#founders

#founders

Before Nothing Bundt Cakes became the empire it is today, it had small beginnings. Let's rewind to 1997, when Dena Tripp and Debbie Shwetz created their first bundt in their homes. They were two moms and friends living in Las Vegas, Nevada, who were just enjoying the practice of baking. They started with a cake and then figured out the frosting process, using a cream cheese and butter base to decorate the baked good.

If we didn't get paid, how are we going to pay back $15,000?

That difference stuck with me. Because years later, I see it everywhere: Many founders chase visibility before they build foundations. Visibility is seductive It's easy to focus on what looks good from the outside. A flashy website. A polished LinkedIn announcement. A big funding headline. And yes-awards. The appeal is obvious. Recognition feels good. It validates the sacrifices you've made. It gets people's attention. And in many cases, visibility can even buy time-helping attract investors, talent, or customers.

Hosted by Startup Battlefield Editor Isabelle Johannessen, Build Mode is a survival guide for early-stage founders navigating the messy, high-stakes chaos of building a company from scratch. No sugarcoating. No hype. Just candid conversations and tactical advice from the people who've done it before and have the scars (and term sheets) to prove it. Starting November 13, Isabelle will sit down with founders, VCs, and operators to unpack the real stories behind the build.

Business founders face a stark reality, about 45% struggle with mental health challenges weekly. These founders push themselves to stay productive in demanding environments.

Nearly three out of four founders admit they go into every filing season with gnawing doubt about whether they paid the right amount, overpaid or overlooked a key incentive.