Unicorns Podcast: How Launchd is reinventing talent, marketing, influence and ROI

The Unicorns Podcast connects you to some of the best and brightest founders, CEOs, executives, business owners, innovators, entrepreneurs and inspiring leaders who make things happen and inspire others.

Host Justin Kelly – former broadcast journalist and PR veteran – chats with leaders from across Australia and internationally on business strategy, what it takes to build a successful company, how to overcome challenges and advice for those on a similar journey.

In this episode of The Unicorns Podcast, Justin sits down with James Begley and Matthew Pavlich, the former AFL stars turned entrepreneurs behind one of Australia’s most exciting emerging business stories — Launchd.

What started as a bold idea to make talent more accessible for brands has evolved into a powerful, tech-enabled solution that’s reshaping how businesses navigate sport, media, marketing and entertainment.

Launchd is not your traditional talent agency. Backed by institutional capital and built on a foundation of deep industry experience, the company brings together five specialist agencies, including Pickstar, ICMI and Huume, into one unified solution. At the core of the business is proprietary software that gives brands a clear line of sight into campaign performance, talent deliverables, and real-time ROI.

In an environment where brands face pressure to act swiftly, spend wisely, and justify every marketing dollar, Launchd offers something radically different: influence as a service. Whether it involves managing a high-profile athlete deal, executing an influencer campaign, or creating engaging content, Launchd connects strategy, execution, and measurement through a single solution.

In this episode, James and Matthew reflect on their journey from professional sport to startup life, the challenges of building a scalable business in a traditionally fragmented space, and what’s next as they expand into new markets. This is a must-listen for anyone interested in the future of marketing, the rise of the creator economy, and the business of influence.

This podcast was developed in collaboration with Launchd, a Stockhead advertiser at the time of publishing.

The interviews and discussions in this podcast are opinions only and not financial or investment advice. Listeners should obtain independent advice based on their own circumstances before making any financial decisions.