• Lacing Up for Success: Tradeblock’s Mbiyimoh Ghogomu and Ten X Labs’ Chip Davis on Innovation and Investing in Key Players
    Aug 29 2024

    In this episode, we dive deep into the journeys of Mbiyimoh Ghogomu, co-founder and CEO of Tradeblock, and Chip Davis, Managing Partner of Ten X Labs. Discover how Mbiyimoh’s passion for sneakers led to the creation of Tradeblock, a revolutionary platform that allows collectors to trade their prized footwear and bond over collections, and to meeting Chip. Learn about the vision-turned-reality that makes Tradeblock a game-changer in the sneaker community. We also explore genesis of Ten X Labs, an Angel and pre-Seed fund dedicated to empowering first-time founders of color, with Chip. He shares how Ten X Labs is built on deep, trusting relationships with founders before they’re ready for investment, providing the expertise and capital needed to turn their visions into reality. Join us as Mbiyimoh and Chip discuss their backgrounds, the challenges overcome, and their commitment to fostering passion, innovation, and diversity in the startup ecosystem. Whether you’re a sneaker enthusiast, an aspiring entrepreneur, or someone interested in the world of venture capital, this episode is packed with inspiration.

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    57 mins
  • Sowing the Seeds of Innovation: AgTech Insights with Serra Ventures and CamoAg with Rob Schultz and Corbett Kull
    Jul 18 2024

    Join us for an exciting deep dive into the world of AgTech in the seventh episode of our season, co-hosted by venture attorneys Galen Mason and Evan Lonergan. This week, we are thrilled to feature dynamic conversation with two pioneering voices in the AgTech space: Rob Schultz from Serra Ventures and Corbett Kull, founder of CamoAg.


    Rob and Corbett share their unique perspectives as investor and startup founder, respectively. Rob delves into his journey into venture capital and the inspiration behind founding Serra Ventures, while Corbett discusses the genesis of CamoAg and his drive to innovate within the AgTech landscape. Together, they explore the latest trends in AgTech, highlighting the significance of this rapidly growing sector.

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    52 mins
  • From Vision to Venture: Resilient Ventures' Mission to Close the Wealth Gap
    Jun 1 2024

    In this inspiring episode, venture attorneys David Morris and Evan Lonergan have an insightful dialogue with Keith Daniel and Tom Droege, founders of Resilient Ventures, a pioneering venture capital fund based in North Carolina, whom is dedicated to disrupting systemic economic injustice. We delve into their backgrounds and motivations, explore their unique investment thesis focused on African American founders, and discuss the significance of being selected as a North Carolina venture program partner by the U.S. Government. Discover the challenges and opportunities within the venture capital landscape for diverse entrepreneurs and fund managers as well as learn what makes North Carolina's entrepreneurial ecosystem stand out in comparison to other emerging markets. Join us for a compelling conversation about equity, opportunity, and transformative investments.

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    42 mins
  • Uncovering Hidden Gems: Investing in Wisconsin Startups
    Apr 18 2024

    Dive into the heart of Wisconsin's burgeoning startup scene with Richelle Martin, the managing director of the Winnow Fund. In this episode, Richelle unveils the secrets behind the Winnow Fund's innovative strategy of empowering early-stage Wisconsin-based companies through a multitude of small investments .Join us as Richelle sheds light on the strengths and challenges of being a venture capitalist between the coasts, and how she leverages her network to catalyze the Wisconsin venture landscape.

    In addition, Richelle shares invaluable insights that are bound to ignite your entrepreneurial spirit. Tune in to discover how a Wisconsin-based VC is reshaping the startup ecosystem and learn firsthand what it takes to thrive in the heart of America's heartland. Get ready to be inspired, informed, and empowered to seize the opportunities awaiting in Wisconsin's vibrant venture landscape!

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    37 mins
  • IQBAR: Building a Better Bar for Brain Health with Will Nitze
    Mar 15 2024

    In this episode, join venture attorneys Jordan Koss and Evan Lonergan as they chat with Will Nitze, the founder of IQ Bar, a company specializing in brain and body food products. Will shares his invaluable perspective as a founder, delving into the challenges, triumphs, and lessons learned along the way. Gain insights into the world of entrepreneurship and the journey of building a successful brand from scratch. Whether you're an aspiring founder or simply curious about the entrepreneurial landscape, this episode offers a wealth of knowledge and inspiration.

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    44 mins
  • Building an Ecosystem, Building in Venture, and the New Builders with Seth Levine
    Feb 21 2024

    Get ready to dive into the dynamic world of venture capital and entrepreneurship with our special guest, Seth Levine! Join us in this thrilling episode as we explore the fascinating journey of Seth Levine, a seasoned venture capitalist and author based in the heart of Colorado.

    From the inception of Foundry Group to his role in shaping the venture ecosystem in Colorado and at large, Seth shares gold nuggets of insights and stories that will leave you wanting more. Discover the driving forces behind his passion for entrepreneurship and learn from his wealth of experience as an advisor to venture funds and companies he has collaborated with.

    But wait, there is more! We dive into Seth's book, "The New Builders," in which he shares insights into today’s innovation and disruption in the rapidly evolving business landscape.

    Don’t miss out on this month’s episode of The Venture Best Spotlight with co-hosts, Shawn Stigler and Emily McGovern.


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    51 mins
  • The Premier Venture Firm with Shawn Stigler and Galen Mason
    Jan 18 2024

    Join us for an engaging conversation with Venture Best Co-Chairs, Shawn Stigler and Galen Mason, as they share their journey into venture capital, experiences as founders, and insights into building a legal venture practice arm. Discover how they navigated the legal landscape at the forefront of innovation and built a successful venture practice within a large law firm. Gain valuable insights into the shifting landscape of venture capital beyond the coasts, with a focus on emerging ecosystems like Madison, Salt Lake City, and Denver. Learn how Venture Best is uniquely positioned to support these growing hubs. Tune in for a captivating discussion on carving legal careers through a venture-oriented lens and building practices that stand the test of time. Subscribe now for a front-row seat to the evolving world of venture capital

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    36 mins
  • Hyfè: Transformational Impact in Biomanufacturing with Andrea Schoen and Michelle Ruiz
    Dec 14 2023

    In Episode 1, our Venture Best attorneys, Jordan & Emily, engage in a dynamic conversation with the formidable co-founders of Hyfe, Andrea and Michelle. These two exceptional founders are at the forefront of building an extraordinary company that sees waste as the untapped fuel of the biomanufacturing revolution. Michelle aptly puts it, "Wastewater is an ugly word, but I swear there is gold under the surface." Tune in to discover the impactful initiatives that the Hyfe team is spearheading and delve into the fascinating origin story of this innovative venture.

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    40 mins