#17: How To Turn A Viral Moment Into A Business with Kevin Xu

What happens when a determined founder decides to tackle one of the most complex industries in the world? In this episode of Something New, Steph and Leeor chat with Trey, co-founder and CEO of Tennr. Trey’s journey began with a relentless curiosity about solving real-world problems, inspired by his family’s roots in healthcare. From early struggles and near failure to building Tennr into a healthcare tech leader, his story is one of resilience, bold experimentation, and a refusal to accept “impossible” as an answer. Trey shares candid stories about surviving the “trough of sorrow,” mastering customer acquisition through scrappy tactics, and learning that the startup journey is more tradecraft than luck. This episode is a must-listen for anyone navigating healthcare tech or dreaming of scaling a startup against all odds. Before diving into Trey’s story, Steph and Leeor explore the unexpected drama of corporate rivalries in the tech world. They also discuss how having a competitor can fuel motivation and shape company culture—when done in good spirit. Key Discussion Points: Finding Real Problems: How Trey identified healthcare’s patient processing inefficiencies and built a company around solving them. “Hijacking Authority” to Win Early Customers: How creative thinking secured Tennr’s first major client. Learning Through Iteration: Why trial and error often beats perfect planning in the startup world. Navigating the Startup Gauntlet: Lessons on humility, speed, and staying customer-obsessed. Guest Info: Trey is the co-founder and CEO of Tennr, a healthcare tech startup revolutionizing patient processing by turning administrative chaos into operational clarity. His journey from bootstrapping in his parents’ house to leading a rapidly growing healthcare enterprise offers valuable insights into startup resilience and long-term vision. Follow the Hosts: Follow Leeor on Twitter at @lmushin and Steph at @stephmui. Discover more episodes at SomethingNewPod.com.

Ever wondered how someone goes from hosting festivals in a tiny German village to making waves in Silicon Valley’s tech scene? Golden Retriever energy. Ok not entirely, but still. This week on Something New, Steph and Leeor chat with Andrej Safundzic, the visionary founder of Lumos. With a life motto of “Screw it, just do it,” Andrej has built a career defined by bold decisions and fearless innovation. In this episode, Andrej dives into his fascinating path—from founding social enterprises in Uganda to spearheading tech-driven projects for the German government. He shares invaluable lessons learned in Silicon Valley, discussing how Lumos is pioneering cybersecurity and identity management. Along the way, he offers practical insights on team-building, managing risks, and raising venture capital in a hyper-competitive market. In the opening discussion, Teel Lidow, a legal and financial expert in the venture capital landscape, shares crucial insights for emerging fund managers with Steph and Leeor. He emphasizes the importance of understanding fundraising dynamics and the misconception that management fees should cover all fund expenses. Teel suggests focusing on fundraising as the key to success and notes that operational challenges are manageable once capital is secured. He outlines the average costs associated with running a fund, dispelling myths about the financial barriers to entry for new managers. He’s also Leeor’s go-to guy! Key Discussion Points: From Social Impact to Tech Innovation: How Andrej’s work in Uganda and Germany shaped his entrepreneurial vision. Finding Your Market ‘Mountain’: The importance of iterative building and knowing when to pivot. Silicon Valley’s Unique Ecosystem: Andrej’s strategies for fundraising and creating strong networks in a new and fast-paced environment. Mastering the Art of the Pivot: Navigating tough decisions and knowing when to stick to your guns or change course. Innovation vs. Stability: How Andrej balances rapid iteration with team cohesion and long-term goals at Lumos. Guest Info: Andrej Safundzic is the founder of Lumos, a Silicon Valley startup revolutionizing cybersecurity through innovative access and identity management solutions. His career spans social impact projects, government innovation, and tech entrepreneurship, all fueled by his relentless “Screw it, just do it” philosophy. Follow Leeor on Twitter at @lmushin and Steph at @stephmui. Discover more episodes at SomethingNewPod.com.

What if social media interactions were exclusively powered by AI? This week on Something New, Steph and Leeor talk with Michael Sayman, a social media prodigy and founder of Social AI, an innovative platform where AI personalities engage users in place of traditional social connections. Michael, who started his career at Facebook as a teenager, shares how his journey through the tech industry shaped his thinking and led him to reimagine what social networks could be. In this episode, Michael discusses his early days developing apps and meeting Mark Zuckerberg, his insights on the vulnerabilities of tech giants like Meta, and his motivation for launching Social AI. He explains how Social AI aims to redefine the concept of social interactions by using AI to create dynamic, engaging conversations without human users. Michael also explores the role of iteration in product development and how AI might transform our interactions online by offering a new, personalized way to “talk” with the internet itself. Steph and Leeor also discuss an unexpected discovery on Twitter—a mysterious account under the name “Arfhur Rock”, which has been anonymously revealing insider information about private funding rounds and company metrics before they’re public. The account, which resembles past VC anonymous accounts like “Genuine Info,” has already gained a cult following for its accurate predictions and details, leaving Steph and Leeor wondering about the identity and motivations of the person behind it. This discovery sets the stage for a lively conversation with their guest, Michael Sayman, on innovation and transparency in tech.   Key Discussion Points: Michael’s Journey into Tech: How a teenage Michael caught the attention of Facebook, beginning a career that included roles at Google, Roblox, Twitter, and more. Insights on Social Media’s Evolution: Michael’s perspective on how social platforms must innovate without the safety net of hardware, and how Meta’s product challenges influenced his approach. The Concept of Social AI: Social AI’s unique model of using AI personalities to simulate social engagement, expanding the role of social media beyond person-to-person interactions. Building Through Iteration: Why experimenting with rapid iterations is central to creating meaningful social products. AI and Social Interaction: Michael’s vision of how AI can enhance the social experience, allowing users to interact directly with vast online data in engaging, customizable ways. Guest Info: Michael Sayman is a tech entrepreneur and the founder of Social AI, a groundbreaking social network that combines AI technology with social media to create a novel user experience. Michael started developing apps as a young teen, which led to an early career at Facebook and roles in other top tech companies. Through Social AI, he is pioneering a new kind of digital interaction, inviting users to explore conversations in a world populated by AI. Follow Leeor on Twitter at @lmushin and Steph on Twitter at [@stephmui]. Discover more episodes at SomethingNewPod.com.

What happens when peer mentorship meets mental health care? This week on Something New, Steph and Leeor sit down with Patrick Gilligan, founder of Somethings, a mental health startup aimed at providing peer support to teens. Patrick shares his personal journey of overcoming mental health challenges and explains how it led him to create a platform that offers teens a relatable and accessible alternative to traditional therapy through peer mentoring. In this episode, Patrick discusses the role of peer mentors—individuals who have lived through similar struggles—and how they can provide emotional support and guidance that often resonates more deeply than conventional therapy. From building a community that normalizes mental health conversations to working with healthcare systems, Patrick provides insight into scaling a mental health startup in a highly complex and sensitive space. He also shares his vision of how technology, including AI, can complement but not replace the human aspect of mental health care. Key Discussion Points: Patrick’s Personal Journey: How Patrick’s own experiences with mental health challenges inspired him to start Somethings. Peer Support vs. Traditional Therapy: The unique value of peer mentors in helping teens navigate their mental health journeys. The Youth Mental Health Crisis: How social media, stigma, and the current state of mental health care are impacting today’s youth. Partnering with Healthcare Systems: How Somethings is collaborating with health insurance companies and schools to reach more teens. The Role of AI in Mental Health Care: Patrick shares his perspective on how AI can assist in mental health care without replacing human connection.   Guest Info: Patrick Gilligan is the founder of Somethings, a mental health platform dedicated to supporting teens through peer mentorship. After overcoming his own struggles with mental health, Patrick saw the need for a more personal and accessible approach to mental health care for young people, leading him to develop Somethings, which combines community, technology, and human connection. Listen in on his podcast "Self-Disclosed" https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/self-disclosed-a-teen-mental-health-podcast/id1762835077.  Follow Leeor on Twitter at https://twitter.com/lmushin and Steph on Twitter at https://twitter.com/stephmui. Discover more episodes at https://somethingnewpod.com.

What happens when tech meets spirituality? This week on "Something New," Steph and Leeor talk to Alex Jones, the founder of Hallow—an app changing how millions of people connect with their faith. Hallow started as part of Alex's personal journey to reconnect with his faith but quickly became the world's leading Christian app. Alex explains how he realized that a startup was the perfect way to expand Hallow and why the combination of technology, a clear mission, and faith has deeply resonated with users. We dig into everything from angel investors backing a prayer app (yes, really) to heartwarming stories of how Hallow has changed lives. Whether you're interested in growing a startup with a mission or just want to hear about Hallow’s Super Bowl commercial with Mark Wahlberg, this episode has plenty of depth and insight. Key Discussion Points: Alex’s path from business school to building Hallow, a prayer and meditation app. Navigating VC pitches for a faith-based startup and how his mission based and altruistic approach helped Hallow break through. The real-life impact of Hallow, from helping people through grief to finding hope in times of crisis. How Hallow is scaling globally and creating digital prayer communities. The story behind Hallow's Super Bowl ad featuring Mark Wahlberg. Guest Info: Alex Jones is the founder of Hallow, the leading prayer and meditation app focused on helping people deepen their Christian faith. With over 20 million downloads, Hallow combines modern tech with ancient traditions to deliver a meaningful connection with ones faith, now expanding its reach across multiple countries.   Follow Leeor on Twitter at https://twitter.com/lmushin and Steph at https://twitter.com/stephmui. Discover more episodes at https://somethingnewpod.com.

What do the Bellagio fountain, America’s Got Talent, and spitting into each other’s mouths have to do with coffee? Well, apparently a lot. In this week’s episode of Something New, we kick things off with a special appearance from Joel Lowinger, Leeor’s former co-founder and the founder of Human Fountains, who shares how his quirky, viral act landed him on America’s Got Talent and how he turned something unconventional into a creative entrepreneurial journey. We’re then joined by Jacob Jaber, CEO of Philz Coffee, who takes us through the journey of turning his family’s local coffee shop into a beloved national brand. Jacob talks about the importance of maintaining authenticity while scaling, lessons learned along the way, and how community remains at the heart of Philz’s success. Meanwhile, Steph and Leeor dive into how creativity and uniqueness in business can open unexpected doors—whether it's a viral comedy act or an innovative coffee brand. They discuss how thinking outside the box can shape success and the importance of staying true to what makes your business special. Don’t forget to follow Leeor on Twitter at https://twitter.com/lmushin and Steph at https://twitter.com/stephmui. Learn more about the Something New podcast at https://somethingnewpod.com.   Key Discussion Points: Joel Lowinger’s viral success with Human Fountains and how it led to unexpected opportunities. Jacob Jaber’s journey from a family-owned local coffee shop to the CEO of Philz Coffee, a national brand. How community and authenticity drive Philz’s success. The role of first principles thinking in scaling a business while staying true to its core values. Why surrounding yourself with the right team is essential for growth.   Guest Info: Jacob Jaber is the CEO of Philz Coffee, a community-driven coffee brand that began as a small, local shop founded by his father, Phil Jaber. Jacob has since grown the company into a successful national chain while maintaining the values that made Philz a local favorite. His approach focuses on authenticity, community building, and delivering a unique coffee experience that resonates with customers across the country. Joel Lowinger is the founder of Human Fountains, a comedy act that gained viral fame through social media and later appeared on America’s Got Talent. Joel turned a quirky performance into an international act, proving that creativity and perseverance can turn the unexpected into success.

Get ready for a fascinating episode of Something New, where we sit down with Mike Rosenthal, co-founder of It’s Good, and learn about his unconventional journey from director and photographer in the film industry to founding a travel-tech startup. Mike’s story is full of twists and turns, from working on America’s Next Top Model to building a platform that curates personalized, trusted travel recommendations. In this episode, Mike discusses how his passion for travel, art, and authentic experiences shaped the creation of It’s Good, the importance of storytelling in both filmmaking and fundraising, and how he navigated the challenges of building a remote team during the pandemic. With insights on consumer trust, scaling a startup, and navigating the peaks and valleys of entrepreneurship, this episode is packed with inspiration for founders and creatives alike. Meanwhile, Steph and Leeor catch up on the latest MKBHD controversy, analyzing the intersection of tech critique and product development. They also discuss the power of storytelling in startup culture, particularly when it comes to raising capital and building an authentic brand. Don’t forget to follow Leeor on Twitter at https://twitter.com/lmushin and Steph at https://twitter.com/stephmui. Learn more about the Something New podcast at https://somethingnewpod.com. Key Discussion Points: Mike’s transition from the film industry to tech entrepreneurship. How storytelling helped Mike and his team raise funds and attract attention. The challenges of team-building and remote work during the pandemic. The evolution of It’s Good and how it aims to offer curated, trusted travel recommendations. The importance of authenticity and how Mike’s background in art and filmmaking shapes his approach to tech. Guest Info: Mike Rosenthal is the co-founder of It’s Good, a travel app that provides personalized recommendations from trusted sources. Before entering the tech world, Mike had a successful career as a director and photographer, working on projects like America’s Next Top Model and various high-profile ad campaigns. His passion for storytelling, travel, and authentic experiences has driven the vision behind It’s Good, aiming to connect travellers with genuine, curated advice based on personal experiences.

Strap in for this week’s episode of Something New as we head behind the scenes with Zane Mountcastle, CEO of Picogrid, who’s transforming how the military integrates technology. Zane’s team is developing platforms that make sure different systems can actually work together, and they’re about to launch an open API that could reshape the future of defence innovation. Zane also gives us a sneak peek of Legion V2, their next-gen API, which will empower third-party developers to create military-grade solutions. Picogrid is making it easier than ever to build tech that’s ready for real-world operations—without all the bugs. Meanwhile, Steph and Leeor break down Lenny’s buzzworthy How to Raise a Seed post that took over Twitter this week. They weigh in from both the VC and founder perspectives, talking about the importance of storytelling, how to attract the right investors, and why commitment is key when fundraising. Don’t forget to follow Leeor on Twitter at https://twitter.com/lmushin and Steph at https://twitter.com/stephmui. Learn more about the Something New podcast at https://somethingnewpod.com/. Key Discussion Points:  The rise of aerospace startups in El Segundo, California How defense technologies like Picogrid’s platforms are modernizing military operations Zane’s journey from academia to entrepreneurship, winning contracts with the U.S. Army The importance of mission-driven innovation in defense tech The future of unmanned systems and autonomous technologies in the military. Guest Info: Zane Mountcastle is the CEO and co-founder of Picogrid, a company focused on building middleware and hardware solutions for the defence industry. Before founding Picogrid, Zane worked on advanced sensor systems and autonomous tech, securing contracts with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

Few things are more satisfying than turning lemons into lemonade, and Niels Hoven is here to spill the tea on how even your biggest critics can become your greatest allies. In March 2024, a mysterious “Emily” attempted to cancel Niels’ company, Mentava, with a tweet that ultimately got 1.4M impressions. However, to Niels’ credit, that ultimately motivated him and his team to launch a year earlier than they originally planned and attracted enough customers to get them to cash flow positive. In this episode of Something New, Niels dives into the journey of launching Mentava, how he zeroed in on a problem worth dedicating himself to, and how the experience of raising his kids sparked the idea that evolved into his company. Steph and Leeor also catch up on Leeor’s whirlwind few months—tying the knot, moving to NYC, launching a new fund, and balancing the fast-paced life of a VC. Don’t forget to follow Leeor on Twitter at https://twitter.com/lmushin and Steph at https://twitter.com/stephmui. Learn more about the Something New podcast at https://somethingnewpod.com/.

Few people have made the leap from traditional investment banking and private equity to fintech in recent years as well as Don Muir, the co-founder and CEO at Arc. Founded in 2021 as a digitally native corporate banking platform, Arc has been on mission to disrupt the the traditional financial services space for the tech ecosystem, persevering through the Silicon Valley Bank meltdown earlier this year and drawing funding from investors such as Left Lane, NFX, Bain Capital Ventures, Clocktower, and Y Combinator.   On this episode of Something New, Muir discusses the move from New York City finance to the world of tech, the lessons he learned from Stanford’s infamous “Touchy Feely” class, pivoting around the core insight of Arc and competition in fintech, and how Arc endured and thrived during the SVB crisis and its aftermath.   Leeor and Steph also try their hand at the popular Tik Tok game Wavelength to see how well they really know each other.   Don’t forget to follow Leeor on Twitter at https://twitter.com/lmushin and Steph at https://twitter.com/stephmui. Learn more about the Something New podcast at https://somethingnewpod.com.