Shows
The Innovators & Investors PodcastStrategic Corporate Venture Capital in Automotive, Healthcare, and Climate Tech with Niterra VenturesIn this insightful episode of The Innovators & Investors Podcast, host Kristian Marquez sits down with Tom Kluz, Managing Partner and Head of Investments at Niterra Ventures, the corporate venture capital arm of a leading global automotive supplier. Tom shares Niterra’s unique investment thesis focused on three key verticals: automotive adjacencies, healthcare—particularly respiratory and advanced wound care—and climate tech. Tom also offers a comprehensive look at his disciplined approach to venture investing, balancing strategic and financial returns, and the rigorous three-stage due diligence process focused on unique competitive advantages. ...2025-07-2535 min
The Innovators & Investors PodcastRevolutionizing Preventive Health: Early Disease Detection and Metabolic Diagnostics with KiHealthIn this insightful episode of The Innovators & Investors Podcast, host Kristian Marquez sits down with Jenna Anderson, CEO of KiHealth, to explore groundbreaking advancements in preventive diagnostics. Jenna shares how KiHealth is revolutionizing healthcare with the first portfolio of tests designed to detect diseases like diabetes years before symptoms appear by measuring novel biomarkers at the cellular level. They discuss the challenges of transforming university-based innovations from Yale into scalable, affordable liquid biopsy tests that empower consumers to take control of their metabolic health. Jenna dives deep...2025-07-2337 min
The Innovators & Investors PodcastNavigating Startup Success: Insights on Venture Capital, Market Disruption, and MentorshipIn this insightful episode of The Innovators & Investors Podcast hosted by Kristian Marquez, we welcome Sriram Sundararajan, founder and managing partner of Hyper Growth Labs Capital and marketing faculty at Santa Clara University. Sriram shares his extensive journey from engineer to management consultant, angel investor, and venture capitalist, emphasizing his passion for empowering startups to succeed through strategic mentorship and capital. He dives deep into Hyper Growth Labs’ investment thesis, focusing on early-stage companies driving innovation in tech, life sciences, robotics, and AI, highlighting the importance of product-market fit and efficient go-to-market strategies. The...2025-07-2146 min
The Innovators & Investors PodcastNavigating the Complexities of Venture and Growth Equity Deals: Insights from Norton Rose FulbrightIn this insightful episode of The Innovators & Investors Podcast, host Kristian Marquez sits down with Anastasia Slivker, partner at global law firm Norton Rose Fulbright, to explore the evolving landscape of venture capital and growth equity investments. Anastasia shares her unique global perspective on the challenges and opportunities companies and investors face amid shifting macroeconomic factors like rising interest rates and tariffs.The conversation delves into the complexities of deal-making beyond traditional venture capital, focusing on growth equity’s bespoke nature, the critical importance of clear expectation-setting, and the often difficult negotiations around exit strategies and control. Lis...2025-07-1837 min
The Innovators & Investors PodcastRevolutionizing Application Security: Transforming Risk Management and Facilitating Startup SuccessIn this insightful episode of The Innovators & Investors Podcast hosted by Kristian Marquez, we sit down with Greg Martin, CEO and co-founder of Ghost Security, to explore groundbreaking advancements in application security. Greg shares how Ghost Security’s innovative AI-driven agentic model is revolutionizing risk management by continuously identifying and remediating software vulnerabilities faster and more efficiently than traditional methods like penetration testing and legacy security tools. The discussion dives deep into the evolving cybersecurity landscape, emphasizing the critical need to secure customer-facing applications in a rapidly changing threat environment where automation and AI are used by both...2025-07-1644 min
The Innovators & Investors PodcastBridging Pediatric Mental Health Gaps: The Hybrid Care Model with Blackbird HealthIn this insightful episode of The Innovators & Investors Podcast, host Kristian Marquez sits down with Dr. Matt Keener, co-founder of Blackbird Health, to explore innovative solutions in pediatric mental health care. Dr. Keener discusses the fragmented and confusing landscape families face when seeking mental health support for their children, highlighting Blackbird Health’s hybrid virtual-first and in-person care model designed to bridge gaps between medical and therapeutic services. With over a decade of experience and treatment of 10,000 patients, Blackbird Health leverages technology and developmental science to offer tailored, comprehensive care. Dr. Keener sh...2025-07-1538 min
The Innovators & Investors PodcastUnlocking Multifamily Real Estate Success: Direct Investment Strategies and Insights with Veritas Equity PartnersIn this insightful episode of The Innovators & Investors Podcast, host Kristian Marquez sits down with Alex Burch, partner at Veritas Equity Partners, to explore multifamily real estate investing in Washington state. Alex shares the firm’s strategic focus on workforce housing in tertiary markets near Seattle, emphasizing direct ownership in specific, visible assets rather than blind funds or REITs. Dive deep into their investment thesis, including diversification benefits, cash flow expectations with 6-9% annual cash-on-cash returns, and long-term equity growth targeting 1.75 to 2x multiples on invested capital. The episode covers critical topics su...2025-07-1441 min
The Innovators & Investors PodcastHedge Venture Capital: Innovating Risk Management in Early-Stage Investing with Fuel Venture CapitalIn this insightful episode of The Innovators & Investors Podcast, host Kristian Marquez sits down with Maggie Vo, Managing Partner and Chief Investment Officer at Fuel Venture Capital, to explore a groundbreaking approach to venture investing called “hedge venture.” Maggie shares her unique journey from a global hedge fund manager to a venture capitalist who integrates sophisticated risk management and financial engineering into early-stage investing. They discuss Fuel VC’s global investment thesis focusing on FinTech, enterprise SaaS, consumer platforms, and disruptive AI startups across diverse markets from the U.S. to emerging economies. Maggie offers deep insights into ev...2025-07-1144 min
The Innovators & Investors PodcastRevolutionizing Education: AI, Lifelong Learning, and Global EdTech Insights with Owl VenturesIn this insightful episode of The Innovators & Investors Podcast, host Kristian Marquez sits down with Amit Patel, Managing Director at Owl Ventures, to explore the rapidly evolving landscape of education technology. Amit shares Owl Ventures’ unique investment thesis focused exclusively on EdTech companies spanning early learning, K-12, higher education, and adult or corporate learning globally. The conversation delves deeply into how generative AI is revolutionizing personalized learning by tailoring content and curricula in real time, enhancing data analytics for educators, and creating innovative multimodal assessments that measure true student understanding. Amit also re...2025-07-1045 min
The Innovators & Investors PodcastBacking Grit and Innovation: Inside HG Ventures’ Unique Corporate Venture ModelIn this insightful episode of The Innovators & Investors Podcast, host Kristian Marquez sits down with John Glushik, Managing Director at HG Ventures, the corporate venture capital arm of The Heritage Group. John shares the unique investment thesis that blends the discipline of traditional venture capital with the strategic advantages of a 95-year-old family-owned enterprise. They explore how HG Ventures adds tangible value to startups—especially in hard tech and deep tech sectors—by leveraging industry expertise, technology insights, and market access. John dives deep into evaluating founders, emphasizing grit, adaptability, and perseverance as key traits for entrepreneurial succe...2025-07-0941 min
The Innovators & Investors PodcastInside Deloitte Ventures: Strategic Corporate VC Insights on Scaling Startups and Vertical AI TrendsIn this insightful episode of The Innovators & Investors Podcast, host Kristian Marquez sits down with Jay Crone, Managing Director and Venture Capitalist at Deloitte Ventures, to explore the firm’s strategic approach to corporate venture capital. Jay shares Deloitte Ventures’ investment thesis, focusing on supporting innovative Canadian startups at Series A and B stages across key sectors like cybersecurity, climate tech, fintech, future of work, health tech, and AI. Listeners will gain an inside look at how Deloitte leverages its vast network of 1,500 partners and 15,000 employees to source deals and add value beyon...2025-07-0834 min
The Innovators & Investors PodcastInvesting in Hard Tech for a Sustainable Future with Pangaea VenturesIn this insightful episode of The Innovators & Investors Podcast, host Kristian Marquez sits down with Sarah Applebaum, partner at Pangaea Ventures, a leading hard-tech-focused venture capital firm dedicated to investing in groundbreaking companies that advance planetary health. Sarah shares Pangaea’s unique investment thesis, emphasizing technologies in industrial decarbonization, energy transition, sustainable materials, food systems, and critical metals, all aimed at addressing some of the world’s most urgent environmental and human health challenges.Listeners will gain a deep understanding of Pangaea’s rigorous due diligence process, which prioritizes companies that have moved beyond the lab with proven...2025-07-0733 min
The Innovators & Investors PodcastSurfing the Waves of Deep Tech: Early-Stage University Research and Startup FormationIn this compelling episode of The Innovators & Investors Podcast, host Kristian Marquez sits down with Keong Chan, Managing Director of Out the Back Ventures, to explore the unique world of early-stage investing in university research and deep tech startups. Keong shares the surfing-inspired origin story behind Out the Back Ventures, symbolizing a strategic approach to seeking second and third waves of innovation—not the obvious first ones—reflecting a long-term vision focused on breakthroughs five to ten years ahead.The conversation delves into their specialized investment thesis: co-founding startups by translating cutting-edge university IP into commercial ventures, parti...2025-07-0344 min
The Innovators & Investors PodcastTransforming Sales with Traq.ai: A Vision to Make Sales Teams More EffectiveIn this insightful episode of The Innovators & Investors Podcast, host Kristian Marquez sits down with Adam Rubenstein, co-founder and CEO of Traq.ai, to explore how AI-powered conversational intelligence is transforming sales enablement. Adam shares his entrepreneurial journey, from early ventures through building and selling companies, leading to the founding of Traq.ai—a platform designed to solve persistent challenges in sales performance management. They dive deep into the problem of traditional sales processes relying heavily on intuition rather than data, and how Traq.ai uses AI to objectively analyze sales conversations, deliver real-time coaching feedback, and help sales teams b...2025-07-0241 min
The Innovators & Investors PodcastInvesting in AI-Driven B2B SaaS, FinTech, and HealthTech: Inside PS27 VenturesIn this insightful episode of The Innovators & Investors Podcast, host Kristian Marquez sits down with Harry "Hale" Bullen, investment manager at PS27 Ventures, to explore the evolving landscape of venture capital focused on AI-driven investments. Hale shares PS27’s unique thesis emphasizing “sticky plumbing” software embedded deeply within B2B SaaS, FinTech, and health tech sectors, particularly in North Florida’s financial and healthcare ecosystems. They discuss the rigorous due diligence process, highlighting the importance of consistent traction, founder alignment, and clear financial paths to profitability.Listeners gain a rare look into how PS27 leverages AI tools at every...2025-07-0141 min
The Innovators & Investors PodcastEarly-Stage FinTech Investing: Unpacking Speed, Technical DNA & AI’s Transformative PowerIn this episode of The Innovators & Investors Podcast, host Kristian Marquez sits down with Ryan Falvey, Co-Founder and Managing Partner at Restive Ventures, to explore early-stage fintech investing. Ryan shares insights on how Restive Ventures focuses on being the first institutional capital source for technically skilled founders, helping them navigate the complexities of the financial services market. They discuss the importance of speed, execution, and technical DNA in startup success, along with strategies fintech founders use to gain early traction by targeting startups before larger corporations. Ryan also delves into the transformative impact of AI—es...2025-06-3045 min
The Innovators & Investors PodcastFinding the Needle in the Data Haystack: How AI is Revolutionizing Enterprise Decision-MakingIn this insightful episode of The Innovators & Investors Podcast, host Kristian Marquez sits down with Vikram Srinivasan, co-founder and CEO of Needl.ai, to explore how AI-driven search technology is transforming enterprise decision-making. Vikram shares the origin story of Needl.ai and its mission to help CXOs, CFOs, and CEOs cut through the overwhelming noise of disparate and complex data sources to find the precise information they need—the proverbial “needle in the haystack.” Drawing from his academic background and previous entrepreneurial success in AI-powered search, Vikram explains the challenges of enterprise search compared to internet...2025-06-2737 min
The Innovators & Investors PodcastInvesting in Emerging U.S. Markets and Founder-Led Growth with FirstMile VenturesIn this insightful episode of The Innovators & Investors Podcast, host Kristian Marquez sits down with Aaron Stachel, partner at FirstMile Ventures, to explore the emerging startup ecosystems beyond traditional coastal hubs, focusing particularly on Colorado and Texas. Aaron shares the origin story and investment thesis of FirstMile Ventures, a seed-stage fund dedicated to being the “first partner” for founders in rapidly growing markets outside Silicon Valley. The conversation delves into geographic advantages, debunking myths about relocating companies and highlighting the growing appeal of regions like Colorado due to cost, talent availability, and quality of life.Aaron...2025-06-2638 min
The Innovators & Investors PodcastBridging Investment and Operations: AJ Dye on Scaling Tech with Vertex Innovations and Unifi VenturesIn this episode of The Innovators & Investors Podcast, host Kristian Marquez sits down with AJ Dye, COO of Vertex Innovations and venture partner at Unifi Ventures, to explore the intersection of operations and investment in the technology sector. AJ shares insights on Vertex’s focus on quality management and project execution within the telecom and data center industries, highlighting how artificial intelligence acts as both a demand driver and operational enhancer. He discusses Unifi’s unique deal-by-deal investment model targeting expansion-stage B2B tech companies and explains the value of partnering with a network of experienced operator-entrepreneurs as li...2025-06-2537 min
The Innovators & Investors PodcastConnecting Healthcare: Solving Medical Device Fragmentation with R GroupIn this insightful episode of The Innovators & Investors Podcast, host Kristian Marquez sits down with Justin Ramsaran, co-founder and CEO of the R Group and VP of Digital Health Solutions at Fukuda Denshi, to explore critical challenges and innovations in healthcare technology. Justin shares his deep expertise on the persistent problem of medical device fragmentation and interoperability within healthcare systems, highlighting how point-to-point device connectivity has created data silos that hinder clinical efficiency and decision-making. The conversation delves into industry standards like HL7, the new mandates such as TEFCA and QHIN aimed at unifying data...2025-06-2427 min
The Innovators & Investors PodcastVenture Investing in Mobility + Tech with University of Michigan’s Early-Stage Zell Lurie Commercialization FundIn this episode of The Innovators & Investors Podcast, host Kristian Marquez sits down with David Brem, Managing Director of the University of Michigan’s Zell Lurie Commercialization Fund. David offers a rare glimpse into the inner workings of a student-led endowment fund focused on early-stage, sector-agnostic investments primarily in the Michigan ecosystem. He shares insights on their unique, founder-first investment approach, how they navigate pre-seed to Series A venture opportunities, and the rigorous due diligence process involving qualitative analysis over pure numbers.David also discusses his roles with global VC networks including Electro Ventures, the London Venture Ca...2025-06-2339 min
The Innovators & Investors PodcastNavigating Early-Stage Enterprise AI Investments with BGVIn this insightful episode of The Innovators & Investors Podcast hosted by Kristian Marquez, Yash Hemaraj, General Partner at BGV, shares deep expertise on early-stage venture capital investing in enterprise AI startups. Yash discusses BGV’s investment thesis, emphasizing human-centric AI that augments enterprise workflows with ethical guardrails and human oversight. He sheds light on the firm’s rigorous evaluation criteria, including market potential, team composition, technology, and business models, highlighting the importance of founders with domain expertise and complementary skill sets. Yash also covers his personal journey from engineering to venture capital, and how his operator experience infl...2025-06-2037 min
The Innovators & Investors PodcastMastering Customer Acquisition: Insights from Frances Ann Capital PartnersIn this compelling episode of The Innovators & Investors Podcast, host Kristian Marquez sits down with Romy Kochan, General Partner at Frances Ann Capital Partners, to explore a distinctive investment thesis centered on customer acquisition strategies as the primary driver of business growth and venture success. Drawing from over 15 years and 300 transactions in private markets, Romy and his sister and co-founder Natalie emphasize the importance of sales acumen over traditional focus on tech moats or product features, spotlighting companies that may not be “unicorns” but excel at selling and retaining customers.Listeners will gain deep insights into how Franc...2025-06-1944 min
The Innovators & Investors PodcastNavigating Venture Debt: Startup Insights from Multiplier CapitalIn this insightful episode of The Innovators & Investors Podcast, host Kristian Marquez sits down with Ash Vaidya, Managing Director of Multiplier Capital, to explore the evolving landscape of venture debt and technology investing. Ash shares his firm’s investment focus on mission-critical technology and technology-enabled services businesses that demonstrate strong recurring revenue, product-market fit, and scalable growth within large addressable markets. Listeners gain a deep understanding of the rigorous due diligence process Multiplier Capital employs, including key financial metrics such as LTV to CAC ratios, gross and net retention rates, and the importance of audited financials and a strong ma...2025-06-1830 min
The Innovators & Investors PodcastRevolutionizing Home Remodeling: How VeraAI is Streamlining the Design and Sales ProcessIn this insightful episode of The Innovators & Investors Podcast, host Kristian Marquez sits down with Andrea Dottillo and Jeff Esposito, co-founders of VeraAI Technologies, to explore how their AI-powered SaaS platform is revolutionizing the remodeling industry. Drawing from Jeff’s 20+ years of experience in remodeling sales and Andrea’s expertise in technology and research, they discuss the challenges remodelers face—such as cumbersome design tools, prolonged sales cycles, and difficulty in client visualization—and how their innovative platform simplifies the process by enabling accurate, one-consultation designs with real-time AI guidance. The conversation dives into their journey...2025-06-1736 min
The Innovators & Investors PodcastBuilding Long-Term Success through Operator-Led Investing in AI-Enabled SaaSIn this insightful episode of The Innovators & Investors Podcast, host Kristian Marquez sits down with Jim Curry, co-founder and CEO of BuildGroup, to explore a unique operator-led investment philosophy. Jim shares how their permanent fund focuses on early growth-stage, data-enabled workflow SaaS companies, leveraging deep operational expertise to drive long-term value beyond just entry and exit. Listeners gain valuable perspectives on AI integration in SaaS, the importance of clear strategic alignment for founders, and how Build Group’s hands-on approach elevates portfolio companies through active problem-solving and scaling support. Jim also discusses fo...2025-06-1634 min
The Innovators & Investors PodcastUnlocking Legacy Systems: Modernizing Mainframes via AI with Mechanical OrchardIn this episode of The Innovators & Investors Podcast, host Kristian Marquez sits down with Edward Hieatt, Chief Customer Officer and Board Member at Mechanical Orchard, to explore the complex challenge of modernizing legacy mainframe systems that underpin many of today’s largest enterprises. Edward shares the genesis of Mechanical Orchard, a startup dedicated to solving the decades-old problem of migrating critical, often fragile, mainframe-era code—written in languages like COBOL—into modern, cloud-based environments.The conversation delves into why these systems remain entrenched despite the risks and high maintenance costs, the unique technological hurdles involved, and how Mechani...2025-06-1343 min
The Innovators & Investors PodcastDisrupting Higher Education and Embracing AI at Lumen LearningIn this insightful episode of The Innovators & Investors Podcast, host Kristian Marquez sits down with Kim Thanos, founder and CEO of Lumen Learning—a pioneering company transforming higher education by providing affordable, digital textbook alternatives aimed at increasing student success in critical gateway courses. Kim shares the origin story of Lumen Learning, detailing how a grant from the Gates Foundation inspired a mission to help at-risk students overcome costly textbook barriers by leveraging openly licensed materials. Listeners will gain valuable perspectives on how Lumen has disrupted traditional textbook pricing models, the importance of engaging faculty and students di...2025-06-1241 min
The Innovators & Investors PodcastEmpowering Vehicle Owners: Automotive Data Ownership & Monetization with MyAutoDataIn this insightful episode of The Innovators & Investors Podcast, host Kristian Marquez sits down with Manfred Heiss, Founder of MyAutoData and President of MAUD Incorporated, to explore the revolutionary concept of automotive data ownership. Manfred shares his extensive experience from BMW, Oracle, and Hewlett Packard, explaining how his frustration with current data practices inspired him to create MAUD—a secure cloud-based data vault empowering vehicle owners to control, manage, and monetize their automotive data. The discussion delves into how static, dynamic, and customer experience data are collected and monetized, the impact of privacy laws like GD...2025-06-1150 min
The Innovators & Investors PodcastRevolutionizing Dysphagia Diagnosis: IMAGExRAY’s Technology is Transforming HealthcareIn this episode of The Innovators & Investors Podcast, host Kristian Marquez interviews Jacqui and Steve DIMarco, the CEO and the President of IMAGExRay, about their groundbreaking development of a portable, ultra-low dose radiation x-ray system designed specifically to diagnose and treat dysphagia, a dangerous swallowing disorder. They discuss how their FDA-approved and patented technology addresses critical challenges exposed during the COVID-19 pandemic by enabling skilled nursing facilities to perform modified barium swallow studies on-site, minimizing delays that often lead to life-threatening complications such as aspiration pneumonia. Jacqui and Steve share insights into the device’s innovation, including it...2025-06-1029 min
The Innovators & Investors PodcastTransforming Legacy Industries through Thematic Investment and AI with Jon McLaughlinIn this insightful episode of The Innovators & Investors Podcast, host Kristian Marquez sits down with Jon McLaughlin, managing partner at Emberline and CEO of TBX. Jon shares his unique journey from Wall Street derivatives trading to backpacking around the world, followed by an MBA and deep private equity operational experience. Together, Jon and Kristian explore Emberline’s thematic investment approach that targets transformative opportunities in legacy industries like wildfire risk management and aviation safety. Jon discusses the significance of investing with strategic vision, adding value through active management, and the crucial importance of trustworthy partnerships with business own...2025-06-0944 min
The Innovators & Investors PodcastTurning Wood Waste into Renewable Energy: How Woodchuck and AI are Revolutionizing Sustainability with Todd ThomasIn this insightful episode of The Innovators & Investors Podcast, host Kristian Marquez sits down with Todd Thomas, founder and CEO of Woodchuck and bestselling author of Unleashing Abundant Energy. Todd shares how Woodchuck is tackling two pressing global challenges—waste reduction and renewable energy generation—by diverting wood waste from construction and manufacturing sectors destined for landfills and transforming it into clean, renewable biomass energy. The conversation dives deep into the genesis of Woodchuck’s innovative solution, its early success with major clients like Amazon, and how AI-driven technology enables precise tracking and reporting on waste diversion and ene...2025-06-0637 min
The Innovators & Investors PodcastRevolutionizing Education with VR and AI: Inside Optima’s Journey with Adam ManganaIn this compelling episode of The Innovators & Investors Podcast, host Kristian Marquez sits down with Adam Mangana, President and CEO of Optima, to explore how immersive technologies like virtual reality (VR) and artificial intelligence (AI) are revolutionizing K-12 education. Adam shares the origin story of Optima—born from his experience as an AP computer science teacher—and how the company tackles critical issues such as the inequity of educational funding and teacher shortages by delivering accredited VR-powered, interactive curricula accessible nationwide.Listeners will gain insights into how Optima partners with government programs, notably pioneering a business-to-government-to-consumer model to r...2025-06-0540 min
The Innovators & Investors PodcastLeading Authentically: Levi King’s Journey from Entrepreneur to Fintech InnovatorIn this insightful episode of the Innovators and Investors Podcast, host Kristian Marquez sits down with Levi King, CEO and Chairman of Nav, to explore the crucial role of business credit and financial health for small businesses. Levi shares his entrepreneurial journey, from bootstrapping multiple ventures in diverse industries to founding NAV, a fintech platform that empowers over a million small business owners to understand, build, and protect their business and personal credit. The conversation delves into how managing credit affects access to financing, vendor relationships, and business growth, alongside Levi’s ex...2025-06-0442 min
The Innovators & Investors PodcastBridging Worlds: Amar Bakshi on Transforming Global Connection with NoroIn this episode of the Innovators and Investors Podcast, host Kristian Marquez sits down with Amar Bakshi, founder of Shared Studios and Noro, to explore how Amar’s visionary work is redefining human connection through immersive technology. Amar shares the evolution from his original art project, which connected strangers worldwide via life-size video portals installed in locations from New York to Tehran, refugee camps, and universities, to creating Noro’s cutting-edge video conferencing solutions that bridge the gap between virtual meetings and face-to-face interaction. They discuss the inspiration behind his projects, including his personal experiences as a jour...2025-06-0336 min
The Innovators & Investors PodcastHarnessing AI through Seed-Stage Investments: Insights from David Evans of Sentiero VenturesIn this episode, host Kristian Marquez welcomes David Evans, managing partner at Sentiero Ventures, to discuss the firm’s investment thesis focused on seed-stage companies that leverage AI-enabled software to address real-world challenges in sectors like manufacturing and e-commerce. David elaborates on how Sentiero Ventures is uniquely positioned to combine proprietary, private data with public AI models. He emphasizes the complexities involved in creating tailored AI solutions amid the rise of accessible AI tools like ChatGPT. The conversation delves into the distinctions between AI applications categorized as “co-pilots,” which enhance user productivity, and “agents,” which focus on automation...2025-06-0230 min
The Innovators & Investors PodcastBreaking Barriers: Fostering Diversity in Angel Investing with Ralph GroceIn this episode of the Innovators and Investors Podcast, host Kristian Marquez welcomes Ralph Groce, an angel investor and partner at Scroobious. The conversation dives into the systemic challenges faced by underrepresented founders—especially women and people of color—in accessing capital. Scroobious aims to bridge the gap between these talented founders and a vast network of angel investors, tackling misconceptions about perceived risks associated with diverse entrepreneurs. Ralph shares his journey into angel investing, which was influenced by his father’s early investment education and his own entrepreneurial experiences. He emphasizes the importance of team dynamics, proble...2025-05-2940 min
The Innovators & Investors PodcastHow BrightHive is Unlocking the Power of AI to Transform Data-Driven WorkIn this episode of the Innovators and Investors Podcast, host Kristian Marquez sits down with Suzanne El-Moursi, co-founder and CEO of BrightHive, to discuss how AI-driven data solutions are transforming the workplace. Suzanne shares BrightHive’s mission to make data insights accessible to all employees through agentic AI—specialized autonomous agents that function like a full data team. She explains how this technology accelerates decision-making, improves governance, and empowers businesses to unlock the full potential of their data. From the early challenges of adoption to the rapid rise of AI in enterprise settings, Suzanne provides a compelling look...2025-05-2846 min
The Innovators & Investors PodcastNavigating the Startup Landscape: Insights from Raj Malik of Pixel Perfect VenturesJoin host Kristian Marquez in this insightful episode of The Innovators and Investors Podcast featuring Raj Malik, partner at Pixel Perfect Ventures.In this episode, Raj delves into the significance of grit and adaptability in founders as they navigate the uncertain landscape of startups and shares the firm’s unique perspective on investing, rooted in their extensive operational experience as former leaders at Rally Health. He underscores the necessity of having a robust founding team, whether it includes multiple founders or a skilled solo entrepreneur. The conversation also explores the importance of pr...2025-05-2743 min
The Innovators & Investors PodcastAI, Healthcare, and Early Detection: Investing in a Healthy Future with Erin NiehausIn this episode of Innovators and Investors, host Kristian Marquez talks with Erin Niehaus, partner at DigitalDx Ventures, about how AI is transforming healthcare. Erin shares her journey from finance to venture capital and explains DigitalDx’s focus on non-invasive early disease detection. They discuss the challenges of AI adoption in healthcare, investment trends, and how DigitalDx supports early-stage founders. For aspiring entrepreneurs, Erin advises becoming technically competent in their area of passion and not letting setbacks deter them. She also emphasizes the importance of generosity and mentorship in fostering innovation. Overall, th...2025-05-2632 min
The Innovators & Investors PodcastBuilding Strong Cofounder Partnerships with Tanis GeorgeIn this episode of the Innovators and Investors Podcast, host Kristian Marquez interviews Tanis Jorge, author of “The Cofounders Handbook” and founder of the Cofounders Hub. The conversation delves into Tanis’ entrepreneurial journey and insights regarding co-founding partnerships. Tanis emphasizes the importance of communication, shared expectations, and roles within co-founder relationships. She advocates for a structured approach to partnerships, including the use of vesting periods for shares to mitigate risks. Tanis introduces the Cofounders Hub, a platform designed to strengthen cofounder partnerships through guided exercises and mentorship. The discussion also touches on the significance of adaptability in entrepreneurship, the challe...2025-05-2227 min
The Innovators & Investors PodcastMatt Smith from Kickstart on Early-Stage Investing in the Mountain StatesIn this episode of the Innovators and Investors Podcast, host Kristian Marquez interviews Matt Smith, principal at Kickstart, a Colorado-based venture capital firm. Matt shares insights into the firm’s investment thesis, which focuses on early-stage funding for entrepreneurs in the mountain states, particularly between Phoenix and Bozeman. The conversation covers Matt’s personal journey into venture capital, the maturation of founders in understanding the investment landscape, and the evolving dynamics of the startup ecosystem. He emphasizes the importance of understanding investor models while navigating the fundraising process and discusses Kickstart’s supportive approach to portfolio companies, including a new in...2025-05-2131 min
The Innovators & Investors PodcastInnovating Construction Tech: SmartBarrel’s Labor Management SolutionIn this episode of the Innovators and Investors Podcast, host Kristian Marquez interviews Albert Bou Fadel, founder and CEO of Smart Barrel, a company that has developed a unique hardware-software solution for labor management in the construction industry. Albert shares his journey from a decade in the construction field to launching SmartBarrel, driven by the need to solve prevalent issues like labor management and timekeeping through an innovative system. The conversation delves into the challenges of integrating hardware with software, the importance of understanding customer needs, the complexities of sales and marketing in a niche market, and the necessity...2025-05-2038 min
The Innovators & Investors PodcastFunding SaaS Growth: Keith Harrington on Novel Capital’s Entrepreneur-Friendly ApproachIn this episode of the Innovators and Investors Podcast, host Kristian Marquez interviews Keith Harrington, the co-founder and COO of Novel Capital. Keith discusses the unique approach Novel Capital takes as a capital provider for early-stage Software as a Service (SaaS) and tech-enabled service businesses. Keith shares insights on the importance of optionality for entrepreneurs in raising capital, the streamlined processes Novel employs to provide timely funding, and the metrics they prioritize for underwriting loans. The conversation also touches on the founders’ personal experiences in raising capital and the significance of building relationships in business. Learn more ab...2025-05-1934 min
The Innovators & Investors PodcastThe Future of Flexible Work: Yakov Filippenko on Building Intch for SMBsIn this episode of the Innovators and Investors Podcast, host Kristian Marquez interviews Yakov Filippenko, founder of Intch, a platform designed to connect companies and professionals for part-time projects. Yakov discusses the challenges of the evolving workforce landscape, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, where many professionals seek flexible work arrangements. He shares insights into the founding of Intch, the strategic focus on small-to-medium businesses (SMBs), and the necessity of profitability in the current economic climate. The conversation highlights the importance of product-market fit, the changing dynamics of venture capital, and the role of AI in hiring...2025-05-1528 min
The Innovators & Investors PodcastEmpowering Innovation: The Intersection of Corporate Venture Capital and AI-Driven StartupsJoin us for an engaging episode of The Innovators and Investors Podcast, hosted by Kristian Marquez, where we explore the vibrant intersection of technology, investment, and entrepreneurship. This week, Kristian welcomes two dynamic guests: Kevin Weber, Managing Director at Amex Ventures, and Ayal Karmi, Co-founder and CEO of Nakuda.In this episode, Kevin shares his fascinating career journey, including his transition from corporate finance and M&A to venture capital at Amex Ventures, where he focuses on early-stage investments in sectors like fintech, AI, and cybersecurity. As Kevin describes his investment thesis, he emphasizes the importance of...2025-05-141h 00
The Innovators & Investors PodcastInside the Venture Studio Model: JT Benton on Building Startups from the Ground UpIn this episode of the Innovators and Investors Podcast, host Kristian Marquez interviews JT Benton, a founding partner of 9point8 Collective and a general partner at B'More Venture Studio. JT discusses the venture studio model, which focuses on creating companies by starting with a defined thesis or problem to solve rather than just taking existing ideas. JT explains how this model differs from incubators and accelerators, emphasizes the importance of product-market fit, and shares insights about the structure of ownership between studios and founding teams. The conversation also touches on the evaluation of founders, the significance of sales and...2025-05-1344 min
The Innovators & Investors PodcastMastering Startup Fundraising: Insights from FounderSuite CEO Nathan BeckfordIn this episode of The Innovators and Investors Podcast, host Kristian Marquez interviews Nathan Beckord, the CEO of FounderSuite.com and FundingStack.com. Nathan shares his journey from investment banking to entrepreneurship, outlining the inception of his companies aimed at easing the capital-raising process for startups and venture funds. Through his experience, Nathan emphasizes the importance of focusing on core problems rather than spreading too thin across multiple solutions. The discussion highlights valuable lessons on fundraising, investor relationships, and product development, while also addressing the influence of artificial intelligence on the startup ecosystem. Learn more about Nathan's...2025-05-1230 min
The Innovators & Investors PodcastSmart Seed Investing With Illuminate Ventures Founder and Managing Partner Cindy PadnosIn this episode of The Innovators and Investors Podcast, host Kristian Marquez interviews Cindy Padnos, the founder and managing partner of Illuminate Ventures, a seed-stage venture capital firm focused on enterprise software. Cindy shares her insights on the importance of investing in areas where one has operational experience, the dynamics of seed-stage investing versus later rounds, and the value of diversity in entrepreneurship. She emphasizes the significance of strong teams, the lessons learned from her own experiences as an operator, and the structured support systems Illuminate Ventures has built, including a business advisory council and a program for student...2025-05-0837 min
The Innovators & Investors PodcastRevolutionizing Talent Acquisition with AI: With Bahia AI Founder Danika ChilibeckIn this episode of The Innovators and Investors Podcast, host Kristian Marquez interviews Danika Chilibeck, founder and CEO of Bahia AI. Danika discusses her company, Bahia AI, which offers an AI talent sourcer named Mia, designed to streamline the talent acquisition process. Danica shares her personal frustrations with traditional recruitment methods, which inspired her to automate the talent sourcing process. She also discusses her company’s philosophy on product development, emphasizing the importance of customer feedback. She also shares insights on metrics important for evaluating their business, such as customer acquisition cost and churn rates. Learn more ab...2025-05-0627 min
The Innovators & Investors PodcastBridging Care: The Future of Family Caregiving and Health Plans with Avanlee ChristineIn this episode of The Innovators and Investors Podcast, host Kristian Marquez interviews Avanlee Christine, CEO of Avanlee Care. Avanlee discusses her company’s mission to streamline communication between families and healthcare systems to support the aging population, emphasizing the need for technology in healthcare to improve patient outcomes.Learn more about Avanlee's work https://www.avanleecare.com/Connect with Avanlee on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/avanlee/Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply https://finstratmgmt.com/innovators-investors-podcast/Want to learn more about Kristian Marquez's work? Ch...2025-05-0129 min
The Innovators & Investors PodcastHarnessing High-Performance Computing: Todd Smith’s Vision for OpnBook’s TAHO InfrastructureIn this episode of The Innovators and Investors Podcast, host Kristian Marquez sits down with Todd Smith, co-founder and CEO of OpnBook, to discuss their innovative software product, TAHO. This infrastructure solution addresses the growing demand for high-performance computing by optimizing existing hardware resources, effectively navigating the challenges of energy consumption and operational efficiency. Tune in to discover how transitioning from a business intelligence tool to a robust software platform has unlocked new business potential, enhanced environmental sustainability, and revolutionized data center operations. Todd shares insights into patenting strategies and lessons learned in raising capital, offering valuable wisdom for...2025-04-2943 minThe Innovators & Investors Podcast43 - AI, Entrepreneurship, and Bold Decisions: Gaurav Bhattacharya's Journey with Jeeva.aiIn this episode of the Innovators and Investors Podcast, host Kristian Marquez interviews Gaurav Bhattacharya, the founder and CEO of Jeeva.ai.Gaurav discusses the origins, mission, and growth of his company, which aims to automate repetitive tasks using AI technology. He explains how Jeeva.ai began as a pivot from a previous product focused on customer data analysis to developing AI agents specifically for sales and marketing. Gaurav shares insights on navigating the challenges of entrepreneurship, the importance of company culture, and the value of making bold decisions. He emphasizes the necessity of a strong product...2025-04-2430 minThe Innovators & Investors Podcast42 - Connecting Gen Z: Adam Metcalf on ZeeMee’s Evolution and Startup InsightsIn this episode of the Innovators and Investors Podcast, host Kristian Marquez interviews Adam Metcalf, co-founder of ZeeMee, a platform designed to facilitate connections among Gen Z college students.The conversation covers ZeeMee’s evolution, the challenges of achieving product-market fit, and the eventual pivot to focus on building a community. Adam emphasizes the importance of understanding client needs and highlights the role of artificial intelligence in enhancing user engagement. The discussion also touches on the challenges of raising venture capital and the pressures that come with it, as well as the lessons learned regarding work-life balance. ...2025-04-2229 minThe Innovators & Investors Podcast41 - Funding the Future: Bigfoot Capital's Brian Parks on Flexible Lending for B2B GrowthIn this episode of the Innovators and Investors Podcast, host Kristian Marquez interviews Brian Parks, CEO of Bigfoot Capital, about their approach to lending for B2B software companies.Brian emphasizes the importance of providing flexible debt options for companies with established revenue. He discusses the current investment landscape, the impact of interest rates, and the significance of strong relationships in business. The conversation highlights the need for founders to focus on long-term value creation while managing capital effectively.Learn more about Brian's work HERE.Connect with Brian on LinkedIn HERE. ...2025-04-1734 minThe Innovators & Investors Podcast40 - Empowering Investors: Navigating Value Investing with Tykr's Sean TepperIn this episode of the Innovators and Investors Podcast, Kristian Marquez interviews Sean Tepper, Founder and CEO of Tykr.Sean discusses the platform’s mission to empower retail investors by providing tools for confident stock trading. Drawing from his extensive background in tech and finance, Sean emphasizes the importance of value investing and customer-centric approaches. He shares insights on user acquisition strategies, the significance of customer service, and the company’s evolution towards B2B partnerships.Learn more about Sean's work HERE.Connect with Sean on LinkedIn HERE. Think you'd be a gr...2025-04-1529 minThe Innovators & Investors Podcast39 - Deep Tech and National Security: Insights from J2 Ventures' Yeri LopezIn this episode of the Innovators and Investors Podcast, Kristian Marquez interviews Yeri Lopez, Director of Partnerships at J2 Ventures.Yeri discusses J2’s investment thesis focused on deep tech with applications in national security and large commercial markets. He also shares insights on the importance of passion for founders, the significance of SBIR contracts for startups, and the firm’s selective investment strategy.Learn more about Yeri's work HERE.Connect with Yeri on LinkedIn HERE. Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE. Want to lear...2025-04-1029 minThe Innovators & Investors Podcast38 - Investing in Healthcare Innovation: Insights from HealthX Ventures' Brian LindstromIn this episode of the Innovators and Investors Podcast, Kristian Marquez interviews Brian Lindstrom from HealthX Ventures.Brian discusses HealthX’s investment strategy, due diligence, key metrics for evaluating startups, and the unique challenges of selling in the healthcare industry. He emphasizes the importance of founder traits, product-market fit, and the evolving role of AI in healthcare. Brian also offers advice for first-time founders seeking investment and building successful companies.Learn more about Brian's work HERE.Connect with Brian on LinkedIn HERE. Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Ap...2025-04-0829 minThe Innovators & Investors Podcast37 - Cultivating Innovation: BoodleBox's France Hoang on AI, Culture, and Customer-Centric StrategiesIn this episode of the Innovators and Investors Podcast, Kristian Marquez interviews France Hoang, co-founder and CEO of BoodleBox.France discusses BoodleBox’s mission to create a collaborative AI platform for higher education, the evolution of the company, the importance of culture in startups, and insights into sales and marketing strategies. France also emphasizes the significance of focusing on customer needs, the urgency of AI in education, and the importance of founder-led sales.Learn more about France's work HERE.Connect with France on LinkedIn HERE. Think you'd be a great guest on...2025-04-0324 minThe Innovators & Investors Podcast36 - From Startup to IPO Success with Founder and Family Office Head Rick LaschIn this episode of the Innovators and Investors podcast, host Kristian Marquez interviews founder and investor Rick Lasch. Rick discusses his career journey and the importance of listening to customer needs. Rick delves into the significance of team dynamics, investment strategies, and the value of face-to-face interactions in building relationships.Connect with Rick on LinkedIn HERE. Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE. Want to learn more about Kristian Marquez's work? Check out his website at Finstrat Management.2025-04-0129 minThe Innovators & Investors Podcast35 - Navigating Non-Dilutive Capital: Insights with Decathlon Capital's Kevin GrossmanIn this episode of the Innovators and Investors podcast, host Kristian Marquez interviews Kevin Grossman from Decathlon Capital Partners discussing alternative financing for high-growth companies.Kevin emphasizes the benefits of non-dilutive capital, the importance of due diligence, and how current market dynamics, including interest rate changes, impact funding decisions. Kevin encourages founders to focus on capital efficiency and prepare for potential challenges in raising funds, as the market evolves.Learn more about Kevin's work HERE.Connect with Kevin on LinkedIn HERE. Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply...2025-03-2726 minThe Innovators & Investors Podcast34 - Scaling Food Innovation: How RisingFoodStars Supports Startups in the Food IndustryIn this episode of the Innovators and Investors podcast, host Kristian Marquez interviews Lena Marijke-Wenzel, an innovation program manager at EIT Food, focused on the RisingFoodStars accelerator.Lena discusses the program’s aim to support food-related companies in addressing significant challenges within the food system, such as promoting healthier lives, achieving a net-zero food system, and ensuring transparency and fairness. The program, which has been operational since 2018, caters to later-stage companies and offers a variety of support services, including mentorship, training, and access to a vast network of industry stakeholders. They discuss the unique needs of companies tr...2025-03-2526 minThe Innovators & Investors Podcast33 - Navigating NextGen Recruitment: Brad DiPaolo's Journey with CandidateHubIn this episode of the Innovators and Investors Podcast, host Kristian Marquez interviews Brad DiPaolo, founder of CandidateHub.Brad discusses the challenges in recruitment, the innovative solutions CandidateHub provides to engage qualified candidates, and his journey to achieving product-solution fit. He emphasizes the importance of building relationships, the balance between bootstrapping and seeking investment, and the significance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance as a founder.Learn more about Brad's work HERE.Connect with Brad on LinkedIn HERE. Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE. ...2025-03-2028 minThe Innovators & Investors Podcast32 - Secure File Transfer 2.0: Botdoc's Karl Falk on Innovation, Client Focus, and Team CultureIn this episode of the Innovators and Investors Podcast, host Kristian Marquez interviews Karl Falk, CEO of BotDoc, a cybersecurity company that enhances security while ensuring operational convenience.Karl shares the inspiration behind BotDoc’s technology, the importance of listening to clients, and the challenges of market adoption. He emphasizes the necessity of persistence, transparency with investors, and the value of a strong company culture, drawing parallels to sports teamwork.Learn more about Karl's work HERE.Connect with Karl on LinkedIn HERE. Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Ap...2025-03-1330 minThe Innovators & Investors Podcast31 - Revolutionizing Contracts with Agree.com Co-Founder Marty RingleinIn this episode of the Innovators and Investors Podcast, host Kristian Marquez interviews Marty Ringlein, Co-Founder and CEO of Agree.com.Marty discusses how Agree.com improves the process of contracts by bridging the gap between signature and payment, making it free and user-friendly for sales teams. He emphasizes the importance of customer experience, brand building, and the strategic approach to monetization, while also reflecting on his background in venture capital and the significance of nurturing relationships.Learn more about Marty's work HERE.Connect with Marty on LinkedIn HERE. Think you'd...2025-03-1126 minThe Innovators & Investors Podcast30 - Automating Airborne Intelligence with Overwatch Imaging's Greg DavisIn this episode of the Innovators and Investors podcast, host Kristian Marquez interviews Greg Davis, founder and CEO of Overwatch Imaging.Greg discusses Overwatch’s focus on automating airborne imagery intelligence for various sectors, including defense and civil applications. Greg shares insights on the company’s dual hardware-software model, and the importance of agility in a startup environment, especially in the context of growing data and the need for actionable intelligence.Learn more about Greg's work HERE.Connect with Greg on LinkedIn HERE. Think you'd be a great guest on the show...2025-03-0623 minThe Innovators & Investors Podcast29 - Redefining Financial Analytics with dataroomHQ Founder Jeff SchwartzIn this episode of the Innovators and Investors Podcast, host Kristian Marquez interviews Jeff Schwartz, CEO of Data Room HQ.Jeff discusses Data Room HQ’s automation services for B2B SaaS companies and investors, Jeff’s journey from a successful startup to founding his company, the importance of metrics in business management, and the evolving dynamics of customer success and financing strategies.Learn more about Jeff's work HERE.Connect with Jeff on LinkedIn HERE. Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE. Want to learn more...2025-03-0420 minThe Innovators & Investors Podcast28 - Investing in the Mountain West with Next Frontier Capital General Partner Les CraigIn this episode of the Innovators and Investors Podcast, host Kristian Marquez interviews Les Craig, General Partner with Next Frontier Capital. Les discusses the investment firm’s focus on early-stage companies in the Mountain West region, and how the unique dynamics of this area provide opportunities for founders. Les also shares insights on the importance of a founder’s ability to fundraise, the evolving venture landscape, and strategies for success in raising capital.Learn more about Les' work HERE.Connect with Les on LinkedIn HERE. Think you'd be a great guest on t...2025-02-2731 minThe Innovators & Investors Podcast27 - Driving Impact: Balancing Metrics, Culture, and AI in Business with Tree and Leaf Partners Founder Andy GalpinIn this episode of the Innovators and Investors Podcast, host Kristian Marquez interviews Andy Galpin, founder of Tree & Leaf Partners, a redemptive acquisition fund focused on acquiring and scaling companies in the education and healthcare sectors.Andy discusses the importance of creating impact through business, evaluating companies based on financial metrics and culture, and the evolving role of AI in operations. The conversation also touches on the potential changes in the education and healthcare landscape due to political shifts.Learn more about Andy's work HERE.Connect with Andy on LinkedIn HERE. ...2025-02-2522 minThe Innovators & Investors Podcast26 - Investing in Web3 and Decentralized Blockchain Networks with Arcanum Capital Founding Partner James McDowallIn this episode of the Innovators and Investors Podcast, host Kristian Marquez interviews James McDowell, founding partner at Arcanum Capital. James discusses Arcanum’s investment thesis in the blockchain and crypto space, emphasizing early-stage investments, the unique characteristics of Bitcoin and Ethereum, and the evolving landscape of decentralized finance (DeFi). James highlights the potential for significant returns in the crypto market and the intersection of blockchain technology with AI.Learn more about James's work HERE.Connect with James on LinkedIn HERE. Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HE...2025-02-2029 minThe Innovators & Investors Podcast25 - Investing in the Skies: Aero X Ventures' Kyle Mounts on Aerospace, Drones, and Capital EfficiencyIn this episode of the Innovators and Investors podcast, host Kristian Marquez interviews Kyle Mounts, general partner at Aero X Ventures and Singularity Capital Advisors.Kyle discusses Aero X’s focus on early-stage investments in aerospace and defense, the importance of capital efficiency, and the evolving role of drones in logistics and warfare. Kyle also emphasizes the impact of regulatory frameworks on the drone industry and the potential for American-made technologies in critical infrastructure.Learn more about Kyle's work HERE.Connect with Kyle on LinkedIn HERE. Think you'd be a great gu...2025-02-1828 minThe Innovators & Investors Podcast24 - Inside a Hands-On Venture Studio with Paragraph Partner Michelle ColeIn this episode of the Innovators and Investors Podcast, host Kristian Marquez interviews Michelle Cole, Partner at Paragraph.Michelle shares her extensive experience as a former COO and discusses the importance of product-market fit, customer success, and the challenges of scaling operations in software companies, emphasizing the need for resilience and adaptability in entrepreneurship.Learn more about Michelle's work HERE.Connect with Michelle on LinkedIn HERE. Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE. Want to learn more about Kristian Marquez's work? Check out his website...2025-02-1328 minThe Innovators & Investors Podcast23 - Hands-On Investing with Blu Venture Investors Partner and ColoWatch Co-Founder Bikram BakshiIn this episode of the Innovators and Investors podcast, host Kristian Marquez speaks with Bikram Bakshi, Partner with Blu Ventures and Co-Founder of ColoWatch.Bikram discusses Blue Ventures’ hands-on investment approach focusing on B2B SaaS, cybersecurity, and health tech. Bikram also shares insights about ColoWatch, a non-invasive colon cancer screening technology. He emphasizes the importance of team dynamics and traction in investment decisions, and how the changing healthcare landscape presents opportunities for preventative health solutions.Learn more about Bikram's work HERE.Connect with Bikram on LinkedIn HERE. Think you'd be a...2025-02-1131 minThe Innovators & Investors Podcast22 - From Nonprofit AI to BoodleBox with Founder Shawn OldsIn this episode of the Innovators and Investors podcast, host Kristian Marquez talks with Shawn Olds, co-founder and COO of boodleAI.Shawn discusses his journey from a nonprofit-focused AI platform to BoodleBox, an AI tool designed for marketing, sales, and higher education. He emphasizes the importance of understanding customer needs, pivoting based on market adoption, and fostering a collaborative culture within teams.Learn more about Shawn's work HERE.Connect with Shawn on LinkedIn HERE. Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE. Want to learn more...2025-02-0624 minThe Innovators & Investors Podcast21 - Unlocking Active Investment Success with Latimer Ventures' Founding General Partner, Luke CooperIn this episode of the Innovators and Investors Podcast, host Kristian Marquez talks with Luke Cooper, founding general partner of Latimer Ventures.They discuss Latimer’s investment thesis, which focuses on building M&A capabilities in startups, particularly among diverse founders. Luke shares insights from his entrepreneurial journey, emphasizing the importance of understanding market dynamics, product-market fit, and disciplined investment strategies in the evolving landscape of venture capital.Learn more about Luke's work HERE.Connect with Luke on LinkedIn HERE. Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE. ...2025-02-0423 minThe Innovators & Investors Podcast20 - From HealthTech IPO to Family Office Success with Dan RizzoIn this episode of the Innovators and Investors podcast, host Kristian Marquez talks with investor Dan Rizzo.Dan shares his journey from management consulting to leading a successful healthcare IT company that went public. Dan also discusses the importance of understanding client needs, the balance between consulting and software services, and his approach to investing through his family office. He emphasizes the significance of team dynamics, pivots in entrepreneurship, and the lessons learned from both operational and investment experiences.Learn more about Dan's work HERE.Connect with Dan on LinkedIn HERE. ...2025-01-3025 minThe Innovators & Investors Podcast19 - From Exit to Empowerment: A LegalTech Operator’s Journey with Ishan GirdharIn this episode of the Innovators and Investors podcast, host Kristian Marquez talks with Ishan Girdhar, a legal tech entrepreneur who shares his journey from founding Preva to leading a legal tech studio.They discuss the importance of niche markets, founder-led sales, and the role of human services in tech products. Ishan emphasizes the value of understanding clients deeply and adapting to market needs while maintaining strong relationships and team dynamics.Learn more about Ishan's work HERE.Connect with Ishan on LinkedIn HERE. Think you'd be a great guest on the...2025-01-2827 minThe Innovators & Investors Podcast18 - Bridging Healthcare Innovation and Investment with Joel Martin with HealthX Ventures' Joel MartinIn this episode of the Innovators and Investors podcast, host Kristian Marquez talks with Joel Martin, Chief of Staff at Veda Data Solutions and Operating Partner at HealthX Ventures.Joel discusses his career journey and the challenges in healthcare technology. He emphasizes the importance of accurate provider data, the transition from fee-for-service to value-based care, and the need for strong founding teams and clear ROI in healthcare startups.Learn more about Joel's work HERE.Connect with Joel on LinkedIn HERE. Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE. 2025-01-2334 minThe Innovators & Investors Podcast17 - Redefining Venture Support with Paragraph Founding Partner Brad WislerIn this episode of the Innovators and Investors podcast, host Kristian Marquez talks with Brad Wisler, founding partner of Paragraph, a venture studio focused on building and investing in scalable software companies.They discuss the unique approach of recruiting co-founders before developing ideas, the importance of understanding distribution, and the need for adaptability in the entrepreneurial journey, especially in the context of current market changes and the impact of AI.Learn more about Brad's work HERE.Connect with Brad on LinkedIn HERE. Think you'd be a great guest on the show...2025-01-2126 minThe Innovators & Investors Podcast16 - Inside Angel Investing: Strategies and Insights from Early-Stage Investor Bernard ChongIn this episode of the Innovators & Investors podcast, host Kristian Marquez talks to angel investor and entrepreneur, Bernard Chong.Bernard shares his diverse background in coffee, retail, tech platforms, and eSports, highlighting his journey into angel investing. He emphasizes the importance of a founder's character and alignment in business partnerships, and discusses trends in technology and the impact of interest rates on investments. Bernard offers practical advice for founders, stressing the need for thorough planning and building strong relationships with investors. The episode provides valuable insights for both aspiring entrepreneurs and seasoned investors.Learn more...2025-01-1624 minThe Innovators & Investors Podcast15 - Streamlining On-Site Project Management with OnStation Founding CEO Patrick RussoIn this episode of the Innovators and Investors podcast, host Kristian Marquez interviews Patrick Russo, the founding CEO of OnStation, a software solution aimed at improving location and documentation for roadway construction projects. Patrick discusses the inception of OnStation, its growth strategy, the importance of user feedback, and the company’s vision for the future. He emphasizes transparency, team accountability, and the value of seeking help, offering advice to aspiring entrepreneurs.Learn more about Patrick's work HERE.Connect with Patrick on LinkedIn HERE. Think you'd be a great guest on the sh...2025-01-1421 minThe Innovators & Investors Podcast14 - Investing in Disruption with Recursive Ventures Founder and General Partner Itamar NovickIn this episode of the Innovators Investors podcast, host Kristian Marquez interviews Itamar Novik, founder and General Partner of Recursive Ventures.Itamar discusses his extensive experience in startups, investment strategies focusing on data and AI, and the importance of founder quality in venture capital. Itamar emphasizes the need for startups to understand their market, the role of venture capital in their growth, and the evolving landscape influenced by AI technology.Want to learn more about Kristian Marquez's work? Check out his website at Finstrat Management.Learn more about Itamar's work HERE....2025-01-0927 minThe Innovators & Investors Podcast13 - Revolutionizing Legal Depositions with Skribe Founder Karl SeelbachIn this episode of the Innovators and Investors podcast, host Kristian Marquez interviews Karl Seelbach, founder of Skribe and law firm Doyle & Seelbach.Karl discusses his journey from aspiring attorney to innovator in legal technology. He emphasizes the challenges and opportunities in modernizing deposition processes through AI, which makes them faster and more cost-effective. His insights on persistence, team building, and the need for legal tech innovation underscore the evolving landscape of law practice.Want to learn more about Kristian Marquez's work? Check out his website at Finstrat Management.Learn more about Karl's...2025-01-0743 minThe Innovators & Investors Podcast12 - Bridging Science and Consumer Satisfaction with Tastry Founder and CEO Katerina AxelssonIn this episode of the Innovators and Investors podcast, host Kristian Marquez interviews Katerina Axelson, founder of Tastry.Katerina shares her journey from aspiring scientist to entrepreneur, highlighting the importance of understanding consumer preferences through chemistry. She discusses the challenges of introducing innovative technology in traditional industries, the significance of iterating products, and the need for a supportive relationship with investors. Her vision for Tastry revolves around enhancing the supply chain and predicting consumer likability.Learn more about Katerina's work HERE.Connect with Katerina on LinkedIn HERE. Think you'd be a...2024-12-1727 minThe Innovators & Investors Podcast11 - Backing Extraordinary Founders with Founder and Managing Director of Forefront Venture Partners Phil NadelIn this episode of the Innovators and Investors podcast, host Kristian Marquez interviews Phil Nadel, founder, and Managing Director at Forefront Venture Partners.Phil discusses his journey into venture capital, the investment thesis of Forefront Venture Partners, and the importance of founder evaluation and communication. He emphasizes the need for capital efficiency, strategic support for portfolio companies, and the challenges of balancing growth with sustainable practices. The conversation also covers how founders can effectively approach fundraising and the need for transparency in communication with investors.Learn more about Phil's work HERE.Connect with...2024-12-1222 minThe Innovators & Investors Podcast10 - Investing in Early-Stage Cybersecurity and Enterprise Software Startups with Rain Capital Partner David CrossIn this episode of the Innovators and Investors Podcast, host Kristian Marquez interviews David Cross, a venture partner at Rain Capital. David discusses his journey into venture capital, the importance of cybersecurity, the influence of AI on the industry, and key factors in evaluating startups. David emphasizes the need for passion in founders, the significance of market understanding, and the importance of being adaptable to changes in the market landscape.Learn more about David's work HERE.Connect with David on LinkedIn HERE. Think you'd be a great guest on the show...2024-12-1025 minThe Innovators & Investors Podcast9 - Empowering Founders to Win with Early Light Ventures Managing Partner Scott GarberIn this episode of the Innovators and Investors podcast, host Kristian Marquez interviews Scott Garber, managing partner of Early Light Ventures.Scott shares his unconventional journey to venture capital, emphasizing his focus on backing hungry first-time founders in second-tier cities. He discusses the importance of founder tenacity, the nuances of fundraising, and the current investment landscape, particularly in sectors like health tech and cybersecurity. Scott highlights the need for effective communication between founders and investors regarding expectations and valuation.Learn more about Scott's work HERE.Connect with Scott on LinkedIn HERE. ...2024-12-0527 minThe Innovators & Investors Podcast8 - Transforming Post-Acute Care with Citus Health Founder Melissa KozakIn this episode of the Innovators and Investors Podcast, host Kristian Marquez interviews Melissa Kozak, founder of Citus Health.Melissa shares her journey from being a nurse to launching a successful healthcare startup. She discusses the challenges of raising capital, the importance of aligning with investors, and the value of her nursing background in identifying and solving industry problems. Melissa emphasizes the significance of humility, teamwork, and continuous learning in entrepreneurship.Learn more about Melissa's work HERE.Connect with Melissa on LinkedIn HERE. Think you'd be a great guest on the...2024-12-0323 minThe Innovators & Investors Podcast7 - Amplifying Citizen Voices with Polco Co-Founder Nick Mastronardi with Polco's Nick MastronardiIn this episode of the Innovators and Investors Podcast, host Kristian Marquez interviews Nick Mastronardi, co-founder and CEO of Polco.They discuss Nick’s background in data science and economics, the inspiration behind Polco, and the company’s mission to enhance civic participation through data-driven decision-making for public sector officials. Nick emphasizes the importance of passion in entrepreneurship, the challenges faced in building a startup, and the critical role of transparency and team dynamics in managing investor expectations.Learn more about Nick's work HERE.Connect with Nick on LinkedIn HERE. Think you...2024-11-2122 minThe Innovators & Investors Podcast6 - Championing South Africa's Female Founders with Enygma Ventures Managing Partner Sarah DusekIn this episode of the Innovators and Investors podcast, host Kristian Marquez interviews Sarah Dusek, Managing Partner of Enygma Ventures.Sarah shares her journey from entrepreneur to investor, emphasizing the importance of supporting female founders, particularly in Africa. She discusses the unique strengths of female entrepreneurs, the need for emotional intelligence in leadership, and the significance of relationships in business. The conversation highlights the exciting potential of the African market and the challenges and rewards of venture capital investment.Learn more about Sarah's work HERE.Connect with Sarah on LinkedIn HERE. ...2024-11-1929 minThe Innovators & Investors Podcast5 - Harnessing Collective Intelligence with Content Hurricane's Nick JainIn this episode of the Innovators and Investors podcast, host Kristian Marquez interviews Nick Jane, CEO of IdeaScale and Content Hurricane.Nick discusses his background in investing and leadership, the founding of IdeaScale, and the importance of innovation management. He shares insights into building a resilient company culture, effective marketing strategies, and the advantages of being a bootstrapped business. Nick emphasizes continuous learning and hard work as keys to success for aspiring CEOs.Learn more about Nick's work at https://contenthurricane.com/Connect with Nick on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickmjain/2024-11-1428 minThe Innovators & Investors Podcast4 - Investing in Legal Innovation with The LegalTech Fund's Co-Founder and Managing Director Zach PosnerIn this episode of the Innovators and Investors podcast, host Kristian Marquez interviews Zach Posner, Co-Founder and Managing Director of The Legal Tech Fund. They discuss the fund’s investment thesis, focusing on companies transforming the legal industry. Zach also shares insights on their approach to identifying startups, the importance of founder experience, and the evolving landscape of legal technology. He emphasizes the role of technology in making legal services more accessible and the unique challenges faced by the sector.Learn more about Zach's work HERE.Connect with Zach on LinkedIn HERE....2024-11-1227 minThe Innovators & Investors Podcast3 - AI-Driven Marketing for Law Firms with FirmPilot Founder Jake SofferIn this episode of the Innovators & Investors Podcast, host Kristian Marquez speaks with the CEO and Founder of FirmPilot, Jake Soffer.Jake shares his journey of creating FirmPilot to help law firms with marketing and SEO challenges, inspired by assisting his attorney brother. Jake covers the value of using AI and data-driven strategies, focusing on niche markets, and understanding Google search rankings, and key metrics for success. Jake discusses customer engagement, fundraising experiences, and operational challenges, and offers advice for aspiring entrepreneurs. Jake provides valuable insights into leveraging technology for effective marketing in the legal sector.2024-11-0721 minThe Innovators & Investors Podcast2 - Revolutionizing the Hourly / Shift Workplace with GAGE Founder Justin HenshawIn this episode of the Innovators & Investors Podcast, host Kristian Marquez speaks with the Founder and CEO of GAGE, Justin Henshaw.Justin shares his entrepreneurial journey, highlighting his military background and transition into business. He discusses the inspiration behind GAGE, a platform designed to recognize and score the contributions of hourly and shift workers. The conversation covers the importance of employee engagement, fundraising experiences, and strategies for scaling the business. Justin emphasizes resilience, adaptability, and celebrating small wins as key elements for entrepreneurial success.Learn more about Justin's work HERE.Connect with Justin...2024-11-0522 minThe Innovators & Investors Podcast5 - Inside Angel Investing: Strategies and Insights from Early-Stage Investor with Bernard ChongIn this episode of the Innovators & Investors podcast, host Kristian Marquez talks to angel investor and entrepreneur, Bernard Chong. Bernard shares his diverse background in coffee, retail, tech platforms, and eSports, highlighting his journey into angel investing. He emphasizes the importance of a founder's character and alignment in business partnerships and discusses trends in technology and the impact of interest rates on investments. Bernard offers practical advice for founders, stressing the need for thorough planning and building strong relationships with investors. The episode provides valuable insights for both aspiring entrepreneurs and seasoned investors.Learn more...2024-10-2125 minThe Innovators & Investors Podcast1 - Introducing The Innovators & Investors Podcast with FinStrat Management Founder Kristian MarquezIn the inaugural episode of the Innovators & Investors podcast, Josh Elledge of UpMyInfluence speaks to the creator and host of the show, Kristian Marquez. Kristian is also the Founder, CEO, and CFO of Finstrat Management, which provides accounting, finance, and reporting services for AI, SaaS, investor backed cos., HNW individuals, family offices, and VCs.Kristian outlines the podcast's mission to spotlight success in the startup and venture capital ecosystem, focusing on early-stage AI and SaaS companies. He shares his background in providing fractional CFO services and emphasizes the podcast's goal of illuminating startup processes. He also shares...2024-08-2013 min
RBFN Podcast#25 - A Founder’s Perspective on Fundraising and The Art of the Ask with Kristian Marquez of FinStratKristian Marquez is the founder and CEO of FinStrat Management. In our chat, Kristian shares lessons learned on his journey from starting a telemedicine startup, experiencing startup failure and an IPO, to founding FinStrat. He discusses the importance of validating your idea with customers through market feedback before building a product. He dives more into FinStrat’s unique approach, and also offers practical guidance into fundraising challenges, highlighting the need for accurate financials and metrics and financial transparency for a truly healthy investor and founder relationship. Key Takeaways...2024-05-0750 min
Failing to Success315 | "$80 Million Lessons" with Kristian Marquez from FinStrat Management🗸 "Embrace continuous learning and humility; self-teaching combined with seeking guidance from others can lead to significant professional growth."🗸 "Focus on delivering exceptional service; it's not just about profit, but providing solutions that genuinely solve client problems."🗸 "Plan with the end goal in mind; reverse-engineering from your ultimate business objective can guide strategic decisions and growth."Episode Summary:Kristian Marquez, CEO of FinStrat Management, shares his journey from a financial analyst to playing a pivotal role in a multi-billion dollar IPO and now leading a company providing specialized financial services. Holding two decades of experience as a CFA chart...2024-01-1608 min
The Role Forward: A Strategic Finance PodcastMapping the Path to Profitability with Kristian Marquez, CEO of FinStrat ManagementIn the latest episode of The Role Forward podcast, host Joe Michalowski sits down with Kristian Marquez, founder of FinStrat Management. Kristian shares his diverse journey in the finance sector, highlighting his experiences from being part of a billion-dollar IPO to the challenges faced in a telemedicine startup.The duo dives deep into the evolving landscape of startup profitability, especially for VC-backed ventures. They discuss the shifting paradigms from a growth-centric mindset to a more balanced approach that emphasizes cash preservation. Kristian introduces the "Rule of 40," a pivotal metric combining growth percentage with EBITDA margin, suggesting its...2023-11-1345 min
Multiply Your Success with Dr. Tom DuFore173. How Industry Benchmarks Create Business Value—Kristian Marquez, CEO, FinStrat ManagementHow well do you know your industry financial benchmarks? Have you reviewed or looked them up before? Our guest today is Kristian Marquez, and he shares with us the importance of industry benchmarks and beginning with the end in mind for your business.TODAY'S WIN-WIN:The purpose of business is to create value.LINKS FROM THE EPISODE:You can visit our guest's website at: https://finstratmgmt.com/ Attend our Franchise Sales Training Workshop: https://bigskyfranchiseteam.com/franchisesalestraining/If you are ready to franchise your business or...2023-10-0222 min