Startup, Shut Up, Show Up: How These Creators Made Skeptics Eat Their Words

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Episode Audio Link: https://podcast.ablackexec.com/episode/Startup, Shut Up, Show Up: How These Creators Made Skeptics Eat Their Words

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In this electrifying episode of A Black Executive Perspective, hosts Tony Tidbit and Chris P. Reed sit down with the visionary trio behind AKCRU—Anthoni, Patrick, and Kwasi. Together, they unpack the bold creation of AKCRU, a streaming platform that fuses the best of Netflix, Tinder, Uber Eats, and Instagram into one boundary-breaking experience. The conversation dives deep into the uphill battle of building a tech company as outsiders—navigating investor doubt, technical setbacks, and the pressure to prove they belonged in the room. Through it all, the founders leaned on grit, emotional resilience, and an unshakable collective vision. You’ll hear the story behind the platform, their roles as co-creators, and the hard-earned lessons that shaped their path. Plus, they share how their initiative, Forgive Our Honesty, is paying it forward to first-time founders. This episode offers a raw and inspiring look at what it takes to build something revolutionary when the world tells you “No.” Relentless innovation. Real talk. And a roadmap for doing the impossible.

▶︎ In This Episode

00:00: The Power of Persistence

01:03: Introduction to A Black Executive Perspective

01:48: Meet the Founders of AKCRU

07:28: The Origin Story of AKCRU

13:34: Challenges and Triumphs in the Industry

18:33: Innovating the Streaming Platform

20:41: Roles and Responsibilities

26:47: Overcoming Doubts and Building Success

33:30: The Struggle to Raise Initial Funds

35:08: Building the Prototype Against All Odds

37:28: Navigating the Challenges of Development

40:15: Advice for Aspiring Founders

43:04: Introducing the AC Crew App

51:25: Future Vision and Expansion Plans

56:26: Final Thoughts and Encouragement

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