The Innovators & Investors Podcast

In this episode of the Innovators and Investors Podcast, host Kristian Marquez interviews Michelle Cole, Partner at Paragraph. Michelle shares her extensive experience as a former COO and discusses the importance of product-market fit, customer success, and the challenges of scaling operations in software companies, emphasizing the need for resilience and adaptability in entrepreneurship. Learn mo...

In this episode of the Innovators and Investors podcast, host Kristian Marquez speaks with Bikram Bakshi, Partner with Blu Ventures and Co-Founder of ColoWatch. Bikram discusses Blue Ventures’ hands-on investment approach focusing on B2B SaaS, cybersecurity, and health tech. Bikram also shares insights about ColoWatch, a non-invasive colon cancer screening technology. He emphasizes the importance...

In this episode of the Innovators and Investors podcast, host Kristian Marquez talks with Shawn Olds, co-founder and COO of boodleAI. Shawn discusses his journey from a nonprofit-focused AI platform to BoodleBox, an AI tool designed for marketing, sales, and higher education. He emphasizes the importance of understanding customer needs, pivoting based on market adoption, and fostering a collaborat...

In this episode of the Innovators and Investors Podcast, host Kristian Marquez talks with Luke Cooper, founding general partner of Latimer Ventures. They discuss Latimer’s investment thesis, which focuses on building M&A capabilities in startups, particularly among diverse founders. Luke shares insights from his entrepreneurial journey, emphasizing the importance of understanding market dynami...

In this episode of the Innovators and Investors podcast, host Kristian Marquez talks with investor Dan Rizzo. Dan shares his journey from management consulting to leading a successful healthcare IT company that went public. Dan also discusses the importance of understanding client needs, the balance between consulting and software services, and his approach to investing through his family office....

In this episode of the Innovators and Investors podcast, host Kristian Marquez talks with Ishan Girdhar, a legal tech entrepreneur who shares his journey from founding Preva to leading a legal tech studio. They discuss the importance of niche markets, founder-led sales, and the role of human services in tech products. Ishan emphasizes the value of understanding clients deeply and adapting to marke...

In this episode of the Innovators and Investors podcast, host Kristian Marquez talks with Joel Martin, Chief of Staff at Veda Data Solutions and Operating Partner at HealthX Ventures. Joel discusses his career journey and the challenges in healthcare technology. He emphasizes the importance of accurate provider data, the transition from fee-for-service to value-based care, and the need for strong...

In this episode of the Innovators and Investors podcast, host Kristian Marquez talks with Brad Wisler, founding partner of Paragraph, a venture studio focused on building and investing in scalable software companies. They discuss the unique approach of recruiting co-founders before developing ideas, the importance of understanding distribution, and the need for adaptability in the entrepreneurial...

In this episode of the Innovators & Investors podcast, host Kristian Marquez talks to angel investor and entrepreneur, Bernard Chong. Bernard shares his diverse background in coffee, retail, tech platforms, and eSports, highlighting his journey into angel investing. He emphasizes the importance of a founder's character and alignment in business partnerships, and discusses trends in technology...

In this episode of the Innovators and Investors podcast, host Kristian Marquez interviews Patrick Russo, the founding CEO of OnStation, a software solution aimed at improving location and documentation for roadway construction projects. Patrick discusses the inception of OnStation, its growth strategy, the importance of user feedback, and the company’s vision for the future. He emphasizes transpar...

In this episode of the Innovators Investors podcast, host Kristian Marquez interviews Itamar Novik, founder and General Partner of Recursive Ventures. Itamar discusses his extensive experience in startups, investment strategies focusing on data and AI, and the importance of founder quality in venture capital. Itamar emphasizes the need for startups to understand their market, the role of venture c...

In this episode of the Innovators and Investors podcast, host Kristian Marquez interviews Karl Seelbach, founder of Skribe and law firm Doyle & Seelbach. Karl discusses his journey from aspiring attorney to innovator in legal technology. He emphasizes the challenges and opportunities in modernizing deposition processes through AI, which makes them faster and more cost-effective. His insights o...

In this episode of the Innovators and Investors podcast, host Kristian Marquez interviews Katerina Axelson, founder of Tastry. Katerina shares her journey from aspiring scientist to entrepreneur, highlighting the importance of understanding consumer preferences through chemistry. She discusses the challenges of introducing innovative technology in traditional industries, the significance of iterat...

In this episode of the Innovators and Investors podcast, host Kristian Marquez interviews Phil Nadel, founder, and Managing Director at Forefront Venture Partners. Phil discusses his journey into venture capital, the investment thesis of Forefront Venture Partners, and the importance of founder evaluation and communication. He emphasizes the need for capital efficiency, strategic support for portf...

In this episode of the Innovators and Investors Podcast, host Kristian Marquez interviews David Cross, a venture partner at Rain Capital. David discusses his journey into venture capital, the importance of cybersecurity, the influence of AI on the industry, and key factors in evaluating startups. David emphasizes the need for passion in founders, the significance of market understanding, and the i...

In this episode of the Innovators and Investors podcast, host Kristian Marquez interviews Scott Garber, managing partner of Early Light Ventures. Scott shares his unconventional journey to venture capital, emphasizing his focus on backing hungry first-time founders in second-tier cities. He discusses the importance of founder tenacity, the nuances of fundraising, and the current investment landsca...

In this episode of the Innovators and Investors Podcast, host Kristian Marquez interviews Melissa Kozak, founder of Citus Health. Melissa shares her journey from being a nurse to launching a successful healthcare startup. She discusses the challenges of raising capital, the importance of aligning with investors, and the value of her nursing background in identifying and solving industry problems....

In this episode of the Innovators and Investors Podcast, host Kristian Marquez interviews Nick Mastronardi, co-founder and CEO of Polco. They discuss Nick’s background in data science and economics, the inspiration behind Polco, and the company’s mission to enhance civic participation through data-driven decision-making for public sector officials. Nick emphasizes the importance of passion in entr...

In this episode of the Innovators and Investors podcast, host Kristian Marquez interviews Sarah Dusek, Managing Partner of Enygma Ventures. Sarah shares her journey from entrepreneur to investor, emphasizing the importance of supporting female founders, particularly in Africa. She discusses the unique strengths of female entrepreneurs, the need for emotional intelligence in leadership, and the sig...

In this episode of the Innovators and Investors podcast, host Kristian Marquez interviews Nick Jane, CEO of IdeaScale and Content Hurricane. Nick discusses his background in investing and leadership, the founding of IdeaScale, and the importance of innovation management. He shares insights into building a resilient company culture, effective marketing strategies, and the advantages of being a boot...

In this episode of the Innovators and Investors podcast, host Kristian Marquez interviews Zach Posner, Co-Founder and Managing Director of The Legal Tech Fund. They discuss the fund’s investment thesis, focusing on companies transforming the legal industry. Zach also shares insights on their approach to identifying startups, the importance of founder experience, and the evolving landscape of legal...

In this episode of the Innovators & Investors Podcast, host Kristian Marquez speaks with the CEO and Founder of FirmPilot, Jake Soffer. Jake shares his journey of creating FirmPilot to help law firms with marketing and SEO challenges, inspired by assisting his attorney brother. Jake covers the value of using AI and data-driven strategies, focusing on niche markets, and understanding Google sea...

In this episode of the Innovators & Investors Podcast, host Kristian Marquez speaks with the Founder and CEO of GAGE, Justin Henshaw. Justin shares his entrepreneurial journey, highlighting his military background and transition into business. He discusses the inspiration behind GAGE, a platform designed to recognize and score the contributions of hourly and shift workers. The conversation cov...

In the inaugural episode of the Innovators & Investors podcast, Josh Elledge of UpMyInfluence speaks to the creator and host of the show, Kristian Marquez. Kristian is also the Founder, CEO, and CFO of Finstrat Management, which provides accounting, finance, and reporting services for AI, SaaS, investor backed cos., HNW individuals, family offices, and VCs. Kristian outlines the podcast's miss...