Pre-Launch Strategy: Create Hype Before You Ship

Still refining your product? Deck not perfect? You can still raise money.In the final episode of the season, Michelle Akhidenor and Boon Chew get real about one of the most daunting parts of startup life: fundraising when everything still feels messy.They unpack how early-stage founders can confidently approach investors before they’ve figured everything out. They get into the real talk—how to build trust, pitch without posturing, and turn rejections into redirections.🔥 What you’ll learn:How to fundraise without a perfect pitch deckThe “giving mindset” that gets investors to lean inWhy AI tools can help sharpen your storyHow to build real investor relationships before you need cashWhat not to do in early-stage fundraisingWhether you're pre-seed, pivoting, or pitching with questions still unanswered, this episode gives you the mindset and tools to fundraise like a founder who gets it.Follow along: Follow Centaur Lab AI on LinkedIn: Boon ChewFollow Centaur Lab AI on YouTubeSign up for Yeego to get a 5-minute summary of this episodeFollow your Host, Michelle Akhidenor, on LinkedInFollow our Producers The Peers Project Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Founders + AI, Michelle Akhidenor and Boon Chew break down why launching quietly is a recipe for crickets. They dismantle the myth of “build it and they will come” and show how top founders build momentum before a single line of code ships.From generating hype with zero budget to collecting validation signals that actually matter, you’ll get tactical strategies to shape perception, attract early users, and create demand on Day 0. Plus, how to avoid burnout and use AI to fast-track your go-to-market motion.Pre-launch isn’t a phase—it’s your first growth strategy. If you're gearing up to launch—or just want people to care—this episode’s your playbook. Let’s make noise before you launch.Follow along: Follow Centaur Lab AI on LinkedIn: Boon ChewFollow Centaur Lab AI on YouTubeSign up for Yeego to get a 5-minute summary of this episodeFollow your Host, Michelle Akhidenor, on LinkedInFollow our Producers The Peers ProjectAI Tools: ChatGPT, Claude AI, and Gemini were mentioned as useful AI tools for marketing and product development. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Founders + AI, Michelle Akhidenor and Boon Chew get real about what it actually takes to build a solid MVP as an AI founder. Is it a functional product? A pitch-ready prototype? A tool for learning fast? They unpack the true purpose of a Minimum Viable Product — or as some call it, a Minimum Investable Product — and how to build one that helps you test ideas, attract investment, and avoid the trap of overbuilding too soon.From using AI tools to move faster without losing focus, to navigating the messiness of feedback loops, they break down what to prioritize, what to ignore, and how to balance speed with quality. Michelle shares why investors are betting on your potential, not just your product, and Boon offers clear strategies for interpreting feedback and spotting blind spots early.Whether you're pre-seed, pre-launch, or mid-pivot — this one’s your crash course in MVP strategy that actually works.Follow along: Follow Centaur Lab AI on LinkedIn: Boon ChewFollow Centaur Lab AI on YouTubeSign up for Yeego to get a 5-minute summary of this episodeFollow your Host, Michelle Akhidenor, on LinkedInFollow our Producers The Peers Project Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Founders + AI, Boon and Michelle break down one of the biggest myths in tech: that every startup needs a CTO from day one. Spoiler alert—it’s more complicated than that.They dive into what early-stage founders actually need when building a team, especially in the age of AI. Do you need a co-founder, a contractor, a venture studio… or just ChatGPT and a clear vision? Boon shares hard-won insights on when (and when not) to bring in technical partners, why alignment matters more than titles, and how to think strategically about your first hires.From using AI to build your MVP faster to navigating partnerships with studios and engineers, this episode.Follow along: Follow Centaur Lab AI on LinkedIn: Boon ChewFollow Centaur Lab AI on YouTubeSign up for Yeego to get a 5-minute summary of this episodeFollow your Host, Michelle Akhidenor, on LinkedInFollow our Producers The Peers Project Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Founders + AI, Michelle Akhidenor and Boon Chew explore one of the most overlooked questions in AI product building: Does anyone actually want what you're creating?Before writing a single line of code, you need proof that your idea solves a real problem. This episode breaks down how to test your concept, validate demand, and use AI as a powerful tool to fast-track insights, feedback, and iteration.From pitch decks to product loops, you'll hear candid advice on avoiding founder blind spots, pressure-testing your idea, and knowing when it’s time to scale. Real talk on finding product-market fit—before you build anything.Follow along: Follow Centaur Lab AI on LinkedIn: Boon ChewFollow Centaur Lab AI on YouTubeSubscribe to our Newsletter: xxxSign up for Yeego to get a 5-minute summary of this episodeFollow your Host, Michelle Akhidenor, on LinkedInFollow our Producers The Peers Project Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the premiere episode of Founders + AI, Michelle Akhidenor and Boon Chew dive into the one question every founder should be asking: What should I build—and why should it be AI?This episode unpacks how AI can act like an army of workers—helping you move faster, scale smarter, and build with fewer barriers. You’ll get honest insights into what AI can (and can’t) do, how to think practically about using it in your product, and why early movers are best positioned to shape what’s next.No fluff. No jargon. Just sharp thinking to help you build what matters—with AI. Real talk for founders building big with AI starts here.Follow along: Follow Centaur Lab AI on LinkedIn: Boon ChewFollow Centaur Lab AI on YouTubeVisit our website: Centaur Lab AISign up for Yeego - Your AI Digital Companion for Seamless NetworkingFollow your Host, Michelle Akhidenor, on LinkedInFollow our Producers The Peers Project Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Building with AI but not sure where to start? You're in the right feed.Founders + AI is the podcast for founders building ambitious things with artificial intelligence.We’re Centaur Lab, a NY-based AI Venture Studio and your virtual tech-cofounder. We’ve helped launch and scale startups worth billions—and now, we’re sharing the playbook.Whether you’re pre-MVP or deep in product-market chaos, Founders + AI helps you go from “I’ve got an idea…” to “We’re shipping next week.”This is the AI podcast that talks with founders.Let’s build smarter. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.