Build Mode

On Build Mode, TechCrunch's Startup Battlefield Editor Isabelle Johannessen cuts through the startup mythology to uncover how founders survive the brutal early days, navigate impossible funding landscapes, and somehow keep their companies — and sanity—  intact. Each season, Isabelle is joined by founders, investors, and operators to dig into specific aspects of the startup journey, from creative go to market strategies to founder mental health. The interviews are full of candid startup wisdom—think cap table drama, co-founder breakups, and pivot panic. So, if you’re starting a company or or even just thinking about it, this is your survival guide.  

Interested in voices who can shed light on the harsh realities of startup culture, such as seasoned founders who have navigated co-founder conflicts, venture capitalists with insights into funding strategies, or mental health professionals specializing in entrepreneurial stress.

Note: Guest insights are created with AI assistance.