyone interested in entrepreneurship, business growth, and leadership. The podcast combines storytelling with practical advice, making complex business concepts accessible and engaging.
Startup Hustle
Theme and Focus: Entrepreneurship and startup culture, real-world business experiences, strategies for startup success
Latest Episodes:
- “Going from Low Code to Custom Code”
- “Mastering Specialization for Growth”
- “Connected Vehicles & Monetizing Data”
Hosts’ Background: Matt DeCoursey and Matt Watson are both Kansas City-based entrepreneurs with real-life experiences in building and scaling businesses.
DeCoursey is the co-founder and CEO of Full Scale, the author of “Million Dollar Bedroom” and “Balance Me” and the founder of GigaBook. Watson is the co-founder of Full Scale, and the CTO of Netreo.is and the CEO of Stackify.
“Startup Hustle” is a dynamic podcast that dives into the realities of entrepreneurship and startup culture. It offers a candid look at the challenges and triumphs of building a business from the ground up. The hosts share their personal experiences and insights, along with those of various guest entrepreneurs, providing practical advice and strategies for success.
The All-In Podcast with Chamath, Jason, Sacks & Friedberg
Theme and Focus: venture capital and tech industry, current events and political commentary, start-up strategies and entrepreneurship insights, market trends and investment opportunities
Latest Episodes:
- “Ivy League antisemitism, macro, SaaS recovery, Gemini, Figma deal delay + big Friedberg update”
- “In conversation with Tucker Carlson, plus OpenAI chaos explained”
- “Presidential Candidate Dean Phillips in conversation with the Besties + Xi’s SF visit & more”
Hosts’ Background:
- Chamath Palihapitiya: Former Facebook executive, founder of Social Capital, and prominent venture capitalist known for his investments in tech startups.
- Jason Calacanis: Entrepreneur and Angel investor, known for early investments in companies like Uber and Robinhood, and host of the podcast “This Week in Startups.”
- David Sacks: Entrepreneur and investor, co-founder of Yammer, and former PayPal executive, with deep insights into Silicon Valley.
- David Friedberg: CEO of The Production Board, a tech-focused investment firm, and former CEO of The Climate Corporation, bringing expertise in climate tech and innovation.
“The All-In Podcast“ delves into a mix of topics including the tech industry, current events, political commentary, and startup strategies. Each host brings a unique perspective shaped by their extensive experience in Silicon Valley, investing, and entrepreneurship. The podcast is known for its forthright discussions, providing listeners with insights into market trends, investment opportunities, and the inner workings of the tech world.
How I Built This
Theme and Focus: entrepreneurial journeys, success stories, business founding, innovator and creator insights, challenges and triumphs in business
Latest Episodes:
- “Walker & Company: Tristan Walker (2019)”
- “The Limits with Jay Williams: Maverick Carter”
- “Angie’s BOOMCHICKAPOP: Angie & Dan Bastian (2019)”
Host’s Background: Guy Raz is an acclaimed journalist and radio host. He is known for his work with NPR, including shows like TED Radio Hour and The Moth Radio Hour.
“How I Built This,” explores the stories behind some of the world’s best-known companies. It discusses the journeys of innovators, entrepreneurs, and idealists, revealing the highs and lows encountered in building their businesses. Each episode offers intimate and inspiring narratives from the founders of globally recognized brands, providing valuable insights into the world of entrepreneurship.
This podcast not only details business successes but also humanizes the struggles and perseverance required to achieve them, making it one of the best startup podcasts for aspiring entrepreneurs and business enthusiasts.
Startup Grind Podcast
Theme and Focus: Entrepreneurial journeys and lessons, startup growth and development, global startup community insights
Latest Episodes:
- “Exploring a classic American dream with Sid”
- “Making people live longer – exploring longevity with Alex from Age1”
- “Building $3B+ Remote company, Remotely!”
Host’s Background: The “Startup Grind Podcast” is hosted by a rotation of knowledgeable individuals deeply embedded in the startup ecosystem.
The “Startup Grind Podcast” offers an in-depth exploration into the world of startups, showcasing interviews with successful entrepreneurs and key figures in the industry. It focuses on sharing the personal journeys, challenges, and lessons learned while building a startup.
The podcast is an extension of the global Startup Grind community, offering a wealth of knowledge and inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs and seasoned business owners alike. Its engaging content and global perspective make it a valuable resource for insights into the evolving world of startups.
Mixergy
Theme and Focus: Business strategies, entrepreneurship, success stories
Latest Episodes:
- “HipCamp, not like Airbnb for camping”
- “Mahway: a startup creating startups”
- “When does a startup founder need a COO”
Host’s Background: Andrew Warner is an entrepreneur known for his success in the online greeting card industry with his business, Bradford & Reed.
Mixergy Podcast is a hub for aspiring entrepreneurs and business enthusiasts seeking real-world insights and strategies. The podcast features in-depth interviews with a diverse range of successful entrepreneurs delving into their journeys, challenges, and victories.
Warner’s skillful interviewing uncovers the practical tactics and lessons learned by his guests, providing listeners with valuable advice for their ventures. This show stands out as one of the best startup podcasts for its focus on learning not just from successes, but also from the failures and obstacles entrepreneurs overcome.
Lenny’s Podcast
Theme and Focus: Product management and growth, tech industry insights, strategy, and career advice
Latest Episodes:
- “The full-stack PM | Anuj Rathi (Swiggy, Jupiter Money, Flipkart)”
- “Crafting a compelling product vision | Ebi Atawodi (YouTube, Netflix, Uber)”
- “The future of AI in software development | Inbal Shani (CPO of GitHub)”
Host’s Background: Lenny Rachitsky is a former product lead at Airbnb with extensive experience in tech startups and product management.
Lenny’s Podcast, recognized as one of the best startup podcasts, is hosted by Lenny himself, the author of the #1 business newsletter on Substack with over 500,000 subscribers.
In his podcast, he engages with world-class product leaders and growth experts, uncovering concrete, actionable, and tactical advice for building, launching, and growing successful products. This makes it an invaluable resource for anyone looking to gain practical insights and strategies in the world of product management and growth.
The Health-Tech Podcast
Theme and Focus: Health and technology
Latest Episodes:
- “The dangers of the microbiome hype & the need for scientific rigor”
- “Gender stereotypes and leadership: rejecting the pressure to conform with Sasha Tory from Ally Health”
- “What has AI taught us about being human?”
Host’s Background: Dr. James Somauroo, the founder and CEO of SomX, a communications and creative agency specializing in healthcare, and the Editor-In-Chief of Healthtech Pigeon, a newsletter and podcast summarizing the sector’s latest news, is a multifaceted professional deeply entrenched in the health-tech industry.
His medical background is rooted in anesthetics and ICU, with significant roles in leadership, management, and innovation at organizations like NHS England, Health Education England, and the British Medical Journal.
“The Healthtech Podcast” is a captivating journey into the world of health and technology. It features interviews with pioneering startups and leaders in healthtech, offering a diverse range of perspectives. The podcast is designed for patients, founders, investors, and anyone interested in the intersection of health and technology.
With a global listener base in over 120 countries, it presents a weekly exploration of the latest innovations and insights shaping healthcare’s future.
Medtech Talk Podcast
Theme and Focus: Medtech industry, innovations, investment strategies, and the impact of new technologies on healthcare.
Latest Episodes:
- “Justin Klein on Building the Medtech Ecosystem”
- “Keegan Harper On Overcoming Hardships And Finding Your Talent”
- “From Conception to Commercialization, Jane Chao and Ceribell Are Changing Lives With This Neuromonitoring Breakthrough”
Host’s Background: Geoff Pardo is a General Partner at Gilde Healthcare Partners BV and the Chairman and CEO of Imperative Care, Inc. He is known for his focus on investments in North America and has been involved in leading investments in various healthcare companies.
“Medtech Talk” is a captivating podcast offering weekly insights into the evolving world of medical technology. Host Geoff Pardo engages with leading innovators, exploring breakthroughs poised to reshape healthcare delivery.
With deep dives into the journeys of medical device CEOs, investment strategies, and groundbreaking products, this podcast is a treasure trove for anyone interested in the intersection of healthcare and technology. Each episode promises rich, insightful discussions that illuminate the future of medical tech.
Female Startup Club Podcast
Theme and Focus: Business and entrepreneurship
Latest Episodes:
- “7 Bootstrapped Marketing Ideas for Founders on a Zero Dollar Budget”
- “Finding Product Market Fit on Facebook Marketplace to $3.6M in Sales, with 35mm Co’s Founder Madi Stefanis”
- “Dealing with Overwhelm: A Founder’s Guide to Time Management”
Host’s Background: Doone Roisin is an Australian entrepreneur and marketing expert known for her work in digital marketing and e-commerce. She is the founder of the Female Startup Club, a modern media company aimed at helping women build impactful e-commerce businesses. Roisin has a background in working for global brands such as Snapchat, IMG, and The Iconic, Australia’s largest online retailer.
The “Female Startup Club Podcast” is a dynamic and inspiring show dedicated to female founders and aspiring entrepreneurs. It stands out as one of the best startup podcasts globally in entrepreneurship, offering over 550 episodes featuring the stories and strategies of successful women in business.
This podcast is a must-listen for anyone interested in the journeys of women entrepreneurs, providing valuable insights and practical advice.
Women Taking the Lead
Theme and Focus: Business, leadership development, and personal growth
Latest Episodes:
- “How to Overcome Imposter Syndrome ~ Ask Us Anything”
- “I’m Overwhelmed – Tell Me What to Do! with Kelly Nolan”
- “What Do You Need in Any Given Moment?”
Host’s Background: Jodi Flynn is known for her work in leadership development, consulting, and content production. She is the President of THE CONTENT GROUP, a leadership development consultant at Women Taking the Lead, and a co-founder of the Maine Women’s Conference.
Acclaimed by Forbes and Entrepreneur Magazine, the “Women Taking the Lead” podcast stands as a beacon for women leaders and organizations promoting women in senior roles. The podcast features episodes on leadership challenges, “on-air” coaching, and interviews, offering inspiration to women battling self-doubt, and fostering confidence, integrity, and humor in leadership.
Conclusion
As we conclude our exploration of the best startup podcasts, remember that if you’re on the cusp of launching your startup or these podcasts have sparked a brilliant idea in you, validating its potential is crucial.
Prelaunch.com offers an innovative solution to test your product concept and market demand, with features like concept validation, price testing, and audience insights. Whether refining your idea or gauging its feasibility, Prelaunch.com provides the tools you need to embark on your entrepreneurial journey with confidence.
So, as you absorb the wisdom from these podcasts, don’t forget to leverage the power of Prelaunch.com for your startup’s success.
