Podcasts about tech startups

Send us a textAre you suffering from "swipe fatigue"? In a world where digital dating feels more like a chore than a connection, we're often left wondering if the "spark" has been replaced by an algorithm. But what if the right technology could actually lead you back to a real soul connection?Today, host Lira Ndifon sits down with Martin Hossen, the visionary CEO and Founder of OLOO, to discuss how he is using Artificial Intelligence to disrupt the dating industry and restore hope to the lonely-hearted.In this deeply insightful conversation, we peel back the curtain on the "AI magic" powering the next generation of human connection. From personal pain points to global innovation, Martin shares the story of how a frustrated coder decided to build an app that actually knows you.We dive into the game-changing features of OLOO:The AI Photo Search: Tired of looking for "your type"? Learn how you can upload a photo of your ideal aesthetic—even a celebrity crush—to find matches that fit your visual vibe in seconds.Love is Blind Mode: A 3-minute, voice-only experience that prioritizes soul connection over physical appearance. Can you fall for a vibe before you see a face?The AI Communication Coach: Discover how OLOO helps users—especially men—navigate modern dating with respect, clarity, and "Grammarly-style" support for better conversations.Beyond the Tech: The Founder's JourneyBuilding a startup isn't all "yeses" and success. Martin opens up about the resilience required to survive over ten rejections from the App Store and the mental health practices—from playing piano to distance running—that keep him grounded during the grind. As we enter the holiday season, Lira and Martin reflect on why prioritizing self-reflection and mental well-being is the ultimate prerequisite for finding love.Your worth is not defined by a match or a message. Whether you are navigating the dating world or building your own dream from scratch, keep going. There is light at the end of the tunnel, and sometimes, all it takes is one fresh perspective to change your entire journey. Be kind to yourself, stay gentle with your heart, and keep reflecting.Join the Self-Reflection Family!If this conversation sparked a new thought or gave you a glimmer of hope, please help us grow!Follow & Subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube so you never miss a breakthrough.Leave a 5-Star Review—it helps more people find these poignant conversations.Share the Love: Send this episode to one friend who is ready to delete the old apps and try something fresh.Connect with us:Download OLOO: Available now on the Apple App Store (Free!)Follow Martin: @martinhossen on InstagramFollow Lira: @SelfReflectionPodcast on all platformsSupport the showCall to Action: Engage with the Self-Reflection Podcast community! Like, follow, and subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube (Self-Reflection Podcast by Lira Ndifon), and all major podcast platforms. Share your insights and feedback—we value your contributions! Suggest topics you'd like us to explore. Your support amplifies our reach, sharing these vital messages of self-love and empowerment. Until our next conversation, prioritize self-care and embrace your journey. Grab your copy of "Awaken Your True Self" on Amazon. Until next time, be kind to yourself and keep reflecting.

Mr. Beast Biography Flash a weekly Biography.In the last few days, Jimmy Donaldson, better known as Mr Beast, has quietly been in one of the most pivotal stretches of his career, with business, philanthropy, and long term strategy all converging into a more traditional mogul story than just a viral YouTuber arc. TechCrunch reports that his CEO Jeff Housenbold has openly floated the idea of eventually taking Beast Industries public so that fans could own a piece of the empire, a move that, if realized, would mark one of the first true creator born conglomerates heading toward an IPO scale future rather than just a channel or brand play. TechCrunch also notes that leaked financials reported by Bloomberg show Feastables as the most profitable arm of the operation, even outperforming both the flagship YouTube channel and the Amazon Prime game show Beast Games, underscoring how seriously Donaldson has pivoted into consumer products and studio level production. At the same time, the legal hangover from earlier hypergrowth continues; TechCrunch highlights the ongoing lawsuit with Virtual Dining Concepts over the now shuttered MrBeast Burger, and the separate suit from Beast Games contestants alleging mistreatment and a hostile environment on set. Those cases are still working their way through the system, and much of what is claimed remains unproven allegations rather than established fact, but they are the main shadow on an otherwise soaring public profile. On the philanthropic front, Fortune and an official announcement from the Rockefeller Foundation detail a new strategic partnership between Beast Philanthropy and the 112 year old institution, designed to blend Mr Beasts youth reach with Rockefeller data driven development work and planned travel to Ghana next year to study community led change together. That collaboration, alongside his role fronting the 1 Billion Acts of Kindness campaign with the 1 Billion Followers Summit and partners in Dubai, where creators can submit kindness videos through mid December to potentially join him on a Ghana village building trip, shows Donaldson deliberately anchoring his image in large scale, institutional philanthropy rather than one off stunts alone. Across his social feeds in recent days, he has continued teasing upcoming high budget videos and Beast Games related content rather than dropping any bombshell new controversies, with most coverage now dissecting his net worth, his multi billion dollar brand valuation, and what an eventual Beast Industries stock listing could mean. For now, the verified story is clear: Mr Beast is spending this week less as an impulsive viral creator and more as a carefully managed founder steering a media, food, and philanthropy empire toward Wall Street, global NGOs, and massive viewer driven charity campaigns. Thanks for listening, and be sure to subscribe so you never miss an update on Mr Beast, and search the term Biography Flash for more great biographies.And that is it for today. Make sure you hit the subscribe button and never miss an update on Mr. Beast. Thanks for listening. This has been a Quiet Please production."Get the best deals https://amzn.to/4mMClBvThis content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI

What does it really take to break through the myths of entrepreneurship and build a financially independent life—especially as a woman? In this eye-opening episode of The Angel Next Door Podcast, host Marcia Dawood invites listeners to rethink traditional notions of wealth, investing, and risk-taking by exploring the power of money mindset, resilience, and strategic investing.Our guest, Bernadette Joy, is a first-generation Filipino American, acclaimed author of "Crush Your Money Goals," and an entrepreneur who's achieved financial independence by age 40. As a life and money coach, Bernadette Joy opens up about her unconventional path from paying off $300,000 in debt to mentoring the next generation of women investors and entrepreneurs. Her journey is shaped by personal experience, a mission to help others overcome financial misconceptions, and a passion for demystifying the road to millionaire status—especially for women and communities of color.This episode dives deep into actionable strategies for getting your financial house in order, understanding the realities of angel investing, and building businesses designed for both growth and early retirement. Bernadette Joy shares candid stories—both successes and failures—offering a rare, honest perspective on what it means to curate your accounts, invest with intention, and heal your “money wounds.” Whether you're an aspiring investor, established entrepreneur, or simply looking for practical financial wisdom with heart and humor, this is a must-listen conversation that will inspire you to reimagine what's possible for your financial and entrepreneurial journey. To get the latest from Bernadette Joy, you can follow her below!https://www.linkedin.com/in/bernadebtjoy/https://www.crushyourmoneygoals.com/ https://a.co/d/1KJRwvJ - Crush Your Money Goals Bookhttps://www.instagram.com/bernadebtjoy/  Sign up for Marcia's newsletter to receive tips and the latest on Angel Investing!Website: www.marciadawood.comDo Good While Doing WellLearn more about the documentary Show Her the Money: www.showherthemoneymovie.comAnd don't forget to follow us wherever you are!Apple Podcasts: https://pod.link/1586445642.appleSpotify: https://pod.link/1586445642.spotifyLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/angel-next-door-podcast/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theangelnextdoorpodcast/Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/theangelnextdoorpodcast/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@marciadawood

Most people run from government bureaucracy. Pavan Parikh ran toward it—and decided to rewrite the system from the inside.He believes public service should move like a startup: fast, transparent, and built around people, not process.But when tradition, power, and red tape pushed back, he didn't fold—he went to the statehouse to fight for reform.So how do you disrupt a 200-year-old system that was never built for speed or equity?In Episode 188 of the Disruption Now Podcast, Pavan breaks down how he's modernizing Hamilton County's court systems, digitizing paper-heavy workflows, and using AI and automation to reduce barriers to justice rather than create new ones. Whether you work in government, policy, law, or tech, you'll see how startup tools and mindsets can create real impact, not just buzzwords.Pavan Parikh is the elected Hamilton County Clerk of Courts in Ohio, focused on increasing access to justice, improving customer service, and modernizing one of the county's most important institutions. In this episode, we talk about what happens when a startup mindset collides with decades-old court processes, why culture eats technology for breakfast, and how AI can help everyday people navigate civil cases, evictions, and protection orders more effectively.You'll also hear Pavan's personal journey—from planning a career in medicine to 9/11 shifting him toward law and public service to ultimately leading one of the most prominent offices in Hamilton County. We get into fear of AI, job-loss anxiety within government, and how he's reframing AI as a teammate that frees staff for higher-value work rather than replacing them.If you've ever looked at the justice system and thought “there has to be a better way,” this deep dive into startup thinking for government will show you what that better way can look like—and what it takes to build it from the inside.What you'll learn in this episode:How startup thinking for government can reduce friction and errors in court processesWhy is Pavan obsessed with access to justice and end-user experience for everyday residents?How Hamilton County is digitizing records, streamlining evictions, and modernizing civil protection order filingWhere AI and automation can safely support court staff and help-center attorneysWhy change management is the real challenge—not the technologyHow local government can be a faster “lab” for responsible AI than federal agenciesWhat it really looks like to design systems around people, not paperworkChapters:00:00 Why the government needs startup thinking03:15 Pavan's path from medicine to law and 9/11's impact10:45 Modernizing Hamilton County courts and killing paper workflows22:10 AI, access to justice, and reimagining the Help Center35:30 Careers, values, and becoming a disruptor in public serviceQuick Q&A (for searchers):Q: What does “startup thinking for government” mean in this episode?A: Treating residents as end users, iterating on systems, and using tech and AI to automate low-value tasks so staff can focus on service and justice outcomes.Q: How is Hamilton County using technology to improve access to justice?A: By digitizing records, expanding the Help Center, improving online access to cases, limiting or removing outdated eviction records, and building easier online processes for civil protection orders.Q: Will AI replace court jobs?A: Pavan argues AI should handle repetitive questions and data lookups so humans can spend more time problem-solving, doing quality control, and helping people with complex issues.Connect with Pavan Parikh (verified/public handles):Website: PavanParikh.comX (Twitter): @KeepPavanClerkFacebook: Pavan Parikh for Clerk of Courts / @KeepPavanClerkInstagram: @KeepPavanClerkOffice channel: Hamilton County Clerk of Courts – @HamCoClerk on YouTubeDisruption Now resources:Subscribe to YouTube for more conversations at the intersection of AI, policy, government, and impact.Join the newsletter for weekly trends in AI and emerging tech for people who want to change systems, not just complain about them. bit.ly/newsletterDN#StartupThinking #GovTech #AccessToJusticeDisruption Now: Disrupting the status quo, making emerging tech human-centric and Accessible to all. Website https://disruptionnow.com/podcast Apply to get on the Podcast https://form.typeform.com/to/Ir6Agmzr?typeform-source=disruptionnow.comMusic credit:Embrace - Evgeny Bardyuzha

For this month's Retail Tech Startup of the Month, AWS's Daniele Stroppa returns to spotlight SymphonyAI, a groundbreaking computer vision solution that's improving how retailers tackle the costly out-of-stock problem. SymphonyAI leverages existing in-store cameras to deliver something retailers have been missing: actionable, prioritized worklists that tell associates exactly what to fix first to maximize sales impact. No more drowning in dashboards, just clear direction that drives results. Daniele breaks down how retailers are achieving 25% increases in labor productivity and 5-7% improvements in on-shelf availability, proving this isn't just another tech demo, it's a boon for physical retail operations.

What happens when your “great idea” is actually the wrong play? We go there. Mike tells the unfiltered story of mowPod's first podcasting product—ambitious, clever, and a complete flop—and how killing it fast unlocked mowPod Boost, a transparent, programmatic engine that drives real listeners, not vague traffic https://charts.mowpod.com/. From fireworks on a party boat to late‑night pool plots, the thread is the same: people over polish, community over posturing, and data over hype.We also zoom out. Mike's two months alcohol‑free and living in Japan, balancing founder intensity with being a present dad, building a soundproof music room, and leaning on “blowouts” like karaoke or a hard run to reset his head. We talk about identity beyond titles, why comfort quietly kills growth, and how thinking like a chess player helps you plan moves, counters, and outcomes without losing the joy in the game. If you've ever considered sunsetting a project you love to make space for the next chapter, this will land.For creators and brands hungry for practical tools, we dig into self‑serve growth that respects indie budgets and why the industry needs to ditch the black box. Don't miss the free resource drop: mowPod Charts offers historic Apple and Spotify rankings with alerts, so you can track trends without a paywall. If you care about product‑market fit, transparent attribution, and building real community that shows up for you years later, you'll feel at home here.If this sparked something, follow the show, share it with a friend, and leave a quick review on Apple Podcasts or a rating on Spotify. Tell us: what will you end or begin to grow on your terms?To check out mowPod... https://mowpod.com/ and to connect with Mike, you can find him on IG https://www.instagram.com/sobimike/#Talk yo sh!t… Sh!t-Talker!!Support the showFOLLOW US ON;Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talkshitwithpTwitter: https://twitter.com/TalkshitwithpFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/TalkwhitwIthpTiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@TalkshitwithpShop IG: https://www.instagram.com/Talkshitwithp.shopLEAVE US A REVIEW ON APPLE PODCAST: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/talk-shit-with-p/id1509470001AND SUBSCRIBE TO OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL:https://www.youtube.com/@TalkshitwithpSupport The Show (whatever you can)Cashapp: https://cash.app/$TSWP20Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TswpBuymecoffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/talkshitwithpAmazon Wishlist: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/2M9Q4HNKRO2WA?ref_=wl_shareTo Learn more on my story;https://flow.page/tal...

The Ukrainian society is not frozen. Beyond the headlines, much of everyday life and business innovation is actually functioning quite well. Anastasiia Liubiashcheva is deeply involved in the Ukrainian startup ecosystem, working with Home of Startups Accelerator, Vacuum Deep-Tech Acceleration and the EU-funded consortium Seeds of Bravery. Her mission is primarily to boost deep tech companies, moving from local labs to global markets. She explains how many agritech companies now have moved move into defensetech. But how is war-time life in Ukraine taking its toll on mental and physical health? Heja Framtiden met Anastasiia during the Sweden week of Swedish Institute's Impact Pioneers programme. Podcast host: Christian von Essen // Learn more at hejaframtiden.se

Torsten Bendlin ist Gründer und Geschäftsführer der Valuedesk GmbH, einer SaaS-Plattform für Performance- und Maßnahmenmanagement im industriellen Mittelstand. Nach über 20 Jahren Erfahrung als Einkaufsleiter in der Industrie erkannte er die Schwächen klassischer Beratungsansätze und Excel-Listen: Gute Ideen versanden, sobald externe Berater gehen. Mit 46 Jahren wagte Bendlin den Schritt in die Selbstständigkeit – als alleinerziehender Vater und mit dem Ziel, Unternehmen befähigen, ihre Potenziale selbst zu heben. Valuedesk wurde 2017 in Bielefeld gegründet und kombiniert Software, Methode und Organisationsentwicklung, um Transparenz, Umsetzungskraft und messbare Ergebnisse zu schaffen. Bendlin gilt als Verfechter von Wirksamkeit statt Symbolpolitik und setzt auf Partizipation statt Top-down. Seine Vision: Unternehmen sollen nicht nur effizienter, sondern auch nachhaltiger und zukunftsfähiger werden.

FinTech Flo is back! Our top stories...The AI bubble is here, and the circular funding schemes look eerily similar to Enron. Plus: How an NBA executive allegedly stole $3.8 MILLION right under everyone's nose.

Dr. Bernardita Calinao, founder and CEO of Walkspan, joins EisnerAmper's TechTalk host Janina Teoxon to share how her startup is pioneering a data-driven approach to measure and improve walkability in urban environments. In this episode, discover how its AI-driven, advanced neighborhood search tool taps into the world's largest walking-environment dataset to help users find communities that fit their lifestyles and support smarter real estate decisions. Tune in to explore Walkspan's mission to enhance public spaces and boost property values through neighborhood intelligence. Connect with Dr. Calinao: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bernardita-calinao-phd/ Walkspan: https://walkspan.ai/ ✨ What you'll learn:

This week Chris speaks with private equity executive, entrepreneur, and Colorado native, Andrew Schremp, to discuss his journey across banking, entrepreneurship and investing. He currently serves on the Board of Directors of Colorado PERA providing fiduciary oversight of $65B+ in assets for nearly 700,000 beneficiaries. Formerly, he was the Director at Bow River Capital and prior to that, he was the Founder and CEO of Health Sqyre, Inc., a health tech company acquired by The VGM Group. In this episode, Andrew's shares his unique perspective on the evolution of the Colorado tech ecosystem, valuable insights for navigating the startup scene, plus examples of his biggest lesson on the the importance of building genuine relationshipsListen now on: Amazon Music (Alexa) | Spotify | Apple Podcasts or wherever you get podcasts!Connect with hosts Adam and Chris and the Range VC team on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/range-ventures/Check out more about what we're up to at Range.vc See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On Mission Matters, Adam Torres interviews Nicolas Tabardel, Managing Partner, ATUM Ventures, about venture building in deep tech—sourcing IP from research institutes, validating with corporates, funding early milestones, and empowering founders to scale solutions in clean energy, advanced manufacturing, AI, and healthcare. Follow Adam on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/askadamtorres/ for up to date information on book releases and tour schedule. Apply to be a guest on our podcast: https://missionmatters.lpages.co/podcastguest/ Visit our website: https://missionmatters.com/ More FREE content from Mission Matters here: https://linktr.ee/missionmattersmedia Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On Mission Matters, ⁠Adam Torres⁠ interviews ⁠Nicolas Tabardel⁠, Managing Partner, ATUM Ventures, about venture building in deep tech—sourcing IP from research institutes, validating with corporates, funding early milestones, and empowering founders to scale solutions in clean energy, advanced manufacturing, AI, and healthcare. Follow Adam on Instagram at ⁠https://www.instagram.com/askadamtorres/⁠ for up to date information on book releases and tour schedule. Apply to be a guest on our podcast: ⁠https://missionmatters.lpages.co/podcastguest/⁠ Visit our website: ⁠https://missionmatters.com/⁠ More FREE content from Mission Matters here: ⁠https://linktr.ee/missionmattersmedia⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

AWS's Daniele Stroppa, Worldwide Technical Lead for AWS Partners in Retail, joins Omni Talk to announce October's Retail Tech Startup of the Month: Writer. Daniele breaks down why Writer's full-stack generative AI platform is transforming how retailers and brands automate processes and generate content across their organizations. From their proprietary large language models to pre-built retail-specific agents, Writer offers a specialized solution that accelerates time to production.

In this episode of Just Compensation, Megan Monson, Taryn E. Cannataro, and Zachary Bocian discuss employee retention strategies during a company sale, including transaction bonuses, retention bonuses, management carve-out plans, and severance plans. They assess whether the seller or buyer is responsible for funding retention tools and address the legal and practical considerations of such arrangements. To learn more about 280G, listen to Section 280G Unpacked: Pitfalls and Planning for Tech Startups. To learn more about 'Top Hat' structures, listen to Puttin' on Your Top Hat: How to Effectively Structure a Deferred Compensation Plan as a “Top Hat” Plan. Speakers: Megan Monson, Partner, Executive Compensation and Employee BenefitsTaryn E. Cannataro, Counsel, Executive Compensation and Employee BenefitsZachary Bocian, Associate, Executive Compensation

Send us a textSome stories rise from privilege. Others, from perfect timing. But then there are stories like Shelley's — born from the ashes of burnout and built on the courage to begin again.A decade ago, she was a single mum, exhausted and uncertain, trying to find her way back to herself. Today, she's the Co-Founder & CEO of SQR, a tech company making the digital world safer through intelligent identity infrastructure.From performing arts to technology, from rock bottom to leading teams across continents — Shelley's journey is anything but linear. It's a creative remix of resilience, curiosity, and the courage to take the scenic route.In this cinematic conversation, we talk about:What it really takes to build and lead a startupThe villains and turning points that shaped her storyThe power of reinventing yourself after burnoutAnd why growth often begins at the edge of your comfort zone

This week Adam speaks with Robin Thurston, the CEO and founder of Outside Interactive, Inc., the world's leading creator of outdoor content and home to iconic brands like Outside Magazine, Warren Miller, MapMyFitness, and others. Through its network of 25 media, digital, and technology platforms, Outside reaches over 100 million active consumers worldwide. Before founding Outside, Robin worked at Under Armour and led a consumer genetics company in Silicon Valley. In this episode, Robin discusses how his entrepreneurial family background helped him navigate his groundbreaking career. He also shares his perspective on the evolution of Denver's tech ecosystem as a Colorado native, his biggest lessons for building sustainable businesses, and his vision for the future of outdoor content and lifestyle brands.Listen now on: Amazon Music (Alexa) | Spotify | Apple Podcasts or wherever you get podcasts!Connect with hosts Adam and Chris and the Range VC team on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/range-ventures/Check out more about what we're up to at Range.vc See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode of Investor Connect, Hall Martin engages with Joe Perino, a seasoned industrial strategist, consultant, and engineer with over four decades of experience. Joe shares insights on industrial transformation, emphasizing the importance of technology-enabled business model changes that yield significant improvements. He discusses the impact of predictive analytics and edge computing in the energy process and manufacturing sectors, highlighting their role in predictive maintenance and operational efficiency. Joe also touches on the challenges of scaling AI applications, the necessity of robust cybersecurity measures, and the importance of interoperability standards in industrial tech. Additionally, Joe shares his experience with mentoring startups and the role of industry consortia and accelerators in fostering innovation and business growth. This episode provides a comprehensive overview of the industrial tech landscape, offering valuable advice for both operators and investors.   Reach out to at   or       _________________________________________________________For more episodes from Investor Connect, please visit the site at:    Check out our other podcasts here:   For Investors check out:   For Startups check out:   For eGuides check out:   For upcoming Events, check out    For Feedback please contact info@tencapital.group    Please , share, and leave a review. Music courtesy of .

In this episode of EisnerAmper's Engaging Alternatives podcast series, Elana Margulies-Snyderman, Director, Publications, speaks with Keri Findley, CEO & CIO, Tacora Capital Management, an investment manager specializing in asset-based lending opportunities in specialty finance and insurance. Keri, a former Partner at Third Point Capital, shares her outlook for providing bespoke, founder-friendly financing solutions to high-growth, tech-enabled companies including the greatest opportunities and challenges. She also discusses her experience being a woman in the industry. ✨ What you'll learn:

Reimagining Travel Through AI: Startup Lessons from The Tarzan Way | Top Global StartupsJoin Shikhar Chadha, Founder & CEO of The Tarzan Way, as he shares his journey from launching backpacker hostels at age 19 to building an AI-powered travel-tech platform redefining how people discover and book unique experiences worldwide. Learn how he scaled a global travel startup, raised funding, and leveraged AI to personalize adventure at scale. Insights You'll Learn: Startup Growth Journey – from early-stage idea to a $2M+ ARR travel-tech venture Fundraising Strategies – raising $400K+ and building investor confidence AI in Travel – how artificial intelligence is personalizing discovery and booking Building Teams – managing and motivating 120+ members across operations Global Partnerships – collaborating with tourism boards and industry leaders Entrepreneurial Mindset – lessons from starting young and scaling fast Future of Travel – tech innovations shaping next-gen travel experiences Why This Matters:AI is transforming how travelers plan, explore, and connect with destinationsThe travel-tech sector is evolving into a data-driven, personalized experience economyShikhar's journey offers real-world insights into building scalable AI startupsA perfect example of innovation meeting adventure in the post-pandemic travel boom Expert Background:• Founder & CEO, The Tarzan Way – AI-powered travel-tech startup revolutionizing experiential travel• Serial Entrepreneur – launched and exited a hostel chain before age 22• Raised $400K+ in venture funding | Scaled to $2M+ ARR | Partnered with global tourism boards• Focused on the intersection of Travel, AI, and Technology Innovation Perfect For: Founders, travel-tech innovators, AI entrepreneurs, investors, startup enthusiasts, and anyone passionate about the future of global travel and adventure. Timely Topic: As the travel industry rebounds with AI-driven innovation, understanding how startups like The Tarzan Way are reshaping exploration and human connection is more relevant than ever.Subscribe for more global founder conversations from GSD Venture Studios:GSD Venture Studios: https://gsdvs.com#TravelTech #AI #StartupJourney #Entrepreneurship #Innovation #FutureOfTravel #AdventureTech #Fundraising #TravelAI #GlobalStartups #TopGlobalStartups

What does it really take to build a tech startup from scratch — not in Silicon Valley, but in Pittsburgh — and grow it into a company that just landed $10.6 million in growth capital? On this episode of 10 Minute Tech Talks, we sit down with Alison Alvarez and Tomer Borenstein, the co-founders of BlastPoint, a Pittsburgh-based AI company that's spent nearly a decade perfecting how data can drive smarter business decisions. Their story is one of grit, patience, and the power of building something meaningful over time. You'll hear how Alison and Tomer: Turned a class project at Carnegie Mellon into a national AI success story, powered by sheer determination (and a few late nights with chickens watching from the windowsill). Balanced day jobs, family, and startup dreams for years before finally jumping in full-time — a masterclass in sustainable entrepreneurship. Navigated Pittsburgh's unique startup ecosystem, proving that community support and local roots can be just as powerful as coastal capital. As Alison puts it, “Starting a company is like chasing a crazy dream — but if we hadn't done it, BlastPoint wouldn't exist.” Their reflections on resilience, growth, and staying grounded in Pittsburgh's tech scene make this episode a must-listen for any entrepreneur who's ever wondered if it's still possible to build something great the hard way — with integrity, perseverance, and a love for where you live. Hit PLAY now to hear how two tech entrepreneurs turned persistence into progress — and why their best chapters are just beginning. Listen to their entire interview on TechVibe Radio here. This is a podcast for tech and manufacturing  entrepreneurs exploring the tech ecosystem, from cyber security and AI to SaaS, robotics, and life sciences, featuring insights to satisfy the tech curious.

What happens when you spend 10 years at Amazon, love your job, love your team and then parenthood shakes everything up?That's the story of Jane Dashevsky. Becoming a mom of two under two made her start asking the big questions: What do I really want for myself? For my family? That entrepreneurial spark she'd carried deep down finally pushed her to walk away from stability and build something of her own.Jane is now the founder of The Starter Set, an AI-powered service that helps parents cut through the chaos of baby product shopping. Because let's be honest, the last thing overwhelmed parents need is another late-night Google spiral about strollers.In this episode, Jane gets real about:Leaving a steady job after a decade at AmazonThe identity shift that comes with walking away from stabilityParenting while building a startup (the real messy middle)Testing ideas piece by piece and finding her way in Seattle's startup worldHow to not let numbers or social media dictate your worthThis is a conversation about courage, resilience, and choosing yourself, and your family, even when the path ahead is messy and unclear.

John Danner, co-founder and CEO of Flourish Schools, joins Kerry McDonald to discuss how his new Nashville-based microschool network is reimagining middle school education. Drawing on his experience founding Rocketship Public Schools, Danner explains how Flourish uses AI to automate foundational learning while empowering teachers to focus on students' “superpowers” — curiosity, communication, and leadership. He and Kerry explore the balance between technology and humanity in education, the promise of microschools in ESA states, and what it takes to build joyful learning environments that truly help children flourish. ***   Sign up for Kerry's free, weekly email newsletter on education trends at edentrepreneur.org. Kerry's latest book, Joyful Learning: How to Find Freedom, Happiness, and Success Beyond Conventional Schooling, is available now wherever books are sold!

Med-Tech Startup Reality Check: Capital, Competition & Life-Saving Innovation | Top Global StartupsJoin Eric Goslau, President & CEO of Transverse Medical (Series C stage), as he shares unfiltered insights from 30+ years navigating med-tech startup challenges - from competing with Big Corp incentives to defining "good enough" products that save lives.

So far this year, LA defense tech companies have raised $4 billion in funding — more than double last year's haul, according to Los Angeles Times tech reporter Queenie Wong. She told Marketplace's Nova Safo that venture capital firms are increasingly embracing military-focused tech.

So far this year, LA defense tech companies have raised $4 billion in funding — more than double last year's haul, according to Los Angeles Times tech reporter Queenie Wong. She told Marketplace's Nova Safo that venture capital firms are increasingly embracing military-focused tech.

In this inspiring episode, Anya Cheng shares her remarkable journey from a non-technical immigrant background to leading product and growth at giants like Facebook, eBay, Target, and McDonald's, and ultimately founding Taylor—an AI-driven menswear rental and styling service for busy professionals. Drawing from her experiences during the 2008 recession, Anya discusses overcoming job-hunting hurdles, the birth of Taylor from personal frustrations with fashion rentals, and how AI and human stylists combine to solve real pain points for ambitious men who prioritize success over style. She reveals growth strategies, lessons from big tech, and future plans for sustainability and corporate partnerships. Perfect for entrepreneurs, fashion innovators, and anyone navigating career pivots.Key MomentsHost welcomes Anya Cheng, highlighting her tech leadership at Facebook, eBay, and more. Anya introduces Taylor as an AI service that curates and rents real menswear for busy men, eliminating shopping and laundry.Anya shares how imposter syndrome as a female immigrant leader at eBay sparked Taylor. She hated subscription boxes and rental hassles, realizing fashion companies ignore practical users.Key Quote: "Most of fashion companies are designing for people who are into fashion, not for people like me. I just want to get ready for the day... Success for me is not about looking good. It's about looking good to get a job, get the deal."Fresh from Northwestern with a marketing master's, Anya ambushes recruiters, networks via professors, and cold-calls publishers amid layoffs—turning desperation into her first media role.Anya explains why she didn't quit: By leveraging her reporter skills (e.g., interviewing, cold-calling), challenges felt manageable, fueling hope.Two years in, Taylor's users aren't just renting clothes—they're buying "chances to succeed" (e.g., job interviews, deals). Customers value convenience like an "executive assistant," while suppliers seek detailed feedback to reduce waste.AI powers onboarding (quizzes, photos) and recommendations from 27,000 garments, with human stylists refining via Zoom/text. It even generates SEO content for trends.Partnerships with dating apps, fitness centers, law firms, and nonprofits outperform solo efforts. Content marketing educates on body types and travel perks (e.g., no luggage fees).From a Shopify waitlist, Anya manually bought/s shipped sale items from Macy's to her first eager customer (a real estate agent), validating demand and iterating 100 times.Big tech taught logical thinking (goals vs. strategies) to pitch investors. For Taylor, targeting men yields higher margins than women's rentals due to buy-through rates.Illustrate a clear problem/persona (e.g., men's convenience vs. women's variety). Nail one giant feature (like Google's search bar). 3) Focus on product-market fit over features.To learn more about Anya Cheng please visit her Linkedin ProfileTo learn more about  Taelor please visit her website.YOUR HOST - SIMON LADER    Simon Lader is the host of The Conference Room, Co-Founder of global executive search firm Salisi Human Capital, and lead generation consultancy Flow and Scale. Since 1997, Simon has helped cybersecurity vendors to build highly effective teams, and since 2022 he has helped people create consistent revenue through consistent lead generation.      Get to know more about Simon at:    Website: https://simonlader.com/  Twitter: https://twitter.com/simonlader  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/headhuntersimonlader/    The Conference Room is available onSpotifyApple podcastsAmazon MusicIHeartRadio

Fluent Fiction - Spanish: Striking the Balance: A Startup's Path to Investor Success Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/es/episode/2025-09-30-22-34-02-es Story Transcript:Es: El sol de primavera entraba a raudales por las ventanas grandes del incubador de startups.En: The spring sun streamed abundantly through the large windows of the startup incubator.Es: El lugar era un hervidero de actividad.En: The place was a hive of activity.Es: En un rincón, Esteban movía nervioso papeles sobre una mesa llena de garabatos y esquemas.En: In one corner, Esteban nervously shuffled papers on a table full of scribbles and diagrams.Es: Luz, a su lado, ajustaba los últimos detalles de la presentación en su computador, una sonrisa confiada en su rostro.En: Luz, beside him, was adjusting the final details of the presentation on her computer, a confident smile on her face.Es: Al otro lado, Paloma revisaba cifras en su tablet, su ceño fruncido.En: Across the room, Paloma was reviewing figures on her tablet, her brow furrowed.Es: El grupo estaba a minutos de su gran presentación.En: The group was minutes away from their big presentation.Es: Esteban llevaba meses trabajando en esto.En: Esteban had been working on this for months.Es: Quería impresionar a los inversores con su producto innovador.En: He wanted to impress the investors with his innovative product.Es: Pero aún no sabía si debía ser audaz o comedido.En: But he still didn't know whether to be bold or measured.Es: Los consejos de Paloma y Luz eran opuestos.En: Paloma and Luz's advice were opposing.Es: "Esteban, necesitamos mostrar todo lo que podemos hacer," decía Luz con entusiasmo.En: "Esteban, we need to show everything we can do," said Luz enthusiastically.Es: "Nuestro producto es increíble.En: "Our product is incredible.Es: Los inversores deben ver su potencial completo."En: Investors need to see its full potential."Es: "Sí, pero no podemos prometer más de lo que podemos cumplir," replicó Paloma, firme pero tranquila.En: "Yes, but we can't promise more than we can deliver," Paloma replied, firm but calm.Es: "Queremos que confíen en nosotros, no que se desilusionen."En: "We want them to trust us, not be disappointed."Es: Esteban escuchaba a las dos, asintiendo.En: Esteban listened to both, nodding.Es: Sabía que la decisión final era suya.En: He knew the final decision was his.Es: Tomó aire y dijo: "Encontraremos el equilibrio.En: He took a breath and said, "We'll find the balance.Es: Luz, destacaremos las funciones más llamativas.En: Luz, we'll highlight the most striking features.Es: Paloma, seremos claros con los límites actuales."En: Paloma, we'll be clear about the current limitations."Es: Llegó el momento.En: The moment arrived.Es: Caminaron hacia la sala de reuniones, donde varios inversores ya estaban sentados.En: They walked to the meeting room, where several investors were already seated.Es: El clima era tenso, pero había una energía positiva en el aire.En: The atmosphere was tense, but there was a positive energy in the air.Es: Esteban comenzó con seguridad, introduciendo el producto y resaltando sus beneficios.En: Esteban began confidently, introducing the product and highlighting its benefits.Es: Luz explicó las características emocionantes con pasión, ganando la atención del público.En: Luz explained the exciting features with passion, capturing the audience's attention.Es: Todo iba bien hasta que uno de los inversores, un hombre calvo con gafas, levantó su mano.En: Everything was going well until one of the investors, a bald man with glasses, raised his hand.Es: "¿Y qué pasa con la escalabilidad a largo plazo?"En: "And what about long-term scalability?"Es: preguntó, con un tono inquisitivo.En: he asked, in an inquisitive tone.Es: Este era el momento crítico.En: This was the critical moment.Es: Esteban sintió una punzada de nervios, pero con la energía optimista de Luz en mente, y la precaución de Paloma, respondió.En: Esteban felt a pang of nerves, but with Luz's optimistic energy in mind, and Paloma's caution, he responded.Es: "Nuestro enfoque inicial está en la calidad y satisfacción del usuario.En: "Our initial focus is on quality and user satisfaction.Es: A medida que avancemos, planeamos ampliar gradualmente, asegurando que cada etapa de crecimiento esté bien estructurada."En: As we progress, we plan to expand gradually, ensuring that each stage of growth is well-structured."Es: El lugar quedó en silencio por un segundo eterno.En: The room went silent for an eternal second.Es: Luego, el inversor asintió, satisfecho.En: Then, the investor nodded, satisfied.Es: Esteban sintió una ola de alivio.En: Esteban felt a wave of relief.Es: Había logrado encontrar el balance correcto.En: He had managed to find the right balance.Es: Al salir de la sala, Luz le dio una palmada en la espalda.En: As they left the room, Luz patted him on the back.Es: "¡Lo hiciste genial!"En: "You were great!"Es: Paloma sonrió, más relajada.En: Paloma smiled, more relaxed.Es: "Ese fue un buen equilibrio de visión y realidad."En: "That was a good balance of vision and reality."Es: Esteban sonrió también, sintiéndose más confiado que nunca.En: Esteban smiled too, feeling more confident than ever.Es: Había aprendido a valorar tanto la ambición como la realidad.En: He had learned to value both ambition and reality.Es: Sabía que su equipo estaba en el camino correcto, liderando con determinación y equilibrio hacia un futuro brillante.En: He knew his team was on the right path, leading with determination and balance towards a bright future. Vocabulary Words:the incubator: el incubadorthe hive: el herviderothe scribbles: los garabatosthe diagrams: los esquemasthe brow: el ceñothe figures: las cifrasto impress: impresionarbold: audazmeasured: comedidostriking features: funciones llamativaslimitations: los límitesthe atmosphere: el climathe benefits: los beneficiosthe features: las característicasscalability: la escalabilidadlong-term: a largo plazoinquisitive: inquisitivothe focus: el enfoquethe stage: la etapastructured: estructuradathe balance: el equilibriorelief: el aliviothe vision: la visiónreality: la realidadambition: la ambiciónthe team: el equipodetermination: la determinaciónthe effort: el esfuerzoto expand: ampliarto highlight: resaltar

In this episode, we sit down with Cameron Lippert, co-founder of ElectraMet, and Chris Young, President of Bluegrass Angels, to explore how a hard-tech startup spun out of university research is solving one of industry's biggest challenges: removing metals and oxidants from wastewater. By turning costly waste streams into valuable resources, ElectraMet is helping critical sectors like semiconductors, mining, battery recycling, and defense.Expect to learn how university research in Kentucky sparked the idea that became ElectraMet, why early investors and mentors were crucial to navigating commercialization, how the team pivoted from desalination to metals recovery, and why ElectraMet's journey is a blueprint for the type of circular economy manufacturing that the GAME Change initiative aims to grow.Middle Tech is proudly supported by:KY Innovation → kyinnovation.comAwesome Inc → awesomeinc.org

Lucy Hargreaves, co-founder and CEO of Build Canada think tank, discusses new research showing that the number of Canadian-founded tech startups remaining headquartered in the country has plummeted between 2015 and 2024. Hargreaves argues that while Canada has the talent and resources to compete globally, the country has chosen "safe incrementalism" over bold nation-building solutions, making it increasingly difficult for entrepreneurs to pursue their ambitions domestically. The Hub is Canada's fastest growing independent digital news outlet.   Subscribe to The Hub's podcast feed to get our best content when you are on the go: https://tinyurl.com/3a7zpd7e (Apple)  https://tinyurl.com/y8akmfn7 (Spotify)   Want more Hub? Get a FREE 3-month trial membership on us: https://thehub.ca/free-trial/ Follow The Hub on X: https://x.com/thehubcanada?lang=en   CREDITS: Amal Attar-Guzman - Producer and Video Editor Alisha Rao - Sound Editor Rudyard Griffiths - Host   To contact us, sign up for updates, and access transcripts email support@thehub.ca

Nederland moet in de komende tien jaar tien nieuwe technologie- en martkleiders voortbrengen. Dat doel heeft demissionair minister Karremans van Economische Zaken voor ogen, die daar extra subsidie voor wil uittrekken in combinatie met andere maatregelen zoals de verlenging van aanjaagprogramma Techleap. Niels Kooloos vertelt erover in deze Tech Update. 'We moeten nú investeren in het verdienvermogen van morgen', zegt Karremans. 'Zonder nieuwe techbedrijven, geen sterk Nederland.' Volgens Karremans wordt Nederland links en rechts ingehaald door andere landen met investeringen in onderzoek en innovatie. Daarom is er meer nodig om bedrijven zoals ASML en Adyen in Nederland te houden en om meer van dat soort bedrijven te krijgen, stelt Karremans. Naast extra subsidie en een verlenging van het Techleap-programma, moet dat bijvoorbeeld gebeuren met belastingvoordelen voor werknemers van start- en scale-ups en meer directe betrokkenheid van de overheid. Verder in deze Tech Update: Apple, Google, Microsoft, en Booking moeten allemaal aan Brussel laten zien dat ze genoeg tegen illegale content op hun platformen doen De Autoriteit Persoonsgegevens roept fabrikanten van deurbelcamera's op om hun producten standaard met de juiste privacy-instellingen te leveren See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang descended on the United Kingdom this week, armed with a pledge to invest $2.6 billion to supercharge the country's AI startup ecosystem. Wayve, the U.K.-based self-driving tech startup, could be one of those to receive funds from Nvidia's AI investment commitment. Also, U.K.-based fintech Tide has entered the unicorn club with a fresh funding of $120 million led by TPG, as the startup now serves over 1.6 million micro and small enterprises globally — with more than half of them based in India, the company's largest and fastest-growing market. The new round — a mix of primary and secondary investment, though the startup declined to confirm the exact split — values the eight-year-old startup at $1.5 billion. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The “Valley of Death” has become a popular term to describe a challenging period for sustainability focused startups. Bridging this “valley of death” in commercialization of sustainable technologies is a key role today's guest believes her company can play for their clients. Cindy Jia is Head of the Sustainable Solutions Group at ING Capital. Her goals for the ING team include accelerating adoption of sustainable tech and facilitating an easy transition between the different capital pools that are available. Today we're going to discuss the challenges in achieving these goals and how ING has progressed.

In this inspiring episode of 'Raise Your Visibility Online,' LinkedIn expert and CEO Louise Brogan sits down with Lou Doyle, co-founder and CEO of Needi, a revolutionary corporate gifting concierge service that's transforming how businesses connect.Lou shares her remarkable entrepreneurial journey - from her early days in recruitment and traveling the world, to launching a cutting-edge tech company that blends psychology and AI to create meaningful corporate connections. Discover how she's tackling corporate waste while supporting local businesses through innovative gifting solutions.This episode is packed with actionable insights for business owners, industry experts, and aspiring entrepreneurs looking to leverage technology, build meaningful connections, and create sustainable business models that make a real impact.What You'll LearnHow to transition from traditional industries to tech entrepreneurshipThe psychology behind effective corporate gifting strategiesBuilding algorithms that create genuine human connectionsStrategies for reducing waste while growing your businessHow to leverage local partnerships for global impactThe importance of making recipients feel truly valuedPractical steps for building a tech-driven business from scratchCorporate gifting tactics that actually work for large organisationsKey TakeawaysThe Power of Connection: Learn why meaningful gifts foster stronger business relationships than generic corporate swagTech Meets Psychology: Discover how AI algorithms can be designed to understand human preferences and create personalized experiencesSustainable Business Models: See how reducing waste and supporting local businesses can be profitable growth strategiesEntrepreneurial Mindset: Understand the journey from employee to CEO and the mindset shifts required for successAbout Our GuestLou Doyle is the co-founder and CEO of Needi, a corporate gifting concierge service that's revolutionising how companies show appreciation and build connections. With a background in recruitment and a passion for technology and data, Lou has created an innovative platform that combines psychology with AI to deliver meaningful gifting experiences while supporting sustainability and local businesses.Episode Timestamps00:00 Introduction to Raise Your Visibility Online00:52 Meet Lou Doyle: Entrepreneur and Mom04:16 The Journey to Entrepreneurship06:39 The Birth of Needi: A Gifting Company13:27 Building a Tech-Driven Business16:32 Passion for Tech and Data17:10 The Power of Connection19:48 Building Needi from Scratch22:55 Corporate Gifting Strategies28:53 Future Growth and Global Expansion30:43 How to Connect with NeediConnect with Lou Doyle & Needilouise@needi.co.ukwww.needi.co.ukhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/louiseneedi/About the HostLouise Brogan is a LinkedIn expert, CEO, and host of 'Raise Your Visibility Online.' She helps business owners, industry experts, and entrepreneurs elevate their online presence and grow their ventures through strategic visibility and networking.Perfect ForBusiness owners looking to improve corporate relationshipsEntrepreneurs interested in tech startupsIndustry experts seeking innovative connection strategiesAnyone wanting to build a more sustainable business...

The justice-tech startup, LegalEase, is working to transform the expungement process. “Closer Look” host Rose Scott talks with LegalEase founders and Howard University alumni, Lawrence Blackmon and Roger Roman, about the inspiration behind the AI-powered web-based portal. They also share their ongoing efforts to expand the platform to Georgia and other states throughout the country. Plus, Ludacris, Future, Mary J. Blige, and The Roots are among some of the artists slated to take center stage at this year’s ONE Musicfest. In 2010, Jason "J" Carter launched the annual two-day festival that he says centers Black joy, culture, creativity, and music. Ahead of this year’s festival on October 25-26 at Piedmont Park, Carter joins “Closer Look” to talk more about the backstory of the festival.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lamia Rahman is a Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree, TEDx speaker, and co-founder of SEEKR, a tech startup creating wearable AI devices for the blind. In this inspiring episode, Lamia shares her journey from law school in Hong Kong to the front lines of legal tech, accessibility, and advocacy.LAWYER SIDE HUSTLESSEEKR began as a passion project and has since grown into a globally recognized AI startup. The company develops wearable devices that help blind and visually impaired users navigate the world more independently. Lamia co-founded SEEKR during her law degree, blending her passion for tech with her desire to serve.“It was a small idea at first. Now we're building something that's used across countries. That's wild,” Lamia Rahman shares in Episode 209 of You Are a LawyerMore than a “side hustle,” SEEKR is a mission-driven business, fueled by Lamia's belief that tech should be inclusive and empathetic. In the episode, she shares what it's like to build a team, pitch to investors, and develop AI that solves real-world problems, all while still figuring out what comes next in her legal career.LISTEN TO LEARNHow Lamia co-founded an AI startup that creates wearable tools for the blindWhy legal knowledge helps entrepreneurs navigate business growthHow public speaking and networking open unexpected career doorsWE ALSO DISCUSSHer experience studying law in Hong Kong as an international studentHow being a woman of color in tech and law shaped her journeyWays to combine social justice, accessibility, and innovationJoin the FREE mailing list!Get behind-the-scenes content from You Are A Lawyer. 1) Visit www.youarealawyer.com2) Add your email address to the Subscribe pop-up box OR3) Enter your email address on the right side of the screen4) Get emails from me (I won't fill your inbox with junk)!Interact with You Are A LawyerKyla Denanyoh hosts the You Are A Lawyer podcast. Follow the podcast:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@youarealawyerWebsite: https://www.youarealawyer.com

In this Q&A, Courtney Salas joins me to unpack what it really takes to succeed as an Executive Assistant in a fast-paced tech startup. From organising constant change to stepping confidently into a strategic partnership, Courtney shares honest stories from life inside a 40-something-person scale-up—where there are no playbooks, just problems to solve and opportunities to grab.You'll hear how Courtney:Swapped corporate certainty for startup “productive chaos” and found her happy placeBalances EA fundamentals with high-impact projects (including running a full Series A process)Builds confidence to challenge decisions and propose better optionsHires for grit, curiosity, and bias to action - over years of experienceUses AI smartly, including a custom “Joe AI” profile to draft in her executive's voiceStreamlines calendars and inboxes with booking links and sensible automation - without losing controlListen if you're: Curious about moving into tech, keen to elevate your remit beyond the “basics,” or ready to use tools and workflows to free up time for genuinely strategic work.HighlightsOwning the chaos: why uncertainty can accelerate your growthThe fine line: keeping the day-to-day tight while driving big outcomesInfluence in action: weekly prioritisation check-ins that actually workTech stack talk: calendar links, inbox design, and practical AICareer mindset: choose leaders who open doors—and remember “everything is figureoutable”Tools and Resources: Google Calendar – daily scheduling, advanced setup for blocking priorities and tasksCalendly – as another option for sharing availabilityChatGPT – used daily to draft, edit, and researchSlack – team communications, used as a source for training the AIResources & next steps If you're working towards a strategic partnership, explore our Strategic Business Partner course and check what's coming up on The EA Campus events calendar. You'll find masterclasses, summits, and community sessions designed to support you at every stage.Enjoy the episode, and if it resonates, share it with an EA who's ready for their next leap. The EA Campus

Commerce Secretary Lutnick told CNBC yesterday that top pentagon officials are discussing taking stakes in defense contractors like Lockheed Martin as the possibility of nationalization expands beyond Intel. But the resounding sentiment from startups and investors is that this could have disastrous consequences on innovation in the sector. 

AWS's Daniele Stroppa, Worldwide Technical Lead for AWS partners in retail, joins us to announce August's retail tech startup of the month: Vody. Daniele breaks down how Vody makes data ready for AI and AI agents through their intelligent data infrastructure solutions. Unlike typical approaches that tackle product discoverability with chatbots or search improvements, Vody addresses the challenge at its foundation – the data itself. Their sophisticated system transforms messy product catalogs into AI-optimized data using state-of-the-art multimodal large language models specifically fine-tuned for retail.

Inside the Auckland event where tech startups pitch to New Zealand's wealthiest investors, the economic outlook is sunny At the Icehouse Showcase, tech start-ups vie for the attention - and cash - of some of New Zealand's richest, in a stark contrast to the economic slump across the countryFind The Detail on Newsroom or RNZ Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

Building the Future: Carol Yu on Nurturing China's Tech StartupsIn the latest episode of the Asia Business Podcast, we're joined by Carol Yu, the dynamic founding partner and Associate Dean of Shenzhen InnoX Academy. This episode delves into Carol's journey from her academic roots in Guangzhou, through her formative years in the U.S., and back to her entrepreneurial endeavors in Southern China. Carol shares insights into the innovative model of InnoX Academy, which nurtures entrepreneurial talent and incubates tech startups in a region famous for its rapid technological advancements.Meet Carol Yu: The Visionary Behind InnoX AcademyConnect with CarolCarol Yu is no stranger to pioneering new paths. Her academic journey took her from Guangzhou to the U.S., where she pursued higher education in economics and public policy. Her passion for innovation and education ultimately led her back to China, where she co-founded Shenzhen InnoX Academy with Professor Li Zexiang. Professor Li, renowned for his role in launching DJI, has been instrumental in promoting tech innovation in Shenzhen, a hub for hardware technology.InnoX Academy: A Unique Model for Incubating TalentThe Shenzhen InnoX Academy stands out for its commitment to fostering young talent. Unlike traditional accelerators like Y Combinator focused primarily on product and pitch, InnoX provides a comprehensive nurturing environment. Carol elaborates on the academy's approach: starting with students who often have no clear project idea, InnoX offers a systematic empowerment platform. This includes a talent pool, curated curriculum, supply-chain resources, and a focus on both technical skills and go-to-market strategies.Combating Challenges: Bridging Technical Expertise and Entrepreneurial SavvyA key challenge faced by InnoX Academy is bridging the gap between technical innovation and commercialization. Carol notes that many young innovators possess deep technical skills but lack understanding of market dynamics and business management. The academy addresses this by providing industry-experienced mentors from leading firms like DJI, BYD, and Huawei, who guide students in transforming their innovative ideas into market-ready products.The Hardware Renaissance: Rethinking Global StrategiesCarol discusses the shifting perception of hardware in tech industries. As software business models saturate, the combination of hardware innovation with AI and robotics creates new opportunities. Shenzhen's capability to rapidly iterate and commercialize products presents a distinct advantage. InnoX Academy enables projects to achieve cash flow positivity within 18 months and even bypass traditional funding needs by directly moving towards IPOs.Navigating Geopolitical Landscapes: Expanding Beyond ChinaThe discussion also touches on the global ambitions of Chinese entrepreneurs amidst shifting geopolitical tides. Carol acknowledges the challenges brought by heightened tariffs and geopolitical tensions. Yet, she emphasizes the resilience and adaptability of entrepreneurs in pursuing the lucrative U.S. and European markets through strategic pivots, such as leveraging Singaporean bases or separating hardware and software development.The Role of Education: From Stanford and Harvard to InnoXReflecting on her educational experiences at Stanford and Harvard, Carol praises the environments that shaped her entrepreneurial spirit. Stanford imparted a boundless belief in possibility, while Harvard provided a deeper understanding of global policy dynamics. These influences are evident in her leadership at InnoX, where she underscores the importance of values-driven entrepreneurship and the power of positive societal impact.Conclusion: A Future-Forward Vision for Global InnovationCarol Yu's work with InnoX Academy embodies a forward-thinking model that intersects innovation with cultural understanding and business acumen. She continues to inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs not only to succeed in markets but to create meaningful global impact. As the world navigates complex challenges, the narratives from leaders like Carol provide invaluable insights into the evolving landscape of global business and technology.Timestamps00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome01:08 Carol Yu's Background and Career Journey05:28 Professor Li and the Birth of DJI10:14 InnoX Academy and Talent Development11:25 Challenges and Strategies in Talent Selection13:28 Empowerment Platform and Curriculum18:09 Shared Factory Platform and Market Integration18:54 Innovation and Industrialization in China24:13 Funding Strategies and Road Shows25:11 Challenges in Hardware Business28:02 Global Expansion and Geopolitical Challenges29:40 Advice for Chinese Companies Entering Global Markets30:44 Impact of US-China Trade Relations ProducerJacob ThomasFollow UsLinkedInApple Podcasts

Most founders dream of creating a product so good it sells itself. That's the promise of product-led growth: customers discover, share, and adopt your product with little to no sales effort. Sadly that's rarely the reality. In the early stages, almost every founder has to do the hard, unglamorous work of founder-led growth: building trust, making offers and facing rejection. In this episode, you will learn from Vijay Rajendran, author of The Funding Framework: Secure Startup Funding With Confidence. Vijay previously led portfolio value at 500 Global, a venture capital firm with $2.7 billion under management, where he supported startups in more than 80 countries.  Vijay has helped hundreds of founders grow, scale, and raise capital.  Listen to learn: The difference between founder-led and product-led growth — and when each approach works best. How design partnerships and pilots can win your first customers (and even get them to fund product development). Why “influence” is a better mindset than “sales” — and how listening to customers creates trust. Stories from Airbnb to enterprise startups that reveal what growth really looks like behind the scenes. Whether you're launching your first product, leading innovation inside a corporate, or backing founders as an investor, this episode is for you. Resources mentioned in this episode: Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion, Robert Cialdini Never Split the Difference: Negotiating as if Your Life Depended on It, Chris Voss Chapters   05:24 — The seductive dream of product-led growth (and why it rarely works early on) 07:52 — Design partnerships: how customers can fund your product 13:39 — The Airbnb toilet photos story: why every founder must talk to customers 18:55 — Stop pitching, start listening: turning sales into influence 23:23 — Empathy and persuasion: the human skills behind tech success 28:48 — When to move from founder-led growth to a professional sales team FREE Course: 5 Tech Concepts Every Business Leader Needs To Know https://www.techfornontechies.co/freecourse   Growth Through Innovation If your organisation wants to drive revenue through innovation, book a call with us here. Our workshops and innovation strategies have helped Constellation Brands, the Royal Bank of Canada and Oxford University. For the full transcript, go to https://www.techfornontechies.co/blog/266-founder-led-vs-product-led-growth-how-to-pick-the-right-path-for-your-startup

Omari Richins, MPH of Public Health Careers podcast talks with Kwame Terra, MPH, the founder and CEO of bEHR Health, who discusses his journey in public health, the importance of health equity, and the innovative approaches his startup is taking to improve health outcomes in the Black community. Kwame shares insights on preventative health, the creation of a health score, and the bEHRathon initiative aimed at engaging the community in health-promoting activities. He emphasizes the need for self-directed health management and the role of technology in transforming public health. The discussion also touches on systemic barriers to health and the importance of community engagement in achieving health equity.In this episode we learn about:- How Kwame blends endurance, innovation, and activism to reimagine how communities engage with health.- Why creating health-promoting environments is essential for community wellness.- Why preventable conditions account for a significant portion of healthcare spending and how he's trying to change it.- How startups and health technology can effectively address urgent health problems.Join our paid Patreon to support

If you're a non-technical founder building your first product, this episode is for you. In today's lesson, Robyn Exton shares the real story of how she went from branding agency employee to founder of a global tech company — without writing a line of code. She didn't raise millions on day one. She learned by doing, made all the early-stage mistakes, and got her first users with vodka shots in nightclubs. Now, her app has millions of users and she's been through Y Combinator. Robyn is the founder of HER, the dating app for queer women. Listen to this episode to learn: How to build a tech product without knowing how to code What to do when your first version fails The difference between product design and graphic design (and why it matters) How to work with developers when you don't speak tech Whether you're dreaming up your first MVP or struggling through version two, this is your honest guide to building in the dark — and making it work.   Chapters 00:00 — Vodka shots for downloads: the hustle begins 03:10 — From branding job to building a tech product 10:30 — The wake-up call: “You're doing too many things” 14:00 — Fake research, failed MVP, and what she learned 27:20 — How a non-technical founder led a dev team 33:45 — Hiring a CTO, letting go of ego, and building trust 45:35 — Raising $1M before YC — and why she joined anyway 51:10 — Final audience Q&A: churn, product, and user feedback   FREE Course: 5 Tech Concepts Every Business Leader Needs To Know https://www.techfornontechies.co/freecourse   Growth Through Innovation If your organisation wants to drive revenue through innovation, book a call with us here. Our workshops and innovation strategies have helped Constellation Brands, the Royal Bank of Canada and Oxford University. For the full transcript, go to: https://www.techfornontechies.co/blog/265-from-vodka-shots-to-y-combinator-how-a-non-technical-founder-built-a-global-tech-company

Michael Dempsey is the Managing Partner at Compound, a thesis-driven, research-centric investment firm.We spent two hours talking through the past, present, and future of a bunch of topics in technology and investing.Michael started investing in AI in 2016. He was the first investor in now-unicorns Runway and Wayve. But he hasn't done much AI investing over the past few years. We talk about why, how AI will intersect with robotics, the future of things like crypto and synthetic biology, and why so many deep tech companies mess up economic value capture.We also talk about what it means to be a thesis-driven venture firm, Compound's research process and how to replicate it, what private and public market investors can learn from each other, advice for anyone starting in venture today, how to build a brand in VC, and why venture firms don't compound and actually decay over time.Thank you to Kevin Kwok, Andy Weissman, Cristóbal Valenzuela, Blake Robbins, and Smac at Compound for their help brainstorming topics for this.Special thanks to Ramp for supporting this episode. It's the corporate card and expense management platform used by over 40,000 companies, like Shopify, CBRE and Stripe. Time is money. Save both with Ramp. Get $250 for signing-up here.Timestamps:(4:09) Leading Runway's Seed in 2018(10:15) Short-term ARR vs long-term sustainability(16:20) Compound, a research-centric investment firm(18:41) Investing in bio, crypto, real-world AI, and healthcare(23:58) VC firms do not compound, they decay over time(29:27) How to build a research-focused investment firm(41:30) Current state of venture slop(45:43) Building a brand as a VC firm(52:31) Investing in Wayve in 2016(58:53) Why deep tech companies screw up economic value capture(1:04:57) How to approach massive funding rounds(1:08:36) Should VCs “play the game on the field”?(1:15:33) Compound is a forecasting firm(1:21:37) Advice for young people getting into VC(1:26:48) Public market investors underappreciate narratives(1:31:20) Michael's crypto thesis + real use cases(1:40:07) Why crypto hasn't seen mass adoption yet(1:49:00) Humanoid robots won't work(1:54:42) Should you make a hyped launch video?ReferencedCompound RunwayWayveMichael's BlogFollow MicahelTwitterLinkedInFollow TurnerTwitterLinkedInSubscribe to my newsletter to get every episode + the transcript in your inbox every week.

A trusted friend introduces Taylor to a man named Sylvein William Maximilian D'Habsburg XVII, a tech whiz and the inventor of a fascinating new robotic technology. His gigantic insect-like robots promise to be a game changer in military applications. He offers her what feels like the opportunity of a lifetime, getting in on the ground floor of this innovative tech, and she invests $50,000 of her inheritance. But the returns she is promised never materialize, and when she seeks to withdraw her funds, Sylvein makes excuses and reveals he's under investigation by the FBI. Ultimately, Sylvein pleads guilty to stealing nearly $6 million from investors, including many members of the local Filipino church community, and using the money to purchase luxury cars and rare antiques.

Send us a textFollow the hosts on Instagram @alonbenjoseph, @scarlintheshire, @davaucher and @robnudds.Thanks to @skillymusic for the theme tune.