FounderMail 15th Edition: Technology Can Power Quality of Life
👋 Hey there! I’m Ilan. This is FounderMail, your monthly dose of startup insights that helps founders hire top talent, raise capital, and stay informed. Smarter, healthier, and wired for life - sign me up! Ready? Let’s go!
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Unstacked Startups is building a community of tech founders, early employees, leaders, and VCs uncovering the 'secret sauce' to startup growth. We want to share the insights with you through real conversations on our podcast (subscribe on YouTube or Spotify) live events, and our newsletter FounderMail.
In This Edition:
Shower Thoughts: AI: Reclaiming Time for What Matters
What’s Got Our Attention
Unstacked Podcast: Quinn Underwood of Autumn.ai
The MVP Play with Sarah Buchner of Trunk Tools
Shower Thoughts
Soak up insights from our network’s top investors, founders and tech influencers.
AI: Reclaiming Time for What Matters
Founder & CEO of Landbase, Daniel Saks, says it best: “Let’s build a future where tech serves US, and we reclaim our day!”
Today, employees work an average of 46 hours per week, with more than half saying they lack time for what matters. But AI could change that. Tools powered by AI are projected to save up to 12 hours weekly— some of this time can be directed to well-being, and family.
Founders understand this isn’t just about efficiency; it’s about creating workplaces where people thrive. AI isn’t just a productivity booster—it’s a chance to reimagine how we work and care for ourselves. For startups and employers alike, the future of work and well-being hinges on finding the balance to promote better work-life balance.
TL;DR: AI isn’t just reshaping work; it’s helping us prioritize what matters most.
What’s Got Our Attention
The latest startup news and research you can’t afford to miss.
Unstacked Startups Podcast Recap
Check out our favorite insights from a recent episode of the Unstacked Startups Podcast. Every episode, Unstacked host, Ilan Saks, chats with startup founders, early employees, leaders, and VCs to uncover the 'secret sauce' of startup growth.
Quinn Underwood, Co-Founder of Autumn.ai
Quinn Underwood discusses the innovative approach of Autumn.ai, a technology designed to measure and understand psychological health through AI.
Underwood, CEO of Autumn AI, envisions a future where mental health can be monitored and managed similarly to physical health. Just as fitness enthusiasts rely on Fitbits, effective measurement is crucial for management of your mental health.
By transforming qualitative aspects into quantifiable data, we can better predict mental health trends. We can facilitate better diagnosis, treatment planning, and monitoring of patients.
With continuous monitoring, individuals can identify early warning signs leading to improved outcomes. Interventions can be tailored based on real-time data rather than relying solely on periodic assessments.
The MVP Play
Unlocking the playbooks of startup MVPs, one question at a time.
Checking into the game? For this edition, we chatted with the CEO & Founder of Trunk Tools, Sarah Buchner
MOTIVATION
Why are you building Trunk Tools and what’s the driving force behind your willingness to endure the challenges of founding a startup?
I've spent my life in construction. Professionals in this field shape our world but often rely on outdated practices that need modernization. When I was a Project Manager on a construction site, I experienced a preventable employee death, which deeply impacted me.
I vowed to prevent such tragedies and saw how technology could improve safety and efficiency for skilled workers. TrunkTools is something I wish I had on-site, aiming to empower this industry with the best technology.
VENTURE
What advice do you have for founders to ensure a good fit between them and potential VC partners?
Fundraising is about finding partners who help source talent, connect with customers, and support you through tough times. The biggest term sheet isn't always the best partnership. Look for trusted partners who will add value long-term.
PEOPLE
How do you identify truly bar-raising talent?
Establish clear values and hire those who align with them and believe in the mission. Don’t teach values or convince others of your mission’s merit; hire people who already embody strong character and purpose. Look for individuals who naturally reflect your culture.
At TrunkTools, we value High Output, Low Ego, and No B.S. Trusted referrals are invaluable—take them seriously, as they often bring talent that fits seamlessly into your team.
The PLAY
Unstacked’s cheat code for early stage founders.
AI is a game-changer for mission-driven leaders. At TrunkTools, Sarah turned a personal tragedy into a mission to modernize an industry and improve quality of life. With AI, founders can build tools that enhance safety, predict risks, and streamline operations—driving critical goals.
How We Can Help You Grow Your Startup
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