Let's Actuate!

Space isn’t just for hardware anymore. In this episode, Rama Afullo, founder and CEO of Satlyt, shares how his team is building a virtual data center in orbit—leveraging software-only solutions to help satellites interconnect and monetize excess compute capacity. With deep roots at SpaceX’s Starlink and Google Cloud, Rama reveals the realities and breakthroughs of edge computing off-planet, Satlyt...

What if companies could thrive like living ecosystems instead of running like machines? Andrew sits down with Dermot Mee, former COO of Singularity University, for an insightful conversation about innovation, mentorship, and the real forces behind progress. Dermot shares his journey from rural Ireland to the frontlines of global technology and entrepreneurship. He reveals how convergence – the mee...

What do Wild West stunt shows, M&A deal rooms, and meme-driven syndicates have in common? Colton Cray, now General Partner at Litquidity Ventures, joins Let’s Actuate to share his journey from the Pistoleros stage at Traildust Town to the frontlines of frontier investing. Colton explores what it means to practice “risk respect,” which separates great founders from the merely bold. He explains...

Venture capital, private equity, and family office models are starting to converge – and the rules are changing. In this episode, we sit down with Ron Diamond, Chairman & CEO of Diamond Wealth, host of the Family Office World podcast, and trusted advisor to a syndicate of 100+ leading family offices (ranging from $250M to $30B AUM). Ron unpacks the rise of long-horizon, patient capital, why le...

Venture capital is evolving. Tune in to an incredibly insightful conversation with Karl Alomar, Managing Partner at M13, to uncover how some firms are shifting beyond simply funding startups, offering hands-on guidance, strategic infrastructure, and a collaborative ecosystem to help founders grow sustainably. We explore how M13’s proactive support model is empowering startups with essential resour...

In this episode, we chat with Matt Curtolo, a seasoned LP with over two decades of experience in alternative investments. Matt shares his journey from being an allocator in private markets to working as an operator in a fintech startup. The conversation delves into the challenges faced by emerging managers in the current fundraising environment, the importance of understanding the 'why' behind inv...

In this episode, we sit down with Amish Patel, founder of Conduit Venture Labs, to discuss how his venture studio is transforming the hardware startup ecosystem. Conduit Venture Labs focuses on co-building and scaling hardware startups in the intersection of physical and digital tech. Amish shares how his studio is creating a database-driven playbook for startup creation, providing early-stage tea...

In this episode, we sit down with Zain Premji, a former consultant at Deloitte and technology strategist at Google, who now leads the charge in revolutionizing the way we communicate and secure data through quantum infrastructure. As the CSO and co-founder of SQS, Zain shares how the company is focused on building the foundational systems required to enable secure, large-scale quantum communicatio...

In this conversation, Nicole and Carolina discuss their experiences and challenges in building their company, Exsai. They focus on the importance of social media and developing their personas on LinkedIn to engage with their audience and build a community. They also discuss the need for structure, scheduling, and daily reminders to stay consistent with posting. They express their desire to create...

In this conversation, Chris and Andrew discuss the degradation of Google Assistant and the potential reasons behind it. They also explore the concept of starting a new idea and whether it's better to dive in completely or transition gradually, emphasizing the need to validate assumptions and solve the right problems when building a product or startup. They challenge the traditional VC mindset of w...

In this episode, Nicole and Carolina discuss the importance of competing against oneself rather than comparing to others. They also discuss the challenges and sacrifices of being an entrepreneur and the importance of surrounding oneself with supportive people. The conversation highlights the importance of following one's own path and staying true to oneself. Connect with usLinkedin: linkedin.com/c...

Zee discusses the companies he has been seeing and the range of industries they cover, including aerospace, agriculture, and drones. Chris and Andrew talk about their role in vetting companies. They also discuss their approach to investing and supporting startups, including their involvement in government grant programs. The conversation touches on the importance of sticking to their thesis and al...

In this conversation, Nicole and Carolina discuss their journey of building Exsai and the challenges they face. The conversation highlights the significance of understanding customer needs and the value of pivoting when necessary. Overall, they emphasize the importance of the product-market fit journey and the willingness to adapt and learn along the way. Connect with usLinkedin: linkedin.com/comp...

Andrew and Chris discuss their experience at the 39th annual Space Symposium and their plans for Actuate Ventures. They also discuss the growing presence of startups in the industry and the potential for innovation in various sectors. They mention their partnership with Space Foundation and their plans to create an incubator and support the growth of the industry. Connect with usLinkedin: linkedin...

In this conversation, Nicole and Carolina discuss their experiences and challenges as entrepreneurs. Overall, the conversation highlights the ups and downs of building a business and the mindset required to overcome obstacles. The conversation concludes with a reflection on the satisfaction and motivation that comes from pushing through difficult moments and achieving goals. Connect with usLinkedi...

Dive into the frontier of emerging technologies with Andrew Woodfield and Christopher Le as they sit down with Bayo Okusanya, the innovative mind behind NPC Labs and co-founder of ENOX. In this captivating episode, they unravel the potential of blockchain and AI to reshape industries, democratize access to technology, and safeguard intellectual property. Join the conversation as they navigate the...

In this conversation, Angely Mercado, an award-winning journalist and fact checker, emphasizes the need for both individual and systemic change in addressing climate and environmental issues, highlighting the role of privilege in sustainability and encourages taking imperfect actions rather than feeling overwhelmed by guilt. She explores the challenges and potential of climate tech solutions, incl...

In this conversation, the team discusses the importance of balancing productivity and self-care. The team shares their personal experiences with productivity and the need for rhythm and replenishment. They discuss the challenges of outreach and the importance of tracking and organizing contacts. They also announce their partnership with Space Foundation and their upcoming aerospace accelerator. Co...

SummaryThe conversation explores various aspects of working with friends, the importance of trust and capability and the distinction between operators and dreamers. Connect with usLinkedin: linkedin.com/company/actuate-venturesPodcast Instagram: instagram.com/lets.actuateVenture Studio Instagram: instagram.com/actuate.vcWatch on Youtube: youtube.com/channel/UCF1vuyKIaCs5UIDPmgJ025wConnect with usL...

Andrew and Carolina share their experiences with flipping furniture for profit and the importance of passion and interest in building something of substance. The hosts also touch on the desire for self-help and the dangers of get-rich-quick schemes. Connect with usLinkedin: linkedin.com/company/actuate-venturesPodcast Instagram: instagram.com/lets.actuateVenture Studio Instagram: instagram.com/act...

In this episode, the hosts Andrew, Carolina, Chris and Nicole discuss their experiences and perspectives on remote work culture. They emphasize the importance of finding a balance between work and life, and the need to disassociate time and money. They also highlight the significance of creating a positive company culture and fostering open communication. The hosts provide tips for building a remo...

In this conversation, the participants discuss the shift into venture studio, building connections, joining Actuate Ventures, personal motivations, underrated deep tech and aerospace innovations, creating holistic ecosystems, infrastructure for future innovations, water conservation and sustainable usage, growing food without Earth, on-site food production in supermarkets, sustainable clothing and...

The conversation covers the highlights of the Super Bowl week in Las Vegas, the tech event and relationship building, the venture, startup, and e-sports gaming scene in Las Vegas, learning from events and building communities, the difference between a venture studio and a venture capital firm, and a recap and looking forward. Connect with usLinkedin: linkedin.com/company/actuate-venturesPodcast In...

In this episode, Zee Schwab shares his background in medicine and how he transitioned into the startup world. He discusses his experience with Techstars and the creation of Column, a blockchain-based identity protocol. The value of accelerators, such as Techstars, is explored, along with the unique aspects of Techstars' pitch day. The hosts also discuss their plans for a sponsored aerospace accele...

In this conversation, Andrew, Chris, Carolina, and Nicole discuss Andrew and Chris's experiences at Utah Tech Week. They talk about the various events and networking opportunities they encountered throughout the week. They highlight the strong sense of community and collaboration in Utah's entrepreneurial and startup ecosystem. The hosts share their takeaways, including the importance of persevera...