Austinpreneur

The landscape for hardware ventures is evolving, and Texas is taking center stage. With major investments like Samsung's Semiconductor Plant in Taylor, DARPA's $800M+ award to UT Austin for an advanced manufacturing facility, and the Hayes Innovation Center for Advanced Manufacturing (HICAM), the Lone Star State is quickly becoming a hotspot for innovation and re-shoring.In this episode of Austinpreneur, recorded live from Fed Supernova 2024 at Capital Factory, we sit down with Marcus Metzger, Executive Director of HICAM. Marcus brings a unique perspective, having previously built creative tech incubators like FutureSpace in NYC, and now leading efforts to boost advanced manufacturing here in Texas.We dive into Marcus's journey from art installations to reshaping the future of American manufacturing. The conversation explores new opportunities for startups at HICAM, what re-shoring means for the U.S. economy, and how lessons from the art world are shaping Texas's innovation scene.Whether you're a founder, innovator, or just curious about the next big wave in tech, this conversation will leave you inspired and informed.Tune in and stay updated with the latest from Austinpreneur at www.capitalfactory.com/podcast

sponsored by ATIExplore the dynamic world of "Other Transaction Agreements" (OTAs) in this Austinpreneur episode, recorded live at Fed Supernova 2024. Learn how OTAs are revolutionizing collaboration between startups, big enterprises, academia, and the government, breaking down barriers and accelerating innovation. These agreements are a game-changer, empowering startups to take center stage in ambitious projects that drive groundbreaking research, development, and prototyping of emerging technologies.Mica Dolan, President & COO of Advanced Technology International, brings a wealth of knowledge on building and managing consortia-based OTAs—from initial formation through contract negotiation and execution. Mica provides a practical roadmap for startups looking to seize opportunities within these agreements, offering actionable insights for growth and innovation. This episode is essential listening for anyone aiming to understand and navigate the complexities of OTAs.Stay updated with the latest from Austinpreneur at www.capitalfactory.com/podcast

Peel back the investing philosophy of a VC who has been on Forbes' Midas List over ten times. Joshua Baer, Founder & CEO of Capital Factory, hosts this interview for a live audience of founders, investors and other partners at Capital Factory.Mike's latest book, Pattern Breakers, takes a hard look at what it really takes to back a breakout company, expanding on his famous "Thunder Lizards" concept, as opposed to unicorns.Get ready to hear investment strategies behind some of the most iconic startups—and explore more insights on the Pattern Breakers podcast.Tune in and stay updated with the latest from Austinpreneur at www.capitalfactory.com/podcast

Get ready for an in-depth look at the crossroads of law, AI, and business with Rich Harper, Partner-in-Charge of Baker Botts' New York office and Co-Chair of their Artificial Intelligence Practice. Visiting Austin from New York, Rich brings his extensive experience advising top technology, media, and entertainment companies like PepsiCo and Formula 1 Racing. He leads litigation teams in high-stakes business tort and fiduciary duty disputes, representing major players such as Liberty Media, NASCAR, Starz, and Charter Communications.Rich is at the forefront of AI-related litigation and regulations, guiding clients on the legal and strategic implications of AI in their ventures. Tune in as he shares expert insights on how entrepreneurs are leveraging generative AI, the evolving regulatory landscape, and what executives from New York and other Tier 1 cities think about Austin’s rise as a tech hub.This must-listen conversation offers actionable advice from one of the nation’s top legal minds on integrating AI into your company’s strategy and shaping its future impact on business.Tune in and stay updated with the latest from Austinpreneur at www.capitalfactory.com/podcast

sponsored by ATIDisinformation and propaganda have reached new heights in the age of digital media. Tracking and understanding misinformation is critical to high stakes operations. While AI seemingly could provide a solution, hallucinations from generative AI models can make the problem worse.This week's guest sees this firsthand in his role as AI Advisor to US Central Command, which includes annual deployments to the field. Tune in as Capital Factory Principal Nick Spiller sits down with Charlie Burgoyne, Founder & CEO of Valkyrie, for an eye-opening conversation on his relevant experience in mitigating these threats.Tune in and stay updated with the latest from Austinpreneur at www.capitalfactory.com/podcast

sponsored by ATIStep into the future of American manufacturing with visionary entrepreneur Oluseun "Olu" Taiwo, CEO & Founder of Solideon, as he shares his mission to rebuild America’s industrial base. In this exclusive conversation, recorded live during Fed Supernova 2024, Nick and Olyu discuss into how frontier technologies—like robotics, artificial intelligence, and additive manufacturing—are shaping the supply chains of tomorrow.Tune in as we explore the cutting-edge strategies and opportunities driving Solideon’s growth.Stay updated with the latest from Austinpreneur at www.capitalfactory.com/podcast

Discover how the U.S. Air Force is driving dual-use innovation in this exclusive conversation with Col Elliott Leigh, the leader of its innovation arm. Dive into the fascinating evolution of military aviation, as Col Leigh connects the past to today’s cutting-edge initiatives like the SBIR/STTR program.This live session recorded during Fed Supernova 2024 is packed with insights for founders looking to tap into military and commercial markets. Tune in to learn how the Air Force is shaping the future of innovation—and how your startup can get involved!Stay updated with the latest from Austinpreneur at www.capitalfactory.com/podcast

Step into the future of health innovation in this episode, recorded in Dallas at Health Supernova 2024. Join Dr. Renee Wegrzyn, the Inaugural Director of ARPA-H, and Joshua Baer, CEO of Capital Factory, as they explore groundbreaking developments and strategic collaborations shaping the field.Discover how ARPA-H, the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health, is revolutionizing the field with cutting-edge research and development. Learn how founders can actively engage with ARPA-H, explore the impact of the new offices in Dallas, D.C., and Boston, and understand the strategic collaboration between ARPA-H and established agencies like DARPA.Stay updated with the latest from Austinpreneur at www.capitalfactory.com/podcast

In this episode of Austinpreneur, explore new, highly effective human performance technology utilized by professional athletes, the armed forces, and top wellness clinics. Join Capital Factory Venture Principal Nick Spiller as he interviews Ingrid Sanders from Shiftwave, recorded live in front of an audience of Capital Factory founders during SXSW® 2024.Shiftwave chairs send pulsed pressure waves through your body, generating an effect unlike any other. Created in a psychophysiology research lab and developed for Special Operating Forces, these chairs are now utilized across professional sports and have proven effective on the frontlines in Ukraine. They improve focus, enhance sleep, and reduce pain. They are used in over 50 clinics in the U.S. and are now commercially available. This patented technology optimizes your mind and body, enabling peak performance on the field, at work, and in life.Before joining Shiftwave, Ingrid Sanders successfully launched two ventures in the health and wellness sector. After establishing her previous startups in San Francisco, she relocated to Austin, where she discovered Shiftwave at SXSW in 2022. Ingrid's expertise spans psychology, technology, business development, and media.

Explore the mind of emerging venture capitalist Dr. Ariel Ganz, a postdoctoral fellow at Stanford's Healthcare Innovation Lab, in this insightful discussion recorded in Dallas at Health Supernova 2024. Ariel offers a unique perspective from the front lines of healthcare innovation, drawing on her investment experience with Arben Ventures and her groundbreaking research. The conversation spans a wide array of cutting-edge topics in health, including electronic drugs, breast cancer, precision medicine, and more.Stay updated with the latest from Austinpreneur at www.capitalfactory.com/podcast

Tune into this episode, recorded in Dallas at Health Supernova 2024, to delve into the dynamic journey of Monty Kosma, Co-Founder & President of DataJoint.Monty is a true polymath with deep expertise spanning physics, neuroscience, economics, and law. His remarkable career includes designing stealth aircraft, tackling the largest-ever computational problems, litigating cases in federal court, and reengineering complex operations.As the Co-Founder and President of DataJoint, Monty is helping lead the “SciOps” movement, which is transforming scientific research in much the same way that DevOps revolutionized software development. DataJoint integrates and manages every aspect of data-intensive science, enhancing transparency and productivity to unprecedented levels.Join Nick Spiller as he explores Monty’s remarkable journey, revealing how his innovative work with DataJoint is revolutionizing data operations for experimental science, and how his relocation from San Francisco to Houston has positioned him within the world’s largest hub for life sciences. Stay updated with the latest from Austinpreneur at www.capitalfactory.com/podcast

Join Nick Spiller, Venture Principal at Capital Factory, as he chats with Maxwell Dordevic, a trailblazing entrepreneur and CEO and Co-Founder of NeuroX1. Max shares his journey from stem cell research to founding NeuroX1, a company using AI to tackle neurodegenerative diseases.Max discusses his transition from research to entrepreneurship, the pivotal moment that led to co-founding NeuroX1, and the personal experiences driving his passion. Discover how NeuroX1 employs physics-based simulations and AI to develop new drug molecules, aiming to revolutionize treatments for MS, ALS, and Alzheimer’s.Learn about NeuroX1’s rapid progress, key milestones, and Max’s advice for entrepreneurs navigating today’s market. This episode offers a glimpse into the future of personalized medicine and the fight against debilitating diseases.Get the best Austinpreneur updates at www.capitalfactory.com/podcast

In this episode of Austinpreneur, recorded live at Capital Factory House during SXSW® 2024, Nick Spiller sits down with Lisa Besserman, Managing Director & Head of Innovation at JPMorgan Chase. Lisa's journey is a incredible story of entrepreneurship and innovation, from founding Startup Buenos Aires to spearheading corporate incubators and now leading initiatives at one of the world's largest banks.Lisa shares her experiences and insights garnered from her dynamic career, emphasizing the power of collaboration between startups and big corporations, especially in leveraging emerging technologies like AI. As one of the top influencers in tech, recognized by Business Insider and the Council of the Americas, Lisa's perspective on driving innovation at scale offers invaluable lessons for entrepreneurs and tech enthusiasts alike.Join Nick and Lisa as they explore the challenges and opportunities of navigating the startup landscape, from forging impactful partnerships to the critical role of communication and honesty in building successful ventures. Discover the future of AI in combating fraud and the nuanced approach required to thrive in the fast-paced world of corporate innovation.Get the best Austinpreneur updates at www.capitalfactory.com/podcast

Join Nick Spiller, Venture Principal at Capital Factory, as he chats with the team behind the launch of VeUp's North American headquarters, marking its debut at SXSW® 2024. Explore the reasons why Michael Siegel, VeUp's General Manager of North America and Chief Product/Services Officer, Tom Dixon, Global Head of Sales, and Chanelle Preston, Head of Global Marketing, selected Austin as the strategic base for VeUp's North American expansion. Gain insights into their strategies for startups to elevate their tech, finance, product development, and sales leveraging VeUp's expertise.VeUp was born from the challenges faced by its founders in finding growth partners for scaling. Since then, VeUp has empowered over 50 companies to accelerate their growth and is now investing from a $100M venture fund.This episode was recorded live recorded live at Capital Factory House during SXSW® 2024.Get the best Austinpreneur updates at www.capitalfactory.com/podcast

In this episode of Austinpreneur, Joshua Baer explores the remarkable journey and career of General Daniel Hokanson, the 29th Chief of the National Guard Bureau and distinguished four-star general in the United States Army.From Happy Camp, California, and a graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point, General Hokanson has played pivotal roles in major operations, including Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. With extensive experience in military leadership and strategy, he reflects on his critical assignments and articulates his vision for fostering innovation within the military.Tune in for unique insights into the military's embrace of innovation. Featuring discussions held after General Hokanson's appointment in August 2020, the episode also offers valuable perspectives on the innovative strategies employed by the National Guard and how startups can contribute to advancing their mission.Stay updated with the latest from Austinpreneur at www.capitalfactory.com/podcast

Explore the dynamic launch of Austin's innovative liberal arts and entrepreneurship college as Capital Factory's Venture Principal, Nick Spiller, sits down with Keri Waters, Chief Innovation Officer at the University of Austin (UATX). Tune in to uncover the institution's pioneering vision, curriculum, and strategic collaboration with Capital Factory.In a historic milestone, the Texas Higher Education Coordination Board granted The University of Austin (UATX) with the authority to confer undergraduate degrees in October 2023, marking the state's first new university in over 50 years. With UATX's inaugural class of 100 students set to embark on their academic journey in Fall 2024, each recipient of a full 4-year academic scholarship, the college stands poised for transformative impact. Get the best Austinpreneur updates at www.capitalfactory.com/podcast

Dive into this episode, recorded for a live audience at Capital Factory House during SXSW® 2024 , for a discussion with a seasoned serial entrepreneur boasting a portfolio of 15 successful ventures, including the renowned telemedicine giant Teledoc, Michael Gorton. Join Nick Spiller, Venture Principal at Capital Factory, as he sits down with Gorton to explore the nuances of market timing, cultivating a vibrant company culture, and venturing into the intriguing realm of tachyon tunnels through a lens of physics.Michael's curiosity has no limits with his degrees in Physics, Engineering, Law and a minor in English. On top of pioneering telemedicine, Michael founded Internet Global where he developed the world's first DSL and VOIP networks. He's also an accomplished author in a variety of categories including business, science fiction and historical fiction. Outside of work, Michael is a runner, Second Degree Black Belt in Kenpo and a mountain climber having scaled the highest elevation in 43 states. Get the best Austinpreneur updates at www.capitalfactory.com/podcast

Uncover the dynamic convergence of the defense innovation community in the heart of Texas, where venture-funded enterprises are actively shaping the future of national security. Join Nick Spiller, Venture Principal at Capital Factory, and Joseph Kopser, Capital Factory's Special Advisor for Defense Innovation, in a discussion recorded for a live audience at Capital Factory House during SXSW® 2024, shedding light on the latest advancements in the Department of Defense's initiatives to fund startups emanating from Austin.Joseph Kopser is a serial entrepreneur, long-time Austin startup community leader and served the U.S. Army for 20 years. He co-founded a transportation company, RideScout, from scratch and sold it to Mercedes. Joseph is currently a defense and military advisor for Capital Factory and The University of Texas at Austin. As an investor, Joseph is an LP in multiple Austin based venture funds including Capital Factory, Moonshots Capital and ATX Venture Partners.Get the best Austinpreneur updates at www.capitalfactory.com/podcast

Discover the dynamic intersection of the U.S. Navy's influence in Texas, spanning from SXSW to ongoing initiatives. In this episode, recorded live at Capital Factory House during SXSW 2024, Nick Spiller, Venture Principal at Capital Factory, chats with Graham "Gray" Chynoweth, naval officer, operator, and investor. Together, they delve into the innovative landscape cultivated by the Department of Defense's new Joint Innovation Space at Capital Factory, where prominent innovation groups such as NavalX, AFWERX, DIU, and ARCWERX converge. Tune in as this episode offers a captivating glimpse into the Navy's collaborative ventures and strategic presence in the heart of Texas.Gray serves in multiple capacities both inside the DoD and as a private investor. In the Navy, he is Deputy Director of NavalX where they connect the people, tools and resources our modern Sailors and Marines need. He is also Director of Global Investments for the Office of Strategic Capital which rolls up to the Secretary of Defense. As an investor, he is General Partner at Millworks Fund where they invest in New Hampshire's startup community.Get the best Austinpreneur updates at www.capitalfactory.com/podcast

Tune into this episode, recorded for a live audience of Capital Factory founders during SXSW® 2024, featuring an interview with SBA Administrator Isabel Casillas Guzman by Joshua Baer, CEO & Founder of Capital Factory. Get ready to dive deep into the world of entrepreneurship as Administrator Guzman sheds light on the pivotal role of the Small Business Administration in enabling entrepreneurs to secure funding and foster growth. Discover firsthand the latest policy shifts spearheaded by Administrator Guzman within the SBA.Isabel Casillas Guzman, serving as the 27th Administrator of the U.S. Small Business Administration under President Biden, advocates for America's 33 million small businesses and startups. With a background in entrepreneurship influenced by her father's business and her own ventures, she brings experience from her roles in the Obama-Biden Administration and leading California's Office of the Small Business Advocate. Guzman oversees the SBA's $500 billion portfolio, annually deploying $50 billion to support small businesses, with a focus on increasing access to capital, contracting opportunities, and resources for underserved communities. Her leadership has enhanced the agency's ability to provide essential support and growth opportunities for American entrepreneurs.Sign up for the best Austinpreneur updates at www.capitalfactory.com/podcast

Explore societal implications of artificial intelligence with Mike Millard, Partner at Ecliptic Capital, and Nick Spiller, Venture Principal at Capital Factory, in this week's episode. With roots tracing back to his role at Dell in 1999, Mike's extensive experience in Austin's tech landscape includes notable positions at Austin Venture and the launch of MassChallenge Texas before assuming his current role as a VC at Ecliptic Capital.The conversation centers around Ecliptic's recently published report on artificial intelligence, offering valuable insights into this rapidly evolving field. Check out the report firsthand by clicking here.Sign up for the best Austinpreneur updates at www.capitalfactory.com/podcast

In this episode of Austinpreneur, we chat with Melissa Blatt, Founder & CEO of indipop. Melissa's entrepreneurial journey began with a realization many can relate to—the daunting costs of health plans outside the safety net of large corporations. Determined to make a difference, she launched indipop, a platform dedicated to crafting personalized health plans, or healthshares, tailored for small business owners, independent contractors, and anyone navigating the maze of healthcare expenses. With a prestigious background, having studied at NYU and led business development in diverse industries such as media, technology, and nonprofits, Melissa brings a wealth of experience to the table. Tune in to this episode, recorded live at Austin Startup Week 2023, to learn about Melissa's journey, and discover how indipop is making healthcare more accessible and friendly for all!

Dive into a conversation situated at the intersection of national security and venture capital, recorded during Fed Supernova 2023. Our guest for this episode is Chip Walter, Managing Director at Marlinspike, known for his expertise in defense innovation. With a career marked by impactful contributions to both the U.S. government and the private sector, Chip's journey began as a U.S. Navy Pilot. His professional trajectory extends through over a decade in Washington D.C., where he adeptly navigated legislative and congressional affairs, before entering the private sector at Northrup Grumman. Today, Chip continues to bring his wealth of experience to the forefront at the nexus of national security and entrepreneurial ventures.Visit fedsupernova.com for more information.

Prepare for the era of AI with Jason Cohen, the Founder of WP Engine, as he engages in an insightful conversation with Joshua Baer, CEO & Founder of Capital Factory. This dynamic episode of Austinpreneur, recorded for a live audience of Longhorn Startup students at The University of Texas, not only explores the founding journey of WP Engine but also delves into the profound implications of AI. Join Jason and Josh as they passionately geek out on the latest tech trends.Get the best updates on Austinpreneur at www.capitalfactory.com/podcast

One of Austin's iconic entrepreneurs, Brett Hurt, CEO & Co-founder of data.world, shares his venture's vision for artificial intelligence in society and business. Prior to founding data.world, Brett revolutionized e-commerce through online reviews at BazaarVoice. Much of the conversation dives into the implications of AI for businesses and how data.world's array of AI initiatives are facilitating this future. Brett and host Nick Spiller also reminisce on their collaborative work catalyzing undergraduate entrepreneurship at The University of Texas over a decade ago.For a deeper dive into the discussed topics, check out the related article on Brett's blog here.Get the best Austinpreneur updates at capitalfactory.com/podcast

Dive into the up and coming Texas whiskey scene with Chris Seals, CEO & Founder of STILL Austin. As the pioneering distillery within Austin’s city limits since the days of prohibition, STILL embodies the spirit of innovation and tradition. In this episode of Austinpreneur, recorded for a live audience at Capital Factory, Chris Seals unfolds his unconventional narrative — a transformation from an economist to a whiskey-driven entrepreneur. Discover the secrets behind his pursuit of crafting a whiskey brand destined to stand the test of time, spanning a century of excellence. Gain exclusive insights into the intricacies of Chris’s entrepreneurial odyssey, from navigating the challenges of building a legacy brand to securing essential capital through the Central Texas Angel Network. Tune in for a an intimate exploration of the vibrant journey that is the evolution of STILL Austin! Sign up for the best Austinpreneur updates at www.capitalfactory.com/podcast

Explore optimal strategies for maximizing development funding through the utilization of offshore talent. In this episode of Austinpreneur, we are joined by Jacqueline Samira, the CEO & Founder of Howdy. Delve into the intricacies of assembling international teams for venture-backed startups as she shares insights from Howdy’s journey, from passing through Y-Combinator to joining the Capital Factory portfolio on their path to success.Get the best Austinpreneur updates at www.capitalfactory.com/podcast

Presented by The Outpost, our guest for this episode is Brad Harrison, who is General Partner at dual-use venture capital firm Scout Ventures out of Austin. The episode was recorded at Capital Factory's Fed Supernova in August of 2023. Brad is a graduate of West Point and MIT. He served the United States as an Airborne Army Ranger specializing in Air Assault. Today, Brad invests in top founders exiting the military, intelligence community, and top research labs. By doing so, Scout is paving the way for military veterans and intelligence professionals to access hundreds of millions in government grants and non-dilutive capital. Keep listening to to get a peek inside the mind of this investor funding the future of dual-use defense technology.Get the best updates for Austinpreneur at www.capitalfactory.com/podcast

This episode peaks into how the United States Navy is working with startups to drive innovation in their capabilities, processes and culture. We recorded this episode back in August of 2023 at Capital Factory's Fed Supernova. Our guests include Graham Chynoweth and Diana Teel from the Navy's innovation network, NavalX. Also on the show today is Carol Ann Logue, who leads South Florida's efforts to build a supportive startup ecosystem around defense innovation programs, including NavalX. The conversation uncovers new avenues into the department of defense for startups. These networks and non-dilutive funding sources are changing the game for hard tech startups looking to unlock early milestones, even if they have a primarily commercial target market. Listen now and you just may be the next startups to partner up with the DoD.Get the best Austinpreneur updates at capitalfactory.com/podcast

The Chairman of the Central Texas Angel Network, Gary Forni, is our guest for this episode of Austinpreneur. The conversation was recorded for a live Austin Startup Week audience and spans Gary's deep experience in technology starting in Silicon Valley as a billion-dollar business builder for Intel. Since moving to Austin, Texas over 20 years ago, Gary has invested in, mentored and managed a wide range of ventures including ListingSpark, ScaleFactor, TuffWerx and HeatGenie.Gary has been a member of the Central Texas Angel Network for over a decade as an investor. In 2023, Gary accepted the invitation to become CTAN's Board Chair and lead the organization moving into its next phase of growth.Get the best Austinpreneur updates at www.capitalfactory.com/podcast

On this episode of Austinpreneur presented by SXSW, we share a conversation recorded at Austin Startup Week with Claire Hansen, a recently promoted partner at Firebrand Ventures. Claire is a leader in the Austin startup community and has worked alongside startups and investors here since 2015. Claire's first role in venture was at Capital Factory and from there led the Central Texas Angel Network before working for the Army Application Lab inside Army Futures Command. Claire received her MA in Organizational Communication from Texas A&M University and a BA in the same subject from Pepperdine.Sign up for the best Austinpreneur updates at www.capitalfactory.com/podcast

Listen to this Austinpreneur conversation presented by SXSW on the cybersecurity implications of artificial intelligence and machine learning with special guest Chris Sestito, CEO of HiddenLayer. Chris' background is in cybersecurity threat research, detection and response. When he was at Cyclance, Chris encountered one of the first adversarial machine learning attacks which inspired his vision for HiddenLayer. HiddeLayer announced a $50M round of funding in September of this year. This session was recorded for a live audience at Austin Startup Week in November 2023.Get the best Austinpreneur updates at www.capitalfactory.com/podcast

Presented by SXSW, this episode of Austinpreneur features special guest Matthew Iommi who is the CEO of Fetii. Matthew and his co-founder started Fetii as undergraduates at Texas A&M University. After going through Y-Combinator, Fetii launched in Austin and joined Capital Factory. Fetii's group rideshare service has taken off and quickly become a beacon of Austin's nightlife and social engagements. This episode was recorded for an audience of students in Longhorn Startup at The University of Texas at Austin.Sign up for the best Austinpreneur updates at capitalfactory.com/podcast

Get insights from the inventor of Ethernet, Dr. Bob Metcalfe, in this episode of Austinpreneur. In this conversation, Metcalfe talks about the early days of Silicon Valley, how he crafted "Metcalfe's Law" as well as the latest revolution in artificial intelligence. Joshua Baer, CEO and Founder of Capital Factory, interviews Metcalfe in this episode recorded for students of Longhorn Startup at The University of Texas at Austin.Sign up for the best Austinpreneur updates at www.capitalfactory.com/podcast

On a tiny hill in Afghanistan, John Goodson asked "Why does nothing work?" for the last time and set out to create the future of autonomous drones. As a U.S. soldier in the field, John went from excited to deploy drones to not even considering it due to the inadequacies of the drone platform he was equipped with. Today, John is CEO & Founder of Darkhive where they are building lightweight, autonomous drones for defense. The company is fueled by $14M of goverment funding and a fresh $5M from venture investors including Capital Factory.Get the best Austinpreneur updates at www.capitalfactory.com/podcast

On this episode of Austinpreneur we chat with Kristy Alballero who is Co-Founder of IOOGO. Kristy received three degrees from The University of Texas at Dallas which led to a successful career in a series of product ownership roles. In 2017, Kristy co-founded IOOGO to help ease the pain of tax and accounting for small businesses and startups. In their first year, IOOGO helped 12,000 people file taxes and has grown from there. Kristy is deeply embedded in Capital Factory's community with IOOGO being a portfolio company and key sponsor of our top events like Austin Startup Week and Fed Supernova.Get updates on Austinpreneur by signing up at www.capitalfactory.com/podcast

One of the world's best venture capitalists in the world is our guest for this episode of Austinpreneur. Bill Gurley has been a General Partner at Benchmark Capital since 1998 where he led investments in Uber, GrubHub, OpenTable, Stich Fix and Next Door among others. Recently Bill retired from new funds at Benchmark and moved to Austin, Texas. He also earned his MBA at The University of Texas at Austin. Sign up for the best Austinpreneur updates at capitalfactory.com/podcast

One of America's breakout toy entrepreneurs joins us for this episode of Austinpreneur. Colin Guinn is CEO of Gel Blaster which can be found on the shelves at 20,000 retail stores in 65 countries. On top of Gel Blaster, Colin launched DJI North America and won The Amazing Race with his wife Christie. Listen now to learn about growing consumer brands, battling with legacy competitors like HASBRO and training your subconscious to feel good every day.Get the latest Austinpreneur updates by signing up at capitalfactory.com/podcast

Look back on how two entrepreneurs jumpstarted their careers through a film production startup in the early 2000s. Chris Hyams, CEO of Indeed, and Meetesh Karia, CTO of Earnest are the special guests who share insights on building companies in Austin. We discuss topics such as Trilogy University which brought top computer science talent to Austin in the late 90s. You'll also learn how to manage your time as a leader, build smarter products and find product market fit.Sign up for all Austinpreneur updates at capitalfactory.com/podcast

Part 6 of our special season on defense innovation is with Laetitia Garriott de Cayeux, Managing Partner of Global Space Ventures which invests in critical technologies, and was an early-investor in SpaceX. Laetitia is also an advisor to the U.S. Department of Defense and NATO, and a board member of the XPRIZE, which launched in partnership with Elon Musk a $100M Carbon Renewal XPRIZE. Topics covered in this episode include space tech in Texas, SBIC funding for VCs and why the DoD has a new interest in dual-use tech.

Part 5 in our special season on dual-use defense innovation is with cybersecurity expert Charles Henderson. After graduating from The University of Texas at Austin, Charles dove into the world of information security. Today Charles is Global Managing Partner and Head of X-Force at IBM. In this episode, we discuss the evolution of cybersecurity from the early days of DEFCON and BlackHat into modern cybersecurity challenges posed by artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning. Charles shares tips on organizational security for defending against global threats using threat detection, incident response, penetration testing and other techniques.

Part 4 of our special season on dual-use defense innovation is with guest David Rothzeid from Shield Capital. David is a veteran of the U.S. Air Force where he oversaw highly classified programs in side the Department of Defense. He also spent time at Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) developing acquisition pathways. David now invests in dual-use startups through Shield Capital with a focus on cybersecurity, space and AI.

Part 3 in our special season on dual-use defense innovation features Natasha Ahmed who is Vice President at dual use venture capital firm, Disruptive. Natasha brings insights on ways to access government funding, how the startup ecosystem in Hong Kong works as well as her outlook on the space economy. Natasha's background includes roles as Program Manager for the U.S. Department of Defense, Government Affairs for Toyota and leader of a startup accelerator based in Hong Kong for multiple years. Sign up for all Austinpreneur updates at capitalfactory.com/podcast

Part 2 of our special season on dual-use defense innovation focuses on recently acquired Capital Factory portfolio company, Hypergiant. Quentin "Q" Donnellan, President of Hypergiant, shares insights on winning government grants, participating in a program of record, and growing their company to a meaningful private equity acquisition. Listen in to learn about breaking into the Department of Defense, building software for prosecuting national security objectives and raising venture capital along the way.

Part 1 in our special season on dual-use defense innovation features guest Dave Dewalt, CEO of NightDragon. Dave is no stranger to modern cybersecurity threats and how they evolved due to his time as CEO of McAfee, role as a Board Member at Delta Airlines and many other experiences. In this conversation, explore the reality of cyber warfare and international IP espionage. We'll trace the cybersecurity industry's root back to the early consumer internet. All episodes in this special season were recorded at Fed Supernova 2023. Learn more and become part of the next Fed Supernova at www.fedsupernova.com.Sign up for the best updates on Austinpreneur at www.capitalfactory.com/podcast

The Mayor of Austin, Texas gets interviewed by Joshua Baer, CEO of Capital Factory, in this special edition of Austinpreneur. This conversation about innovation and society, particularly innovation in Texas, was recorded live for Capital Factory's All-Access community and the highlights are featured in this episode. Listen to now to hear Mayor Kirk Watson share insights on how Austin's culture has propelled the city to tier 1 status.Sign up for the best Austinpreneur updates at www.capitalfactory.com/podcast

The United Kingdom's top tech diplomat, Joe White MBE, stopped by Capital Factory during SXSW and recorded this episode of Austinpreneur. Learn about the new Tech Envoy position created at a critical time for The UK's tech industry. We also discuss Joe's entrepreneurial journey as a Founder as well as General Partner at Entrepreneur's First.Sign up for the best Austinpreneur updates at www.capitalfactory.com/podcast

Brought to you by HubSpot, get an inside take on the race to establish sustainable life on the moon from the CTO and Co-Founder of Intuitive Machines, Tim Crain. Headquartered in Houston, Texas, Intuitive Machines (NASDAQ: LUNR) is the most NASA-awarded commercial lunar program. The company has three missions that will deliver NASA and commercial payloads into orbit and on the surface of the Moon.In this episode, we discuss aerospace engineering, government funding and venture capital as tools for becoming a successful space entrepreneur.

Brought to you by HubSpot, this episode dives into the journey of Dug Song, unicorn founder and cybersecurity expert. Dug shares invaluable insights into crafting the right company culture as a startup. From helping manage his father's convenience store in Baltimore, MD, to co-founding Duo Security, one of the world's fastest-growing cybersecurity startups, Dug's journey is nothing short of remarkable.Discover how Dug's entrepreneurial roots, combined with his education at The University of Michigan, led to the creation of Duo Security. Scaling the company from Detroit to a thriving office in Austin, Dug unveils the secrets behind building a successful startup. Don't miss this opportunity to gain inspiration and learn from the experiences of a true tech trailblazer, as he imparts wisdom on fostering a thriving work environment that fuels creativity, productivity, and unparalleled success.If you're an aspiring entrepreneur, a cybersecurity enthusiast, or simply someone hungry for knowledge about building a dynamic startup culture, this episode is not to be missed. Get ready to be inspired and enlightened by the wisdom of Dug Song.

Tune in to learn how BodySpec is making preventative wellness easy and pleasant. In this conversation with Elaine Shi, Co-CEO of BodySpec, we cover topics from hardships in entrepreneurship to the day Kim Kardashian used BodySpec. Try BodySpec for yourself here!