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Showing episodes and shows of
Support@kingscrowd.com (Chris Lustrino)
Shows
Inside Startup Investing with Chris Lustrino
Building a DTC Hardware Giant From Cold Water
In this episode of Inside Startup Investing, Chris Lustrino speaks with Ryan Duey, co-founder and co-CEO of Plunge, the cold therapy and sauna brand that has quietly scaled to $80M+ in annual sales with minimal outside funding. Ryan breaks down how a garage-built idea during COVID turned into a high-growth wellness hardware business with over 40,000 customers, including a fast-growing B2B channel. Founders will appreciate his transparency about scaling manufacturing, solving shipping nightmares, and building technical moats through operational execution. If you’re in DTC, hardware, health & wellness, or considering community rounds, this is a must-listen....
2025-07-10
28 min
Inside Startup Investing with Chris Lustrino
Founder-Market Fit in Action: From Asthma Patient to CEO
In this episode of Inside Startup Investing, Chris Lustrino interviews Sharon Samjitsingh, co-founder and CEO of Health Care Originals, a respiratory health startup using wearable technology and predictive AI to help asthma and COPD patients avoid flare-ups before they happen.Sharon shares her personal journey as an asthma patient and how that experience — paired with her background managing $150M+ in innovation deployments — led her to build a platform now supported by independently validated clinical results, $5.8M in ARR contracts, and a waitlist of 12,000+ patients. Founders will learn how to productize deep tech, unlock B2B2C healthcare sale...
2025-07-04
22 min
Inside Startup Investing with Chris Lustrino
How Dr. Zwade Marshall Built a Fintech for His Peers
In this episode of Inside Startup Investing, Chris Lustrino sits down with Dr. Zwade Marshall, founder and CEO of Doc2Doc Lending, to explore how a physician-turned-founder built a fintech company by solving a deeply personal problem — the financial barriers doctors face early in their careers. Zwade shares how Doc2Doc raised $21M almost exclusively from fellow doctors, built a flexible underwriting model to beat SoFi’s default rates, and scaled to over $100M in originations while staying lean and mission-driven. For any founder tackling industry-specific pain points or looking to raise capital from within a community, this...
2025-06-27
27 min
Inside Startup Investing with Chris Lustrino
From Lab to Industry: How Avadain is Commercializing Graphene
Brad Larschan, CEO of Avadain, joins Chris Lustrino to share how his company is transforming one of the world’s most promising materials—graphene—into a commercial product ready to reshape advanced manufacturing. Brad unpacks the science behind graphene’s extraordinary properties, how Avadain’s licensing model is unlocking large-scale industrial use, and why their patented production method positions them at the forefront of a materials revolution.Topics include…Spinning out tech from research institutions Scaling from lab to market Strategic licensing as a business model Raising capital while building long-term IP ad
2025-06-19
18 min
Inside Startup Investing with Chris Lustrino
From Shared Kitchens to Scale: Building a Food Startup That Lasts
In this episode of Inside Startup Investing, Chris Lustrino sits down with Ariane Valle and Turner Hoff, the founders of Vegetable + Butcher, a handcrafted meal delivery company redefining what it means to scale a food brand with integrity. From navigating conflicting diets at home to building a customer-first experience grounded in transparency and nutrition, Ariane and Turner share the operational choices, hard lessons, and go-to-market strategies behind their growing business.
2025-06-12
22 min
Kingscrowd Podcast
Inside the Kingscrowd Acquisition of CrowdCheck with CEO Chris Lustrino
This special Kingscrowd Podcast episode features founder & CEO Chris Lustrino discussing Kingscrowd’s strategic acquisition of CrowdCheck. Learn how combining CrowdCheck’s industry-leading regulatory expertise with Kingscrowd’s data-driven advisory platform creates a groundbreaking solution for startup founders navigating Regulation CF and Regulation A raises. Chris also shares insights into the vision behind Kingscrowd’s growth and how investors and founders will benefit from this game-changing merger.Highlights & Key segments:Behind the Acquisition: Why CrowdCheck was an essential strategic move for Kingscrowd.Future Roadmap: Exclusive details on upcoming product developments, including the launch of Kings...
2025-04-28
12 min
Multiple Perspectives
Breaking Barriers: Unlocking Private Market Investing for Everyone with Christopher Lustrino
In this episode of Multiple Perspectives, host Daniel Brereton sits down with Christopher Lustrino, CEO and founder of KingsCrowd, to explore how private market investing is becoming more accessible to everyday investors. They discuss the shift from exclusive venture deals to digital platforms, uncovering the untapped potential of middle-market companies and the rise of secondary markets for liquidity. With a data-driven framework for evaluating early-stage investments, the conversation offers valuable insights into building a diversified private market portfolio that complements traditional investments. What You'll Learn:How private markets are evolving to digitally native investment platformsW...
2025-04-24
43 min
Inside Startup Investing with Chris Lustrino
Frontline Tech: How Elemeno Health is Transforming Medical Training
In this episode, Chris Lustrino talks to Dr. Arup Roy-Burman, founder of Elemeno Health. Discover how Elemeno Health tackles the urgent need for up-to-date training in healthcare settings with their innovative microlearning platform. Designed to provide immediate, actionable information, Elemeno Health aids healthcare professionals in making critical decisions swiftly and accurately. Dr. Roy-Burman shares his journey from an ICU physician to tech entrepreneur, emphasizing the impact of Elemeno on operational efficiency and patient care.Highlights include…The challenges of implementing new technologies in hospitals and how Elemeno overcomes these. (1:27)Real-world impact: A case study from North Ba...
2024-12-17
26 min
Inside Startup Investing with Chris Lustrino
Revolutionizing Personal Security with Our Bond
In this episode of Inside Startup Investing, host Chris Lustrino speaks with Doron Kempel, founder and CEO of Our Bond, a company revolutionizing personal security. Our Bond provides a mobile security service that protects individuals rather than just physical spaces, offering real-time assistance and intervention in unsafe situations. Kempel shares his journey from founding companies sold to major corporations to creating Our Bond, driven by the mission to democratize personal security globally.Highlights include…Doron discusses his previous ventures and the inspiration behind Our Bond (1:56)The unique security challenges individuals face when outside traditional safe spaces li...
2024-09-30
34 min
Inside Startup Investing with Chris Lustrino
Fan-Owned Media, Movie-Making and Catching up with Jeff Annison
In this episode of Inside Startup Investing, host Chris Lustrino welcomes back Jeff Annison, co-founder and President of Legion M, a pioneering fan-owned media company. Legion M leverages equity crowdfunding to unite a million fans in revolutionizing the media landscape. Annison discusses the company's journey, its significant milestones, and the future trajectory in democratizing media production.Highlights include…Legion M has raised approximately $20 million for the studio and $24 million including film investments. Over 50,000 investors have participated, making it a significant fan-owned entity. [5:05]Shift from small investments to financing and producing their own films. [9:45]Fans can invest di...
2024-09-23
45 min
Inside Startup Investing with Chris Lustrino
Continuous Care: How Future Cardia is Changing Heart Monitoring
In this episode of Inside Startup Investing, host Chris Lustrino is joined by Jaeson Bang, CEO of Future Cardia, to explore the groundbreaking developments in heart monitoring technology. Future Cardia is pioneering a minimally invasive, implantable device designed for the continuous monitoring of heart arrhythmia, which represents a significant leap forward in patient care and medical data accuracy.Highlights include…Innovative Heart Monitoring Solution by FutureCardia (0:00)Jason's Background and Industry Experience (2:34)Development and Scientific Aspects of FutureCardia (4:30)Market Disruption and Product Differentiation (6:08)Procedure and Monitoring Details (9:00)Commercialization Strategy and Market Opportunity (13:41)Competition and Market Size (16:34)Insurance Co...
2024-09-02
27 min
Inside Startup Investing with Chris Lustrino
David Phillips: Transforming Timeless Tales into Modern Successes
In this episode of Inside Startup Investing, Chris Lustrino engages in a captivating conversation with David Phillips, CEO of Elf Labs. David shares the intriguing journey of how Elf Labs acquired the rights to a collection of beloved children’s book characters, transforming them into a massive intellectual property powerhouse capable of rivaling major franchises in the entertainment industry.Highlights include…Monetization Strategy and Valuation (0:37)Value of the Characters and Monetization Opportunities (2:26)Creative Team and Direct-to-Consumer Strategy (10:43)Challenges and Future Growth (16:44)Revenue Projections and Long-Term Vision (18:45)Investment Opportunities and Community Involvement (22:21)
2024-08-26
27 min
Inside Startup Investing with Chris Lustrino
Digging Deep: EarthGrid's Revolution in Underground Infrastructure
In this episode of Inside Startup Investing, Chris Lustrino interviews Troy Helming, CEO of EarthGrid. Troy discusses EarthGrid's innovative approach to infrastructure with its plasma tunnel boring technology designed to streamline and accelerate underground construction. This groundbreaking method not only promises to revolutionize how utilities, data centers, and energy companies manage their infrastructural needs but also enhances the resilience and efficiency of power transmission.Highlights include…EarthGrid's plasma tunnel boring technology uses electricity and air to vaporize and melt rock and soil, making it faster and cheaper than traditional mechanical drilling methods.The company is working wi...
2024-08-19
26 min
Directed IRA Podcast
How to Invest in Venture Capital & Startups (ft. Mat Sorensen & Chris Lustrino)
Welcome to a special Directed IRA webinar episode! I'm Mat Sorensen, and today we're diving into the critical world of venture capital investing. While many are familiar with real estate and private equity, venture capital is a powerful asset class with its own unique risks and rewards. To guide us through this, I'm joined by Chris Lustrino, CEO and Founder of Kingscrowd. Chris is an expert in venture analytics and fund performance, and together, we'll explore how you can navigate and succeed in this exciting investment space.Directed IRA Homepage: https://directedira.com/ Directed IRA...
2024-08-16
44 min
Inside Startup Investing with Chris Lustrino
Innovation in Auto-Injectors: Pirouette Medical's Journey with Conor Cullinane
In this episode of Inside Startup Investing, host Chris Lustrino engages with Conor Cullinane, the Founder and CEO of Pirouette Medical. Conor shares his unique journey from aerospace engineering to launching a medical device startup aimed at revolutionizing the way medications like epinephrine and naloxone are administered. The discussion delves into the human-centered design philosophy behind Pirouette Medical's innovative, disc-shaped auto-injector, designed for simplicity and ease of use, reflecting Conor's personal experiences and professional expertise in biomedical engineering.Highlights include…Developing a better epinephrine auto-injector for portability and ease of use. (1:58)Designing medical devices with a us...
2024-06-10
27 min
Inside Startup Investing with Chris Lustrino
Sweater’s Approach to Inclusive Venture Funds
In this podcast episode of Inside Startup Investing, Chris Lustrino catches up with Jesse Randall, CEO of Sweater. Sweater is a platform that enables the launch of venture funds that are accessible to the general public without accreditation requirements. Jesse explains how the platform democratizes investment in private markets, traditionally reserved for the affluent, through professionally managed funds. The conversation goes into these funds' structure and regulatory landscape, providing insights into the future of accessible venture capital. Highlights include… Opening private markets to the general public through professionally managed funds. (0:04) Interval funds, their structure, and ho...
2024-06-02
29 min
Inside Startup Investing with Chris Lustrino
Annette Azan’s Mission to Redefine Women's Intimate Wear
In this episode of Inside Startup Investing, host Chris Lustrino engages with Annette Azan, the founder and CEO of Nuudii System, a company pioneering the "boobwear" category that offers an alternative to traditional bras and bralettes. Annette discusses her journey from the fashion industry to entrepreneurship, driven by her need for a comfortable yet supportive option under a wedding dress. She gets into how Nuudii System is designed to embrace the natural shape without reshaping, promoting body positivity and versatility in wear. Highlights include… Nuudii’s innovative bra-less design, adoption, and growth. (3:38) Azan talks about the...
2024-05-26
24 min
Superpowers for Good: Empowering Changemakers for Social Impact via Regulated Investment Crowdfunding from the SuperCrowd.
The Future of Investing: Crowdfunding Is the Digital Evolution of Investing
I’m not a financial advisor; Superpowers for Good should not be considered investment advice. Seek counsel before making investment decisions.Watch the show on television by downloading the e360tv channel app to your Roku, AppleTV or AmazonFireTV. You can also see it on YouTube.When you purchase an item, launch a campaign or invest after clicking a link here, we may earn a commission. Engage to support our work.Devin: What is your superpower?Chris: If I had to really define my superpower, it would be resiliency. It's a...
2024-04-04
26 min
Next Big Thing HQ
Making Investing in Startups Easy w/ Chris Lustrino, Founder of KingsCrowd | Ep. 34
Chris Lustrino is the founder of KingsCrowd, a leading online platform that provides research, ratings, and data analysis for alternative investing. In this conversation, Chris talks about the origins of KingsCrowd, unique insight into the equity crowdfunding industry, KingsCrowd's Capital Fund I, his vision for the next 10 years, and much more. KingsCrowd is currently raising a Reg CF, which offers the opportunity for anyone to invest alongside angel investors and VCs in KingsCrowd. The link to invest is below. *Conduct due diligence before investing Invest in KingsCrowd: https://wefunder.com/kingscrowd KingsCrowd: https://kingscrowd.com/ KingsCrowd LinkedIn: https://www...
2024-03-19
46 min
Inside Startup Investing with Chris Lustrino
A Step Ahead in Children's Footwear with Mike Gugat
In the latest episode of Inside Startup Investing, Chris Lustrino welcomes Mike Gugat, the co-founder and CEO of jbrds. This engaging episode reveals jbrds’ strides in the children's footwear market. With Mike's extensive background in the sporting goods industry, he shares the compelling story behind Jaybirds' inception and its mission to create anatomically correct, functional footwear for kids. Mike gets into the nuances of designing shoes that support the natural development of a child's foot, mirroring the barefoot experience. The discussion also touches on product development challenges, customer insights, and strategic marketing, showcasing jbrds’ dedication to promoting healthy foot deve...
2023-12-31
25 min
Inside Startup Investing with Chris Lustrino
Custom Van Manufacturing: P.J. Tezza's Journey with ModVans
In this Inside Startup Investing episode, host Chris Lustrino welcomes P.J. Tezza, founder of ModVans. Tezza shares insights into his transition from a software entrepreneur to revolutionizing the van manufacturing industry with ModVans. The conversation explores the unique challenges and triumphs of developing versatile, family-friendly campervans, offering a fresh perspective on innovation in the automotive sector. Highlights include… Unique design features of ModVans that cater to adventure seekers and families. (2:29) Discussion on the target market and the diverse customer base for ModVans. (6:58) Growth strategies, pricing models, and expanding production capacity. (9:06) Innovative di...
2023-12-10
30 min
Inside Startup Investing with Chris Lustrino
Innovating Children's Tech: Dane Witbeck of Pinwheel
In this episode of Inside Startup Investing, host Chris Lustrino is joined by Dane Witbeck, co-founder & CEO of Pinwheel. Witbeck delves into the unique mission of Pinwheel, focusing on their innovative approach to children's technology. The discussion touches on the challenges and triumphs of navigating the tech industry, offering a unique perspective on entrepreneurship and startup growth. Highlights include… Creating a smartphone for kids with parental controls. (2:39) Phone usage and app management for kids. (8:45) Growing a direct-to-consumer brand for smartphones. (11:21) DTC growth and incumbent disruption in the tech industry. (14:50) Privacy and addiction in the tech industry. (17:24) Tech company's product development an...
2023-11-16
00 min
Inside Startup Investing with Chris Lustrino
Innovating Children's Tech: Dane Witbeck of Pinwheel
In this episode of Inside Startup Investing, host Chris Lustrino is joined by Dane Witbeck, co-founder & CEO of Pinwheel. Witbeck delves into the unique mission of Pinwheel, focusing on their innovative approach to children's technology. The discussion touches on the challenges and triumphs of navigating the tech industry, offering a unique perspective on entrepreneurship and startup growth. Highlights include… Creating a smartphone for kids with parental controls. (2:39) Phone usage and app management for kids. (8:45) Growing a direct-to-consumer brand for smartphones. (11:21) DTC growth and incumbent disruption in the tech industry. (14:50) Privacy and ad...
2023-11-16
30 min
Inside Startup Investing with Chris Lustrino
Battery Safety Revolution: A Deep Dive with Soteria's CEO, Brian Morin
In this episode, Chris Lustrino sits down with Brian Morin, the founder and CEO of Soteria Battery Innovation Group. Their discussion delves deep into the realm of battery safety, intellectual property, and the broader industry landscape. Highlights include… Battery safety and fires in various devices. (0:00) Improving battery safety through innovative technology. (3:46) Safe battery technology and licensing model. (7:43) Battery technology and business model. (14:32) Product market fit, intellectual property, and commercial success in the battery industry. (18:51)
2023-10-26
27 min
Inside Startup Investing with Chris Lustrino
Redefining Motor Tech: A Deep Dive with LiquidPiston's Alec Shkolnik
In this episode, Chris Lustrino engages in a candid conversation with Alec Shkolnik, President and CEO of LiquidPiston. Shkolnik provides an overview of LiquidPiston's rotary engine design, explaining its differentiators and potential areas of application. The two also touch upon the broader challenges in the engine industry and how LiquidPiston is positioning itself in this landscape. Highlights include… Efficient engine technology for various applications. (5:17) Engine technology for drones and military vehicles. (11:11) Licensing and profitability in the engine industry. (15:41) Commercializing innovative technology in the automotive and military industries. (19:38) Innovative engine technology an...
2023-10-24
33 min
Inside Startup Investing with Chris Lustrino
Redefining Motor Tech: A Deep Dive with LiquidPiston's Alec Shkolnik
In this episode, Chris Lustrino engages in a candid conversation with Alec Shkolnik, President and CEO of LiquidPiston. Shkolnik provides an overview of LiquidPiston's rotary engine design, explaining its differentiators and potential areas of application. The two also touch upon the broader challenges in the engine industry and how LiquidPiston is positioning itself in this landscape. Highlights include… Efficient engine technology for various applications. (5:17) Engine technology for drones and military vehicles. (11:11) Licensing and profitability in the engine industry. (15:41) Commercializing innovative technology in the automotive and military industries. (19:38) Innovative engine technology and its potential impact on the automotive industry. (25:01)
2023-10-24
00 min
Inside Startup Investing with Chris Lustrino
Edreece Arghandiwal on Building Oakland Roots
In this episode of Inside Startup Investing, Chris Lustrino talks with Oakland Roots co-founder and CMO, Edreece Arghandiwal. They dig into the world of soccer, discussing the emergence of Oakland Roots, its strategies in player development, revenue generation, and the influence of community and celebrities on the club's trajectory. Highlights include… Importance of player development in the US (14:27) The potential of the USL championship as a platform for young talent to shine and transition to European teams. (14:50) The primary revenue streams for Oakland Roots (16:31) Plans for the club's new 10,000-seat stadium. (18:20) The co...
2023-10-12
30 min
VC Evolve: Conversations About The Future of VC
Utilizing AI In Venture Capital, Data-Driven VCs, Online Private Markets, Liquid VC Funds, Alt Investments, and more on VC Evolve with VCpreneur and Chris Lustrino of KingsCrowd Capital
Chris Lustrino is the managing partner at Kingscrowd Capital and founder and CEO of Kingscrowd. Kingscrowd Capital or KC Capital is the first data driven VC fund for the online private market. (KingsCrowd Website: https://kingscrowd.com/) (KingsCrowd Fund: https://kingscrowd.com/capital/) In Today's Episode with Chris Lustrino: What is the online private market? How investing moved from being a paper process to an online activity, and how more people can invest in private companies now all over the world without being accredited investors. The different regulations to raise capital from the public as a...
2023-10-03
29 min
Inside Startup Investing with Chris Lustrino
Sports Betting Made Intelligent with Moneyline Sports Michael Friedman
In the episode of Inside Startup Investing, Chris Lustrino hosts Michael Friedman, CEO of Moneyline Sports, exploring the innovations and intricacies of sports betting. Michael shares how Moneyline Sports is reshaping the sports betting landscape, serving as a beacon for both novices and experienced bettors. Chris and Michael dive into the unique offerings, challenges, milestones, and future aspirations of Moneyline Sports in enhancing the sports betting experience, illuminating the company’s commitment to innovation and standing out in a crowded market. Highlights include… Moneyline Sports is a sports betting platform with AI-powered predictive analytics. (2:25) Its...
2023-09-28
29 min
Inside Startup Investing with Chris Lustrino
Ep. 80 - Andrei Klochko
In this episode of the Inside Startup Investing podcast, Chris Lustrino is joined by Andrei Klochko, CEO of Airthium. They dive deep into clean heat pump technology, discussing Airthium's groundbreaking contributions to the clean tech sector. With a strong emphasis on climate technology, Andrei, a trained physicist, provides insights into the complex yet fascinating world of Airthium's tech innovations and their vast market opportunities. Highlights include… Andrei Klochko’s background as a physicist and his academic journey at Ecole Polytechnique (0:50). A deeper dive into Airthium's technology and its significance in the clean tech world (based on t...
2023-09-21
34 min
Inside Startup Investing with Chris Lustrino
Ep. 79 - Chris Lindsay
In the latest Inside Startup Investing podcast episode, Chris Lustrino interviews Chris Lindsay, CEO of Manta Biofuel. Chris Lindsay discusses Manta Biofuel's journey from its early days as a biofuels company to its current focus on water remediation. With a blend of innovative technology and practical applications, Manta Biofuel is working towards addressing critical water pollution issues and exploring sustainable energy solutions. Highlights include… Origins of Manta Biofuel as a biofuels company (1:12). Background of Manta Biofuel's founder Ryan Powell and the company's foundational technology (2:55). Pivoting into water remediation. (3:42) The potential of their magnetic se...
2023-09-14
27 min
Inside Startup Investing with Chris Lustrino
Ep. 78 - Fran Maier
In this Inside Startup Investing podcast episode, Chris Lustrino chats with Fran Maier, the co-founder and CEO of BabyQuip. Fran sheds light on how BabyQuip, as a leading baby gear rental service, has become a game-changer for traveling families both nationally and internationally. As a new father, Chris resonates with the need for such a service, making the conversation both personal and insightful. Fran discusses the inspiration behind BabyQuip, their challenges, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, and their commitment to making travel more convenient for parents. Highlights include… What makes BabyQuip the leading US national and in...
2023-09-07
20 min
Inside Startup Investing with Chris Lustrino
Ep. 77 - Katrina Spade
On the Inside Startup Investing podcast, Chris Lustrino speaks with Katrina Spade, Founder and CEO of Recompose. Katrina offers a fresh perspective on the funeral industry by introducing a sustainable and environment-friendly alternative to traditional death care: human composting. With a unique blend of personal curiosity and environmental responsibility, Katrina discusses the journey of founding Recompose and its mission to transform the way we perceive and handle death, turning it into a regenerative process for the Earth. Highlights include… Katrina's personal journey: Her curiosity about post-death options during her architecture graduate studies and her dissatisfaction with tr...
2023-08-25
29 min
Inside Startup Investing with Chris Lustrino
Ep. 76 - Alli Schaper
Chris Lustrino is joined by Alli Schaper, the co-founder, and CEO of Supermush. They discuss Alli's personal journey and her deep connection with functional and psychedelic mushrooms. Alli shares how these experiences inspired her to start Supermush; a company focused on making mushroom-based products more accessible to the public. Despite being in an emerging and competitive market, Supermush has rapidly gained significant traction. Alli provides insights into the company’s strategy, operations, challenges, and plans. Highlights include… Alli shares her personal experiences with mushrooms and how they changed her life (0:50). The genesis of Supermush and the...
2023-08-17
33 min
Inside Startup Investing with Chris Lustrino
Ep. 73 - Collin Castellaw
In this episode of Inside Startup Investing, Chris Lustrino interviews Collin Castellaw, Co-Founder of PlayersTV. They discuss the shift in athletes’ perspective on content creation, the rise of PlayersTV, the potential for athlete-driven content, and the future of the sports media landscape. Highlights include… The genesis of PlayersTV and how it's become a one-stop-shop for athlete-driven content. (02:07) The power of athletes controlling their narratives and building their brand independently. (03:50) The business model of PlayersTV, including revenue sources from advertising, subscription, licensing, and merchandising. (05:40) Castellaw dives into PlayersTV's plans to penetrate the NFL scene and...
2023-07-06
31 min
Inside Startup Investing with Chris Lustrino
Ep. 72 - Linh Dao Smooke
In this episode of Inside Startup Investing, Chris Lustrino interviews Linh Dao Smooke, the chief operating officer of HackerNoon. HackerNoon is a platform where technologists publish their stories. Chris and Linh delve into the origins of HackerNoon, the platform's community-focused approach, and its ability to empower writers to monetize their content. Linh provides insight into their partnerships, funding, future vision, and her advice for potential writers who wish to contribute to HackerNoon. Topics include... -The early days of HackerNoon, including how the company was founded and its primary goal (11:27) -HackerNoon's decision to move away...
2023-06-22
25 min
Inside Startup Investing with Chris Lustrino
Ep. 71 - Manish Kapoor
In this episode of Inside Startup Investing, Chris Lustrino talks with Manish Kapoor, the founder and CEO of TruKno, a cybersecurity startup. They discuss the unique AI-driven cybersecurity approach TruKno uses, the team's diverse background, their journey to find product-market fit, the company’s current fundraising efforts, and more. Topics include... How TruKno uses advanced AI algorithms to filter out irrelevant information and only present the most critical threats to its clients (02:28) Two use cases where the company feels it has achieved good product-market fit and experiments with other potential uses (13:10) The team be...
2023-06-08
27 min
Inside Startup Investing with Chris Lustrino
Ep. 70 - Maria Springer
In this episode of "Inside Startup Investing," Chris Lustrino engages in a lively conversation with Maria Springer, chief executive officer of Capital Department. They delve into how her company is providing a unique blend of fundraising expertise to help ambitious startups secure the financial backing they need to succeed. Maria gives insight into the challenging world of fundraising, the role her company plays in navigating this complex process, and the characteristics of the founders they typically work with. Topics include... How Capital Department bridges the gap between founders and investors and provides crucial expertise (07:55) ...
2023-05-25
25 min
Inside Startup Investing with Chris Lustrino
Ep. 69 - John Panaccione
In this episode of Inside Startup Investing, Chris Lustrino speaks with John Panaccione, CEO of Folla Capital, a company specializing in regulatory crowdfunding. Panaccione discusses the evolution of crowdfunding, the impact of recent regulatory changes, and how Folla Capital helps startups navigate this landscape. He emphasizes the importance of extensive due diligence for securing investment, whether through traditional methods or crowdfunding. He also highlights the different strategies required for startups with different exit strategies and growth targets. This insightful discussion offers a deep dive into the world of crowdfunding and its growing relevance in startup investing. Topics...
2023-05-11
29 min
Inside Startup Investing with Chris Lustrino
Ep. 68 - Etan Butler
In this episode of Inside Startup Investing, Chris Lustrino interviews Etan Butler, chairman of Dalmore Group, to discuss the growing landscape of online private markets and fractional ownership. Etan shares insights on Dalmore's all-in-one solution for issuers and platforms, the increasing sophistication of issuers, and the growing demand for private alternative investments. They also cover the complexities of managing payments in the industry and how developments in secondary markets, blockchain, and tokenization may impact the space in the coming years. Topics include.. Introduction to Dalmore Group and its all-in-one solution (06:15) Increasing sophistication of...
2023-05-04
31 min
Inside Startup Investing with Chris Lustrino
Ep. 67 - Nigel Sharp
In this episode of Inside Startup Investing, Chris Lustrino speaks with Aquagga CEO Nigel Sharp. Aquagga takes an innovative approach to mitigating PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) contamination in water. Nigel discusses the origins of the company, its public benefit mission, and the traction it’s gained through grants, contracts, and industrial clients. Nigel also shares the environmental and societal implications of PFAS contamination, Aquagga's technological advancements, and the company's goals for the future. Key highlights: [00:05:14] Aquagga’s origins and mission [00:12:45] The environmental and societal implications of PFAS contamination [00:24:27] Aquagga's unique technological advancements to addr...
2023-04-20
38 min
Inside Startup Investing with Chris Lustrino
Ep. 66 - Jesse Randall
Jesse Randall is the CEO of Sweater Ventures, which he founded in 2018 after 20 years of experience in venture capital (VC) and startups. He dropped the idea of a traditional VC fund due to his ineligibility as an accredited investor and worked with the SEC to create a structure for everyday investors to access the asset class. Randall previously founded six companies and ran a software accelerator where he worked with more than 200 startups. He is dedicated to leveling the playing field in the venture ecosystem and empowering retail investors to participate in the future economy. In this...
2023-04-06
35 min
Inside Startup Investing with Chris Lustrino
Episode 65 - Sober Entrepreneurship and the Future of Crowdfunding with Darren Marble
In this episode of Inside Startup Investing, host Chris Lustrino interviews Darren Marble, CEO of Issuance and co-founder of Going Public. They discuss Darren's unique approach to entrepreneurship, the sober founder mindset [05:34], and the future of equity crowdfunding. Darren shares insights on how the industry can improve, the role of investment banks, and the importance of having institutional leads. They also explore the challenges faced by media and financial services startups [14:12], Darren's transformative journey to sobriety [21:55], the need for institutional pricing in the equity crowdfunding industry [26:21], and the benefits of having institutional leads and investment banks involved in crowdfunding...
2023-03-23
30 min
Inside Startup Investing with Chris Lustrino
Episode 64 - Netcapital
Netcapital is one of the main platforms that hosts online startup investment opportunities. And it's been there since the early days of equity crowdfunding. Rob Burnett has grown alongside the company, beginning in a business development associate position. Now he's taken over as CEO. And as an industry insider, Rob has a unique view on how online startup investing is evolving. On today's episode of Inside Startup Investing, Chris Lustrino discusses the latest happenings in equity crowdfunding with Rob. Rob and Chris talk about what's in store for online startup investing in 2023, how Netcapital is navigating the...
2023-03-09
27 min
Inside Startup Investing with Chris Lustrino
Episode 63 - Vinovest
Fun may not be the first word you associate with investing. But Anthony Zhang, co-founder and CEO of Vinovest, is making it easy and fun for anyone to become a wine investor. Through Vinovest, investors don't have to worry about issues like storage or bottle sourcing that have historically kept everyone but the very wealthy from investing in wine. Instead, you can just tell Vinovest how much you want to invest and what your investing timeline is, and it will automatically help you build a wine portfolio that fits your needs. And with the platform's secondary market, active investors...
2023-02-23
24 min
Inside Startup Investing with Chris Lustrino
Episode 62 - Skybound
If you're familiar with The Walking Dead or Invincible, then you've encountered Skybound. Skybound is a new breed of media company. Rather than focusing solely on movie or television show production, it does full stack entertainment. From merchandise and comic books to video games and shows, Skybound sees endless opportunities in creative media. On today's episode of Inside Startup Investing, Chris Lustrino welcomes Skybound CEO David Alpert to discuss the company's unique business model. David talks about his creative vision for acquiring new intellectual property, how Skybound can stand out from traditional movies and shows, and what...
2023-02-09
34 min
Inside Startup Investing with Chris Lustrino
Episode 61 - Pureboost
Pureboost is a startup that is primed for success. From its stacked founding and executive team to its key product launch timing, things have just fell into place for Pureboost. Pureboost makes clean and health energy drink mixes. And it stands out in the crowded energy drink market through its branding and its target audience of women. In this episode of Inside Startup Investing, Chris Lustrino talks to Pureboost co-founder Sean Ross about how his startup has avoided the common obstacles that consumer product goods (CPG) companies face. From why getting on shelves in Walmart...
2023-01-26
27 min
Inside Startup Investing with Chris Lustrino
Episode 60 - Sensate
The new year is an excellent time to try and find ways to improve your life. And a common thing we all face is stress. Stress is a natural part of life -- but how we manage it can make a huge difference in our wellbeing. And Sensate is here to help. Sensate has created a device that uses sounds and infrasonic resonance to reduce stress in users. It does this by tapping into the vagus nerve -- a central part of the nervous system -- and sending soothing vibrations that help calm feelings of stress. It's...
2023-01-12
24 min
Inside Startup Investing with Chris Lustrino
Episode 59 - Cloudastructure
Security cameras can't provide safety on their own. It takes someone actually watching the footage to identify hazards or crimes. But what if surveillance could be proactive instead of reactive? That's the goal of Cloudastructure. Cloudastructure provides surveillance software that automatically stores footage on the cloud. Then the company uses machine vision to crawl through that footage and enable easy searches within it. And it's combining that machine vision functionality with artificial intelligence to provide preventative surveillance. On this episode of Inside Startup Investing, Chris Lustrino welcomes Cloudastructure's founder and CEO Rick Bentley to discuss...
2022-12-29
24 min
Inside Startup Investing with Chris Lustrino
Episode 58 - Cubo
There's a lot to like about smoothies. They're healthy, delicious, portable, endlessly customizable. But making them can often feel like more trouble than it's worth. Prepping fruit and veggies and having to clean a blender take a lot of the fun out of smoothies. What if there were a way to make smoothies that was as simple as pushing a button? That's what CUBO is providing. CUBO is like a Keurig machine for smoothies. Just pop a pod in, push the button, and within a minute there's a fresh smoothie waiting for you. On today's...
2022-12-15
25 min
Inside Startup Investing with Chris Lustrino
Episode 57 - Gameflip
There's a major problem in gaming -- but it might not seem obvious at first glance. As video games have moved from a physical asset (game consoles with specific game cartridges or discs) to a predominantly digital experience, gamers have gained the ability to purchase in game assets. These are digital goods that can take many forms. Some are purely aesthetic -- like changing the appearance of a character's clothes or weapons -- while others can actually affect gameplay. But once these assets are purchased, they're tied to a singular account. There's no way to trade or sell them...
2022-12-01
26 min
Inside Startup Investing with Chris Lustrino
Episode 56 - GROUNDFLOOR Co-founder Brian Dally
GROUNDFLOOR is a platform that enables investors of all backgrounds to access debt-based real estate investments. It focuses on fractional shares -- meaning an investor can put a little as $10 into a loan that's worth hundreds of thousands of dollars. And that investor can start to receive returns on it within a year. GROUNDFLOOR co-founder Brian Dally is a deep believer in the need for accessibility. Before crowdfunding, it was very difficult for retail investors to have exposure to debt-based real estate. But now, just as startup investing has been democratized by equity crowdfunding, real estate has...
2022-11-17
36 min
Inside Startup Investing with Chris Lustrino
Episode 55 - Nickelytics Founder Judah Longgrear
Advertising is one of the hardest industries to keep up with. While the internet created a whole new form of advertising, tracking the effectiveness of ads is a continuous struggle for companies. And more traditional advertising -- like out-of-home advertising that's placed on billboards and buses -- has fallen behind when it comes to technology. That's the gap Nickelytics wants to address. This startup connects brands with rideshare fleets to create mobile and highly visible advertising. It also uses GPS technology to track and quantify the impact ads are having. On this episode of Inside...
2022-11-03
23 min
Inside Startup Investing with Chris Lustrino
Episode 54 - Arlan Hamilton of Backstage Capital
Today's episode is a special edition. We're very excited to announce that KingsCrowd and Backstage Capital are adding a new dimension to our strategic partnership. Chris Lustrino is joined by Backstage Capital founder Arlan Hamilton. And a major topic of discussion is the need for more diversity and inclusion in venture capital. Backstage is a venture capital firm that focuses on underrepresented founders. And KingsCrowd tracks founder demographics across the hundreds of deals available through online startup investing. But here's the really exciting part -- for Backstage's new Flex Fund II, KingsCrowd will provide data...
2022-10-26
18 min
Inside Startup Investing with Chris Lustrino
Episode 53 - ActivArmor Founder Diana Hall
Diana Hall has invented a better cast (the type your doctor gives you when you break a bone). After running a mentoring program for children from low income families, Diana saw how traditional plaster casts weren't cutting it. They couldn't be cleaned. They made it hard to see infections. And they were unnecessarily bulky. She knew there had to be a better way. That was the inspiration for ActivArmor. Today, ActivArmor offers 3D casts and splints that empower patients to maintain active, hygienic lifestyles. The company uses a simple iPhone scan to design custom casts, and the...
2022-10-20
28 min
Inside Startup Investing with Chris Lustrino
Episode 52 - Wefunder Goes to the EU
Online startup investing isn't unique to the US. In fact, the EU legalized equity crowdfunding in 2014. And that headstart has given the EU market ample time to develop its regulations and become a well-established market. But until recently, the US crowdfunding market and the EU crowdfunding market were disconnected. Wefunder wants to change that. On this episode of Inside Startup Investing, Chris Lustrino welcomes Adrian Parlow, head of general counsel and vice president of corporate development at Wefunder. And Adrian has exciting news about Wefunder's expansion into the EU. Chris and Adrian also discuss how...
2022-10-06
25 min
Successfully Funded
KingsCrowd builds quant models to analyze private companies. - with Chris Lustrino
The term "accredited investor" means nothing to Chris Lustrino, who knows firsthand that analyzing private companies is literally not rocket science. He created KingsCrowd as a data company designed to map an analyst's talents and instincts for investing in public companies onto the very different playing field of private equity. We talk about the blog that kick-started his career, how equity crowdfunding might function in a bear market, and life as "a capable quant with an empathetic, human side." --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/successfully-funded/message
2022-10-04
44 min
Inside Startup Investing with Chris Lustrino
Episode 51 - Levi Brackman of Invown
Real estate has long been viewed as a high stable investment asset. As a hard asset, real estate is seen as having more intrinsic value than stocks. And that can make it a great investment in times of market volatility -- like we're seeing today! But similar to startups, real estate investing used to be primarily reserved for people who were already wealthy and who had the right connections. Thankfully, that's changing. And today's Inside Startup Investing guest, Levi Brackman, is part of that change. Levi is the founder and CEO of Invown, a real...
2022-09-22
25 min
Inside Startup Investing with Chris Lustrino
Episode 50 - Ezra Levine of Collectable
Alternative investing isn't limited to just startups. Alt assets include all kinds of investment opportunities -- from real estate and wine to art and sports memorabilia. But the one thing these assets have in common with startups is that new ways of investing have made them far more accessible to all investors. In the collectibles market, fractional investing has made it possible to invest in a baseball card that's worth millions. Collectable founder Ezra Levine compares it to public stock market investing. When you invest in a publicly traded company like Google or Apple, you don't suddenly...
2022-09-08
27 min
The Kickstart Podcast
Ep 5: From Consulting to Analytics Investment Founder
In this episode, we have Chris Lustrino, Founder of KingsCrowd, an analytics investment firm. After graduating from school, he started out as a consultant to learn the ins and outs of the private equity industry. KingsCrowd allows non-accredited investors to invest in private companies going through fast growth. Learn more about his business: https://kingscrowd.com/ ---- Need help with recruiting top talent? Go to https://www.kickstartfinder.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_kickstart_finder Know someone who could be a guest on this podcast? Email me at...
2022-08-29
50 min
Inside Startup Investing with Chris Lustrino
Episode 49 - OneDoor Studios
Many people dream of Hollywood -- the cameras, the glam, the red carpet. And for most, it remains just a dream. But one of the most exciting developments in the online private markets is the ability for retail investors to help fund movies. It's a unique opportunity that enables investors to be part of the creation of brand new films and production studios. OneDoor Studios is such a new studio. Its first movies are based on a young adult novel series. And investors right now can help fund the film series. On today's...
2022-08-25
25 min
Inside Startup Investing with Chris Lustrino
Episode 48 - Class Rebel Founder Brooke Harley
Brooke Harley was a lawyer in the mergers and acquisitions space when the 2008 financial crisis hit. It was a wake up call for her. She went back to school to get an MBA before working with lululemon for a while. And her time there showed her the potential of early investing. Brooke began angel investing on her own and soon realized there was a complete lack of education around capital raising and startup investing. Brooke founded Class Rebel as a modern education company that started with a focus on angel investing and how founders can...
2022-08-11
24 min
Superpowers for Good: Empowering Changemakers for Social Impact via Regulated Investment Crowdfunding from the SuperCrowd.
Expert: Crowdfunding and Venture Capital Markets Will Merge
Devin: What is your superpower? Chris: We collectively as a group here, the marketplaces, ourselves, folks like yourselves, associations, marketing agencies—all of us are working collectively to build an industry out of thin air. This did not exist six years ago. There were no online marketplaces to go and invest in alternatives like startups. We are building something from nothing. And when people hear startups, they think, “move fast and break things.” Move fast, move fast, move fast. It’s true because if you think about how long it takes a big corporation to do something simple...
2022-08-09
24 min
Inside Startup Investing with Chris Lustrino
Episode 47 - Doriot Founder Gerry Hays
It can seem daunting to begin startup investing. The risk, the long wait times for returns, the need to do extra due diligence -- it's a lot for a new investor to navigate. That's the problem that Gerry Hays is solving with his company, Doriot. Doriot is named after the father of venture capital, George Doriot. And the flagship of Doriot is the Fantasy Startups app. Fantasy Startups is a gamified simulation that walks users through the process of choosing to invest – or not – in a collection of 50 mock companies. Through this experience, players learn the...
2022-07-28
26 min
Inside Startup Investing with Chris Lustrino
Episode 46 - ALAO Co-founders Peter Sweeney & Matt McGeagh
Peter Sweeney and Matt McGeagh worked together at Goldman Sachs. And they noticed something while there. Companies were seeking out celebrities as investors and board members – and then many of them were reaching successful exits. They also saw the rise of online startup investing firsthand. And they realized there was a synergy that no one had tapped into yet. By joining social media influencers together with online startup investing, ALAO was born. On this episode of Inside Startup Investing, Chris Lustrino talks to Peter and Matt about ALAO, one of the newest equity crowdfunding platforms to...
2022-07-14
22 min
Inside Startup Investing with Chris Lustrino
Episode 45 - Harvey Multani of RUV Alliance
From starting a data and analytics platform for billionaire investors to working at Coinbase and Plaid, Harvey Multani is no stranger to fintech. From his experiences as both a founder and an investor, he recognized that there's power in a group of investors coming together to choose deals and make investments. Harvey also noticed a trend in startup investing – founders were using special purpose vehicles to enable their employees or groups of angel investors to fund their companies. And he realized that there was an opportunity. Harvey founded RUV Alliance to bring together accredited investors an...
2022-07-08
23 min
Inside Startup Investing with Chris Lustrino
Episode 44 - Impact Investing with Lea Bouhelier-Gautreau
Lea Bouhelier-Gautreau is passionate about impact investing. Her research into entrepreneurship in the Malawi culture inspired her to center impact investing in her career. She sees the intersection between investing and trying to spark positive change as a powerful force in the world. From solving climate change to fighting systemic inequality, impact investing can cover a wide spectrum of issues. In this episode of Inside Startup Investing, Chris Lustrino and Lea discuss the growth of impact investing in online startup investing and how important this funding is for creating vital solutions. They also talk about red flags – li...
2022-06-16
26 min
Inside Startup Investing with Chris Lustrino
Episode 43 - Jane West of Jane West
When Colorado legalized cannabis in 2015, Jane West saw an opportunity. She began hosting cannabis events in Colorado – and was immediately fired from her day job. But Jane continued organizing cannabis events. She gained national attention for her persistence, particularly after the mayor of Denver called a SWAT team on one of her events. Despite her rocky beginning in the cannabis industry, Jane went on to found Jane West, a cannabis company that also sells cannabis accessories and CBD products. She has raised more than $700,000 from investors of all backgrounds and grown her company to be present across Ca...
2022-06-02
29 min
Adventure Capital by Wefunder
Join the Royal Family with Chris Lustrino
Today we chat with Chris Lustrino, Founder and CEO of Kingscrowd — the Bloomberg of the private markets. Chris' vision is to educate and empower people about investing in private companies and to use the power of data to aid their decision-making process. https://kingscrowd.com/Hosted by Jonny Price & Katie PowersProduced by William (Classic) Thomas"Wefunder does not endorse, recommend, or advise investing in any company. "
2022-05-27
36 min
Wealth Matters By Alpesh Parmar
243: How KingsCrowd Makes Startup Investing Accessible with Christopher Lustrino
Chris Lustrino is Founder & CEO of KingsCrowd, the first ratings and analytics service for the online private markets. He has raised $3.5M from 2,700 investors to date and grown his business to over 350,000 subscribers and 20 full-time staff. Prior to founding KingsCrowd, he worked on behalf of private equity clients at LEK Consulting from 2014 to 2017 and supported travel-tech startup Freebird in 2018 to raise an $8M series A prior to being acquired by Capital One. He also founded Simple.Innovative.Change, a Fintech publication focused on alternative investments and lending and was a finalist for the 2018 LendIt F...
2022-05-26
29 min
Inside Startup Investing with Chris Lustrino
Episode 42 - Leon Benrimon of StartEngine Collectibles
Owning or collecting artwork feels inaccessible for many people. From issues of how to properly store a painting to not knowing the nuances of one artist over another, it's an asset class that's been dominated by wealthy individuals. Leon Benrimon wants to see that change. He believes artwork – and other forms of collectibles – should be accessible to everyone. Leon is the vice president of assets at StartEngine. And he's excited that StartEngine Collectibles is giving retail investors the chance to start learning about and investing in collectibles like art, watches, wine, and more. In t...
2022-05-19
30 min
Inside Startup Investing with Chris Lustrino
Episode 41 - Aaron Burnett of Spaced Ventures
More than $14 billion was invested in space companies in 2021. But much of that capital is concentrated in a few, big name companies. Space startups that are just getting off the ground still struggle to receive investments – even if they have amazing ideas that could transform the industry. Enter Spaced Ventures. It's an equity crowdfunding platform focused on space startups that are too early to receive ample venture capital interest. Instead, Spaced Ventures brings retail investors together with founders that are creating the future of space. In this episode of Inside Startup Investing, Chris Lu...
2022-05-05
29 min
Inside Startup Investing with Chris Lustrino
Episode 40 - Jesse Stein of Everyrealm
What is the metaverse? According to Everyrealm co-founder Jesse Stein, there is no single metaverse. But the heart of any metaverse is interactivity. In this episode of Inside Startup Investing, Chris Lustrino welcomes Jesse, an early mover in the metaverse space. Everyrealm (formerly Republic Realm) launched a virtual real estate fund in 2021 – just as interest in NFTs and the metaverse was starting to emerge. Today, Everyrealm is at the forefront of developing metaverse investment products and virtual assets within the digital space. Join Chris and Jesse as they discuss what makes the metaverse so...
2022-04-21
27 min
Inside Startup Investing with Chris Lustrino
Episode 39 - James McGibney & Rick Bentley of Hydro Hash
Crypto mining is hot – literally. The equipment used to mine bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies generates significant amounts of heat and noise. Heat generated by computers is nothing new. Engineers have been using liquid cooling to help powerful computers run more efficiently for years. But no one was applying liquid cooling to crypto mining. Until Hydro Hash. Rick Bentley and James McGibney are on a mission to make crypto mining more sustainable through Hydro Hash. They're starting with liquid cooling – but the mission doesn't stop there. Power sources, mobility, and efficiency are all major concerns as well...
2022-04-07
28 min
Inside Startup Investing with Chris Lustrino
Episode 38 - Nathan Beckord of Foundersuite
Even with online startup investing enabling the connection between thousands of investors and startups across the country, raising capital is still hard. Nathan Beckord knows that better than most. Nathan's entire career has been focused on helping founders raise money. And those years of experience are what inspired him to found his software company, Foundersuite. Foundersuite is tailored to solving the numerous pain points involved in capital raises. From identifying the best investors for a specific company to organizing the dozens of conversations that have to happen in quick succession, Foundersuite helps make the process...
2022-03-25
24 min
Inside Startup Investing with Chris Lustrino
Episode 37 - Rebecca Kacaba of DealMaker
Rebecca Kacaba has been in the startup game for more than a decade. While working as a capital markets attorney, she noticed a persistent problem – startup founders were struggling with raising capital. And specifically, they were struggling with the nitty gritty details that come after an investor agrees to fund a startup. In that struggle, Rebecca saw an opportunity. And she set out to build the "Shopify for raising capital." DealMaker is a platform that focuses on being behind the scenes of capital raises. Founders take the center stage as they raise capital, and DealMaker pr...
2022-03-10
22 min
Inside Startup Investing with Chris Lustrino
Episode 36 - Emily Cisek of The Postage
When many people think about end-of-life planning, they focus on their will and how to pass on wealth or material goods. But what about the intangible things? Special memories, pictures from holidays, family recipes – legal documents can't cover these important family possessions. That unanswered need is part of what inspired Emily Cisek to found The Postage. Emily lost three family members in just six short weeks. And seeing how much planning – or lack of it – affected the process after these losses showed her the need for a better, centralized solution. In this episode of Kin...
2022-02-24
25 min
Running In Public
6: Movement Matters for a CEO with Chris Lustrino, Founder & CEO of KingsCrowd
Highlights from their conversation include:Chris’ running background (3:04)Why Chris runs today (6:10)Running marathons (8:56)Chris’ running routine today (11:59)How to run long distances (14:23)Chris’ favorite thing about running (19:06)The community running brings (21:24)The necessity of running for a CEO (23:35)Balancing being a founder and running (28:03)Quick-fire round: book recommendation to younger self, dream job as a kid, first job, running is ___, one song repeat, go-to running app, last victory (31:07)Backstage Capital is a VC firm that boasts one of the largest portfolios of underrepresented founders in venture. Read about the new strategic partnership with KingsCrowd here. To learn...
2022-02-11
38 min
Inside Startup Investing with Chris Lustrino
Episode 35 - Wes Burdine of the Minnesota Women's Soccer Team
Soccer is rapidly capturing the attention and hearts of American viewers. Major League Soccer (MLS) saw viewership grow by 38% from 2019 for its 2021 championship cup game. And the United States women's national soccer team won the 2019 Women's World Cup for the fourth time. In Minnesota, Wes Burdine was very familiar with the popularity of soccer. He owned a bar across from a major soccer arena, gathering fans together for drinks and camaraderie. But Wes also recognized that there was an unanswered need in Minnesota's soccer community. There was no women's team. In this episode...
2022-02-10
31 min
Inside Startup Investing with Chris Lustrino
Episode 27 - Henry Yoshida of Rocket Dollar
On this episode of the podcast, KingsCrowd CEO Chris Lustrino welcomes Henry Yoshida, Co-founder, and CEO of Rocket Dollar. Rocket Dollar, an alternative IRA that enables you to invest efficiently in alternative investment opportunities. The two discuss the online private market ecosystem, how it has developed since the two founded their respective companies, and what they look forward to in the future. Visit Rocket Dollar: https://www.rocketdollar.com/ Visit KingsCrowd: https://kingscrowd.com/ Try KingsCrowd's Merlin Startup Research Platform Free for 30 Days: https://inbound.kingscrowd.com/kingscrowd-merlin-demo
2021-10-15
20 min
Inside Startup Investing with Chris Lustrino
Episode 26 - Anita Brearton
On today's episode of the podcast, Chris Lustrino welcomes CabinetM Founder & CEO Anita Brearton. Listen in to meet an incredible venture-backed female founder enabling a new generation of marketers. Investors will also learn why Anita's 20+ years of marketing experience has given her the knowledge and network to build CabinetM The pair also dive into why raising from "the crowd" has been such a value-add beyond traditional VC. View CabinetM's Wefunder raise: https://wefunder.com/cabinetm/ Subscribe to KingsCrowd free: https://kingscrowd.com/register/free/
2021-10-08
24 min
Inside Startup Investing with Chris Lustrino
Episode 25 - Novalent Lead Investor Alex Ovchar
What do private equity investors look for in startups? Join us for this episode of the podcast where Chris Lustrino welcomes Alex Ovchar, a lead investor of PE-backed Novalent currently raising via Reg D on Republic. The pair also discuss why Novalent decided to raise in the online private markets via RegD, the technology behind their disinfectant technology and how they grew from $2 to $7M in the past year, and their plans to grow Novalent with COVID tailwinds. To view the fundraising round which closes September 30, 2021 visit: https://republic.co/novalent For a full demo...
2021-09-28
25 min
Inside Startup Investing with Chris Lustrino
Episode 22 - Justin Renfro
On this episode, KingsCrowd CEO Chris Lustrino welcomes equity crowdfunding platform Wefunder's Director of Partnerships Justin Renfro.
2021-08-26
26 min
Inside Startup Investing with Chris Lustrino
Episode 21 - Josh Chodniewicz
On this episode, KingsCrowd CEO Chris Lustrino welcomes Josh Choniewicz, CEO of Fundify as well as the Co-founder and CEO of art.com. The two discuss why the process of investing in early-stage venturesshould be made easier for both founders and individuals. Sign up for KingsCrowd's Startup Ratings & Research free here: https://kingscrowd.com/register/free/ Sign up for Fundify at https://www.fundify.com
2021-08-16
25 min
Strategic Investor Radio
Investing in Private Companies - KingsCrowd.com - w/Chris Lustrino
Until now, investors could invest into publicly traded companies that are listed on the exchanges (NY Stock Exchange, NASDAQ, etc.), with all information re: these companies being made available to the public via quarterly earnings announcements and audited financial reports. But, the vast majority of companies are private, so investing in them was much more difficult, as was digging thru financial information of them. The jobs Act of 2012 made many of these companies eligible for public investing but gathering and analyzing the financial info on the companies remained a daunting task. This allows the small investor to participate in the...
2021-07-23
25 min
Inside Startup Investing with Chris Lustrino
Episode 19 - Vin Narayanan
In this episode of the KingsCrowd Startup Investing Podcast, CEO Chris Lustrino welcomes KingsCrowd's SVP of Strategy Vin Narayanan to discuss a fast-growing sub-sector of the online private markets: Gaming. The two discuss the market, how it works, and even offer up an intriguing investment opportunity in the online gaming space currently available to investors.
2021-07-16
28 min
Inside Startup Investing with Chris Lustrino
Episode 18 - David Callway
In this episode of the KingsCrowd Startup Investing Podcast Chris Lustrino welcomes Callaway Climate Insights' David Callway to the show. The two discuss the current state of renewable energy investments and the potential for the early-stage startups to disrupt the current energy paradigm. Potential early-stage clean energy investments in LPPFUSION (raising on Wefunder), Flower Turbines (currently raising on Start Engine), and Manta Biofuels (raising on Republic) are also touched upon. Learn more about Callaway Climate Insights at https://www.callawayclimateinsights.com/
2021-06-25
23 min
Inside Startup Investing with Chris Lustrino
Episode 17 - Bruce Virga & Kim LaFleur
In this episode of the KingsCrowd Startup Investing Podcast, Chris Lustrino welcomes Bruce Virga & Kim LaFleur of Title 3 Funds. The conversation covers Title 3's new crowdfunding platform as well as the importance of performing due diligence when raising startup growth capital.
2021-06-17
22 min
Inside Startup Investing with Chris Lustrino
Episode 16 - Krishan Arora
In this episode of the KingsCrowd Startup Investing Podcast, Chris Lustrino shares a conversation with Krishan Arora. Krishan is the CEO of The Arora Project, a leader in equity crowdfunding capital raise campaigns.
2021-06-11
25 min
Inside Startup Investing with Chris Lustrino
Episode 15 - Jason Frishman
On this episode of the KingsCrowd Startup Investing Podcast KingsCrowd CEO Chris Lustrino welcomes Netcapital System's President & Founder Jason Frishman. The two discuss the history of their two companies, how the Pre-IPO startup investing market has changed over the years, and what the future holds.
2021-05-24
34 min
Inside Startup Investing with Chris Lustrino
Episode 13 - Blake Janover
On this episode Chris Lustrino is joined by Blake Janover, Founder & CEO of tech enabled commercial real estate and business lending startup Janover Ventures. The two discuss the fintech market and how they see the industry evolving.
2021-04-14
23 min
Inside Startup Investing with Chris Lustrino
Episode 11 - Chuck Pettid
On today’s episode, KingsCrowd CEO Chris Lustrino welcomes Republic’s Chuck Pettid. The two discuss recent events in the equity crowdfunding space and what the future holds.
2021-03-23
25 min
Inside Startup Investing with Chris Lustrino
Episode 9
In this episode of the KingsCrowd Startup Investing Podcast Sean O'Reilly & Chris Lustrino go for FY2020 equity crowdfunding market data as a way of previewing the release of KingsCrowd's impending annual report. Key data points include average raise size, top industries for startups looking to raise capital, and more.
2021-03-04
23 min
Inside Startup Investing with Chris Lustrino
Episode 8: Tom Lix
On today’s episode, KingsCrowd CEO Chris Lustrino welcomes Tom Lix, Founder & CEO of Cleveland Whiskey as well as a pioneering user of online private markets. They discuss what Tom has found positive and challenging about raising capital from the public. How Cleveland Whiskey has grown while building extreme customer loyalty. And How Cleveland Whiskey has used investor capital to grow their business, invest in technology, and support the public curing Covid-19.
2021-02-19
29 min
Inside Startup Investing with Chris Lustrino
Episode 5
Sean O'Reilly & Chris Lustrino discuss the origins of equity crowdfunding as America emerged from the 2009 Financial Crisis, recent changes to the startup investing market by the SEC, and what a newly minted President Biden means for the online private markets.
2021-01-22
22 min
Inside Startup Investing with Chris Lustrino
Episode 3 - Chris Lustrino
In their first podcast of 2021, KingsCrowd's CEO Chris Lustrino & CMO Sean O'Reilly welcome KingsCrowd Analyst Olivia Stroble to the podcast where the they discuss all that happened with the growth of online private markets in 2020 and what early-stage investors can look forward to in 2021.
2021-01-11
26 min
Test. Optimize. Scale.
#19 How To Engage Your Investors. w/ Chris Lustrino
This week Jason Fishman speaks with Chris Lustrino, Founder & CEO of KingsCrowd. Chris walks us through how he was able to Test, Optimize, and Scale his businesses. Prior to founding KingsCrowd, Chris served as a Consultant at L.E.K. Consulting, where he focused on private equity due diligence. Before his time at L.E.K., he ran finance ops at Freebird, a travel tech startup. He also founded Simple.Innovative.Change, a Fintech publication focused on alternative investments and lending and was a finalist for the 2018 LendIt Fintech Journalist of the Year. Chris graduated fro...
2020-12-28
45 min
Inside Startup Investing with Chris Lustrino
Episode 2 - Chris Lustrino
In this episode of KingsCrowd's Startup podcast, Chris & Sean dive into the great startup investments of all time and what they can teach today's private markets investors about how to succeed at investing in early-stage companies. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m86k8ctN5cM&feature=youtu.be
2020-12-24
26 min
Inside Startup Investing with Chris Lustrino
Episode 1 - Chris Lustrino
In the inaugural episode of KingsCrowd's Startup Podcast, KingsCrowd CEO & Founder Chris Lustrino dives into the private markets with KingsCrowd CMO Sean O'Reilly and together they explore how anyone can invest in fast-growing startups. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ugWT3vDM2Ow&feature=youtu.be
2020-12-17
25 min
The Dental Experience Podcast with Ryan Vet
Episode 207: Mutual Funds are Just One Way to Invest - How to Invest In Startups
The majority of dental professionals keep their money safe in mutual funds. This is known as a stable way to make a return on your money with a relatively low risk. However, for far too long, only the wealthiest of the wealthy could invest in private companies and funds. As such, the wealth gap continued to widen. Take Menlo Venture's investment in Uber for example. They made 93x on their investment in just a few short years. But that was reserved for the upper echelon of accredited investors.In this episode, founder and CEO of Kingscrowd, Chris L...
2019-06-03
26 min