Middle Tech

For this episode, Logan arranged an interview with a key player in Tampa's tech community during his visit during CommerceLex's Leadership Visit. Forbes recently named Tampa the #1 Emerging Tech Ecosystem and we wanted to dig into why that is. Lakshmi Shenoy is the CEO of Embarc Collective, a Tampa-based organization that supports the city's entrepreneurs by curating the experiences, resources, and environment that helps forward-thinking founders and their teams thrive. Embarc believes that each company is different and measures success in different ways, and therefore works with companies to provide individualized support based on their defined milestones. Prior to leading Embarc, Lakshmi attended University of Chicago and Harvard Business School, and worked to build Chicago's startup ecosystem through her role at 1871. Our conversation covers the approach that Embarc takes to support Tampa's entrepreneurs, the catalysts that have allowed their ecosystem to thrive, and their areas of focus as they look to establish Tampa as a major player in America's tech scene. Learn more about Embarc Collective at EmbarcCollective.com Visit us at MiddleTech.com Twitter Instagram Facebook LinkedIn Evan's Twitter Logan's Twitter Middle Tech is proud to be supported by: Our presenting sponsor, KY Innovation Bolt Marketing The Johnson Law Group Render Capital

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Logan, Nate, and Ross discuss new legislation and policies emerging around content moderation on social media and Ross gives a summary on the new development coming to downtown Lex. Watch Middle Tech's Friday Updates LIVE at 8:30am EST on Instagram every week! @MiddleTechPod Today's Friday Update is sponsored by KY Innovation and Bolt Marketing Visit us at MiddleTech.com

Gary Briggs is the former CMO of Facebook and has deep experience in the tech industry, serving in leadership roles with Google, PayPal, Ebay, and IBM, among others. Gary is part of a group called Meeting of America that is working to build a platform aimed at addressing the growing divisiveness that we see forming in our country through facilitating conversations among those who might share different views, in a constructive and open-minded way. Meeting of America just conducted their first pilot in Lexington, Kentucky and is planning a roll out to the rest of the country. Our conversation covers Gary's extensive background in the tech industry, his views on how social media and technology have influenced society, and what he hopes to accomplish with Meeting of America. Learn more about Meeting of America at MeetingOfAmerica.us Visit us at MiddleTech.com Twitter Instagram Facebook LinkedIn Evan's Twitter Logan's Twitter Middle Tech is proud to be supported by: Our presenting sponsor, KY Innovation Bolt Marketing The Johnson Law Group Render Capital

One of Middle Tech's newest additions, Brad Farley, pushes against the concept of chasing after unicorn investment dollars and instead encourages us to start small. A champion for low code platforms, such as bubble.io, Brad's personal stories of startup failures and successes led him on a path which ultimately led to his involvement in Middle Tech's KY Tech Map. Listen for a few minutes on the legitimacy, ease, and advantages of starting small. Check out some of Brad's work on the Tech Map and at www.growthstageops.com. Check out Brad's favorite development platform @ www.bubble.io.

Logan and Nate cover stories on Elon's insistence that Twitter prove the amount of its fake orders, the iPod being dead, and layoffs hitting the tech industry. Watch Middle Tech's Friday Updates LIVE at 8:30am EST on Instagram every week! @MiddleTechPod Today's Friday Update is sponsored by KY Innovation and Bolt Marketing Visit us at MiddleTech.com

Debbie Gordon is the CEO & Founder of Cloud Range, a Nashville-based cybersecurity company that allows companies to simulate cyber attacks to train & prepare their teams. As we move more of our lives and systems online, cybersecurity is becoming more important than ever. Our conversation covers Debbie's experience as a serial entrepreneur, why everyone should care about cybersecurity, and tangible processes that she uses in her business to be an effective leader. Learn more about Cloud Range at CloudRangeCyber.com Visit us at MiddleTech.com Twitter Instagram Facebook LinkedIn Evan's Twitter Logan's Twitter Middle Tech is proud to be supported by: Our presenting sponsor, KY Innovation Bolt Marketing The Johnson Law Group Render Capital

Social Media wizard, TJ Barnett shares a little bit about what our social media game is like over here at Middle Tech.

Logan, Nate, Evan, and Tj announce the winner of the Forecastle giveaway and cover stories on Cerebral getting cut off from Adderall prescriptions, China dumping foreign hardware, and AppHarvest's Q1 earnings report. Watch Middle Tech's Friday Updates LIVE at 8:30am EST on Instagram every week! @MiddleTechPod Today's Friday Update is sponsored by KY Innovation and Render Capital Visit us at MiddleTech.com

Rick West is the Co-founder and CEO of Field Agent, a marketplace platform connecting retail brands to shoppers and stores, allowing them to gain transparency, feedback, and other valuable data in real time. Rick is a graduate of the University of Kentucky and our conversation covers his corporate experience with P&G, how he took the leap to entrepreneurship, and his philosophies on leadership in this new post-covid world. Learn more about Field Agent at FieldAgent.net Visit us at MiddleTech.com Twitter Instagram Facebook LinkedIn Evan's Twitter Logan's Twitter Middle Tech is proud to be supported by: Our presenting sponsor, KY Innovation Bolt Marketing The Johnson Law Group Render Capital

Gather a deeper understanding of both thinking long-term and goals within a professional environment. Nate reflects upon past experiences on his professional journey and the moments that brought him to where he stands today. Middle Tech socials: Instagram Facebook LinkedIn Visit us at MiddleTech.com

Logan and Evan discuss Apple's challenges with supply chain issues and AirBnb embracing a fully remote work environment. This week in tech history: the iTunes Store launches in 2003. Would you still pay $0.99 per song? Watch Middle Tech's Friday Updates LIVE at 8:30am EST on Instagram every week! @MiddleTechPod Today's Friday Update is sponsored by KY Innovation and Render Capital Visit us at MiddleTech.com

Lecresha Sewell is the Founder and CEO of Melanated Healthcare, a platform for helping black and brown patients find healthcare providers that share their racial identity. Through their work, Lecresha hopes to help healthcare providers deliver a higher quality of care to their patients. Our conversations covers how Lecresha overcame adversity to become a doctor and a founder, the importance of the problem Melanated Healthcare is solving, and how she balances being a founder with family life. Learn more about Melanated Healthcare at MelanatedHealthcare.app Visit us at MiddleTech.com Twitter Instagram Facebook LinkedIn Evan's Twitter Logan's Twitter Middle Tech is proud to be supported by: Our presenting sponsor, KY Innovation Bolt Marketing The Johnson Law Group Render Capital

Danny dives deeper into the advancements of text-to-image generation through the usage of Artificial Intelligence. Middle Tech socials: Instagram Facebook LinkedIn Visit us at MiddleTech.com

Nate, Logan, and Evan discuss Netflix's slowing subscriber growth and Gov. Beshear's statements on legalizing medical marijuana in Kentucky. This week in tech history: The first ever spam email goes out advertising Digital Equipment Corporation mainframe computer system. Now, 14.5 billion spam emails are sent each day :( Watch Middle Tech's Friday Updates LIVE at 8:30am EST on Instagram every week! @MiddleTechPod Today's Friday Update is sponsored by KY Innovation and Render Capital Visit us at MiddleTech.com

Raechele Smalls is the Manager of Entrepreneur Selection & Growth and Access to Capital Lead at Endeavor's regional hub. Endeavor is a global organization that supports high impact entrepreneurship and works to connect regional, national, and international startup ecosystems by providing mentorship, a robust network, and access to capital. Our conversation with Raechele covers the launch of Endeavor's new platform, Endeavor Edge, the issues entrepreneurs in this region face when fundraising, and how the Edge platform is helping to provide access to capital in this region. Learn more about EDGE at Edge.Endeavor.org Visit us at MiddleTech.com Twitter Instagram Facebook LinkedIn Evan's Twitter Logan's Twitter Middle Tech is proud to be supported by: Our presenting sponsor, KY Innovation Bolt Marketing The Johnson Law Group Render Capital

Logan explores the Human Colossus... or how technology is augmenting ourselves to progress human civilization. Instagram Facebook LinkedIn Visit us at MiddleTech.com

Nate, Evan, and Logan discuss Kentucky's second largest economic development coming to Bowling Green, Meta's virtual sales fee, and Elon's offer to purchase Twitter. This week in tech history: In 1961, Yuri Gagarin becomes the first man to go to space at the age of 27. In the 61 years since them, over 600 humans have made the journey to space. Watch Middle Tech's Friday Updates LIVE at 8:30am EST on Instagram every week! @MiddleTechPod Today's Friday Update is sponsored by KY Innovation and Render Capital Visit us at MiddleTech.com

Tim Metzner is the co-founder and Chief Growth Officer at Coterie Insurance, a Cincinnati-based InsureTech startup simplifying the process of getting small business insurance. Founded in 2018, Coterie has now raised $70m to continue their growth. During this conversation Evan Knowles and Logan Jones discussed the Coterie story, building a great company culture, and how to foster a great startup ecosystem. Learn more about Coterie Insurance at CoterierInsurance.com Visit us at MiddleTech.com Twitter Instagram Facebook LinkedIn Evan's Twitter Logan's Twitter Middle Tech is proud to be supported by: Our presenting sponsor, KY Innovation Bolt Marketing The Johnson Law Group Render Capital

Evan explores how modern implementations of online banking via APIs and deep product integrations are changing how we interact with products, and paving the way to the ideal "Web 3.0" everyone is talking about. Instagram Facebook LinkedIn Visit us at MiddleTech.com

Logan, Nate, and Evan cover Elon's twitter investment & board seat, big news from the Bitcoin Conference, and Fast shutting down after raising $102m. This week in tech history: The first cell phone call is made in 1973 and Microsoft is founded in 1975. Watch Middle Tech's Friday Updates LIVE at 8:30am EST on Instagram every week! @MiddleTechPod Today's Friday Update is sponsored by KY Innovation and Bolt Marketing Visit us at MiddleTech.com

Jane Mosbacher Morris is the founder and CEO of To The Market, a turnkey solution for ethical manufacturing, connecting brands and retailers to a syndicated network of sustainable, story-rich suppliers. Jane started To The Market with a vision to democratize access to the global supply chain and provide makers around the world with the economic empowerment that comes from safe, dignified, fairly paid work. Our conversation covers Jane's background in foreign relations, how To The Market is giving underrepresented entrepreneurs access to global supply chains, and the importance of sustainability and resilience in supply chains. Learn more about To The Market at ToTheMarket.com Visit us at MiddleTech.com Twitter Instagram Facebook LinkedIn Evan's Twitter Logan's Twitter Middle Tech is proud to be supported by: Our presenting sponsor, KY Innovation Bolt Marketing The Johnson Law Group Render Capital

Nate explores how Amazon, the perpetually innovating company that flips industries upside down, may impact the media industry with its acquisition of MGM. Middle Tech socials: Instagram Facebook LinkedIn Visit us at MiddleTech.com

Nate, Logan, and Evan cover Biden's push for battery production, Amazon's unionization votes, and the latest Bitcoin news. This week in tech history: Wabash, Indiana becomes the first city to be lit with electricity Watch Middle Tech's Friday Updates LIVE at 8:30am EST on Instagram every week! @MiddleTechPod Today's Friday Update is sponsored by KY Innovation and Bolt Marketing Visit us at MiddleTech.com

Natalia Bishop is a serial entrepreneur, known for starting Louisville-based companies Story Louisville and Level Up. Natalia is also the Entrepreneur in Residence for Amplify Louisville, the Director of Innovation and Entrepreneurship at University of Louisville, and most recently, a General Partner at Renew VC. Throughout her experience in the Louisville startup ecosystem, Natalia has been a major advocate for underrepresented founders and is actively working to ensure that all founders have access to the resources they need to be successful. Our conversation covers Natalia's extensive experience, the lessons she's learned along the way, and her vision for the Louisville startup ecosystem. Connect with Natalia here. Visit us at MiddleTech.com Twitter Instagram Facebook LinkedIn Evan's Twitter Logan's Twitter Middle Tech is proud to be supported by: Our presenting sponsor, KY Innovation Bolt Marketing The Johnson Law Group Render Capital

Nate runs through what it takes to operate the company behind Middle Tech, including the current challenges and opportunities the team faces this year. Middle Tech socials: Instagram Facebook LinkedIn Visit us at MiddleTech.com

Nate, Logan, and Evan discuss: - Bored Ape Yacht Club's creator, Yuga Labs, raising $450 million - Uber and NYC Taxis new partnership - Demetrius Gray's new fintech platform, Captain, coming out of stealth mode Watch Middle Tech's Friday Updates LIVE at 8:30am EST on Instagram every week! @MiddleTechPod Today's Friday Update is sponsored by KY Innovation and Bolt Marketing Visit us at MiddleTech.com

Brad Zapp is a co-founder and managing partner of Connetic Ventures, a Covington, Kentucky based VC firm that has built a machine learning model that allows them to make data-driven investment decisions. Through using this machine learning model, Connetic has been able to reduce the amount of bias present in their investment decisions and allocate a significant portion of their fund to underrepresented founders. Our conversation with Brad covers how they've found success by using a data-driven investment approach, his perception of this region's startup ecosystem, and the role that the University of Kentucky has played in Brad's background. Learn more about Connetic at ConneticVentures.com Visit us at MiddleTech.com Twitter Instagram Facebook LinkedIn Evan's Twitter Logan's Twitter Middle Tech is proud to be supported by: Our presenting sponsor, KY Innovation Bolt Marketing The Johnson Law Group Render Capital

Tj explores how social media has permanently rewired our brains, the implications that has had on him personally, and how he tries to combat the constant barrage of content. Connect with Tj on LinkedIn here. Middle Tech socials: Instagram Facebook LinkedIn Visit us at MiddleTech.com

Logan, Nate, and Evan discuss SpaceX's “space surgery” program, Amazon completing their acquisition of MGM, and AMC investing in a literal gold mine. This week in tech history: The first internet domain was registered - symbolics.com Watch Middle Tech's Friday Updates LIVE at 8:30am EST on Instagram every week! @MiddleTechPod Today's Friday Update is sponsored by KY Innovation and Bolt Marketing Visit us at MiddleTech.com

Anthony Ellis and David Brock are the Executive Director/General Council and Director of Operations for Ky Innovation, respectively. Ky Innovation is the Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development's entrepreneurship and innovation partner, working to support and develop Kentucky's startup ecosystem through allocating government funds to entrepreneurs and entrepreneurial support organizations. Our discussion covers the purpose of Ky Innovation, the different programs they fund and support, and the impact that their support has had on the state of Kentucky. Learn more about Ky Innovation at KyInnovation.com Visit us at MiddleTech.com Twitter Instagram Facebook LinkedIn Evan's Twitter Logan's Twitter Middle Tech is proud to be supported by: Our presenting sponsor, KY Innovation Bolt Marketing The Johnson Law Group Render Capital

Nate contemplates how when we talk about startups and the fact that they can change the world, we don't ever really stop to think about "what if they don't, though?" Instagram Facebook LinkedIn Visit us at MiddleTech.com

Logan discusses Rivian's earnings report and Biden signing an executive order for a crypto framework. This week in tech history: the first phone call ever was 135 years ago this week. Watch Middle Tech's Friday Updates LIVE at 8:30am EST on Instagram every week! @MiddleTechPod Today's Friday Update is sponsored by KY Innovation and Bolt Marketing Visit us at MiddleTech.com

Brian Frye is the Spears-Gilbert Professor of Law at UK Law School, with a focus on copyright and trademark law. Before getting into the legal field, Brian was a successful film artist in New York City. Once NFTs started gaining popularity, Brian dove into the space by issuing his own “conceptual art” NFTs and hosting conversations about NFTs on his legal scholarship podcast, Ipse Dixit. The intersection of Brian's unique perspectives and experiences made for an in-depth conversation on the key concepts of NFTs, how they're affecting copyright law, and what it means to own something on the internet. Learn more about Brian here. Visit us at MiddleTech.com Twitter Instagram Facebook LinkedIn Evan's Twitter Logan's Twitter Middle Tech is proud to be supported by: Our presenting sponsor, KY Innovation Bolt Marketing The Johnson Law Group Render Capital

Logan discusses how you need a bias for action to increase the chances that you get lucky in this world. Instagram Facebook LinkedIn Visit us at MiddleTech.com

Logan & Evan discuss TikTok being investigated for the effect they have on teen's mental health and how tech companies are responding to the Ukraine invasion. Watch Middle Tech's Friday Updates LIVE at 8:30am EST on Instagram every week! @MiddleTechPod Today's Friday Update is sponsored by KY Innovation and Bolt Marketing Visit us at MiddleTech.com

Michael Brizendine is the founder of Yornest, a college-centric social media platform allowing students to create close social groups. Michael is originally from Haiti and survived the 2010 earthquake only because he went to the bathroom when the earthquake hit. His story is one of mental toughness, overcoming adversity, and consistency. We discuss Michael's incredible story, how he got into programming, and his experience with the Louisville startup ecosystem. Download Yornest here Visit us at MiddleTech.com Twitter Instagram Facebook LinkedIn Evan's Twitter Logan's Twitter Middle Tech is proud to be supported by: Our presenting sponsor, KY Innovation Bolt Marketing The Johnson Law Group Render Capital

Nate talks about his own personal experience with working from home, and the dilemma both he and his employer face in making the decision about the future of work. Instagram Facebook LinkedIn Visit us at MiddleTech.com

Nate, Evan, and Logan discuss the invasion of Ukraine and how technology is shaping and influencing it, as well as AppHarvest's earnings report that was released yesterday. Watch Middle Tech's Friday Updates LIVE at 8:30am EST on Instagram every week! @MiddleTechPod Today's Friday Update is sponsored by KY Innovation, Bolt Marketing, and Render Capital. Visit us at MiddleTech.com

Justin Delaney, Chris Wiedmar, and Izaak Pratts are taking their love for Kentucky and technology and turning it into an NFT project we can all own and participate in called Party Horses. Leveraging blockchain technology, local artists, and several partnerships with iconic Kentucky brands like Makers Mark, the Party Horses team will sell digital art that unlocks access to exclusive parties, collectible Makers Mark bottles, and much more. Over conversation covers the origin of the project, details about how blockchain and NFT technology works, why Kentucky is uniquely positioned for this type of project, and where the Party Horses team plans to take it into the future. Learn more about Party Horses at PartyHorses.com Visit us at MiddleTech.com Twitter Instagram Facebook LinkedIn Evan's Twitter Logan's Twitter Middle Tech is proud to be supported by: Our presenting sponsor, KY Innovation Bolt Marketing The Johnson Law Group Render Capital

Nate talks about how every company is a tech company, and even small businesses need to utilize tech building blocks in order to create a tech infrastructure that meets customers where they are. Instagram Facebook LinkedIn Visit us at MiddleTech.com

Logan and Nate cover Google's ad tracking changes, crypto Super Bowl ads, and regulation in web3. Watch Middle Tech's Friday Updates LIVE at 8:30am EST on Instagram every week! @MiddleTechPod Today's Friday Update is sponsored by KY Innovation, Bolt Marketing, and Render Capital.

Kyle Mohler is the Founder and CEO of Insignum AgTech, a biotechnology company working in the AgTech space to engineer plants that can change their pigment whenever they contract a disease, alerting the farmer so that they can take early action. Our conversation with Kyle focuses on how Insignum's technology was developed, the benefits that it gives to farmers, the ethics & implications of bio-engineering in general, and Kyle's experience growing a business in Indiana. Learn more about Insignum at InsignumAgTech.com Visit us at MiddleTech.com Twitter Instagram Facebook LinkedIn Evan's Twitter Logan's Twitter Middle Tech is proud to be supported by: Our presenting sponsor, KY Innovation Bolt Marketing The Johnson Law Group Render Capital

Evan overviews how everything about being an entrepreneur boils down to one key skill: sales. Instagram Facebook LinkedIn Visit us at MiddleTech.com

Logan, Nate, and Evan discuss Cash App adding the Lightning Network, Disney's victories in the streaming wars, and Peloton's recent struggles. Watch Middle Tech's Friday Updates LIVE at 8:30am EST on Instagram every week! @MiddleTechPod Today's Friday Update is sponsored by KY Innovation, Bolt Marketing, and Render Capital.

Ian McClure is the Chair-Elect, AUTM; Associate Vice President for Research, Innovation and Economic Impact, and Executive Director, UK Innovate at the University of Kentucky (a mouthful, we know). Put simply, Ian leads the University of Kentucky's efforts to commercialize the research and technology that comes out of the university. UK's Office of Technology Commercialization has made great strides since Ian joined and is continuing to address some of this regions biggest needs, from access to venture capital, to support for entrepreneurs looking to leverage university research for their businesses. This episode is co-hosted by Lincoln Day, as Lincoln has gone through the process of commercializing university research for his company, Stalk Commodities. Our conversation covers how UKOTC does what they do, why it's so important for this region, and where Ian hopes to take it into the future. Learn more about UKOTC at Research.uky.edu/ukinnovate Visit us at MiddleTech.com Twitter Instagram Facebook LinkedIn Evan's Twitter Logan's Twitter Middle Tech is proud to be supported by: Our presenting sponsor, KY Innovation Bolt Marketing The Johnson Law Group Render Capital

Danny, the newest member of the Middle Tech team and an expert motion graphics artist, overviews the benefits of diving deep into specialized careers and industries. Instagram Facebook LinkedIn Visit us at MiddleTech.com

We cover Meta's market cap drop, Prime pricing increase, Crypto tax compliance, and AI coding. Watch Middle Tech's Friday Updates LIVE at 8:30am EST on Instagram every week! @MiddleTechPod Today's Friday Update is sponsored by KY Innovation, Bolt Marketing, and Render Capital.

Thomas Mella is the Founder & President of Sightline Freight Partners and is based in Chicago. Sightline Freight Partners helps clients get the most out of their real-time transportation visibility platforms, a segment of tech startups that are modernizing the supply chain. Thomas talks to Nate about the history of Chicago, and the Midwest in general, leading in the supply chain, and how that domain knowledge is creating a hub for modern supply chain technology in the city. Learn more about Sightline at SightlineFreight.com Visit us at MiddleTechPod.com Twitter Instagram Facebook LinkedIn Evan's Twitter Logan's Twitter Middle Tech is proud to be supported by: Our presenting sponsor, KY Innovation Bolt Marketing The Johnson Law Group Render Capital

While sitting in the coffee shop at Wegmans (the best grocery store in the world) Nate contemplates how odd it is that the brand has a cult following and what that must mean about its products and focus on customer experience. Instagram Facebook LinkedIn Visit us at MiddleTechPod.com

Nate and Evan discuss Spotify's Joe Rogan situation, and then are joined by Colby Hall of SOAR to talk about broadband in Eastern Kentucky. Watch Middle Tech's Friday Updates LIVE at 8:30am EST on Instagram every week! @MiddleTechPod Today's Friday Update is sponsored by KY Innovation, Bolt Marketing, and Render Capital.