In this insightful episode of The Innovators & Investors Podcast, host Kristian Marquez sits down with Dr. Matt Keener, co-founder of Blackbird Health, to explore innovative solutions in pediatric mental health care. Dr. Keener discusses the fragmented and confusing landscape families face when seeking mental health support for their children, highlighting Blackbird Health’s hybrid virtual-first and in-person care model designed to bridge gaps between medical and therapeutic services. With over a decade of experience and treatment of 10,000 patients, Blackbird Health leverages technology and developmental science to offer tailored, comprehensive care. Dr. Keener shares his unique journey from child psychiatry to entrepreneurship, lessons learned from prior startups, and the critical role of domain expertise and strong leadership teams in building successful health ventures. The conversation also delves into neuroplasticity, the importance of early intervention, and the challenges and rewards of scaling a health tech company. Listeners gain valuable insights on the intersection of healthcare innovation, patient-centered technology, and the entrepreneurial mindset necessary to transform mental health services for children and adolescents. Learn more about Matt's work at https://blackbirdhealth.com/ Connect with Matt on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattkeenermd/ Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply at https://finstratmgmt.com/innovators-investors-podcast/ Want to learn more about Kristian Marquez's work? Check out his website at https://finstratmgmt.com…

In this insightful episode of The Innovators & Investors Podcast, host Kristian Marquez sits down with Alex Burch, partner at Veritas Equity Partners, to explore multifamily real estate investing in Washington state. Alex shares the firm’s strategic focus on workforce housing in tertiary markets near Seattle, emphasizing direct ownership in specific, visible assets rather than blind funds or REITs. Dive deep into their investment thesis, including diversification benefits, cash flow expectations with 6-9% annual cash-on-cash returns, and long-term equity growth targeting 1.75 to 2x multiples on invested capital. The episode covers critical topics such as conservative debt strategies using government-backed agency loans, tax advantages through cost segregation and depreciation, and effective operational management including property management selection and tenant engagement. Alex also discusses practical lease strategies, the challenges and limited scalability of Airbnb models, and the importance of market knowledge and deal underwriting. Listeners gain valuable lessons on starting early, trusting your gut, and the importance of mentorship in real estate investing. Whether you’re new to real estate or a seasoned investor, this episode provides a comprehensive look at building wealth through thoughtfully managed multifamily properties and navigating today’s complex market environment. Learn more about Alex's work at https://veritasequitypartners.com/ Connect with Alex on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexburchveritas/ Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply at https://finstratmgmt.com/innovators-investors-podcast/ Want to learn more about Kristian Marquez's work? Check out his website at https://finstratmgmt.com…

In this insightful episode of The Innovators & Investors Podcast , host Kristian Marquez sits down with Maggie Vo, Managing Partner and Chief Investment Officer at Fuel Venture Capital, to explore a groundbreaking approach to venture investing called “hedge venture.” Maggie shares her unique journey from a global hedge fund manager to a venture capitalist who integrates sophisticated risk management and financial engineering into early-stage investing. They discuss Fuel VC’s global investment thesis focusing on FinTech, enterprise SaaS, consumer platforms, and disruptive AI startups across diverse markets from the U.S. to emerging economies. Maggie offers deep insights into evaluating founders’ qualities, the importance of building authentic networks, and how Fuel structures investments to actively manage downside risk while capturing upside potential. The conversation also dives into the evolving role of AI as both a productivity co-pilot and an embedded tool in portfolio companies, underscoring the balance between human judgment and technology. Listeners will gain valuable perspectives on venture capital’s maturation, key performance metrics like unit economics and retention, and the necessity of operational involvement in portfolio companies. Maggie concludes with reflections on cultural diversity’s competitive advantage in investing and shares her vision for democratizing access to venture capital for retail investors. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in innovative investment strategies, early-stage technology markets, and the future of venture capital. Learn more about Maggie's work at https://fuelventurecapital.com/ Connect with Maggie on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/maggie-vo-cfa-78724754/ Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply at https://finstratmgmt.com/innovators-investors-podcast/ Want to learn more about Kristian Marquez's work? Check out his website at https://finstratmgmt.com…

In this insightful episode of The Innovators & Investors Podcast, host Kristian Marquez sits down with Amit Patel, Managing Director at Owl Ventures, to explore the rapidly evolving landscape of education technology. Amit shares Owl Ventures’ unique investment thesis focused exclusively on EdTech companies spanning early learning, K-12, higher education, and adult or corporate learning globally. The conversation delves deeply into how generative AI is revolutionizing personalized learning by tailoring content and curricula in real time, enhancing data analytics for educators, and creating innovative multimodal assessments that measure true student understanding. Amit also reflects on his personal journey into education, inspired by his parents’ immigrant story, and discusses the critical need for lifelong learning in today’s fast-paced global economy. They examine emerging trends such as upskilling across blue-, gray-, and white-collar jobs using AR/VR and AI, the global demographic shifts driving demand for innovative education solutions—especially in Africa—and the importance of talent dedicated to transforming education. The episode further covers how Owl Ventures supports its portfolio companies beyond capital, including go-to-market acceleration, talent recruitment, efficacy measurement, and global expansion. Amit closes with valuable advice for founders about leveraging experienced talent and insights to navigate risks and scale effectively. A must-listen for investors, educators, and innovators eager to understand the future of learning and the powerful role technology will play in shaping it. Learn more about Amit's work at https://www.owlvc.com/ Connect with Amit on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/amitashwinpatel/ Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply at https://finstratmgmt.com/innovators-investors-podcast/ Want to learn more about Kristian Marquez's work? Check out his website at https://finstratmgmt.com…

In this insightful episode of The Innovators & Investors Podcast , host Kristian Marquez sits down with John Glushik, Managing Director at HG Ventures, the corporate venture capital arm of The Heritage Group. John shares the unique investment thesis that blends the discipline of traditional venture capital with the strategic advantages of a 95-year-old family-owned enterprise. They explore how HG Ventures adds tangible value to startups—especially in hard tech and deep tech sectors—by leveraging industry expertise, technology insights, and market access. John dives deep into evaluating founders, emphasizing grit, adaptability, and perseverance as key traits for entrepreneurial success. The conversation also covers how HG Ventures navigates the current challenging liquidity and fundraising environment while maintaining an agile decision-making process. Additionally, John discusses the impact of culture, respect, and partnership both within his team and with entrepreneurs, underscoring the importance of trust and long-term relationships in venture investing. This episode offers valuable wisdom for founders, investors, and anyone interested in the evolving landscape of corporate venture capital and startup growth. Learn more about John's work at https://hgventures.com/ Connect with John on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnglushik/ Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply at https://finstratmgmt.com/innovators-investors-podcast/ Want to learn more about Kristian Marquez's work? Check out his website at https://finstratmgmt.com…

In this insightful episode of The Innovators & Investors Podcast, host Kristian Marquez sits down with Jay Crone, Managing Director and Venture Capitalist at Deloitte Ventures, to explore the firm’s strategic approach to corporate venture capital. Jay shares Deloitte Ventures’ investment thesis, focusing on supporting innovative Canadian startups at Series A and B stages across key sectors like cybersecurity, climate tech, fintech, future of work, health tech, and AI. Listeners will gain an inside look at how Deloitte leverages its vast network of 1,500 partners and 15,000 employees to source deals and add value beyond capital by helping startups navigate Deloitte’s complex ecosystem and access enterprise clients. Jay also discusses his diverse career journey—from government and investment banking to entrepreneurship and corporate VC—and how those experiences shape his investment philosophy. The episode delves into Deloitte’s due diligence process, the importance of founder relationships, and the firm’s strategic role as a co-investor. Jay highlights emerging trends, particularly the promise of vertical AI tailored to industry-specific needs, and shares his bullish outlook on fintech innovations like stablecoins and cross-border payments. He offers candid advice for entrepreneurs on risk-taking and aligning business vision with funding goals. This episode is a must-listen for founders, investors, and anyone interested in the evolving landscape of corporate venture capital and innovation in Canada. Learn more about Jay's work at https://www.deloitte.com/ca/en/services/program/ventures.html Connect with Jay on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaycrone/ Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply at https://finstratmgmt.com/innovators-investors-podcast/ Want to learn more about Kristian Marquez's work? Check out his website at https://finstratmgmt.com…

In this insightful episode of The Innovators & Investors Podcast , host Kristian Marquez sits down with Sarah Applebaum, partner at Pangaea Ventures, a leading hard-tech-focused venture capital firm dedicated to investing in groundbreaking companies that advance planetary health. Sarah shares Pangaea’s unique investment thesis, emphasizing technologies in industrial decarbonization, energy transition, sustainable materials, food systems, and critical metals, all aimed at addressing some of the world’s most urgent environmental and human health challenges. Listeners will gain a deep understanding of Pangaea’s rigorous due diligence process, which prioritizes companies that have moved beyond the lab with proven commercial traction and strong founding teams. The episode explores the evolution of Pangaea’s investment strategy over 25 years, its expansion into health sciences, and its recent efforts to engage with innovation hubs in Japan. Sarah also discusses the complex cultural and geopolitical dynamics shaping sustainability investing worldwide, highlighting the importance of global scalability and the nuances of regional priorities. The conversation provides a compelling look at the intersection of hard tech, venture capital, and long-term impact investing, including emerging trends in semiconductor manufacturing, AI’s implications for planetary health, and sustainable metal recovery. Finally, Sarah reflects on lessons learned throughout her career, offering advice about patience and growth for aspiring professionals and shares her dream guest for the podcast—Bill Gates, whose global philanthropic focus aligns with many of Pangaea’s core missions. Essential listening for investors, entrepreneurs, and anyone passionate about leveraging technology to create a healthier, more sustainable future. Don’t miss the chance to hear practical insights and visionary perspectives on building the future of hard tech innovation. Learn more about Sarah's work at https://www.pangaeaventures.com/ and read teh 2025 Hard Tech Report at https://static1.squarespace.com/static/66c7b645f1e53508cb7f78f4/t/6833c5c7e5649e5bdcfe5778/1748223481405/Pangaea-Ventures-the-Hard-Tech-Report_2025.pdf Connect with Sarah on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahapplebaum/ Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply at https://finstratmgmt.com/innovators-investors-podcast/ Want to learn more about Kristian Marquez's work? Check out his website at https://finstratmgmt.com…

In this compelling episode of The Innovators & Investors Podcast, host Kristian Marquez sits down with Keong Chan, Managing Director of Out the Back Ventures, to explore the unique world of early-stage investing in university research and deep tech startups. Keong shares the surfing-inspired origin story behind Out the Back Ventures, symbolizing a strategic approach to seeking second and third waves of innovation—not the obvious first ones—reflecting a long-term vision focused on breakthroughs five to ten years ahead. The conversation delves into their specialized investment thesis: co-founding startups by translating cutting-edge university IP into commercial ventures, particularly in deep technology sectors like nuclear energy, neuromorphic computing, and quantum sensing. Keong outlines how Out the Back Ventures bridges the gap between technically brilliant researchers and the business expertise needed to build successful companies, often stepping in as the first investor and bringing in skilled management teams. Listeners gain insight into the rigorous filtering process involving university tech transfer offices, which help pre-select promising projects backed by protected IP and internal university funding. Keong also discusses the pivotal role of family offices as early investors who appreciate the high-risk, high-reward profile of deep tech. The episode highlights the importance of balancing scientific integrity with commercial viability, the value of spreading bets across multiple emerging technologies, and the critical timing to attract talented CEOs before full commercialization. Keong reflects on his own journey in early-stage investing and leadership, sharing lessons about partnership, strategic decision-making, and the humility to embrace learning and delegation. Ideal for entrepreneurs, investors, and innovators interested in the frontier of university-led technology commercialization, this episode offers deep insights into how to identify, nurture, and invest in the next generation of transformative startups before they hit the mainstream. Learn more about Keong's work at https://www.outthebackventures.com/ Connect with Keong on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/keongchan/ Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply at https://finstratmgmt.com/innovators-investors-podcast/ Want to learn more about Kristian Marquez's work? Check out his website at https://finstratmgmt.com…

In this insightful episode of The Innovators & Investors Podcast , host Kristian Marquez sits down with Adam Rubenstein, co-founder and CEO of Traq.ai, to explore how AI-powered conversational intelligence is transforming sales enablement. Adam shares his entrepreneurial journey, from early ventures through building and selling companies, leading to the founding of Traq.ai—a platform designed to solve persistent challenges in sales performance management. They dive deep into the problem of traditional sales processes relying heavily on intuition rather than data, and how Traq.ai uses AI to objectively analyze sales conversations, deliver real-time coaching feedback, and help sales teams build urgency, improve client retention, and close deals more effectively. Listeners learn about the innovative approach of turning sales into a science by quantifying and scoring conversation quality, the importance of continuous self-guided coaching, and the nuances of fostering a strong sales culture that emphasizes growth, transparency, and work-life balance. Adam also discusses tailoring AI-driven coaching models to specific industries, the critical role of understanding customer needs, and the challenges of building technology that is simple, valuable, and sticky for users. The episode concludes with valuable leadership insights on equity distribution, career path development for salespeople, and advice for founders facing fundraising challenges. This episode is a must-listen for entrepreneurs, sales leaders, and investors interested in the intersection of AI, sales optimization, and company culture—offering practical wisdom on building better sales organizations and sustainable, client-driven businesses. Learn more about Adam's work at https://www.traq.ai/ Connect with Adam on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamrubensteinceo/ Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply at https://finstratmgmt.com/innovators-investors-podcast/ Want to learn more about Kristian Marquez's work? Check out his website at https://finstratmgmt.com…

In this insightful episode of The Innovators & Investors Podcast, host Kristian Marquez sits down with Harry "Hale" Bullen, investment manager at PS27 Ventures, to explore the evolving landscape of venture capital focused on AI-driven investments. Hale shares PS27’s unique thesis emphasizing “sticky plumbing” software embedded deeply within B2B SaaS, FinTech, and health tech sectors, particularly in North Florida’s financial and healthcare ecosystems. They discuss the rigorous due diligence process, highlighting the importance of consistent traction, founder alignment, and clear financial paths to profitability. Listeners gain a rare look into how PS27 leverages AI tools at every step of evaluating deal flow, including proprietary founder grading and competitive analyses, emphasizing efficiency and data-driven insights. Hale also explains how their firm supports portfolio companies post-investment through weekly sales calls that foster accountability and growth. The conversation dives into venture capital trends, the impact of AI on startup capital efficiency, and the shift toward smaller, specialized funds focused on early-stage investments. Hale’s unique journey from Naval Academy nuclear engineer to venture capital investor brings a valuable operator’s perspective to evaluating founders and building successful companies. This episode offers practical wisdom for entrepreneurs, investors, and anyone interested in the dynamic intersection of AI and venture capital. Tune in for a compelling discussion on smart capital deployment, founder support, and the future of innovation investing. Learn more about Harry's work at https://ps27ventures.com/ Connect with Harry on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/harrysbulleniv/ Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply at https://finstratmgmt.com/innovators-investors-podcast/ Want to learn more about Kristian Marquez's work? Check out his website at https://finstratmgmt.com…

In this episode of The Innovators & Investors Podcast, host Kristian Marquez sits down with Ryan Falvey, Co-Founder and Managing Partner at Restive Ventures, to explore early-stage fintech investing. Ryan shares insights on how Restive Ventures focuses on being the first institutional capital source for technically skilled founders, helping them navigate the complexities of the financial services market. They discuss the importance of speed, execution, and technical DNA in startup success, along with strategies fintech founders use to gain early traction by targeting startups before larger corporations. Ryan also delves into the transformative impact of AI—especially tools like ChatGPT—on startup productivity and venture outcomes, highlighting how founders now operate with far greater efficiency and agility. The conversation touches on venture capital’s evolution amid technological disruption, the increasing role of public markets and IPOs in fintech, and how Restive Ventures maintains transparency and respect for founders in its investment approach. Listeners will gain valuable perspective on building resilient fintech startups, leveraging AI, and thriving in today’s rapidly changing investment landscape. Learn more about Ryan's work at https://www.restive.com/ Connect with Ryan on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-falvey/ Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply at https://finstratmgmt.com/innovators-investors-podcast/ Want to learn more about Kristian Marquez's work? Check out his website at https://finstratmgmt.com…

In this insightful episode of The Innovators & Investors Podcast, host Kristian Marquez sits down with Vikram Srinivasan, co-founder and CEO of Needl.ai, to explore how AI-driven search technology is transforming enterprise decision-making. Vikram shares the origin story of Needl.ai and its mission to help CXOs, CFOs, and CEOs cut through the overwhelming noise of disparate and complex data sources to find the precise information they need—the proverbial “needle in the haystack.” Drawing from his academic background and previous entrepreneurial success in AI-powered search, Vikram explains the challenges of enterprise search compared to internet-scale search engines like Google, emphasizing the importance of accuracy, reliability, and customization to meet unique business needs. The conversation delves into Needl.ai’ s traction in financial services and consulting industries, leveraging generative AI to surface actionable insights, and the necessity of close collaboration with clients for tuning the solution. Vikram also offers his perspective on the global market, explaining why the U.S. remains the most promising arena for enterprise tech innovation and venture growth, while reflecting on cultural differences between India and the U.S. in risk-taking and company culture. He candidly discusses the startup journey, product-market fit, and the transition from product-led growth to high-touch enterprise sales. Toward the end, Vikram shares valuable founder lessons, the importance of patience with investors, and his long-term vision for Needl.ai as a foundational company. This episode is a must-listen for entrepreneurs, investors, and business leaders keen on AI innovation, enterprise software, and the evolving future of decision intelligence. Learn more about Vikram's work at https://www.needl.ai/ Read the blog referenced in the episode, titled Why “Just Ask the Bot” Is Harder Than It Looks: A Friendly Walk-Through of Enterprise-Grade RAG . Connect with Vikram on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/viksriniv/ Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply at https://finstratmgmt.com/innovators-investors-podcast/ Want to learn more about Kristian Marquez's work? Check out his website at https://finstratmgmt.com…

In this insightful episode of The Innovators & Investors Podcast , host Kristian Marquez sits down with Aaron Stachel, partner at FirstMile Ventures, to explore the emerging startup ecosystems beyond traditional coastal hubs, focusing particularly on Colorado and Texas. Aaron shares the origin story and investment thesis of FirstMile Ventures, a seed-stage fund dedicated to being the “first partner” for founders in rapidly growing markets outside Silicon Valley. The conversation delves into geographic advantages, debunking myths about relocating companies and highlighting the growing appeal of regions like Colorado due to cost, talent availability, and quality of life. Aaron also discusses FirstMile’s hands-on approach during the critical first 12 to 24 months post-investment, helping startups find product-market fit through founder-led sales strategies, team-building advice, customer introductions, and milestone setting. The episode covers how AI is transforming early-stage venture capital by enabling more capital-efficient startup models and touches on the firm’s philosophy of investing with a strong emphasis on team quality and problem understanding rather than pure technology evaluation. Listeners can expect practical insights on venture capital trends, founder challenges in scaling, and thoughtful reflections from Aaron’s unique journey—from military pilot to venture partner—highlighting leadership lessons and the importance of storytelling in startup success. For founders and investors alike, this episode offers a compelling look at new frontiers in venture investing and how emerging regions are reshaping the innovation landscape. Learn more about Aaron's work at https://www.firstmilevc.com/ Connect with Aaron on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaronstachel/ Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply at https://finstratmgmt.com/innovators-investors-podcast/ Want to learn more about Kristian Marquez's work? Check out his website at https://finstratmgmt.com…

In this episode of The Innovators & Investors Podcast , host Kristian Marquez sits down with AJ Dye, COO of Vertex Innovations and venture partner at Unifi Ventures, to explore the intersection of operations and investment in the technology sector. AJ shares insights on Vertex’s focus on quality management and project execution within the telecom and data center industries, highlighting how artificial intelligence acts as both a demand driver and operational enhancer. He discusses Unifi’s unique deal-by-deal investment model targeting expansion-stage B2B tech companies and explains the value of partnering with a network of experienced operator-entrepreneurs as limited partners. AJ also reflects on his journey from investment banking through corporate venture capital to his current dual roles, shedding light on lessons learned, managing risk, and the evolving venture capital landscape in an AI-driven world. The conversation further delves into infrastructure challenges like power constraints, labor shortages, and geographic considerations in data center development. A thoughtful closing takeaway urges embracing intellectual curiosity and “doing the work” to drive growth and success. This episode offers valuable perspectives for entrepreneurs, investors, and professionals interested in scaling tech businesses amidst rapid innovation and market shifts. Learn more about AJ's work at https://vertex-us.com/ and https://unifivc.com/ Connect with AJ on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/ajdye/ Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply at https://finstratmgmt.com/innovators-investors-podcast/ Want to learn more about Kristian Marquez's work? Check out his website at https://finstratmgmt.com…

In this insightful episode of The Innovators & Investors Podcast, host Kristian Marquez sits down with Justin Ramsaran, co-founder and CEO of the R Group and VP of Digital Health Solutions at Fukuda Denshi, to explore critical challenges and innovations in healthcare technology. Justin shares his deep expertise on the persistent problem of medical device fragmentation and interoperability within healthcare systems, highlighting how point-to-point device connectivity has created data silos that hinder clinical efficiency and decision-making. The conversation delves into industry standards like HL7, the new mandates such as TEFCA and QHIN aimed at unifying data exchange, and how The R Group’s flagship product, Health Mosaic, offers a turnkey solution to streamline connectivity and empower healthcare providers with structured data for enhanced AI applications. Justin also reflects on his entrepreneurial journey, emphasizing the importance of finding niche solutions, bootstrapping via professional services, and fostering customer success to accelerate adoption. He discusses the potential of AI as an augmentation tool in precision medicine and shares valuable insights on navigating healthcare’s conservative market with data-driven strategies. Ideal for entrepreneurs, investors, and healthcare innovators, this episode provides a comprehensive look at transforming digital health through connectivity, collaboration, and technological agility. Learn more about Justin's work at https://www.rgrp.co/ Connect with Justin on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/justinramsaran/ Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply at https://finstratmgmt.com/innovators-investors-podcast/ Want to learn more about Kristian Marquez's work? Check out his website at https://finstratmgmt.com…