Build Mode is making a triumphant return with a special holiday bonus episode, featuring the winner of this year’s Startup Battlefield competition, Kevin Damoa, the innovative CEO and founder of Glīd, a cutting-edge logistics infrastructure company focused on streamlining the complex container shipment process.
Damoa’s journey began during his time in the U.S. Army, where he encountered the challenges of shipping large cargo. Working on a team responsible for loading tanks and vehicles onto railroads, Damoa experienced firsthand the intricate process of moving cargo from roads to rails. This experience laid the foundation for his future endeavors in revolutionizing the logistics industry.
Fast forward to 2025, and Damoa is standing on the prestigious JS Disrupt stage, clutching the grand prize after outshining 200 other companies in the Startup Battlefield competition. In a captivating episode of Build Mode, JS’s podcast for builders and entrepreneurs, Damoa shares insights into how he and his team developed hardware and software solutions to address the logistical challenges he encountered earlier in his career. He delves into the collaborative effort that went into launching three products simultaneously, culminating in a successful live demo at the Disrupt stage.
Reflecting on the intense pressure of ensuring the software worked flawlessly for the demo, Damoa acknowledges the collective effort of his team, emphasizing the pivotal role of teamwork in achieving their goals. With the momentum gained from their victory, Glīd is poised to enter its next phase, including a pilot launch with Great Plains Industrial Park and the imminent release of their latest product, Glīder. The company is actively recruiting talent across various functions, with a recruitment process that emphasizes a casual and organic approach, fostering a culture of mission-driven individuals who prioritize mindfulness.
Embracing a human-centric approach, Glīd has cultivated a team of dedicated professionals who are passionate about their mission and committed to achieving their goals. Damoa’s leadership style, characterized by a focus on mindfulness, has played a significant role in shaping the company’s culture and attracting like-minded individuals.
For a comprehensive overview of Damoa’s insights on positioning companies for success in the Startup Battlefield, viewers can watch the full episode below. To stay updated on future episodes of Build Mode and other JS podcasts, listeners can subscribe to their preferred podcast platforms. Feedback and reviews are encouraged, with the opportunity to reach out to the team at podcasts@techcrunch.com.
Overall, Build Mode’s latest episode featuring Kevin Damoa offers valuable lessons on innovation, teamwork, and leadership in the competitive landscape of startups and entrepreneurship. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to learn from the best in the industry and stay informed on the latest developments in technology and business.

