The Be Atento Podcast

This month Atento's Managing Partner, Michael Basch, hosts one of the founders from Patch RX! PatchRx is improving prescription adherence and helping their users remember to take their medication through data-driven technology. Their universal smart pill bottle device,  patient-facing app, and web app help patients take medications on time, allows for refills, rewards patients for good adherence, and streamlines true adherence data back to care providers.  Subscribe to the Be Atento Podcast anywhere podcasts can be found, if you need help, check us out on Captivate at  https://the-be-atento-podcast.captivate.fm.

This week, DéVon Christopher Johnson, the founder and CEO BleuLife Media, joins Aaron Whigham in an inspirational discussion. They talk about their shared history of being entrepreneurs since they were young, why DéVon founded BleuLife Media, and their upcoming event, Black-Owned Media Weekend, on June 16 - 19, 2022, in Tulsa, OK. Subscribe to the Be Atento Podcast anywhere podcasts can be found, if you need help, check us out on Captivate at  https://the-be-atento-podcast.captivate.fm.

In this episode of the Be Atento podcast, Aaron is joined by Victor Hwang, CEO of Right to Start. Victor is an economic growth expert. His ideas have shaped the economic lives of millions of people worldwide. His work has helped over 300 communities, cities, states, companies, and even entire countries in creating greater economic prosperity. Subscribe to the Be Atento Podcast anywhere podcasts can be found, if you need help, check us out on Captivate at  https://the-be-atento-podcast.captivate.fm

Join us for another episode of the Be Atento podcast! Aaron is joined by Aaron Miller, Head of Strategic Partnerships, and Louie Napoleone, Director, Partner Operations of InTulsa to talk about how to recruit both people and businesses and mostly importantly how to retain them. They also speak on their journeys to Tulsa and back again. Looking for a new career? Make sure to join their Talent Network at https://jobs.intulsa.com/talent-network Also check out their podcast, Grow With Us at https://grow-with-us.captivate.fm Subscribe to the Be Atento Podcast anywhere podcasts can be found, if you need help, check us out on Captivate at  https://the-be-atento-podcast.captivate.fm

Join us for another episode of the Be Atento podcast! Aaron speaks with Ashli Sims, Managing Director of Build in Tulsa. They discuss how Build in Tulsa is working to create a scalable, replicable tech-forward ecosystem in Tulsa to catalyze the creation of generational wealth. They talk about how Black Entrepreneurs across America have been historically disenfranchised and how assisting them helps all Americans.  Subscribe to the Be Atento Podcast anywhere podcasts can be found, if you need help, check us out on Captivate:  https://the-be-atento-podcast.captivate.fm/ (https://the-be-atento-podcast.captivate.fm)

Join us for another episode of the Be Atento podcast! Aaron and special co-host and producer Jesse talk with Devon Laney, President & CEO at 36 Degrees North. Aaron and Jess talk with Devon about his entrepreneurial journey, his time in Alabama and the growth of 36 Degrees North over the past few years.  Subscribe to the Be Atento Podcast anywhere podcasts can be found, if you need help, check us out on Captivate:  https://the-be-atento-podcast.captivate.fm/ (https://the-be-atento-podcast.captivate.fm)

Join us for another episode of the Be Atento podcast! Sean and Aaron talk with Dominque Clarke, Director of Member and Alumni Experience for Tulsa Remote. She talks about the work Tulsa Remote has been doing, how many people the program have brought to Tulsa and how many of them stay and how you build a community around moving to a new place. Subscribe to the Be Atento Podcast anywhere podcasts can be found, if you need help, check us out on Captivate:  https://the-be-atento-podcast.captivate.fm/ (https://the-be-atento-podcast.captivate.fm)

Join Atento Capital for the tenth episode of Season 2 of our podcast, Be Atento. In this episode, we talk to Jeanine Suah, Founder of Fynd, a platform for Black founders seeking capital, community, and content. Jeanine tells us her story from her academic background in linguistics led her to see that many possible founders did not even know the right vocabulary to become successful entrepreneurs and how her and Fynd are trying to change that. Subscribe to the Be Atento Podcast anywhere podcasts can be found, if you need help, check us out on Captivate:  https://the-be-atento-podcast.captivate.fm/ (https://the-be-atento-podcast.captivate.fm)

Join Atento Capital for the tenth episode of Season 2 of our podcast, Be Atento. In this episode, we talk to Tammy Torkleson, the founder of Indigo Technology, which is a business that helps people with tech ideas turn them into tech products. Tammy goes in depth on how she got to where she is now, and how she found her interest in coding in junior high. She was also an integral piece of the team that made the TV Guide go from being a book in everyone's living room, to digitally putting it on the television. She also discusses Indigo Technology's relationship with the Holberton School in Tulsa, which specializes in software training, and how the future students could affect Indigo Technology's future. To learn more about Indigo Technology, visit https://indigotulsa.com/ (https://indigotulsa.com/) Subscribe to the Be Atento Podcast anywhere podcasts can be found, if you need help, check us out on Captivate:  https://the-be-atento-podcast.captivate.fm/ (https://the-be-atento-podcast.captivate.fm)

Join Atento Capital for the ninth episode of Season 2 of our podcast, Be Atento. In this episode, we talk to Dominick Ard'is, the founder of The ACT House, which is a global platform for team formation and startup creation. Dominick goes in depth on his upbringing, education, and how his entrepreneurial journey led him to build the ACT House. Dominick also shared his very wise formula for growth, which is “diligence over time = growth”, and we talk about where that mantra has gotten him today. To learn more about The ACT House in Tulsa, check out their website: https://act.house/ (https://act.house/) Subscribe to the Be Atento Podcast anywhere podcasts can be found, if you need help, check us out on Captivate:  https://the-be-atento-podcast.captivate.fm/ (https://the-be-atento-podcast.captivate.fm)

Join Atento Capital for the seventh episode of Season 2 of our podcast, Be Atento. In this episode, we talk to Malachi Blankenship, the Venture Advisor & Director of Business Development at i2E, Inc. works in helping entrepreneurs build and develop successful companies. Blankenship follows a motto that his father taught him, and it is to “pursue excellence, not success.” We discuss Blankenship's relationship with Tulsa and what it was like to be founder here 5 years ago, and what it is like to be a founder today.  To learn more about i2E Inc., check out our website: http://www.i2e.org/ (www.i2e.org)  Subscribe to the Be Atento Podcast anywhere podcasts can be found, if you need help, check us out on Captivate:  https://the-be-atento-podcast.captivate.fm/ (https://the-be-atento-podcast.captivate.fm)

Join Atento Capital for the sixth episode of Season 2 of our podcast, Be Atento. In this episode our two hosts Aaron and Sean talk to Libby Ediger, the Executive Director of Holberton School in Tulsa, which is a school built for software engineering students. Libby talks about her journey out of Oklahoma, and what made her come back to Oklahoma. She also discusses how the university system in the United States is not built to the be congruent with the advancement of technology. She discusses how Holberton is helping with producing students that know how to code. Holberton School is expected to double in size by April 2022. Learn more about Holberton School in Tulsa by visiting http://www.holbertonschool.com/campus_life/tulsa (www.holbertonschool.com/campus_life/tulsa).  To learn more about Atento Capital, check out our website: https://www.atentocapital.com/ (https://www.atentocapital.com/). Subscribe to the Be Atento Podcast anywhere podcasts can be found, if you need help, check us out on Podfollow: https://podfollow.com/1499376646 (https://podfollow.com/1499376646).

Join Atento Capital for the 5th episode of Season 2 of our podcast, Be Atento. In this episode our two hosts Aaron and Sean talk to Shelly Bell, the CEO of Black Girl Ventures, a social enterprise for people who identify as black-woman entrepreneurs. Shelly discusses the long path that got her to where she is today, which consisted of various jobs on completely different ends of the job market spectrum. She also points out the importance of revenue, perseverance, and creativity in the process of becoming a successful entrepreneur. Check out the https://www.blackgirlventures.org/ (Black Girl Ventures Website) to learn more about what they offer.  To learn more about Atento Capital, check out our website: https://www.atentocapital.com/ (https://www.atentocapital.com/) Subscribe to the Be Atento Podcast anywhere podcasts can be found, if you need help, check us out on Podfollow: https://podfollow.com/1499376646 (https://podfollow.com/1499376646)

Join Atento Capital for the third episode of Season 2 of our podcast, Be Atento. In this episode, we talk with Cioré Taylor, the director of entrepreneurial development and education at The TEDC (Tulsa Economic Development Corporation) Creative Capital. Cioré addresses various different topics including how to become a motivated entrepreneur, and what the city of Tulsa has to offer and what it needs to work on to welcome young entrepreneurs. She also discusses her goal of wanting to support and influence 1,000 women during the year 2021. Cioré is a published author, with books such as “The Conversation Starts Here: A Perspective of Self, Culture, and the American Society” and “Pressing Past the Pain: Her Heart Waits : Volume 1”. You can also find Cioré on the “The Stimulus with Cioré and Johnathon” radio show. You can tune in at KBOB 89.9 FM or http://KBOB899.com (KBOB899.com). To learn more about Cioré Taylor, visit her http://cioretaylor.com/ (website), or her https://www.instagram.com/cioretaylor/ (Instagram). To learn more about Atento Capital, check out our website: https://www.atentocapital.com/ (https://www.atentocapital.com/)  Subscribe to the Be Atento Podcast anywhere podcasts can be found, if you need help, check us out on Podfollow: https://podfollow.com/1499376646 (https://podfollow.com/1499376646)

Join Atento Capital for the second episode of Season 2 of our podcast, Be Atento. In this episode, we talk with Cecilia Wessinger, an ecosystem builder, community catalyst and collaborator. Cecilia joins us to discuss what it means to build an ecosystem, what it means to be a healthy entrepreneur, and the power of saying no. She also discusses the appeal of Tulsa, and what keeps her here as opposed to other cities. We also exchange our experiences at the ESHIP Summit, a gathering of entrepreneurial leaders where ideas and leadership skills are developed and shared. If you are someone looking for guidance and collaboration in the business or entrepreneurial field, you can learn more about Cecilia Wessinger and get in touch with her at her https://www.ceciliawessinger.me/ (website). To learn more about Atento Capital, check out our website: https://www.atentocapital.com/ (https://www.atentocapital.com/)Subscribe to the Be Atento Podcast anywhere podcasts can be found, if you need help, check us out on Podfollow: https://podfollow.com/1499376646 (https://podfollow.com/1499376646)

In Episode 2 of Season 2 of the podcast Be Atento, hosts Sean and Aaron are joined by Michael Basch, Managing Partner and Founder of Atento Capital. Listen as Michael talks about why Atento was founded, why Tulsa right now is a great place to invest, and why the perfect founder has to be matched with the perfect idea. To learn more about Atento Capital, check out our website: https://www.atentocapital.com/ (https://www.atentocapital.com)/ Subscribe to the Be Atento Podcast anywhere podcasts can be found, if you need help, check us out on Podfollow: https://podfollow.com/1499376646 (https://podfollow.com/1499376646 )

Join Atento Capital for the first episode of Season 2 of our podcast, Be Atento. In this episode our two new hosts Aaron and Sean talk to Chandler Malone, former host of this podcast, and Founder of the Ideate Project. The Ideate Project connects students with the top student entrepreneurs, engineers, designers, and scientists across the country. Its goal is to help these students maximize their potential by offering access to content from industry leaders, opportunities for funding, internships, and jobs. Chandler explains where this idea came from, who it will help, what it's like to raise VC and make the switch from investor to founder. Check out the Ideate Project on their website, The Ideate Project. To learn more about Atento Capital, check out our website: https://www.atentocapital.com (https://www.atentocapital.com)/ Subscribe to the Be Atento Podcast anywhere podcasts can be found, if you need help, check us out on Podfollow: https://podfollow.com/1499376646 (https://podfollow.com/1499376646 )

As both the Be Atento Podcast and Atento Capital approach celebrating their first year, we at the Be Atento Podcast wanted to share with you some of the highlights of the amazing interviews we have done. In this episode you will hear from:Anna Mason, Partner at Revolution CapitalAdrianne Court, AlkamiMichael Cardamone, AccelepriseRodney Sampson, Opportunity HubMarlon Nichols, MaC Venture CapitalDor Abuhasira, PerceptoErika Lucas, StitchCrewMercedes Bent, Lightspeed Venture PartnersRyan Lupberger, CleancultDylan Gambardella, NextGen HQTo hear the full interviews that made up this episode you can download the episodes on Spotify on anywhere podcasts can be found.To learn more about Atento Capital, check out our website: https://www.atentocapital.com/Subscribe to the Be Atento Podcast anywhere podcasts can be found, if you need help, check us out on Podfollow: https://podfollow.com/1499376646 See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Join Atento Capital for the twelfth episode of our podcast, Be Atento. In this episode we talk with Dylan Gambardella, Co-founder of Next Gen HQ. In this episode, Dylan describes why he founded Next Gen HQ, what problems he and Next Gen HQ are trying to solve, and the inherent loneliness that comes from being an entrepreneur. Dylan is a perfect example of how doing well and doing good can be accomplished simultaneously and we are excited for you to check out this episode.To learn more about Atento Capital, check out our website: https://www.atentocapital.com/Subscribe to the Be Atento Podcast anywhere podcasts can be found, if you need help, check us out on Podfollow: https://podfollow.com/1499376646 See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Join Atento Capital for the eleventh episode of our podcast, Be Atento. In this episode we talk with Ryan Lupberger, Co-Founder and CEO of Atento Capital portfolio company, Cleancult. In this episode, Ryan describes why he founded Cleancult, what problems the company has run into, and how they continue to overcome as a team. Ryan is a perfect example of how doing well and doing good can be accomplished simultaneously and we are excited for you to check out this episode.To learn more about Atento Capital, check out our website: https://www.atentocapital.com/Subscribe to the Be Atento Podcast anywhere podcasts can be found, if you need help, check us out on Podfollow: https://podfollow.com/1499376646 See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Join Atento Capital for the 10th episode of the Be Atento podcast. In this episode we talk with Atento's most recent investment, Edna Martinson and Clarence Tan, the co-founders of Boddle Learning. Boddle is a learning platform on a mission to engage K-6 students by gamifying online courses and real-world learning opportunities to improve student outcomes. By helping educators deliver fun practice and assessments with automated reporting, Boddle's learning platform engages kids in learning even the most difficult of subjects and uses game rewards to incentivize and motivate them to achieve more. Tune in to learn more about how they came up with the idea, their journey as founders, and why they are excited to move their company to Tulsa.To learn more about Atento Capital, check out our website: https://www.atentocapital.com/Subscribe to the Be Atento Podcast anywhere podcasts can be found, if you need help, check us out on Podfollow: https://podfollow.com/1499376646 See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Join Atento Capital for the ninth episode of our podcast, Be Atento. In this episode we talk with Martin Lien, CEO of Respond Flow. Respond Flow, as Martin describes in the podcast is simply, Mailchimp for SMS. It helps companies build better relationships with scalable texting that provides a more personal experience for them and their customers. Martin elaborates on where Respond Flow came from, what the journey was like from idea to product, and valuable insights on the fundraising process for first time entrepreneurs.To learn more about Atento Capital, check out our website: https://www.atentocapital.com/Subscribe to the Be Atento Podcast anywhere podcasts can be found, if you need help, check us out on Podfollow: https://podfollow.com/1499376646  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Join Atento Capital for the eight episode of our podcast, Be Atento. In this episode we talk with Mercedes Bent, a partner at Lightspeed Venture Partners. She discusses her background as an operator, how the current pandemic has affected the future of work and education, and what Lightspeed Venture Partners looks for when investing.To learn more about Atento Capital, check out our website: https://www.atentocapital.com/Subscribe to the Be Atento Podcast anywhere podcasts can be found, if you need help, check us out on Podfollow: https://podfollow.com/1499376646 See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Join Atento Capital for the seventh episode of our podcast, Be Atento. In this episode we talk with Erika Lucas, co-founder of StitchCrew. Twice a year, in conjunction with the Oklahoma City Thunder, StitchCrew selects up to ten startups and spends time and resources working closely with those companies to help put them on a trajectory for high growth. Erika discusses what makes a great founder, how crises sometimes make the strongest companies, and how best to balance your strengths and weaknesses. If you are interested in learning more about StitchCrew, join them for our very first Virtual Demo Day on Thursday May 28. This will be a great opportunity to meet the companies in their latest cohort and hear from Amy Brooks, the NBA's Chief Innovation Officer. If you are interested in attending, RSVP at the link below.https://bit.ly/3dIlWtPTo learn more about Atento Capital, check out our website: https://www.atentocapital.com/Subscribe to the Be Atento Podcast anywhere podcasts can be found, if you need help, check us out on Podfollow: https://podfollow.com/1499376646 See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Join Atento Capital for the sixth episode of our podcast, Be Atento. In this episode we talk with Dor Abuhasira, CEO and co-founder of Percepto. Percepto, which solves operational problems for oil, gas and energy companies with autonomous drones, is Atento Capital's first direct investment. Tune in to hear Dor's thoughts on the importance of not just having a great idea, but being able to drive customer adoption; and how to sell innovative products to companies in sectors that can be hesitant to adopt new technologies.To learn more about Atento Capital, check out our website: https://www.atentocapital.com/Subscribe to the Be Atento Podcast anywhere podcasts can be found, if you need help, check us out on Podfollow: https://podfollow.com/1499376646 See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Join Atento Capital for the fifth episode of our podcast, Be Atento. In this episode we talk with Marlon Nichols, founder and Managing Partner of MaC Venture Capital. Marlon has extensive experience in the venture capital space and has invested in unicorns such as Fair; had numerous exits including Gimlet (Acq. Spotify) and Skurt (Acq. Fair); and has other high flying companies including PlayVS, Firefly, Faze Clan, and Lisnr in his portfolio. Tune in to hear Marlon's thoughts on how COVID-19 will impact the adoption of remote working and learning, his thesis behind investing in cultural trends, and some of the most common characteristics he sees in successful founders.To learn more about Atento Capital, check out our website: https://www.atentocapital.com/Subscribe to the Be Atento Podcast anywhere podcasts can be found, if you need help, check us out on Podfollow: https://podfollow.com/1499376646 See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Join Atento Capital for the fourth episode of our podcast, Be Atento. In this episode we talk with Rodney Sampson, Founder and CEO of Opportunity Hub. Rodney founded Multicast Media Technologies, which was acquired for $24 million back in 2010, served as a Partner at TechSquare Labs, which has a portfolio valued at over $1.5 billion, is currently a professor of entrepreneurship at Morehouse College. Rodney's journey has afforded him with numerous incredible opportunities including working with Shark Tank, the Brookings Institute, the Kauffman Foundation and countless others. Today he spends his time working with underrepresented students and professionals and cities to address and close the racial wealth gap through his organization, Opportunity Hub. Tune in to learn more about Rodney's journey and his work to ensure racial equity in the technology ecosystem.To learn more about Atento Capital, check out our website: https://www.atentocapital.com/Subscribe to the Be Atento Podcast anywhere podcasts can be found, if you need help, check us out on Podfollow: https://podfollow.com/1499376646 See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Join Atento Capital in the second episode of our podcast, the Be Atento Podcast. In this episode we talk with Michael Cardamone, CEO and Managing Partner of Acceleprise about how he evaluates early stage deals and what he looks for in founding teams. Acceleprise invests in early stage SaaS companies and provides a 4 month, hands on program focused on sales and go to market; and includes introductions to customers, investors and mentors to help accelerate their business and get to their next round of funding. Michael was formerly an operator at Box and AcademixDirect and is an active angel investor in numerous high growth technology companies such as Flexport. Tune in to hear Michael's insights from his experience as both an investor and operator. To learn more about Atento Capital, check out our website: https://www.atentocapital.com/Subscribe to the Be Atento Podcast anywhere podcasts can be found, if you need help, check us out on Podfollow: https://podfollow.com/1499376646 See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Join Atento Capital in the second episode of our podcast, the Be Atento Podcast. In this episode we talk with Adrianne Court, Chief HR Officer at Alkami. Alkami is a Dallas-based fintech company that provides banks and credit unions with cutting edge digital solutions that allow them to compete with the largest companies in the industry. Founded in 2009, the company has raised over $200 million in funding and generated over $50 million in revenue in 2018. Adrianne is a thought leader in the workplace culture space and the author of "Conscious Culture, Think, Act, Connect to Inspire Uncommon Business Results". She attributes much of Alkami's success to the company's intentional culture and was gracious enough to share her time with us today!To learn more about Atento Capital, check out our website: https://www.atentocapital.com/Subscribe to the Be Atento Podcast anywhere podcasts can be found, if you need help, check us out on Podfollow: https://podfollow.com/1499376646Produced by Rant9 Productions See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Join Atento Capital in the first episode of our podcast, the Be Atento Podcast. In our inaugural episode we talk with Anna Mason, Partner at Revolution Capital and the Rise of the Rest seed fund. Revolution's Rise of the Rest is a nationwide effort to invest in and work closely with entrepreneurs in emerging startup ecosystems. Since 2014, they have traveled 11,500 miles to 43 cities and invested in local startups across the country. During each stop on the Rise of the Rest Road Trip, their team meets with and visits entrepreneurs, local business and government leaders, and ecosystem builders. The Road Trip also hosts daily fireside discussions and a startup pitch competition in which $500,000 will be invested from the Rise of the Rest Seed Fund ($100,000 will be invested in a local startup at each stop). All events are free and open to the public. They will be in Tulsa on April 21st, and the deadline to submit an application is no later than 11:59 PM ET Monday, February 24, 2020. You can apply at their website here: https://www.events.revolution.com/To learn more about Atento Capital, check out our website: https://www.atentocapital.com/Subscribe to the Be Atento Podcast anywhere podcasts can be found, if you need help, check us out on Podfollow: https://podfollow.com/1499376646Produced by Rant9 Productions See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Meet the team at Atento Capital and hear about the incredible guests and fascinating topics that will be addressed in future episodes. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.