We Code, You Launch: The Weekly Live Startup Podca

How do you reinvent yourself after the NFL? In this episode of We Code, You Launch: The Startup Community Podcast from CodeLaunch and Improving host Jason W. Taylor sits down with Mark Clayton — two-time All-American wide receiver, former Baltimore Raven and LA Ram — to unpack his journey from professional athlete to hardware entrepreneur and founder of LIVV Audio. Mark shares how a career-ending injury sparked the idea for athlete-designed headphones, what it took to fund and manufacture a new consumer electronics brand from scratch, and the hard lessons every founder learns about product-market fit, supply chains, and trusting your team. Now a judge for the upcoming CodeLaunch World Championship, Mark reflects on why entrepreneurship is a “faith journey,” how he navigated the uncertainty of his post-NFL transition, and what founders can learn from the discipline of elite sports. What You’ll Learn in This Episode : From Field to Founder: How Mark transformed a rehab necessity into LIVV Audio. Bootstrapping Hardware: Funding, prototyping, and manufacturing without Venture Capital. Product-Market Fit Matters: Why his first brand failed and how he corrected course. Lessons from Sports: Focus, preparation, and resilience as a founder advantage. Faith & Fearlessness: Why entrepreneurship is a belief system, not just a plan. LIVV builds premium wireless headphones engineered for movement, focus, and founders who never sit still. Don’t miss out and get 25% off LIVV headphones with the link below https://livvaudio.com/discount/Codelaunch?redirect=%2Fproducts%2Flivv-pro On November 12, the CodeLaunch World Championship takes over Gilley’s Dallas. Six finalists from across the Americas One belt $50,000 in real capital investment Here’s the twist: YOU decide. Every audience member gets CodeBucks (virtual money) to invest in their favorite founder. Add in pro dev team acceleration from  Improving and live music and you’ve got the most unforgettable night in startup culture. The stakes are high, the energy is real, and the crowd makes the call. Subscribe for more CodeLaunch action. Get tickets for the World Championship here Learn more about CodeLaunch Accelerator at https://CodeLaunch.com

What does youth marketing, esports, and a $2,000 vacuum have in common?   In this episode of We Code, You Launch: The Startup Community Podcast from CodeLaunch & Improving, host Jason W. Taylor sits down with entrepreneur, former CodeLaunch judge, and DLC founder John Davidson to talk about how his career went from skateparks to esports boardrooms—and what startup leaders can learn from it all.  From launching product demos on stage at the CodeLaunch World Championship to consulting for GameSquare and cities like Frisco, John breaks down how the gaming culture is shaping workforce development, civic engagement, and brand partnerships in 2025.  And yes—we also get the full story on how John once sold Kirby vacuums door to door (with a shockingly good pitch).  What You’ll Learn in This Episode  The Link Between Skateboarding and Esports Leadership   John shares how growing up in a subculture of skeptics gave him the insight needed to bridge the gap between gamers and global brands.   Why Cities Should Care About Gamers   Learn how Frisco, San Antonio, and other forward-thinking cities are tapping into gaming to develop tech talent pipelines and reimagine youth engagement.  Behind the Scenes of CodeLaunch World Championship   John reflects on his first experience as a judge, how it challenged his assumptions about startup accelerators, and why he believes CodeLaunch creates “Instagrammable” moments that actually drive value.   The Secret to Authentic Esports Strategy   From FaZe Clan and Optic Gaming to Six Flags and Coca-Cola, John explains why esports partnerships fail—and how brands can get it right.   From Startup Judging to City-Wide Innovation   Hear how John’s work with the Frisco EDC is building a new esports ecosystem and why community-first thinking is the next frontier of economic development.  Connect with our guest John Davidson on LinkedIn Learn more about his work at Davidson Learning Company (DLC)

What makes a founder fundable? In this episode of We Code, You Launch: The Startup Community Podcast From CodeLaunch &  Improving , our host Jason W. Taylor, President and Founder of CodeLaunch and Patrick McGuire , CRO of ThinkFISH , a capital-raising platform helping early-stage founders land investor meetings without giving up equity too soon. They break down what actually matters when raising capital, how to avoid the legal traps that tank startups early, and what it takes to earn credibility with real investors. This is a tactical conversation designed for founders building now. What You’ll Learn in This Episode:  The Fundable Founder Formula: Patrick shares the exact criteria ThinkFish uses to determine if a founder is worth funding, and how to become one.  Raising Capital Without Compromising Your Cap Table: Learn how early founders can avoid common legal and ownership pitfalls that haunt many startups.  Outreach That Works: The three layers of investor outreach: executive network, community, and cold—that book meetings weekly for ThinkFish clients.  Investor Psychology 101: Why understanding investor fit and timing can make or break your raise—and how ThinkFish reverse-engineers their strategy.  The Reef Advantage: Explore ThinkFish’s private platform where founders and investors connect directly, plus a massive tech stack savings directory.  Connect with Our Guest:   Patrick McGuire serves as the Chief Revenue Officer at ThinkFISH Connect with Patrick on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mcguirep  Funding Is Hard. ThinkFISH makes it easier. Learn more on their Website: https://thinkfish.co  Access the REEF Community: https://reef.thinkfish.co  Startup Deal Desk Newsletter: https://startupdealdesk.substack.com  CodeLaunch is the only startup accelerator in the world that provides founders with FREE professional software development to fast-track their digital product—without taking equity.  Learn more about CodeLaunch Accelerator at https://CodeLaunch.com This year, CodeLaunch is hosting three events across the U.S., Mexico, and Canada, leading up to the CodeLaunch World Championship in Dallas TX, where the top startups will compete for $50K in funding.   📅2025 Startup Application Deadlines:  USA: July 6th  Mexico & LATAM : August 17th  Follow CodeLaunch updates across our social media platforms: https://www.linkedin.com/company/codelaunch-accelerator https://Instagram.com/CodeLaunch https://Facebook.com/CodeLaunch https://Twitter.com/CodeLaunch

Thinking about applying to a startup accelerator? CodeLaunch is the only startup accelerator in the world that provides founders with FREE professional software development to fast-track their digital product—without taking equity.  Here’s your behind-the-scenes look at what happens when you take the leap — and how a last-minute decision turned this Canadian startup into global champions. 🚀 CodeLaunch is not your typical accelerator. We don’t take equity. We don’t charge fees. Instead, we pair tech startups with professional dev teams powered by  @ImprovingEnterprises   to build actual products, then put them on stage in front of investors,  and a global startup audience. Based in Toronto,  @MateriaBioworks   is a #climatetech  startup helping R&D teams bring sustainable materials to market faster. In this exclusive video testimonial, Materia's co-founder Raj Manocha shares how a random Reddit post, discovered just hours before the deadline, led to a wild ride from stealth mode… to winning CodeLaunch Canada… and eventually, wining the 2024  CodeLaunch World Championship in Dallas. Still on the fence? Watch this full founder interview to learn: ✅ How a Reddit post led to Materia Bioworks applying just hours before the deadline ✅ What actually happens during the professional hackathon ✅ How CodeLaunch helped transform Materia's MVP into a scalable product ✅ What $135K+ in in-kind services and a $25K cash investment did for their traction ✅ Why they say every founder in Canada should apply — even if you think you’re not “ready”

How do you turn a passion project into a thriving business? In this episode, Jason Taylor sits down with Benedikt Hain, founder of The Self-Recording Band and Outback Recordings, to discuss how he built an international online coaching business from his home studio. Benedikt shares his journey from being a DIY musician in Germany’s punk scene to becoming a music production coach and entrepreneur. His story highlights key lessons for startup founders, including the power of community-driven business models, how to scale an online business, and why embracing coaching and mentorship can transform a side hustle into a sustainable venture. Whether you're a musician, tech entrepreneur, or creative founder, this episode is packed with insights on launching and growing a niche business in a competitive space. What You’ll Learn in This Episode · From Freelancer to Founder – Benedikt Hain turned his DIY passion into a thriving global coaching business, proving that organic growth and community-driven models can scale. · The Power of Community – The Self-Recording Band Syndicate became a global hub for musicians, showing how building a strong network enhances engagement and retention—a lesson startup founders can apply. · Scaling an Online Business – Transitioning from one-on-one work to digital courses and memberships allowed Benedikt to scale without burning out, a strategy relevant to subscription-based startup models. · The Role of Business Coaching – Working with a business coach transformed his strategy, showing founders why mentorship and external perspectives are crucial for scaling efficiently. · Overcoming the Fear of Launching – Whether releasing music or launching a startup, perfectionism holds many back. Benedikt and Jason Taylor discuss how founders must push past fear and launch to grow.

Did a CodeLaunch startup contribute to Ohio State's national championship victory? In Episode 80 of the "We Code You Launch" podcast, Jason W. Taylor sits down with CodeLaunch DFW 2023 finalist Tina Provost, founder of Five Star Fans, to explore this intriguing possibility. They discuss how Five Star Fans' innovative platform has empowered Ohio State supporters to directly impact their team's success through Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) contributions. By enabling fans to financially support athletes, Five Star Fans has played a role in enhancing player retention and performance, potentially influencing the Buckeyes' championship run. Tune in to hear how a startup's unique approach to fan engagement may have helped propel Ohio State to the pinnacle of college football. 

In this special Ask Me Anything episode of We Code You Launch, Improving’s Conrad Clark sits down with CodeLaunch founder Jason W. Taylor to dive deep into the journey and future of the groundbreaking startup accelerator. Together, they reflect on the impact of CodeLaunch’s mission to empower startups globally, and the innovative approach to tech philanthropy through Conscious Capitalism. Listeners will also get a sneak peek into what's on the horizon for CodeLaunch in 2025, with plans for expansion, new opportunities for startups, and upcoming events designed to connect entrepreneurs, investors, and developers. Jason answers questions from fans and shares personal anecdotes, lessons learned, and his vision for how CodeLaunch will continue shaping the startup ecosystem. Whether you’re a founder, developer, or simply a fan of innovation, this episode is packed with inspiration and insights you won’t want to miss!

Episode 78 of We Code You Launch takes listeners to the thrilling finale of the inaugural CodeLaunch World Championship 2024, where startups from the U.S., Canada, and Mexico battled for glory in front of 550 attendees, 50+ investors, and a vast livestream audience. Host Jason W. Taylor and co-host Raheel Malik dive into the evening’s highlights, including the intense competition between eight innovative startups. The episode celebrates the triumph of Materia Bioworks, crowned World Champion by audience votes, and Endora, which swept the Judges and Investors Choice awards. Listeners will hear exclusive interviews with Materia Bioworks founder Hasitha De Alwis and Endora co-founder Kitty Bogle Sherman, exploring their innovative approaches to biomaterial development and nostalgia-driven wellness gaming.  Special guest Isaac Carter, founder of Contollo, joins the conversation to reflect on his company's remarkable success in the CodeLaunch Professional Coder League (PCL) Championship and its role in helping startups thrive.  Join us for this electrifying episode that captures the spirit of innovation, collaboration, and community at the heart of CodeLaunch! 

In this episode of We Code You Launch, hosts Jason W. Taylor and Raheel Malik welcome Alyssa McEwan, founder and CEO of Harmonious Capital Administration and a judge at the CodeLaunch World Championship. Alyssa brings over a decade of experience in managing early stage companies within high-complexity, regulatory-heavy industries and a passion for fostering early stage companies success. Harmonious Capital Administration, a leading firm in the Venture Capital, Private Equity, and FinTech space, is dedicated to providing  early stage companies with the tools, guidance, and strategic support they need to thrive. Alyssa shares her journey from managing a portfolio of 300 early stage companies for a Fortune 500 company to founding her own firm, emphasizing the importance of empowering entrepreneurs to navigate challenges and seize opportunities. Raheel and Jason dive into Alyssa’s role as a judge at the CodeLaunch World Championship, exploring how her experience in compliance, communication, and strategic planning offers unique insights for startups. They also discuss the vital role of fostering strong relationships, overcoming regulatory challenges, and building resilience in early stage companies. Tune in as Alyssa shares her mission to create meaningful impact in the early stage company landscape, providing actionable advice for entrepreneurs and leaders alike. Don't miss Episode 77!

 In this exciting episode of We Code You Launch, host Jason W. Taylor brings you the inside story from the stage at CodeLaunch Mexico 2024! Hear from this year's standout startups who wowed the crowd at Tecnológico de Monterrey Campus GDL on October 16. Champion FIZI—on a mission to bring digitization to local businesses, with the expert support of Contollo—and Judges' Choice winner K'uub México, streamlining logistics for a sustainable future with DWSoftware, share their journey, insights, and what's next. Dive into the energy, challenges, and wins that make CodeLaunch the ultimate stage for startups! #WeCodeYouLaunch #CodeLaunch #StartupInnovation #TechForGood 

In Episode 76 of We Code You Launch, hosts Jason W. Taylor and Raheel Malik reveal the stellar lineup of finalists for the CodeLaunch World Championship on November 20 at Gilley's Dallas! Get to know the innovative startups vying for the top prize: SeekerPitch: Showcasing candidates’ soft skills through “interview rooms” with AI feedback. Endora: Turning personal memories into interactive games to promote well-being. VSOD.io: Keeping pet care local for cost savings and better outcomes. Welcome Home: Connecting homeowners, service providers, and HOAs on one PropTech platform. Materia Bioworks: Replacing harmful plastics with bio-based materials to protect the planet. Lodestone: Helping product teams manage resources and decisions with AI insights. FIZI: Promoting local businesses with a virtual drive-thru experience. AlterGard: Revolutionizing video game customization with AI-powered design tools. Catch this episode for an inside look at these groundbreaking teams and what they’ll bring to the stage at the CodeLaunch World Championship! #WeCodeYouLaunch #CodeLaunch #StartupChampionship #TechInnovation

In Episode 72 of the We Code You Launch podcast, hosts Raheel Malik and CodeLaunch founder Jason W. Taylor sit down with the big winners from CodeLaunch Canada 2024! Join us as we talk to: Dennis Chow, founder of Lodestone, the Judges’ Choice Award winner, Hasitha de Alwis, founder of Materia, the Overall Winner, Isaac Carter, founder of Contollo, who won the PCL Championship for the 4th time and also coded for Materia’s winning pitch! Isaac also shares exciting insights on PS. AI and teases a special announcement you won’t want to miss. Tune in for an inspiring discussion about innovation, startups, and how these teams took the CodeLaunch stage by storm! #CodeLaunch #StartupSuccess #Innovation #TechWinners #WeCodeYouLaunch #Lodestone #Materia #Contollo #EntrepreneurJourney #PCLChampionship #PSAI #TechPodcast #StartupWins #CanadaTech #TechTalk

In Episode 73 of the We Code You Launch podcast, hosts Raheel Malik and CodeLaunch founder Jason W. Taylor host the draft for 6 incredible Finalists selected for CodeLaunch Mexico 2024, set to hit the stage on October 16th at Tecnológico de Monterrey, Campus GDL! Hear about the startups poised to compete for the coveted CodeLaunch belt: FIZI – Empowering local businesses with Contollo Car-e Mobility – Streamlining car repairs with SIAC K'uub México – Revolutionizing logistics for sustainability with DWSoftware Keskinube – Innovating retail through AI with team Romio AlterGard – Shaping the future of gaming with DELTA TEAM of Improving Nearshore Viako Transporte – Transforming cold chain logistics with THE BUG WHISPERERS from Improving Nearshore Plus, our featured sponsor PS-AI awarded a special “Golden Ticket” to Split-It, the innovative payment solution for splitting bills hassle-free! Don’t miss this exciting preview of the startups that will light up the stage in Guadalajara! #CodeLaunchMexico #StartupFinalists #TechInnovation #Entrepreneurship #WeCodeYouLaunch #FIZI #CarEMobility #KuubMexico #Keskinube #AlterGard #ViakoTransporte #PSAI #SplitIt #StartupShowdown #TechPodcast #InnovateMexico

In Episode 74 of the We Code You Launch podcast, host Raheel Malik introduces the 6 groundbreaking startups set to compete on stage for the CodeLaunch Mexico 2024 belt on October 16th at Tecnológico de Monterrey, Campus GDL. These innovative finalists, backed by top development teams, are ready to change the game: FIZI – Digitizing local businesses with Contollo Car-e Mobility – Simplifying car repairs with SIAC K'uub México – Optimizing logistics for sustainability with DWSoftware Keskinube – Bringing AI-powered innovation to retail with team Romio AlterGard – Redefining gaming’s future with DELTA TEAM of Improving Nearshore Viako Transporte – Revolutionizing cold chain logistics with THE BUG WHISPERERS from Improving Nearshore And don’t miss the special highlight: PS-AI’s “Golden Ticket” awarded to Split-It, a cutting-edge solution for splitting bills seamlessly! 🎉 Find out what these dynamic startups are building as they prepare for their big moment in Guadalajara! #CodeLaunchMexico #StartupFinalists #Innovation #TechDisruption #Entrepreneurship #WeCodeYouLaunch #FIZI #CarEMobility #KuubMexico #Keskinube #AlterGard #ViakoTransporte #PSAI #SplitIt #TechPodcast #StartupJourney

Join us for an exclusive #WeCodeYouLaunch episode featuring Matt Cretzman, the visionary behind Stormbreaker Digital. Matt has redefined LinkedIn lead generation, driving explosive growth for businesses ranging from the NHL to SaaS powerhouses.  This is your chance to tap into the mind of a master strategist who’s transforming digital marketing with cutting-edge insights and personalized outreach. Don’t miss out—tune in live via Discord and get your questions ready for Matt! 

In this episode of the We Code, You Launch podcast, we are thrilled to have Isaac Carter, the Founder of Contollo and PS-AI, join us. Isaac takes us on a deep dive into "The Painful Path - Figma and Agile," sharing his insights, experiences, and the challenges faced while navigating these essential tools and methodologies in the software development world. Whether you're a seasoned developer, a project manager, or just starting in the tech industry, Isaac's journey offers valuable takeaways that can help you navigate your own path more effectively. Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of the practical applications and potential pitfalls of integrating Figma and Agile into your workflow.

Tune in to Episode 70 of the We Code You Launch Podcast as we sit down with  the six CodeLaunch Canada Finalists: Materia, Miles, Rax, Measurme, Lodestone, Asseto.Get ready to delve into the innovative ideas and groundbreaking concepts that have propelled these startups to the final stages of the CodeLaunch competition. From immersive storytelling to cutting-edge virtual design platforms, each finalist brings a unique vision to the table.Join us as we explore the journey of these exceptional entrepreneurs, discussing their inspirations, challenges, and aspirations for the future. Don't miss this exclusive opportunity to hear firsthand from the trailblazers shaping the future of tech entrepreneurship at CodeLaunch Canada 2024.

Join us for Episode 68 of the We Code You Launch Podcast as we dive into the excitement of the CodeLaunch Canada 2024 Draft! In this special episode, six outstanding software development teams draft the finalists they will be supporting for this year's competition. Discover the strategies and insights behind their selections, and get to know the teams that will be pushing the boundaries of innovation. Drafting Teams: Contollo - Isaac Carter TEAM PUMPKIN - Harmeet Singh Monga OLLON - Chris Ellefson Caffiene2Code (Improving) - Andre Wolf Ctrl+Alt+Elite (Improving) - David Kichler Team Auto-mazing (Improving) - Mark Vickers Tune in to hear the initial reactions, the rationale behind each pick, and what these top-tier developers are looking forward to as they prepare to take their finalists to the next level. Don't miss this behind-the-scenes look at how the future of tech startups is being shaped right here at CodeLaunch Canada 2024!

In Episode 67 of the We Code You Launch Podcast, join Jason W. Taylor, founder of CodeLaunch and host of the podcast, as he dives into the homework Q&A for the CodeLaunch Canada Cohort. As CodeLaunch Canada approaches, Jason addresses the most pressing questions from our participating startups, offering valuable insights and guidance to help them excel in the competition.  This episode is a must-listen for the CodeLaunch Canada Cohort and anyone interested in the inner workings of a startup accelerator competition. Get ready to take notes and gain a deeper understanding of what it takes to succeed at CodeLaunch.

In Episode 66 of the We Code You Launch Podcast, we have the pleasure of talking with Ranjeet Kumar, CEO of Team Pumpkin, a leading digital agency with offices in Bangalore, Mumbai, Gurugram, and Kolkata. Known for offering integrated services to enterprises and brands, Team Pumpkin is set to make waves as one of the Professional Coder League teams in CodeLaunch Canada on August 28. Join us as we dive into the world of digital innovation and explore Team Pumpkin's journey in the tech industry. Ranjeet shares insights into the agency's integrated service approach and their excitement about participating in CodeLaunch Canada. Discover how Team Pumpkin is preparing to select and code for one of the finalists, bringing their expertise to the forefront of this thrilling competition. Don't miss this engaging conversation with Ranjeet Kumar, where we discuss the impact of digital transformation, the future of tech startups, and the role of agencies like Team Pumpkin in shaping the industry.