Since the Silicon Valley Bank collapse of 2023, the startup and small business lending landscape has been undergoing rapid changes. David Silverstein, Co-Founder of Ned and our guest this week on the Coeus Collective Podcast, knows that personalization is key to this transformation. Ned, which just announced a $4.2 million seed fundraise, is leading a customized approach to lending, offering a white-label platform that handles every stage of the lending process, from application to servicing, and empowers lenders to provide fixed and revenue-based loans seamlessly.

In this episode, David explores the current challenges in small business financing and how Ned is building solutions that enhance cash flow insights and lending efficiency. David also discusses how his role as a Founder is informed by his diverse career background, which includes time in the public sector as Press Secretary for former US Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and in the media industry as Chief of Staff at MediaLink.

From broad discourse on the current state of the small business funding ecosystem to advice on leading a technical company as a non-technical founder, this episode has it all. Cash flow is essential to the vitality of any business, so don’t miss this opportunity to learn an expert outlook on the current state of play in lending and financing. https://www.nedhelps.com/

Subscribe to the Coeus Collective on YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@CoeusCollective⁠

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Music from this Episode by ⁠Houis⁠

Hosted by Antonio DiMeglio and Leon Li

Special thanks to:

ARWA SHARIF

KAI OTOMO

NICK ARENA

WTF MEDIA

COLLECTIVE DESIGN AGENCY

The healthcare industry is ripe for disruption, and Truffle Health Co-Founder Rui Maki, our guest this week, knows that generative AI is the next game-changer in the industry. Truffle Health is pioneering a new approach to healthcare access, leveraging conversational AI to simplify and improve the patient experience. Their mission? To help individuals navigate the complexities of healthcare, from understanding medical bills to maximizing insurance benefits—all through one seamless platform.

In this episode, Rui examines the challenges facing healthcare today and how Truffle Health is building a solution that empowers patients with clarity and control. We explore how technology can bridge “the incentive gap” between healthcare providers and patients, creating a more transparent and efficient system. Rui also shares the story behind Truffle Health’s creation, the role innovation plays in healthcare, and where the future of healthcare tech is headed.

If you’ve ever felt lost in the maze of medical bills and insurance jargon, this conversation will open your eyes to how technology can revolutionize the way we interact with healthcare. Tune in to hear how Truffle Health is transforming an industry in desperate need of change. https://truffle.health

Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 00:44 Rui's Background 04:29 Choosing Her Co-Founder 07:55 Starting a Company in Grad School 13:19 What Is Truffle Health? 16:17 Customer Experience Walkthrough 23:51 The Lack of Healthcare Literacy 27:22 Future Plans and Business Model 30:06 What the US Can Learn from International Healthcare Systems 36:41 Truffle Health's AI Capabilities 41:13 Memorable Moments & Advice 44:35 One Thing You Would Change? 46:16 Plugs

Subscribe to the Coeus Collective on YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@CoeusCollective⁠

Stay up to date on the pulse of business news and startup culture with our newsletter: https://coeuscollective.beehiiv.com/

Get more insights and interviews on all socials ⁠@CoeusCollective⁠

Music from this Episode by ⁠Houis⁠

Hosted by Antonio DiMeglio and Leon Li

Special thanks to:

ARWA SHARIF

KAI OTOMO

NICK ARENA

WTF MEDIA

COLLECTIVE DESIGN AGENCY

JASON WONG

The Web3 landscape is evolving rapidly, and the world of digital ownership is being completely redefined. At the forefront of this transformation is our guest this week, Billy Huang, Co-Founder and CEO of Insomnia Labs. Insomnia is a leading Web3 digital ad firm that’s worked with major brands like Under Armour, Coca-Cola, and L'Oreal. Insomnia Labs is responsible for creating Steph Curry’s record-breaking NFT for Under Armour, and they're pioneering what it means to connect brands with blockchain.

In this episode, Billy shares how Insomnia Labs is bridging the gap between the world’s biggest brands and Web3 technologies. From designing groundbreaking digital assets to leading high-profile NFT projects, Billy examines how blockchain is reshaping marketing and user engagement. He also offers insights into the future of decentralized ownership, discussing how Web3 is creating new opportunities for brands, creators, and consumers alike.

This is a conversation you won’t want to miss, especially if you're interested in how “the ownership layer” of the internet is being built and where it’s headed. Web3 is more than just a trend; it’s a fundamental shift, and Billy Huang is at the helm of this next era of digital innovation. Tune in to get a first-hand look into the world of Web3 from one of the leaders shaping its future. https://insomnialabs.io

Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 00:48 Billy's Background 10:47 Building Insomnia's Team 14:20 Creating Steph Curry's Record-Breaking NFT 16:22 Insomnia's Blockchain Loyalty Program 20:56 Target Web3 Literate Clients? 23:37 Getting Coca-Cola and Under Armour to be Clients 25:47 Fundraising Tips for Web3 Founders 28:40 BIlly's Prediction: App Chains Are The Future 33:12 Future of NFTs Not Correlated to Asset Value 41:54 DAOs - Can Brands Participate? 46:55 Emerging Web3 Trends: Competitive App Chains 49:57 Successes, Challenges, Advice & Plugs

Subscribe to the Coeus Collective on YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@CoeusCollective⁠

Stay up to date on the pulse of business news and startup culture with our newsletter: https://coeuscollective.beehiiv.com/

Get more insights and interviews on all socials ⁠@CoeusCollective⁠

Music from this Episode by ⁠Houis⁠

Hosted by Antonio DiMeglio and Leon Li

Special thanks to:

ARWA SHARIF

KAI OTOMO

NICK ARENA

WTF MEDIA

COLLECTIVE DESIGN AGENCY