Podcasts about Techstars

When AI reshapes the workplace, emotional intelligence becomes your edge. Vladimer Botsvadze, globally recognized marketing influencer by Thinkers360, AI advisor, and Techstars mentor, explains how businesses can stay ahead by combining tech adoption with authentic human connection. He explores how AI is shifting talent demands, why personal branding is now a business asset, and what enterprises must do to navigate change while staying deeply human.

In this episode of Healthy Mind, Healthy Life, host Avik Chakraborty is joined by Jason Saltzman—entrepreneur, MIT REAP co-chair, global mentor, and founder of Relief. Rather than diving into his exits or startup strategies, Jason unpacks the power of the first hour of your day. He shares how small, intentional morning habits—like making your bed or walking your dog mindfully—can radically reshape your mindset, enhance productivity, and help you thrive amidst chaos. This conversation is a masterclass on grounding, presence, and the link between routine and resilience. If you're feeling overwhelmed, this episode will offer practical insights to regain control and move with purpose. About the Guest:Jason Saltzman is a seasoned entrepreneur with two successful exits, co-chair of MIT's REAP program, and a mentor for founders at Techstars and beyond. He blends hard-earned entrepreneurial experience with mindfulness, advocating for the power of small habits in managing anxiety, building resilience, and staying intentional in high-pressure environments. Key Takeaways: Mornings are your greatest opportunity to reset and reclaim focus. Mental clarity begins with micro-habits—like making your bed with presence. True resilience is built before adversity hits, through consistent intention-setting. Writing down goals, expressing gratitude, and grounding yourself daily creates mental armor. Success isn't about escaping chaos—it's about preparing for it. Connect with Jason Saltzman: Instagram: @jasonsaltzman Twitter: @SaltzmanJason DM him for conversations around startups, mindset, and support—he loves hearing from builders. Want to be a guest on Healthy Mind, Healthy Life?DM on PM – Send me a message on PodMatchDM Me Here:https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/avikTune in to all our 15 podcasts:https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/healthymindbyavikSubscribe to the Newsletter:https://healthymindbyavik.substack.com/Join the Community:https://nas.io/healthymind Stay Tuned and Follow Us!YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@healthymind-healthylifeInstagram – https://www.instagram.com/healthyminds.podThreads – https://www.threads.net/@healthyminds.podFacebook – https://www.facebook.com/podcast.healthymindLinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/reemachatterjee/ | https://www.linkedin.com/in/avikchakrabortypodcaster #podmatch #healthymind #healthymindbyavik #wellness #HealthyMindByAvik #MentalHealthAwareness #StorytellingAsMedicine #PodcastLife #PersonalDevelopment #ConsciousLiving #GrowthMindset #MindfulnessMatters #VoicesOfUnity #InspirationDaily

In this Fund Friday episode, Craig McGrouther welcomes Pascal Wagner, founder of Grow Your Cashflow. Pascal shares his journey from managing a $150M venture capital fund at Techstars to becoming an LP investor with $250K+ in annual passive income across 23 investments. He reveals how his Venture Capital background shaped his investment thesis approach and why he shifted focus to debt funds in 2022, perfect timing to avoid the multifamily distress. Pascal breaks down his three pillar framework for LP success: having a clear investment plan, comparing deals with proper context not in isolation, and mastering due diligence with his 100 point checklist. Plus, he explains the "money pie" concept, how to balance investments between cash flow, equity growth, and tax benefits to build sustainable six figure passive income.Learn more about Lone Star Capital at www.lscre.comApply to attend the LSC Summit 2025: www.lscsummit.com Get a FREE copy of the Passive Investor Guide:https://www.lscre.com/content/passive-investor-guide Subscribe to our newsletter and receive our FREE underwriting model package:https://www.lscre.com/resource/fof-underwriting-toolkit Follow Rob Beardsley:https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-beardsley/ Read Rob's articles:https://www.lscre.com/blog 

Jenny Fielding is one of the most active global pre-seed investors, having invested in 300+ companies as the first money in. As the cofounder and Managing Partner of Everywhere Ventures, Jenny has built a thriving community of 500+ founders and operators who help source, diligence, and invest in the next generation of startups across 3 core verticals: money, health, and work.Prior to launching her own fund, Jenny spent 7.5 years as the Managing Director of Techstars where she invested in a portfolio of companies with a current market cap over $10B. Jenny is a 2x founder, a lawyer by training, and an adjunct professor at Columbia University and Cornell Tech.Jenny's Links:Website: https://www.jennyfielding.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennyfielding/Book: https://amzn.to/4jhGMBYThe Impatient Entrepreneur's links:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheImpatientEntrepreneurPod⁠LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/theimpatiententrepreneurpod/⁠Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theimpatiententrepreneurpod/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheImpatientEntrepreneurPod⁠Online: https://www.theimpatiententrepreneurpod.comConnect with us⁠⁠: https://www.theimpatiententrepreneurpod.com/contact⁠Kwedar & Co.'s links:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kwedarco⁠LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/kwedarco⁠Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kwedarco⁠YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@KwedarCo⁠Online: www.kwedarco.comConnect with us: https://www.kwedarco.com/book-consultation

Jason Saltzman is an entrepreneur and thought leader dedicated to creating meaningful impact through innovation. As the founder of Relief, he's revolutionizing debt management, helping people regain control of their financial futures. Full Podcast Link: https://bit.ly/JasonSaltzmanPodcastEPWith two successful business exits, over a decade of mentoring startups at Techstars, and experience teaching entrepreneurship, Jason brings unmatched expertise in building and scaling transformative ventures. Jason's influence extends beyond business. He's been a contributing writer for Inc Magazine and Entrepreneur, sharing valuable insights with a global audience, and has represented the U.S. as a Speaker for the State Department, inspiring entrepreneurs around the world. Now, as Co-Chair of MIT's REAP program, he's shaping the future of entrepreneurial ecosystems.

Why This Episode Is a Must-Listen Are classic cars just vintage machines, or rolling works of art? And are they a smart investment for the future? In "Classic Car Restorations: Reviving Automotive Legends," the Inspired Money panel explores how restoring classic cars is about passion, heritage, and innovation. Whether you're an investor, enthusiast, or simply curious about the intersection of culture and craftsmanship, this episode delivers powerful insights that will change the way you see collectible cars. Meet the Expert Panelists Matt DeLorenzo is a veteran automotive journalist and author with over 40 years of experience, having served as editor-in-chief at Road & Track and Autoweek, and as a senior editor at Automotive News and Kelley Blue Book. A founding juror of the North American Car of the Year awards, he has authored multiple books on iconic American vehicles, from the Corvette to the Dodge brand legacy. His next book, "Mercedes-AMG: Race-bred Performance" will go on sale this November. https://tightwadgarage.com Rupert Banner is a Senior Specialist at Gooding Christie's, bringing over 30 years of experience in the collector car auction industry, including senior roles at Bonhams, Christie's, and Sotheby's. Renowned for his global expertise, record-setting sales, and deep ties to the automotive community, he is a trusted authority on valuation, provenance, and the evolving international classic car market. https://www.goodingco.com Tamara Warren is the founder and CEO of Le Car, a Techstars-backed mobility platform and award-winning automotive journalist whose work has appeared in The New York Times, Car and Driver, Rolling Stone, and over 160 publications. A former transportation editor at The Verge and juror for World Car of the Year, she blends deep industry insight with cultural storytelling, sustainability advocacy, and a passion for automotive design and innovation. https://www.tamarawarren.com William Heynes is the founder of William Heynes Ltd, a world-renowned Jaguar preservation and restoration firm dedicated to early E-Types and rooted in the legacy of his grandfather, Bill Heynes, Jaguar's legendary Chief Engineer behind the iconic XK engine and Le Mans victories. Combining deep mechanical knowledge, period-correct craftsmanship, and a passion for originality, William leads a team committed to restoring Jaguar's most historic cars to concours-level authenticity. https://williamheynes.com Key Highlights: Restorations: Craft, Preservation, or Investment? William Heynes shared how true restoration is “about building the car for what it deserves,” not just tailoring it to the owner's preferences. At his shop, the ultimate goal is authenticity. Sometimes a restoration can involve thousands of hours and years to achieve original perfection. Market Trends and Smart Collecting Rupert Banner demystified current auction markets, noting a shift toward modern collectibles and younger buyers. He stresses the value of detailed provenance and emphasizes: “There is so much more value in just owning something and enjoying it... the car may be a conduit to new opportunities, relationships, and experiences.” Cars as a Reflection of Identity and Community Tamara Warren explored how classic cars are powerful symbols of personal legacy and social connection. "To be a collector is actually to be a steward of a legacy," she noted, highlighting the responsibility and joy of carrying forward the story of each car, brand, and community. The Future: Innovation Meets Heritage Matt DeLorenzo and the panel tackled the balance between preservation and modernization, think EV conversions, restomods, and the ethics of “continuation” models. As Matt put it: “Even if there's the rise of the self-driving car, people look at automobiles as a form of recreation... it's a lifestyle, it's a community that's not going to go anywhere.” Call-to-Action Here's your one assignment for the week: Find a car that has personal meaning to you, whether it's a car you grew up with, saw in a movie, or admired from afar, and dig into its story. Look it up, read about it, maybe even check the market. You might discover a connection that turns into a future project, or at the very least, a deeper appreciation for what makes these vehicles legendary.  Find the Inspired Money channel on YouTube or listen to Inspired Money in your favorite podcast player. Andy Wang, Host/Producer of Inspired Money

Produced by Foundersuite (for startups: www.foundersuite.com) and Fundingstack (for VCs: www.fundingstack.com), "How I Raised It" goes behind the scenes with startup founders and investors who have raised capital. This episode is with with Rachel Epstein, CEO of Pulse Charter Connect, an organ transport logistics startup that helps move hearts and livers and kidneys and other critical organs around the country via air. To fund her business, Laura went through 7 different accelerator programs and so we talk about how to make the most of accelerators, demo day tips, questions to ask investors to make sure they have capital to deploy, tips for communicating noteworthy events to investors, how she used Foundersuite to manager her investor pipelines, and more. The Company most recently raised $2 million in seed funding, which brings their total funding to $3.3 million. The oversubscribed round was led by Ivy Ventures and Simplex Ventures, with participation from Cedars Sinai Health Ventures, Belal Badat Ventures, Techstars, and angel investors How I Raised It is produced by Foundersuite, makers of software to raise capital and manage investor relations. Foundersuite's customers have raised over $21 Billion since 2016. If you are a startup, create a free account at www.foundersuite.com. If you are a VC, venture studio or investment banker, check out our new platform, www.fundingstack.com

One of Ireland's fastest-growing digital marketing agencies, Core Optimisation, has announced the acquisition of international PR agency, ClearStory. The acquisition forms part of a broader €500,000 investment in expanding its operations to North America and the United Arab Emirates. Founded in 2015 by Caroline Dunlea and David Brett, Core Optimisation has developed a significant foothold in strategic digital consultancy over the past number of years. The company began its international expansion with the UK market and is now positioning itself to expand into North America and MENA markets. Core has an extensive client book across multiple sectors including global brands such as Waterwipes, Tirlan Country Life, Kirby Group and Aryzta. The acquisition of ClearStory International will accelerate this growth by integrating ClearStory's tech, finance, defence and hospitality focused PR client base and expanding Core's capabilities as a truly integrated digital marketing and PR consultancy agency. ClearStory International was founded by James McCann in 2017 as an international PR agency specialising in reputation building for emerging and scaling brands. The agency has since expanded its client base across North America, Europe and MENA to include major players across the tech, finance and defence sectors including; Techstars, the Asian Development Bank, Dynasafe, CoinDesk, and Riskline. Core Optimisation currently provides digital marketing services including SEO, PPC, paid social, data analytics and digital strategic consultancy. With more than 70 clients spanning a wide range of industries, Core Optimisation boasts a team of 60 professionals across Ireland and the UK. The planned €500,000 investment will be used to establish a permanent presence in key emerging markets and support the integration of digital PR into its 360° marketing solutions. Speaking about the acquisition, Co-founder of Core Optimisation, Caroline Dunlea, commented: "We are delighted to acquire ClearStory International as we focus on international markets. This acquisition strengthens our global capabilities and enhances our ability to offer a fully integrated digital marketing and PR service to our growing client base. As we are in the AI era, brands need cohesive, data-led narratives across every channel and our clients are increasingly seeking partners who can anticipate and respond to their evolving needs. "By combining ClearStory's strategic communications expertise with our digital performance capabilities, we're positioning ourselves closer to our clients' strategic objectives by delivering integrated, insight-driven campaigns that drive meaningful growth and truly move the needle. This full-service offering allows us to be more responsive to the future demands of the marketplace and creates even more value through deeper client relationships." Commenting on the acquisition, CEO of ClearStory International, James McCann, said: "Over the past eight years, we've had the privilege of working with more than 200 clients across 25 countries, helping them navigate some of the world's most complex media markets. We're now excited to bring our deep expertise in international storytelling and reputation building to Core Optimisation, as we pursue a shared ambition to build a world-renowned, Irish-owned agency." See more stories here. More about Irish Tech News Irish Tech News are Ireland's No. 1 Online Tech Publication and often Ireland's No.1 Tech Podcast too. You can find hundreds of fantastic previous episodes and subscribe using whatever platform you like via our Anchor.fm page here: https://anchor.fm/irish-tech-news If you'd like to be featured in an upcoming Podcast email us at Simon@IrishTechNews.ie now to discuss. Irish Tech News have a range of services available to help promote your business. Why not drop us a line at Info@IrishTechNews.ie now to find out more about how we can help you reach our audience. You can also find and follow us on Twitter, ...

Nick Myers is the co-founder and CEO of Phoenix Tailings, a company building a sustainable future by refining metals from mining waste with zero direct carbon emissions or toxic byproducts.Before founding Phoenix Tailings, Nick worked in Venture Capital at Techstars and was the Director of Finance and Partnerships for Meenta, a medical diagnostic testing startup. He also co-founded Huntington Angels, a strategic angel investment group where he now serves as the lead outside adviser.Nick was also a founding member of Tengu, an early Web3 startup that created one of the first stable coins. At Tengu, Nick briefed the IMF about decentralized finance and cryptocurrencies' impact on the world economy.Nick has a Bachelor's Degree from Saint Michael's College, where he was a starting pitcher for the college's baseball team. He also has an MBA from Northeastern University.⁠https://www.phoenixtailings.com/⁠⁠https://nexuspmg.com/

What is customer experience (CX) and why should we care?This week I'm joined by Brittany Fox, tech founder and CX expert, to talk about the biggest conversation happening across enterprise businesses right now - and how small business owners can use this to their advantage.Brittany shares why visibility is everything when it comes to your customer journey and how you can strengthen your customer experience from the minute you stop listening! .If you LOVED this episode, make sure you share this on your Instagram stories and tag us @contentqueenmariah and @cx_with_britt ⁠⁠LEARN THE DETAILS OF A CONTENT STRATEGY WITH MY FREE AUDIO GUIDE⁠⁠ KEY EPISODE TAKEAWAYS

Got a business? Welcome - you are a founder! In this episode of The Essential Shift Podcast, we're joined by Kirstin Hunter - the current CEO of Birchal and former Managing Director at Techstars NSW. From co-founding ethical investing platform Future Super to mentoring Australia's most promising founders, Kirstin brings a unique lens to what it takes to lead and grow mission-driven businesses.We explore what makes a great founder, the mindset shifts needed to transition to startup life, and why conscious leadership matters more than ever in today's business climate.This is an inspiring, grounded conversation for anyone navigating the evolving path of entrepreneurship.KEY EPISODE TAKEAWAYSThe traits successful founders share - and how to cultivate themWhat it really means to lead a business with purposeLessons learned from mentoring startups at TechstarsWhat it's like stepping into the CEO role at BirchalSHOW RESOURCESLearn more about Birchal – HEREFollow Kirstin on LinkedIn – HEREJOIN THE CIRCLE – A community for conscious, creative entrepreneurs - HEREFollow me on Instagram – HEREFind me on LinkedIn – HEREABOUT THE GUESTKirstin Hunter is the Chief Executive Officer at Birchal, Australia's leading crowdsourced funding platform. Before Birchal, Kirstin was the Managing Director (NSW) at Techstars, where she selected and mentored some of the country's most promising startup founders. She is also the co-founder and former CEO of ethical superannuation platform Future Super, and has held executive roles at Brighte. A reformed lawyer and ex-management consultant, Kirstin brings deep expertise across fintech, impact investing, and high-growth ventures. She's also a long-time mentor with Blackbird's Giants program and Startmate Fellowships and serves on the board of Morphic Ethical Equities (ASX:MEC). Above all, she's passionate about helping founders build companies that combine purpose and performance.Bless it be. With love, Laetitia! 

Full Name: Mohamed Ahmed Email: mo@mohamedfahmed.com Phone Number: +14255022778   Social Media Links: https://linkedin.com/in/mohamedfahmed.com Mohamed "Mo" Ahmed is a serial entrepreneur, product visionary, and author of "The Inside-Out Entrepreneur: Become the Entrepreneur You Were Meant to Be." With over two decades of experience in AI, cloud computing, and entrepreneurship, Mo has consistently transformed ambitious ideas into groundbreaking realities. As a founder and CEO, Mo built and led a startup from concept to a successful multi-million dollar exit with a 7x markup—a journey that taught him that entrepreneurial success begins from within. His expertise has been battle-tested across Silicon Valley's most demanding environments, including leadership roles at Microsoft, Amazon, and several startups. Mo holds a Ph.D. in Computer Science from the University of Connecticut alongside dual undergraduate degrees in business and computer science, giving him the unique ability to bridge complex technical challenges with practical business solutions. His true passion lies in empowering others through his entrepreneurial conditioning framework. As an advisor with prestigious accelerators including 500 Startups and TechStars, he has helped founders raise over $30 million in funding. Today, he leads the Boundless Founder community, dedicated to strengthening entrepreneurs mentally and emotionally for the challenges of startup life. Mo believes that with the right mindset, methodology, and perseverance, anyone can transform their entrepreneurial dreams into tangible success—starting from the inside out. Connect with David LINKS: www.davidhill.ai    SOCIALS:  Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/davidihill/ LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidihill YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/DavidHillcoach  TicTok: www.tiktok.com/@davidihill Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/davidihill  X: https://twitter.com/davidihill   RING LEADER AI DEMO CALL 774-214-2076   

This week, I sat down with my longtime Techstars colleague and friend Allard Luchsinger, Managing Director of the ABN AMRO + Techstars Future of Finance Accelerator in Amsterdam.Allard and I have been on each other's investment committees for years, so this conversation hits a bit differently. We've traded notes across dozens of startups, and we've seen each other call the shots on what makes an unstoppable founder. That theme became the golden thread through this episode.We get into Allard's journey from building startups during the dot-com era, to co-founding a zero-commission trading platform years before Robinhood, to leading one of Europe's most respected fintech accelerators. We also dig into:His experience investing in African fintech and why mobile-first changed everythingThe early signals from AI and how they mirror fintech's formative yearsThe conviction you need to invest at pre-seed when all you have is a deck, a founder, and a feelingThe power of mindfulness, presence, and early-morning meditationWhy stablecoins and tokenized assets are quietly rebuilding the financial rails from the inside outThis one's full of hard-earned wisdom from someone who knows both sides of the founder–investor equation, and delivers it all with a calm clarity that hits home.LINKS:Connect with Allard Luchsinger on LinkedIn ABN AMRO + Techstars Future of Finance Accelerator:  Website  |  LinkedInLeave a review & subscribe on: Apple Podcasts  |  Spotify  |  MoneyNeverSleeps (website)Email us: info@norioventures.comPete Townsend:  X/Twitter  |  LinkedIn MoneyNeverSleeps:  X/Twitter  |  LinkedIn  |  Newsletter

In this episode of FYI – For Your Innovation, ARK's Director of Research Brett Winton sits down with Brad Feld — co-founder of Foundry, Techstars, and longtime venture capitalist — to unpack his latest thinking on startup communities, mentorship, and how founders can build better networks by giving first. After taking time away from public life to reflect, Brad returns with a new book, Give First: The Power of Mentorship, and a sharpened view on the distinction between transactional ecosystems and community-led innovation. He shares lessons from nearly two decades with Techstars, thoughts on remote vs. in-person work post-COVID, and how mentorship can be redesigned for the next generation of entrepreneurs. The conversation also explores the cultural shifts introduced by AI, the hidden friction in monetizing online engagement, and why Brad believes the best way to shape a network is to invest in others before you know what you'll get in return.Key Points From This Episode:00:00:00 Why Brad Feld “hibernated” from public life and how it changed his perspective00:04:24 From default yes to default no: Reclaiming time and creative energy00:06:28 Navigating remote work: Company culture and post-COVID office dynamics00:09:49 When revenue goes negative: COVID-era crisis stories from Rover and SeatGeek00:12:25 The Give First philosophy — and how it became Techstars' guiding principle00:17:50 Finding mentorship as a founder: What works and what definitely doesn't00:19:15 The power of peer mentorship and showing up without expectations00:23:16 How online culture's transactional mindset erodes community trust00:26:00 Boulder Startup Week and the importance of local founder energy00:30:41 Brad's Random Day tradition: 15-minute meetings, one goal per person00:35:17 Techstars vs. YC: Origins of the mentor-driven accelerator model00:40:27 Building startup communities from scratch: What actually works00:46:05 Founders must lead: Differentiating between startup communities and ecosystems00:49:00 Mentorship at scale: Applying Techstars' playbook to community growth00:54:08 Frictionless networks: Why “Give First” accelerates stronger connections01:00:16 AI's impact on software development, legal workflows, and personal productivity01:04:07 Coding with AI: Brad's firsthand experience building a web app with Cursor

“A bountiful life is driven by action, not by money.” — Pascal WagnerWhat does it really mean to be financially free—and how do you know when you have enough? In this powerful conversation, Pascal Wagner shares his journey from startup founder to investor, unpacking the mindset, strategies, and personal challenges that shaped his relationship with money. From accumulating and managing $8.5 million in assets to caring for his mother after his father's death, Pascal offers a grounded, honest look at wealth, responsibility, and growth.His worldview is clear and unapologetic: clarity compounds. He doesn't sugar-coat the emotional labour of responsibility or the discipline required to build something sustainable. What he offers is a model of financial literacy rooted in values, resilience, and focus. Not chasing the next big thing—but doing the small things right, over and over. Instead of glorifying outcomes, Pascal brings it back to process. He's not selling a dream—he's offering a strategy. His story challenges us to ask: how do I want to live? And what kind of thinker do I need to become to get there?

Jason SaltzmanBuilder of Bold Ideas for 20+ Years | Helping Others Succeed While Disrupting the Status Quo | Turning Vision into Impact, One Innovation at a TimeJason Saltzman is an entrepreneur and thought leader dedicated to creating meaningful impact through innovation. As the founder of Relief, he's revolutionizing debt management, helping people regain control of their financial futures. With two successful business exits, over a decade of mentoring startups at Techstars, and experience teaching entrepreneurship, Jason brings unmatched expertise in building and scaling transformative ventures.Want to be a guest on Book 101 Review? Send Daniel Lucas a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/17372807971394464fea5bae3 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A growing number of colleges are struggling to convert applicants into enrolled students—and to keep them engaged through graduation. With Gen Z students relying heavily on familiar digital platforms like Instagram and Discord for social interaction, traditional college tools for orientation, enrollment, and community-building often miss the mark. According to research, between 10-40% of students who accept offers at four-year institutions fail to show up in the fall—a phenomenon known as “summer melt.” The stakes are high: universities lose millions annually from melted admits, and students lose momentum toward degrees.So, what if the solution to improving student yield, engagement, and retention isn't another third-party platform—but the apps students are already using?On this episode of DisruptED, guest host Darin Francis, CEO of Harbinger Lane, speaks with Jonah Liss, COO and Co-Founder of MeetYourClass, a student engagement platform born out of Instagram class groups. Broadcasting from ASU+GSV, they discuss how this student-first innovation is helping colleges tap into the social habits of digital natives to drive enrollment outcomes.Key moments in the episode…The student-led origin of MeetYourClass: How Jonah and his co-founders evolved a social media hobby into a yield-boosting platform used by 19 universities—with zero marketing spend.Why traditional platforms fail: Students often ditch school-provided roommate finders and portals in favor of social apps they've used since middle school, contributing to disengagement and summer melt.What's next for MeetYourClass: Plans to integrate housing, events, and student life into a CRM-like platform that starts engaging students well before they apply.Jonah Liss is the COO and Co-Founder of MeetYourClass, a higher ed SaaS platform that leverages social media to increase student yield and reduce summer melt in university campuses. He has led the company's growth to over 500,000 users and partnerships with top institutions, earning recognition from Forbes 30 Under 30 and Techstars. With a background in tech, product development, and early-stage entrepreneurship, Liss has also founded a COVID-19 support platform and held roles in investment banking and data science.

Andrea Palten is the founder of CMO Growth Guide, where she helps startup founders and early-stage companies scale through effective marketing strategies. She's also the Vice President of Marketing at Techstars. With over a decade of helping thousands of founders with their marketing and scaling their businesses, Andrea specializes in building demand generation systems and teaching marketing to early-stage founders.Andrea is the creator of two courses: The Homepage Conversion System, which teaches founders how to optimize their website for clarity and conversion, and The Startup Growth System, a comprehensive program for driving traffic, capturing leads, and nurturing customers without a marketing team. With her free CMO Growth Guide Newsletter, Andrea makes complex marketing strategies accessible and actionable for entrepreneurs and startup leaders.

⛰️ ⁠⁠⁠Get started free with 30 days of unlimited Heights AI access⁠⁠⁠ ⛰️Katarina Hanssens Carlsson has helped over 2,000 entrepreneurs build a crystal-clear plan on their life and business - based on neuroscience. She's a UN Global Speaker, a mentor with TechStars, and the creator of the Entrepreneurial Success Blueprint: a method that helps you validate your business idea, uncover your zone of genius, and build a compelling vision for your future. If you're thinking about starting your own business but aren't sure what direction to take, or you want to feel confident that your idea will actually work - this episode will help.

Whether you have a team or just contractors, you are creating a workplace culture. In this episode of The Essential Shift Podcast, I'm joined by Miks and Cam, co-founders of Capyble - a Techstars-backed platform that helps businesses turn respect-at-work legislation into meaningful, measurable action.We dive deep into what it really takes to build safer, smarter workplaces - from listening to lived experience, to weaving cultural safety into operations, to using AI without losing humanity. This is a big conversation on leadership, boundaries, and creating work cultures that don't just tick the box - but transform it.If you are a leader in your business, you should listen to this. Set the foundations early and create a safe place for people to work (even if they are only doing 3 hours a week in your business). ✨ Want to connect and build your business with a support network? ⁠JOIN THE CIRCLE⁠ ✨KEY EPISODE TAKEAWAYSWhy safety isn't just physical - it's emotional, cultural, and structuralWhat we get wrong about leadership (especially in small businesses)How to use AI in ways that protect, not perpetuate, harmThe mindset shift from performative compliance to practical impactWhy boundaries are leadership skills – not personality traitsSHOW RESOURCESLearn more about Capyble – HEREJOIN THE CIRCLE – A community for conscious, creative entrepreneurs - HEREFollow me on Instagram – HEREFind me on LinkedIn – HEREABOUT THE GUESTSMiks is a serial global entrepreneur who believes business is a tool for creating positive structural change. She's had 3 successful exits and is now full-time on Capyble, with a mission to bring expertise to 1 million workplaces by 2030. She's a TEDx speaker and has been recognised as a finalist for the Women in Digital Rising Star of the Year 2024, Young Australian of the Year (QLD), AFR Top 100 Women of Influence, and more. Miks is a Harvard alum and Techstars Sydney 2024 participant.Cam has spent the last decade building profitable social enterprises and educational products, with a background in world-building and strategy for narrative-led companies. A master of translating complexity into clarity, he now focuses on making expert support accessible through Capyble, and creating better ways for survivors to share their stories with workplaces and communities through Impact by Design.Bless it be.With love,Laetitia

This week, I'm joined once again by Alejandro Gutierrez, now officially leading Solana Superteam Ireland, a new initiative powered by the Solana Foundation to accelerate Web3 innovation across the entire island of Ireland.In this conversation, Alejandro and I go deep on how Solana Superteam Ireland came to life, why the momentum is building so quickly, and what this means for Ireland as a Web3 hub.Alejandro shares how he went from convincing Dogpatch Labs to give him a table and a few chairs to creating a thriving Talent Hub that's now attracting builders every Friday. That energy evolved into the Dublin BuildStation, a collaborative space supporting 19 project submissions to the recent Solana Colosseum Hackathon.From stablecoin payments and agentic AI to health tech and startup funding, we talk about the intersection of talent, ecosystem development, and the future of digital finance on Solana in Ireland.In this episode:How Alejandro kicked off Solana Superteam Ireland from the ground upThe role of Dogpatch Labs and Solana Foundation in backing Irish buildersWhy Ireland is uniquely positioned for Web3 leadershipThe Dublin BuildStation and how it supports foundersEmerging verticals in Solana: payments, AI, and healthcareThe potential for a silent stablecoin revolution in the Irish payments landscapeThe importance of community, continuity, and open collaborationWhat's next: Dublin Startup Village, university engagement, and moreEVENTS:Dublin Tech Week - May 23rd- 30th, 2025 - full event listingCryptoMondays Ireland with ETHDublin, Solana Superteam Ireland & Techstars - 26th May 2025Techstars Web3 2025 Demo Day at NYTechWeek (NYC) - 4th June 2025LINKS:Solana Superteam Ireland:  Website  |  X/(Twitter)  |  LinkedInAlejandro Gutierrez: X/(Twitter)  |  LinkedInLeave a review & subscribe on: Apple Podcasts  |  Spotify  |  MoneyNeverSleeps (website)Email us: info@norioventures.comPete Townsend:  X/Twitter  |  LinkedIn MoneyNeverSleeps:  X/Twitter  |  LinkedIn  |  Newsletter

A Senior PGA golfer wanted to be kept abreast of all the new discoveries being made in sports psychology. So, he asked Dr Bob Rotella, a world-renowned sports psychologist, to bring him up to speed with the latest developments. Dr Rotella guided Rory McIlroy towards his recent Grand Slam Masters victory. Here is Bob's response: "I had to tell him that most of what passes for discovery in sports psychology really isn't new. There is just the same old wisdom, repeated over and over again, repackaged in new terminology." Taken from his wonderful book 'Golf Is Not a Game of Perfect', not only an excellent book for golfers who wish to improve, but in my mind a guide to how to live your life Pitch for Investment: The same applies to Pitching and the templates offered up as state-of-the-art (that expression is now out of date) by the likes of Sequoid Capital, Kawasaki's 10/20/30 formula, and then there are also Y Combinator, Techstars and many others. All using their own words to describe more or less the same questions that need answering if you wish to win funding. I strongly agree with all of the advice provided by these esteemed organisations. You must address each of these headings: The Problem, Solution, Market Size, Route-to-Market, Traction, Competition, Team and most importantly the ASK However, when coaching my clients, I use storytelling/visual words and place great emphasis on the order in which they present each of these topics. There is no right or wrong order to tell your story. How you answer the questions an investor needs to know will change as your business ideas evolve. Sometimes the focus should be on the team, other times it's the product, and when Sales are generated, it's the key to unlocking investment. However, I believe you must start with the PROBLEM Story. A Pitch should be a story that people will remember and be capable of retelling to others. If they are engaged enough and capable of retelling your story, you are on the road to success. The best pitches are always stories delivered conversationally. I tell my clients to - Stop Selling, Pitching, Lecturing and Sermonising. These styles of presenting no longer engage. Converse with people, and they will listen and engage: Investors hear thousands of pitches, and most are not memorable or investable. A good pitch coach will help you tell your story so that people understand, see the opportunity and want to engage further - the first step on the road to winning funding. My Goal: I want the people I work with to wake up every morning excited, because every day is another opportunity to chase their dreams. By Executive Coach Andrew Keogh of Aristo.ie More about Irish Tech News Irish Tech News are Ireland's No. 1 Online Tech Publication and often Ireland's No.1 Tech Podcast too. You can find hundreds of fantastic previous episodes and subscribe using whatever platform you like via our Anchor.fm page here: https://anchor.fm/irish-tech-news If you'd like to be featured in an upcoming Podcast email us at Simon@IrishTechNews.ie now to discuss. Irish Tech News have a range of services available to help promote your business. Why not drop us a line at Info@IrishTechNews.ie now to find out more about how we can help you reach our audience. You can also find and follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and Snapchat.

Applications are open for the next accelerator program! In this episode, Neal Bloom chats with Misti Cain, the new Managing Director of Techstars San Diego powered by SDSU. They discuss the upcoming Year 3 of the program, the application process, and what makes an ideal founder and company for the accelerator. Misty shares insights into the benefits of the SDSU partnership, the updated investment terms, and the importance of community and mentorship in the Techstars ecosystem. Key Topics: - Introduction of Misty Cain as the new Managing Director - Overview of Techstars San Diego powered by SDSU Year 3 - Application details: Open from April 8 to June 11, 2024 - Ideal founder and company profile - Benefits of the SDSU partnership - Updated investment terms: $220,000 total with $200,000 uncapped MFN safe - Importance of community and mentorship - Shoutout to Ryan Kuder for his contributions to Techstars in San Diego - Misty's favorite taco spot: Puesto in Del Mar   Links and Resources: - Techstars San Diego powered by SDSU Information - Refer Founders   Connect with Misty Cain: - LinkedIn: Misti Cain https://www.linkedin.com/in/misticain/ Connect with Neal Bloom: - LinkedIn: Neal Bloom https://www.linkedin.com/in/nealbbloom - Twitter: @NealBloom https://twitter.com/NealBloom

From Surfboards to Sustainable CompositesWhat started as a DIY surfboard made from recycled cardboard quickly turned into a deep-tech material startup. François initially entered—and won—an innovation competition in California. But the surf industry was too niche, so he pivoted to a broader mission: replace carbon-intensive materials in furniture, mobility, and industrial design.What Is Airboard's Innovation?Airboard transforms recycled cardboard into composite sandwich panels, competing directly with wood, aluminum, and even honeycomb cores. Their breakthrough lies not just in the material—but in the machinery they've developed to treat and mold the waste without water or high energy use. The result: lightweight, strong, and fully moldable bio-based composites.Scaling Through Machines, Not MegafactoriesUnlike traditional manufacturers, Airboard isn't building one big factory. Instead, they're creating a scalable machinery platform, inspired by models like Tetra Pak, to enable local production at the source of waste. This distributed approach is designed to keep emissions low and business margins healthy.The Challenges of Hardware-Led InnovationDeveloping novel materials is hard. Developing machines to produce those materials is even harder. François shares how most of Airboard's progress has been self-funded or bootstrapped—and why fundraising is now critical to accelerate R&D and scale production. The team is currently raising €2 million to build next-generation machines and meet growing demand.The Power of Events: From Techstars to JEC WorldAirboard's journey was accelerated by attending JEC World 2024 as a visitor. There, François connected with Techstars, joined their sustainability accelerator, and gained exposure to investors and industrial partners. A year later, Airboard returned as an exhibitor—now part of JEC Startup Booster, the Innovation Planet, and the bio-based materials showcase.Why Airboard's Model ResonatesBio-based & circular: They reuse waste without water or chemicals.Low-energy manufacturing: Their machines are analog, efficient, and easy to deploy.Custom shaping: Thanks to composites, the material can be molded into complex designs.No sanding: Their process eliminates time-consuming post-processing steps.The Bigger Vision: Local MicrofactoriesFrançois isn't chasing headcount or mass centralization. His vision is a network of local microfactories, embedded in places where cardboard waste is abundant. From automotive OEMs to IKEA-style furniture producers, he believes Airboard machines could sit within customer facilities, enabling on-demand, sustainable material production.A Fresh Take on SustainabilityWhen asked what's most needed for real sustainability in the composites industry, François doesn't cite regulation or capital. He says: time. Time to think differently, to explore outside the box, and to develop better systems. “The most valuable thing in the world is time,” he says—something big manufacturers often lack.Learn More About AirboardWebsite: [Coming soon — follow updates on Trashboard]Instagram: @trashboardLinkedIn: François JaubertCurrently raising: €2M to scale production and finalize next-gen machines Be sure to follow Sesamers on Instagram, LinkedIn, and X for more cool stories from the people we catch during the best Tech events!

In this episode of the Invest In Her Podcast, host Catherine Gray talks with Helena Wasserman, climate tech investor, co-founder of Investors for Climate, and driving force behind more than $40M in capital raised for sustainable startups. With a decade of experience at the Clinton Foundation, Techstars, and Top Tier Impact, Helena is passionate about moving capital to founders solving the world's biggest climate challenges. She also leads a 400+ member global investor network and is an Earthshot Prize nominator. Catherine and Helena dig into what it takes to build and fund the next generation of climate tech innovators. Helena shares how her Unstoppable program empowers founders with capital-raising strategies and how her own investment portfolio includes 11+ startups, including one that IPO'd. From investor tips to the importance of diversity in climate tech, this episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to understand the intersection of sustainability, entrepreneurship, and funding. Websites Mentioned: https://www.investorsforclimate.com https://www.helenawasserman.com https://www.showherthemoneymovie.com https://svwomenfoundersfund.vc www.sheangelinvestors.com    Follow Us On Social Facebook @sheangelinvestors Twitter (X) @sheangelsinvest Instagram @sheangelinvestors & @catherinegray_investinher LinkedIn @catherinelgray & @sheangels  

Este episodio con Alejandro Russo es para serie de Netflix. Partió creando la app de restaurantes más usada en Chile. Luego se fue a Techstars en Nueva York. Ayudó a ponerle el nombre a NotCo. Casi levanta medio millón de dólares con Mark Cuban en Shark Tank. Y cuando pensó que todo se había acabado, se fue a tomar un shot a una piscina en Punta Cana. Y ese shot cambió su vida para siempre. Hoy es el fundador de Candela, una marca de ron basada en la mamajuana. Una receta legendaria de República Dominicana, con más misterio que El Absent, y más flow que Pitbull. Literalmente. Porque Armando Pérez, más conocido como Pitbull, es su socio. Este episodio es una masterclass de reinvención, identidad y cómo volver a empezar después de tocar fondo. Agradecimientos a mis auspiciadores Nescafé - Un café que conecta perfecto con lo que siempre escuchamos en este espacio: historias de personas que con mucha dedicación, han logrado cosas increíbles. https://www.nescafe.com/cl/ Flycrew - Convierte tu comunidad en tu negocio, todas las herramientas que necesitas para ganar plata en Internet. Consigue 7 días gratis en https://flycrew.com Examedi - Deja de perder tiempo y hazte tus exámenes de sangre en tu casa. Anda a https://examedi.cl y consigue un 20% de descuento usando el código "NICO" This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit norellana.substack.com

This week in the guest chair we have Kristen Dunning, founder and CEO of Gently Soap - a bathing brand built on her self-developed herbal infusions. An MBA grad, Kristen hails from a rare five generations of Black Alabama farmers, and she's continuing the legacy by bringing joy back to bathing experiences for people with sensitive skin, using the medicinal properties of plants.In this episode she shares:Her vigorous passion and research that landed her on Shark TankHer secret sauce to having a rate of 78% repeat customersHow she won over 300K in investment capital and has a trajectory of $1.2M in salesHighlights Include:00:00 Intro03:24 Generations of Black farmers06:38 Struggle with eczema08:45 Studying horticulture and agriculture14:10 Staring Gently Soaps18:03 Transitioning to selling at markets21:31 Importance of formulating for sensitive skin28:56 Sales growth and Shark Tank impact32:55 High margins and sales 39:49 Marketing strategies44:03 Tips for entrepreneurs Check out episode 459 of Side Hustle Pro podcast out now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTubeLinks mentioned in this episodeGently Soap Website: https://gentlysoap.com/ Gently Soap Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gentlysoap/Kristen's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/professionalplantgirl/ Kristen's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristendunning/ Shark Tank episode: https://gentlysoap.com/pages/shark-tank Aveeno start-up pitch competition: https://www.aveeno.com/startup-collective Thirteen Lune: https://thirteenlune.com/ Tech Stars: https://www.techstars.com/ Click here to subscribe via RSS feed (non-iTunes feed): http://sidehustlepro.libsyn.com/rssAnnouncementsJoin our Facebook CommunityIf you're looking for a community of supportive side hustlers who are all working to take our businesses to the next level, join us here: http://sidehustlepro.co/facebook Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We always say your best business partner can be in the most surprising places. Today, we discuss why holding a global mindset and helping new companies with their first funding boost, regardless of location, makes for a healthier business ecosystem.   Jenny Fielding, the co-founder and managing partner of Everywhere Ventures, is a big believer in the game-changing impact of global entrepreneurship. From her own journey as an accidental entrepreneur turned venture capitalist, she stresses the importance of backing founders in the early stages with key resources like mentorship, funding, and connections.   With investments spread across the world, Jenny pushes for a global perspective in entrepreneurship, urging entrepreneurs to embrace diverse cultures for resilience and adaptability. Her "everywhere mindset" highlights the potential of dynamic startup scenes globally, motivating entrepreneurs to broaden their horizons and expand their knowledge to thrive in an interconnected world.   These are the highlights of our conversation:   -Jenny's global network of 500+ founders and operators helps source early-stage companies from all over the world. These founders act as her eyes and ears on the ground. -Why she invests at the pre-seed stage and focuses more on the people than the ideas. She looks for visionary, resilient founders who are building for a future that doesn't exist yet. - Her new book, Venture Everywhere, follows the journey through 12 countries where Jenny interviewed founders who overcame major obstacles to build billion-dollar companies. It's all about having a global, open-minded, resilient mindset. -Jenny became a founder accidentally, starting her first company while still working full-time. Her second company failed, but that experience taught her valuable lessons she now uses to support other founders as a venture capitalist. About the guest: Jenny Fielding is one of the most active global pre-seed investors in the world, having invested in 300+ companies as the first money in. As the Co-founder and Managing Partner of  Everywhere Ventures, Jenny has built a thriving community of 500+ founders and operators who help source, diligence, and invest in the next generation of startups across 3 core verticals: money, health, and work.   Prior to launching her own fund, Jenny spent 7.5 years as the Managing Director of Techstars where she invested in a portfolio of companies with a current market cap over $10B. Jenny is a 2x founder, a lawyer by training, and an adjunct professor at Columbia University and Cornell Tech.   Connect with Jenny: Website: https://www.jennyfielding.com/ Website: https://everywhere.vc/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennyfielding/ Twitter/X: https://x.com/jefielding   Connect with Allison: Feedspot has named Disruptive CEO Nation as one of the Top 25 CEO Podcasts on the web, and it is ranked the number 6 CEO podcast to listen to in 2025! https://podcasts.feedspot.com/ceo_podcasts/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/allisonsummerschicago/ Website: https://www.disruptiveceonation.com/    #CEO #leadership #startup #founder #business #businesspodcast  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, we sit down with Jesse Hamel, former Air Force gunship aviator turned Techstars startup founder, to explore the groundbreaking work his company Victus AI is doing in the world of autonomous drone systems.Jesse shares his journey from military service to launching Victus out of MIT Sandbox, where the mission is to redefine drone autonomy through software-driven navigation without GPS—also known as alternative PNT.We dive into:The evolution of drone warfare and national securityWhy the 2025–2035 era will be the Decade of RoboticsHow dual-use technology impacts both defense and commercial sectorsReal-world applications in agriculture, infrastructure, disaster response, and even organ transport

i'm wall-e, welcoming you to today's tech briefing for monday, april 21. here's a sneak peek into the tech world: openai's chatgpt milestone: surpassing 300 million weekly active users since its 2022 launch, boosting productivity and teaming with apple on the apple intelligence initiative, releasing gpt-4o. openai's internal and legal challenges: facing departures of key figures like ilya sutskever, legal issues with media outlets, and competition from chinese firm deepseek. openai's strategic maneuvers: strengthening washington ties, planning funding rounds, and launching new models and a major data center project. techstars investment increase: raising investment to $220,000 per company for fall 2025, offering cash for equity and an uncapped safe note, enhancing startup capital flexibility. bluesky's new verification system: launching a decentralized blue check system, enabling trusted organizations to verify accounts, contrasting with musk's centralized approach on x. openai's ongoing ai risks: despite innovations, the latest models o3 and o4-mini face scrutiny due to high "hallucination" rates, emphasizing ai accuracy challenges. that's all for today. we'll see you back here tomorrow with more tech updates!

We all say we care about customer experience. But most businesses still treat CX like a buzzword…something that sits on a Miro board, disconnected from how the customer actually moves through your brand.In this episode, I'm joined by the brilliant Brittany Fox, Founder and CEO of Nevam, a platform transforming how teams visualise, prioritise and fix broken customer journeys.We dive into how CX often gets misunderstood, why most “customer journey” maps are missing huge blind spots, and what solopreneurs, startups, and large teams alike can do to close the gap between insight and execution. If you've ever wondered how to make your customer experience more human, intuitive, and action-oriented, this conversation is for you.If you LOVE the episode, don't forget to share it on your Instagram stories and tag me @essential.shift!KEY EPISODE TAKEAWAYSWhat is a customer experience The biggest myths about customer experienceHow Brittany went from Deloitte to launching Nevam during maternity leaveWhat solopreneurs and small teams can do right now to improve CX without breaking the bankThe mindset shift that helped Britt back herself and build a platform that's changing the way brands operateSHOW RESOURCESLearn more about Nevam – HEREEmail Britt directly – HEREConnect with Britt on LinkedIn – HEREJOIN THE CIRCLE to connect and grow with other entrepreneurs – HEREWork with me 1:1 – HEREFollow me on Instagram – HEREFind me on LinkedIn – HEREABOUT THE GUESTBrittany Fox is the Founder and CEO of Nevam, a platform built to help teams visualise, prioritise, and fix broken customer journeys - fast.After leading marketing execution for brands like GAP and consulting at Deloitte, she kept seeing the same problem: businesses had no way to see the entire customer journey in one place. Nevam was born from that frustration - and from her kitchen table, during maternity leave.In just 12 months, Nevam was selected by Techstars, built an MVP in 12 weeks, and signed its first enterprise client before launch. Britt is now on a mission to bring clarity and action to the chaos of CX, helping brands create seamless, human-first experiences.Bless it be.With love,Laetitia

Alpha Human - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?... Summer Camp - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?... Дэлгэрэнгүй мэдээллийг 8900-7771 Би 10+ жилийн туршлагатай Life coach бөгөөд PLAY Academy and Балиар Өөдрөг-ийн үүсгэн байгуулагч, номын зохиолч, сквошийн Спортын мастер, мөн био хакер юм. Би АНУ-ын тэргүүлэгч гарааны бизнесийн хөрөнгө оруулалтын Techstars компанийн ахлах захирал, АНУ-д санхүүгийн бакалавр болон MBA зэрэг хамгаалсан. Миний зорилго – хүмүүст өөрийгөө хөгжүүлэх, бие махбод, сэтгэл санаагаа удирдаж, хүссэн амьдралаа бүтээхэд туслах. Холбоо барих:

Sometimes, we don't have the option of masking, hiding, and attempting to fit in. As a female of color from an unstable family, today's guest Mina Raver dropped out of high school after being identified as gifted and diagnosed with ADHD, Autism, and Oppositional Defiant Disorder. This set her on a non-conventional path that has dramatically accelerated her growth. Mina has been developing solutions for neurodivergent individuals for years, but being selected as a Techstars participant in 2024 taught her the importance of doing things her way, which has led to the Better CEO app. Better CEO leverages neuroscience, human learning modalities, and machine learning to create the world's first individually adaptive productivity software, designed for the 30% of entrepreneurs who struggle with productivity due to ADHD. Better CEO is available now in the mobile version and will soon be available in the desktop version as well. Because so many adults with ADHD struggle to find software and other tools that actually work for us, I consider becoming an early adopter of Better CEO to be an opportunity to contribute to making this app everything we need it to be, through sharing our feedback with a developer who actually cares. Once you listen to this interview, I bet you will too. Episode Highlights:Disruptive AF: With no technical background, Mina taught herself to code and is building tools to revolutionize productivity for neurodivergent brains. Redefining Productivity: Dive into Mina's holistic approach to understanding brains and hear why she believes current productivity standards just aren't cut out for neurodivergent folk.Passion Over Profit: Discover why Mina opted out of traditional funding pursuits and chose to pave her distinctive path, focusing on genuine impact rather than investor expectations.Own Your Narrative: Mina liberated herself from people-pleasing and permission-seeking, setting an example for other neurodivergent visionaries ready to claim their space and impact the world on their terms.Mic Drop Moment:

Andrew Cleland, Chief Investment Officer at Techstars, shares how the world's leading accelerator invests in early-stage startups. He breaks down what makes a great founder, how Techstars selects startups from tens of thousands of applicants, and why a strong technical differentiator is crucial. Andrew reveals the most common reasons startups get rejected and how Techstars mentors founders to avoid early mistakes. He also talks about the biggest themes shaping the future of venture capital.In this episode, you'll learn:[03:00] How Andrew's background in consulting, startups, and venture capital led him to Techstars [07:34] How Techstars selects startups from thousands of applications—what matters most[14:01] The #1 mistake founders make when applying to Techstars, and how to avoid[20:50] Why founders need to build investor relationships early when thinking about fundraising[26:04] Why the VC industry needs more transparency—and how that benefits foundersThe non-profit organization Andrew is passionate about: Magic BusAbout Andrew ClelandAndrew Cleland is the Chief Investment Officer at Techstars, where he oversees investment strategy, fundraising, and portfolio growth across Techstars' global network of accelerators. With over two decades in venture capital and early-stage investing, he previously led investments at Comcast Ventures and Time Warner Investments. An INSEAD MBA graduate, Andrew has backed dozens of high-growth startups and is focused on empowering the next generation of global founders.About TechstarsTechstars is one of the world's leading startup accelerators, backing thousands of early-stage companies across 50+ accelerator programs worldwide. Since 2006, Techstars has helped launch 20+ unicorns, including SendGrid, DigitalOcean, Uber, Twilio, DataRobot and Outreach. The program provides mentorship, funding, and global networks to help startups scale fast.Subscribe to our podcast and stay tuned for our next episode.

Sometimes, we don't have the option of masking, hiding, and attempting to fit in. As a female of color from an unstable family, today's guest Mina Raver dropped out of high school after being identified as gifted and diagnosed with ADHD, Autism, and Oppositional Defiant Disorder. This set her on a non-conventional path that has dramatically accelerated her growth. Mina has been developing solutions for neurodivergent individuals for years, but being selected as a Techstars participant in 2024 taught her the importance of doing things her way, which has led to the Better CEO app. Better CEO leverages neuroscience, human learning modalities, and machine learning to create the world's first individually adaptive productivity software, designed for the 30% of entrepreneurs who struggle with productivity due to ADHD. Better CEO is available now in the mobile version and will soon be available in the desktop version as well. Because so many adults with ADHD struggle to find software and other tools that actually work for us, I consider becoming an early adopter of Better CEO to be an opportunity to contribute to making this app everything we need it to be, through sharing our feedback with a developer who actually cares. Once you listen to this interview, I bet you will too. Episode Highlights:Disruptive AF: With no technical background, Mina taught herself to code and is building tools to revolutionize productivity for neurodivergent brains. Redefining Productivity: Dive into Mina's holistic approach to understanding brains and hear why she believes current productivity standards just aren't cut out for neurodivergent folk.Passion Over Profit: Discover why Mina opted out of traditional funding pursuits and chose to pave her distinctive path, focusing on genuine impact rather than investor expectations.Own Your Narrative: Mina liberated herself from people-pleasing and permission-seeking, setting an example for other neurodivergent visionaries ready to claim their space and impact the world on their terms.Mic Drop Moment:

What if you could turn cold LinkedIn leads into million-dollar LP investors on autopilot? Discover how Pascal Wagner, a former VC at Techstars who deployed $150M into 300+ startups, reveals how he transitioned from chasing unicorns to building a rock-solid, six-figure passive income stream through real estate and alternative investments. Tune in to discover the exact funnel Pascal uses to generate 10–20 accredited leads per week, why debt funds dominate his strategy, and how he engineered a scalable, trust-first approach that aligns perfectly with today's sophisticated investor mindset.5 Key Takeaways to learn from this episode:LPs Are Underserved: While everyone teaches you how to raise capital as a GP, few teach how to be a savvy, strategic LP—Pascal's mission is to change that.Debt Funds = Consistent Cash Flow: Pascal explains why debt investments offer lower risk, more predictability, and easier vetting than equity deals—especially for conservative investors nearing retirement.The Passive Investor Funnel: His funnel—LinkedIn content → Weekly Deal Email → Second Opinion Call → Cashflow Academy → Fund Investment—is a masterclass in nurturing high-intent leads with education and trust.Proof Over Promise: Pascal doesn't sell pipe dreams—he shows his own $100K+ passive income results and his mom's real portfolio to build instant credibility.LinkedIn Done Right: Learn how Pascal generates daily leads through emotionally resonant, value-packed content—with zero outbound messaging—while tracking every conversion like a true marketer.About Tim MaiTim Mai is a real estate investor, fund manager, mentor, and founder of HERO Mastermind for REI coaches.He has helped many real estate investors and coaches become millionaires. Tim continues to help busy professionals earn income and build wealth through passive investing.He is also a creative marketer and promoter with incredible knowledge and experience, which he freely shares. He has lifted himself from the aftermath of war, achieving technical expertise in computers, followed by investment success in real estate, management skills, and a lofty position among real estate educators and internet marketers.Tim is an industry leader who has acquired and exited well over $50 million worth of real estate and is currently an investor in over 2700 units of multifamily apartments.Connect with TimWebsite: Capital Raising PartyFacebook: Tim Mai | Capital Raising Nation Instagram: @timmaicomTwitter: @timmaiLinkedIn: Tim MaiYouTube: Tim Mai

In this episode, Tim Grace, Managing Partner at Techstars Columbus, joins Duane Mancini to unpack the dynamic world of startup acceleration and venture funding. Tim shares his journey from a tech background to leading a pivotal Techstars program, and discusses the creation of the LongJump venture fund. We delve into the origins and growth of Techstars Columbus, exploring the successes of its various cohorts and the unique ecosystem it fosters. Tim provides invaluable insights into common startup pitfalls, particularly the critical mistake of neglecting customer validation. We also cover essential strategies for preparing for fundraising, and the key factors investors look for. Tune in to gain a behind-the-scenes look at how Techstars Columbus is shaping the future of innovation and entrepreneurship in the Midwest.Tim Grace LinkedInTechstars LinkedInTechstars Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Duane Mancini LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Project Medtech LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Project Medtech Website ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Midwest Showcase Registration⁠

On this episode of the Startup of the Year Podcast, our host, entrepreneur, and investor, Frank Gruber (https://www.linkedin.com/in/frankgruber), is joined by Jenny Fielding.   Jenny Fielding is the co-founder and Managing Partner of Everywhere Ventures, an early-stage fund that has invested in over 300 companies across the globe. Take a look at Jenny's website here: https://www.jennyfielding.com   She is also the former Managing Director of Techstars and has mentored hundreds of founders through her work as an investor and entrepreneur.   Jenny recently authored "Venture Everywhere," a book that explores global entrepreneurship, the importance of investing in diverse ecosystems, and the mindset required to succeed as a startup founder. Her experience spans across industries, and she has been instrumental in supporting the next generation of innovators. You can order your copy here: https://amzn.to/3FyWYQX   We invite you all to join our Startup of the Year community today to access the support, expert advice, and resources you need to elevate your startup by going to: www.est.us/join   Thank you for listening, and as always, please check out the Established website and subscribe to the newsletter at: www.est.us   Subscribe to the Startup of the Year podcast: https://podcast.startupofyear.com/   Subscribe to the Established YouTube Channel: https://soty.link/ESTYouTube     Startup of the Year helps diverse, emerging startups, founding teams, and entrepreneurs push their company to the next level. We are a competition, a global community, and a resource. Startup of the Year is also a year-long program that searches the country for a geographically diverse set of startups from all backgrounds and pulls them together to compete for the title of Startup of the Year. Checkout Startup of the Year at: www.startupofyear.com   The program includes a number of in-person and virtual events, including our annual South By Southwest startup pitch event and competition. All of which culminates at our annual Startup of the Year Summit, where the Startup of the Year winner is announced, along with an opportunity at a potential investment.   Established is a consultancy focused on helping organizations with innovation, startup, and communication strategies. It is the power behind Startup of the Year. Created by the talent responsible for building the Tech.Co brand (acquired by an international publishing company), we are leveraging decades of experience to help our collaborators best further (or create) their brand & accomplish their most important goals. Check out Established at: www.established.us Connect with us on X (formerly Twitter) - @EstablishedUs  Connect with us on Facebook - facebook.com/established.us

Ep. 157 features Will Martin from LiveDuel, a decentralized blockchain-based betting exchange aiming to simplify sports betting with crypto innovations. This episode was recorded on-site at the NEXT Summit New York in March 2024. Hear him discuss: How a $300 TikTok filter campaign for the 2022 World Cup won Marketing Genius at The Starties The origin of LiveDuel from Will's background in arbitrage, prop trading, and meme stocks Why they're creating a hybrid model between sportsbooks and betting exchanges How liquidity pools and smart contracts enable a smooth betting experience The evolution of their thesis amid the rise of prediction markets like Polymarket and Kalshi Their go-to-market strategy, and who they see as their ideal target customer Why they are focused on soccer only for the time being Regulatory challenges of launching a crypto-based platform, especially in the U.S. Their experience in Techstars, and current efforts to raise a new round of capital Creative marketing approaches that stood out at The Starties awards   Catch the video version of this episode here.   Learn more

Mohamed “Mo” Ahmed is a dynamic serial entrepreneur and product visionary with over 20 years in AI and cloud computing. Known for his expertise in building and scaling companies, Mo has achieved multiple successful exits with 7x markups, a testament to his strategic insight and innovative approach. As the author of Inside-Out Entrepreneurship, he shares a unique perspective on building resilience and mental endurance for the entrepreneurial journey. Mo is also a dedicated startup advisor with leading accelerator programs like 500 Startups and TechStars, where he has helped founders secure over $30 million in funding. His entrepreneurial conditioning framework has become an invaluable tool for diverse founders, guiding them in overcoming challenges and sustaining growth. Mo's commitment to empowering others makes him a transformative figure in the startup ecosystem, inspiring founders to approach entrepreneurship with a growth mindset and achieve lasting impact.Learn more: https://mohamedfahmed.com or https://boundlessfounder.co/Influential Entrepreneurs with Mike Saundershttps://businessinnovatorsradio.com/influential-entrepreneurs-with-mike-saunders/Source: https://businessinnovatorsradio.com/interview-with-mohamed-ahmed-author-of-inside-out-entrepreneurship

Mohamed “Mo” Ahmed is a dynamic serial entrepreneur and product visionary with over 20 years in AI and cloud computing. Known for his expertise in building and scaling companies, Mo has achieved multiple successful exits with 7x markups, a testament to his strategic insight and innovative approach. As the author of Inside-Out Entrepreneurship, he shares a unique perspective on building resilience and mental endurance for the entrepreneurial journey. Mo is also a dedicated startup advisor with leading accelerator programs like 500 Startups and TechStars, where he has helped founders secure over $30 million in funding. His entrepreneurial conditioning framework has become an invaluable tool for diverse founders, guiding them in overcoming challenges and sustaining growth. Mo's commitment to empowering others makes him a transformative figure in the startup ecosystem, inspiring founders to approach entrepreneurship with a growth mindset and achieve lasting impact.Learn more: https://mohamedfahmed.com or https://boundlessfounder.co/Influential Entrepreneurs with Mike Saundershttps://businessinnovatorsradio.com/influential-entrepreneurs-with-mike-saunders/Source: https://businessinnovatorsradio.com/interview-with-mohamed-ahmed-author-of-inside-out-entrepreneurship

Alex Raymond is a 3x tech startup founder and entrepreneur who made the journey up from Boulder to The LoCo Experience studio to share his journey and some wisdom he's learned along the way.  He was an early client of TechStars, and has been a long-term mentor in the program.  And - he share how listeners can expand their business brains and mindfulness at the Conscious Entrepreneur Summit - upcoming May 28 and 29 in Boulder.  Alex is also the Host of the Conscious Entrepreneur Podcast, which has hosted many dozens of conscious leaders on topics as diverse as building teams for scaling, developing a personal brand, or redefining happiness in your life.  He's also a generous guy, and gave our listeners the opportunity to save $100 off your Summit tickets by March 31 - use code LOCO - and one lucky listener will win 50% off tickets - but you'll have to listen to win!  As always, Alex and I enjoyed a wide-ranging conversation, dialing in on crucial business and life principals - and chasing lots of squirrels.  So please enjoy - as I did, my conversation with Alex Raymond.  The LoCo Experience Podcast is sponsored by: Purpose Driven Wealth Thrivent: Learn more

Pascal Wagner earns over $150k/year in passive income through 20+ LP investments and another $100k/year from his 100+ unit co-living portfolio in Atlanta. With experience deploying $150M into 200+ companies over 3 years at Techstars, Pascal blends institutional knowledge with the hands-on understanding of being a real estate operator.With Pascal's guidance, you'll have everything you need to confidently build and grow your own cash-flowing portfolio. His newsletter delivers exclusive deal flow every week, his workshops reveal the strategies behind his success, and he provides the unique opportunity to invest alongside him. If you're ready to follow his path and build a cash-flowing portfolio, sign up for his starter kit at PassiveInvestingStarterKit.com.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Pascal Wagner and His Journey02:46 Current Market Insights and Passive Investing06:08 Pascal's Origin Story in Real Estate08:58 Building a Diverse Investment Portfolio12:02 Lessons Learned from Passive Investing14:48 Understanding Risk and Returns18:06 Defining the Buy Box for Investments21:07 Diversification Strategies in Passive Investing27:04 Investment Strategies: Learning from Experience29:12 Building a Cash Flow Academy: Guiding New Investors32:08 Creating a Roadmap for Passive Income36:39 The Importance of Transparency in Investments37:24 Educational Resources for New Investors40:31 Key Due Diligence Questions for Investors43:58 Personal Bucket List Adventures45:51 Investment Choices: Where to Put Your MoneyKeywordsreal estate, passive investing, market insights, investment strategies, risk management, diversification, cash flow, equity growth, portfolio management, financial education, investment strategies, passive income, cash flow academy, transparency in investments, due diligence questions, educational resources, personal finance, real estate investing, investment roadmap, investor educationRANDY SMITHConnect with our host, Randy Smith, for more educational content or to discuss investment opportunities in the real estate syndication space at www.impactequity.net, https://www.linkedin.com/in/randallsmith or on Instagram at @randysmithinvestor

On the latest episode of the podcast, we talk about freeing up time for creative thinking thanks to speeding up and automating processes with AI. Our guest Anuj Adhiya, Expert-in-Residence for Growth at Techstars, shares what he's learnt from Dr Richard Feynman's autobiography, why he advises marketers to focus on decisions and hypotheses first, and how he thinks AI growth ops can help brands grow faster and more efficiently. 

The World Wide Web has gone through various iterations. Starting with Web 1.0, moving onto Web 2.0 and now Web 3.0. Each version of the world wide web evolved adopting the latest tech available, with Web 3.0 adopting tech such as AI and Blockchain. One person who knows all about Web 3.0 also known as Web3 is Pete Townsend the Managing Director of Techstars Web3 Accelerator. Ronan recently caught up with Pete Townsend before the upcoming March 10th event that aims to kick off the Techstars Web3 Class of 2025.Pete talks about his background, Blockchain, Techstars, Web3, the upcoming March 10th event and more.More about the Techstars Web3 Accelerator:This accelerator works with entrepreneurs building in web3 and enabling the next wave of growth in the decentralised internet and in tokenised economies. Investing in and accelerating founders enabling the onboarding and engagement of the first one billion users of web3.

This week Adam Burrows speaks with Adam Kitain, the co-founder of Intelligems, a profit growth platform designed to assist e-commerce brands in making informed decisions through experimentation and personalization. The company is a Techstars 2021 Boulder grad and recently secured a successful funding round. Adam has a strong background in engineering and operations, having previously worked at the ride-sharing company (Via), where he contributed to the development of dynamic pricing models. Kitain shares his journey launching Intelligems and his decision to base it in Colorado over traditional tech hubs. He emphasizes the importance of customer-first strategies, including lessons learned from his experiences during the company's evolution.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.

On this episode of Grow With Us, Evan speaks with Seyi Fakoya, CTO and Co-Founder of Gamr. We talk about the Techstars Accelerator program in Tulsa, the Gamr platform and community, and how mentorship and volunteering can expand your networks. Join us today! Subscribe on Apple Podcasts and Spotify to get notified of our new releases and share with anyone who wants to learn more about Tulsa!If you are interested in looking at our open career opportunities, don't forget to check out our career website: https://careers.intulsa.com/Join our Talent Network to receive access to the latest job opportunities in Tulsa: https://careers.intulsa.com/user/register/applicantAdditionally, find out about all our upcoming Elevate your Career Series Free Workshop events at talent.intulsa.com/events

This week we chat with John Hill, VP of Story at Whop (whop.com), about building community and driving impact at scale. We explore his journey from LinkedIn and Techstars to Whop, and the personal influences behind his drive.Key Discussion Points: Whop's Mission & Impact: John shares his excitement about Whop's mission to enable sustainable income and discusses the company's rapid growth. He highlights success stories and the long-term vision. The Drive for Impact: We delve into the personal influences behind John's passion for large-scale impact, including his family history and upbringing. Irish Citizenship: We discuss John's exploration of Irish citizenship, what it means to him, and how the Digital Irish community can support him in this process. He shares his next steps and what connections would be most helpful.Connect with John: https://www.linkedin.com/in/msuaajohn/

In this episode of the Faith Driven Entrepreneur podcast, Justin Forman sits down with Dave Blanchard to explore the evolution of faith-driven entrepreneurship and its growing influence in both the church and broader culture.Key Discussion Points:The origin story of Praxis and how the name came to be through prayer and divine inspirationThe transformation of entrepreneurship from a "starving artist" narrative to a celebrated career pathThe role of programs like Y Combinator, Techstars, and shows like Shark Tank in normalizing entrepreneurshipHow childhood experiences and early business ventures shaped Blanchard's perspective on ethical entrepreneurshipThe impact of Chris Crane and Opportunity International in revealing the redemptive possibilities of entrepreneurshipThe challenge of moving beyond "God cares about your work" to practical implementation in various industriesThe need for churches to become creative centers and reimagine their approach to supporting entrepreneursThe importance of telling authentic stories that include both triumph and struggleDiscussion of the "unnamed villains" and real challenges facing Christian entrepreneursThe future of faith-driven entrepreneurship and the need for local heroes and mentors

Did you know that you are hard-wired to experience different spaces and design in your own way? On today's podcast, Richard Fleming shares how designing to the five senses provides the ultimate design experience, and how to design spaces for productivity, comfort and inspiration. BACK STORY Richard Fleming is a neuro-architect, innovator, and entrepreneur for 20+ years creating transformative, people-centric environments that engage all the human senses. He is committed to creating user experiences (UX) that challenge traditional paradigms and lead to innovation and positive human approach. He designed over 10K built projects for international powerhouse brands such as the Walt Disney Company, Apple, Starbucks, Ferrari, the City of London, UCLA, and real estate developer the Irvine Company. Richard is an awarding winning innovator and, as Principal Architect for Walt Disney Co, received the prestigious Spirit of Disney Award, recognizing his outstanding business contributions to the company's innovations, values, and culture. Richard co-founded Ryzzz, a wearable/portable device that uses AI to gamify cognition/neuroscience and circadian rhythms, earning him recognition as one of the Top 8 Tech Stars and advisory member of IntelliTwin, a healthcare and information technology product recognized as a Top 5 Finalist in the Innovations in Artificial Intelligence in Medicine (AiMed) International Conference. He is a member of the Salk Institute: Cognitive Sciences, the Academy of Neuroscience for Architecture. Richard is also an author, keynote speaker, and frequent media commentator, working on his new book exploring the intersections of architecture and neuroscience. Richard's boundless enthusiasm and talent for science and design innovation hones his experience working in diverse cultural hubs such as California, London, Milan, and Paris.   Website: richardflemingarchitect.com Instagram: @fleming.neuroarchitect LinkedIn: Richard T. Fleming, Neuro Architect     SUBSCRIBE TO ICONIC HOUR If you enjoyed today's podcast, I'd be so appreciative if you'd take two minutes to subscribe, rate and review ICONIC HOUR. It makes a huge difference for our growth. Thanks so much!   ICONIC LIFE MAGAZINE  Stay in touch with ICONIC LIFE magazine. We invite you to join our digital VIP list and SUBSCRIBE!   JOIN OUR ICONIC COMMUNITY Website: iconiclife.com Instagram: @iconiclifemag Facebook: Iconic Life YouTube: ICONIC LIFE   FOLLOW RENEE DEE Instagram: @iconicreneedee LinkedIn: Renee Dee   Thanks for being a part of our community to Live Beautifully.