What does it really take to build a strong finance function from day one? In this episode of the JustPaid Podcast, Daniel sits down with Kim Walch, Founder of Rio Finance LLC, to talk about startup finance, accounting, fundraising readiness, cash flow forecasting, and the mistakes founders make when they ignore their numbers too long. Kim shares her journey from public accounting and startup finance leadership to building her own boutique finance and accounting firm. She also breaks down when founders should hire an accountant, the difference between accounting and fractional CFO work, how startups should think about burn and runway, and why AI still can't replace experienced finance professionals. This episode is packed with practical advice for founders, startup operators, finance professionals, and anyone curious about how great companies stay financially healthy while scaling. In this episode, we cover: Kim's path into finance and startups Why public accounting is a strong foundation When early-stage founders need finance help The difference between bookkeeping, accounting, and CFO strategy Why cash flow forecasting matters Common startup finance mistakes How finance supports fundraising Why AI still needs human oversight in finance Advice for founders on investing in the right G&A support

What does it really take to survive 8 years as a physical product startup?

In this episode, we sit down with Justin, co-founder of MODL and creator of the Infinity Tool — a modular, flexible attachment system often described as "Legos for life." From launching a modular water bottle on Kickstarter to making a full pivot that changed the company's trajectory, Justin shares the raw realities of building in atoms, not bits. We dive deep into:

• Why most startups don't fail — founders quit

• The emotional moment where they almost shut everything down • Pivoting from a complex product to a simple, scalable one

• Manufacturing in China and managing inventory risk

• The magic of having 3 co-founders (and how they avoid killing each other)

• Why Shopify's AI "Sidekick" is underrated • Using AI tools like Claude for DTC copywriting

• Running EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating System) as a 5-person team

• Competing by building the best product, not obsessing over rivals Justin also shares how an executive coach helped them unlock growth, how they carved clear ownership across marketing, operations, and design, and why three co-founders might actually be the ideal founding structure.

If you're a founder, operator, or finance leader navigating product-market fit, pivots, or co-founder dynamics — this episode is packed with honest lessons.

In this episode of the JustPaid Podcast, we sit down with Valentin Recker, operator, turnaround expert, and longtime finance leader, to unpack why startups don't actually fail suddenly — and what really causes them to run out of money. This is a must-watch for founders, operators, and finance leaders navigating growth, AI costs, hiring decisions, and financial clarity without losing momentum.

Fundraising is painful — and it doesn't mean you're successful.

In this candid, long-form conversation, a 2× Y Combinator founder with nearly 20 years of startup experience breaks down the real truth about building companies, raising money, and surviving long enough to win.

From the early, intimate days of Y Combinator with Paul Graham and Jessica Livingston to today's $500K checks and massive batches, this episode covers how accelerators evolved, why users and revenue matter more than capital, and how founders should think about risk, partnerships, investors, and long-term survival.

You'll learn:

Why funding ≠ success How Y Combinator actually worked then vs now

When (and when not) to raise money How partnerships can matter more than investors

Why bold networking changes your startup's trajectory

How to think about negotiation as win-win Tools founders should actually use (including AI & NotebookLM)

Whether you're starting a company, joining a startup, or thinking about fundraising, this is raw, practical advice you won't hear in pitch decks.

Most startups don't fail because they can't sell. They fail because they don't bill, track, and collect properly.

In this episode, a veteran CFO breaks down what founders miss early on—from misunderstood revenue metrics to messy spreadsheets and delayed collections.

We're excited to share a new conversation featuring Prasanna Sankar (Co-founder, Rippling & Founder, 0xPeople) in discussion with Daniel Kivatinos (Co-founder & CEO, JustPaid) and Harshith Vaddiparthy.

Together, they explore how the next generation of startups will be built—and why the future may not look like the traditional Silicon Valley playbook.

In this video, they dive into:

• How DAOs could become the new default organizational model

• Why crypto enables user-owned, programmable ecosystems

• Lessons from building and scaling startups from 0 → 1 and 1 → 100

• The intersection of AI, on-chain data, and new product opportunities

• What's actually working in this crypto cycle—from airdrops to on-chain social

• Long-term frontier ideas, including decentralized energy and massive solar bets If you're building, investing, or curious about where startups and Web3 are headed, this is a conversation you won't want to miss.

JustPaid is an AI-powered billing automation platform streamlining accounts receivable and payable processes. It offers automated invoice generation, real-time data analytics, and customizable billing rules, all designed to improve cash flow and efficiency. The platform integrates with existing systems and includes features like AI-driven collections and a user-friendly dashboard. JustPaid caters to various businesses, from entrepreneurs to financial experts, promising simplified revenue management and reduced operational costs. Positive client testimonials highlight improved financial control and significant cost savings.