Founder Mode - 10 September 2025

Hi there,

Welcome back to Founder Mode, every week I’ll keep you updated on the top finds and opportunities for startups, so that you save time and stay in the know.

Everyone is talking about the new Iphone 17 launch, not that surprising but there is a 2 minute video recap. The airpod pro’s real-time translation capabilities might redeem Apple Intelligence.

Let’s go 🚀

🔥 Top Finds

Borrow These Validation Tactics
First Round Review pulls together unconventional yet practical methods for testing whether your idea has legs, from creative ways to stress-test assumptions to scrappy tactics for getting early customer signal. A great read if you’re wondering whether to go all in on your next idea.

Ramp at $1 Billion
Packy McCormick breaks down how Ramp became a fintech rocket ship, growing from 0 to $1B in revenue while scaling efficiently. It’s a masterclass in execution, product velocity, and riding the right wave at the right time.

Another Founder Mode Chat
I can’t get enough of these Founder Mode videos. Brian is unfiltered and straight to the point. A short and nicely done interview.

🎯 Startup Opportunities

🛠 Tool of the Week

Aspire
Aspire is an all-in-one financial OS designed for startups and growing businesses. It brings together company accounts, corporate cards, bill payments, and expense management into one streamlined platform. They just launched a yield account that makes your unused cash work harder (up to 4.08%).

💬 Founder Mode Quotes

🙂 Fun Mode

👋  Want to share something or partner?

Got a tip, cool tool, or collab idea? Hit reply and drop it in my inbox. Your note can be as quick as a meme or as deep as a pitch deck. Either way, I read every email.

If this newsletter sparked an “aha,” pass it along to another builder who should be in Founder Mode. Sharing is free and motivates me to help bring you the best finds every week.

- Ray