Kingscrowd Startup Investing Podcast

Chris Lustrino sits down with Chris Graebe, founder of IPO Deal Hunter and one of the longest-tenured private market investors in the equity crowdfunding ecosystem. Together they discuss the state of startup exits, liquidity events, IPOs, and what investors should be looking for when evaluating private companies. Drawing from years of experience and several successful outcomes, Graebe shares how he identifies founders, evaluates opportunities, and balances short-term liquidity plays with long-term moonshot investments. The conversation explores BeatBox Beverages' acquisition by Anheuser-Busch, one of the largest crowdfunding-backed exits to date, and the lessons investors can learn from backing strong founders in highly competitive industries. Graebe also discusses recent IPO successes including Starfighters Space and Premier American Uranium, highlighting how new pathways from Reg A and Reg CF offerings to public markets are creating liquidity opportunities for retail investors. Whether you're interested in startup investing, crowdfunding, IPOs, or building a diversified private market portfolio, this episode provides an insider's perspective on where liquidity is emerging and how investors can position themselves for future opportunities. Resources Sign up for Kingscrowd Sign up for the free newsletter

This week on Inside Startup Investing, Chris Lustrino sits down with Rebecca Kacaba, co-founder and CEO of DealMaker, one of the leading platforms powering retail capital raises for private companies. Rebecca discusses the growing influence of retail investors across private markets and IPOs, why companies like SpaceX, Reddit, Gemini, and others are increasingly allocating shares to retail participants, and how community ownership is becoming a strategic advantage for modern brands. The conversation explores DealMaker's unique approach to capital formation, helping companies build and own their own investor communities rather than relying solely on marketplace traffic. Chris and Rebecca also discuss repeat issuers, investor engagement, liquidity opportunities, sports ownership, regulatory developments, and the long-term future of retail investing. If you want to understand where private markets, equity crowdfunding, and retail ownership are heading over the next decade, this is a must-listen episode. Highlights include...  

On this episode of Inside Startup Investing, Chris Lustrino speaks with Dr. Michael Wyand, CEO of Oxeia Biopharma, a clinical-stage biotech company developing a potential breakthrough treatment for concussions and persistent concussion symptoms. Oxeia is leveraging ghrelin, a naturally occurring hormone involved in brain energy regulation and neural repair, to help heal the inflammation and cellular damage caused by traumatic brain injuries. With promising Phase 2a data showing an 85% responder rate among treated patients, the company is pursuing what could become the first FDA-approved pharmaceutical treatment specifically targeting concussion recovery. Chris and Michael discuss the science behind concussions, how brain damage occurs after impact, why “just rest” has remained the standard of care for decades, and how Oxeia's therapy could fundamentally change the treatment landscape for athletes, veterans, and millions of patients suffering from lingering neurological symptoms. They also dive into the company's clinical pathway, the business opportunity behind concussion therapeutics, the role of neurogenesis in recovery, and the broader future potential for treating conditions like CTE, Parkinson's disease, and ALS. If you want to understand the future of concussion recovery, brain health innovation, and biotech investing, this is an episode you won't want to miss.

Pytheas Energy CEO Josh Zuker joins Inside Startup Investing to discuss how the company is using AI and data analytics to revive overlooked oil wells abandoned by major operators. Drawing on his unconventional journey from finance and real estate into oil and gas, Josh explains how Pytheas identifies underperforming “stripper wells,” optimizes production through monitoring technology, and builds long-term value from assets others leave behind. The conversation dives into the economics of oil production, how Pytheas approaches acquisitions and operational efficiency, and why the company ultimately views itself as both an energy operator and a technology company. Josh also shares his vision for turning Pytheas' growing dataset into a scalable software and analytics platform that could eventually serve independent operators across the oil and gas industry. Chris and Josh also discuss the future of AI in energy, blockchain and tokenization opportunities in commodities, and Pytheas Energy's long-term vision to scale production, acquire more assets, and potentially pursue an IPO.

In this episode of Inside Startup Investing, Renji Bijoy joins Chris Lustrino to discuss why he believes spatial computing glasses will become the next major computing platform after smartphones. Immersed began as a VR productivity platform designed to make remote work feel more collaborative and immersive. Today, the company has over 1.5 million users who use its virtual workspace software to create multiple virtual monitors, collaborate with remote teams, and work from anywhere using VR headsets. But Renji believes the existing hardware from major tech companies still falls short. That led Immersed to develop Visor, its own lightweight spatial computing headset designed specifically for work productivity. The company is betting that slimmer, lighter, AI-enabled glasses can finally bring spatial computing into the mainstream. Chris and Renji explore the future of remote work, AI-powered computing, enterprise adoption, hardware manufacturing, crowdfunding strategy, and why Immersed sees itself competing to become the next major tech platform rather than simply building another VR app.  

In this episode of Inside Startup Investing, Madeline Fraser joins Chris Lustrino to discuss how Gemist is bringing AI, automation, and modern ecommerce infrastructure to the jewelry industry. Inspired by her own frustrating experience buying an engagement ring, Madeline built Gemist to help jewelry brands, retailers, and manufacturers modernize the highly manual process of custom jewelry sales. The company's platform enables customers to design and visualize jewelry online while automating pricing, rendering, quoting, and product configuration workflows behind the scenes. Chris and Madeline explore why jewelry has historically lagged behind technologically, how COVID accelerated omnichannel adoption, and why younger generations of jewelers are increasingly embracing digital transformation. They also dive into Gemist's SaaS business model, AI rendering infrastructure, onboarding process, and the company's vision of evolving into a powerful jewelry data platform over time. The conversation offers valuable lessons for founders building vertical SaaS businesses, especially in traditional industries resistant to change. For investors, it highlights a large global market undergoing rapid digital and AI-driven transformation.

In this episode of Inside Startup Investing, Chris Lustrino speaks with George Moringer about building a platform that teaches kids emotional intelligence through engaging, gamified group sessions. [00:00] Tapouts focuses on helping children ages 4–16 understand and regulate their emotions by turning behavioral science into interactive, easy-to-use tools. [01:00] George shares how the idea originated from his interest in resilience and stress psychology—and the realization that these skills are rarely taught early in life. [02:30] Early product challenges revealed a key issue: parents valued the product, but kids didn't want to participate—forcing the team to rethink engagement entirely. [04:30] That led to a major pivot toward gamification, rewards, and group-based sessions, which dramatically improved retention and participation. [06:30] Since then, Tapouts has scaled to over 20,000 kids served and more than 200,000 sessions delivered without missing a single class. [08:30] The company's model leverages small group sessions to create strong unit economics, with margins around 70% while maintaining high engagement. [10:30] George breaks down how Tapouts acquires customers through performance marketing, referrals, and growing organic demand. [12:30] Looking ahead, the company plans to expand its programs, increase lifetime value, and explore new distribution channels like schools, employers, and insurers. [15:00] Ultimately, Tapouts is building a preventative approach to child wellness—teaching emotional intelligence before problems escalate. [17:00]

In this episode of Inside Startup Investing, Chris Lustrino sits down with Carter Fowler, founder and CEO of Totem, a company building decentralized, offline communication technology. Totem's flagship product—a wearable compass-like device—lets users locate friends and family without relying on cell service or Wi-Fi. Originally built for music festivals, the product has quickly expanded into families, travel, outdoor recreation, and even accessibility use cases. With over 50,000 users, $3.5M+ in revenue, and profitability achieved in under two years, Totem is proving both strong product-market fit and viral distribution. Carter shares how the company leveraged organic growth to reach hundreds of millions, why decentralized tech may define the future of connectivity, and how Totem is building both a consumer hardware business and a powerful data layer on real-world human movement.

In this episode of Inside Startup Investing, Chris Lustrino speaks with Olowo-n'djo Tchala about building Alaffia, a mission-driven consumer brand rooted in ethical sourcing. (00:00–01:30) Olowo-n'djo shares his upbringing in Togo and how it shaped his vision for a new economic model. (01:30–04:30) He explains how Alaffia organizes women-led cooperatives to produce shea butter and connect them to global markets. (04:30–08:30) The discussion covers fair trade economics, including paying above-market wages while maintaining strong margins. (08:30–13:00) They explore how Alaffia scaled into a national brand through persistence, retail distribution, and product-market fit. (13:00–17:00) Finally, Olowo-n'djo reflects on challenges with outside investors and why maintaining mission alignment is critical for long-term success. (17:00–22:00). 

In this episode of Inside Startup Investing, Chris Lustrino speaks with Adrian Solgaard about building a sustainable travel brand rooted in ocean plastic innovation. (00:00–01:30) Solgaard began as a Kickstarter campaign and quickly gained traction with consumers seeking functional, eco-friendly products. (01:30–03:15) Adrian explains how the company turns ocean-bound plastic into premium luggage and accessories. (03:15–05:40) They discuss product design, including modular systems that differentiate Solgaard in a crowded travel market. (05:40–08:10) The conversation dives into scaling challenges, including manufacturing, supply chains, and maintaining quality. (08:10–11:20) Finally, they explore brand storytelling, mission alignment, and how sustainability drives long-term consumer loyalty. (11:20–14:30)

In this episode of Inside Startup Investing, Chris Lustrino speaks with Nicholas White, CEO of Fragment Media, about building a subscription-first digital media company. (00:00–01:31) Fragment has generated over $40M in revenue and built a growing base of 20,000+ paying subscribers by focusing on high-quality, niche journalism. (01:31–02:13) Nicholas explains the company's flagship publication, Nautilus, and how it delivers deep, contextual science storytelling beyond headline-driven news. (02:43–04:48) They discuss Fragment's target audience—highly educated, high-income readers increasingly willing to pay for quality content. (04:58–06:37) The conversation dives into growth strategy, including content quality, social distribution, newsletters, and paid acquisition funnels. (07:02–08:31) Nicholas outlines the company's long-term strategy of building a portfolio of niche publications (“mustard, not ketchup”) to capture a large but fragmented market. (10:55–12:48 Finally, they explore revenue transition from advertising to subscriptions and the path toward scaling to hundreds of thousands—or even millions—of paying subscribers. (16:16–18:21)

In this episode of Inside Startup Investing, Chris Lustrino speaks with Harmen van Kamp, CEO of GACW, about reinventing the wheel with an airless suspension system. (00:00–01:45) GACW's technology integrates suspension directly into the wheel, eliminating traditional tires, shocks, and complex components. (02:10–04:20) Originally built for military and extreme terrain use cases, the product is now expanding into broader commercial applications. (05:30–07:10) Harmen explains the engineering challenges behind the system and how it improves durability, maintenance, and performance. (08:40–11:15) They discuss early traction, partnerships, and how the company is approaching manufacturing and scaling production. (12:30–15:45) Finally, the episode explores long-term opportunities across EVs, defense, and industrial mobility markets. (16:20–19:00)

In this episode of Inside Startup Investing, Chris Lustrino speaks with Jim Iversen, CEO of Sen-Jam Pharmaceutical, about building a platform of therapeutics targeting inflammation across multiple diseases. (00:00–01:28) The company is advancing a pipeline of drugs addressing conditions like COVID, alcohol-related inflammation, and arthritis, with multiple Phase 2 trials completed. (01:28–02:27) Jim explains how drug development works—from preclinical research to Phase 1 (safety), Phase 2 (efficacy), and Phase 3 (confirmatory trials). (04:14–06:05) They explore how Sen-Jam uses AI and over one million data points to validate its platform and identify new drug opportunities. (08:32–09:30) The discussion also covers how the company allocates resources across its pipeline and its strategy to license drugs after Phase 2 rather than fully commercialize them. (13:10–14:32) Finally, Jim breaks down the economics of drug licensing, potential valuation inflection points, and how investors can think about returns in biotech. (19:31–21:58)

In this episode of Inside Startup Investing, Chris Lustrino speaks with Jordan Taylor, managing member of Atari Hotels, about the development of a $124 million Atari-themed destination hotel planned for downtown Phoenix. (00:00–02:14) The project combines real estate development with immersive gaming culture, featuring a 91-room hotel, gaming-inspired experiences, and a venue for esports events, concerts, and creator gatherings. (03:21–13:14) Jordan explains how the team secured licensing rights from Atari, why Phoenix's population growth and urban revitalization make it an ideal location, and how the hotel is designed to serve both travelers and the local community. (06:34–10:01) The conversation also dives into the investment structure behind the project, where investors acquire a majority interest in the physical real estate rather than just a brand concept. (04:39–05:36) Jordan walks through the $124 million capital stack, including equity from investors and family offices alongside construction financing. (05:42–06:16) Finally, they discuss how stabilization and refinancing could provide early liquidity for investors, followed by ongoing cash flow distributions and potential exit scenarios down the road. (19:28–21:10)

In this episode of Inside Startup Investing, Chris Lustrino sits down with Jason Fishman, founder of Digital Niche Agency (DNA), one of the earliest and most active “capital raising agencies” in equity crowdfunding. (00:00–02:45) |Jason breaks down what actually drives successful Reg CF and Reg A+ campaigns in 2026: setting traffic goals, understanding conversion math (average investment size vs. how many investors you need), and building a multi-channel funnel across Meta, Google, newsletters, retargeting, webinars, events, and organic content. (04:25–10:06) They also unpack the “crowd effect” that causes many campaigns to look flat mid-raise before spiking near the deadline. (10:19–12:30) Finally, they explain why consistent updates and investor relations between rounds can materially influence outcomes—both by improving trust and by strengthening repeat-investor participation over time. (23:04–25:55)

Pirouette Pharma CEO Conor Cullinane returns to Inside Startup Investing to share the company's progress since its last Wefunder raise—spanning FDA engagement, IND planning, and major steps toward scalable manufacturing. Pirouette is building a disc-shaped, push-button delivery system for injectable medications—aiming to turn the “violent, error-prone” experience of legacy auto-injectors into something closer to the Staples Easy Button: push once, and the device handles the rest. Chris and Conor discuss why intimidation and usability are major barriers in today's injection landscape, how Pirouette is approaching OTC naloxone via a combination-product regulatory pathway, what a pharmacokinetic study looks like, and why Pirouette is investing in manufacturing capacity to support both commercialization and pharma partnerships.   Chapters  00:44 What Pirouette is building 03:42 Progress since last raise 06:26 FDA pathway explained 09:08 PK study + size/cost/timeline 13:07 Partnerships vs. standalone commercialization 16:15 Revenue timing + adoption expectations 20:12 Manufacturing scale plan 23:34 Founder “why” 26:07 Investor close

Sunstone Health CEO Joshua Resnikoff joins Chris Lustrino to explain how Sunstone uses AI on healthcare claims data to proactively identify children with developmental delay—starting with epilepsy and autism—and help families reach the right specialists and diagnostics faster.They break down what claims data is, why the healthcare system is reactive by default, and how Sunstone's approach can compress what often takes years into roughly weeks by flagging high-need cases, coordinating advanced diagnostics, and delivering actionable next steps. Joshua also shares Sunstone's go-to-market strategy (positioned as an employer-paid benefit), why the pricing model is designed to reduce “point-solution bloat,” and how expansion could move across employers, TPAs, reinsurers, and large insurers. 00:00 Needle-in-a-haystack intro03:13 What Sunstone does (AI + claims data)05:32 Flagging patients vs. diagnosing07:21 Employer benefit + privacy model15:54 GTM + sales cycle reality17:57 Outcome-based pricing model20:16 Unit economics ($10k per case)22:11 Expansion paths + other diseases26:23 Fundraise use of proceeds28:03 Investor closing

Atombeam CEO Charles Yeomans joins Chris Lustrino to break down a deceptively simple idea with massive implications: make data smaller while it's streaming so you can move and process more of it—without upgrading networks.Charles explains Atombeam's commercial product NeurPack, how it can often quadruple effective bandwidth, and why this matters across IoT, smart meters, satellites, defense, oil & gas wells, fintech, and eventually data centers and GPU utilization. They also dig into the realities of commercialization—choosing near-term deals that close fast while still pursuing multi-year “industry standard” opportunities—and why execution (not invention) is the real differentiator.00:00 What Atombeam does (pizza analogy)03:13 NeurPack explained05:35 Why 95% of IoT data doesn't move09:38 “Like launching 3 more satellites”13:57 Commercialization + customers16:31 Data centers + GPU utilization24:29 Defense traction + partnerships26:44 What success looks like (distribution)

Founder Clint Brauer explains how Greenfield Robotics builds compact, row-running robots that mow weeds and lay mulch while enabling nighttime foliar feeding—helping farms reduce herbicides and improve soil biology. He shares the personal catalyst (his father's Parkinson's), why tillage damages soil ecosystems, and how small, autonomous swarms can cover large acreages more cheaply than traditional machinery. We dig into go-to-market (from RaaS to equipment sales with software/telemetry fees), manufacturing with partners, and adoption curves from organic innovators to conventional growers. Brauer outlines the roadmap (attachments, reliability, self-charging), unit counts across 17 states, and potential exit paths with ag OEMs like John Deere—all while keeping the mission clear: get chemicals out of agriculture.Highlights include...Why “weed by day, foliar-feed by night” changes farm economicsHow mulch from cut cover crops suppresses weeds & feeds soilRaaS → leases → direct sales: what farmers prefer (and why)Swarm autonomy vs. ever-bigger tractors—cost & uptime mathManufacturing scale via Amity Technologies; why small wins hereEarly-adopter profile: regenerative, organic, and safety-driven growersExit lanes with major OEMs—and the case for remaining independent

Today, Chris sits down with Joe Schaeppi, co-founder & CEO of Solsten—a deep-tech company mapping human psychology and turning it into actionable AI for creative, targeting, and product personalization. After 8 years of R&D, Solsten's “human context layer” helps enterprises and SMBs understand why people act the way they do—then adapt ads, products, and AI agents to match. Clients like LEGO and Peloton report creative wins and 3× conversion lifts, while a new self-serve product opens the stack to smaller teams.Highlights include...• Building a cognitive-behavioral AI model from clinical-grade psychometrics and authentic behavior data• Why “creative is the new targeting” (Meta's Andromeda) and how psychology-matched creative cuts CPI/raises LTV• Personalization beyond demographics—training AI agents to speak in users' thinking and communication styles• Go-to-market shift: from years of R&D to scale (>$35M raised; investors incl. RedBird & Galaxy)• Use cases across gaming, fintech, health/fitness, hospitality, and more

Cleveland Whiskey was my first-ever equity crowdfunding investment (May 16, 2016), and founder/CEO Tom Lix has sent detailed quarterly updates ever since. In this episode, we cover 00:00–03:03 why Tom built a technology company in spirits—not just another craft label; 03:03–06:09 how pressure-aging in stainless tanks unlocks flavors from non-oak woods (black cherry, hickory, apple) and produces great whiskey in hours not years; 06:09–09:27 the pivot to concentrates and why India's “Indian-Made Foreign Liquor” niche is a game-changer for price and margin; 09:27–12:47 the new 45,000 sq. ft. Cleveland facilities, 12× capacity today with room to double again, plus how shorter cycle times unlock multi-shift throughput; 12:47–16:09 resilience through a U.S. whiskey slump, tariffs, and changing consumer trends; 16:09–20:03 valuation, real-estate upside on Cleveland's waterfront, and IP; and 20:03–28:19 the founder mindset—why Tom keeps going and how global demand (India, SE Asia, Africa) can drive the next chapter.

Read our Macrovey deal analysis (closed) on KingscrowdRobotics hype is everywhere—but who actually makes robots work on real warehouse floors? In this episode, Chris sits down with Macrovey Director of Business Development Matt Labinski to unpack how Macrovey designs fully autonomous, material-handling systems that act like a warehouse “Robotics OS.” We start with what Macrovey is and isn't (00:03)—the company doesn't manufacture robots, it integrates best-in-class OEMs through proprietary orchestration software. Matt explains the model (00:32): up-front design + install and recurring software/maintenance—plus a Robots-as-a-Service option that lowers CapEx. We dive into who buys (06:28): e-commerce, 3PLs, pharma, defense (U.S. Air Force) and even smaller 10k–100k sq ft facilities. Category context (07:31): warehouse robotics penetration is still surprisingly low; Macrovey targets the SMB/mid-market others ignore. We cover why OEMs and warehouses need an integrator (09:09), the sales cycle and deal sizes (12:22)—from $50k pilots to $3M+ programs—and how modular, mobile systems (25:03) move with demand. Finally, we hit the AI layer (27:31): machine learning that optimizes slotting, picking, and vision-based QA. If you want exposure to warehouse autonomy without betting on a single robot, Macrovey's middle-layer, recurring-revenue approach may be the de-risked way to play it.

Read our deal analysis on PaladinPaladin Power CEO Ted Thomas—a U.S. Navy veteran with 20+ years in energy storage and the named inventor on multiple U.S. patents for stackable batteries and integrated power systems—joins Inside Startup Investing to explain how he helped pioneer integrated storage and why Paladin's patented, fire-safe, all-in-one system can make true home energy independence practical. We cover why the inverter is the real bottleneck, how Paladin's stackable 10 kW architecture fast-charges EVs and extends battery life, and how the single-device design replaces a tangle of inverters, batteries, and chargers for faster installs and lower cost. Ted shares traction (incl. enterprise wins like Disney), a revenue jump from < $1M to $7–$8M this year with $20M+ in sight, “Made in USA” manufacturing with Jabil, and what's next as Paladin pushes a decentralized power future.News: Paladin engages Aegis Capital Corp. for IPO advisory while it evaluates capital-markets options—no assurance of any IPO; timing/terms subject to market, regulatory and due-diligence outcomes.Chapters(00:00) We open with why batteries remain the bottleneck for EVs and home solar, and how Paladin's inverter-first architecture changes the equation; (03:28) Ted outlines the mission—make every home independent from the grid—plus why legacy systems were designed for grid-tie, not true autonomy; (06:58) we break down the bi-directional, stackable inverters (up to 80 kW in a compact footprint) and how routing solar directly to loads can double battery life; (09:15) cost and efficiency: delivering 30–60% lower system costs versus status-quo builds; (10:29) scaling: U.S. manufacturing with a contract partner, and why distribution/EPC channels are the fastest path to market; (12:00) whole-home power without load shedding, faster installs, and sub-90-minute at-home EV charging; (13:21) IP and moats: utility patents and why copycats face multi-year certification delays; (15:34) use cases and demand drivers—from Disney facilities to homeowners facing rising rates and outages; (20:56) generators vs storage: when backup gensets still make sense and when solar-plus-storage wins; (22:46) Ted's closing case for investors.

Victory Hemp turns hemp seeds into clean protein, healthy oils, and even xylitol with a solvent-free, patented process built for every aisle. At 00:00 we define what “hemp food” really is; by 01:20 we outline Victory Hemp's B2B product stack; at 03:00 we unpack the solvent-free patent and why taste/clean label matter. Around 05:00 we hit functionality (emulsifying, gelling, egg replacement). At 06:30 we cover North American supply and USMCA sourcing, then 08:00 the next facility plan (~$21M, equity + USDA B&I/NMTC). By 10:00 we map capacity (> $30M revenue) and path to self-fund growth. At 11:30 we dive into zero-waste (hulls → xylitol), and by 13:00 we close on macro tailwinds: the protein boom, GLP-1 nutrition needs, and renewable fuels potential.

Most flour today is milled for shelf life, not flavor or nutrition. Cairnspring Mills set out to flip that script. Co-founder & CEO Kevin Morse explains how the company created a premium craft flour category by contracting regeneratively grown, higher-margin grains directly from farmers and stone-milling to retain flavor and nutrients, winning over top chefs and bakeries nationwide. We cover the growth story ($5.1M → $6.4M → pacing $7.9M), why demand is pulling them to expand capacity, and the plan to build a dramatically larger mill in Pendleton, OR (with the Umatilla Tribe) as part of a future network of regional mills. Kevin breaks down how “regional at scale” works (quality, resilience, and local grain identity), the sales playbook (foodservice-led; DTC and retail ramp), and opportunities in co-branded “Milled by Cairnspring” products. If you care about better bread—and better agricultural economics—this is a blueprint for rebuilding a staple industry.Highlights include…Why industrial roller milling strips flavor & nutrition—and how stone milling restores both Direct farmer contracts, regenerative practices, and paying for milling/baking quality (not just protein) Growth: $5.1M (2023) → $6.4M (2024) → ~$7.9M (2025E) Capacity expansion: Pendleton, OR mill (with Umatilla Tribe) targeting ~110M lbs/yr Long-term vision: distributed network of regional mills (CapEx ≈ $40M per mill + granary) Go-to-market: foodservice first (~80%), plus DTC, retail, and co-brand opportunities Influencer flywheel: chef/baker adoption (e.g., Bianco, Tartine) → organic demand 

Founded in 2013, Crowd Street helped popularize online access to commercial real estate. Now CEO John Imbriglia is steering a 2.0 strategy: an institutional-grade private markets platform spanning private equity, private credit, venture capital, and CRE—with lower minimums, improved IRA flows, and heavy investment in education, diligence, and UX. John details Crowd Street's scale to date (~300K members, ~30K investors, ~$4.5B raised in CRE), the “supply–demand–loyalty” framework driving the rebuild, a new omnichannel acquisition push, and partnering with Callan (advisor to >$4T AUM institutions) to help source and select managers. We cover feeder/registered fund structures (1099s, no capital calls) that bring minimums to five figures for accredited investors, the evolving role of direct CRE deals, and how better IRA integrations reduce friction. If you want a practical roadmap to accessing institutional-style alternatives—from mid-market credit to diversified PE/VC—this one's for you.Highlights include…Crowd Street's evolution: CRE pioneer → full private-markets platformSupply–Demand–Loyalty: the 2.0 operating modelWhy education & diligence lead the funnel (with Callan as advisor)Product access: feeder/registered/interval funds, 1099s, five-figure minsKeeping direct CRE while adding PE, credit, and VC optionsOmnichannel growth: targeted campaigns in Pittsburgh & BostonBetter IRA experience via an integrated self-directed partner

MoviePass became a cultural phenomenon—then imploded under new ownership. Founder Stacy Spikes bought the brand out of bankruptcy for ~$140K, relaunched, and delivered profitable 2023 and 2024—now unveiling Mogul, a fantasy-sports-style game for movies that could 10x ARPU versus subscriptions. In this episode, Spikes recaps the original data behind movie subscriptions (111% lift in theater attendance; concessions tailwind), what broke during the $10-per-month era, and why MoviePass 2.0 pairs a sustainable, any-theater subscription with a knowledge-based gaming platform (salary cap, leaderboards, seasonal play). We cover unit-economics realities (why exhibitors can subsidize with F&B and MoviePass can't), core user behavior and demographics, state-by-state fantasy rules, and the thesis that theatrical is still the #1 out-of-home entertainment globally. Investors get the scale path; founders get lessons on resurrecting a beloved brand—this time with the right business model.Highlights include…The rise, fall, and return: why the $10 unlimited era failed—and what's different nowData that started it all: subscription → +111% moviegoing; concessions economicsWhy Mogul (fantasy/prediction game) = higher ARPU, stickier engagementSubscriptions vs. exhibitors: pricing power, F&B offsets, and sustainable marginsCore user profile & frequency patterns; seasonalityState-by-state rules for knowledge-based contests (daily fantasy analog)Building a bigger ecosystem: MoviePass + MogulChapters00:00 Intro & why MoviePass still matters00:28 The cultural phenomenon & collapse01:20 Buying the brand back (~$140K) and relaunch03:22 Founding logic: subscription → more attendance04:42 What went wrong with $10 unlimited07:28 Fraud era, bankruptcy, and reset08:01 Profitable 2023/2024; what changed11:22 Unit economics vs. theater F&B12:38 Pivot to Mogul (fantasy/prediction)14:46 Knowledge-based contests, ARPU potential17:33 Current sub business: usage, demos, seasonality20:46 Growth plan & ecosystem vision22:52 Why theatrical is still king28:37 How to learn more & invest

BabyQuip helps families travel lighter by delivering clean, vetted baby gear—like cribs, car seats, and strollers—right to your hotel or vacation rental. CEO Fran Maier (co-founder of Match.com) shares how the company hit its first profitable quarter and keeps growing through strong word of mouth and a new Vrbo partnership that puts BabyQuip in front of more travelers. The team is also expanding beyond baby gear into beach, pet, and mobility equipment under the GoQuip brand to serve seniors and people with disabilities. We dig into how the marketplace works (trusted local providers, insurance, and safety standards), why partnerships are the biggest growth lever, and where BabyQuip is headed next—including selective international expansion and deeper integrations with travel platforms. Chapters00:00 Why BabyQuip (and why now)01:00 Fran's track record & revenue trajectory02:19 Profitability & Q3 inflection03:33 Vrbo partnership—scope & impact04:55 Beyond baby: beach, pet & GoQuip mobility05:55 Growth mix: organic/direct ≈ 68%06:45 Marketplace unit economics (take rate, churn, AOV)08:06 International & airport/car-seat opportunities09:12 Provider network, insurance, safety moats10:30 Capital plan: $3M to scale partnerships & GoQuip11:40 Big-picture TAM and long-term scale targets13:00 Closing & how to invest

Early detection saves lives, but today's tools are often invasive, slow, or used too late. In this episode, Breath Diagnostics CEO Ivan Lo explains how a non-invasive breath test can detect volatile organic compounds (VOCs) associated with disease—positioning breath as a first-line screen for early-stage lung cancer and potentially pneumonia and TB. We cover the science (why breath can capture near real-time biological change), sensitivity/specificity signals from 800+ patients, and a go-to-market/regulatory plan that prioritizes post-op pneumonia (shorter trials, no entrenched standard of care) before lung cancer screening. We also discuss platform economics (low-cost disposables, existing LC-MS infrastructure), trial scale and cost, and how breath could support ongoing monitoring after treatment. Investors get a clear view of timelines, risks, and upside; founders get lessons on platform positioning, capital efficiency, and sequencing indications. Highlights include...Why breath (VOCs) can surface disease signals minutes–hours after biological changeFirst-line screening thesis vs. liquid biopsy and CT workflowsEarly data: ~94% sensitivity / 85% specificity across 800+ patients (lung cancer context)Regulatory path: post-op pneumonia first (faster FDA route), lung cancer nextUnit economics: low-cost cartridge + existing LC-MS labs (hub-and-spoke)Clinical design: trial scale, costs, and companion-diagnostic “cocktail” potentialPlatform beyond oncology: pneumonia, TB, inflammation, RUO for pharmaChapters00:00 Intro & why early detection needs a rethink00:47 What Breath Diagnostics does (the “breath bag”)03:34 VOCs 101: why breath can be earlier than blood06:41 First-line screen vs. confirmatory tests08:19 Will this be ubiquitous at annual visits?11:53 Commercialization path & funding realities12:37 Pneumonia first: faster FDA route14:09 Lung cancer timeline & business model15:34 Hospital economics & pneumonia savings18:24 Trial scale/costs; disposable chip economics20:34 Team, funding strategy, and sequencing22:08 Early data and a “false negative” biopsy case24:12 TAM & eligibility (20M Americans qualify)25:06 What success looks like (2–3 years)27:00 Investor closing thoughts

Most older adults want to age in place, but families and caregivers can't be there 24/7. wisdom.io uses edge computing + radar + computer vision to detect falls and anomalies without wearables—keeping data inside the home and only sending alerts. CEO Cathy Minter shares:• Market reality & unmet needs in home care• Tech stack, privacy, and why edge > cloud for seniors• B2B2C go-to-market (home-care agencies, hospital discharge, 55+ communities)• Pricing, unit economics, and pilot accuracy targets• Samsung partnership: Wisdom on the Go (outside-home safety & gait insights)• Competition (Sensi.AI, SafelyYou) and empathy-led designChapters:00:00 Intro & the aging-in-place gap03:23 Founder story & market stats05:45 Product overview (edge hub, sensors)06:04 Privacy & on-device AI08:33 Hardware/installation Q&A10:08 Sensor fusion & smart-home vision11:25 GTM & channels14:02 Pricing model17:14 Home-care market size18:27 Pilot design & accuracy20:00 Competitors & differentiation23:10 Scale strategy & Samsung26:42 Closing & investor notes

In this episode, we catch up with Justin Giuffrida, CEO and co-founder of Citizens Coffee, to hear how the company's Australian-style café model is performing as it scales beyond New York into Texas. The update? Citizens is thriving. After record openings in Houston, the team has now launched Austin, which became the best-performing opening in company history—hitting profitability in just six weeks and trending toward Citizens' most profitable locations to date.Citizens runs a high-margin breakfast & coffee model, pairing chef-driven, fresh food with third-wave coffee, best-in-class hospitality, and local community partnerships. Their stores open at roughly $500K per unit—a fraction of the cost of many national chains—and achieve a 24-month payback period, with stores averaging 21% four-wall EBITDA. The company plans to scale to 40 locations in five years, targeting $120–$150 million in revenue, with CPG (retail) launching in parallel to expand the brand's reach and potential exit pathways.With the brand's strongest performance now outside NYC—specifically in Austin and Houston—Citizens is executing a scalable entry into Tier 2 markets with lower cost structures and equal (or better) unit economics. 02:14 – What's Brewing in 2025Justin shares current momentum and milestones—record openings in Texas03:36 – Proving Portability Beyond NYCHow Citizens performed in Houston and Austin vs. NYC; why Texas was the bet07:40 – The Risk of Scaling RetailChris on the risk of new locations; Justin on build costs ($500K), efficiency, and payback (24 months)10:26 – Local Marketing & “Local Legends”Citizens' launch playbook: grassroots, partnerships, and charity-based LRM14:01 – ICW AnnouncementChris plugs Investment Crowdfunding Week (Sept 29–Oct 2)14:46 – Differentiation vs. StarbucksAustralian café model: chef-driven food + third-wave coffee + hospitality & frequency19:42 – Growth Plan: 40 Locations in 5 YearsTexas expansion strategy and the path from 3 openings/year to 10/year22:31 – Managing Debt & Investor ProtectionHow Citizens balances debt and equity while remaining cash-flow positive25:16 – Why CPG (Retail) Fits the BrandCPG strategy to extend brand trust and boost exit optionality28:19 – Localization & Shelf StrategyChris on go-to-market for CPG; Justin on sequencing markets with brand equity29:50 – Projections & Exit Comps$120–$150M revenue target with CPG; comps like Blue Bottle & La Colombe31:55 – Final Message to InvestorsProof of concept in 3 major markets & the 5-year plan

In this episode, we talk with Rob Creighton, founder and CEO of Windlift, a deep tech company developing airborne wind energy systems and tethered flight platforms that can both generate power and serve as elevated sensing platforms for defense and commercial applications.Windlift's core platform is a tethered winged UAV—a cross between a quadrotor and a high-lift airfoil—that can autonomously fly patterns to extract energy from wind, delivering power to the ground via tether. Their current small demonstrator (about 25 lbs) can supply 1–3 kW (enough for a household in windy regions), while planned systems around a 40-foot wingspan aim to produce around 75 kW—all container-portable for microgrid and remote deployments. With over $24 million in support from the U.S. Department of Defense, Windlift has built a capability that extends beyond energy: tethered, stable, high-altitude platforms for communications, radar, and maritime sensing (e.g., towed behind ships to detect piracy or drone threats at ranges of 40–50 miles).Underlying their hardware is a software-first approach: Windlift develops its systems using autonomously directed synthetic evolution (AI-guided design optimization) and high-fidelity physics—allowing rapid iteration, mission-specific tailoring, and steep cost-down potential as systems mature.Defense is the first go-to-market, where mobility, weight, and autonomy matter. But commercial energy applications, especially remote microgrids, islands, and areas with wind/solar complementarity, present significant medium-term opportunity. Looking ahead, Windlift believes its technology can reach cost-competitive or lower-cost wind power within 3–5 years—with the right capital and execution.

In this episode, we sit down with Jeremy McCool, founder and CEO of HEVO, a company building wireless charging systems for electric vehicles. Think of a garage-floor charging pad—pull in, align, and your car charges automatically. HEVO has been solving the physics, standards and automotive integration work for over a decade, and now stands at the front line of commercial adoption.HEVO is underway with two major global automakers, including Stellantis (Jeep, Dodge, Fiat, Peugeot, and more), to integrate wireless charging into up to seven EV platforms beginning 2027–2028. This isn't a small bolt-on—the company has achieved UL certification and alignment with SAE wireless charging standards, clearing essential hurdles for true automotive-grade integration.Beyond the OEM opportunity, HEVO is partnering with Steer Tech to enable autonomous parking + wireless charging for fleet yards—a use case that eliminates manual charging attendants and enables round-the-clock operation. Wireless charging isn't just convenient—it's the missing piece for scaling autonomous fleets.HEVO's cost and efficiency discipline makes this more than a vision. The company's target pricing for on-vehicle components aims to be competitive with plug-in equipment, while the 11 kW bidirectional home charger is priced at $1,200, enabling vehicle-to-home (V2H) power during outages. With grid-to-battery efficiency in the low-to-mid 90%, 85 kHz universality, and a 12-inch air gap tolerance, HEVO is designed for scale.The most striking part: once an OEM launches, the curve goes from flat to 50,000+ units in year one—across multiple vehicle programs. HEVO expects to be profitable on hardware and software at volume from day one of scaling production.

In this episode, we speak with Groomit co-founders Sohel Kapadia and Lars Rissmann about building a mobile, on-demand pet grooming platform designed for convenience, quality, and scale. Unlike typical marketplace models (e.g., Rover/Wag), Groomit vets groomers, provides fully outfitted mobile vans, manages logistics/technology, and delivers a consistent standard of service—for both pet parents and groomers.After bootstrapping for years, Groomit has achieved $7.4M in 2024 revenue (up from $5.8M in 2023), with over 150,000 pets groomed and an average rating of 4.8 stars. The company now operates in 17 states and 50+ cities, with a repeatable playbook for entering new markets and building recurring revenue, including auto-scheduling that now accounts for ~30% of bookings.Groomit's hybrid model—supporting independent groomers with vans, bookings, payments, and software—has unlocked earnings potential for groomers (often earning ~$117 per appointment) and a premium, convenient service for pet owners. The vans are third-party investor-owned, minimizing Groomit's capex, and groomers operate as independent contractors who can keep vans at home for efficiency.If you're interested in how to scale a premium services marketplace with high operational complexity, tight quality control, and strong unit economics, this episode offers a clear blueprint.

In this episode, Maxwell Salzberg, co-founder and CEO of BackerKit, shares how his team built the infrastructure behind rewards crowdfunding—and why they're now operating their own crowdfunding platform with a distinct focus on community, continuity, and creator success.BackerKit started by solving the most painful and underappreciated part of rewards crowdfunding: the post-campaign chaos of fulfillment, logistics, and communication. Over the past 13+ years, they became the backbone for creators raising on Kickstarter and others—helping manage backers, collect shipping/taxes, handle upgrades, and more. Today, BackerKit has evolved into a full-stack crowdfunding platform—supporting from the first dollar raised to the last package shipped, and beyond.They've powered major campaigns—including a $23M+ launch with author Brandon Sanderson, and their annual platform revenues exceed $20M. Now, with BackerKit Collab Funding, they're building multi-creator event-style campaigns that drive bigger engagement, discoverability, and long-term fan relationships. 

In this episode, Chris speaks with Alex Wright-Gladstein, founder & CEO of Sphere, the company behind the Sphere 500 Climate Fund—a low-fee, index-like mutual fund for 401(k)s that excludes fossil fuel companies and is now available on Fidelity and Schwab. Alex explains how her team navigated years of audits, platform approvals, and AUM thresholds to unlock real adoption within the retirement ecosystem—and why crossing $100M AUM is the tipping point that could lead to billions in inflows from the largest corporate 401(k)s.Highlights include...Why most 401(k)s don't offer real climate-friendly fundsHow Sphere built a low-fee (0.07% expense ratio) S&P 500-like fund that screens out fossil fuelsThe 3-year effort to get approved by Fidelity and SchwabWhy $100M AUM unlocks access to the biggest 401(k) plansHow employee movements at Google, Apple, Microsoft create demand for these optionsSphere's go-to-market via creative advocacy campaigns (150M+ views)Business model: starting with low-fee scalability → expanding to higher-margin productsAlex's track record (co-founded Ayar Labs, now $1B+ valuation)2:00 – Alex's background & founding Sphere4:30 – What is the Sphere 500 Climate Fund?6:45 – Why 401(k)s are hard: fees, lawsuits & mutual funds vs ETFs9:40 – Getting onto Fidelity & Schwab: the 3-year process12:10 – AUM milestones: Why $100M matters14:50 – Building demand: Employee movements & advocacy campaigns17:30 – Business model & future fund lineup20:15 – Competitive moat & brand trust23:00 – Market size & exit thoughts (IPO vs M&A) 

David Webb's Yarnhub pulls 400 million annual views for cinematic WW2 stories—no ad spend required. On Inside Startup Investing he details how that captive audience now funds a historically accurate video-game, why the company's CPMs beat integration ads, and the path to 3–5 billion monthly views across multiple channels. If MrBeast can sell burgers, Yarnhub can sell history. Listen in and judge whether this next-gen studio merits a spot in your alt-portfolio.Accidental media empire. Webb left Intel, acquired “War History Online,” and pivoted from publishing to high-quality animated shorts on YouTube.Huge organic reach. Yarnhub generates ~35 M YouTube views and ~150 K new subs per month—with minimal paid advertising.Quality over clickbait. Films cost ~$40 K each, use game-engine animation, and weave “goose-bump” human stories rather than dry battle timelines.Revenue today. ~US $1 M annual from YouTube ads; expected to scale to several million as channels expand.The bigger play. Audience demand led Yarnhub to develop a WW2-themed game—with 40 K Steam wish-lists after just a few months.

On this week's Inside Startup Investing, Dr. Nicole Paulk—founder & CEO of Siren Biotechnology—details her AAV gene-therapy “FedEx truck” that can deliver anti-tumor cytokines directly to brain cancers. Early animal data show 86 % complete responses; the FDA has signaled a fast-track path for Siren's first-in-human trial set for 2026. With analog comps like Keytruda earning $30 B a year, Siren's upside—and impact—could be enormous.Highlights include...Why viruses? AAV viruses don't cause disease in humans yet efficiently deliver genetic payloads; Siren re-engineers them to express anti-tumor cytokines.Twin “firsts.” Siren pursues the first AAV-based cancer therapy and the first single virus platform scalable to hundreds of indications.Animal data. >500 mouse models show 86 % complete responses; large-animal pig study indicates strong safety with real-world neurosurgical delivery.Clinical plan. Combined Phase 1/2 trial in adults with recurrent high-grade gliomas targeted for 2026 with potential for rare-disease (orphan) fast-track.Market context. Current SOC for brain tumors is largely ineffective; analogous immunotherapies like Keytruda generate ~$30 B annually.

In this episode, Chris speaks with Hiten Sonpal, CEO of Rise Robotics, a company developing an energy-efficient alternative to hydraulic systems. Using a patented belt-based actuator technology called Beltdraulic™,  Rise delivers the same power as hydraulics — but with significantly more energy efficiency, lower weight, and no fluid leaks. Their tech also supports built-in sensing, enabling AI and autonomous operation out of the box.Sonpal shares how Rise is approaching commercialization through a focused entry into the lift gate market, a $2 billion space where hydraulic failure and maintenance are common pain points. The Rise solution reduces vehicle downtime and increases driver productivity — offering an ROI that some pilot partners are already validating.

In this episode of Inside Startup Investing, Chris Lustrino speaks with Ryan Duey, co-founder and co-CEO of Plunge, the cold therapy and sauna brand that has quietly scaled to $80M+ in annual sales with minimal outside funding. Ryan breaks down how a garage-built idea during COVID turned into a high-growth wellness hardware business with over 40,000 customers, including a fast-growing B2B channel. Founders will appreciate his transparency about scaling manufacturing, solving shipping nightmares, and building technical moats through operational execution. If you're in DTC, hardware, health & wellness, or considering community rounds, this is a must-listen.Highlights include…Founding story: From brick-and-mortar wellness to e-comm hardware (2:01)Shark Tank ROI and national brand awareness (5:00)Market sizing: Comparing cold plunge to hot tubs & sauna categories (6:33)Expanding product lines to drive retention & cross-sell (8:55)B2B growth: Cold plunges entering hotels, gyms & commercial spaces (9:00)Solving hard problems: Damage-in-transit, demand planning, and support infrastructure (11:39, 14:45)Bootstrapped to $80M+: Smart cash management, customer pre-orders, and debt usage (17:57)Manufacturing capacity & scaling challenges (20:18)Moat = execution: Why hard ops are the defensible layer (14:45, 22:17)Acquisition potential: PE, wellness tech, or DTC conglomerates (23:35)

In this episode of Inside Startup Investing, Chris Lustrino interviews Sharon Samjitsingh, co-founder and CEO of Health Care Originals, a respiratory health startup using wearable technology and predictive AI to help asthma and COPD patients avoid flare-ups before they happen.Sharon shares her personal journey as an asthma patient and how that experience — paired with her background managing $150M+ in innovation deployments — led her to build a platform now supported by independently validated clinical results, $5.8M in ARR contracts, and a waitlist of 12,000+ patients. Founders will learn how to productize deep tech, unlock B2B2C healthcare sales, and design for scale in a hardware-software business model.Highlights include…Founder story: From chemical engineer to patient-turned-healthtech CEO (1:50)Product overview: Wearable + AI + coaching + environmental support (5:32)Predicting asthma attacks 3 months in advance (6:57)How to turn sensor data into behavior change, not just alerts (8:48)Proving outcomes: Clinical results, validation, and third-party guarantees (11:08)

 In this episode of Inside Startup Investing, Chris Lustrino sits down with Dr. Zwade Marshall, founder and CEO of Doc2Doc Lending, to explore how a physician-turned-founder built a fintech company by solving a deeply personal problem — the financial barriers doctors face early in their careers. Zwade shares how Doc2Doc raised $21M almost exclusively from fellow doctors, built a flexible underwriting model to beat SoFi's default rates, and scaled to over $100M in originations while staying lean and mission-driven. For any founder tackling industry-specific pain points or looking to raise capital from within a community, this conversation is a masterclass in focused execution and founder-market fit.Highlights include...Founder-market fit: Why Zwade understood this medical niche better than traditional lenders (4:18)Outperforming SoFi: 2.23% default rates with a 600 FICO borrower base (12:05)Revenue model breakdown: interest spread, servicing, referral, and origination fees (14:08)Structuring capital efficiently: lending with $150M in debt capacity, not equity (15:33)Strategic expansion to other healthcare professionals with high LTV (22:57)

Brad Larschan, CEO of Avadain, joins Chris Lustrino to share how his company is transforming one of the world's most promising materials—graphene—into a commercial product ready to reshape advanced manufacturing. Brad unpacks the science behind graphene's extraordinary properties, how Avadain's licensing model is unlocking large-scale industrial use, and why their patented production method positions them at the forefront of a materials revolution.Topics include…Spinning out tech from research institutions Scaling from lab to market Strategic licensing as a business model Raising capital while building long-term IP advantage

In this episode of Inside Startup Investing, Chris Lustrino sits down with Ariane Valle and Turner Hoff, the founders of Vegetable + Butcher, a handcrafted meal delivery company redefining what it means to scale a food brand with integrity. From navigating conflicting diets at home to building a customer-first experience grounded in transparency and nutrition, Ariane and Turner share the operational choices, hard lessons, and go-to-market strategies behind their growing business.

Tune in to this episode of Inside Startup Investing as we explore the innovative world of agricultural drones with Arthur Erickson, founder and CEO of Hylio. Discover how a fascination with drones turned into a business that's transforming agriculture through technology. Key highlights include:Origins and Evolution: Journey through Hylio's transition from a small startup experimenting with drones to becoming a leader in agricultural drone technology.Agricultural Impact: Understand how Hylio's drones are making farming more efficient and sustainable by optimizing the delivery of agricultural inputs.Future Visions: Hear about Hylio's plans for expansion and how they continue to innovate within the agricultural sector. 

Join us on this episode of Inside Startup Investing as we dive into the fascinating journey of Shannon Edgar, founder and CEO of Stormalong Cider. Discover how a spontaneous move led to the birth of a unique cider brand that respects tradition while innovating for today's market. Key highlights include:Unexpected Beginnings: Learn how Shannon transitioned from the music industry to founding a cider company after moving to an orchard.Crafting Unique Ciders: Explore Stormalong's commitment to using rare apple varieties and whole ingredients to create distinctive ciders.Future Aspirations: Hear about Stormalong's plans for expansion and new product lines, including a non-alcoholic option.Don't miss this insightful discussion on building a brand that's as authentic and storied as the cider it produces.

In this episode, we explore the innovative world of sustainable building materials with Mattie Mead, founder and CEO of Hempitecture. Discover how Hempitecture is harnessing the power of hemp to revolutionize the construction industry and combat carbon emissions. Highlights include:Sustainable Innovation: Learn how Hempitecture uses hemp to create eco-friendly building materials.Challenges and Solutions: Delve into the technical challenges of creating consistent, high-quality hemp-based products and how Hempitecture addresses these issues.Future of Construction: Discuss the potential for hemp in modern construction and its role in reducing the industry's carbon footprint.

In this episode, Chris dives into the rapidly evolving world of vegan fast food with Chris Treloar, CEO of PLNT Burger.  Key highlights include:Leadership Insights: Discover how Chris Treloar's strategic leadership is steering PLNT Burger towards a sustainable future.Innovative Partnerships: Learn about PLNT Burger's unique collaboration with Whole Foods and how it fosters growth and accessibility.Culinary Revolution: Explore how PLNT Burger is making vegan food appealing to not just vegans but everyone who loves great-tasting food. 

Join us on this episode of Inside Startup Investing as we explore the fascinating world of sports investment with Michael Smith, majority owner of Carrick Rangers Football Club. Learn about the club's rich history, strategic moves, and ambitious plans for the future, including their aim to enhance their academy and compete on European stages. Highlights include:Historic Club with Modern Ambitions: Delve into the club's journey from its founding in 1939 to its current aspirations in the Irish Premiership and beyond.Strategic Investments: Insight into the club's financial strategies, including stadium improvements and building a global academy.The Business of Football: Understand the financial mechanics of football, from European competitions to player transfers.

Join us on this episode of Inside Startup Investing as we explore how WeatherFlow-Tempest, led by CEO Buck Lyons, is transforming local weather forecasting. Discover how their unique combination of hardware and software provides precise weather data right from your front lawn, enhancing the accuracy of local weather predictions. Highlights include:Dual Approach: Insight into WeatherFlow-Tempest's strategy as both a hardware provider and a data analytics powerhouse.Robust Growth: Discussion on the company's growth trajectory with over $12 million in annual sales and their expansive network of weather devices.Future of Weather Data: The potential of localized weather data in an era of changing climate conditions and how it could redefine weather forecasting.

Join us on this episode of Inside Startup Investing as we dive into the innovative world of drone technology with Rob Cammack, CEO of SmartDrone. Discover how SmartDrone is revolutionizing the land surveying industry by drastically reducing the time and manpower required to survey large areas. Key highlights include:Drone Revolution: A decade after the drone hype cycle, SmartDrone emerges as a leader in practical drone applications, transforming theoretical technologies into real-world solutions. Efficiency in Land Surveying: Learn how SmartDrone leverages advanced drone technology to survey vast tracts of land in mere hours—a task that traditionally took months. Experienced Leadership: With Rob's extensive experience and previous successful exits, SmartDrone is positioned for significant growth in the land surveyor market