01
Record your story
Film a video under two minutes on your phone. Tell us who you are, what you built, why you started, who it serves, and one thing you've learned.
Founders Journey Podcast Presents
JUST STARTED A BUSINESS?
TELL US ABOUT IT.
We want to meet the people building new businesses. Record a video under two minutes about what you started, why you started it, and who it helps. Send it to Founders Journey for a chance to appear on our social channels.
Free to apply. Phone video is fine. Our team reviews every submission.
01. Record a video02. Submit your story03. Get considered for a feature
Meet the platform
REAL FOUNDERS.
REAL JOURNEYS.
REAL CONVERSATIONS WITH BUSINESS OWNERS
Jimmy Douloumbakas hosts Founders Journey, a podcast about the people behind businesses and the decisions they make. Founder Spotlight gives newer founders a way to join that conversation through a short video.
Explore published episodesEvery business begins somewhere
SOMEONE HAD TO BE THE FIRST TO BELIEVE IN THE IDEA.
Tell us how yours began.The story behind the work
PEOPLE CAN SEE WHAT YOU SELL.
TELL THEM WHY YOU STARTED.
You remember the first order, the first customer, or the day you finally put your idea out there. That part of building a business usually happens before anyone is paying attention.
Founder Spotlight is a place to tell that part of the story. Introduce the business, explain who it helps, and share one thing you have learned so far.
A simple way to share
ONE PHONE.
TWO MINUTES.
Here is the whole process, from your first recording to our review.
02
Send your application
Fill out the short application and upload your MP4 or MOV video (up to 500 MB). Our team will review your submission.
03
Get featured if selected
Approved videos are shared as submitted with a written caption on Founders Journey social channels.
Why take part
LET PEOPLE MEET
THE PERSON BUILDING IT.
Your business has a name and a website. Your story gives people a person to connect with.
Introduce your business
Share what you do and who you help, so new people can discover your work.
Put a face to your brand
Tell your story in your own voice, so people can connect with the person behind the business.
Share something useful
Pass on one lesson from your journey that another founder may be able to use.
Reach a founder-focused audience
Selected videos appear on the podcast's social channels, giving your story another place to be seen.
Recording guide
WHAT SHOULD
YOU SAY?
Talk to the camera like you are explaining your business to someone you just met. This outline will help you stay under two minutes.
- Record vertically with your phone (9:16).
- Choose a well-lit space with clear sound and minimal background noise.
- Keep background music out of your recording.
- Keep your video under two minutes.
- Upload an MP4 or MOV file, up to 500 MB.
- Speak naturally and look at the camera.
- Submit a video ready to publish as recorded.
0:00 - 0:15
Who are you?
Say your name and introduce your business.
0:15 - 0:40
Why did you start?
Share the idea, experience, or moment that started it.
0:40 - 1:10
What are you building?
Explain who you help and what your business does.
1:10 - 1:40
What have you learned?
Share one challenge, turning point, or lesson.
1:40 - 2:00
What's next?
Tell us what's ahead and where people can find you.
Who can apply?
BUILDING SOMETHING REAL?
WE WANT TO HEAR ABOUT IT.
Your business can be new, growing, local, online, or built around your own skills. Tell us what you are working on.
Early-stage startups
You're bringing an idea into the market and finding your first customers.
Local business owners
You're serving a community through a shop, service, or local business.
Online founders
You're growing a digital business, product, or brand.
Solo entrepreneurs
You're building a business with your own skills and determination.
Growing businesses
You've gained traction and have lessons from the journey.
Experienced founders
You've built something and want to share what the experience taught you.
Good to know
BEFORE YOU
HIT RECORD.
Does it cost anything to apply?
Founder Spotlight applications are free during the launch campaign. Selected videos are featured at no charge under the current offer.
Do I need an established business?
Founders at every stage can apply, including early startups. Your application should describe a real business that you're building or operating.
Does my video need professional production?
A smartphone is enough. Record vertically, use clear sound and good lighting, and follow the two-minute guide above. Your video should be ready to share as recorded.
Will every applicant be featured?
Our team reviews each application and selects videos that fit the Founder Spotlight format and audience. A submitted application is considered for publication.
Will the podcast edit my video?
Approved videos are published in their original submitted form with an accompanying written caption. Please review your recording before you submit it.
What video files can I upload?
Upload an MP4 or MOV video up to 500 MB. Record vertically for the best fit on social media. Keep it under two minutes.
Will my business be tagged?
If your submission is selected, our team will tag the social handle you provide wherever the platform supports tagging.
Where will my video appear?
Selected Spotlight videos are shared on Founders Journey Podcast social media channels. The team will determine the publishing schedule based on approved submissions.
What happens after I apply?
Your application enters editorial review. The team may contact you about your submission, request another recording, or let you know when your feature is selected for publication.
Your turn
READY TO TELL US
WHAT YOU'RE BUILDING?
Fill out the application, upload your video, and tell us where to tag you if your story is selected.
Share Your Founder Story
Tell us about your business, add a social handle for tagging, and upload your video. MP4 or MOV, under two minutes, up to 500 MB. We'll review your submission for a possible social feature.
Having trouble viewing the form? Open the application in a new tab.
TWO MINUTES IS ENOUGH TO GET STARTED.
A short introduction to what you are building is all we need to begin reviewing your story.