CEO David Hirschfeld of Tekyz on the Startup Lie That’s Killing Your Company. Hint: It’s not about the tech — it’s about the problem you're solving. Artwork

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Making Data Simple

CEO David Hirschfeld of Tekyz on the Startup Lie That’s Killing Your Company. Hint: It’s not about the tech — it’s about the problem you're solving.

June 18, 2025 • IBM Big Data & Analytics Hub • Season 9 • Episode 25

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🎧 Episode Description:
This week on Making Data Simple, we welcome David Hirschfeld, Founder and CEO of Tekyz. With a background spanning major tech firms and startup trenches, David brings grounded, data-backed insight into what makes or breaks a startup. From tackling the #1 reason startups fail to exploring the value of validation and the real meaning of product-market fit, this episode is a no-fluff masterclass in entrepreneurial strategy. David’s message is clear: "Don’t focus on your product. Focus on the client’s problem."

Whether you're a first-time founder or scaling your next venture, David offers hard-earned truths, including surprising takes on unicorns, VCs, and what really matters more — the founder or the technology?

⏱ Time Markers:
01:20 – Meet David Hirschfeld
05:55 – THE Reason Startups Fail
08:50 – Lifetime Value
11:33 – The Value of Validation
14:48 – What Do the VCs Say?
16:20 – Startup Success Rate
17:10 – Tekyz
23:01 – Product Market Fit
29:18 – Startup Ideation
31:37 – Unicorns
38:12 – Unexpected Truths
42:45 – Founder or Technology?

🔗 Connect with David:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidhirschfeld

Website: https://tekyz.com

#MakingDataSimple #StartupAdvice #ProductMarketFit #TechLeadership #VCInsights #FoundersJourney #Entrepreneurship #DataDrivenDecisions #StartupFailure #Innovation #ClientCentric #Podcast

Want to be featured as a guest on Making Data Simple? Reach out to us at almartintalksdata@gmail.com and tell us why you should be next. The Making Data Simple Podcast is hosted by Al Martin, WW VP Technical Sales, IBM, where we explore trending technologies, business innovation, and leadership ... while keeping it simple & fun.