Who we are
In an era where misalignment drains time, focus, and morale, we help founders get clear on priorities — and execute against them together.
The mission
Inspiring Founders merges founder peer groups and advising with AI-enhanced tools, built for one job: helping early-stage startup founders achieve focus, clarity, and alignment.
Most early founders aren't short on ideas — they're short on a room of peers who've faced the same call, and the accountability to act on it. That's what we build: small peer groups, honest conversation, and the momentum that turns bold strategy into measurable results.
The facilitator
Founder and CEO of Radi8, a marketing platform for small businesses powered by AI and automation. Mash brings 25+ years in innovation, strategy, and execution to every group.
He's co-founded and scaled startups to four successful exits, guided dozens of companies toward traction, and launched a university-based incubator at San José State — where he's an adjunct professor in the College of Business, teaching hundreds of aspiring founders.
His approach: help leaders cut through complexity, focus resources on the highest-impact opportunities, and turn bold strategies into measurable results.
Now I don't need $500,000 from Y Combinator to succeed. I need $5,000 and some really good mentors.Sol Lipman, PieFi · Inspiring Founders Podcast, Ep. 01
Questions
It's founded and facilitated by Michael "Mash" Ashley — founder and CEO of Radi8, with 25+ years building, four startup exits, and an adjunct professorship at San José State teaching hundreds of aspiring founders.
To help early-stage founders achieve focus, clarity, and alignment — turning bold strategy into measurable results, alongside peers who've faced the same calls.
No equity, no cohort, no demo day, no expert-only advice. It's an ongoing, in-person Peer Group of founders at your stage, facilitated by an operator who's built and exited companies himself.
Apply to a Peer Group, listen to the podcast, or subscribe to the newsletter — whichever fits where you are.
