Venture Cafe Phoenix Powered by CEI

Venture Cafe Phoenix an Extraordinary Podcast

Business EN ↓ 3 episodes

Arizona is one of the fastest-growing hubs for entrepreneurship, innovation, and economic opportunity in the country. But ecosystems aren't built by companies alone. They are shaped by the founders launching new ventures, the investors fueling growth, the educators developing talent, the community leaders creating connections, and the organizations working behind the scenes to make innovation possible. Venture Cafe Phoenix: An Extraordinary Podcast explores the people, stories, and relationships shaping Arizona's innovation ecosystem. Hosted by Alex Koupal, each episode features candid convers...

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Venture Cafe Phoenix Powered by CEI

Episodes

Melissa Lamson: Why Arizona's Innovation Future Depends on Connection 09.07.2026 26:34

Episode Description Melissa Lamson has spent her career helping people, organizations, and ideas grow. As Executive Vice President of Venture Development & Innovation Strategy at the Arizona Commerce Authority and a founding member of Venture Cafe Phoenix, she has helped shape the relationships, programs, and opportunities that make Arizona one of the country's fastest-growing innovation ecosy...

Patti DuBois & Jeff Saville: Why Arizona's Innovation Ecosystem Works 03.07.2026 35:27

Behind every successful startup ecosystem is a group of people doing the work most founders never see. Patti DuBois and Jeff Saville lead the Center for Entrepreneurial Innovation (CEI), Arizona's premier business incubator and the organization behind Venture Cafe Phoenix. In this conversation with Alex Koupal, they share how CEI has evolved from supporting individual startups into helping strengt...

Forbes Shannon: Why Arizona's Innovation Ecosystem Needs Better Listeners 25.06.2026 37:45

Before Forbes Shannon became the founder of Extraordinary Network, he helped shape the culture of Venture Cafe Phoenix from the stage. As the original emcee and one of the people behind its early community experience, Forbes reflects on what it took to help transform a weekly gathering into one of Arizona's most recognizable innovation communities—and why authentic relationships have always matter...