Podcasts about Techstars

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On this week's episode of Passive Income Playbook, Pascal Wagner breaks down why hesitation to wire money often comes from a lack of deal flow and how to fix it with a professional-grade sourcing system. He shares lessons from deploying $150 million at Techstars, building a 94-unit co-living portfolio, and creating an 800+ opportunity deal database. Pascal explains how to craft a clear thesis, set filtering criteria, and use forums, platforms, and even social ads to fill your pipeline so your confidence rises with repetition. Get 50% Off Monarch Money, the all-in-one financial tool at www.monarchmoney.com with code BESTEVER Join the Best Ever Community  The Best Ever Community is live and growing - and we want serious commercial real estate investors like you inside. It's free to join, but you must apply and meet the criteria.  Connect with top operators, LPs, GPs, and more, get real insights, and be part of a curated network built to help you grow. Apply now at ⁠www.bestevercommunity.com⁠ Podcast production done by ⁠Outlier Audio⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  Startups from Funding to Community w/ Daniela Santagelo of Freeway - AZ TRT S06 EP15 (277) 8-17-2025       What We Learned This Week: Freeway - Helping Startups - Talent • Capital • Community Talent Retention & Reinvestment are key to building a Flywheel Phoenix Tech Ecosystem is growing, but not yet mature Always need more VC Funding + Deal Flow Government Partnership as enabler for Tech     Guest: Daniela Santagelo https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielaalpert/ I'm a founder, startup ecosystem builder, and civic innovation partner working at the intersection of tech, talent, and community. Through my work with Freeway Phx, I help cities, startups, and global partners co-create thriving innovation ecosystems, starting in Arizona and building bridges worldwide. I believe that opportunity doesn't just happen. It's designed. That's why I focus on activating communities, cultivating tech talent, and building connective infrastructure that turns vision into velocity. My journey spans founding multiple companies including scaling a venture-backed startup to $33M in funding and helping grow it to a $100M business. I've also spent 15 years in the Moving & Relocation industry, which gave me a unique lens on talent migration patterns and the infrastructure needed to build resilient, people-first startup communities. Like many founders, I've experienced both the highs of scaling and the lows of setback. That reinvention shaped my sharper mission: helping founders grow and give back. ⚡️ I lead Tech Talent Summits that connect employers, educators, and jobseekers

Topics: (00:00:00) - Intro (00:03:49) - Heroes (00:10:50) - How do you know when it's time to step away from something you started? (00:18:37) - Len Fassler (00:32:52) - Mentors and inflection points in life (00:39:07) - Brad's book - Give First (00:47:58) - The role of books in Brad's career Links: Scribe — https://scribemedia.com Give First: The Power of Mentorship - https://amzn.to/3KT3IvF To support the costs of producing this podcast:  >> Buy a copy of the Navalmanack: www.navalmanack.com/  >> Buy a copy of The Anthology of Balaji: https://balajianthology.com/ >> Sign up for my online course and community about building your Personal Leverage: https://www.ejorgenson.com/leverage  >> Invest in early-stage companies alongside Eric and his partners at Rolling Fun: https://angel.co/v/back/rolling-fun >> Join the free weekly email list at ejorgenson.com/newsletter >> Text the podcast to a friend >> Or at least give the podcast a positive review to help us reach new listeners! We discuss: The role of heroes and mentors in shaping Brad's values How "Give First" transformed startup culture How to let go of control while still fighting to the end for what matters Key mentors like Len Fassler and the life lessons they gave him Why reading, writing, and coding all serve as reflective practices  Quotes from Brad: "The best way to fly is to throw yourself at the ground and miss." (Zaphod Beeblebrox quote that Brad uses to describe startups) "I love to help things get started. That's my favorite part of the journey." "Fight to the bitter end. You try until it doesn't work anymore." "Some things don't end. Some things outlive you—which is delightful." "The future does not belong to me. The future belongs to people 40 years younger than me." "Give First is not a religion. It's a philosophy." "Your VC's are not in control. The board members are not in control. The CEO is in control." "Books are core to so many things I do. Reading and writing are how I process the world." "I write books to understand better an idea and work out the idea." "Mentorship is about ways of being, not about following a set of rules." "Hibernation from social media gave me the creative space to finish the book I actually wanted to write." "People said, 'Brad's the king of the Colorado startup community.' I hated that. I don't want to be king—I want to be just one of the many leaders."

Translink Nordic Tech Stars | #negotiator 356. Interviews with participants of Translink Corporate Finance Nordic Tech Stars event in Helsinki, attended by premier investors and Nordic SaaS and technology companies. The event took place at Savoy restaurant.00:00 Sami Miettinen intro to Translink Nordic Tech Stars00:32 Guests from Paris: Marc Irisson (Translink) & Elie Hodara (InfraVia)01:04 Shout-outs: Lyyti, Vastuu Group, M&M Growth Partners01:41 Interview: Marc Irisson – trends in B2B tech/TMT02:14 Polarized M&A market; deal volumes US vs. Europe02:50 Polarization inside tech: what it means03:15 Flight to quality accelerates since 202303:53 Multiples: 20× EBITDA / ~10× ARR for top assets; others lag04:36 PE dry powder; opportunities for strong-KPI SaaS05:01 Good vintage analogy for investing/exits05:25 Nordic SaaS quality & Rule of 40 call-out05:57 Nordic/Finnish leadership & international scale06:53 Petri Hollmén (Lyyti, Vaaka Partners portfolio)07:33 Hitting the Rule of 40 sustainably07:59 NPS & eNPS stay high while scaling08:25 5M+ ARR club; revenue levels09:01 B2B SaaS positioning; international expansion09:33 Finnish business community & Turku angle10:09 Tero Nummenpää birthday party with Lyyti10:54 Harry Brade (M&M Growth Partners)11:22 AlphaSense: ARR journey & valuation milestone11:54 SiloAI: early stage to breakout12:17 Flexible tickets; strong AI focus12:57 Vertical vs. horizontal AI plays13:33 SaaS multiples: vertical vs. horizontal (market view)14:13 Entry expectations vs. realized outcomes14:32 Spinning off SiloGen (product vs. services)14:57 Compute, LLMs, and infra as value drivers15:25 Niilo Pirttijärvi (Inven)15:54 AI-driven B2B analytics; who it serves16:18 Market/platform analysis use cases16:44 Funding rounds (pre-seed → Series A)17:10 Notable investors such as Tuomo Vuolteenaho17:31 Global ARR mix (US/EU/ROW)17:57 Rule of 700 growth quip18:15 Product investment & scaling18:32 CAC/NRR/churn & profitability lens18:57 AI ecosystem/community notes19:21 B2B SaaS model durability20:02 Growth vs. cash flow; metrics that matter20:32 Gross margin, usage costs, CAC multiples20:55 Building customer success at speed21:11 Founding team split & coding ambitions21:41 Pekka Vanne (Vastuu Group)22:00 Hartwall Capital partnership22:24 ~90% recurring revenue profile22:43 Consulting components at onboarding23:04 Mission: responsibility & ESG enablement23:22 Meaning of Vastuu, culture23:40 International guests & go-to-market24:00 Growth in Finland; expanding offerings24:26 M&A as an internationalization lever24:46 First acquisition done; more considered25:13 Elie Hodara (InfraVia Partners)25:36 Flexible minority/majority; pure B2B software; GIP platform support26:06 Team footprint; value-add (search, cyber, legal)26:35 Sector themes; why Finnish SaaS scales early26:52 Capital-efficient mindset & early structuring27:09 What founders seek (scaling support)27:25 Biz-dev help; Scandinavia & Europe27:44 Depth across Finland (not just Helsinki)28:33 Rule of 40: useful proxy, not a hard screen29:07 Tracking over hold; context matters29:49 Translink Corporate Finance in tech space30:20 Contact www translinkcf dot com or fi30:52 Subscribe to Translink SaaS Valuation QuarterlyWatch all Insider episodes and support Samihttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRI34L9OtDJuZpaWicbNXzg/join#neuvottelija #negotiator Sami Miettinen

David Cohen of Techstars joins Nick to discuss The Techstars Refresh, Why Bigger Isn't Better, Investing in the Seed-Strapping Era, and Why Quantum May Dwarf Every Tech Shift. In this episode we cover: Refocusing TechStars Programs and Deal Structure Selection Process and Follow-On Investments Successful Programs and Founder Network Geographic Distribution and AI-First Companies Seed Strapping and Capital Efficiency Vertical Networks and Emerging Technologies Future of Venture and Trends Guest Links: David's LinkedIn David's X Techstars' LinkedIn Techstars' Website The host of The Full Ratchet is Nick Moran of New Stack Ventures, a venture capital firm committed to investing in founders outside of the Bay Area. We're proud to partner with Ramp, the modern finance automation platform. Book a demo and get $150—no strings attached.   Want to keep up to date with The Full Ratchet? Follow us on social. You can learn more about New Stack Ventures by visiting our LinkedIn and Twitter.

What's driving record venture capital flows into AI and defense tech? How are public markets and strategic buyers changing the game for tech founders? Host Mose Adigun sits down with Rosh Wijayarathna, co-head of EMEA Innovation Economy, David Bauer, co-head of Americas Equity Capital Markets, and Matt Gehl, co-head of EMEA Tech Investment Banking, to discuss the most exciting technologies and innovation themes from J.P. Morgan's recent Tech Stars Conference in London.   https://www.jpmorgan.com/insights/banking/investment-banking/tech-stars-conference-2025-recap    This episode was recorded on October 14, 2025.   This material was prepared by certain personnel of JPMorgan Chase & Co. and its affiliates and subsidiaries worldwide and not the firm's research department. It is for informational purposes only, is not intended as an offer or solicitation for the purchase, sale or tender of any financial instrument and does not constitute a commitment, undertaking, offer or solicitation by any JPMorgan Chase entity to extend or arrange credit or provide any other products or services to any person or entity.  © 2025 JPMorgan Chase & Company. All rights reserved.

Launching a startup is daunting—especially when you're navigating the journey without guidance or mentorship. Even well-funded ventures struggle, and those that beat the odds are so rare they're dubbed "Unicorns." Our next guest on the Reboot Chronicles Show has helped countless start-ups become successful and redefined what we here at the Reboot Chronicles believe to be key components in rebooting organizations. Brad Feld is a legendary figure in the startup world whose influence runs deep and wide. As co-founder of both the Foundry Group and Techstars, Brad has helped shape the very ecosystem that fuels innovation today. He was an early investor in breakout successes like Zynga and Fitbit, spotting potential long before they became household names. Beyond investing, he's also a prolific author whose books have become essential reading for founders navigating the rocky-road highs and lows of entrepreneurship.Through his success and headline investments, Brad has built a legacy through his philosophy of giving first, radical honesty about mental health, and a pursuit of personal and professional rebooting. Join us for a deep dive into Brad Feld's remarkable journey, as we uncover the stories, insights, and hard-won lessons that can help you—and continue to shape the future of business.

Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Kripa Anand. In this episode, we explore how AI-powered automation is transforming document review, helping Canadian businesses save time, reduce costs, and prevent fraud.Joining us is Lisen Kaci, Founder and CEO at Discrepancy AI, a Toronto-based startup leveraging pixel-level AI to detect errors, suspicious clauses, and fraud. Lisen shares his journey from engineering to entrepreneurship, and how Discrepancy AI is redefining document analysis across industries.Key Highlights:1. Founder's Journey: The inspiration and “Aha!” moment behind creating Discrepancy AI.2. Fighting Fraud & Errors: How the platform detects costly mistakes and prevents fraud for clients.3. Beyond OCR: Advanced AI that intelligently analyzes documents for scalability and accuracy.4. Scaling a Canadian Startup: Insights from Techstars and lessons on funding and partnerships.5. Future Vision: Lisen's roadmap for AI in real estate, finance, law, and broader business impact.Special Thanks to Our Partners:RBC: https://www.rbcroyalbank.com/dms/business/accounts/beyond-banking/index.htmlUPS: https://solutions.ups.com/ca-beunstoppable.html?WT.mc_id=BUSMEWAGoogle: https://www.google.ca/A1 Global College: https://a1globalcollege.ca/ADP Canada: https://www.adp.ca/en.aspxFor more expert insights, visit www.canadiansme.ca and subscribe to the CanadianSME Small Business Magazine. Stay innovative, stay informed, and thrive in the digital age!Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered as direct financial or business advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for advice specific to your situation.

Geoff Cook's career took off the night he met MoMA's CMO—and helped create the iconic MoMA QNS brand. Since then, he's shaped brands from MILK and NeueHouse to Times Talks, JFK Terminal 4, and the Prince Estate. Partner at Base, mentor at TechStars, and global culture expert, Geoff shares how bold branding can leave a lasting cultural impact. What You'll Learn in This Episode - How a single encounter can launch a career and define a creative trajectory - Why human connection is at the heart of every successful brand experience - The concept of “world-building” in branding and how it fosters community - How to balance AI as a tool without losing creative originality - Key considerations for branding early-stage companies and preserving cash Episode Chapters (00:00) Intro (00:33) Jeff Cook's career breakthrough at MoMA (02:10) Early lessons from DKNY and international branding (04:07) Culture-driven branding from Milk to global institutions (07:40) Translating cultural expertise to JFK Terminal 4 (10:09) World-building brands to foster human connection (12:19) AI in creative work: opportunities and guardrails (20:12) Mentoring early-stage companies and branding pitfalls (26:27) Brands that make Jeff smile About Geoff Cook Geoff Cook's career catapulted on the night he met MoMA's CMO at a Base party in Manhattan, where he discussed developing the institution's new branding for its temporary museum in Queens. The project, MoMA QNS, was the first in a string of iconic brands he has helped to create, including MILK, NeueHouse, JFK Terminal 4, Iconiq, The New York Times' Times Talks & Food Festival, the Prince Estate, and countless others. Geoff approaches branding with a sharp understanding of business strategy and a finger on the pulse of global culture (he speaks four languages and savors local flavor everywhere he travels). As a partner at Base, Geoff asks companies big questions and helps answer them with unexpected, visionary solutions. The result is very often a profound cultural impact. Geoff also puts his branding acumen to use as a mentor at renowned tech accelerator, TechStars, and serves as a board member at Sentral. What Brand Has Made Geoff Smile Recently? Geoff is impressed by On, a Swiss-based athletic brand. He admires how On builds a cohesive, coherent world through product design, store experiences, and creative campaigns that surprise and delight. The combination of Swiss precision and playful, culturally relevant marketing makes On a standout in his eyes. Resources & Links Connect with Geoff on LinkedIn. Check out the Base Design website and Instagram. Here's the Design Week article on AI we discussed. Listen & Support the Show Watch or listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, Amazon/Audible, TuneIn, and iHeart. Rate and review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify to help others find the show. Share this episode — email a friend or colleague this episode. Sign up for my free Story Strategies newsletter for branding and storytelling tips. On Brand is a part of the Marketing Podcast Network. Until next week, I'll see you on the Internet! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Bill Banham sits down with Q Hamirani, Chief People Officer at HighLevel, one of the fastest-growing remote-first SaaS platforms serving agencies and consultants worldwide.With 1,600+ employees spread across the globe and 1,000 new hires added in a single year, HighLevel's meteoric rise demands a People strategy that can scale without losing its soul. As the company's cultural architect, Q is at the helm of building a durable, people-first operating system that keeps teams aligned, inspired, and moving fast—no matter the time zone.A trusted advisor to founders, boards, and accelerator programs like Techstars, Q blends startup grit with global operational experience and deep HR expertise. His leadership journey spans hypergrowth environments at Airbnb, Paper, and now HighLevel—giving him a front-row seat to how People leadership is evolving in the age of AI and distributed teams.Inside this episode:Scaling Culture Like an Operating System: How HighLevel structures communication, decision-making, and goal-setting to keep 1,600+ employees rowing in the same direction.Remote Leadership Rituals: From all-hands forums to the monthly Founder's Corner, Q shares the leadership touchpoints that anchor strategy across borders.Evolving the CPO Role: Why today's Chief People Officer must blend innovation, business acumen, and cultural fluency to thrive in distributed, AI-enabled workplaces.Hiring for Mission Alignment: How values-based interviews and compelling onboarding narratives—like HighLevel's “skateboard-to-Ferrari” story—help transmit founder intent to every new joiner.The Human Side of Hypergrowth: How creativity, music, and transcendental meditation help Q lead with empathy and resilience, and how parenthood shaped his leadership lens.Whether you're scaling a remote startup or professionalizing a late-stage rocket ship, this conversation is packed with tactical frameworks, cultural insights, and hard-won wisdom to help People leaders build lasting alignment at speed.Connect with Q Hamirani on LinkedIn.If you find this episode valuable, subscribe, share it with a colleague, and leave a quick review.Support the showFeature Your Brand on the HRchat PodcastThe HRchat show has had 100,000s of downloads and is frequently listed as one of the most popular global podcasts for HR pros, Talent execs and leaders. It is ranked in the top ten in the world based on traffic, social media followers, domain authority & freshness. The podcast is also ranked as the Best Canadian HR Podcast by FeedSpot and one of the top 10% most popular shows by Listen Score. Want to share the story of how your business is helping to shape the world of work? We offer sponsored episodes, audio adverts, email campaigns, and a host of other options. Check out packages here. Follow us on LinkedIn Subscribe to our newsletter Check out our in-person events

In this episode, we sit down with AIUTA, a company reshaping the future of fashion with cutting-edge, white-label virtual try-on solutions. Their platform enables customers to seamlessly try on clothing, either on themselves or on an AI-generated model that matches their physique. This breakthrough technology allows shoppers to visualize outfit combinations and styling possibilities in real time. AIUTA's solutions are designed for flexibility and scalability, supporting web, mobile, and in-store experiences with high-speed performance and industry-leading visual quality. With their customizable integrations, fashion brands can offer engaging shopping journeys that boost sales, reduce returns, and increase customer loyalty. The leadership team at AIUTA brings together a powerful mix of expertise from global tech and retail leaders. With backgrounds spanning Amazon, Yandex, Sberbank, Farfetch, Walmart, Lamoda, McKinsey, and Techstars, they are uniquely positioned to redefine how fashion commerce works in the digital era. Tune in to learn how AIUTA is bridging the gap between digital shopping and real-life experiences, creating a future where fashion is more interactive, personalized, and confidence-driven than ever before. Host: Jake Aaron Villarreal, leads the top AI Recruitment Firm in Silicon Valley www.matchrelevant.com, uncovering stories of funded startups and goes behinds to scenes to tell their founders journey.  If you are growing AI Startup or have a great storytelling, email us at: jake.villarreal@matchrelevant.com

(0:00) Intro(1:36) About the podcast sponsor: The American College of Governance Counsel(2:23) Start of interview(3:11) Brad's origin story(4:54) Venture Capital Beginnings(5:39) The Rise of the Internet(8:10) His role in Softbank Technology Ventures and later Mobius Venture Capital. Reference to Heidi Roizen E6, E108 and E116(12:26) Transition to Techstars and Foundry(13:36) Origin and focus of his book Startup Boards. Reference to his blog post: Feld Thoughts. "Boards (and board members) for private companies operate on a bell curve" (some are excellent, some are horrific, and most are average).(15:31) The Evolution of Founder-Friendly Terms(30:06) Effective Board Composition(35:00) Defining a Great Board: the Board as a Team. Reference to Matt Blumberg's Rule of 1s: see E52 (2022)(38:05) "The goal of the board is to get different skill sets around the table" "I think a founder should fight against investors having additional observer seats."(41:13) Why he considers it a red flag when a director claims they're acting out of "fiduciary duty." *Reference to the Startup Litigation Digest(44:50) Governance concerns in the AI Boom(47:37) Books that have greatly influenced his life:Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance by Robert Pirsig (1974)The entire pantheon of Neal Stephenson and William Gibson Science fiction written by female writers (as a category)Hyperion Cantos by Dan Simmons(50:05) His mentors: Len Fassler and his uncle, Charlie Feld.(51:55) Quotes that he thinks of often or lives his life by: from his Dad: "If you're not standing on the edge, you're taking up too much space.", from Len: "Brad, they can't kill you and they can't eat you. Suit up."(53:00) An unusual habit or an absurd thing that he loves. "I love philanthropically funding bathrooms." Also, the Banana Lounge at MIT.(55:38) The living person he most admires: his wife Amy Batchelor.Brad Feld has been an early-stage investor and entrepreneur since 1987. He co-founded two venture capital firms, Foundry Group and Mobius Venture Capital, and multiple companies, including Techstars.  You can follow Evan on social media at:X: @evanepsteinLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/epsteinevan/ Substack: https://evanepstein.substack.com/__To support this podcast you can join as a subscriber of the Boardroom Governance Newsletter at https://evanepstein.substack.com/__Music/Soundtrack (found via Free Music Archive): Seeing The Future by Dexter Britain is licensed under a Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 3.0 United States License

Kirstin's career has zig-zagged through medicine, law, consulting, co-founding Future Super, and leading Techstars in Sydney before stepping into the CEO seat at Birchal, Australia's largest equity crowdfunding platform. With more than 300 campaigns and $200 million raised, Birchal is now a powerhouse for ecommerce founders who want to scale while activating their most loyal customers as shareholders.Today, we're discussing:How Birchal helps ecommerce brands like Outland Denim, Zero Co and Sneaker Laundry raise millions by turning loyal customers into investorsThe sweet spot crowdfunding occupies between Kickstarter, bank loans and VC: without the headaches of fulfilment or personal guaranteesWhy ongoing shareholder communication is the secret to future raises and brand loyaltyHow crowdfunding campaigns act as marketing campaigns, boosting awareness, employer brand, and even salesThe brutal stats on gender and diversity in funding, and why crowdfunding can close the gap for underrepresented foundersKirstin's vision for a future where Australian crowdfunding creates thousands of new millionaires, just like Revolut in the UKConnect with KirstinExplore BirchalSMS us to request a guest!Support the showWant to level up your ecommerce game? Come hang out in the Add To Cart Community. We're talking deep dives, smart events, and real-world inspo for operators who are in it for the long haul. Connect with Nathan BushContact Add To CartJoin the Community

Despite outward success, Brad Feld struggled with depression, exhaustion, and feelings of emptiness. For years, he hid these challenges while relentlessly pushing forward as an entrepreneur. It wasn't until his 40s, after seeking therapy and confronting his mental health, that Brad realized success wasn't just about building companies, but about managing the emotional toll of entrepreneurship. Today, as the co-founder of Techstars and Foundry Group, he leads with a harmonious approach to work and life. In this episode, Brad joins Ilana to share the lessons he learned from early failures, why every successful founder faces ‘near-death moments', and the mental health practices that helped him find joy again. Brad Feld is a venture capitalist, entrepreneur, and co-founder of Techstars, one of the world's leading startup accelerators. He is also the co-founder of two venture capital firms, Foundry Group and Mobius Venture Capital. In this episode, Ilana and Brad discuss: (00:00) Introduction (01:07) Growing Up in Dallas and Discovering Computers (07:29) MIT Years and Early Startup Failures (14:17) Why Every Startup Faces a Near-Death Experience (16:54) Battling Fear, Shame, and Depression in His Twenties (26:52) Breaking Down at 47 Despite “Having It All” (29:05) Brad's Practical Steps for Rediscovering Joy (41:54) The Random Day Experiment and Birth of Techstars (52:47) Writing Venture Deals, Startup Communities, and Give First (59:26) Coming Out of “Hibernation” to Write His Last Non-Fiction (1:13:39) Work-Life Balance vs. Work-Life Harmony Brad Feld is a venture capitalist, entrepreneur, and co-founder of Techstars, one of the world's leading startup accelerators. He is also the co-founder of two venture capital firms, Foundry Group and Mobius Venture Capital. Brad is the author of nine books, including Venture Deals, Startup Communities, and Give First. Through his books, investments, and philosophy of “give first,” Brad has become a mentor to thousands of entrepreneurs navigating the brutal highs and lows of building a business. Connect with Brad:  Brad's Website: feld.com Brad's LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/bfeld  Resources Mentioned Brad's Book, Give First: The Power of Mentorship: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1646871324  Brad's Book, Startup Communities: Building an Entrepreneurial Ecosystem in Your City: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1118441540  Venture Deals: Be Smarter Than Your Lawyer and Venture Capitalist by Brad Feld and Jason Mendelson: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1118443616  Reboot: Leadership and the Art of Growing Up by Jerry Colonna: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0062749536 Leap Academy Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW WAY for professionals to fast-track their careers and leap to bigger opportunities.Check out our free training today at https://bit.ly/leap--free-training

Jonaie Johnson, founder of Interplay, built a smart dog crate startup in Kansas City, pitched it on global stages in Paris, joined Techstars, and is now moving to Chicago. In this episode of City Entrepreneur, she talks about the grind of building hardware, what's missing in KC's startup scene, and why some founders feel they have to leave to grow.

Ronan Berder built Wiredcraft to 140 people, then sold to Publicis for a reported 67 million euros. This Exit Story traces the moment he walked away from Techstars and a product dream to double down on services—and why that decision paid off. 

In this episode, we sit down with Cody Barbo, Founder & CEO of Trust & Will, the leading digital estate planning platform transforming how families prepare for the future. Cody shares his entrepreneurial journey, the challenges of disrupting a traditional industry, and how Trust & Will has grown to serve over one million Americans with secure, affordable, and modern estate planning solutions. We dive into the company's early days at Techstars, raising over $83M in funding, and forging key partnerships with institutions like UBS, AARP, Carta, and Acorns. Cody also reveals insights into building EstateOS™, the world's first intelligent platform designed to modernize legacy management through AI-enabled workflows, collaboration tools, and dynamic estate planning solutions. Beyond his role as a founder, Cody reflects on his previous venture Industry, his passion for mentorship, and the personal motivations that drive his mission to make estate planning accessible to everyone. Listeners will walk away with valuable lessons on entrepreneurship, innovation, and legacy-building. If you want to understand how technology is reshaping the way we protect families and plan for the future, this episode is a must-listen. Host: Jake Aaron Villarreal, leads the top AI Recruitment Firm in Silicon Valley www.matchrelevant.com, uncovering stories of funded startups and goes behinds to scenes to tell their founders journey.  If you are growing AI Startup or have a great storytelling, email us at: jake.villarreal@matchrelevant.com

In this episode of The Rainmaking Podcast, Scott Love interviews Sue Heilbronner, executive coach, speaker, and author of Never Ask for the Sale: Supercharge Your Business with the Power of Passionate Ambivalence. Sue explains why many professional services providers resist selling themselves and how to shift that mindset by embracing authenticity and confidence. She introduces the concept of passionate ambivalence—the ability to be genuinely excited about opportunities while remaining unattached to the outcome. This approach helps professionals appear more credible, command higher fees, and attract long-term clients. Sue also addresses common challenges such as imposter syndrome, over-eagerness, and desperation in sales. She emphasizes qualifying prospects, presenting yourself as the product, and building thought leadership through strong digital presence and meaningful contributions. With practical strategies for pricing, follow-up, and conference networking, Sue provides actionable insights for professionals looking to transform their approach to business development and rainmaking. Visit: https://therainmakingpodcast.com/ YouTube: https://youtu.be/va71ZBSew5s ---------------------------------------

Pascal Wagner is a former venture capitalist turned real estate investor who has built a $250,000 annual passive income portfolio through over 30 investments. As a VC at Techstars, he deployed $150 million into 300 companies, where he learned how top institutions analyze deals and manage risk. Today, he applies that same institutional approach to passive real estate investing while coaching others to invest with clarity and confidence.     Make sure to download our free guide, 7 Questions Every Passive Investor Should Ask, here.     Key Takeaways Most passive investors make the mistake of analyzing deals in isolation instead of starting with a clear investment thesis. Institutional investors use a scientific method—macro themes first, then micro criteria, then deal selection. Diversification is essential: Pascal built co-living homes in Atlanta but realized his mom's retirement couldn't rest on one asset class or city. Following institutional or family office investors can provide a safer entry point for LPs. Separate your “cash flow bucket” from your “equity growth bucket” to align investments with goals.     Topics From Techstars to Real Estate Built early wealth through co-living rentals before joining Techstars as an investor. Learned institutional-level due diligence by reviewing thousands of deals. After his father's passing, managed his mother's retirement income and shifted focus to reliable passive strategies. How Institutions Invest Define a thesis first, then filter deals that fit. See hundreds of opportunities before investing in a few. Don't chase returns—find inevitable long-term trends and align investments accordingly. Developing Guardrails for LP Investing Criteria like vintage, roof types, and market selection come from experience and costly lessons. Partnering with operators who have already learned those lessons is critical. Institutional investors demand reporting, audits, and controls—retail investors can “follow” their lead. Buckets of Cash Flow vs. Equity Growth Co-living homes and private credit provide stable cash flow. High-risk equities (tech stocks, crypto) are placed in long-term equity growth buckets. Structured his mother's long-term holdings for inheritance tax advantages while using his own portfolio for near-term cash needs.    

This week Scott welcomes Tyler Bushnell, founder of Polycade, to talk about reimagining the arcade experience for modern homes. Drawing on his family's Atari legacy, Tyler shares how Polycade blends retro charm with sleek design and modern game libraries—all while encouraging face-to-face connection. From Kickstarter roots to Techstars growth, we explore how Polycade became a favorite among creators and why the future of gaming might look more social than ever!https://www.polycade.com

In this episode, David Cohen, founder of Techstars, shares insights on the evolution of startup accelerators, AI trends, and what sets successful entrepreneurs apart. Gain valuable advice on investment strategies and the power of networking from one of the industry's top leaders. Perfect for aspiring and seasoned entrepreneurs alike.

I'm thrilled to share some incredible insights from my latest podcast episode featuring the legendary Jack Dempsey. Jack is a powerhouse in the venture capital and angel investing space, and our conversation was nothing short of inspiring. Here's a sneak peek into what we discussed:Key Takeaways:  1. Jack's Origin Story:  • From a blue-collar kid in Buffalo, NY, to a senior partner at McKinsey & Company.  • The transformative power of education and mentorship.  2. The Role of an Operating Partner:  • What it means to create value in private equity.  • The diverse responsibilities and impact of an operating partner.3. Transition to Teaching and Mentoring:  • Jack's shift from full-time private equity to teaching at the University of Saint Thomas.  • His passion for mentoring at Techstars and supporting the startup community.4. Investment Philosophy:  • The importance of backing innovative founders and unique business models.  • Why people and their ideas are at the heart of successful investments.5. Entrepreneurial Education:  • Hands-on learning through real-world projects and market research.  • The rewarding experience of teaching and seeing students launch successful businesses.6. Mentorship at Techstars:  • The impact of “mentor madness” and accelerating startup growth.  • The importance of leadership coaching alongside business strategy.7. Personal Insights on Leadership:  • Leadership as a journey of moving people forward together.  • The significance of asking for help and leveraging your network.  • Favorite Business Books:8. The Definitive Drucker for customer focus and innovation.  • Do More Faster for practical startup lessons.  • Younger Next Year for maintaining mental and physical health.  • Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs:9. The power of networking and nurturing personal relationships.  • Maximizing your return on time and giving back to the community.  • Embracing life as a one-time opportunity to make the most of.10. Building a Legacy:  • Creating opportunities for others through mentoring and teaching.  • Defining success through family, relationships, and impactful contributions.Jack's journey and wisdom are truly inspiring, and I can't wait for you to hear the full conversation. Tune in to gain valuable insights and be motivated to take your own entrepreneurial journey to the next level.Listen Now: https://youtu.be/Q1CwuS5_Bm0Stay curious and keep innovating!Send us a textConnect with Kip on LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/kipknippel/Watch Bite-Sized Clips on YouTubehttps://www.youtube.com/@capitalistculture/shorts

In this episode of Founders Connect, Peace Itimi sits with Chikodi Ukaiwe, the Founder and CEO of Salad Africa, to uncover his incredible journey through banking, tech, entrepreneurship, and eventually building one of Africa's most impactful fintech startups. Salad Africa is transforming how small businesses and employees access credit in a continent where banks often say “no.”Chikodi shares his inspiring background, growing up in a university community that shaped his leadership spirit and resilience. He studied Computer Science at Babcock University and began his career in banking before pursuing his master's. But his return to the banking world was met with rejection, sparking a shift that would lead him to disrupt the African tech ecosystem.His wife submitted his CV at Jumia, and in 2012 the Jumia founders took a bold bet on him, appointing him as Head of Growth and Partnerships. That role became a defining moment in his career, setting the stage for what was next. After two and a half years, Sim Shagaya recruited him to join Konga, where he spent over four years building one of Nigeria's leading e-commerce brands.Chikodi later ventured into consulting, worked with the Nigerian government for over two years, and during the COVID-19 pandemic founded a nonprofit initiative called Show Love to support small businesses. Though that venture failed, it inspired him to launch Salad Africa, a platform providing salary advances and credit access to SMEs and employees.Starting Salad Africa was no easy feat. Chikodi talks about the many rejections he faced when fundraising and how Techstars became a turning point for him and his company. Through that five-month accelerator, Salad Africa secured its first major funding and laid the foundation for growth. Today, Salad has achieved incredible milestones, from raising capital to partnering with companies like Glovo.In this conversation, Chikodi opens up about the toughest challenges of entrepreneurship, including being sued for two years in a corporate dispute, navigating multiple failures, and rebuilding from scratch. He also shares the biggest lessons he has learned about resilience, leadership, fundraising, and building a business that solves real problems.If you're an entrepreneur, aspiring founder, or someone interested in the African startup ecosystem, this conversation is packed with raw insights, real stories, and practical advice on navigating rejection, finding the right partners, and building a company that lasts.Timestamps:00:53 - Peace's Intro01:48 - Why Salad?02:57 - Who is Chikodi?10:42 - Chikodi's career journey & business background30:24 - The real process for starting a business34:33 - Journey into Techstars37:33 - Key milestones44:17 - Business challenges46:46 - Crazy stories51:10 - Biggest lessons learnt01:02:02 - Key takeaway from Chikodi's storyFounders Connect is a platform that tells authentic stories of African founders, operators, and professionals. Watch, learn, and be inspired by how Africa's tech ecosystem is being built from the ground up.#FoundersConnect #AfricanStartups #SaladAfrica #PeaceItimi #ChikodiUkaiwe #Entrepreneurship #StartupFunding #AfricanTech #InspiringFounders

If you're fascinated by the intersection of deep human connection and legendary entrepreneurship, this episode of Christopher Lochhead: Follow Your Different with Brad Feld is a masterclass. Brad Feld, co-founder of Techstars and Foundry Group, unpacks the profound philosophy at the heart of his new book, "Give First: The Power of Mentorship," offering both tactical wisdom and hard-won personal perspective. This is not the typical “give-back” story, but a look at how true mentorship and generosity fuel the careers and lives of those willing to embrace a different approach. You're listening to Christopher Lochhead: Follow Your Different. We are the real dialogue podcast for people with a different mind. So get your mind in a different place, and hey ho, let's go.   Brad Feld on Mentorship: More Than the “Guru on the Mountaintop” Myth Brad Feld's journey with mentorship began in his youth, encountering influential figures before “mentoring” was even part of the social lexicon. Like many from the 1970s and 1980s, he didn't realize the people shaping his trajectory were mentors, but the relationships he had changed everything. Critically, Feld draws a distinction between mentors and gurus: the former guide, question, and encourage self-discovery; the latter simply impart answers from a higher level. He notes that over time, truly powerful mentorship evolves: “There's a magic trick where mentors become peers." - Brad Feld Real mentoring relationships become two-way streets—everyone learns, everyone grows.   Give First: Non-Transactional Generosity as a Superpower At the heart of his philosophy is a core principle: "Give First" means putting energy into a system without a required transactional expectation of return. This, Feld insists, is not simple altruism nor traditional “pay it forward,” which often feels obligatory or limited to later stages of a career. Instead, giving first is a chosen mindset, accessible at any stage and open to anyone: students, new grads, and seasoned executives alike. A key insight: “Pay it forward is obligatory," Feld explains, "Give First is non-transactional. There's no obligation.” This liberation from expectation creates space for unexpected returns in relationships and opportunities, often arriving from unrelated directions and on unpredictable timelines.   Brad Feld on the Art (and Challenge) of Being Accessible: Random Days and “Assignments” As an influential figure in the startup world, Feld faces a deluge of requests from aspiring entrepreneurs and peers alike. Balancing generosity and boundaries is an evolving practice. His solution was to create “Random Day”: a designated day each month packed with 15-minute meetings open to anyone interested. This provided structure, scale, and protection from being overwhelmed, while also ensuring he could still make a meaningful impact and learn from every encounter. Equally important is Feld's email “assignment” technique. Rather than simply agreeing to every meeting, he requests more specificity from senders, an effortful response that immediately filters for genuine intent. Feld's data is telling: about 50% of people simply never reply to the assignment, allowing him to focus energy on the truly motivated, engaged few. To hear more from Brad Feld and how Giving First is a Superpower, download and listen to this episode. Bio Brad Feld is a venture capitalist, entrepreneur, and author with more than three decades of experience in investing and building startups. He is a co-founder of Foundry Group, a Boulder-based venture capital firm focused on early-stage technology companies. In addition to his work with Foundry Group, Brad co-founded Techstars, one of the world's most successful startup accelerators, helping thousands of entrepreneurs launch and scale their businesses. He is also deeply involved in fostering entrepreneurial communities worldwide. An avid writer, Brad has authored several books on startups and venture capital.

Brad Feld of Foundry and Techstars joins Nick to discuss Why Foundry Isn't Raising a New Fund, Lessons from Hibernation, and the Benefits and Drawbacks of a Give First Philosophy. In this episode we cover: TechStars' Evolution and Challenges Building Vibrant Startup Communities The Philosophy of Give First Mentorship and Effective Communication Balancing Give First with Personal Time Balancing Default Modes: Yes and No Managing Overload and Commitments Guest Links: Brad's LinkedIn Brad's X Foundry's LinkedIn Foundry's Website The host of The Full Ratchet is Nick Moran of New Stack Ventures, a venture capital firm committed to investing in founders outside of the Bay Area. Want to keep up to date with The Full Ratchet? Follow us on social. You can learn more about New Stack Ventures by visiting our LinkedIn and Twitter.

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

Legendary VC investor Brad Feld explains why “giving first” (his new book) is the key to building resilient founders, impactful startups, and thriving startup communities—especially in climate tech and turbulent times.

When I ask small business owners what was one of the keys to their success they always say- not money, not connects but having the right mentor- this is why my guest today is particularly important.Brad Feld has been an early-stage investor and entrepreneur since 1987. He co-founded two venture capital firms, Foundry Group and Mobius Venture Capital, and multiple companies, including Techstars. Brad has written multiple books on entrepreneurship and venture capital, and started blogging in 2004 before VC Twitter existed. He is also an art collector and long-distance runner.His new book is called "Give First: The Power of Mentorship".Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-small-business-radio-show--3306444/support.

What if generosity—not hustle—is your greatest competitive advantage?Brad Feld—co-founder of Foundry Group, Mobius Venture Capital, and startup accelerator Techstars—joins Barry to explore the transformative philosophy of “Give First,” a mindset that's reshaped how founders, investors, and mentors build lasting companies and vibrant startup ecosystems. Brad has spent over three decades cultivating startup communities by putting people before profit and helping others without expecting anything in return.In this episode, he shares the mindset shifts that fueled Techstars' global influence, how mentorship evolves from hierarchy to peer learning, and why sustainable success stems from playing the long game. A conversation full of clarity, candor, and challenge—for anyone rethinking what it means to lead, contribute, and create.Key TakeawaysGenerosity Fuels Growth: Giving without expectation of return builds stronger relationships, ecosystems, and companies.Mentorship is a Two-Way Street: The most impactful mentoring happens when both sides learn, grow, and give.Play the Long Game: Positive-sum, multi-turn thinking creates more meaningful and lasting impact than transactional wins.Know Yourself First: Deep self-awareness—not external success metrics—is the foundation of better leadership.Additional InsightsRedefine Success on Your Own Terms: Society pushes for more—money, power, status—but real fulfillment comes from understanding what truly matters to you.Build a Network of Givers: Shared values transcend geography. A global community built on generosity leads to collective resilience.Let Go of the Need for Control: Great mentors—and leaders—create space for co-creation, not dictation.Disconnect to Reconnect: Time away from constant input helps surface your clearest thinking and truest desires.Episode Highlights:00:00 – Episode RecapBrad Feld reframes mentorship as a shift from a one-way hierarchy to a peer-based relationship.01:48 – Barry Introduces Brad FeldBarry introduces Brad's influential work on startup communities and his philosophy of "Give First."03:12 – Startup Community OriginsBrad shares how the idea of startup communities became a global movement—challenging the belief that tech startups must be in Silicon Valley.12:54 – The Give First PhilosophyBrad explains why generosity, long-term thinking, and non-transactional relationships are foundational to resilient startup ecosystems.21:33 – Mentorship as Mutual GrowthA powerful story with mentor Len Fast reveals how Brad came to see mentorship as co-learning rather than knowledge transfer.27:27 – Knowing YourselfBrad emphasizes how self-awareness and personal growth are essential to leadership, especially in a world driven by reactive norms.34:48 – Creating Space for What MattersA candid discussion on disconnecting from external pressures, valuing inner reflection, and how time off helped Brad refocus on his values.41:47 – Redesigning RelationshipsBrad shares how he and his wife created structure and rules to prioritize their relationship—offering insight into the intersection of discipline and intimacy.45:41 – Final ReflectionsBrad closes with a message on leading through generosity, not transactions—and why playing the long game builds stronger companies and communities.Episode ResourcesBrad Feld on LinkedIn: Brad...

Brad Feld has spent over 40 years building companies, mentoring founders, and investing in the startup ecosystem. He's the co-founder of Techstars, a prolific venture capitalist, and the author of nine books. In this episode, Brad opens up about the mental reset that came with turning 60, why he stopped chasing “more,” and what led him to dust off a book draft about mentorship that had been sitting on the shelf. We go deep into his new book Give First, his belief in non-transactional generosity, and why he thinks founders should lead from curiosity, not ego.Brad also shares what went wrong at Techstars, what it taught him about founder empathy, and how he thinks about legacy in a world where everything is temporary.Where to find Brad:feld.comGive First (book) Timestamps: (00:00) Why Brad chose to go into hibernation (03:36) How stepping back gave him a 9-to-5 for the first time (06:58) Returning to code and reading 3 books a week (08:05) The four things Brad actually loves (10:11) Not striving, not optimizing: a new mindset for a new decade (13:14) The messy journey of writing Give First (15:08) Feedback that reshaped the book (17:34) Techstars' awkward teenage years (19:59) Coming out of hibernation, temporarily (23:32) Alter egos: Brad the Book Salesman, Vlad, and Spike (29:14) The pain of watching Techstars struggle publicly (34:30) How founder empathy deepened after Techstars' turbulence (36:28) What Give First really means and what it does not (38:49) Positive-sum, multi-turn thinking (41:34) Why tennis is the perfect metaphor for long-term success (45:00) Give First as the startup community engine (48:21) Mentorship without expectations (50:07) Socratic questioning and the five whys (54:00) Diagnosing startup fundraising problems (56:32) Being open to randomness (58:57) The power of short assignments and low-stakes access (01:04:28) Why Brad keeps writing: to learn (01:07:14) What he wishes he knew earlier (01:10:34) Advice for founders stepping into leadership (01:12:38) Mortality, meaning, and option valueIn this episode, you'll learn:How Give First evolved from a Techstars mantra into a movementThe difference between mentorship and adviceWhy and how being a giver pays off How to set boundaries while still being responsiveWhat makes founder relationships thrive or breakWhy being open to randomness can change everythingHow to navigate difficult company phases with empathyWhat Brad believes really matters in the third act of lifeConnect with Alisa! Follow Alisa Cohn on Instagram: @alisacohn Twitter: @alisacohn Facebook: facebook.com/alisa.cohn LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alisacohn/ Website: http://www.alisacohn.com Download her 5 scripts for delicate conversations (and 1 to make your life better) Grab a copy of From Start-Up to Grown-Up by Alisa Cohn from Amazon

This week, we're doing something different on MoneyNeverSleeps.You're coming inside the room for the Techstars Web3 Demo Day 2025, recorded live at Civic Hall in NYC during NY Tech Week, where we brought 5 incredible Web3 startups to the stage for a standing-room-only crowd of founders, investors, and builders.These aren't founders chasing hype - they're building with traction, with purpose, and with an eye on the next version of the internet.Along the way, you'll hear:A powerful fireside chat with Clarisse Hagege, founder and CEO of Dfns, on her journey from TradFi to web3 and the reality of raising in tough marketsStartups introduced by their mentors and customers, not just the usual emcee banterClosing thoughts on what Techstars Web3 has meant to me and to Hugh McGirr, my partner in building this since 2021You'll hear from:

In this special recorded event episode, Neal Bloom sits down with Trust & Will co-founder and CEO Cody Barbo in front of a live audience at SDSU's Angel Academy. It's an honest, behind-the-scenes conversation on what it really takes to back founders at the earliest of stages especially when they are bouncing back from tragedy. Cody and Neal reflect on startup missteps, co-founder breakups, raising from friends and angels, and how real trust (and real checks) get built over breakfast, not pitch decks. From being fired from his last venture to scaling Trust & Will to tens of millions in ARR, Cody shares a decade's worth of hard-won lessons with humor, humility, and insight. Whether you're a first-time founder, active angel, or just startup-curious, this candid session is packed with real talk about how relationships, not just revenue, power great companies. Key Topics Covered Cody's path from SDSU student to three-time founder The co-founder breakup that led to Trust & Will Lessons from getting fired as a CEO Why Neal invested in Cody before a product even existed Raising from 26 angels with $10K–$40K checks What great investors do before they wire money The power of monthly updates and founder–investor trust Behind the scenes of Techstars, Series A/B, and scaling to tens of millions in ARR Advice for founders on protecting themselves and choosing aligned investors How angels can create value before, during, and after the check clears Links & Resources Trust & Will Rising Tide Partners San Diego Angel Conference Connect with Cody Cody Barbo on LinkedIn Connect with Neal Neal Bloom on LinkedIn  

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

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   

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

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.

⛰️ ⁠⁠⁠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 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.

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