Sinopsis
A weekly podcast exploring startups, technology, and entrepreneurship in Kentucky and beyond.
Episodios
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276. Complet3D: Eric Sparks on the Transformative Power of 3D Printing
18/03/2024 Duración: 23minIn this episode, Logan and Evan explore the world of 3D printing with Eric Sparks, founder and CEO of Complet3D. Based in Lexington, Kentucky, Complet3D began by addressing the urgent need for PPE during the COVID-19 pandemic and has since expanded into various sectors. Eric discusses how 3D printing technology has evolved, sharing insights into its applications in healthcare, including how it saved time and costs in a critical surgery. The episode also covers the technology's integration into education, highlighting its role in project-based learning and curriculum development. Additionally, Eric touches on the economic benefits of 3D printing in manufacturing and its potential to revolutionize the industry. Throughout the discussion, Eric offers personal insights and experiences, demonstrating how 3D printing is transforming our approach to problem-solving across different fields. Visit us at MiddleTech.com Follow Us
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275. goTenna: Andrea Garrity & Jameson Morgan on Empowering Critical Connections Off-Grid
11/03/2024 Duración: 54minIn this episode, Logan and Evan welcome Andrea Garrity, Chief Growth Officer, and Jameson Morgan, Director of Partnerships from Gotenna. They discuss goTenna's transition from consumer-focused products to vital communication technologies in defense and emergency situations. The conversation explores the role of goTenna's mesh network radios in ensuring connectivity for first responders in challenging conditions, and how the company's shift has impacted national security and emergency preparedness. Andrea and Jameson also share insights into Gotenna's collaborations within the Kentucky startup ecosystem and discuss the wider importance of reliable communication during disasters. This episode provides a thorough look at the intersection of advanced communication technologies, startup dynamics, and emergency response infrastructure. Visit us at MiddleTech.com Follow Us Twitte
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274. Edelen Renewables: Adam Edelen on Bringing the Promise of Renewable Energy to Forgotten Places
04/03/2024 Duración: 01h03minIn this episode of Middle Tech Podcast, Logan Jones and Evan Knowles talk with Adam Edelen, CEO of Edelen Renewables. The discussion explores Adam's transition from Kentucky state government to renewable energy, focusing on his goal to introduce sustainable energy solutions to overlooked regions in America. The conversation covers the challenges of entrepreneurship in Kentucky, the role of renewable energy in economic development, and the importance of learning from failure. Adam shares insights on the renewable energy sector's growth, its impact on Kentucky, and the potential for innovation in energy technology. The episode also includes a dialogue on Kentucky's business environment and how it can better support entrepreneurs. Visit us at MiddleTech.com Follow Us Twitter Instagram
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273. AI Advancements: Sora’s Ai Generated Video, Google’s Gemini 1.5, and Nvidia’s Staggering Valuation
26/02/2024 Duración: 01h13minIn this episode, Logan Jones and Evan Knowles dive into the latest developments in the artificial intelligence space. They discuss the AI revolution, emphasizing NVIDIA's rise as a key player in the AI gold rush. The episode delves into the transformative impact of AI on media production, illustrating how tools like OpenAI's Sora are reshaping content creation. It also addresses the critical issues of AI ethics and safety, underscoring the importance of responsible AI deployment. Additionally, listeners will gain insights into the infrastructure behind AI advancements, with discussions on NVIDIA's strategic moves and Google's Gemini 1.5 model. This episode is a treasure trove of information for anyone interested in understanding and navigating the rapidly evolving world of AI. Visit us at MiddleTech.com Follow Us Twitter
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272. Powderkeg: Midwest Momentum with Matt Hunckler
19/02/2024 Duración: 01h06minIn this episode, Logan and Evan sit down with Matt Hunckler, the entrepreneurial mind behind Powderkeg – a platform connecting developers, investors, and employers in tech hubs outside of Silicon Valley. Matt shares his journey of starting the platform, the growing probability of tech opportunities in the Midwest, and the importance of cultivating an inclusive community in a tech ecosystem. We also delve into the resonating importance of adopting cutting-edge technologies like AI. The conversation winds up with some candid entrepreneurial advice and explore the realities of work-life integration in the startup world. Visit us at MiddleTech.com Follow Us Twitter Instagram Facebook
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271. Wicked Technologies: Alli Truttmann on Tackling Night Sweats & Incontinence with Innovation
12/02/2024 Duración: 36minIn this episode Logan and Evan are joined by Alli Truttmann, the founder of Wicked Technologies. They explore Alli’s entrepreneurial journey, from the conception of her idea while recovering from a sports injury, to building and scaling her business. The conversation dives into the details of her invention, Wicked Sheets, blogging as a key SEO strategy, managing supply chains, and transitioning from briefs to diapers with the Wicked Smart Pad. Alli also shares her struggles with fundraising, considerations while building a team, and enduring through numerous pitch meetings to secure funding. Tune in to listen to Alli narrate her inspiring journey of building effective solutions for night sweats, incontinence, and more. Visit us at MiddleTech.com Follow Us Twitter Instagram
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270. Vsimple: Building Profitable Businesses with Buddy Bockweg
05/02/2024 Duración: 39minIn this episode, Logan and Evan talk with tech entrepreneur Buddy Bockweg. Buddy shares insightful and contrarian perspectives about entrepreneurship and the challenges he faced when integrating AI into his business platform, Vsimple. They delve into the importance of understanding the meaning of entrepreneurship, building strong partnerships, the role of AI in software business, and why building businesses in certain regions can have surprising advantages. You can also hear about Vsimple's unique focus on growing value for other businesses and their refreshing approach in creating a cash flow positive business in the tech industry. Visit us at MiddleTech.com Follow Us Twitter Instagram Facebook
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269. Moolathon: Transforming Fitness into Fundraising with Mac Wilkinson
29/01/2024 Duración: 35minJoin us on this episode of the Middle Tech Podcast as we catch up with Mac Wilkinson and hear about his platform, Moolathon. As we walk through his journey from being a former athlete to the founder of a performance-based fundraising platform, our hosts Evan and Logan discuss Moolathon’s transformation, its impact, and how Mac harnessed the potential of his idea. From the inspiring community of Techstars to insightful conversations about overseas development and the nuances of entrepreneurship, this episode is packed full of valuable experiences and learnings for startup enthusiasts and seasoned entrepreneurs alike. Visit us at MiddleTech.com Follow Us Twitter Instagram Facebook LinkedIn
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268. Evan's Start-Up Journey: Building, Learning, Failing, and Trying Again
22/01/2024 Duración: 01h15minIn this episode, Logan and Evan discuss Evan's journey of building his startup, from inception to it's recent acquisition. We dive into the challenges encountered in fundraising venture capital, defining go-to-market strategies, and the mental toll of managing a business under pressure. Evan shares his insights about the importance of team dynamics, the significance of design in product development, and lessons learned from listening to user feedback. Evan also teases his next venture - a collaborative AI platform called Devyze. Visit us at MiddleTech.com Follow Us Twitter Instagram Facebook LinkedIn Logan's Twitter
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267. Season 6 Recap with Logan Jones, TJ Barnett, and Evan Knowles
04/12/2023 Duración: 32minIn this episode, Logan, TJ, and Evan reflect on season six and provide updates regarding various aspects of their projects. They discuss highlights, table their favorite episodes, and explore key aspects of the interactions they had in startup ecosystem. With topics ranging from AI to intriguing tech news and in-depth founder interviews, they dive into the episodes that resonates deeply with themselves and the audience. Further, they reflect on their exclusive entrepreneurial adventures. TJ speaks about his exhilarating journey with Full Court, his social media marketing agency, highlighting its growth and the straddles of balancing between personal pursuits and nurturing Middle Tech. Reflecting on the transition to SalesRiver, Logan discusses the changes, learnings, and challenges it brought along. Evan discusses his learning from starting and exiting Symba. Season six was marked with exceptional events and collaborations with Blue North and the Game Change initiative with UK Innovate. The team shares their
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266. Jane Mosbacher Morris of TO THE MARKET: Driving Transformation in Ethical Supply Chains
27/11/2023 Duración: 34minIn this episode, Logan and Evan go deep into another exciting conversation with Jane Morris. We’re delighted to welcome Jane back after a year, this time, shedding light on her journey with TO THE MARKET. Jane gives a comprehensive update on the fascinating strides her supply chain software has been making in the ethical and sustainable procurement space. Gain insights on TO THE MARKET's innovative approach, understand how their ethical supply chain differentiates from everyday logistics, and learn about the stakes in ethical and sustainable. Visit us at MiddleTech.com Follow Us Twitter Instagram Facebook LinkedIn Logan's Twitter
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265. Roland Achenjand of C2 Keep on Leveraging Spirituality in Startups
20/11/2023 Duración: 41minIn this episode, Evan speaks with Roland Achenjand, a pharmacist turned tech entrepreneur. As the founder of C2 Keep, a compliance management tool for pharmacies, Roland brought his intimate knowledge of healthcare regulations into the realm of technology. From Kentucky to the wider United States, C2 Keep has grown to make an impact in the world of pharmacy regulation. This episode dives into Roland's process of building C2 Keep, his spiritual awakening and the valuable insights he's garnered along his journey. Discover how Roland successfully navigated through the challenges of starting a company under strenuous circumstances. With approximately 90 customers and growing, plus recent accomplishments in securing funding, C2 Keep holds promise for the future. Visit us at MiddleTech.com Follow Us Twitter Instagram
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264: Katie Trauth Taylor of Narratize on Unlocking the Potential of Generative AI
13/11/2023 Duración: 45minIn this episode, Evan sits down with Katie Trauth Taylor, the founder of Narratize. Katie is a serial founder with a passion for innovation storytelling and a background in narrative science. Her journey includes spearheading her first company, Untold Content, which focused on accelerating innovation through storytelling. With her expertise in language patterns and narrative algorithms, Katie recognized the power of generative AI in transforming how professionals write and communicate at work. During the episode, Katie discusses the challenges and opportunities in the generative AI space, highlighting the importance of collaboration and the role of large language models in enterprise solutions. She explains how Narratize, as a generative AI storytelling platform, helps professionals in science, tech, and medical industries elevate their workflows by seamlessly generating insights, summaries, and deliverables for various content needs. Additionally, Katie emphasizes the significance of diversity and inclusion
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263. Riya Shah of Fetal Life: Student Founder Revolutionizing Maternal Health
06/11/2023 Duración: 33minIn this episode Evan welcomes Riya Shah, an exceptional young founder and the driving force behind Fetal Life. Riya shares her amazing story of inventing a patented at-home contraction monitoring device for pregnant women, revolutionizing the way they track contractions. Join Evan and Riya as they discuss her journey as a student entrepreneur, the challenges of balancing startup life with college, and the incredible impact Fetal Life is making in the medical space. From securing FDA approval to forming partnerships in remote areas like Uganda, Ria's determination and vision are shaping the future of maternal health. Tune in to gain insights into Riya's innovative solutions and the transformative power of Fetal Life. Visit us at MiddleTech.com Follow Us Twitter Instagram Facebook
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262. Matthew Sunday of The Corps on Taking High-Stakes Concepts from Ideas to Reality
30/10/2023 Duración: 39minIn the latest episode of the Middle Tech Spotlight Series, we sat down with Matthew Sunday, the founder and Chief Engineer of The Corps. The Corps specializes in bringing ideas and concepts to reality for the Department of Defense and other high stakes organizations where lives are quite literally on the line. Our conversation covered various aspects of Matthew’s journey, starting with enlisting in the Marines out of high school, earning a graduate degree in Mechanical Engineering, serving 30 years in the fire and police services, and then finally starting The Corps. Matthew’s story is one of gaining first hand experience of the problems that individuals in high-stakes organizations face in their day to day responsibilities, and applying his engineering background and network to provide solutions for a variety of problems those individuals encountered. As I joked on the podcast, Matt plays a similar role to “Q” in the James Bond movies, albeit providing more realistic products than tricked out Aston Martins a
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Middle Tech Live | A Panel Discussion on The State of Innovation and Entrepreneurship in KY
23/10/2023 Duración: 55minFor this week’s episode, we’re releasing a panel discussion recorded live at the 2023 SOAR Summit in Corbin, Kentucky. Moderated by Logan Jones, our panelists included Lincoln Brown, Geoff Marietta, Sabrina McWhorter, and JP Blevins. A primary theme of the discussion was diving into the differences between small business entrepreneurship and high-growth-startup entrepreneurship; exploring how we as a state should think of and support the different types of entrepreneurs and how they each comprise a part of the larger whole of our entrepreneurial ecosystem. Visit us at MiddleTech.com Follow Us Twitter Instagram Facebook LinkedIn Logan's Twitter Evan's Twi
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261. Akhil Suresh Nair on AI-Driven Ecommerce Success
16/10/2023 Duración: 47minIn this episode, we're joined by Akhil Suresh Nair, the founder of Xena Intelligence, a remarkable company based right here in the heart of Kentucky. Xena Intelligence has pioneered an AI-powered eCommerce tool that's making a significant impact on businesses. We'll delve into Ankil's entrepreneurial journey, starting from what motivated him to create this tool, inspired by personal experiences, including his father's challenges in marketing life-saving products. We'll explore how this tool operates, sharing real success stories from small businesses that have harnessed its potential. We'll also take a look behind the scenes at Xena Intelligence, discussing the global tech team Ankil has assembled, their current market presence, and their ambitious plans for future expansion. In addition, we'll uncover how the state of Kentucky has played a pivotal role in shaping Xena Intelligence's development and success. Finally, we'll touch on the key elements our startup ecosyste
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260. Becca Self & Wes Murry of Hunsicker on Building a Lexington-Based Venture Studio
25/09/2023 Duración: 57minIn this episode, Logan sat down with Becca Self and Wes Murry from Hunsicker, a Lexington-based Venture Studio. Our conversation covers the venture studio model, Hunsicker's "Kentucky Advantage", and their approach to social impact through their ventures. Visit us at MiddleTech.com Follow Us Twitter Instagram Facebook LinkedIn Logan's Twitter Evan's Twitter Middle Tech is proud to be supported by: KY Innovation Bolt Marketing
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259. Koby Hastings & Chris Michelson on Navigating the SalesRiver: Evolution, Fundraising, and Growth
18/09/2023 Duración: 55minIn this episode, Logan and Evan sit down with Koby Hastings and Chris Michelson from SalesRiver (formerly Leadrilla) in Lexington, Kentucky. SalesRiver's software is transforming how insurance sales teams work, making them more efficient, transparent, and compliant. Today, we'll catch up with Koby and Chris, discussing their recent achievements: They raised $4 million in a Series A funding round. They rebranded as SalesRiver. Their team has grown to 23 members. We also introduce Chris Michelson and delve into his career journey to becoming SalesRiver's Chief Revenue Officer. Learn why Leadrilla became SalesRiver and how the new name reflects their mission. SalesRiver signifies the dynamic nature of the sales process. They also unveil a new feature called "Teams." Discover SalesRiver's vision for the future, including AI features, expansion strategies, and revenue goals. Join us for a candid conversation about the ins and outs of SalesRiver's remarkable journey. https://sale
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258. Nick Durham on Investing in the Built World
11/09/2023 Duración: 45minOn this week’s episode, we sat down with Nick Durham, one of the general partners at Shadow Ventures. Shadow Ventures focuses on investing in companies building technology for the “built world” (ie construction & real estate) and they recently established an office in Louisville, led by Nick.Our conversation covered Shadow Venture’s investment thesis for investing in the built world, their approach to partnering with large firms in the construction & real estate space to give their portfolio companies access early customers, and Nick’s perspective on Kentucky’s startup ecosystem. https://shadow.vc/ https://www.bizjournals.com/louisville/inno/stories/news/2023/06/14/shadow-ventures-plants-roots-in-louisville.html Visit us at MiddleTech.com Follow Us Twitter Instagram Facebook LinkedIn