Funding is Drying Up – Here’s How Smart Startups Are Surviving
In this episode of the DevReady Podcast, host Anthony Sapountzis sits with Stephen Graham, Co-founder & GM of Shadowboxer, to discuss the realities of startup life and venture building. Stephen shares his journey from the corporate world to the fast-paced startup ecosystem, highlighting the unique challenges and rewards of working in a venture studio. Shadowboxer, founded in 2020, partners with entrepreneurs to shape and build innovative businesses, often taking equity instead of fees. The conversation delves into the appeal of working across multiple industries, the excitement of rapid learning, and the importance of having “skin in the game.” Anthony resonates with this mindset, reflecting on his decision to skip the corporate ladder and start Aerion Technologies straight out of university.
The discussion explores how starting a business before major life commitments—like mortgages and children—can feel like a calculated risk, yet unforeseen challenges, such as a global pandemic, can still disrupt plans. Stephen acknowledges that his risk appetite has evolved with family responsibilities but still values the agility and direct communication inherent in startup environments. Unlike corporate settings, where bureaucracy slows decision-making, startups thrive on fast, impactful interactions. The urgency in startups is real—missing a critical opportunity can set a company back significantly—so access to key decision-makers is crucial. The relationships formed in these high-pressure environments are often more personal and rewarding, fostering deep professional growth.
Stephen highlights the shifting landscape of startup funding, noting how early overfunding led to rapid growth, but recent economic changes have increased scrutiny on traction metrics. Startups today must prioritise rapid prototyping and leverage AIArtificial Intelligence (AI) is a very large and broad spectrum of technologies which most people would be familiar with through... and low-code tools to validate ideas quickly. Anthony points out that while tighter funding conditions present challenges, they encourage healthier, more sustainable business models focused on profitability rather than endless investment rounds. Stephen remains optimistic about alternative funding options beyond traditional venture capital, allowing more startups to build viable businesses without chasing unicorn status.
Execution and team quality often matter more than the idea itself when launching a successful startup. Stephen stresses the importance of momentum, product-market fit, and surrounding oneself with skilled advisors, especially in unfamiliar industries. The discussion also touches on funding shifts from VC firms to family offices, with investors favouring businesses that generate faster returns. Clinician founders, in particular, are seen as strong entrepreneurs due to their industry expertise and financial discipline. Overall, Stephen and Anthony praise Australia’s startup ecosystem for its growing investor community and support for innovation.
Working with non-technical founders presents unique challenges, particularly in defining clear roles within a startup. While some teams have technical co-founders, others rely on external expertise before building an in-house team. The best founders are those who remain deeply focused on customer needs and problem-solving, ensuring a clear business direction. Stephen prefers working with “battle-scarred” founders—those who have prior entrepreneurial experience—due to their resilience and learned lessons. However, he also acknowledges that younger founders bring fresh perspectives, optimism, and a higher risk tolerance, which can be equally valuable in the startup world.
Many startups make the mistake of rushing into development without proper planning, leading to costly missteps. Founders often seek help only after failed attempts with previous vendors, realising the need for structured guidance. Success lies in slowing down, thoroughly planning and designing before development begins—minimising risks for both founders and their technical teams. Experienced teams, like those at DevReady, apply insights from past projects to help non-technical founders navigate these challenges. While failure is common in startups, those who learn from past mistakes and iterate strategically significantly increase their chances of long-term success.
Topics Covered
- Stephen Graham’s journey & Shadowboxer’s venture studio model
- The startup mindset & risk appetite
- The fast-paced nature of startups vs. corporate bureaucracy
- The changing startup funding landscape
- Execution & team quality over ideas
- Challenges of working with non-technical founders
- The dangers of rushing into development
- Lessons from startup failures & strategic iteration
Important Time Stamps
- The Thrill of Startups: Learning, Adapting, and Building at Speed (0:07 – 6:08)
- Corporate Red Tape vs. Startup Speed: Which Side Are You On? (6:09 – 9:36)
- Why Startups Can’t Rely on Easy Money Anymore (9:37 – 16:05)
- Ideas Are Cheap, Execution Is Everything (16:06 – 21:13)
- Battle-Scarred Founders vs. Young Guns: Who Thrives in Startups? (21:14 – 25:54)
- Why Smart Founders Slow Down Before They Scale Up! (25:55 – 32:12)
