Yuptown: Recent Episodes
Yuptown
Navigating the working-world is (almost) more overwhelming than shopping at Trader Joe’s during rush hour, but gaining perspectives from professionals can help. Join us as we discuss all things business with experienced professionals taking their respective specialties by storm. From news and current events, to career advice and water cooler convos, we’ll be chatting with leaders across a wide array of industries. Equipped with new insights, you’ll be prepped for taking on the chaos of Yuptown – wherever that might be for you – one city block at a time.
As a freelancer himself, founder Karl Swanepoel understands the challenges many freelancers encounter when using existing platforms. That’s what inspired him to launch Revolancer, a platform that enables freelancers to exchange services and skills with no commission fees.
Tune in to this week’s episode to learn more about how Revolancer gives freedom back to freelancers, and visit https://revolancer.com/ for more info.
From an early age, Ken Ma knew he had a passion for entrepreneurship, but wanted to find a way to channel his skills and passion towards a cause serving others. Enter LaunchCode, a non-profit organization helping people break into tech by providing free and accessible education, training, and paid apprenticeship placements. Tune in to this […]
Need help with home health care? Say hey to HiDo! CEO and founder Charles Gellman noticed a gap in the healthcare industry, and decided to address it himself. While his background in data science prepared him for taking on this task professionally, it was his own health scare that inspired him to identify and address […]
Jonny Boyarsky has been intrigued by startups from early in his career. His tenure includes experience at a startup accelerator in which he helped prepare founders for introductions to investors. He enjoyed the work he was doing, but didn’t love the existing model of accelerator programs that either charge a fee or take a stake […]
What do you do when you find yourself in a new city with no itinerary? Roamli co-founder Bane Srdjevic asked himself this on a trip with friends in 2019. He and his friend Brian Lee knew there had to be a better way to navigate a new landscape than by Google and Lonely Planet guides […]
Founder and CPA Tony Wilson has always had a passion for entrepreneurship. Since starting his first photography business in college, he knew his passion was to provide the framework for entrepreneurs to succeed. After gaining public accounting and corporate experiences, Tony launched Accquip, a finance and accounting advising and education service for bootstrapped software and […]
Meghan’s background in talent has shown her the importance of finding the right hires for the right roles. Today, she supports a VC platform by defining and finding the right fits for a wide range of portfolio companies. Her impactful insights are helpful for identifying and finding key hires in early-stage companies. Connect with Meghan […]
CEO and V1 Venture Partners founder Joey Waid has always had a passion for entrepreneurship. After supporting over 1,200 early stage companies with their fundraising efforts, he knew he wanted to step out on his own to become a founder himself! Tune in to this week’s episode for fundraising advice and feedback from an experienced […]
In order for companies to generate revenue, founders and leaders need to source opt-in contacts, then use a multitude of sales and marketing tools to generate traction, and therefore revenue. Beeleads CEO and Founder Danny Sachdev knew there had to be a better way. Danny’s global experience has given him an understanding and appreciation for […]
Writer and founder Moisés Zamora knows the challenges streaming services have posed to creators and audiences alike. To address these challenges, he and his team are disrupting the entertainment industry with their video-on-demand marketplace, Videomart Club. The platform empowers audiences to buy a front row Digital Video Tickets so members can buy and re-sell tickets, or maintain a digital collection! By empowering audiences, creators can also receive profit shares fairly. Interested in joining the club?
Keep an eye out for Videomart Club’s beta launch on 5/23 at https://www.videomart.club/
From his experiences in travel, living and working in 4 different continents (!) co-founder Daniel Morka has faced the many challenges that come with moving to a new place. He realized there was a gap in the market for a holistic approach to hiring, especially in the healthcare industry, and decided to address it by co-founding Essential Recruit.
Essential Recruit is the emergency room for hard-to-fill healthcare jobs. This platform provides a human-centric approach to hiring, empowering employees with all the tools and resources needed to enter a new community, ultimately leading to better employee retention.
Listen in to our conversation of the successes and challenges of being an early-stage software company, and how to “treat every day like it’s day one”!
Identifying and understanding our own blind spots can not only help us better understand how we relate to our peers, but how we can effectively manage these working relationships. By viewing organizations through a sociological lens, we can better understand the intersection between personal behavior and job functions to foster more positive, effective, and collaborative cultures.
On this week’s episode of Venture City, I speak with executive leadership coach Justin Mulvaney on how his tools and frameworks help leaders break through foundational limiting beliefs to improve relationships and enhance operational efficiency.
Interested in working with Justin? Visit justinmulvaney.com to learn more about his one on one coaching, facilitated group sessions, or by subscribing to his newsletter!
Nothing ruins a day out on the water like a broken board, as today’s guests learned the hard way! From their own challenges when renting sports equipment, founders Paula and Ignasi decided to address these issues with Pulso, a sports equipment rental software designed to ease the rental process by digitizing and streamlining equipment rental and repair.
On this week’s episode, we speak with co-founders Paula and Ignasi on how they developed their software, listened to customers, and pivoted their product to deliver ultimate results!
To learn more about Pulso’s product, check out https://www.pulsorent.com
Ever have an idea and didn’t know where to start? Through thoughtful planning, project management, consulting, and execution, Z1 can help! Z1 Digital is a product studio with a powerhouse team passionate about working with founders on early stage product ideas. On this week’s episode, Z1 founder Héctor Giner shares some common challenges his entrepreneur clients face in the digital product space, and methods for managing them. Interested in working with Héctor and his team? Check out https://z1.digital/!
Tampa Bay boasts beautiful beaches and affordable cost of living, but did you also know about their thriving startup ecosystem?
On today’s episode of Venture City, VC and TampaBay.Ventures founder Andreas Calabrese shares his perspective on the bay area’s thriving startup scene. His fund’s mindful and holistic approach to investing is centered on founders themselves, and focuses on the time horizon of relationships to make for better investment decisions.
To learn more about TampaBay.Ventures, check out tampabay.ventures!
GrowthMatch founder Shelby Stephens has had his fair share of rolling with the punches – from evolving business plans to global pandemics, Shelby and his cofounder Zach have navigated through it all!
At the core of remaining successful throughout all of these changes, though, is the customer. On today’s episode, Shelby shares 3 tips for keeping customer needs at the center of product development and a business’ success.
For more about Shelby’s company, check out http://www.growthmatch.com!
On this week’s episode, we speak with Nandini Agarwal, an Associate with ffVC. The path to venture capital can take a thousand different paths, but on today’s episode, Nandini walks us through her journey to her role in venture. Plus, she’ll share some advice for founders on what to look for in professional partnerships! Like this episode of Venture City? Check out venturecitythepodcast.com or find us on Spotify and Apple Podcasts for more!
The human experience as we know it today can be overwhelming; with constant stimuli in both work and leisure, we’re inundated with content constantly. On this week’s episode, we chat with founder Mike Dannheim about how his product, Sensie, can measure the felt experience, and help users to amplify emotional intelligence to optimize wellness.
Using smartphone gyroscope technology, Sensie measures muscle tension associated with stressor prompts. Based on stress or emotional responses, Sensie provides resources to support mental wellness interventions ranging from breath, body and spiritual techniques. By developing a practice of self awareness with Sensie, teams can achieve an optimal state of flow.
To learn more, check out https://sensie.app for updates!
The existing procurement software market is complex, clunky, and, only adequately serves enterprise clients. The solution? Procoto makes sourcing simple and affordable for small businesses by simplifying the streamlining the procurement process.
Today’s guest and Procoto founder Michael Otis discusses his past experiences in procurement, the sourcing challenges facing small businesses, and how he’s meeting the gap in the procurement software market. Plus, he’ll share some tips in entrepreneurship and how to build your creative business muscle.
Visit https://procoto.com to learn more! Enjoyed this episode? Like or subscribe on YouTube, or check out venturecitythepodcast.com!
Welcome to Venture City, your source for innovative ideas, as told by founders.
Tune in to hear how this week’s guest created a digital platform that empowers users to seamlessly spend quality time together in real life.
Welcome to Venture City, your source for innovative ideas, as told by founders.
Today’s guest, “Steve” Verma, shares the founding story of Areezo, a real estate investment platform that makes real estate investment data accessible, and rental management seamless. Through clear accurate data, users can connect with local vetted realtors through a designated network, as well as utilize concierge property management team to maintain a property.
Twos is THE place to remember and share things! On this week’s episode, returning guests Parker and Joe share some exciting updates on their fast-growing app.
With thousands of job opportunities available on sites like LinkedIn or Indeed, the job application process can feel incredibly overwhelming. One place to start clearly defining a job search, and and enhancing our odds is with a 5 star resume! On this week’s episode of Yuptown, we speak with resume writer and JobStars founder Doug […]
Consumer demand for mental health and wellness services has skyrocketed, and, as a consumer, finding the right services at the right time can feel like navigating a maze. To better inform consumers in our ever-evolving world, Keel aims to provide transparent and unbiased guidance in the mental health and wellness marketplace. Keel’s mission is to […]
Nearly 600 million people in Africa don’t have access to energy; NeedEnergy is looking to change that. NeedEnergy is the Energy Architecture of the future. As an energy-tech start-up company, NeedEnergy energy allows consumers to use Big Data Analytics, Machine Learning and AI to Provide Smart and Clean Energy Solutions. On today’s episode, we chat […]
As student body president of her University, Brianna Howard lead with values and mission in mind. In just under 5 years after graduation, Brianna brought these same leadership practices to her own community of Mt. Jewitt, Pennsylvania. As a write-in candidate, Brianna won her town’s mayoral election, and currently holds office in her hometown. On […]
Growing up in Kansas City, Brit had her sights set on moving to New York. But after she earned her first job in her dream city, she realized the job she landed wasn’t a great fit, and knew she wanted a change. It was through the application process that Brit learned getting a job isn’t […]
When describing Excel, the first adjective to come to mind probably isn’t fun, but Kat Norton might just change people’s minds. Kat Norton, also known as Ms. Excel, is truly one of a kind. Somehow, she’s made Excel tips and tricks incredibly engaging and accessible through social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram. On this […]
Re-introducing Joe and Parker of Twos, a new way to remember things. Fittingly, Parker and Joe are the only guests to make a Two-time Yuptown appearance. On this week’s episode, they’ll share some exciting app updates!
Tim Herman’s career has been dedicated to serving the American Dream, first as a fighter pilot in the US Navy, and today, in the world of business. While on duty to duty service, Tim and his family moved often, and experienced the challenges that come with buying a home. It was during his time as […]
Andie Aronov is the OG Woman that rocks! Growing up, Andie always had a passion for music, and has turned that passion into a platform for female musicians. What started as a profile on Instagram has evolved into an entire community that lifts up lady artists through features, articles, and events. On this week’s episode, […]
Whether it’s a recipe, a list, or an idea, Twos allows users (or as some might call them, Twosers) to track and share information in an organized and user-friendly design. As the best place to write things down, the Twos app is revolutionizing the way we remember things. I first met co-founders Parker Klein and […]
Although he majored in mechanical engineering, and is currently a software engineer, Paul Akande has always been interested in engaging with people. But in this year of quarantine, he was limited from doing just that. Luckily, Paul was able to reconnect with friends through a creative digital platform, Pol and Pals. Nearly 1 year and […]
Early in his career, Josh Kaplan took a chance on a budding media company with a mission to deliver digestible business news to subscribers’ inboxes every morning. Fast forward a few years and a few million subscribers, the Morning Brew has established itself as a leading source of business headlines, valued at $75 million by […]
Deidre Woollard has always had an passion for real estate. With a background in creative writing, she’s been able to use that passion to fuel her role as editor for Millionacres, a real estate blog and investment service by the Motley Fool. On this week’s episode, we’ll discuss her path to becoming a writer, plus […]
Emma Hartley has always been interested in a lot of things, and has pursued those interests with incredible drive. From theater to politics, medicine to marketing, Emma has had a variety of valuable experiences early in life, all in the pursuit of finding her passion. On this week’s episode, we’ll talk to Emma about her […]
Hannah Finlayson has always been interested in a lot of things. A self-described career “hummingbird,” Hannah has taken on a variety of roles, all with a focus on mission. Driven by her love of learning and desire to make an impact, Hannah has contributed to many different causes first through film and film production, and […]
Ben Dunham has always had a knack for numbers, and found his footing in the world of corporate finance through traditional experiences in established companies. But in 2018, Ben was ready for a change of pace, and took on a new opportunity as regional CFO with WeWork. On today’s episode, we’ll discuss Ben’s career path […]
We all may have made plans for last year, and for the one ahead, but the global pandemic changed everything. For one determined New York City nurse, it hasn’t stopped her from pursuing her educational and career goals. Erin Hartman is a Penn Graduate in Nursing with a passion for public policy work. After spending […]
From campaign coverage to cryptocurrency, Ashwini Anburajan has done it all. Her wide array of impressive experiences include public policy work, a fellowship with NBC News, and an MBA at Cambridge University. From Cambridge, Ashwini pivoted into the business side of media. Eventually, she joined a small company of 90 employees called Buzzfeed and after […]
If you’re like me, or, I think I can safely say any other person in the working world, you’ve day dreamed about quitting your job to move to a new city or pursue an ambitious dream. Sam Cooper was brave enough to do just that when he quit his job as a lawyer, moved from […]
Who’s the customer, what’s the problem, how do we solve it? This is the line of thinking that brought Omri Stern to build a company addressing a major problem in the “dusty” space of commercial real estate insurance management. I first met Omri in 2019, when I attended a founder’s panel at a WeWork Labs […]
What role does transportation take in shaping our cities? And, most importantly, how can transportation connect us in more ways than one? The incredible Mariah Morales faces these questions, and many more, every day in her work as a Government Affairs manager for Amtrak. After an internship experience in urban planning, Mariah couldn’t stop thinking […]
Elise Crawford Gallagher is the CEO and founder of RINGLET, an integrated marketing agency with a mission to empower female entrepreneurs and small business owners to dream big. Many owners, female entrepreneurs in particular, voiced to Elise that they needed a marketing agency with inclusive, cohesive services to achieve their goals for growth. Elise quickly […]
To say that COVID-19 has impacted our lives would be an understatement – this pandemic has changed the world as we know it. And at the center of those most affected, may also be the ones who might not fully understand it. While children have shown incredible resilience, the pandemic has posed unique challenges for […]
Today’s employment market is incredibly demanding, and requires any competitive employee to be equipped with a wide array of technical skills. In order to meet this need and to close the skills gap, General Assembly established itself as a pioneer in career education, offering coursework ranging from software engineering and data science to digital marketing […]
Kristin Martin is an Emmy-nominated writer and executive producer of the shows filling any Yuppie’s childhood. From All My Children to The Magic Schoolbus, Kristin has had a wide array of experiences in the production industry. Although she studied English during her undergraduate years, and obtained her Master’s degree in Shakespearean Studies, Kristin eventually decided […]
Julie Larkin is an entrepreneur, coach, and storyteller. Through founding and fostering Girl Talk, she is most passionate about building a sisterhood of self-worth. Girl Talk began for Julie in college, when she noticed the women in her residence hall experiencing loneliness, worthlessness, and shame. To combat this crisis of self-worth, Julie hosted her first […]
This week’s episode of Yuptown features Al Goldberg, a food entrepreneur with a mission of launching food concepts from kitchen to market. From his own experience in starting his own venture, Al noticed a gap in the market for early-stage food entrepreneurs and sought to fill it with the Mess Hall concept. Mess Hall is […]
Matt Dixon is a Washington, D.C.- based chocolate maker with a passion for socioeconomic stability in the cacao industry. Matt navigated the culinary world by trial and error, working first in a bakery, next in a brewery, and finally in a chocolate factory. Matt landed his dream job as assistant chocolate maker at Harper Macaw, […]
Welcome to Yuptown, a career development and business insight broadcast designed with young urban professionals in mind. Navigating the workforce can be incredibly challenging and confusing at times, but speaking with and learning from experienced professionals (no matter the industry) can provide some clarity as us yuppies try to find our respective ways. The wonderful […]
Your guide to career navigation. You may find yourself here because you’re exploring a career change, and want to learn about different career paths. Or, maybe, you’d like to start a venture of your own, and could use some advice from other entrepreneurs. Or, most likely, you’re here because I’ve personally asked you to check […]