Middle Tech

On this week's Spotlight Series, caught up with Albert Lukonga, Founder and CEO of Albert Couture - Kentucky's First "Fashion House". We originally spoke with Albert back in 2020 for ep. 112, right when he was getting the business off the ground. Since then, Albert has been making waves not only in Kentucky, but in the fashion world as a whole. He's recently opened up his flagship store - The House of Albert Couture - in Lexington, Kentucky, as well as purchase the rights to "Kentucky Fashion Week" We chat about Albert's early successes, the role of his Kentucky community and early supporters In getting him this far, and his vision for the continued growth of Albert Couture. Visit us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠MiddleTech.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  Follow Us ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Twitter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

In this episode, we're excited to sit down with Jennifer Mason, the driving force behind TitleWise, an innovative company that's making waves right here in Lexington. Jennifer Mason is no stranger to the world of entrepreneurship, and as the creative mind behind TitleWise, she's taken her own experiences and translated them into an inspiring solution. Facing the challenges of her own, she crafted an app that has become a game-changer in the real estate sector, especially during the tumultuous times of the COVID-19 pandemic. Join us as we delve into the story of how Jennifer's team managed to harness their unique insights to accommodate the unprecedented demand for their services. At TitleWise, they're more than just a company – they're a team that's empowering human researchers to wield technology as a tool for better decision-making. Collaborating closely with settlement companies, TitleWise leverages its prowess to gather and process property title information, effectively distin

In this week's episode, Logan and Evan explore the world of fusion energy with groundbreaking news from the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. For the second time, they've achieved net energy gain in a fusion reaction, pushing the boundaries of scientific discovery. We break down the significance of this achievement and its potential implications for the energy sector. Next up, we delve into the acquisition of Louisville-based accounting tech startup Sentient Solutions. Recently acquired by Ascend, this move showcases the influence of AI-driven solutions on traditional industries. We discuss the motivations behind the acquisition and explore the role of technology in transforming the way CPA firms operate. References Scientists at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory achieve net energy gain in a fusion reaction for a second time Louisville accounting tech startup acquired Neuralink raises $280m in funding led by Thiel’s Founders Fund Visit us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠MiddleTech.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

In the latest episode of the Middle Tech Spotlight Series, we had an enlightening conversation with Adam VanWingerden, the co-founder and CEO of Silver Fern, a company that is simplifying the complex world of the horticulture industry. Silver Fern offers modular ERP software designed to help growers make key changes for growth without the typical growing pains. From unlimited customer support to seamless integration, Silver Fern is perfect for growers looking to find simplicity, certainty, and efficiency. Our conversation with Adam VanWingerden delved into the challenges and successes Silver Fern has experienced, how Adam approaches building a team and processes, and how they save time, money, and stress for their clients. Learn More: https://silverfern.com/ Adam VanWingerden's LinkedIn Visit us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠MiddleTech.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  Follow Us ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Twitter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠L

This week, Logan and Evan start off by discussing Forecastr, a promising business-to-business, software-as-a-service company that recently raised an impressive $4.5 million in funding. With plans to allocate the capital to product development, sales, and finance, Forecastr aims to further expand its presence in the market. Join us as we explore Forecastr's impressive growth trajectory and the impact it could have on the tech startup landscape. Next up, we dive into the world of cryptocurrencies with the intriguing launch of Worldcoin's crypto project. At the heart of this project lies the World ID, a "digital passport" designed to verify real humans and differentiate them from AI bots. We'll discuss the project's vision for combating income inequality through concepts like universal basic income (UBI) and the potential role of World IDs in this endeavor. Tune in to learn more about Worldcoin's ambitious mission and its potential implications for the future. Lastly, we'll unco

On this episode of the Middle Tech Spotlight Series, we sat down with Armando Diaz, the creative force behind Working With Saint, a design agency making waves in the creative space. Armando shares his journey from the inception of Working With Saint to its current success, discussing the challenges of running a design agency, managing cash flow, finding ways to monetize, and keeping up with industry trends. We also discuss the role of generative AI in branding and design, and how it's helped his agency improve their research and speed up their processes. He shares his thoughts on the future of design agencies as it relates to AI and how he envisions it evolving. We also delve into Armando's unique approach to running his business, focusing on creating an environment for his team to thrive and being proactive in increasing their cash flow. Learn More: ⁠https://www.workingwithsaint.com/ Armando Diaz LinkedIn Visit us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠MiddleTech.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  Follow Us ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Twitter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

In this episode, Logan and Evan start by discussing the recent bankruptcy filing of AppHarvest and its efforts to reorganize and improve operational efficiency. Next, they delve into the KY Solar project, an ambitious initiative to transform a former coal mine into a massive solar energy center. They also share exciting news about a groundbreaking physics discovery—a new superconductor material called LK-99 that operates at room temperature, with potential applications in quantum computing and energy transmission. Lastly, Logan and Evan shed light on a concerning report indicating that women are at a higher risk of AI job replacement, leading to a discussion on the impact of AI on workforce gender disparities. Reference Articles AppHarvest Bankruptcy: https://www.wkyt.com/2023/07/24/appharvest-files-bankruptcy/ Starfire Solar Project: https://www.wymt.com/2023/07/25/kentuckys-largest-renewable-power-project-former-coal-mine-be-turned-into-renewable-energy-site/ Superconductor Breakthrough: https://www.indepen

In this episode, Logan and Evan discuss the recent announcement of a game-changing partnership between tech giants Microsoft and Meta. They are teaming up to bring you Llama 2, Meta's open-source LLM (Large Language Model), as a free resource on Microsoft's Azure cloud computing platform. This move opens up unprecedented opportunities for innovation in the AI space, while also raising important questions about the responsible use of such powerful technology. We'll explore the pros and cons of open-source AI models and the potential implications they may have on the industry as a whole. Next, we turn our attention to one of the biggest players in the tech world, Apple. Bloomberg reports that Apple has quietly been working on its own framework for creating large language models, called Ajax. This significant development has already sent shockwaves through the industry, as Apple's cautious approach hints at plans to integrate AI into their existing ecosystem in a transformative way. Join us as we

In this series, we bring you candid conversations with entrepreneurs, investors, and ecosystem supporters who are shaping the future of innovation. Today, we sit down with Adam Bowe, the mastermind behind Cake, a game-changing platform based in Lexington, KY. Cake is the one-stop marketplace for buying and selling insurance agents' books of business. Join us as Adam shares the story behind Cake's success and how this platform is revolutionizing the insurance industry's landscape. Stay tuned for more insightful episodes where we uncover the untold stories of innovation and growth, and gain valuable industry insights from the best in the business. Learn More: https://www.haveyourcake.com/ Adam Bowe's LinkedIn Visit us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠MiddleTech.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  Follow Us ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Twitter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Logan's Twitter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Evan's Twitter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Welcome to Middle Tech Podcast, in this episode, we bring you the latest updates on AppHarvest's struggles as founder Jonathan Webb steps back, and the agricultural startup faces challenges with creditors and potential eviction. Our hosts, Logan and Evan, share their insights on the implications of these developments for the Kentucky-based company and the controlled environment agriculture industry. Next up, we delve into a concerning case involving Facebook data, where a teen and her mother plead guilty to abortion charges based on private messages obtained by authorities. Uncover the unsettling reality of how private communications can impact legal proceedings and spark debates around data privacy and government access to personal information. And that's not all! Stay tuned as we discuss the exciting launch of xAI, a new artificial intelligence company led by Elon Musk himself. With a team of industry veterans from tech giants like Google, Microsoft, and Tesla, xAI aims to "understand the unive

In this episode, we feature Randall, founder of Avail, a groundbreaking software platform in the architecture and engineering industry. We discuss leveraging Exif data, the power of generative AI, and balancing innovation and regulation. Tune in to hear Randall's entrepreneurial journey and learn about the milestones achieved by Avail. Get ready for an insightful conversation about the future of technology in architecture and engineering. Learn More: https://getavail.com/ Randall's Linkedin Visit us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠MiddleTech.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  Follow Us ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Twitter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Logan's Twitter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Evan's Twitter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

In this episode, Logan and Evan kick off by highlighting Rivian's game-changing investment in Kentucky, where they plan to establish a state-of-the-art remanufacturing facility. Discover how this move will support warranty, repair, and service needs for their electric vehicles. Next, we dive into the highly anticipated launch of Threads by Meta, a direct competitor to Twitter. Explore Meta's vision for Threads and the impact it may have on the social media landscape, while we share our thoughts on Twitter's response and potential challenges ahead. Then, we discuss Twitter's recent introduction of rate limits, a move aimed at curbing AI companies that scrape content for training their models. Find out how these rate limits may impact user experience and the platform's efforts to combat bot activity. Finally, we explore OpenAI's growth struggles, including the temporary disabling of ChatGPT's Browse feature and the class-action lawsuit filed against OpenAI for allegedly scraping priv

Welcome to the Spotlight Series, where we shine a light on extraordinary individuals who have forged their own path to success. In the latest episode of the Middle Tech Spotlight Series, we sat down with JP Blevins, a former University of Kentucky basketball player who has played a significant role in building two hyper-successful companies: Live Oak Bank and nCino. Our conversation covered various aspects of his journey, including his transition from sports to business, the growth and success of Live Oak Bank and nCino, and the lessons learned along the way. Learn More: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.liveoakbank.com/ JP's LinkedIn Visit us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠MiddleTech.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  Follow Us ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Twitter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Logan's Twitter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Evan's Twitter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

In this episode, Logan and Evan cover the intriguing clash between Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg, as they consider a cage fight and engage in a Twitter feud. We'll dive into the details of their challenge and discuss the potential charitable aspect of the fight. Plus, we explore Meta's move to develop a Twitter competitor under the working title P92 and its implications for the social media landscape. Elon Musk shares his concerns about Facebook's control over another platform, raising questions about the impact on society. In addition, we bring you the latest on the federal seizure of BreachForums, a notorious hacking site, and the arrest of its administrator. We examine the challenges faced by hacking forums and the efforts of law enforcement agencies to combat cybercriminals. Furthermore, we delve into the Kentucky legislature's consideration of AI regulation. With AI technology rapidly advancing, lawmakers are beginning to explore the need for regulations and address concerns related to da

On this episode of the Middle Tech Spotlight Series, we sat down with Monique Quarterman, Executive Director of KY Innovation.KY Innovation is the Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development’s Office of Entrepreneurship, and they’re responsible for supporting and developing our state’s startup ecosystem. Through the support of organizations such as Middle Tech, as well as their regional hubs (Awesome Inc, SOAR, Blue North, Amplify Louisville, Grow West, and Create) they deploy resources to empower those within the startup community.Our conversation with Monique covers how they do what they do, what’s been accomplished so far, and where their focus is going into the future. Learn More Follow Monique Quarterman on LinkedIn Follow Our Socials Twitter https://www.twitter.com/middletechpod Instagram https://www.instagram.com/middletechpodFacebook LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/middletech/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/middletechpod Logan's Twitter https://twitter.com/lojo_ky Evan's Tw

In this episode of the Middle Tech Podcast, Logan and Evan discuss the recent changes to the Reddit API, Intel's groundbreaking quantum chip, and the opening of Shadow Ventures' operations in Louisville. We explore the controversies surrounding Reddit's API changes and the implications for AI companies training on its data. We also delve into Intel's Tunnel Falls quantum chip and its potential to revolutionize computing. Lastly, we discuss Shadow Ventures' entry into Louisville's tech scene and their efforts to leverage technology in the construction industry. On our AI Edge segment, we bring you an interesting story about Mercedes adding ChatGPT to its infotainment system. We discuss the implications of this integration and the future of AI in the automotive industry. 0:00 - Intro 1:50 - Reddit's API changes 4:16 - Intel's Quantum Chip 7:20 - New Venture Fund in Louisville 9:07 - Mercedes Adds ChatPGT 10:55 - AI Tip of the Week Visit us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠MiddleTech.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

In this episode of the Middle Tech Spotlight Series, we sit down with Josh Lay, the founder of Nymbl Systems, a medical records and practice management system. Josh shares the elevator pitch for Nymbl Systems, highlighting its efficiency in managing patient records, scheduling, and billing, allowing healthcare providers to spend more time with patients. He discusses the evolution of the business, starting in Lexington and later moving to Phoenix before settling in Columbus. The challenges Josh faced included fundraising and finding investors who understood the market potential beyond the narrow focus of orthotics and prosthetics. However, with the help of a lead investor, the business model expanded, unlocking new markets and growth opportunities. Josh emphasizes the importance of location and the supportive startup ecosystem in Columbus, with its vibrant community and resources for founders. He also highlights the success of Nymbl Systems in becoming a core system of records, enabling the monetization of add

In this episode of the Middle Tech Podcast, Logan and Evan discuss the AppHarvest foreclosure lawsuit, where Equilibrium Capital alleges that AppHarvest breached its obligations, leading to a potential liquidation of assets. Logan and Evan share their insights on the implications and possible outcomes of this legal battle. Next, we explore the recent development in the electric vehicle charging landscape. With Tesla's charging standard becoming the dominant force, owners of GM and Ford EVs will soon be able to charge at Tesla's extensive network of stations. Our hosts discuss the short-term benefits for GM and Ford, as well as the long-term implications that position Tesla as a dominant player in the market. Lastly, we delve into the regulatory actions taken by the SEC against major cryptocurrency exchanges Coinbase and Binance. As the SEC asserts its jurisdiction over the crypto industry, the lawsuits and potential regulations have far-reaching effects. Logan and Evan offer their perspectives on the

In this episode of Middle Tech, Logan and Evan discuss three big stories in the tech world: Toyota's investment in sustainable energy and Elon Musk's Neuralink getting FDA approval. We'll also talk about Nvidia's brief brush with a $1 trillion valuation. Toyota Sustainable Energy Toyota has announced that it will be investing $591 million in its Kentucky manufacturing plant to produce a new battery electric vehicle. The plant is expected to create 9,000 new jobs and will help Toyota achieve its goal of carbon neutrality in North America by 2035. The investment is part of Toyota's broader commitment to sustainable energy. The company has already invested heavily in solar and wind power, and it plans to continue to increase its use of renewable energy sources. Neuralink Gets FDA Approval Elon Musk's Neuralink company has received FDA approval to begin human trials of its brain-computer interface implant. The implant is designed to help people with severe paralysis regain communication an

On this weeks episode, we’re sharing the recording from our live panel discussion about Angel Investing in Kentucky. The panel included Brad Luttrell, CEO & Cofounder GoWild & Holler Commerce, Gregg Morton, CEO & Cofounder of Fooji, and Jeb Jerrell, Director of Render Capital’s Angel Network. Moderated by Evan Knowles, the discussion covers feedback on KY’s Angel networks, tactical advice for fundraising, KY fundraising data, and more. A special shoutout to our sponsors of the event, Chase Bank, KY Innovation, and Awesome Inc! Thanks for helping us make the event happen. 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