Hiten Show
Deeply researched case studies that help you learn how real companies grow, adapt, and win. No agenda. No BS. No hype. www.hiten.show
Episodes
Duolingo was one of the most beloved brands in tech.
But in 2025, a leaked memo exposed the company’s true AI strategy: automate education. The backlash was instant. Reddit turned. TikToks went viral. Loyal users walked away from thousand-day streaks.
This is the inside story of Duolingo's unraveling: how a brand built on personality and playfulness lost user trust overnight, alienated its community, and put years of brand equity at ...
Today I'm talking with Tim, the founder of Saasco, about his biggest challenge: How to go-to-market. During our chat, I spot a common trap that Tim's fallen into - and it’s one that keeps many founders from hitting $10K in Monthly Recurring Revenue. Let's find out what it is and how to beat it.
Timestamps:
(00:00) What’s going to come up on my call
(01:15) 5 things to know about Tim & Saasco
Today, I'm back in the lab with Walter White exploring more startup lessons from Breaking Bad. In this episode, I examine common early-stage founder pitfalls, the ego traps that can derail success, recognizing the right time to exit, and the importance of keeping your ultimate goals in sight. I break down four pivotal scenes that mirror these critical startup challenges. Let's dive in!
Where to find Part 1 &am...
Today, I’m back in the lab with Walter White, cooking up more startup lessons from Breaking Bad. In this episode, I focus on two critical startup challenges: scaling operations and mastering distribution. I break down four key moments that mirror every founder's growth challenges. Let’s dive in!
Where to find Part 1
- The Business of Breaking Bad (Part 1): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MpxN63hDEv0
Today, I'm breaking down scenes from Breaking Bad on Walter White’s early startup days. I’m not endorsing illegal activities, but Walt's story is surprisingly packed with startup lessons. From pivoting careers to finding the right co-founder, I've distilled four key moments that mirror every founder's journey. Ready to cook up some insights? Let's dive in.
The pivotal scenes
Today, I'm breaking down 5 unforgettable Shark Tank pitches packed with lessons for founders. I'll rate what worked, what didn't, and unpack must-know insights for your next pitch. Ready to swim with the sharks? Let's dive in!
The pitches
- Squatty Potty (Season 6, Episode 9)
- Jax Sheets (Season 12, Episode 13)
- Haven Lock (Season 10, Episode 18)
- Scrub Daddy (Season 4, Episod...
Today, I’m breaking down a storyline about mergers and acquisitions from HBO's Succession. We'll unpack intense boardroom scenes, rate their accuracy, and extract valuable lessons for founders. Why? Because for successful startups, acquisition talks are inevitable. Let's dive in.
The scenes from Succession
- Celebration (Season 1, Episode 1)
- Vaulter (Season 2, Episode 2)
Today, I’m reacting to Mad Men's iconic pitches and dissecting Don Draper's advertising genius. I'll break down each presentation, revealing hidden lessons for founders. Ready to level up your startup's marketing strategy? Let's dive in.
The pitches
- Hilton (Season 3, Episode 9)
- Heinz Ketchup (Season 6, Episode 4)
- Heinz Beans (Season 5, Episode 6)
- Lucky Strike (Season 1,...
There’s a lot we can learn from the recent events with Humane, and this episode is dedicated to breaking down these events, sharing my perspective on what went wrong, and identifying a potential path forward for the company.
This video is not intended to be a hit piece or to drag the founders, employees, or anyone else involved with Humane.
Instead, I aim to uncover valuable insights we can all apply to ...
Today, I talk with Cody Schneider, the co-founder and CEO of SwellAI, about his AI content repurposing company.
In this episode, we discuss:
- Cody biggest challenges and my targeted advice
- The common mistake self-funded founders make
- Which market SwellAI should win first
- How Cody can differentiate SwellAI
Timestamps
(00:00) Episode trailer
(00:50) Cody’s Pitc...
Today, I'm trying another show format. In this episode, I react to four famous startup pitches (some real, some fake!). Throughout each pitch, I pause the clip and give my take on what worked and what didn’t.
The pitches
Episode timestamps
(00:00) Show intro
Today, I'm trying a new show format. Three founders submit their pitch via video, I react and then give them targeted advice on improving it.
I discuss:
- Finding the right hook
- What information will make investors say yes
- When to focus on the product versus the problem
- How each founder should refine their pitch
Today’s founders
- Jacob Peters (superpower.com) <...
On today’s episode, three founders pitch me. I give them two perspectives: the investor viewpoint, including the impressions and likely questions they'd face, and detailed feedback on the pitch itself. We discuss:
• What not to say
• How to talk about traction
• Telling a compelling story in under 60s
• Avoiding investor confusion
• Communicating your unique value
On today’s episode, we discuss hiring and firing, including:
• Big mistakes and how to avoid them
• Why “hiring slow, firing fast” is wrong
• The problem with offshore talent
• Building remote versus in-person
• Ways to hire top talent
• Tips that will help you scale
Socials
• Website: https://www.hiten.show
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@hitenshow
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@hitenshow
• Instagram: https://www.in...
Today, I talk to two founders about a range of challenges they’re facing with building AI products, including:
• What founders get wrong about AI
• Why AI isn’t the problem
• Building horizontal versus vertical
• Pricing AI products
• Dealing with churn
Todayʼs founders
• James Flynn - Coso.ai: https://coso.ai/
• Girri M Palaniyapan - DialMe: https://dialm...
On the second episode of The Hiten Show, I speak to two founders about how to pitch investors
We cover a range of challenges, including:
• One thing all great pitches have
• What investors actually care about
• The secret to telling a story in 60 seconds
• Common pitching mistakes and how to avoid them
Todayʼs founders
• Steve Witmer - Roster
• Michael Bishop - Spot
Welcome to episode #1 of The Hiten Show! Today, I cover a range of fundraising challenges, including:
Crafting a narrative around cap table complications
Judging whether a pitch went well
Biggest fundraising mistakes
Managing term sheet deadlines
Common investor red flags
Disclaimer Hiten Shah’s “The Hiten Show” episodes are provided for general information purposes only and do not constitute business, financial, or other professional ad...
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