In this episode of the Grit Daily Startup Show, host John Biggs was joined by CEO Stacey Yudin of NEP Services, a leader in the communications space that is providing nonprofits and other organizations with best-in-class software. Named one to watch by Fast Company, NEP Services has helped clients raise $65 million for their communities and $7 million for the “Help a Hero” crowdfunding campaign. The discussion dove into what NEP Services is doing and facets of the nonprofit sector as a whole.

Nonprofits, much like startups, find themselves scrounging for resources. Not only are pickings slim, but the sector is notorious for its slow adaptation of technology. Yudin observed this fact and formed NEP Services, in part, to fill the game.

Jens Petter Wilhelmsen, CEO of Ohdoki, a sex tech company, discusses the challenges and importance of sex tech. He shares the journey of bringing their product, Handy, to market and the ups and downs they faced along the way.

Despite the difficulties, they persevered and successfully raised capital.

Wilhelmsen emphasizes the need for persistence and a solid business case when approaching investors.

“Persistency and follow the strategy that you set out” have been his watchwords. He also highlights the importance of sex tech in enabling sexual intimacy and connections, especially for individuals with physical or cognitive limitations. Odoki focuses on building trust and maintaining high-quality products through encryption and security measures.

Alex Back, CEO of Couch.com, had a problem. He sold too many couches.

In this episode of Keep Going we talk about what happens when you find sudden and overwhelming success and how hard it is to turn down business.

Being an entrepreneur requires sacrifices, said Back, but the passion and drive to create something meaningful can outweigh the challenges.

Listen in as he shares the troubles he faced when his previous furniture brand sold too much furniture through a deal with Costco, leading to supply chain issues and customer dissatisfaction.

Alex also provides advice for entrepreneurs entering the hard goods market and emphasizes the importance of gathering information and being patient. He discusses the ease of decision-making with experience and the difficulty of maintaining discipline and avoiding fallback options. Lastly, he reflects on the sacrifices and rewards of being an entrepreneur.