The SoCal Edge

In this episode of The SoCal Edge , Art Dicker sits down with longtime friend and fractional CFO Arman Zand to discuss the financial realities behind startup growth, fundraising, and scaling. Drawing on nearly three decades of experience working with venture-backed startups, Arman shares the mistakes founders repeatedly make, what investors actually care about, and why storytelling remains one of...

In this episode of SoCal Edge, we sit down with technology and business transformation leaders Elisa Henry and Allen Kim to explore what founders should really be doing 18–24 months before trying to sell their company. Drawing on decades of experience in technology, AI, product management, and operational scaling, Elisa and Allen explain why many founders leave millions on the table during an acqu...

In this episode of SoCal Edge, we sit down with Adam Watson, co-founder and CEO of MeCo Diagnostics, a San Diego-based biotech startup developing the only clinically validated biomarker test designed to match breast cancer patients with anti-fibrotic therapy. Adam shares the remarkable journey from cancer biology PhD student to startup founder, explaining how his dissertation research evolved into...

In this episode of SoCal Edge , we sit down with Sunny Webb , a veteran AI product leader with more than 30 patents and deep experience across Apple, Pager Health, and healthcare AI standards, alongside Wei Li Tan , partner at Informed Ventures focused on early-stage digital health. Together, we unpack one of the biggest questions inhealthcare today: what actually happens after the AI demo ends? F...

In this episode of The SoCal Edge , Art Dicker and co-host Alessandro Rinaldi sit down with Sumeet Parekh , founder and managing partner of HP Investors , to discuss the current state of the San Diego commercial real estate market . Sumeet shares insights from his background in investment banking and private equity, including how those experiences shaped his approach to real estate investing. The...

How do top startups actually succeed—and why do most fail? In this episode, Gene Dantsker of EvoNexus breaks down the real mechanics behind startup success: from founder mindset to fundraising strategy to product-market fit. With nearly $6B in startup impact, EvoNexus offers a rare inside look at what works—and what doesn’t—in building high-growth companies. Gene shares how EvoNexus has helped lau...

In this episode of The SoCal Edge , Art Dicker and co-host Alessandro Rinaldi speak with Brian Lamb , founder and CEO of Promissory , a company helping startup founders maximize the tax benefits of Qualified Small Business Stock (QSBS) through specialized trusts. Brian previously co-founded Trust & Will , one of the leading venture-backed estate planning platforms, and after partiallyexiting t...

In this episode of The SoCal Edge , Art Dicker and co-host Alessandro Rinaldi sit down with Bill Lennon , founder and CEO of Ollie AI , to explore how artificial intelligence is beginning to solve one of the most overlooked problems in modern life — the “mental load” of running a household . Bill shares his journey from studying neural networks under AI pioneer Robert Hecht-Nielsen , to founding m...

Strategic Exits and Venture Success in Deep-Tech: Insights from Jack Bell Welcome to another insightful episode of the SoCal Edge podcast. In this episode, hosted by Art Dicker, we explore the intricate world of strategic investment in the deep tech sector. Our guest, Jack Bell, founder and managing director of Pantek Partners, takes us on a journey through the complexities of international invest...

Revolutionizing DNA Sequencing: Insights from SWAN Genomics Welcome to our latest exploration into the world of pioneering companies at the forefront of technology. Today, we're delving into the innovative endeavors of SWAN Genomics, a company making significant strides in the field of DNA sequencing. Join us as we explore how SWAN Genomics is transforming the genomics industry, featuring insights...

AI Made Simple with Rajeev Kapur In this episode of the SoCal Edge, we are thrilled to host Rajeev Kapur, President and CEO of 1105 Media, and acclaimed author of "AI Made Simple" and "Prompting Made Simple." Together, we explore the transformative power of AI and its implications across various sectors. Introducing Rajeev Kapur   Connect with Rajeev 1105 Media Rajeev Kapur stands at the forefront...

Building Bridges: Alessandro Rinaldi on Launch Factory's Role in San Diego's Startup Ecosystem In today’s episode of the SoCal Edge Podcast we’re joined by Alessandro Rinaldi, Partner at Launch Factory. Our host, Art Dicker, delves into the journey and expertise of Alessandro, who has been instrumental in fostering startups through a unique blend of innovation and strategic guidance since 2019. Di...

Nick Edwards: From Neuroscience to AI Innovation On today’s episode of the SoCal Edge podcast, we’re joined by Nick Edwards, the dynamic CEO and founder of Potato, to explore his intriguing journey from a PhD candidate in neuroscience to an innovative entrepreneur in San Diego. This insightful conversation sheds light on Edwards' career trajectory, his passion for scientific discovery, and the inn...

Community, Innovation, and Advocacy: Betsy Brennan's Journey Welcome to the SoCal Edge Podcast! In this episode, we delve into the vibrant world of urban development with a special focus on Downtown San Diego. Today, we have the pleasure of talking with Betsy Brennan, the President, and CEO of the Downtown San Diego Partnership. Betsy offers an in-depth look at her organization's efforts to enhanc...

Venture Wisdom: Daniel Ziegler's Insights on Startups and Innovation Welcome to another enriching episode of the SoCal Edge podcast, where we bring you insights from leading experts bridging cutting-edge innovations and business strategies. In this episode, our host, Art Dicker, is joined by the exceptional Daniel Ziegler, a seasoned professional in securities, operations, and strategic planning w...

Embracing Humility and Service: Dr. Hector Cabrera's Inspiring Path In a riveting episode of the SoCal Edge podcast, host Art Dicker sits down with Dr. Hector Cabrera, a remarkable individual whose journey from an immigrant upbringing to becoming a cybersecurity partner at Cisco tells a story of resilience, leadership, and authenticity. Throughout the engaging conversation, Dr. Cabrera shares pers...

From Toronto to SoCal: Delilah Panio’s Perspective on Market Opportunities Welcome to a detailed exploration of the capital markets through the lens of Delilah Panio, Vice President at TMX Group, the owner of the Toronto Stock Exchange and the TSX Venture Exchange. Delilah brings her extensive expertise to the SoCal Edge Podcast, where she shares insights on unique exit opportunities for startups...

Powering Profits with Gareth Evans: The Future of Energy Deployment Welcome to the SoCal Edge Podcast, where we dive deep into the business world with inspiring leaders and changemakers of Southern California. Today, we are thrilled to welcome Gareth Evans, CEO of VECKTA—a pioneering enterprise tech platform revolutionizing the energy sector by facilitating on-site energy deployment at scale. Intr...

Rethinking the Startup Growth Model with Gerry Widmer Welcome to another episode of the SoCal Edge podcast. In this episode, we’re joined by Gerry Widmer, a seasoned strategic consultant with a wealth of experience in advising startups and C-suite executives. As the CEO of Fidus Advisors, Gerry shares his expertise on navigating the pressures of startup growth, venture capital, and sustainable bus...

The Art of Execution: Building Momentum with Rachel Loui Welcome to another insightful session on the SoCal Edge. This episode features Rachel Loui, a seasoned entrepreneur and expert in business growth strategies. With a rich background that includes tenures at top companies like Google and experience as a tech help founder in Silicon Valley, Rachel shares indispensable advice for businesses look...

Making AI Trustworthy with Log 10 Founder Arjun Bansal Welcome to another captivating episode of the SoCal Edge, where innovation meets strategic insight. In this installment, Art Dicker engages with Arjun Bansal, an influential figure in AI and the founder of Log10. Arjun opens up about his journey from the depths of academia to steering cutting-edge AI applications that redefine industry standar...

Revolutionizing Sleep Technology with Bryte CEO Luke Kelly Welcome to another episode of the SoCal Edge Podcast. In this insightful conversation, we are joined by Luke Kelly, CEO of Bryte, an AI-enabled sleep platform that's revolutionizing how we think about restful nights. Join us as we explore Luke's fascinating journey and the groundbreaking technology his company is bringing to the world of s...

Silicon Valley Experience in San Diego, with Jack Lucas In this engaging episode of the SoCal Edge, we talk with Jack Lucas, a general partner at Lucas Venture Group. With roots deeply embedded in venture capital, Jack shares his unique journey and insights into the world of investing, offering a behind-the-scenes look at what makes a successful venture capital firm tick. Introducing Jack Lucas Co...

The 3D Frontier: Insights on XR Technology with VNTANA’s Ashley Crowder Welcome to another insightful episode of the SoCal Edge Podcast. This week, we had the pleasure of chatting with Ashley Crowder, the dynamic co-founder and CEO of VNTANA, a trailblazing force in 3D asset management and XR (Extended Reality) solutions. Ashley shared her journey from engineering school to leading VNTANA, and the...

Innovation in Manufacturing: Craftsmanship, 3D Printing, and Wellness with Ami Sin Welcome to an exciting exploration of innovation in the manufacturing and wellness industries with Ami Sin, the CEO and founder of Amazing Lab. In this interview, Art Dicker dives deep with Ami Sin, a pioneer in bridging the complexities of production with the wellness revolution. Her story is a testament to transfo...