What It Really Takes to Build a Startup with Michael Dodsworth of Fanfare

In this episode of the Growth Now Movement, I sit down with Michael Dodsworth, the founder and CEO of Fanfare, to unpack his inspiring and deeply personal journey from the high-paced world of tech giants to the unpredictable, purpose-driven path of entrepreneurship.

Before starting Fanfare, Michael worked as an engineer at some of the most recognizable companies on the planet—including Salesforce and Ticketmaster. But despite the corporate wins and impressive resume, something was missing. In our conversation, he opens up about the internal tension and the calling that pushed him to leave the comfort of big tech to chase a deeper mission.

We talk about how his passion for live events and community inspired him to create Fanfare—an innovative platform that helps creators, artists, and brands manage high-demand product drops, from concert tickets to exclusive merch, without the chaos and disappointment we’ve come to expect in the current system.

Michael gets real about:

• The emotional rollercoaster of launching a startup

• How he went from being a behind-the-scenes engineer to a front-facing founder

• The importance of clear communication, even when you’re building in silence

• What it takes to go from corporate stability to entrepreneurial risk

• Why solving real problems for real people has been his North Star

• How Fanfare is empowering creators, entrepreneurs, and fans to connect more authentically

Whether you're a tech lover, a startup dreamer, or a creator looking to scale—this episode delivers powerful insight into what it truly takes to build something meaningful, one step (and sometimes one mistake) at a time.

• How Michael transitioned from working at Salesforce to launching his own venture

• The difference between working in a corporation vs. building your own startup

• The story behind Fanfare and its mission to reinvent product drop culture

• How to communicate your vision clearly—even if you’re not a natural storyteller

• Why community building is a secret weapon for modern entrepreneurs

• Lessons from managing high-stakes tech challenges and turning them into simple, scalable solutions

• Tips for founders, creators, and innovators looking to make a difference in noisy market