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

Monday Apr 07, 2025
Monday Apr 07, 2025
This Industrial IoT Spotlight podcast episode features a discussion with David Hirschfield, CEO and founder of Tekyz, an AI-first software development company. The conversation centers around adopting AI in DevOps practices and its integration into customer-facing applications, exploring the nuances between internal process improvements and external product enhancements. The discussion also covers the challenges startups and large corporations face in adopting AI, country-specific adoption hurdles, and the organizational shifts required to become an AI-first company.
Chapters
Catching the AI Wave: Navigating Technological Disruption
David Hirschfeld’s Startup Journey and Tekyz’s Mission
Transitioning to an AI-First Organization: Internal Innovations
Quantifying Efficiency Gains Through AI Integration
Challenges in Large-Scale AI Adoption
AI in Customer-Facing Applications: Building Trust and Reliability
Geopolitical Considerations and Data Privacy in AI
Competitive Advantages and Tools for AI-Driven Development
The Importance of Mindset and Processes Over Magic Tools
Closing Thoughts: Leveraging AI for Sustainable 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 iot-spotlight-podcast? Listen to their podcast at this link:
https://www.iotone.com/podcasts

Monday Apr 07, 2025
Monday Apr 07, 2025
Ever wonder what a software veteran with 35 years under his belt does in his spare time? Meet David Hirschfeld, a serial entrepreneur who balances building intricate woodworking projects with guiding startups to success. In this episode of Deep Dive Lab, we uncover David's journey, from his early startup days to his innovative "Launch First" methodology. He shares invaluable insights into what truly makes startups thrive (and why so many fail), offering a refreshing perspective on customer-centricity, rapid iteration, and the often-misunderstood role of investors.
Key Takeaways from David's Startup Journey:
The Accidental Success and the Power of Problem-Focused Development
The Mom Test: Unearthing Honest Customer Feedback
Identifying Your Early Adopters: A Systematic Approach
Launch First: Mitigating Risk and Accelerating Growth
The Pitfalls of Startup Failure: Avoiding Common Mistakes
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 The Deep Dive Lab Podcast? Listen to their podcast at this link:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-deep-dive-lab/id1674688106

Monday Apr 07, 2025
Monday Apr 07, 2025
This podcast episode of UX Leadership by Design features Mark Baldino, co-founder of Fuzzy Math, interviewing David Hirschfeld, founder and CEO of Tekyz. The discussion centers around Hirschfeld's "Launch First" methodology, a process designed to help startups achieve product-market fit by validating revenue potential before significant development investment. David Hirschfeld's experience with successful and failed startups and his work with over 90 other startups informed the creation of this methodology.
Key Takeaways
The Launch First methodology offers a structured, metrics-driven approach to de-risking startups by validating revenue potential before substantial development investment. It emphasizes the importance of niche analysis, high-fidelity prototypes, validation interviews, and pre-launch sales. By focusing on data and customer feedback, Launch First helps founders make informed decisions, pivot quickly when necessary, and ultimately increase their chances of 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 In the UX Leadership By Design Podcast? Listen to their podcast at this link:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ux-leadership-by-design/id1658851404

Friday Apr 04, 2025
Friday Apr 04, 2025
Introduction: Are You Tired of the Startup Rollercoaster?
Building a business can feel like a constant cycle of boom and bust, soaring high on initial success only to crash and burn when a major client leaves or the market shifts. This is the story of David Hirschfield, CEO and founder of Tekyz, a software development company. For 35+ years, David has navigated the ups and downs of the tech world, experiencing both triumphant exits and painful failures. His journey offers invaluable lessons for any entrepreneur seeking sustainable, predictable growth. Join us as we explore David's insights on the importance of product-market fit, problem-focused development, and the power of strategic partnerships.
Key Takeaways
David's journey underscores the importance of learning from successes and failures in entrepreneurship. His emphasis on product-market fit, customer-centric problem-solving, and developing internal products that address real-world challenges provides valuable insights for business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs. His current focus on building a robust referral network and transitioning Tekyz into a product-focused company positions the business for continued growth and success. The development of the referral partner portal, in particular, holds significant promise for both Tekyz and its expanding network of partners.
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 LinkedIn: 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 In the Business Coach's Chair Podcast? Listen to their podcast at this link:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/in-the-business-coachs-chair/id1469230145

Friday Apr 04, 2025
Friday Apr 04, 2025
Startup Success: Customer Validation, MVP Development, and AI Integration
This podcast episode features a discussion between Todd, the podcast host, and David, CEO of Tekyz, about the critical elements for startup success, focusing on customer validation, the development of Minimum Viable Products (MVPs), and the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in modern business practices. The conversation emphasizes the importance of early and thorough customer discovery to achieve product-market fit and explores how new technologies are changing the landscape for startups.
Key Takeaways
The discussion underscores the importance of rigorous customer discovery and validation before investing heavily in product development. It highlights the value of pre-selling to secure early revenue and validate product-market fit. The conversation also explores how no-code tools and AI are transforming the landscape for startups, enabling faster and cheaper MVP development. Finally, the speakers emphasize the importance of workflow automation and continuous adaptation to technological change.
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 Startup Stories from the Treehouse Podcast? Listen to their podcast at this link:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/startup-stories-from-the-treehouse/id1677204668

Friday Apr 04, 2025
Friday Apr 04, 2025
From Concepts to Code: The TEKYZ Approach to Software Development With David Hirschfeld
This podcast episode features Ryan Ferris interviewing David Hirschfeld, founder of Tekyz, a software development company. The discussion centers around Hirschfeld's extensive experience with startups, his company's approach to software development, and his "Launch First" methodology, which challenges traditional startup practices. He challenges the conventional MVP approach, emphasizing early validation, revenue generation, and the power of AI-driven efficiency. Tune in to learn how Hirschfeld’s strategies help startups succeed faster and wiser.
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 In the The Valuu Makers Podcast? Listen to their podcast at this link:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-valuu-makers-podcast/id1511898932

Thursday Mar 27, 2025
Thursday Mar 27, 2025
Sell Before You Build for Faster Product-Market Fit
In this episode of Dynamics Corner, Kris and Brad are joined by David Hirschfeld, who explores the essential elements contributing to startup success. The group discusses why understanding customer problems is crucial and how many startups fail due to delayed revenue generation. Founders are encouraged to focus on solving real problems instead of merely adding features. They highlight the importance of targeting a specific niche and caution against the misleading power of positive thinking. Many founders become overly attached to their product rather than the problem they are solving, which can lead to pitfalls. The discussion centers around the challenges and critical factors for startup success, particularly in software product development, and extends to considerations for established companies launching new products.
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 Dynamics Corner Podcast? Listen to their podcast at this link:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dynamics-corner/id1631935578

Thursday Mar 06, 2025
Thursday Mar 06, 2025
This episode of the Jeff Willis Show features David Hirschfield, a seasoned software expert, discussing his “launch first” method for software startups and his insights on the evolving role of AI in the software industry and beyond. The conversation explores Hirschfield’s background, the principles behind his methodology, and his predictions for the future impact of AI on various sectors.
What you will learn
How the “Launch 1st Method” helps software startups validate their ideas with high-fidelity prototypes before committing to development.
How AI is used to write code, design systems, and improve efficiency in software development.
How AI agents are transforming workflows by managing tasks from ideation to deployment.
How AI is revolutionizing online education through personalized learning experiences and enhanced engagement.
Rapid AI adoption reshapes industries, including real estate, and creates new ethical challenges.
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 Jeff Bullas Show Podcast? Listen to their podcast at this link:
https://www.jeffbullas.com/podcasts/

Thursday Mar 06, 2025
Thursday Mar 06, 2025
Mastering tech growth requires founders to shift from a purely visionary mindset to a data-driven, evidence-based approach. David Hirschfeld emphasizes the importance of testing and measuring rather than relying on blind faith in an idea. His Launch First methodology highlights product-market fit validation, ensuring sustainable scaling through proven playbooks and automation. Founders must transition from autocratic decision-making to customer-centric problem-solving, focusing on fundamental pain points rather than product promotion. Scaling successfully also involves addressing bottlenecks, delegating tasks, and fostering a culture of automation. Embracing failures as learning opportunities and prioritizing repeatable, predictable revenue models over chasing unicorn status is key to long-term 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 Mastering Tech Growth Podcast? Listen to their podcast at this link:
https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/mastering-tech-growth/id1729168595

Thursday Mar 06, 2025
Thursday Mar 06, 2025
This episode of the Localization Fireside Chat features Robin and David Hirschfeld, who discusses software development strategies for startups and established companies, the integration of AI in development processes, and effective methods for commercialization and revenue generation. The conversation aims to provide insights for entrepreneurs and businesses looking to leverage technology and AI to solve problems and scale their operations.
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 Localization Fireside Chat Podcast? Listen to their podcast at this link:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/localization-fireside-chat/id1688770183