The Startups Drive
(Formerly Depth Exchange)
On The Startups Drive, I sit down with founders, business minds, creators, and people at every stage of their journey — from first-time builders to seasoned operators — for honest, free-flowing conversations. No scripts, no agendas — just open chats about their work, what drives them, and where the conversation takes us. Because every great story starts somewhere — and it’s the people behind the journey who make it worth listening to.
The Startups Drive
Global Startup Lessons, AI’s Role, and Equity Truths
In this episode of The Startups Drive, I’m joined again by Nathan Linsley — CEO and Founder of NadoCo Interactive — who recently shifted into the music industry, building tools to solve real problems artists and creators face.
Nathan shares insights from his time exploring the startup ecosystems in South Korea and Japan, offering a unique perspective on how they differ from Australia’s startup scene, and what Aussie founders can learn from these global innovation hubs.
We also dive into the realities of startup negotiations — why equity isn’t always the best incentive, and how early-stage teams can find the right mix of rewards and motivation.
Plus, we explore the rising role of AI in startups, especially in the early stages where cost and speed matter most. But that doesn’t mean developers are out of a job — far from it. Nathan explains why developers still play a vital role as startups grow and scale.
Whether you’re a startup founder, software developer, or just curious about global startup trends, this conversation offers insights, strategy, and inspiration you can use.
Nathans Previous episode https://open.spotify.com/episode/2Jm8b29wWekoVrnIt1jG62
Follow Myself
https://www.instagram.com/longhurstkieran/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/kieran-longhurst-a60959155/
Follow Nathan
http://www.linkedin.com/in/nathanlinsley1
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