Venture

Build Mode starts at the beginning: How Forethought AI found product-market fit

In the debut episode of the Build Mode podcast, host Isabelle Johannessen sits down with Deon Nicholas, co-founder of Forethought AI, to unpack what it really takes to build a lasting company with and for your customers from day one. Build Mode is ’s new podcast that pulls back the curtain on how startups actually get built — the messy, tactical, real-talk version. Season 1: Product, Meet Market goes beyond product-market fit to explore […]

November 13, 2025 · Isabelle Johannessen, Maggie Nye

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In the debut episode of the Build Mode podcast, hostIsabelle Johannessensits down withDeon Nicholas, co-founder ofForethought AI, to unpack what it really takes to build a lasting companywithandforyour customers from day one.

Build Mode is ’s new podcast that pulls back the curtain on how startups actually get built — the messy, tactical, real-talk version. Season 1:Product, Meet Marketgoes beyond product-market fit to explore every aspect of getting your product into customers’ hands, from finding the right audience and earning their trust to turning early traction into lasting momentum.

Episodes of Build Mode drop every Thursday. Subscribe now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, orwherever you get your podcasts. And be sure to check out the video version on’s YouTube.