Scaling Smarter with David Hirschfeld
Welcome to ”Scaling Smarter” with David Hirschfeld, where we sit down with top business leaders and innovators to explore how they harness technology and automation to overcome challenges and grow their businesses. Each episode is packed with genuine conversations about the real issues leaders face and the inventive solutions they’ve discovered along the way. This podcast is tailor-made for software startup founders and scale-up decision-makers looking to inspire and be inspired. Join us as we highlight the expertise of our guests and create a community that values innovation and smart strategies. If you’re passionate about making a difference in your industry and want to share your journey, we would love to hear from you. Tune in and discover how you can scale smarter!
Episodes

Friday Jun 20, 2025
Friday Jun 20, 2025
In this episode of Grow Fast Podcast, host Mark sits down with David Hirschfeld, founder of Tekyz, to dive deep into the strategies behind rapid business growth through smarter product development and scaling. David shares insights on building exceptional software teams, mastering the "launch-first" method to achieve product-market fit faster, and navigating the evolving AI landscape. From hiring practices that prioritize intelligence to real-world success stories, this conversation offers practical advice for startups and scale-ups looking to grow efficiently and sustainably.
Key Takeaways:
Build Exceptional Teams: Focus on intelligence, rigorous hiring, and continuous improvement to ensure predictable and optimized project outcomes.
Adopt the Launch-First Method: Validate product ideas early through high-fidelity prototypes and niche targeting before heavy investment.
Prioritize Smart Hiring: Intelligence often outweighs experience; invest in candidates who can think critically and drive innovation.
Use Microservices for Scalability: Architect systems for flexibility and cost optimization from the start.
Adapt Quickly with AI: Leverage simple, accessible AI tools to enhance internal processes and stay competitive in a rapidly changing tech landscape.
Document and Scale: Create detailed playbooks from successful practices to support fast, repeatable growth.
Ready to Transform Your Business?
If you're looking to streamline operations, enhance digital engagement, and drive growth, Tekyz is your go-to partner. With a proven track record and a commitment to excellence, David Hirschfeld and his team are ready to take your business to new heights.
Contact Tekyz Today to explore tailored solutions that can redefine your business success.
Want to connect with David Hirschfeld? Click on the following link to connect with David on Linked In: http://link.tekyz.com/davidlinkedinpodbean
Company Website - Tekyz
Launch 1st
Scaling Smarter Episodes
Social Media - Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Medium | Linked In
Want to learn more about The Grow Fast Podcast? Listen to their podcast at this link:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-grow-fast-podcast/id1721972847

Friday Jun 20, 2025
Friday Jun 20, 2025
In this episode of Scaling Smarter with AI: The Art of Scaling Business with AI, host and guest David Hirschfeld, founder of Tekyz, dive deep into how AI can be strategically leveraged to overcome common scaling challenges. They discuss using AI for idea validation, niche identification, lead generation, workflow automation, and contract management, sharing real-world examples and practical techniques. David emphasizes the power of AI in creating playbooks, automating bottlenecks, and guiding early business decisions, while highlighting the need for adaptability in the face of rapid technological change. This conversation provides a roadmap for startups and scale-ups to scale smarter, faster, and more efficiently by embracing AI's transformative potential.
Ready to Transform Your Business?
If you're looking to streamline operations, enhance digital engagement, and drive growth, Tekyz is your go-to partner. With a proven track record and a commitment to excellence, David Hirschfeld and his team are ready to take your business to new heights.
Contact Tekyz Today to explore tailored solutions that can redefine your business success.
Want to connect with David Hirschfeld? Click on the following link to connect with David on Linked In: http://link.tekyz.com/davidlinkedinpodbean
Company Website - Tekyz
Launch 1st
Scaling Smarter Episodes
Social Media - Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Medium | Linked In
Want to learn more about the Start. Scale. Exit. Repeat.: Serial Entrepreneur: Secrets Revealed! Podcast? Listen to their podcast at this link:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/start-scale-exit-repeat-serial-entrepreneur-secrets/id1595693049

Thursday Jun 19, 2025
Thursday Jun 19, 2025
In this episode of Product-Led Growth, host Thomas Watkins sits down with David Hirschfeld, CEO of Tekyz, to unpack the biggest mistakes B2B software startups make—and how to avoid them. Drawing from his work with over 90 startups, Hirschfeld introduces his "Launch First" methodology, emphasizing the power of early validation through pre-launch sales and focused customer engagement. The conversation challenges popular assumptions around freemium models, highlights the dangers of falling in love with the product instead of the problem, and provides a clear path to product-led growth through strategic, revenue-driven launches. Whether you're an early-stage founder or refining your go-to-market strategy, this episode is packed with hard-won insights and actionable advice.
Ready to Transform Your Business?
If you're looking to streamline operations, enhance digital engagement, and drive growth, Tekyz is your go-to partner. With a proven track record and a commitment to excellence, David Hirschfeld and his team are ready to take your business to new heights.
Contact Tekyz Today to explore tailored solutions that can redefine your business success.
Want to connect with David Hirschfeld? Click on the following link to connect with David on Linked In: http://link.tekyz.com/davidlinkedinpodbean
Company Website - Tekyz
Launch 1st
Scaling Smarter Episodes
Social Media - Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Medium | Linked In
Want to learn more about the Product Led Growth Leaders podcast? Listen to their podcast at this link:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/product-led-growth-leaders/id1724028481

Thursday Jun 19, 2025
Thursday Jun 19, 2025
In this episode of The Tech Talks Daily Podcast, we sit down with David Hirschfeld, CEO of Tekyz and seasoned software entrepreneur, to explore how startups can navigate risk and uncertainty in today’s fast-paced tech landscape. David shares his "Launch First" methodology, which flips traditional development on its head by focusing on pre-launch sales to validate product-market fit before building. We discuss how AI is reshaping software development, the common pitfalls founders face, and why loving the problem—not the solution—is key to startup success. Packed with real-world insights and actionable advice, this conversation is a must-listen for any founder aiming to build a sustainable, customer-driven business.
Ready to Transform Your Business?
If you're looking to streamline operations, enhance digital engagement, and drive growth, Tekyz is your go-to partner. With a proven track record and a commitment to excellence, David Hirschfeld and his team are ready to take your business to new heights.
Contact Tekyz Today to explore tailored solutions that can redefine your business success.
Want to connect with David Hirschfeld? Click on the following link to connect with David on Linked In: http://link.tekyz.com/davidlinkedinpodbean
Company Website - Tekyz
Launch 1st
Scaling Smarter Episodes
Social Media - Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Medium | Linked In
Want to learn more about The Tech Talks Daily Podcast podcast? Listen to their podcast at this link:
https://techblogwriter.co.uk/media-and-press-enquiries/

Friday May 09, 2025
Friday May 09, 2025
🎙️ SaaS Fuel Podcast – Ep: Launch First Strategy with David Hirschfeld
Are you building a startup the hard way? 😬In this energizing episode, host Jeff Mains sits down with David Hirschfeld, the mastermind behind the Launch First methodology, to explore a bold approach to building SaaS products: sell before you build.
With decades of software experience and hard-won startup lessons, David reveals how early product-market validation, pre-launch sales, and AI-powered prototyping can help founders go from concept to cash flow—fast.
🎧 This episode is packed with actionable insights for any founder looking to build smarter, scale faster, and succeed in the SaaS game.
Ready to Transform Your Business?
If you're looking to streamline operations, enhance digital engagement, and drive growth, Tekyz is your go-to partner. With a proven track record and a commitment to excellence, David Hirschfeld and his team are ready to take your business to new heights.
Contact Tekyz Today to explore tailored solutions that can redefine your business success.
Want to connect with David Hirschfeld? Click on the following link to connect with David on Linked In: http://link.tekyz.com/davidlinkedinpodbean
Company Website - Tekyz
Launch 1st
Scaling Smarter Episodes
Social Media - Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Medium | Linked In
Want to learn more about the SaaS Fuel podcast? Listen to their podcast at this link:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/saas-fuel/id1619119417

Friday May 09, 2025
Friday May 09, 2025
🎙️ Feel the Boot Podcast – Ep: Launch First Methodology: Selling Before BuildingGuest: David Hirschfeld, Founder of Tekyz | Creator of Launch First
What if you could sell your product before you even build it?
In this episode, host Lance Cottrell sits down with David Hirschfeld, a software development veteran and serial entrepreneur, to unpack the Launch First methodology—a strategy that helps startups generate early revenue, validate market demand, and reduce development risks through pre-selling and high-fidelity mockups.
David shares candid stories from his entrepreneurial journey—what worked, what didn’t, and the powerful lessons that led to creating this transformative approach.
Key Takeaways:
💡 Sell Before You Build: Use realistic mockups to pre-sell your product and validate demand before writing a single line of code.
🔍 Problem Over Solution: Shift your mindset—start by deeply understanding customer pain points before jumping into solutions.
📊 Metrics-Driven Niche Selection: Find your ideal early adopters by evaluating problem severity and cost.
🧠 The Mom Test is Gold: Learn to ask better questions and get honest customer feedback.
🧑💻 Build Smart Teams: Vet technical partners thoroughly—avoid shiny portfolios and prioritize real-world skills.
💰 Fundraising with Purpose: Raise capital only when it's time to accelerate, not when you’re just trying to survive.
🚗 Future Insight: David predicts self-driving cars will reshape real estate—especially parking lot investments.
#StartupTips #Entrepreneurship #ProductDevelopment #LaunchFirst #SoftwareDevelopment #Tekyz #Presales #Founders #TheMomTest #FeelTheBoot #B2BSaaS #SelfDrivingCars #DavidHirschfeld #TechStartups #LeanStartup #Innovation #BusinessGrowth
Ready to Transform Your Business?
If you're looking to streamline operations, enhance digital engagement, and drive growth, Tekyz is your go-to partner. With a proven track record and a commitment to excellence, David Hirschfeld and his team are ready to take your business to new heights.
Contact Tekyz Today to explore tailored solutions that can redefine your business success.
Want to connect with David Hirschfeld? Click on the following link to connect with David on Linked In: http://link.tekyz.com/davidlinkedinpodbean
Company Website - Tekyz
Launch 1st
Scaling Smarter Episodes
Social Media - Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Medium | Linked In
Want to learn more about the Feel the Boot podcast? Listen to their podcast at this link:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/feel-the-boot/id1495401483

Thursday May 08, 2025
Thursday May 08, 2025
In this episode of The Thoughtful Entrepreneur, host Josh sits down with David Hirschfeld, founder and CEO of Tekyz, to explore the intersection of craftsmanship and cutting-edge technology. From David’s passion for woodworking and metalwork to his leadership in accelerating custom software development with AI, the conversation highlights how creativity, precision, and curiosity drive both personal hobbies and professional success. David shares how Tekyz leverages advanced AI tools to slash MVP build times and deliver innovative solutions—from AI-powered virtual nurses to intelligent referral platforms. Tune in to hear thoughtful advice on working with developers, the evolving landscape of AI in tech, and how to ride the “100-foot wave” of software innovation.
Ready to Transform Your Business?
If you're looking to streamline operations, enhance digital engagement, and drive growth, Tekyz is your go-to partner. With a proven track record and a commitment to excellence, David Hirschfeld and his team are ready to take your business to new heights.
Contact Tekyz Today to explore tailored solutions that can redefine your business success.
Want to connect with David Hirschfeld? Click on the following link to connect with David on Linked In: http://link.tekyz.com/davidlinkedinpodbean
Company Website - Tekyz
Launch 1st
Scaling Smarter Episodes
Social Media - Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Medium | Linked In
Want to learn more about The Thoughtful Entrepreneur podcast? Listen to their podcast at this link:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-thoughtful-entrepreneur/id1394227396?uo=4

Thursday May 08, 2025
Thursday May 08, 2025
In this episode of The Leadership Launchpad, David Hirschfeld, a 35-year software veteran, shares insights on building exceptional teams through systems, measurement, and customer focus. He explores the evolving role of AI in software development, the dangers of overbuilding, and how successful founders stay grounded in solving real customer problems. David also highlights the power of process artifacts—like detailed estimations and playbooks—in creating consistent, high-quality outcomes.
Ready to Transform Your Business?
If you're looking to streamline operations, enhance digital engagement, and drive growth, Tekyz is your go-to partner. With a proven track record and a commitment to excellence, David Hirschfeld and his team are ready to take your business to new heights.
Contact Tekyz Today to explore tailored solutions that can redefine your business success.
Want to connect with David Hirschfeld? Click on the following link to connect with David on Linked In: http://link.tekyz.com/davidlinkedinpodbean
Company Website - Tekyz
Launch 1st
Scaling Smarter Episodes
Social Media - Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Medium | Linked In
Want to learn more about the Leadership Launchpad podcast? Listen to their podcast at this link:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/leadership-launchpad-leadership-lessons-from-leaders/id1493809964

Thursday May 08, 2025
Thursday May 08, 2025
In this episode of The CEO Project Podcast, host Jim Schleckser talks with software veteran David Hirschfeld about his "launch-first" approach to building software that reduces risk and accelerates success. Aimed at CEOs frustrated by costly, delayed projects, the conversation highlights how realistic prototypes, customer-driven validation, and pre-launch sales can create early traction and smarter development. From agile practices to hiring the right dev team, this episode is packed with actionable insights for leaders navigating the software development journey.
Ready to Transform Your Business?
If you're looking to streamline operations, enhance digital engagement, and drive growth, Tekyz is your go-to partner. With a proven track record and a commitment to excellence, David Hirschfeld and his team are ready to take your business to new heights.
Contact Tekyz Today to explore tailored solutions that can redefine your business success.
Want to connect with David Hirschfeld? Click on the following link to connect with David on Linked In: http://link.tekyz.com/davidlinkedinpodbean
Company Website - Tekyz
Launch 1st
Scaling Smarter Episodes
Social Media - Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Medium | Linked In
Want to learn more about The CEO Project podcast? Listen to their podcast at this link:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-ceo-project-podcast/id1641914838

Thursday May 01, 2025
Thursday May 01, 2025
In this episode, veteran software entrepreneur David Hirschfeld shares insights from his 35-year journey, revealing lessons learned from working with over 90 startups. He unpacks the power of addressing real customer needs over wants, the pitfalls of premature scaling, and the importance of validating ideas through his "launch-first" method. David also explores practical strategies for integrating AI into workflows, emphasizing cultural readiness and problem-first thinking. This is a must-listen for founders seeking smarter, leaner paths to success.
Ready to Transform Your Business?
If you're looking to streamline operations, enhance digital engagement, and drive growth, Tekyz is your go-to partner. With a proven track record and a commitment to excellence, David Hirschfeld and his team are ready to take your business to new heights.
Contact Tekyz Today to explore tailored solutions that can redefine your business success.
Want to connect with David Hirschfeld? Click on the following link to connect with David on Linked In: http://link.tekyz.com/davidlinkedinpodbean
Company Website - Tekyz
Launch 1st
Scaling Smarter Episodes
Social Media - Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Medium | Linked In
Want to learn more about The Tech Leader's Playbook Podcast? Listen to their podcast at this link:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-tech-leaders-playbook/id1690263628