Inside Startup Investing with Chris Lustrino: Recent Episodes
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Join Chris Lustrino as he talks to startup founders, angel investors, fund managers, investing platform executives, and more about the online private markets. Inside Startup Investing gives listeners the inside scoop on alternative investing, from startups and real estate to collectibles and NFTs.
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 advantage
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.
Tune in to this episode of Inside Startup Investing as we explore the innovative world of agricultural drones with Arthur Erickson, founder and CEO of Hylio. Discover how a fascination with drones turned into a business that's transforming agriculture through technology. Key highlights include:
Origins and Evolution: Journey through Hylio's transition from a small startup experimenting with drones to becoming a leader in agricultural drone technology.
Agricultural Impact: Understand how Hylio's drones are making farming more efficient and sustainable by optimizing the delivery of agricultural inputs.
Future Visions: Hear about Hylio's plans for expansion and how they continue to innovate within the agricultural sector.
Join us on this episode of Inside Startup Investing as we dive into the fascinating journey of Shannon Edgar, founder and CEO of Stormalong Cider. Discover how a spontaneous move led to the birth of a unique cider brand that respects tradition while innovating for today's market. Key highlights include:
Unexpected Beginnings: Learn how Shannon transitioned from the music industry to founding a cider company after moving to an orchard.
Crafting Unique Ciders: Explore Stormalong's commitment to using rare apple varieties and whole ingredients to create distinctive ciders.
Future Aspirations: Hear about Stormalong's plans for expansion and new product lines, including a non-alcoholic option.
Don't miss this insightful discussion on building a brand that's as authentic and storied as the cider it produces.
In this episode, we explore the innovative world of sustainable building materials with Mattie Mead, founder and CEO of Hempitecture. Discover how Hempitecture is harnessing the power of hemp to revolutionize the construction industry and combat carbon emissions.
Highlights include:
- Sustainable Innovation: Learn how Hempitecture uses hemp to create eco-friendly building materials.
- Challenges and Solutions: Delve into the technical challenges of creating consistent, high-quality hemp-based products and how Hempitecture addresses these issues.
- Future of Construction: Discuss the potential for hemp in modern construction and its role in reducing the industry’s carbon footprint.
In this episode, Chris dives into the rapidly evolving world of vegan fast food with Chris Treloar, CEO of PLNT Burger.
Key highlights include:
- Leadership Insights: Discover how Chris Treloar’s strategic leadership is steering PLNT Burger towards a sustainable future.
- Innovative Partnerships: Learn about PLNT Burger’s unique collaboration with Whole Foods and how it fosters growth and accessibility.
- Culinary Revolution: Explore how PLNT Burger is making vegan food appealing to not just vegans but everyone who loves great-tasting food.
Join us on this episode of Inside Startup Investing as we explore the fascinating world of sports investment with Michael Smith, majority owner of Carrick Rangers Football Club. Learn about the club's rich history, strategic moves, and ambitious plans for the future, including their aim to enhance their academy and compete on European stages. Highlights include:
- Historic Club with Modern Ambitions: Delve into the club's journey from its founding in 1939 to its current aspirations in the Irish Premiership and beyond.
- Strategic Investments: Insight into the club’s financial strategies, including stadium improvements and building a global academy.
- The Business of Football: Understand the financial mechanics of football, from European competitions to player transfers.
Join us on this episode of Inside Startup Investing as we explore how WeatherFlow-Tempest, led by CEO Buck Lyons, is transforming local weather forecasting. Discover how their unique combination of hardware and software provides precise weather data right from your front lawn, enhancing the accuracy of local weather predictions. Highlights include:
- Dual Approach: Insight into WeatherFlow-Tempest’s strategy as both a hardware provider and a data analytics powerhouse.
- Robust Growth: Discussion on the company’s growth trajectory with over $12 million in annual sales and their expansive network of weather devices.
- Future of Weather Data: The potential of localized weather data in an era of changing climate conditions and how it could redefine weather forecasting.
Join us on this episode of Inside Startup Investing as we dive into the innovative world of drone technology with Rob Cammack, CEO of SmartDrone. Discover how SmartDrone is revolutionizing the land surveying industry by drastically reducing the time and manpower required to survey large areas.
Key highlights include:
- Drone Revolution: A decade after the drone hype cycle, SmartDrone emerges as a leader in practical drone applications, transforming theoretical technologies into real-world solutions.
- Efficiency in Land Surveying: Learn how SmartDrone leverages advanced drone technology to survey vast tracts of land in mere hours—a task that traditionally took months.
- Experienced Leadership: With Rob's extensive experience and previous successful exits, SmartDrone is positioned for significant growth in the land surveyor market
Tune in to this enlightening episode of Inside Startup Investing where we explore the future of energy storage with Michael Pratt, CEO of Qnetic. Discover how Qnetic is tackling the challenges of renewable energy integration with their innovative mechanical flywheel technology.
Highlights include…
- Transition to Energy Storage (3:05)
- Mechanical Flywheel Energy Storage (7:05)
- Comparing Flywheel to Lithium-Ion Batteries (9:48)
- Market Strategy and Clientele (14:30)
- Business Model and Scaling Challenges (16:56)
- Market Potential and Future Projections (23:13)
In this episode, we dive into the transformative world of hospital supply management with Roy Malkin, CEO of Assured Med Supply (AMS). Discover how AMS is leveraging AI to streamline hospital procurement processes, ensuring that hospitals can efficiently manage supplies and avoid costly shortages.
Highlights include…
- The AMS AI Solution: How AMSAI is optimizing hospital supply chains, acting as an AI co-pilot to navigate complex purchasing decisions. [00:13.23]
- Addressing Hospital Pain Points: Tackling the challenges of managing vast SKU counts and navigating supply shortages, which can cost hospitals billions in procedural delays and inflated supply costs. [01:36.176]
- Vendor Relationships and Integration: How AMS facilitates better supply chain decisions, providing hospitals with alternatives during critical shortages. [07:23.126]
- Future Expansion and Impact: Plans for extending AMS's AI capabilities beyond hospital procurement to other sectors, potentially influencing government efficiency and saving lives during critical shortages. [28:05.932]
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 Bay Health demonstrating Elemeno's effectiveness during emergency medical situations. [00:05:20.29]
- The scalability of Elemeno's solution across different hospital departments. (6:44)
- The strategic approach to expanding Elemeno's adoption within hospitals and its growing traction. (10:29)
- The addition of a new CEO, Tim Coulter, to drive forward Elemeno’s mission and expand its market reach (18:41)
- Future plans for Elemeno Health, including exploring new markets in pharma and clinical trials. (20:34)
In this episode, we speak with Luis Mata and Gabriel Llaurado, the co-founders of Meat N' Bone, an innovative retailer and direct-to-consumer provider of high-end proteins, including a variety of meats and fish. Discover how Meat N' Bone is filling a critical market gap by offering an extensive selection of quality meats, ranging from ribeyes to Wagyu, appealing to serious home chefs and food lovers. Learn about their unique omnichannel approach that combines online convenience with physical store experiences, significantly lowering customer acquisition costs and fostering high customer retention.
Highlights include…
- Concept and Unique Selling Proposition of Meat and Bone (3:53)
- Growth and Business Model (6:08)
- Expansion Plans and Market Strategy (9:25)
- Competitive Advantage and Brand Building (13:26)
- Consumer Engagement and Future Plans (20:01)
- Sourcing Strategy and Quality Assurance (22:25)
In this episode, we dive deep into the innovative world of Pivotal Health with its CEO, Sal Braico. Pivotal Health is revolutionizing the urgent care industry by bringing high-quality medical services directly to patients' homes. With 13,000+ visits and rave reviews, Pivotal Health addresses the inefficiencies of traditional healthcare by eliminating the need for waiting rooms and reducing administrative burdens. Sal discusses the strategic shift towards providing services through employer partnerships, enhancing accessibility while maintaining affordability through a subscription-based model.
Highlights include...
Sal Breakco's Background and Pivotal Health's Mission (2:35)
- Logistics and Demand Management (5:46)
- Recruiting and Retaining Providers (7:13)
- Market Expansion and Strategy (9:58)
- Business Model and Pricing (12:16)
- Sales Cycle and Employer Partnerships (20:10)
- Exit Strategies and Investment Opportunity (25:20)
In this episode, Chris speaks with Justin Giuffrida, the co-founder and CEO of Citizens Coffee. With over $27 million in lifetime sales, Citizens Coffee is not just a café but a burgeoning lifestyle brand. Justin discusses the uniqueness of Australian coffee culture, which he is transplanting into the U.S. market with an emphasis on quality and community. Their rapid expansion in New York and Texas, coupled with a strategic approach to new markets, showcases their potential within the booming U.S. coffee scene. Justin also explores the future of Citizens Coffee, including plans for international licensing and a new venture into consumer packaged goods (CPG).
Highlights include…
- Justin’s background Citizens Coffee's Unique Selling Proposition (1:41)
- The Growing Market for Specialty Coffee and Breakfast (3:08)
- Citizens Coffee's Market Strategy and Expansion Plans (10:36)
- Challenges and Competition in the Coffee and Breakfast Market (14:46)
- Efficiency and Cost Advantages of Citizens Coffee (19:06)
- Future Projections and Investment Opportunities (26:20)
In this episode, host Chris interviews Erik DeGiorgi, the CEO of NetSpeek, a company evolving audiovisual (A/V) management in the workplace. NetSpeek is addressing the common and frustrating interoperability issues in modern offices by making all AV devices communicate seamlessly. Erik, who has nearly two decades of experience in the Pro A/V industry, shares insights on the inception of NetSpeek and how their innovative platform uses AI to simplify A/V operations, essentially allowing devices to be controlled through natural language commands.
Highlights include…
- Eric Digiorgi's Background and NetSpeek's Genesis (1:55)
- Challenges and Solutions in the Pro A/V Space (3:23)
- Market Opportunity and Scalability (6:25)
- Sales Process and Implementation (12:33)
- Feedback from Beta Clients and Initial Traction (14:53)
- Pricing and Market Differentiation (19:40)
In this episode, Chris sits down with Dr. Cathy Key, the president and chief business officer of World Tree. Discover the unique and sustainable investment opportunities World Tree offers through the growth and harvest of the Empress tree. Learn about the environmental impact, the innovative profit-sharing model with farmers, and how these fast-growing trees can provide significant returns while offsetting carbon footprints. Dr. Key dives into the agricultural processes, the risks involved, and the promising future of this green investment. Whether you're an investor looking for eco-friendly opportunities or someone passionate about sustainability, this discussion sheds light on how you can contribute to a greener planet while aiming for a profitable return.
Highlights include…
- World Tree's Origin and Mission (2:34)
- Tree Planting and Farming Partnerships (5:38)
- Harvest and Profit Sharing (8:30)
- Care and Maintenance of Empress Trees (9:57)
- Market Demand and Environmental Impact (15:19)
- Investment Details and Returns (22:09)
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 like homes or offices (4:55)
- Categories of Personal Security Concerns (6:52)
- Business Model (15:31)
- Corporate Adoption and Cost Savings (28:23)
- Investment and Future Plans (28:39)
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 directly in films and receive a portion of the royalties. Investors get returns before the company or even the talent involved. [10:30]
- Upcoming major films: "The Man in the White Van" releasing in December; a true-crime thriller with Sean Astin and Ali Larter. "My Dead Friend Zoe" featuring Morgan Freeman and Ed Harris; won Audience Award at South by Southwest. [12:56]
- Development of "Defiant: The Story of Robert Smalls," sourced from the Legion M community. Highlights the power of fan engagement in identifying compelling stories. [15:00]
- Owning IP provides long-term revenue streams and monetization opportunities. The company is focusing on creating and owning content outright. [22:03]
- Insight into the economics of production vs. distribution roles. Plans to engage in both to maximize revenue based on market conditions. [25:50]
- The 50,000-strong investor base aids in marketing and amplifying film reach. Community acts as brand ambassadors, driving word-of-mouth promotion. [33:40]
- Attracts top talent and industry partners due to the engaged fan base. Provides leverage in negotiations and unique marketing advantages. [38:35]
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 Coverage and Pricing Strategy (20:07)
- Marketing and Future Plans (20:26)
- Final Pitch and Investment Opportunity (25:09)
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)
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 with utilities, solar and wind developers, data centers, and construction companies to bury power lines, create new transmission lines, and build tunnels for various infrastructure projects.
- EarthGrid has already generated revenue and has a strong sales pipeline, with plans to go public in the future.
- Upgrading the infrastructure in the United States is crucial for accelerating the clean power revolution and strengthening the nation's economy.
In this episode of Inside Startup Investing, Chris interviews Ronny Shmoel, the CEO of Circuit City. Ronny shares his journey as a serial entrepreneur with significant success in e-commerce, leading to the revival of Circuit City. He delves into his strategic approach to transforming this iconic brand through innovative e-commerce solutions and leveraging its well-established name to venture into new business avenues like B2B sales and integrated digital platforms.
Highlights include…
- Acquiring and reviving a well-known electronics brand, Circuit City. (4:41)
- Leveraging Circuit City brand for B2B sales. (9:46)
- Growing revenue in the retail industry through collaborations and embedded experiences. (14:50)
- Leveraging a well-known brand in e-commerce through partnerships and digital marketing. (17:55)
- Investing in Circuit City, turning it into a tech company with a successful track record and potential for future growth. (22:25)
In this episode, Chris is joined by Joel Stanley, CEO of AJNA BioSciences. Joel discusses his transition from co-founding Charlotte’s Web, a pioneer in the CBD industry, to establishing AJNA BioSciences. He shares the powerful backstory of how his work with CBD began, notably with Charlotte Figi, a young girl whose severe seizures were dramatically reduced using a CBD-rich extract. This episode gets into AJNA BioSciences’ mission to integrate plant-based medicines with modern pharmaceutical practices, emphasizing their current focus on developing botanical drugs for conditions like autism spectrum disorder and anxiety through rigorous FDA-approved clinical trials.
Highlights include…
- Creating FDA-approved drugs from plant medicine for treating conditions like autism and anxiety.
- The decline of plant medicine and its potential revival through modern technology and regulatory changes. (3:53)
- Developing botanical drugs for autism and anxiety disorders, progress and challenges in clinical trials. (8:25)
- Fundraising for Arjuna Biosciences, a biotech company developing cannabinoid-based drugs. (16:16)
- Developing cannabis-based drugs for various diseases, including PTSD and sleep disorders. (20:44)
In this episode, Adam Salmen, Managing Director at Novastone Capital Advisors, joins Chris. Adam discusses the intricacies of their search fund model, a high-performing private equity strategy rooted in acquiring stable, cash-flowing businesses. He elaborates on their methodical approach to identifying a target company, codenamed "Project Buffalo", leveraging debt financing, and institutionalizing operations to enhance growth and profitability. The conversation also dives into the broader implications and opportunities within the steel industry, highlighting the growth potential through strategic acquisitions and operational efficiencies.
Highlights include…
- Acquiring a proven business with potential for growth.
- Investing in a steel industry company, Project Buffalo, focusing on growth opportunities and market trends. (6:00)
- Private equity investments with potential exit strategies. (14:14)
Learn about about Project Buffalo on Kingscrowd.
In this episode, Chris speaks with Gary Skulnik, founder and CEO of Neighborhood Sun, a company innovating in the community solar power sector. Neighborhood Sun provides an accessible solar power solution for individuals who cannot install solar panels due to various constraints. Gary shares his journey from being a climate activist to pioneering community solar projects that allow consumers to benefit from solar energy without the need for personal installations, highlighting the company's growth and the increasing popularity of community solar.
Highlights include…
- Community solar, saving money, and disrupting the utility industry. (3:11)
- Solar panel sales strategy, growth plans, and industry trends. (9:34)
- Neighborhood Sun's growth, profitability, and expansion in renewable energy markets. (16:21)
In this episode of Inside Startup Investing, Chris engages with Caroline Strzalka, Co-Founder and COO of Overplay, a company merging gaming, the creator economy, and AI innovation. Overplay's platform allows users to transform any video into an interactive mini-game, creating a new form of media engagement. Caroline, with her rich background from Sesame Street to investment banking (and a repeat founder), brings a unique perspective on media interaction, focusing on user-generated content and interactive experiences.
Highlights include…
- Intro to AI-powered game platform Overplay, with examples of games and creative possibilities. (3:56)
- Mobile gaming and gamification model. (9:54)
- Monetizing interactive ads with potential for in-app purchases. (14:34)
- Viral game creation and growth strategy (21:05)
In this episode, Chris talks with Leigh Colby, founder and CEO of TriAgenics, a company on a mission to eliminate the pain and complications associated with wisdom teeth. Leigh, a seasoned dentist and entrepreneur, dives into how his new technology can prevent wisdom teeth from ever developing in children, which could transform dental care practices. Leigh's commitment to changing the standard dental procedure by 2030 is underscored by his decision to step down for a go-to-market CEO to ensure the technology reaches its full potential.
Highlights include…
- Microwave ablation for dental procedures. (5:49)
- Market potential for new wisdom teeth treatment technology. (12:04)
- Revolutionary dental implant technology with potential for IPO. (17:00)
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 user-centric approach. (3:27)
- Regulatory approval process for Pirouette Medical device combining drug products with a new drug application pathway, targeting 2026 approval (8:10)
- Medical device patent protection. (13:53)
- Medical device development, regulatory approval, and patient feedback. (18:05)
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 how they differ from traditional venture funds. (4:40)
How interval funds value private assets and handle exit events. (9:40)
Scaling a venture capital platform for the general public. (14:41)
Enabling venture funds to raise capital from retail investors through a platform. (19:06)
Investing in alternatives, including sweater's role in enabling access. (24:11)
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 brand’s focus on selling shapewear for women, with insights on their business model, marketing strategies, (8:17)
Brick and mortar vs vending machine, on-the-go D2C strategy (10:24)
Manufacturing for a lingerie brand. (12:29)
Growth strategies for a lingerie brand with a focus on sustainability and profitability. (17:31)
This episode into a fascinating discussion with Dutch Mendenhall, CEO of RAD Diversified, Co-Founder of RADD Companies, and author of "Money Shackles." Dutch shares his journey from a baseball coach to a real estate mogul, emphasizing the strategic acquisition of diverse real estate properties from homes to golf courses and farmlands. He elaborates on RAD Diversified's mission to democratize real estate investment, allowing everyday investors to participate in diversified real estate portfolios through innovative financial platforms.
This week, Chris talks with Luca Zambello, founder and CEO of Jurny, a pioneering tech company augmenting the short-term rental and hospitality industry with AI automations. Born from Luca’s early forays into luxury home rentals, Jurny evolved from a property management firm to a sophisticated software provider, addressing the industry’s scalability challenges through innovative technology. Luca dives into Jurny’s development, focusing on its automation capabilities and AI-driven solutions that streamline operations and enhance guest experiences across dispersed rental properties.
Highlights include…
Automating hospitality industry operations, including property management and communication with guests. (4:33)
AI's potential to automate back-office tasks for short-term rental companies, with a focus on specialized AI agents for (8:44)
AI-powered software for property management, growth opportunities, and monetization strategies. (12:45)
Chris dives into the innovative world of Infinity Fuel Cell with founder and CEO William Smith. His company, rooted in aerospace and underwater fuel cell technology, has advanced the use of hydrogen fuel cells for various applications, including space and subsea missions. Smith discusses the company's journey from high-stakes government contracts to potential commercial use, highlighting their success in generating clean, efficient electricity and their transition towards green hydrogen systems.
Highlights include…
Hydrogen fuel cell technology for space and transportation applications. (6:14)
Green hydrogen generation and decarbonization. (9:52)
Funding, growth, and technology for Infinity. (14:43)
Space technology development and commercialization. (18:59)
Inside Startup Investing presents a deep dive into Epilog, a company revolutionizing the autonomous vehicle industry. CEO Michael Mojaver, with his extensive background in vision and physics, has created a device, SideCar, that enables regular cars to become autonomous. This episode covers the intriguing possibilities of transforming any car into a self-driving vehicle for $1,000, vastly more accessible than current market options. Michael details Epilog's journey from an intensive R&D phase to now focusing on commercialization, highlighting the company's potential rapid growth in the AI-powered automotive space.
Highlights include…
AI-powered vision technology for autonomous driving. (1:33)
Advanced driver assistance systems in cars. (10:26)
Autonomous driving technology and market potential. (14:59)
Chris speaks with Mark Holland, founder and CEO of Choose Your Horizon, a mental wellness company that offers at-home psychedelic therapy. Mark shares how the therapy works, using ketamine in controlled, low doses to aid in treating conditions like PTSD, anxiety, and depression. The episode illuminates how this therapy creates a dissociative experience, enabling patients to gain new perspectives on their mental health issues. Holland highlights the company’s growth trajectory, including its plan to expand to more states and possibly include more psychedelic compounds in treatment.
Highlights include…
Mental wellness company using psychedelic therapy. (0:03)
Ketamine therapy for mental health treatment. (1:56)
Ketamine-assisted therapy for mental health treatment. (5:50)
Psychedelic therapy for mental health. (12:29)
Scaling a mental healthcare business with a focus on psychedelic treatments. (17:57)
Chris talks with Arthur Pierse, the founder of WeClimate, a groundbreaking climate equity crowdfunding platform. Arthur shares his vision of making climate tech investments accessible to a broader audience beyond the traditional realm of venture capitalists and high-net-worth individuals. He delves into the expansive scope of climate technology, touching upon various sectors, from renewable energy to electric vehicles, and the challenges and opportunities within. The conversation also covers the significant role of government incentives in advancing green technologies and Arthur's strategic approach to growing WeClimate.
Highlights include…
Climate tech investing and its growth potential. (1:33)
The adoption of electric vehicles and the challenges faced. (5:15)
Renewable energy, government incentives, and consumer behavior. (10:07)
The state of investing in climate tech companies. (16:14)
Investing in climate tech and the role of venture capital. (20:50)
In this episode, Chris engages in an enlightening conversation with Haley Bryant, a pre-seed investor at Hustle Fund. As a venture capital fund focused on “hilariously” early startups, Hustle Fund is carving a path in the industry by democratizing venture capital through their Angel Squad program and seeking out exceptional founders beyond the Silicon Valley bubble. This episode dives deep into the intricacies of angel investing, explores the evolving landscape of startup funding across different regions, and discusses the critical shift towards a more data-driven venture capital approach.
Highlights include…
Democratizing access to venture capital. (2:04)
Improving diversity in venture capital and angel investing. (8:49)
Venture capital, geographic dispersion, and remote work. (12:27)
AI, data, and company growth strategies. (18:16)
Comparing angel investing, secondary markets, and private capital markets. (24:40)
In this episode Chris chats with Paul Allen, a serial entrepreneur best known for founding Ancestry.com. We learn about Allen's latest venture, Citizen Portal, an AI-driven platform designed to democratize government data access and enhance governance transparency. The discussion traverses Allen's entrepreneurial journey, the transformative potential of AI in politics, and the challenges and achievements in building a platform that empowers citizens with accurate government information.
Highlights include…
Creating an informed citizenry through AI-powered transcript analysis. (2:30)
Using AI to improve government transparency and engagement. (6:28)
Improving citizen engagement with government. (13:15)
How to inform voters in elections. (18:43)
Chris catches up with Sebastian Duque, the co-founder and CEO of Plei. Known as the "Uber of soccer," Plei is an app that's rapidly gaining traction, currently used in 16 US cities. With a mission to make soccer accessible and convenient, Plei has been a game-changer in connecting players and facilitating matches, with over 100,000 games played. In this episode, Sebastian shares his journey, from the early challenges to significant milestones, and provides an insightful look into how technology is transforming the world’s most popular sport.
Highlights include…
Creating a platform for on-demand pickup sports games. (5:47)
Plei’s platform growth and user experience. (10:27)
Growth strategy and sourcing facilities for a sports platform. (15:19)
Growing a sports platform with a focus on soccer as the sport trends positively in the US. (20:05)
Chris sits down with Dan Rutstein, President of Orange County Soccer Club (OCSC). With his diverse background spanning journalism, diplomacy, and technology, Rutstein brings a unique perspective to leading a soccer club. He discusses the club's journey in the United Soccer League (USL), its strategies for player development, and its success in fostering a strong, community-oriented fan base. The conversation also covers the club's approach to navigating the complexities of soccer in the U.S., including TV deals and the potential for growth in the sport.
Highlights include…
Soccer team management and growth opportunities in USL. (2:20)
US soccer league structure and TV deal with CBS. (7:44)
USL soccer league's financial model and player development. (12:15)
Building a sustainable business model for OCSC. (17:10)
Sourcing and developing young soccer talent. (21:35)
Growing US soccer and investing in a local team. (25:16)
In this episode of Inside Startup Investing, Chris catches up with Crowdcube Co-CEO Matt Cooper. Celebrating over a decade of innovation, Crowdcube is a pioneer in online capital raising, transforming the startup investment landscape in the UK and globally. With over $2 billion raised for startups and more than $100 million returned to investors, their impact is undeniable. This conversation digs into the challenges and triumphs of building the platform Crowdcube, the evolution of investor engagement, and the future of digital private markets. Key highlights include Crowdcube's groundbreaking approach to investor acquisition, their strategy in winning over traditional financial institutions, and insights into the evolving landscape of private market investments.
Highlights include…
Challenges and successes of pioneering equity crowdfunding platform. (2:12)
Sustainable growth and investor acquisition strategies in the fintech industry. (6:07)
Industry sentiment, secondary markets, and founder-led liquidity opportunities. (9:34)
Building trust in private company fundraising and sourcing strategies in the EU. (15:55)
European investment platform Crowdcube's successes and complexities. (20:44)
In this episode of Inside Startup Investing, we dive deep into the world of skiing innovation with the co-founders of Peak Ski Company, currently raising on Republic. Chris hosts Bode Miller, a legend in the skiing world with a storied Olympic medal-winning career, and Andy Wirth, a distinguished figure in the ski industry renowned for his significant contributions, including the creation of the popular Ikon Pass. Together, they discuss their new venture, Peak Ski, where they're not only challenging traditional ski manufacturing norms but also introducing cutting-edge technology and design to revolutionize the skiing experience.
Highlights include…
Starting a ski brand with Olympian Bode Miller. (2:19)
Reinventing ski manufacturing process. (8:12)
Innovative ski manufacturing and creating a new ski design. (12:43)
Marketing and European expansion. (17:04)
Expanding skiing accessibility through new technologies and partnerships. (24:12)
Entrepreneurship, innovation, and overcoming obstacles in the ski industry. (29:36)
In this episode, we interview Spencer Martin, CEO of Sonic Power. Chris and Spencer walk through his journey in the consumer electronics industry. With extensive experience from working in Chinese manufacturing to involvement in Silicon Valley startups, Spencer shares the insights he used to create Sonic Power. Spencer dives into his brand's business model to stand out in the electronics market through a private label strategy akin to Costco's Kirkland and Trader Joe's, offering customers high-quality, cost-effective electronic products.
Private label products and their quality
Starting a private label business and saving money on electronic goods. (3:34)
Inventory management and expansion strategies for a retail business. (7:58)
Business strategy, diversification, and beating the algorithm. (14:12)
Entrepreneurship, product development, and marketing strategies. (19:03)
In this episode, we get into housing with ZenniHome's founder and CEO, Bob Worsley. A retired Republican State Senator and serial entrepreneur, Bob's career journey is as intriguing as it is inspiring. From establishing SkyMall to venturing into real estate and energy, Bob's latest endeavor, ZenniHome, stands at the forefront of the crop of startups providing housing solutions. These modern, steel-framed micro homes are not just a leap in sustainable living but are also impacting the housing landscape with their unique design, adaptability, and smart technology.
Highlights include…
Entrepreneurship, politics, and business success. (1:55)
Innovative home building using advanced manufacturing techniques. (7:01)
Affordable housing solutions using modular construction. (10:34)
Scaling tiny home production for B2C market. (15:18)
Affordable housing solutions with a focus on innovation and scalability. (19:50)
In this episode of Inside Startup Investing, Chris engages with Tom Bassford, the founder and CEO of EquityVest. EquityVest, a burgeoning Reg CF platform, sets itself apart by focusing on faith-driven investments. The platform aims to connect faith-driven founders and investors to support innovations that advance the world positively. The episode delves into the nuances of faith-aligned investing, emphasizing that it's not confined to regular churchgoers but rather to anyone inclined towards value-driven investments. The discussion also touches on EquityVest's unique approach to addressing societal issues and supporting marginalized communities.
Highlights include…
Faith-based investing and creating a platform for startups. (1:39)
Faith-driven investing and social impact projects. (6:09)
Investment in and addressing marginalized communities. (10:55)
Democratizing capital for marginalized entrepreneurs. (15:33)
Equity crowdfunding platform for retail investors. (19:48)
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 development in children and their careful approach to scaling in a competitive market.
Highlights include…
Creating a better shoe for kids' development. (1:52)
Developing a new shoe brand for children focusing on comfort and performance. (6:52)
Growth strategy and product development for children. (11:56)
Marketing strategies for a footwear brand targeting parents. (16:23)
Baby shoe startup's growth potential and unit economics. (21:22)
In this episode of Inside Startup Investing, Chris engages with John Kempf, the founder of Advancing Eco Agriculture. The discussion centers on the company's innovative approach to agriculture, emphasizing sustainable farming techniques and the enhancement of plant health. Kempf, with his unique background, brings valuable insights into the agricultural sector's evolution towards more environmentally friendly and efficient practices.
Highlights include…
Sustainable farming techniques (0:04)
Plant immune systems and sustainable agriculture. (2:08)
Reducing pesticide use in agriculture through AEA’s holistic approach. (5:13)
Plant nutrition and soil health. (10:58)
AEA’s longevity (15 years) and potential exit strategies. (17:24)
Using AI to improve agriculture and farming practices. (22:55)
Amish values and business growth with John Kempf. (27:46)
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 direct-to-consumer sales approach and online customer engagement. (12:43)
Vehicle purchasing preferences and showroom alternatives. (13:05)
Future plans for ModVans and enhancing investor relations. (18:04)
Fundraising for a hardware business with venture capital and crowdfunding. (20:38)
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 and market opportunity. (22:42)
In this episode of Inside Startup Investing, Chris chats with Kenny Rose, the founder and CEO of FranShares. Kenny illuminates the concept behind FranShares, a platform revolutionizing the franchise investment landscape. Through FranShares, individuals can invest in franchises with a starting amount as low as $500, making franchise ownership more accessible and diversified. Kenny explains the unique investment structure, the focus on community and inclusivity, and the strategic approach to overcoming the challenges faced in traditional franchise models.
Highlights include…
Investing in franchises and their differences from startups. (3:18)
Selecting and supporting franchisees with a focus on operators. (8:46)
Investing in franchises as a win-win structure. (14:02)
Crowdfunding for franchise investments. (16:47)
Franchise investing and industry trends. (21:09)
In this episode, Chris sits down with Sean Luangrath, the CEO of Inergy, to discuss the company's mission, products, and growth trajectory. Sean dives deep into the renewable energy market, explaining how Inergy is positioning itself to lead the pack with its innovative solar generator systems.
Highlights include…
Sean’s background as a refugee background and developing his mission as a founder. (2:30)
Affordable solar energy systems for homes. (3:38)
Portable solar generators for emergency preparedness and home use. (8:01)
Sean highlights the product's versatility, from powering a campsite to serving as a backup during power outages at home. (10:20)
Solar energy solutions for off-grid communities, including early support from “preppers.” (13:52)
Energy storage solutions for homes and businesses. (19:37)
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)
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)
Chris meets David Shapiro, the CEO of OPEN. Together, they dive into the venture capital world, exploring OPEN's unique positioning and value proposition in the investment landscape. David shares insights into OPEN's mission, its differentiated approach to investing, and the transformative impact it aims to create in the startup ecosystem.
Highlights include…
David Shapiro provides an overview of OPEN's unique approach and philosophy in the venture capital space (approx. 2:00).
Private market investing with a focus on liquidity. (6:05)
Investing in private companies through a diversified basket. (12:13)
Investing in late-stage venture markets. (15:03)
Investing in private companies through OPEN. (21:43)
In these communications, references to “OPEN,” “OpenVC,” “us,” “our” and the “Company” refer collectively to OpenVC, Inc. and its subsidiaries and/or affiliates. This communication may contain forward-looking statements including, but are not limited to, discussions related to OPEN’s expectations regarding the performance of its business, specific companies, the market broadly and other non-historical statements. These forward-looking statements are based on OPEN’s beliefs, as well as assumptions made by, and information currently available to, us. Although OPEN believes that the expectations reflected in this communication are reasonable, we can give no assurance that these expectations will prove to have been correct. These statements are subject to certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions, including risks relating to inflation, market conditions and interest rate fluctuations. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or review any statements, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise, except as required by applicable law. This communication is not an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy, any interest in an OPEN fund or operating company. This communication is not intended to provide, and should not be relied upon for accounting, legal or tax advice or investment recommendations. To learn more, please visit www.openvc.com.
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 conception and evolution of the Oakland Soul women's team, aiming to reach the USL by 2025. (20:33)
The array of celebrity investors and influencers involved with Oakland Roots, including Marshawn Lynch and Jeezy, emphasizes the Oakland connection. (23:03)
The success of the community investment round, emphasizing inclusivity and enabling everyone to own a piece of the club. (25:05)
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 mission educating amateurs in sports betting (5:00).
Business model and growth strategies (8:47)
Challenges of the sports betting sector and the lack of user loyalty(15:00).
Sports betting industry growth and investment opportunities. (22:37)
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 the flow, approx. 2:00).
Using heat pumps for industrial processes. (9:56)
Using heat pumps in factories for energy efficiency and cost savings. (14:44)
Funding, technology, and the vision going forward. (18:38)
Sustainable energy solutions and investment opportunities. (27:18)
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 separation technology to address water pollution (4:40).
Is there a world where biofuels become the fuel of the future? (8:41)
Who are the markets they are targeting? (14:49)
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 international baby gear rental service (0:46).
Vision behind BabyQuip and its value proposition for traveling families (2:00).
How BabyQuip has weathered challenges, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic (10:00).
The evolution of BabyQuip's services and its future plans (18:20)
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 traditional methods (1:18).
Founding story (4:11)
The business model (18:20).
Walk through of the fragmented funeral industry (14:37).
The burial processes and the value of offering a third, eco-friendly option (21:13).
The comforting idea of folding the human body back into the ecosystem (23:23).
The personal side of being in the funeral industry (26:13
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 company’s mission (10:30).
The traction Supermush has gained in a short amount of time (18:20).
Alli dives into the operational challenges and strategies for a mushroom-based company (27:45).
The competitive landscape and Supermush’s differentiation (35:00).
Discussion on the future plans and vision for Supermush (43:10).
Inside Startup Investing hosts Courtney Boyd Myers, the founder and CEO of AKUA, a company committed to transforming ocean farming into a mainstream source of food and offering consumers sustainable, plant-based options. Courtney shares the story of AKUA's origins, the challenges they've faced, their business model, and future goals.
Highlights include…
The discussion about the benefits of kelp as a superfood, the process of turning it into a delicious product, and AKUA's best-selling Kelp Burger. (02:30)
She delves into AKUA's primary marketing channels and the effectiveness of Instagram for engagement and Facebook for customer acquisition. (04:12)
Courtney addresses the supply chain costs related to growing kelp and the current oversupply in the kelp farming industry. (19:47)
She highlights AKUA's climate goals and the potential of being an acquisition target for big CPG brands looking to fulfill their climate commitments. (21:23)
Courtney shares her personal challenge of stepping into operations and finance roles, emphasizing the necessity of wearing many hats as a founder. (22:46)
In this episode of Inside Startup Investing, Anthony Tassone, the founder of Truleo, discusses how his company uses AI to transcribe and analyze police body camera footage to improve policing standards. Anthony dives into the potential of their AI platform to provide valuable insights from unreviewed body camera data, reduce administrative burdens, and increase the professionalism and accountability of police officers. He also shares his thoughts on the sales cycle in the public safety space, the potential for expansion beyond policing, and Truleo's current fundraising efforts.
Highlights include…
Truleo uses AI to transcribe and analyze police body camera footage, making it easier for police departments to review and learn from their interactions with civilians. (8:32)
The platform helps reduce the administrative burden on police officers and provides essential insights to improve their professionalism and reduce potential misconduct. (13:51)
The company sees potential for expansion beyond policing, such as in 911 call centers or any profession where measuring professionalism is essential. (23:20)
Truleo is raising capital through crowdfunding to fund the expansion of its success team and invest in its quality of service. (26:39)
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 further expand to other sports, domestically and internationally. (21:15)
Reviewing ESPN's shift to streaming services and how this trend impacts PlayersTV. (26:33)
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 from Medium and the importance of owning their content and creating a user-friendly interface (12:55)
-HackerNoon's community-focused approach and the advantages of its small team, (18:46)
-HackerNoon's future vision (20:43).
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 behind TruKno, which consists of employees with diverse backgrounds and skills, spanning across four continents and speaking 11 languages (14:29)
Current fundraising efforts, including how TruKno plans to use funds (15:53)
The solution for maintaining customer stickiness and upselling (18:13)
How TruKno could potentially be an acquisition target for larger cybersecurity firms (20:58)
The importance of being in the right space at the right time (22:35).
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)
Some of the top mistakes founders make in the fundraising process (13:15)
The typical client profile for Capital Department (18:05)
Why startups choose Capital Department for their fundraising needs (21:35).
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 include...
How regulatory changes have expanded the pool of potential investors for startups (9:30-11:50)
How Folla Capital helps startups navigate the crowdfunding landscape, offering services ranging from choosing the right crowdfunding exemption to preparing for due diligence (16:20-18:00)
The importance of extensive due diligence when seeking investment, regardless of whether a startup is seeking funding through traditional channels or via crowdfunding (21:40-23:16)
Different strategies that startups may need to employ depending on their exit strategies and growth targets (26:08-27:34).
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 issuers and demand for private alternatives (21:17)
Complexities of managing payments in the industry (24:04)
Future trends in secondary markets, blockchain, and tokenization (27:24).
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 address PFAS contamination
[00:36:09] Aquagga’s traction through grants, contracts, and industrial clients
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 episode of Inside Startup Investing, host Chris Lustrino talks to Jesse about how Sweater Ventures’ innovative approach to venture capital makes it more accessible to everyday investors. They discuss the benefits of an evergreen fund structure, the challenges in managing fund growth, and how the concept of large portfolio theory guides Sweater Ventures’ investment strategy. See video timestamps below.
[06:25] The inspiration behind Sweater Ventures
[11:05] Understanding the Cashmere Fund: An evergreen fund structure
[17:40] The investment strategy and large portfolio theory
[25:06] Exit events and distributions in the Cashmere Fund
[26:25] Management fees and incentive structure for Sweater Ventures
[28:08] Balancing fund size and returns for optimal performance
[31:24] Re-envisioning venture capital and unicorn hunting
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 deals [29:28].
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 current economic volatility, and why failed companies have an upside.
Visit Netcapital: https://netcapital.com/
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 can take the lead on buying and selling wine themselves.
On today's episode of Inside Startup Investing, Chris Lustrino talks all things wine with Anthony. Important topics include how wine has outperformed the S&P 500 in recent decades, Vinovest's plans to expand into whiskey, and what kind of wine Anthony can't live without.
Check out Vinovest: https://www.vinovest.co/
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 binge watching means for content creators.
Learn more about Skybound's deal: https://kingscrowd.com/skybound-holdings-on-republic-2022/
Check out Skybound's raise on Republic: https://republic.com/skybound
Invest in KingsCrowd: https://invest.kingscrowd.com/
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 isn't always a good idea to the importance of a rock-solid supply chain, this conversation is filled with expert insights.
Learn more about Pureboost's deal: https://kingscrowd.com/pureboost-on-wefunder-2022/
Check out Pureboost's raise: https://wefunder.com/pureboost/
Join the KingsCrowd Capital Fund I (accredited investors only): https://kingscrowd.com/capital/
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 easy to use, and more than 90% of Sensate users said the device was more effective than meditation or other methods for improving their wellbeing.
On this episode of Inside Startup Investing, Chris Lustrino welcomes Sensate co-founder and CEO Anna Gudmundson to talk about this wellness device. Together they discuss how Sensate was founded, how the company is expanding its services based on customer feedback, the unit economics of Sensate, and more.
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 the potential of his company's software. The two discuss how it's hard for computers to tell the difference between a fight and breakdancing, Cloudastructure's team growth, and the challenges of running a Regulation A raise.
Cloudastructure is currently raising capital: https://invest.cloudastructure.com/
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 episode of Inside Startup Investing, Chris Lustrino welcomes CUBO CEO Grichka Frachisse. Grichka explains how the need for a healthy and quick snack inspired the invention of CUBO. He and Chris also discuss why CUBO is starting with a business-to-consumer strategy, the advantages of a razor blade model, and more.
CUBO is currently raising funds on Wefunder: https://wefunder.com/cubobeverages/
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, even if you don't plan on using them ever again.
As gamers themselves, the team at Gameflip recognized this problem. And they realized there was a major opportunity to evolve the gaming ecosystem by giving gamers real ownership over in-game assets. They created Gameflip to be a commerce platform where users can sell, buy, and trade digital gaming goods.
On today's episode of Inside Startup Investing, Chris Lustrino welcomes Gameflip founder and CEO J. T. Nguyen and Marketing Manager Steve Caracappa. Together, they discuss why Gameflip uses blockchain technology, how game publishers can benefit from the marketplace, and what the company's next steps are.
Invest in Gameflip: https://www.startengine.com/offering/gameflip
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 also reached a new level of democratization. And GROUNDFLOOR is a major mover in the space.
On this episode of Inside Startup Investing, Chris Lustrino and Brian talk about the power of the crowd in investing. They also discuss GROUNDFLOOR's current Wefunder raise, the downside of concentration in debt deals, and why GROUNDFLOOR now offers a savings account.
GROUNDFLOOR website: https://groundfloor.us/
GROUNDFLOOR Wefunder raise: https://wefunder.com/groundfloor/
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 Startup Investing, Chris Lustrino welcomes Nickelytics founder Judah Longgrear to learn more about this unique marketing approach. The two discuss the challenge of measuring an ad's effectiveness, how Nickelytics can expand to a global presence, and why the company is staying focused on mobility solutions.
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 and ratings on promising online deals that have underrepresented founders. This synergy between our data and analytics and Backstage's prioritization of diversity is a perfect collaboration. But don't take our word for it. Let Arlan tell you why this is such an exciting moment in startup investing.
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 results are breathable, waterproof, and sanitizable.
In this episode of Inside Startup Investing, Diana tells Chris Lustrino how her company is making the production of these next-gen casts even easier. The two also discuss how ActivArmor is ensuring that clinics benefit from adopting this technology, the health benefits of being able to shower with a cast, and the company's strategy for achieving mass adoption.
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 American investors can participate in EU raises, whether language is a barrier, and the continued need for investor education.
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 estate investing marketplace that connects property owners with investors of all backgrounds. And on today's episode of Inside Startup Investing, Chris Lustrino and Levi discuss the democratization of real estate investing, how investors can think about debt vs equity in real estate deals, and some exciting deals that are coming to Invown soon.
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 own the whole company. But you still benefit from its success. Fractional investing in sports memorabilia is very similar -- you can own a small portion of a sports card, jersey, or ball and potentially see returns as its value grows.
On today's episode of Inside Startup Investing, Chris Lustrino welcomes Ezra, and the two dive into the fun world of sports collecting. Ezra discusses the origins of Collectable -- the sports-focused fractional investing platform he founded -- and some of the high dollar assets that have traded on the platform. Chris and Ezra also touch on liquidity in collectible investing, how the assets are protected, and whether sports investing is a long term or short term investment.
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 episode of Inside Startup Investing, Chris Lustrino talks to OneDoor Studios' three co-founders, John Lee Jr., Stephen Wollwerth, and Jason Brents. The group discusses how they found the young adult novels for their films, the nitty gritty details of film investing, and what investors should look for before making a film investment.
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 raise capital. And her mission to be upfront about the risks -- and potential rewards -- is a huge service to the startup investing community.
On this episode of Inside Startup Investing, Chris Lustrino and Brooke discuss the strengths of online startup investing and how dramatic early investing can be. They also touch on how female founders are seeing better opportunities in the online private markets and the need for better liquidity options.
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 importance of diversification, making consistent investments, and key terminology.
On this episode of Inside Startup Investing, Chris Lustrino and Gerry talk about the need for education in startup investing. They also touch on the ability for everyday investors to overcome prejudice and a new way for investors to become accredited.
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 join the ecosystem. ALAO focuses on attracting younger investors by leveraging influencers and social media celebrities as part of the startup raises its hosts. Peter and Matt explain why they're taking a mobile-first approach, how they source both deals and influencers to work with, the importance of impact investing in ALAO's deals, and more.
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 and startup founders in a transparent and community-oriented way. RUV Alliance investors identify companies that they want the opportunity to invest in. Harvey and his team work to connect with the founders of those companies and from there, the rest is history.
On this episode of Inside Startup Investing, Chris Lustrino talks to Harvey about how RUV Alliance was formed from a Twitter discussion. The two dive into the details of special purpose vehicles in investing, the importance of transparency, and how interested investors can join RUV.
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 – like green-washing and high risk technology – that investors should watch out for when looking for positive impact startups.
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 Canada and in 15 US states/districts.
In today's episode of Inside Startup Investing, Chris Lustrino and Jane discuss the evolving cannabis market, how her company addresses the needs of a modern cannabis consumer, and the inequalities that still persist in the cannabis market.
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 this episode of Inside Startup Investing, Chris Lustrino and Leon talk about the joys of collecting and the ways that collectible investing is changing. Topics include how collectible investing can be a stepping stone to becoming a collector, upside potential, how collectibles perform in economic downturns, and more.
Chris Lustrino welcomes Spaced Ventures founder and CEO Aaron Burnett to talk about how investors can support the future of space.
Chris Lustrino welcomes Everyrealm co-founder Jesse Stein to talk about investing in and creating the metaverse.
Chris Lustrino gets a crash course in cryptocurrency from Rick Bentley and James McGibney from Hydro Hash.
Chris Lustrino and Nathan Beckord, founder and CEO of Foundersuite, talk about the importance of relationship building for startup founders.
Chris Lustrino welcomes DealMaker CEO and founder Rebecca Kacaba to talk about her goal of building the Shopify for raising capital.
Chris Lustrino welcomes Emily Cisek to talk about how her company The Postage makes end-of-life planning easy and heartfelt.
Chris Lustrino talks to Wes Burdine, co-founder of the Minnesota Women's Soccer Team, about building sustainable soccer.
On this episode, KingsCrowd CEO Chris Lustrino welcomes M.C. Squares CEO Anthony Franco to the podcast.
In today's episode, Chris welcomes Rebekah Bastian of Owntrail, a platform where women visualize and navigate their life paths.
On this episode of the podcast, KingsCrowd CEO Chris Lustrino welcomes Garry Johnson of Bison Venture Partners.
On this episode of the podcast, KingsCrowd CEO Chris Lustrino welcomes Paul Scanlan & Jeff Annison of fan-owned entertainment studio.
On this episode of the podcast, Chris Lustrino welcomes Shari Noonan, Co-founder & CEO of Rialto Markets.
Chris Lustrino welcomes Alex Ovchar, a lead investor of PE-backed Novalent currently raising via Reg D on Republic.
Sean O'Reilly welcomes Dr. Arup Roy-Burman, Founder & CEO of Elemeno Health where the two seek to answer the question: "What's the one thing investors should look for in a startup founder?"
On this episode, KingsCrowd CEO Chris Lustrino welcomes equity crowdfunding platform Wefunder's Director of Partnerships Justin Renfro.
On this episode, KingsCrowd CEO Chris Lustrino welcomes Josh Choniewicz, CEO of Fundify as well as the Co-founder and CEO of art.com.
Chris Lustrino welcomes KingsCrowd's SVP of Strategy Vin Narayanan to discuss a fast-growing sub-sector of the online private markets: Gaming.
Sean O'Reilly welcomes KingsCrowd Investment Associate Olivia Stroble. The two discuss KingsCrowd's recently published KingsCrowd Regulation Crowdfunding 2018-2020 Intelligence Report.
Chris Lustrino and Blake Janover discuss the fintech market and how they see the industry evolving.
Vin Narayanan discusses why the regulation crowdfunding market is particularly well-suited for biotech and pharmacy startups and why that's great news for investors.
Chris Lustrino and Chuck Pettid discuss recent events in the equity crowdfunding space and what the future holds.
Andy Gordon and Sean O'Reilly discuss March 15th's Reg CF raise max increase from $1.07M to $5M
Sean O'Reilly & Chris Lustrino go for FY2020 equity crowdfunding market data as a way of previewing the release of KingsCrowd's impending annual repor
Tom LIx, Founder and CEO of Cleveland Whiskey joins us to discuss what he has found found positive and challenging about raising capital from the public.
Jonny Price, Director of Fundraising at Wefunder discusses Wefunder's recent successes, and how fundraising platforms can empower entrepreneurs.
Andy Gordon joins Sean to discuss his career as a international entrepreneur and developments in the crowdfunding market.
The origins of equity crowdfunding, recent changes to the startup investing market by the SEC, and what a President Biden means for the online private markets.
Chris and Sean welcome Netcapital's Head of West Coast Operations, Eric Cox, to discuss how the SEC's Regulation CF round max increase will impact startups.
A look back at the growth of online private markets in 2020 and what early-stage investors can look forward to in 2021.
Chris & Sean dive into the great startup investments of all time and what they can teach today's private markets investors.
Chris Lustrino & Sean O'Reilly dive into the private markets, exploring how anyone can invest in fast-growing startups.