How to Bootstrap a Tech Startup in the AI Era With Jason Sherman 4u1i4u

In this episode of The Entrepreneurial You, host Heneka Watkis-Porter is ed by serial entrepreneur, award-winning filmmaker, published author, and tech startup expert Jason Sherman. As the founder and CEO of Bingo AI and Vengo AI, Jason shares how creativity, storytelling, and perseverance are vital for startup success—especially when launching a tech venture without venture capital. Storytelling in Filmmaking and Startups Jason draws parallels between filmmaking and entrepreneurship, pointing out that both require you to build a narrative that resonates with a specific audience. Whether it’s a movie or a product, the story behind it matters. He explains that his journey began as a young programmer selling products in school, which laid the groundwork for his ventures today. According to Jason, storytelling helps attract investors and customers alike—especially when it’s backed by relatable experiences and data-driven results. Avoiding Common Pitfalls in Bootstrapping Jason and Heneka delve into common mistakes new entrepreneurs make when bootstrapping. A major one, Jason notes, is building too much too soon without proper validation. He urges founders to test concepts first and let market lead the way. While intuition has its place, he believes data should always have the final say. Jason reminds listeners that real success stems from understanding what people truly need—not what we think they need. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: • Why storytelling is crucial for both filmmaking and entrepreneurship • The most common mistakes first-time startup founders make • How to validate a product idea before launching • Why chasing tech trends can hurt your startup • The role of AI in boosting innovation and human evolution • Key strategies for building a startup without venture capital • The importance of ethical considerations in AI product development COMMUNITY CONNECTION: Now it’s time for our Community Connection segment! Listeners are invited to share their thoughts on today’s episode or send in any questions they have for Jason or Heneka. Reviews, , and questions can be shared via email at [email protected] or by WhatsApp at 876-849-2571. Also, don’t forget about the LeadHerShip Cruise, where leaders can network and grow aboard Royal Caribbean's Liberty of the Seas! This four-day event combines empowerment with transformative learning against the stunning backdrop of the Bahamas. [email protected] or WhatsApp 876-849-2571 for more details. JASON SHERMAN: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonsherman76/ Website: http://jasonsherman.org/ TRENDING NOW: The global AI market is projected to reach $401 billion by 2028, yet 90% of startups fail within their first two years due to poor planning and lack of resources. Founders who bootstrap successfully retain 3x more equity than those who rely on venture capital funding. Jason’s insights into ethical AI innovation and lean startup strategies couldn’t be more timely. If you enjoyed this episode of The Entrepreneurial You, subscribe on Spotify and Apple Podcasts, leave a rating, and share it with your friends. Visit henekawatkisporter.com to a free eBook on how to conduct podcast interviews like a pro! AFFIRM WITH ME: I am an innovative entrepreneur who turns challenges into opportunities. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices 3b4q34