How AI Founders Built and Sold a Startup in 2 Years to Achieve Early Exit Success with Thomas Vose

Welcome to The Engine - Founders' Stories Podcast. Host Donna Owen is joined by Thomas Vose, founder of HireAra, a startup that uses AI to help recruiters format CVs. From a student project to a big tech acquisition, Tom talks about how he turned a simple idea into a fast-growing business and shares lessons on risk, teamwork, and the future of AI.

Thomas isn’t just an entrepreneur; he loves finding smart solutions to problems. His journey from launching a startup to a major tech acquisition shows how spotting small pain points and using AI can change industries, especially in making processes faster and easier for businesses.

Thomas has a background in aerospace and engineering before starting his company to improve recruitment. At his company, HireAra, he uses AI to streamline CV formatting, making the process faster and easier. He focuses on smart tech and efficiency, applying his experience in engineering and problem-solving to help businesses grow.

Key Takeaways:
1. Solving Recruitment Problems: Tom explains how AI can make CV formatting easier.
2. Building a Startup: Lessons learned from taking risks and following his vision.
3. Innovative Thinking: Why using new tech can change traditional industries.
4. Tech and Engineering: How Tom’s background in engineering shaped his business.
5. Faster Processes: How AI speeds up work and makes things more efficient.

Additional Insights:
1. Using AI for Efficiency: Tom shows how AI can improve recruitment processes.
2. Building a Business: The challenges and rewards of starting from scratch.
3. Learning from Experience: How Tom’s background in engineering helped him innovate.
4. Simplifying Work: How AI makes tasks faster and more effective.
5. Adapting and Growing: Why being open to new ideas helped Tom scale his company.

Here are a few quotes from the episode:
“Entrepreneurs are always looking for better ways to solve problems.” - Thomas Vose
“A safety net lets you take risks without fearing failure.” - Thomas Vose
“AI is changing industries, but human creativity makes it powerful.” - Thomas Vose
Join Thomas Vose as he shares how innovative thinking, AI, and entrepreneurship are transforming recruitment and paving the way for faster, smarter business growth.

Episode Highlights
[00:00] - Teaser
[01:04] - Guest Introduction: Thomas Vose
[03:08] - Early Entrepreneurial Journey and the Influence of Family
[05:30] - The Entrepreneurial Mindset: Drive, Curiosity, and Problem-Solving
[07:30] - From AI and Policy to Solving Recruitment Pain Points
[10:55] - The Future of AI: Speed, Revenue, and Corporate Adoption
[14:05] - The Journey from Startup to Acquisition and Rapid Growth
[16:50] - The Hidden Challenges of Acquisition and Key Lessons for Founders
[20:20] - Building a Team: Trust, Relentless Drive, and Friendship
[22:45] - The Power of Teamwork and Stress During Rapid Growth
[26:01] - The Impact of AI on Critical Thinking and Human Intelligence
[27:49] - Founder Mindset, Risk, and the Power of Perspective
[35:35] - Building a Sales Team with the Right People and Process
[41:50] - Final Thoughts: Embracing Risk and Starting a Business

FOLLOW THE GUEST:
LinkedIn Accounts:
Thomas Vose:   / thomas-vose-149788108  
HireAra:   / hireara  
Websites:
HireAra: https://www.hireara.ai/

FOLLOW THE HOST:
LinkedIn:   / donnalowen  
Company LinkedIn:   / the-engine-growth  
Website: https://www.theengine.uk/
Email: [email protected]