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.
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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.
From military logistics to Startup Battlefield 2025 champion with Glīd founder, Kevin Damoa
Build Mode
32 minutes
1 month ago
From military logistics to Startup Battlefield 2025 champion with Glīd founder, Kevin Damoa
Glīd CEO and founder Kevin Damoa shares what it takes to win Startup Battlefield 2025 and build a company solving real infrastructure problems. Fresh off his victory, De reveals how a veteran's perspective on logistics led to an autonomous solution bridging congested roads and underutilized rail. Plus, he shares how mindfulness, mission-driven culture, and $70M in early customer commitments positioned Glīd for success.
Chapters:
00:00 Intro
01:13 What Glīd does: Autonomous transloading explained
02:40 From military logistics to founding Glīd
04:05 Moving containers: The versatility of TEUs
04:47 $70M in commitments and five railroad partnerships
05:01 Why Glīd launched three products at once
08:47 The Startup Battlefield experience and preparation
12:15 Pitching on stage: Nerves, preparation, and execution
15:32 The camaraderie among Startup Battlefield competitors
19:47 Veteran founders and mission-driven companies
25:01 Post-win momentum: Customers, investors, and talent
27:15 Hiring on vibes: Glīd's culture of God, family, self, and commitment
28:25 Kevin's advice: Meditate, don't freak out
29:00 Tips for aspiring Startup Battlefield applicants
New episodes of Build Mode drop every Thursday. Isabelle Johannessen is our host. Build Mode is produced and edited by Maggie Nye. Audience Development is led by Morgan Little. And a special thanks to the Foundry and Cheddar video teams.
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.
