How Two Tech Entrepreneurs Turned a Startup Dream into a $10.6M Reality

What does it really take to build a tech startup from scratch — not in Silicon Valley, but in Pittsburgh — and grow it into a company that just landed $10.6 million in growth capital? On this episode of 10 Minute Tech Talks, we sit down with Alison Alvarez and Tomer Borenstein, the co-founders of BlastPoint, a Pittsburgh-based AI company that's spent nearly a decade perfecting how data can drive smarter business decisions. Their story is one of grit, patience, and the power of building something meaningful over time. You'll hear how Alison and Tomer: Turned a class project at Carnegie Mellon into a national AI success story, powered by sheer determination (and a few late nights with chickens watching from the windowsill). Balanced day jobs, family, and startup dreams for years before finally jumping in full-time — a masterclass in sustainable entrepreneurship. Navigated Pittsburgh's unique startup ecosystem, proving that community support and local roots can be just as powerful as coastal capital. As Alison puts it, "Starting a company is like chasing a crazy dream — but if we hadn't done it, BlastPoint wouldn't exist." Their reflections on resilience, growth, and staying grounded in Pittsburgh's tech scene make this episode a must-listen for any entrepreneur who's ever wondered if it's still possible to build something great the hard way — with integrity, perseverance, and a love for where you live. Hit PLAY now to hear how two tech entrepreneurs turned persistence into progress — and why their best chapters are just beginning. Listen to their entire interview on TechVibe Radio here. This is a podcast for tech and manufacturing  entrepreneurs exploring the tech ecosystem, from cyber security and AI to SaaS, robotics, and life sciences, featuring insights to satisfy the tech curious.