Summary The conversation with Roberto Peñacastro and Zeynep Ilgaz covers their journey as an entrepreneur and investor, the evolution of their relationship, and the growth of LeadSales. It delves into the challenges, successes, and decision-making processes involved in building a tech company, raising funds, and navigating the startup ecosystem. The conversation also highlights the importance of humility, adaptability, and strategic planning in the entrepreneurial journey. Roberto shares his journey of fundraising, growth, and challenges with LeadSales, highlighting the importance of transparency, trust, and strategic decision-making. Zeynep discusses the excitement of CrossOcean about LeadSales and the potential of conversational commerce. The conversation delves into the significance of customer value, churn rate, and ideal customer profile. Roberto emphasizes the need for continuous learning, accountability, and seeking help from investors. The discussion concludes with insights on the entrepreneurial community, family inspiration, and the vision for LeadSales. Takeaways The importance of humility, adaptability, and strategic planning in the entrepreneurial journey. The challenges and successes involved in building a tech company, raising funds, and navigating the startup ecosystem. The significance of mentorship, learning from advisors, and building a solid foundation for business growth. The value of realistic valuation, resourceful use of funds, and effective communication with investors. The role of accelerators in providing learning opportunities, refining business plans, and connecting with potential investors. Transparency and trust are crucial in fundraising and building investor confidence. Understanding customer value and addressing churn rate are essential for sustainable business growth. Continuous learning, accountability, and seeking help from investors are key to entrepreneurial success. The entrepreneurial community plays a significant role in shaping the mindset and aspirations of founders. Family inspiration and resilience are powerful drivers for entrepreneurial success and impact. The vision for a business goes beyond financial success and aims to inspire change and opportunity in the community. Quotes "Welcome to episode three of the Founders Journey." "We bootstrapped basically for the first two years and a half until we got to Berkeley Skydeck." "The best ideas organically or naturally out of a problem that you're facing in your own business." "Transparency and trust are crucial in fundraising and building investor confidence." "Understanding customer value and addressing churn rate are essential for sustainable business growth." "Continuous learning, accountability, and seeking help from investors are key to entrepreneurial success."