Atlanta Startup Podcast

In this candid LP roundtable, Lisa Calhoun, Founder of Valor Ventures, is joined by sophisticated investors Tom Weithman, CIO of Virginia Innovation Partnership Corporation, and Beth Kytle Chandler, Managing Director at Cresset, to unpack how venture capital is evolving across the South in 2026. From the return of exits and capital recycling to disciplined AI investing and the power of patient, regionally anchored capital, this conversation offers rare LP-level clarity on what matters heading into 2026—and why the South is increasingly where venture fundamentals resonate.Let's take this conversation to real time. Join Valor for an upcoming event.

🎙️ Venture Atlanta 2025: Know Before You GoGet insider highlights from VCs, founders, and corporate partners so you can hit the ground running. Tune in now and be ready for the Southeast’s biggest startup conference!Let's take this conversation to real time. Join Valor for an upcoming event.

Start here, scale anywhere. Discover what founders and investors need to succeed with Anastasia (Nicole) Simon, new Managing Partner of Techstars Atlanta, and why she’s certain the South is where startups should scale now. Let's take this conversation to real time. Join Valor for an upcoming event.

The South is heating up in AI. On this deep dive special episode of the Atlanta Startup Podcast, our AI-generated hosts break down where founders are building real enterprise traction, how local talent is leading the way, and what’s shifting in this new phase of the AI cycle. Don’t miss this numbers-driven snapshot of the South’s innovation frontier.Let's take this conversation to real time. Join Valor for an upcoming event.

Summer in Atlanta means a fresh crop of rainbow umbrellas slinging fresh pops and friendly smiles.Meet Steven Carse, co-founder and CEO of the iconic Atlanta brand King of Pops, in our July podcast. He says "today IS the good ole days." Listen in as he shares his surprising recipe for fun at work and at home every single day. If you hate work right now, if the heat is getting you down, if you wish you were someplace else sometimes, this episode is for you.Let's take this conversation to real time. Join Valor for an upcoming event.

Enjoy this radically transparent conversation with Jennifer Dorian, CEO of WABE, a “76 year old startup.”  Hosted by Lisa Calhoun, managing partner at Valor Ventures, these leaders drive into topics of truth and courage today, including:How public broadcasting shapes culture, community, and innovation, particularly in AtlantaHow storytelling, and the perception of truth, is changingResearch that reveals new deceptive tendencies in the most advanced AILeadership lessons as CEOs, including knowing when “be a killer”Achieving more by doing lessJennifer brings a national media lens to Atlanta’s evolving reality—sharing insights on her own high impact leadership, local business pressures, and, most importantly–why now is a defining moment for all of us in how we seek and experience truth. VALOR AI IN THE SOUTH REPORTWABE PINTS AND POLITICS TRIVIA NIGHTEMAIL TO REACH WABE LEADERSHIP TEAM: [email protected] TO PROTECT ATLANTA PUBLIC MEDIAPOST ON AI MODEL DECEPTIONSEFFORTLESS, the book#AtlantaStartups #Leadership #PublicMedia #WABENews #CivicInnovationLet's take this conversation to real time. Join Valor for an upcoming event.

We tracked 123 new startups, uncovered key trends around revenues and financings, and broke it all down in an 11-page Valor Ventures report.Better news! You don’t even have to read it. Hit the highlights in this week’s special podcast, hosted by our favorite AI hosts. Get your copy of the AI IN THE SOUTH Q1 2025 report.Get a detailed, AI review of your deck, focusing on what it takes to be perfectly investor-ready.Check out Notebook LLM, which we used to generate this podcast.#AIintheSouth #AIEcosystem #SouthernStartups #AITrends2025 #TechInnovation #FutureOfAI  Let's take this conversation to real time. Join Valor for an upcoming event.

What if the key to unlocking true autonomy isn’t just more real-world testing—but a perfect digital twin of reality?Meet Autonoma, the company revolutionizing AI and autonomy through ultra-high-fidelity simulation. From self-driving cars to smart cities, their tech is accelerating the future—faster than real time.🔹 Why simulation? Because 11 billion miles of real-world driving is impossible—unless you can simulate it.🔹 Beyond cars: Airports, warehouses, even entire digital cities are using Autonoma to test, predict, and optimize autonomy.🔹 The future is now: Imagine redesigning roads before they’re built, or stress-testing a city for the World Cup—all in a virtual sandbox."The line between simulation and reality is vanishing." – Will Bryan, CEO of Autonoma🚗💨 Want a glimpse of the future? Tune in to discover how AI, autonomy, and simulation are transforming everything.The revolution is simulated. Let's take this conversation to real time. Join Valor for an upcoming event.

Join Lisa Calhoun and Christy Johnson, Performance Engineering Leader at BIP Capital, for an inspiring and insightful conversation on what it takes to build, scale, and thrive in innovation today. From Christy’s unique journey—from rural Costa Rica to leading high-growth companies—to defining the milestones that matter, this episode is packed with actionable advice for founders and investors alike. Whether you're a founder navigating the challenges of scaling or an investor hunting exceptional value, this conversation is a must-listen.Let's take this conversation to real time. Join Valor for an upcoming event.

In this episode, Lisa Calhoun sits down with Atlanta visionary entrepreneur David Cummings to explore the transformative changes he’s instigated in the heart of Atlanta. David offers a deep dive into his mission to revitalize the city through the purchase of a sixteen acre lot of historic property–and urban blight.Tune in for an inspiring conversation about the past, present, and future of one of America’s most exciting cities.Don’t miss this chance to learn about the big ideas and investments driving Atlanta’s urban revival. You’ll learn how this affects you, and how you can get involved in one of the most ambitious and visionary urban revitalization projects in the world.Let's take this conversation to real time. Join Valor for an upcoming event.

Get ready for an exciting episode of the Atlanta StartUp Podcast! Founders, ever wondered if you’ve raised too much or too little capital? Not sure how to lock in the best terms in today’s market? Or maybe you’re asking, "Is the South the next big hub for funding, or should I head to the coasts?" We’ve got you covered! This month, we’re joined by Peter Walker, Head of Insights at Carta, who brings his sharp expertise and a treasure trove of data-driven insights. Peter recently visited us in Atlanta for VC Day, where he revealed that a surprising 25% of Carta’s data comes from our Southern region! Don’t miss out on this chance to hear directly from one of the brightest minds in venture capital. Tune in now for an episode packed with valuable tips and fresh perspectives!Let's take this conversation to real time. Join Valor for an upcoming event.

In this episode of the Atlanta Startup Podcast, we welcome Jillian Anderson, founder of HERide, the innovative ridesharing platform designed to provide safe, reliable, and inclusive transportation for women. HERide is reshaping the ridesharing industry by addressing the unique safety concerns faced by women while empowering women drivers. Jillian recently won the EmpowerHER award, presented by NCR Foundation, at the 28th Startup Runway showcase. Tune in to learn how HERide is making transportation safer and more empowering, and get inspired by Jillian’s vision for the future of ridesharing.Let's take this conversation to real time. Join Valor for an upcoming event.

In this episode of the Atlanta Startup Podcast, we’re joined by Lauren Siff, Founder of SurgicalEd VR, the groundbreaking platform that won the first showcase in the Startup Runway Virginia program in Richmond. SurgicalEd VR is redefining how surgical training is approached, offering immersive VR simulations that make training more accessible and effective. Lauren shares her journey, her vision for improving medical education through technology, and the impact of winning the Startup Runway Virginia showcase. Tune in to learn how SurgicalEd VR is transforming the future of surgical education and training.Let's take this conversation to real time. Join Valor for an upcoming event.

The Cleveland Clinic recently tapped an Atlanta entrepreneur to lead one of its cutting-edge healthcare innovation companies. In this episode, we dive into a conversation with Linda Li, Partner, at the Cleveland Clinic. Discover how they’re driving innovation, their investment strategies, and the key trends they’re tracking. Founders, this is your chance to learn how to connect with the Cleveland Clinic’s innovation team. They’re eager to meet with healthcare, AI, and patient care startups in person at HLTH in Las Vegas this October. Join Valor Managing Partner Lisa Calhoun as she chats with her Kauffman Fellows colleague, venture investor Linda Li, about the exciting and fast-evolving frontiers of healthcare.Let's take this conversation to real time. Join Valor for an upcoming event.

Lisa Calhoun, Founding General Partner of Valor VC, released a new podcast titled "AI Startups in the South: Highlights Q3 2024." In this episode, she breaks down key insights from Valor's latest report, exploring trends, opportunities, and actionable strategies for early-stage startups, alongside our AI host.Tune in now to catch all the insights! And don’t forget to download the full report here: https://valor.docsend.com/view/25sic3tauqpxikcgLet's take this conversation to real time. Join Valor for an upcoming event.

In this special episode for Venture Atlanta Week, we're dropping a first-of-its-kind podcast--AI talking to AI, about AI. No kidding! Content is completely vetted, but no human voice boxes were abused in this podcast's creation. Listen in to hear about how Valor uses AI to help founders get discovered. You won't be disappointed, and we can't wait to hear your thoughts on this unique episode. Would you enjoy more episodes from our synthetic hosts?Let's take this conversation to real time. Join Valor for an upcoming event.

Join us on this episode of the Atlanta Startup Podcast as we sit down with Raha Saremi, founder of Ecoatex, a pioneering company in sustainable fashion and textiles. Ecoatex is dedicated to offering eco-friendly, non-toxic textiles and synthetic leather that significantly reduce environmental impact. Raha recently earned the Women’s Empowerment Award, presented by NCR Foundation, at the 26th Startup Runway Pitch Showcase. Tune in to learn how Ecoatex is changing the game in sustainable fashion and what’s next for this trailblazing company.Let's take this conversation to real time. Join Valor for an upcoming event.

In this episode of the Atlanta Startup Podcast, we dive into a conversation with Georgina Dukes-Harris, the visionary founder of Swishvo. Swishvo is transforming the healthcare landscape by providing a platform that connects individuals seeking holistic medicine with skilled healers, while also supporting holistic practitioners in building their businesses. Georgina shares her journey of launching Swishvo, her insights on the growing demand for holistic health options, and reflects on her recent success as the winner of the Judge's Prize at the 26th Startup Runway Pitch Showcase. Tune in to discover how Swishvo is making holistic healthcare more accessible and empowering both patients and providers on their journey to better health.Let's take this conversation to real time. Join Valor for an upcoming event.

Join us on this episode of the Atlanta Startup Podcast as we welcome the innovative Brian Glover, Founder of Previewed. Tune in to our conversation about how Previewed is transforming the job interview process through immersive videos, gamification, and AI matching. We’ll also delve into Brian’s recent success, winning the Audience Choice Award at the 26th Edition of the Startup Runway pitch showcase. Discover how Previewed is reshaping hiring and creating a better experience for both job seekers and employers.Let's take this conversation to real time. Join Valor for an upcoming event.

In this engaging episode of the Atlanta Startup Podcast, Lisa Calhoun sits down with Daniel Dorfman, co-founder of Roots Investment Community, to explore their groundbreaking real estate investment model. Roots uniquely allows renters to invest and build wealth alongside traditional investors, creating a mutually beneficial system. Daniel delves into their data-driven strategies, the importance of democratizing real estate investment, and how they achieve remarkable occupancy and renewal rates. Tune in to discover how Roots is reshaping the real estate landscape by fostering a community-centric approach and delivering impressive returns for all stakeholders.Let's take this conversation to real time. Join Valor for an upcoming event.

In this episode of the Atlanta Startup Podcast, Lisa Calhoun interviews Chris Keller, a Kauffman Fellow and partner at Catalyst Partners. They discussed Chris's career journey and his work in seeding new private equity firms. Chris shared some insights from his research on emerging managers, highlighting their significant outperformance compared to established funds. He explains that first-time funds often deliver higher returns with relatively low additional risk. The conversation covers the importance of firm-building skills in new fund managers and the current investor sentiment towards emerging managers. Chris emphasizes the potential for strong returns and partnership opportunities with early-stage investment firms. Don't miss this episode!Let's take this conversation to real time. Join Valor for an upcoming event.

Join us on this episode of the Atlanta Startup Podcast as we welcome the inspiring Janessa Ferrel, founder of QuestRead. Dive into our conversation about how QuestRead is dedicated to enhancing literacy by providing interactive reading experiences customized to match children's interests and learning levels. We'll also discuss Janessa's recent achievement of winning the Women’s Empowerment Award at the 25th Edition of the Startup Runway pitch showcase. Tune in to discover how QuestRead makes reading engaging and accessible for young learners everywhere.Let's take this conversation to real time. Join Valor for an upcoming event.

In today’s episode of the Atlanta Startup Podcast, we sat down with Scott Lopano, newly promoted Partner at Tech Square Ventures in Atlanta. Scott opens up about his journey from Associate to Partner, sharing real reflections on his career ascension. We get into his top fundraising tips for early-stage founders navigating today's market and highlight the rise of VC platforms and how they're creating value for portfolio companies. Then, the conversation shifts gears to talk GTM strategy, as William and Scott break down how the best startups are leveraging AI tools to drive efficient GTM motions and unlock efficient growth & scale. This episode is packed with practical advice you won't want to miss.Let's take this conversation to real time. Join Valor for an upcoming event.

Explore how Dena Lewis transforms the running experience with Running Mate on this episode of the Atlanta Startup Podcast. Learn about her journey to create a safer runner environment through a real-time, on-demand app that pairs them with verified, safe mates. Dena's personal experiences and dedication to runner safety drive this innovative solution, making every run safer and more enjoyable. Don't miss this insightful conversation with one of the winners of the 25th Edition of the Startup Runway Showcase.Let's take this conversation to real time. Join Valor for an upcoming event.

Software founders, as you grow to millions in ARR, are you encountering bigger tax liabilities than you anticipate? Transaction tax law is evolving fast, and if you're not prepared, rather than sell your startup at the price you agreed to in the LOI, you can find after diligence you get significantly less if you don't prepare in advance.In this episode, join Lisa Calhoun, founder and managing partner at Valor Ventures, as she delves into the intricacies of transaction tax with Rob Piechota from Alvarez and Marsal. Rob sheds light on the often-overlooked tax implications that arise after a software startup signs an acquisition deal. From state and local tax considerations to the impact of the Wayfair decision on SaaS businesses, Rob shares invaluable insights and best practices for founders aiming for a seamless acquisition. Tune in to learn how to navigate these complexities and ensure your startup is acquisition-ready.Let's take this conversation to real time. Join Valor for an upcoming event.

This episode of the Atlanta Startup Podcast is your golden ticket. ️ We're diving deep into the journeys of two successful founders at the Startup Runway's 25th Showcase, Damola Ogundipe, the mind behind the revolutionary AI platform for lobbyists - Plural, and Kristen Dunning, the creator of plant-based skincare magic - Gently Soap. Damola and Kristen shared their winning strategies, including Building trust with investors, Finding your funding soulmate, and Crafting a pitch that captivates.Don't miss this opportunity to gain invaluable insights from these funding rockstars! This episode is packed with actionable advice that could be the key to unlocking your startup's full potential. Get ready to unlock the secrets to landing that life-changing first investment!Let's take this conversation to real time. Join Valor for an upcoming event.

Today on the Virginia startup podcast, we're joined by Gene Riechers, Venture Partner at Sands Capital Management & Seda Goff, Founder and General Partner at Flintlock Capital to unpack the momentum fueling the Virginia startup ecosystem. We broadly discuss the phases of growth the Virginia startup scene has traversed, contrary thoughts on the AI craze, tactical steps to keeping quality university talent in the state, how the federal government empowers an unfair advantage for VA startups and more.Let's take this conversation to real time. Join Valor for an upcoming event.

In this captivating newest episode of the Atlanta Startup Podcast, Lisa Calhoun, Founding Managing Partner and Co-host, collaborates with Lynne Laube, Operating Partner at Valor Ventures, for an engaging dialogue. Together, they explore Lynne's transition from Fintech post-IPO Founder to Venture Capitalist, uncovering surprising insights along the way. Lynne sheds light on the qualities she values in today's Fintech founders and offers indispensable advice for those embarking on their initial funding rounds. Tune in to gain invaluable perspectives on fintech entrepreneurship and venture capital, and learn how to connect with Lynne to share your startup journey.Share your startup with Lynne at this link: https://valor.vc/fintech-startup-seed-rounds/Let's take this conversation to real time. Join Valor for an upcoming event.

This week on the Atlanta Startup Podcast, we welcome Jason Caplain, General Partner at Bull City Venture Partners. This conversation with Jason and William works to unpack the frameworks behind the firm's founder-centric investment strategy and their successes from following this blueprint. We learn how the Bull City team builds conviction in diligence, how they think about balancing off-thesis investment risk, supporting founders across multiple companies, distinctive traits of the most successful founders, and much more about the macro state of early-stage venture today.Let's take this conversation to real time. Join Valor for an upcoming event.

In this episode, we're joined by Riean Knight, the innovative founder of Honey to Cocoa, a groundbreaking mobile app using AI to match makeup to diverse skin tones. Riean shares her journey and insights into building a platform that champions inclusivity and confidence in the beauty industry. Discover how technology empowers people of color to feel represented and confident in their makeup choices. Whether you're a beauty lover or advocate for diversity, this episode offers a glimpse into the future of inclusive beauty tech.Let's take this conversation to real time. Join Valor for an upcoming event.

In this episode, we're joined by Joe Hamilton, the brilliant mind behind 4 Second Football, winner of the Audience Choice award at the 24th Startup Runway Showcase. Discover how Joe's innovative technology revolutionizes football with real-time feedback for players and coaches at every level. From its inception to its impact on the game, Joe shares insights into the world's smartest football and its potential to elevate performance and strategy. Whether you're a player, coach, or simply passionate about the sport, this episode offers a glimpse into the future of football innovation.Let's take this conversation to real time. Join Valor for an upcoming event.

Embark on a transformative journey with Keith Chaney, the visionary behind Peadbo, winner of the Judge’s Prize at the 24th Startup Runway Showcase. In this episode, Keith reveals the game-changing power of cultivating a personal board of directors for college students and young professionals. Discover how strategic mentorship and regular engagement can drive remarkable career outcomes. Join us for an enlightening discussion that promises to revolutionize your approach to professional growth and success.Let's take this conversation to real time. Join Valor for an upcoming event.

Atlanta startup Aetos is on the journey of building software to digitize the multi-billion dollar industry of facilities management in the built environment. In this episode, we talk with Aetos CEO Connor Offut to unpack how their software transforms facilities mgmt for clients like Chick-fil-A, Pepsi, Hines, SL Green, and others. We also talk more tactically with Connor about finding your footing as CEO in the enterprise sales lifecycle, how to thoughtfully approach early-stage fundraising & the essence of articulating company narrative, and how data is often the underlying value-driven for AI startups. Let's take this conversation to real time. Join Valor for an upcoming event.

Two founders of London-based startups are setting their sights on Atlanta. In an exclusive interview, we spoke with Elizabeth Lukas, CEO Americas at AutogenAI, and Anna Brailsford, CEO at CodeFirstGirls, to better understand their motivations. Having successfully launched their startups in London, they are now targeting Atlanta, the Southeast's gem, for expansion. The conversation delved into the origins of their companies, why Atlanta is a no-brainer expansion target, their experiences navigating the dynamic fundraising markets, the evolving regulatory landscape of AI, and much more.Let's take this conversation to real time. Join Valor for an upcoming event.

On today's episode, we sit down with Kevin Moore to explore his journey from Limited Partner to General Partner and ultimately the inception of Serac Ventures. Kevin shares the strategic timing behind launching Serac in 2023, offering a glimpse into his unique perspective shaped by his LP experience and how it influences his role and decision-making as a GP. The episode then transitions to the topic of AI, where Kevin provides his take on the valuation frenzy and the impact of AI on VC fund ops. We also unpack Serac's investment thesis, highlighting some exciting early deals that underscore the fund's direction and the types of founders Kevin is excited about backing.Let's take this conversation to real time. Join Valor for an upcoming event.

Founder of Simp Now, Gera Baano-Stewart II shares his entrepreneurial journey on the Atlanta Startup Podcast hosted by Nwanyinma Dike. From learning to code at a young age to launching Simp Now, Gera discusses the inspiration behind the dating app and its viral success on TikTok. He emphasizes the importance of a can-do attitude and effective time management, especially while juggling entrepreneurship with being a student. Gera also highlights the benefits of showcasing startups at events like Startup Runway Foundation, Inc. and offers advice to aspiring founders: aim high, focus on honing key skills, and embrace opportunities.Let's take this conversation to real time. Join Valor for an upcoming event.

The Outlook for Tech Growth in the Southeast is more optimistic than ever. Tune into our latest episode of the Atlanta Startup Podcast which outlines insights from boots-on-the-ground insiders: Bryan Bean from Pinnacle Bank, Atlanta's own Donnie Beamer, Jr., Jamal Lewis of PIN Georgia, Tech Executive David Evans, and William Leonard of Valor. We're not just talking high-level tech trends; we're getting into the nitty-gritty of how collaboration across regional, state, and city partnerships sparks real growth in the nation's fastest-growing region, the South. From cutting-edge strategies to the pulse of the startup ecosystem, our panelists are sharing real insights. You'll hear firsthand about the innovative strategies making the South a robust startup ecosystem. So, whether you're an entrepreneur, investor, or just tech-enthusiast, this is your chance to get the lowdown from those impacting positive change across the early-stage capital landscape.Let's take this conversation to real time. Join Valor for an upcoming event.

In this episode of the Atlanta Startup Podcast, host Lisa Calhoun interviews Jennifer Silverberg, CEO of SmartCommerce. They discuss Jennifer's journey of scaling SmartCommerce from a startup to a global player, focusing on the lessons learned during rapid growth. Highlights include SmartCommerce's innovative approach in the CPG sector, its evolution in response to market changes, and Jennifer's personal growth as a leader. Jennifer shares insights on hiring effectively, adapting strategies, and the importance of vision, courage, and tenacity for founders. A candid reflection on the startup journey, this episode is a must-listen for entrepreneurs seeking practical advice and inspiration.Let's take this conversation to real time. Join Valor for an upcoming event.

Join us for an engaging podcast where leading corporate innovators take the spotlight. Discover the strategies behind technology investments, particularly in AI, from top decision-makers Angie Brown of Home Depot, Leigh Gaffney at Assurant Ventures, Mike Mahan from Stanley Black & Decker, and Michelle Mason of Exxon Mobil.Let's take this conversation to real time. Join Valor for an upcoming event.

Join William Leonard on the Atlanta Startup podcast for an intriguing conversation with Blaine Davis, a Partner at Outlander VC. Blaine reveals Outlander's unique early-stage investment approach, centered on their exclusive founder framework evaluating 38 character attributes. Discover Outlander's emphasis on backing teams over ideas, and their interest in transforming traditional industries through vertical SaaS, AI, workspace tech, and low-cost robotics with strong software components. Blaine also highlights the importance of early-stage boards in setting a growth trajectory for startups. Tune in for insights into early-stage investments, conviction-building, and the future of innovation.Let's take this conversation to real time. Join Valor for an upcoming event.

Today we're joined by Valor’s newest portfolio CEO Jake Soffer who is the Founder of Miami-based FirmPilot. FirmPilot is reshaping the $30B legal marketing vertical with powerful AI that challenges the traditional agency model. Jake shares his insights on scaling from $0-$500K in ARR in less than 12 months, winning customer conviction as a seed-stage company, perspectives from building his second AI company, thoughts on exceptional hiring talent, and why AI will forever change marketing.Let's take this conversation to real time. Join Valor for an upcoming event.

Join Nwanyinma Dike on the Atlanta Startup Podcast as she engages in a captivating conversation with Shayna Stewart, the trailblazing Founder of Shown Live and recent winner of the Judge’s prize at Startup Runway Edition 23. Discover how Shown Live, a sponsorship marketplace, is transforming the landscape for audio and video creators by connecting them with marketers, reducing ad waste, and enabling early monetization. Dive into Shayna's entrepreneurial journey, the alpha phase of Shown Live, and her vision for empowering creators in the burgeoning creative economy. Follow Shayna on LinkedIn or track Shown Live's progress on social media platforms for a peek into the future of content monetization and engagement.Let's take this conversation to real time. Join Valor for an upcoming event.

Dive into an illuminating conversation on the Atlanta Startup Podcast with Nwanyinma Dike, the new Managing Director of Startup Runway features Yolanda Barton founder of Revere XR and recent winner of the Women’s Empowerment prize at Startup Runway Edition 23. She shares her vision for transforming our experience of city history and culture through virtual and augmented reality. Yolanda passionately shares her vision for revolutionizing history preservation through immersive technology, blending artificial intelligence, augmented reality, and virtual reality. Her mission extends beyond just sharing historical narratives; it's about creating interactive experiences that connect younger generations with Atlanta's profound civil rights and music history. Discover how Revere XR is reshaping education, museums, and airports to bring history alive, while also empowering students to become immersive storytellers. Yolanda's inspiring journey, born from a desire to preserve erased history, unfolds into a vision that's poised to redefine humanity's engagement with technology, shaping a future where storytelling bridges generations.Let's take this conversation to real time. Join Valor for an upcoming event.

 In this episode, we turn our focus to a spirited keynote from last year's VC Day, presented by David Cummings, the Founder of Atlanta Ventures and Atlanta Tech Village. David, renowned for building, scaling, and successfully exiting Pardot – an Atlanta-based startup that emerged as one of the top 10 B2B marketing platforms globally – shares his journey of building company culture, including the 2012 exit to ExactTarget. In this episode, David will explore the critical aspects of developing and enhancing company culture, offering valuable insights for founders on nurturing a strong, growth-oriented organizational culture.Let's take this conversation to real time. Join Valor for an upcoming event.

Following her recent promotion from Principal to Partner, Claire Hansen joins the Atlanta Startup Podcast. Claire unpacks the Firebrand thesis, how the firm thinks about diligence as a lead investor & as a follow-on co-investor, continual learning as a VC, leveraging network to land a job in VC, characteristics of today's dynamic seed market, and more.Let's take this conversation to real time. Join Valor for an upcoming event.

Today, we're joined by Nassir Criss from Sixty8 Capital, an Indianapolis-based pre-seed and seed generalist firm. Nassir, a Principal on the team, shares core insights on how 'digital nomad' has made him a better VC. He discusses his thoughts on pattern matching versus pattern breaking, explains the deal process behind one of the firm's top-performing investments, and talks about learnings from his transition from startup founder to investor, among other topics.Let's take this conversation to real time. Join Valor for an upcoming event.

S3 Ventures is the largest venture capital firm in Texas, specializing in Seed-Series B investments in B2B Software companies. Nicole Bentz, a VC at S3 joins host William Leonard to break down the firm's investment strategy and how its unique sole-LP structure augments the firm's ability to be hyper-focused on their founders. Nicole and William also discuss establishing diligence frameworks for evaluating early-stage companies, how junior VCs can be value-additive to founders, and S3 Ventures' perspective on the current state of early-stage funding.Let's take this conversation to real time. Join Valor for an upcoming event.

During this episode, William is joined by Kai Tan, Founder and CEO of RevMatch and recent Startup Runway Winner. As a former product design leader at companies like IBM & Meta, Kai shares insights on the importance of tactically enhancing the user experience for B2C Apps, understanding feedback loops, and more about building/scaling consumer apps. Kai also delves into his Startup Runway experience and some of the most meaningful parts of the program.The next Startup Runway Showcase is coming up on December 7th at the Woodruff Arts Center in Atlanta. All interested founders can learn more and apply here.Let's take this conversation to real time. Join Valor for an upcoming event.

In this podcast episode, Triet Nguyen, a Senior Associate at Louisville-based Render Capital, sits down with William Leonard to discuss Render's strategic approach towards backing early-stage founders in the Southern and Midwestern US. The conversation also explores how venture capital firms, including Render, are leveraging their "platforms" to win allocations in highly competitive deals, especially in the current market with fewer deals being done. Triet and William break down effective networking hacks for breaking into venture capital, and Triet elaborates on Render's shift to writing fewer, yet larger investment checks to focus on high-conviction opportunities.Let's take this conversation to real time. Join Valor for an upcoming event.

Jessica King, CEO of femtech startup FlowIntell, recently celebrated a win, securing the Women's Empowerment Grant at the 22nd Startup Runway Showcase. Joining host William Leonard in this episode, she delves into her dedicated mission to tackle a pervasive healthcare challenge: endometriosis screening, a dilemma confronting over 6 million women. FlowIntell is spearheading innovations in endometriosis screening, addressing a condition that afflicts 10% of women and is frequently diagnosed too late—often a decade into its development—due to limited awareness and symptoms mimicking IBS and PID. For numerous women, an introduction to endometriosis comes regrettably late, typically amidst battles with subfertility or infertility. Jessica unfolds her ambitious vision of utilizing test kits to broaden healthcare access in medical deserts, shares insights from her experience at the Startup Runway showcase, and provides a deeper look into her path toward commercialization post-Startup RunwayLet's take this conversation to real time. Join Valor for an upcoming event.