Founding Philly

This episode is sponsored by J.P. Morgan and Cozen O'Connor. ---In this episode of Founding Philly, I sit down with Charlie Anderson of Burro, Samuel Reeves of Fort Robotics, Joe Biancaniello of J.P. Morgan, and Chris McDemus of Cozen O’Connor for a roundtable conversation on robotics, physical AI, and what it takes to build ambitious companies in Philadelphia.This episode is part of the Roundtable Series, a new format of Founding Philly. Same mission, spotlighting the startup journey, now with more voices at the table from across the Philly ecosystem.We kick things off with the founder journeys behind Burro and Fort Robotics. Charlie shares how growing up on a farm and working in agricultural equipment eventually led him to start Burro, a robotics company now shipping autonomous machines used in environments like vineyards and warehouses. Samuel tells the story of how his path into robotics began with an entirely different goal, solving the global landmine problem, which ultimately led to building Fort Robotics, a platform focused on safety for autonomous machines.From there, the conversation shifts to the broader robotics landscape and the emergence of what many are calling physical AI, artificial intelligence applied to machines operating in the real world.Unlike digital AI systems like ChatGPT, physical AI must navigate unpredictable environments and operate safely around people. That complexity means robotics companies often have to build across hardware, software, and AI all at once, something that makes these businesses fundamentally different from traditional software startups.We also explore how robotics companies scale. Charlie explains why deploying real robots in the field is critical, since each machine generates the data needed to improve autonomy over time. The more robots operating in the world, the better the systems become.Joe adds an important perspective on the economics behind these businesses, highlighting the difference between software and robotics. While software can be copied and deployed instantly, robotics companies must design, manufacture, and support physical machines, making the path to scale more capital intensive but potentially just as transformative.The group also discusses the role of bold, moonshot visions in driving innovation. From autonomous vehicles to humanoid robots, big ideas often attract the investment needed to push frontier technologies forward, even if the timelines take longer than expected.Toward the end of the conversation, we touch on how the rise of ChatGPT and generative AI has brought renewed attention to robotics, and how emerging capabilities like voice interfaces could change the way humans interact with machines.We close with a discussion about building in Philadelphia, what the region does well, and where it still needs to improve.The consensus is that Philly has incredible talent, grit, and livability, but still struggles with early stage capital and startup density.If those gaps can be addressed, the group believes Philadelphia has the ingredients to become a meaningful hub for robotics and physical AI.Whether you are building in robotics, exploring frontier technologies, or thinking about how startups grow outside of traditional tech hubs, this episode offers an inside look at the realities of scaling physical AI companies and the founders working to build them.The Roundtable Series is recorded at the Fitler Club, to learn more check out https://fitlerclub.com/. 

This episode is sponsored by Comcast NBCUniversal LIFT Labs. ---In this episode of Founding Philly, I sit down with Aston Pierce, Director of the BFTP GO PA Fund, to explore how Ben Franklin Technology Partners has supported Pennsylvania startups for nearly 40 years — and why building a durable ecosystem requires more than early-stage checks. We unpack the funding gaps that can stall promising companies and how Ben Franklin’s for-profit follow-on funds were created to keep backing the strongest teams while recycling capital back into the region.Aston shares his non-linear path into venture, moving from fund-of-funds investing into early-stage VC and growth equity. That cross-stage experience gives him a full-lifecycle lens — from pre-product market fit to scaled revenue — and shapes Ben Franklin’s focus on “venture growth” companies ready to professionalize and expand.We break down Ben Franklin’s statewide model and the constraint of grant-based capital, which led to the launch of GO Philly (2019) and GO PA (2023). These funds invest follow-on capital into portfolio companies with institutional leads, targeting the critical “in-between” stage: post-revenue startups with product-market fit that aren’t yet large enough for traditional growth equity.Aston also shares what he looks for in founders: clarity of purpose, a real and urgent customer pain point, and products that clearly increase revenue or reduce costs — backed by measurable ROI. Portfolio examples across software, robotics, and operational automation reinforce a consistent theme: usefulness over hype.We close by looking ahead to Fund II’s deployment, Fund I’s path to liquidity, and the broader ambition to grow larger pools of follow-on capital that keep Pennsylvania companies funded longer — strengthening the region’s innovation flywheel for the long term.

This episode is sponsored by Comcast NBCUniversal LIFT Labs. ---In this episode of Founding Philly, I sit down with Danae Mobley, CEO of Coded By and Executive Director of 1Philadelphia, to explore what it really takes to build a durable startup ecosystem — and why talent, endurance, and consistency matter more than chasing the next big trend.Danae’s path into ecosystem leadership didn’t start in tech. It began in education, teaching fifth and sixth grade through Teach For America, where she first saw how outcomes are shaped by forces far beyond the classroom. That experience led her into city and regional planning, where she learned how policy, infrastructure, and coalition-building create the conditions for communities to thrive.That systems-level perspective now shapes her work at Coded By, a nonprofit focused on developing the next generation of tech and innovation leaders. Danae shares how the organization has evolved from early exposure to coding into a long-term talent pipeline, supporting young people from ages 8 to 24 with a focus on adaptability, leadership, and entrepreneurship in an increasingly AI-driven world.We also unpack the origins of 1Philadelphia, which grew out of a realization that access to the tech ecosystem couldn’t stop with students alone. Danae explains how the organization works to coordinate founders, nonprofits, universities, corporates, and government — reducing redundancy, filling gaps, and focusing more intentionally on early-stage founders who want to build and scale in Philly.Our conversation dives into Philly Tech Week and Innovation Weekend, two cornerstone moments for the local ecosystem. Danae reflects on taking the reins of Philly Tech Week, honoring its legacy while expanding its reach, and shares how Innovation Weekend has become a platform for bringing national perspectives into the city. A recurring theme across both events: endurance — for founders, for organizations, and for Philadelphia itself.We also explore how AI is reshaping conversations around access. While the barriers to building have never been lower, Danae cautions against treating AI as a shortcut, emphasizing that tools only create opportunity when people are prepared to use them well.Finally, we zoom out to Philadelphia’s future. Danae challenges the idea that the city needs to “pick a winning industry,” arguing instead that Philly’s real opportunity lies in investing deeply in people. Her vision is a city known for exceptional talent, where founders choose to stay, build, and reinvest — and where “Building in Philly” feels like the obvious choice.Whether you’re a founder, operator, ecosystem builder, or someone invested in the future of Philadelphia’s tech scene, this episode offers a thoughtful, grounded look at how strong ecosystems are built — slowly, intentionally, and with people at the center.

This episode is sponsored by Comcast NBCUniversal LIFT Labs. ---In this episode of Founding Philly, I sit down with Ellen Weber, Executive Director of Robin Hood Ventures, to unpack what really happens when founders pitch angel investors — and what early-stage investors are actually listening for.Ellen’s journey into early-stage investing started in consulting and corporate tech before she helped launch Robin Hood Ventures. She shares how supporting entrepreneurs, building teams, and navigating innovation early in her career shaped the investor she is today.Ellen breaks down the most common mistakes founders make, the red flags that show up instantly, and why a clear value proposition is still the strongest signal of founder readiness. She also walks through how angel groups evaluate companies behind the scenes, offering a rare look into the decision-making process after a founder leaves the room.We also explore the realities of building AI companies in 2025. While AI is the buzzword of the moment, Ellen explains why so many AI pitches lack clarity — and what founders need to do to articulate real, defensible value as the technology evolves at breakneck speed.We discuss the Philly startup ecosystem, reflecting on the city’s strengths and where it still needs to grow. Ellen highlights Philadelphia’s strong conveners, collaborative investor community, and deep bench of operators who genuinely want to help founders succeed. But she also points to the gaps: the need for more fluidity between big companies and startups, more visibility for local innovation, and more national investment attention.As Ellen puts it, “People want startups to be successful here — you just have to find the door.”We close with practical advice for founders who want to pitch Robin Hood. Ellen outlines how to get connected, what makes an application stand out, and the importance of finding a champion inside the room — someone who believes in you and advocates for your deal when you’re not present.Whether you’re an early-stage founder preparing to pitch, an operator curious about how angels think, or someone invested in the future of Philly’s tech scene, this episode offers clear, candid insight into investor dynamics, early-stage readiness, and the ingredients needed to grow a thriving startup ecosystem.

This episode is sponsored by J.P. Morgan and Cozen O'Connor. ---In this episode of Founding Philly, I sit down with Ted Mann, Mike Petrakis, Mike Crossey, and Joe Biancaniello for a roundtable conversation on what it really takes to start, fund, and scale a company in Philly.This episode is part of the Roundtable Series, a new format of Founding Philly. Same mission—spotlighting the startup journey—now with more voices at the table from across the Philly ecosystem.We kick things off with a look at Ted and Mike’s paths as repeat founders—how their past ventures shaped what they’re building today, and the lessons they carried with them. We also hear how Mike Crossey and Joe Biancaniello have supported the Philly startup scene over the years through their roles at Cozen O’Connor and J.P. Morgan, respectively.From there, the conversation shifts to one of the biggest questions in startups: how do you find an idea worth solving?For Ted and Mike, their businesses were born from personal frustration. But the group agrees—while a great idea matters, it’s only the beginning. As Mike puts it: “There’s validity to what investors look at—market size, unit economics, business model.”We also explore what founder-to-founder investing really looks like. Mike shares what it’s been like backing Ted as an investor—and how their partnership quickly became a two-way street. Together, they’ve shared lessons on monetization, product strategy, and go-to-market thinking, applying those insights directly to their own companies.Next, we turn to the fundraising environment, reflecting on how the past few years have challenged even the most experienced founders. While raising capital has become harder, Ted notes that timing the market is nearly impossible—and when you need to raise, you just have to figure it out.The key takeaway? Founders who build through hard times tend to emerge sharper, more focused, and better prepared for what’s ahead.We close with a candid discussion on the Philly startup ecosystem—what’s working, what’s missing, and what it will take to unlock the next wave of growth.The consensus: Philly needs more risk capital, more post-exit reinvestment, and more founders supporting founders.As Mike puts it: “There are a lot of people here who want to help—we just need to get on the same page.”Whether you're just getting started or scaling something new, this episode offers firsthand insight into idea validation, investor-founder dynamics, fundraising in tough markets, and the shared responsibility of growing a local startup community.The Roundtable Series is recorded at the Fitler Club, to learn more check out https://fitlerclub.com/. 

This episode is sponsored by JP Morgan. ---In this episode of Founding Philly, we bring you the second installment of our Roundtable Series—recorded live at the Fitler Club—where we gather Philadelphia's top founders and ecosystem builders for a candid conversation about what it’s really like to build in Philly.Joining me for this roundtable are Helena Jaramillo, co-founder of PamPam, a no-code map-building platform; Tito Obaisi, from Comcast Lift Labs, which helps bridge the gap between startups and the corporate world; and Lilly Chen, founder of FSH Technologies, a civic tech company bringing modern software to local government.Throughout the discussion, we explore how early-stage startups are navigating the rise of AI—not just as a feature, but as a force multiplier. We dig into real use cases, like using tools such as Cursor and Windsurf to supercharge coding, accelerate internal operations, and even unlock entirely new markets.Lilly paints a powerful picture of how AI is lowering barriers for small businesses and government agencies, turning previously unaffordable custom software needs into achievable solutions. Helena shares how AI helped Pampa make technical tools more accessible to non-technical users, and Tito provides an inside look at how Comcast is leveraging startup partnerships to innovate at scale.We also dive into the funding landscape and what it means to grow sustainably in today’s environment. From “seedstrapping” and capital efficiency to building companies that are leaner, faster, and more resilient—our guests reflect on what scaling looks like in a world where AI changes the cost of experimentation and the value of time.Finally, we turn the conversation local, sharing honest perspectives on what makes the Philly startup scene unique. From investor independence to community-driven ambition, the group reflects on how Philadelphia can define its startup identity—and why now is the time to build here.Tune in to this episode to hear this roundtable conversation on AI, capital efficiency, civic innovation, and the future of the Philly startup ecosystem.The Roundtable Series is recorded at the Fitler Club, to learn more check out https://fitlerclub.com/. 

This episode is sponsored by Comcast NBCUniversal LIFT Labs. ---In this episode of Founding Philly, I sit down with three Philly founders—Tiffanie Stanard, founder and CEO of Stimulus, and Adit Gupta and Tom Falzani, co-founders of Lula Commerce—for a candid conversation on what it takes to build, grow, and scale early-stage startups in Philadelphia.This episode kicks off the Roundtable Series, a new format of Founding Philly. Same mission, same great topics—now with more perspectives from across industries, all at the same table.Stimulus is a relationship intelligence platform transforming how enterprises manage procurement and vendor relationships.Lula Commerce is leading the way in democratizing digital commerce and delivery enablement for convenience stores, empowering them to unlock e-commerce by integrating with back-office systems and enabling seamless online ordering and fulfillment.The conversation opens with a deep dive into product adoption—how these founders measure it, drive it, and use it to guide the business. Both emphasize the importance of going beyond the initial sale to ensure customers are not just retained, but truly engaged. As Adit puts it, “Just because you make the sale doesn’t mean you have product-market fit.”They also share valuable lessons they learned along the way—like scaling sales teams too quickly, onboarding mismatched customers, and dealing with downstream churn. One of the biggest takeaways? Avoid scaling sales before nailing your ICP. As Adit notes, “If I could really understand the customer persona and narrow in the ICP quicker, I think it probably could have saved us a year.” Tiffanie adds, “Without having your ICP mapped out, you end up wasting a lot of time and a lot of money.”Another key theme is the power of customer relationships—how something as simple as a text or Slack message can deepen trust and accelerate feedback. The founders agree: Start building customer relationships on day one. It’s one of the most effective and overlooked growth strategies early on.The episode also explores how AI is quietly integrated into their platforms—not as a flashy selling point, but as a way to deliver real, practical value. As Tom reflects, “What is the value we're already providing in our product, and how do we take AI to push it even further?”Tune in to this special roundtable episode to hear these Philly founders are offer practical lessons on product-market fit, customer engagement, and what it really means to scale.The Roundtable Series is recorded at the Fitler Club, to learn more check out https://fitlerclub.com/. 

In this episode of Founding Philly, I sit down with Matt Wallach, co-founder of Veeva Systems, a cloud-computing company dedicated to pharmaceutical and life sciences industries. Starting with just $7M in venture capital, Matt led Veeva to an IPO within just six years, marking it as one of the most capital-efficient success stories ever.Founded in 2007 by Matt Wallach and Peter Gassner, Veeva initially aimed to become the premier CRM solution for the pharmaceutical industry during a time when legacy software was transitioning to the cloud and becoming industry-specific. This shift created an opportunity for new 'on-demand' vertical product offerings. After experiencing significant early success, Veeva chose to focus exclusively on the pharmaceutical industry, revolutionizing a landscape previously serviced by over 100 software vendors with disconnected systems and inconsistent data.Their robust CRM platform was just the beginning. Veeva expanded to offer a comprehensive suite of services that transformed how the industry manages data across multiple verticals, from drug development to market strategies. This suite of products not only generated immense value but also defined the company as it is today.Reflecting on the company's journey from startup to IPO, Matt shared a moment from the eve of the IPO when Peter gathered everyone and said, "When you think about the great companies on earth, you don’t remember what they did when they were private. What everyone is going to remember is what we do from here on out."During the interview, Matt delves into Veeva’s strategic focus on delivering integrated yet best-of-breed products tailored to the life sciences industry’s unique challenges. He highlights the importance of making people feel appreciated and the significant role of execution over strategy in achieving business success. Matt also offers insightful advice to entrepreneurs on maintaining discipline and long-term vision, emphasizing that true success comes from building a business that leaves a lasting impact, not just planning an exit strategy.Tune in to episode 50 to discover Matt Wallach's journey in building the industry cloud for life sciences, taking Veeva public, and learning the pivotal lessons from running a company that has not only scaled rapidly but also maintained a relentless focus on building the industry cloud for Life Sciences. 

This episode is sponsored by J.P. Morgan. ---In this episode, I interview Andrew Goldberg, Co-founder and COO of HealthVerity, a software company advancing science by synchronizing transformational technologies with the nation’s largest healthcare and consumer data ecosystem.HealthVerity was founded to address a critical need in the healthcare industry: to combine disparate datasets in a HIPAA-compliant manner, revealing patient insights and powering innovation.They leverage innovative technologies to help clients discover, license, and link patient data across their ecosystems as well as a wide range of top-tier data providers.They empower customers to gain new perspectives on patient activities while ensuring complete privacy management and HIPAA compliance.When a patient visits a doctor, typically five or six entities know about the visit, each holding a snippet of information about that encounter.These fragments of a patient's journey exist out in the real world with various data providers. Companies like HealthVerity step in to federate and bring together these aspects of a patient’s healthcare journey, using real-world data to understand treatment and outcomes.They created a marketplace where buyers and suppliers can align and conduct transactions at market-clearing prices to access this data in a privacy-protected way.Also joining us on the episode was Andrew McEvoy, an Executive Director from JP Morgan's Middle Market Healthcare Services team within their commercial investment bank. His team works exclusively with healthcare providers and health technology organizations across the business lifecycle, from venture-backed startups to scaling billion-dollar-plus operations, offering clients bespoke credit solutions and healthcare specific treasury tools.Tune into this episode to hear Andrew discuss his journey in building HealthVerity, how his team is creating solutions to uncover the full patient journey, and the importance of integrating disparate data sets that would otherwise remain disconnected.

In this episode of the Founding Philly podcast, we interviewed the 3 finalists from this year's PACT "Lion's Den" segment—their Shark Tank'-style pitch competition.Over 60 startups pitched throughout the day and only these 3 made it to the finals, walking away with about $1 million in investments (pending diligence).Jo Norris of Carbon Reform, Guru Sethupathy of FairNow, and Lauren Steidl and Ian Adolsek from Integrated Reality Labs discuss their strategies for success and the key elements of a compelling pitch:Clear Problem Definition: Clearly articulate the problem your solution addresses.Customer Insights: Explain who your customers are and why they need your product.Market Validation: Demonstrate market demand through customer feedback and contracts.Exciting Solution Overview: Share your solution at a high level to spark interest.Unique Selling Points: Highlight what sets your team and technology apart.Each founder emphasized the importance of tailoring pitches to the audience, knowing the panel's background, and confidently handling Q&A sessions.Looking forward, they shared strategies for leveraging their conference success to accelerate their companies' growth, emphasizing continuous innovation and strategic market expansion.Tune into this episode for actionable insights on crafting pitches that resonate with investors and driving startup success in competitive environments.---This episode is presented by PACT. 

This episode is sponsored by PACT. ---In this episode of Founding Philly, I moderated the Entrepreneur Panel at the PACT Capital Conference, featuring a deep dive with Mumbi Dunjwa, Alan Rihm, and Morgan Berman into their startup journeys in Philadelphia. We explored the crucial early lessons that have shaped their ventures.Mumbi Dunjwa of Naturaz discussed her approach to hair care products, emphasizing the critical role of customer feedback in refining her offerings. By integrating direct responses from users, she ensures her products not only meet market demands but also stay competitive.Alan Rihm from Fall Forward shared his insights on the dangers of premature scaling. He stressed the importance of securing product-market fit before ramping up operations, advocating for a strategy that minimizes risk while ensuring the business model's sustainability.Morgan Berman of Glitter outlined her pivot from relying on city contracts to spearheading a community-driven cleanup initiative. This shift underscores the importance of adaptability in startup culture, demonstrating how responsiveness to market and environmental changes can realign a business closer to customer needs.The panelists collectively highlighted the supportive Philadelphia startup ecosystem, which offers access to funding, advisory services, and a community conducive to growth. They shared strategies on capital utilization, leveraging local networks, and adopting community-focused business models.Tune in to hear insights from these local entrepreneurs on navigating the intricacies of startup growth, leveraging a supportive ecosystem, and making strategic decisions that foster early success.

This episode is sponsored by J.P. Morgan. --In this episode, I interview Damon Henry, CEO and Co-founder of Asylon, a company at the forefront of robotic perimeter security, redefining the field with drones, robots, software, and AI.Dedicated to revolutionizing physical security, Asylon integrates advanced robotics and AI to boost safety and efficiency across commercial and defense sectors. Damon, an MIT grad and aerospace engineer, began his career at industry giants like GE and Boeing. Inspired by the rise of commercial drones, he and his co-founder established Asylon.Initially focusing on basic drone technology for security tasks, Asylon has evolved into a sophisticated provider of autonomous security systems that extend beyond drones to include security dogs and agile robots. The company offers a comprehensive service program that has completed over 100,000 missions for customers in logistics, manufacturing, energy, and military sectors.Asylon tackles challenges such as staffing shortages, rising costs, and evolving threats with its validated Air + Ground security robotics program. From the outset, the team aimed to replace outdated, inefficient, and costly security systems with the world’s most advanced robotic security platform and service operation. Their ongoing innovations in hardware and software continue to advance the frontiers of security robotics and automation.In our conversation, Damon emphasized the critical role of hardware as a means to enhance software capabilities, explaining how software augments the functionality of physical assets. This integration is crucial for Asylon to deliver more comprehensive solutions and improve the return on investment (ROI) for their customers.He also noted that the hardware is not just functional equipment but a vital tool for collecting actionable intelligence, which enables smarter decision-making.We were also joined in this episode by Joe Biancaniello, Vice President at J.P. Morgan’s Technology & Disruptive Commerce (TDC) group. Joe supports the most innovative companies in Pennsylvania, offering strategic guidance through J.P. Morgan’s resources.In this episode, Joe discusses the unique challenges of funding and scaling robotics ventures compared to traditional software, emphasizing the role of robotics in automating enterprises and enhancing safety with AI and data analytics.We delved into how the integration of hardware and software, despite its challenges, is essential for achieving scalability and sustainability in the robotics industry. We also discussed how venture capitalists, who are familiar with the unique challenges of the sector—including longer development cycles and higher initial costs—are crucial in securing the necessary capital and strategic guidance for growth.Looking ahead, Damon outlines Asylon’s plans to expand its robotic solutions to high-value areas such as corporate campuses and critical infrastructures like utility substations, leveraging their technological advancements to meet diverse security needs.Tune into this episode to hear Damon and Joe share their perspectives on the robotics industry, how Asylon is redefining robotic perimeter solutions, and the crucial role software and data play in shaping the future of the robotics industry.

Presented by Comcast NBCUniversal LIFT Labs.--In this episode, I interview John Fazio, CEO and Founder of Nerd Street, a company dedicated to making esports accessible to everyone. Nerd Street facilitates competitive opportunities for gamers at all levels, including youth, high school, collegiate, amateur, and professional scenes.John, a lifelong gamer and technologist, has merged his passions for video games, sports, and technology into creating Nerd Street. From reverse engineering video games in his early days to competing on Drexel University's D1 soccer team, his diverse interests have laid the foundation for his career.Originally, Nerd Street aimed to revolutionize the traditional internet cafe model by focusing on competitive esports. This involved providing infrastructure that supports tournaments and events, thereby creating larger-scale operations with greater profitability and enhancing the gaming experience by cultivating a community around competitive esports.While the digital gaming arena dream initially struggled to take off, John gradually developed the idea while running his first company, Jarvis Innovations, which evolved into one of Philadelphia’s premier bespoke software engineering firms. Within the Jarvis offices on N3RD Street, John and his team hosted competitive gaming tournaments for friends and the community.After years of hosting events, John decided to scale this concept into a full-time business, revisiting his earlier vision. Officially launched Nerd Street in 2016.Despite early traction and success, John and Nerd Street have faced challenges as they navigated a growing company and industry.Nerd Street's partnership with Five Below, which initially promised significant expansion, ended abruptly as Five Below shifted its focus away from gaming. This termination forced Nerd Street to shut down all its stores, resulting in a major loss of revenue and significant momentum, leaving the company scrambling in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic.In response to these dire circumstances, John committed everything he had to keep the business alive, personally investing to cover financial shortfalls. Several investors also stepped in to support the company. Together, they managed to restructure and repay most of the company's debts, setting up repayment plans for the remaining obligations.Despite these obstacles, Nerd Street has demonstrated resilience and adaptability, learning crucial lessons about market dynamics and strategic scaling.Recently, Nerd Street announced a pivotal $6 million funding round led by $5 million from Konvoy Ventures.This funding aims to pivot Nerd Street towards a business model focused on developing and operating esports programs on college campuses. This model leverages existing university infrastructures to reduce costs and accelerate expansion, setting a new direction for Nerd Street’s future.In our conversation, John shares his story of building Nerd Street, discusses overcoming company and industry challenges, and outlines his vision for the future of esports.

Presented by Comcast NBCUniversal LIFT Labs.--In this episode, I interview Laura Plunkett, Head of LIFT Labs and Executive Director of Startup Engagement at Comcast NBCUniversal. LIFT Labs strategically engages startups worldwide, collaborating with teams at Comcast, NBCUniversal, and Sky to refine strategies and transform products and experiences.During the episode, Laura emphasizes the importance of connecting startup founders with corporate leaders to forge long-term partnerships. She explains how these collaborations harness the agility and focus of startups alongside the robust resources of large enterprises, driving innovation and the development of next-generation products, technologies, and services.Laura shares how startups provide fresh insights that challenge corporate norms and drive organizational growth. The conversation also delves into LIFT Labs' selection process, which ensures meaningful and aligned partnerships and highlights the necessity for startups to be 'enterprise-ready,' capable of navigating the complexities of large corporate structures.This is not a traditional startup accelerator. It is specifically designed for companies looking to partner with major enterprises such as Comcast NBCUniversal.The program, designed for startups at various stages—from pre-seed to enterprise-ready—offers unique benefits that facilitate easier and more successful partnerships between startups and enterprises. Selected startups gain unparalleled access to a network of mentors, businesses, and corporate partners to develop potential relationships.Since its inception in 2018, over 90% of startups participating in the program have signed proofs of concept, pilots, and/or commercial deals with Comcast NBCUniversal and Sky.Tune in to hear Laura share her journey in creating real value between innovative startups and major enterprises, building lasting partnerships that drive innovation, and how she and her team are actively shaping the future of products at Comcast NBCUniversal.

Presented by Comcast NBCUniversal LIFT Labs.--In this episode, I interview Dave Latshaw II, CEO and Co-Founder of BioPhy, an AI-driven company committed to bringing better drugs and therapies to market faster.Significant capital is being invested in artificial intelligence for drug discovery, yet traditional drug development remains notoriously slow, inefficient, and risky. This raises a critical question: How is the industry preparing for a future where AI drives faster and more expansive drug discovery pipelines?As Dave puts it, “The industry as a whole is unprepared for a post-artificial intelligence world in drug discovery. There's no technology platform that comprehensively addresses this challenge. So that's really what we're after—how do you create a tech-enabled development process?”Dave, originally a biochemical engineer, transitioned from a career at Johnson & Johnson to entrepreneurship, driven by his passion for solving complex problems in the pharmaceutical industry.Recognizing these inefficiencies, Dave founded BioPhy to integrate AI technologies that enhance the speed and success rate of drug development. BioPhy specifically targets the post-discovery phase, using AI to accelerate drug candidates toward market readiness.BioPhy has two main platforms:BioLogicAI—This tool predicts clinical trial outcomes with impressive accuracy, helping companies quickly identify the most promising drug candidates.BioPhyRx—This AI provides real-time guidance for scientists and regulatory professionals, streamlining everything from compliance checks to operational workflows.Today, BioPhy's AI-driven platforms are widely adopted by pharmaceutical companies to streamline drug development. These technologies not only speed up the process but also reduce costs, ultimately bringing effective drugs to patients more quickly.In this podcast episode, Dave shares his journey from engineer to entrepreneur, the challenges and successes of integrating AI into a regulated industry, and his vision for the future of pharmaceuticals with AI.

In this episode, I interview Kurt Simmons, a Partner at Withum, a technology-driven advisory and accounting firm that provides comprehensive support to emerging businesses in the Philadelphia area.Withum offers a range of services, including audit, tax, and advisory services, tailored to support companies across various niches such as technology, life sciences, and financial services. The firm's Technology and Emerging Growth Services Team brings a dynamic approach, going beyond traditional accounting services to help companies build toward their goals and innovate for the future.Withum's services range from helping companies with financial planning and structuring to navigating tax planning and compliance, guiding them in choosing the appropriate tax structure and identifying potential tax credits, such as R&D credits for life sciences companies. As startups advance to later funding rounds, Withum also offers audit and review services to ensure companies' books and records are accurate and free from material misstatements, building investor confidence.In our conversation, Kurt emphasized the importance of maintaining accurate records, offering support for managing finances, budgeting, tracking costs, and avoiding financial pitfalls. His 20-year career in public accounting enables him and his team to provide valuable support to startups, helping them manage their finances, navigate funding rounds, and maintain accurate records.Tune in to learn more about Kurt's advice to startups, the comprehensive services offered by Withum, and how they’re helping Philadelphia’s emerging businesses grow and succeed.To learn more about how Withum can help your business, click here.

At this year's PSL Entrepreneur Expo at CYTO PHL, we sat down with a few friends from the local startup ecosystem to discuss their journeys and how they navigated the early days.In this episode, I interview Robbie Verna, Co-Founder & CEO of Let's Rallie, and David Castley, Co-Founder & CEO of RAEV Mobility.Let's Rallie initially launched as a consumer app designed to help users find spontaneous activities and events around their city, such as restaurants, bars, and local happenings.The app evolved into a primary tool for event organizers, now serving as a plug-and-play solution that allows event owners to manage their events more effectively. Let's Rallie offers functionalities that streamline event operations, enhance participant engagement, and simplify logistical challenges. This move by Robbie and his team, directly addressed the specific needs of event organizers by providing technology to manage events more efficiently, including scheduling, participant tracking, and real-time updates.This shift in focus has helped Let's Rallie carve out a niche in the event management market, aiding event organizers in creating smoother and more engaging experiences for attendees.RAEV Mobility began with a focus on a transportation service using street-legal golf carts and other utility vehicles, aimed at consumer markets similar to services like Bird Scooter.Faced with the challenges of a capital-intensive B2C model, RAEV Mobility pivoted to a B2B model. It now offers a suite of software and hardware products geared towards fleet management, including digital keys, vehicle telematics for tracking and diagnostics, and a platform for businesses to manage reservations and vehicle operations.This transition allowed RAEV Mobility to target rental businesses, streamlining their operations by providing technology that enhances the efficiency and security of managing vehicle fleets. The products help businesses manage their assets more effectively, improving customer service and operational capabilities.Throughout the podcast, both Robbie and Dave highlight the critical moments and decisions that shaped their paths from B2C to B2B. They discuss the advantages of their pivots, which has included greater market fit, improved scalability, and enhanced financial sustainability.In this podcast episode, Robert Verna and David Castley share their journeys of building their startups, share the decisions that led them going from B2C to B2B models, and their plans for the future.

Presented by Comcast NBCUniversal LIFT Labs.--In this episode, I interview Charlie Andersen, CEO and Co-Founder of Burro, a company that develops autonomous robots to work side-by-side with farm workers, enhancing the productivity and sustainability of agriculture.Charlie has always been the 'machine guy,' having grown up on a family-owned fruit and vegetable farm that also operated a construction company.He constantly explored ways to enhance productivity with machinery and technology, recognizing the untapped potential for autonomy in agriculture.Motivated by this potential, Charlie founded Burro in 2017 to address labor issues faced by farmers with robots that collaborate seamlessly with farm workers.Today, hundreds of these robots are deployed worldwide in nurseries, vineyards, berry farms, and even in construction settings, helping to move cargo and relieve farm workers of strenuous tasks, allowing them to focus on their most valuable work.These autonomous robots significantly improve the productivity of farm workers both indoors and outdoors.For instance, an eight-person harvest crew using just one Burro can harvest 15% to 30% more fruit daily. Additionally, a single Burro can replace a tractor and its operator, which is particularly useful for towing trailers in nurseries.Charlie emphasized the importance of automation, saying, "Labor frequently accounts for half of revenue. Just imagine that, half of revenue is going to labor costs. If you're growing something, you can't just move from California to Mexico seamlessly to find lower labor costs; if you're in one area, you have to find ways to adopt automation."Earlier this year, Burro announced that it had raised a $24M Series B from Catalyst Investors, Translink Capital, and others.In this podcast episode, Charlie shares his journey of building Burro, discusses the impact of autonomous vehicles in agriculture, and outlines his vision for the future of farming with robotics.

In this episode, I interview Brandon Aversano, Founder and CEO of Alloy, a platform revolutionizing the way individuals sell gold and other precious metals.Driven by personal hardships from a cancer diagnosis and substantial medical bills, Brandon encountered significant challenges in receiving fair prices for his own gold and jewelry.Alloy offers a customer-centric and transparent approach, enabling people to receive competitive, accurate upfront payout estimates and industry-leading payouts for their gold and jewelry.Transforming a traditionally opaque and challenging process into a straightforward, digital transaction, Alloy draws parallels to Carvana's approach in the auto industry. It eliminates the uncertainties and difficulties associated with selling gold by providing clear, upfront pricing and a simple process.Alloy further differentiates itself with its transparent pricing and video-recorded evaluations, allowing customers to witness the appraisal process firsthand. Each customer benefits from personalized support provided by "Alloy Advisors," dedicated professionals who guide them through the selling process.This emphasis on exceptional customer service and individualized attention highlights Alloy's commitment to empathy and trust.Announced just a few weeks ago, Alloy has reached an astonishing $1 million in revenue within just 10 months of launching!Tune in to hear Brandon share his journey of founding Alloy, the challenges he overcame, and how his platform is redefining the standards for selling gold and precious metals in today’s market.

In this episode, I interview Shannon Morales, Founder & CEO of Tribaja and the curator of Diversitech, one of the largest inclusion and tech conferences on the East Coast.Tribaja is a vibrant community of professionals advancing in modern, high-demand careers. Tribaja has built a dynamic marketplace that connects these professionals with inclusive brands, offering opportunities in high-demand career fields.The organization focuses on the intersections of tech and innovation and is committed to working only with inclusive brands, carefully vetting employers to ensure they meet these standards.Inspired to create a more inclusive and equitable tech industry, Shannon's leadership at Tribaja and Diversitech has been pivotal in opening doors for thousands of underrepresented professionals in tech.Tribaja also collaborates with verified training providers to equip candidates with upskilling opportunities that are in high demand. This helps them navigate career transitions and connect with employers seeking specific, high-demand skills.Diversitech provides a platform for professionals from all corners of the tech universe to network, learn from each other, and forge lasting relationships. This year's event will be held at the Philadelphia Convention Center from May 7-10. Secure your tickets now!Shannon has successfully scaled Tribaja by focusing on community-driven growth and strategic partnerships across cities. This approach has not only expanded her reach but also deeply integrated Tribaja into the communities it serves nationwide.Early investors in Tribaja include Juno Capital and Visible Hands. Tune in to discover how Shannon has been building a community-led business, the insights that shaped the Tribaja marketplace, and how Diversitech is setting new standards for inclusivity and innovation in the tech world.

In this episode, I had the privilege of interviewing Irene Rombel, Co-Founder and CEO of BioCurie, and Nyron Burke, Co-Founder and CEO of Lithero. Recorded live on 3/28 at Venture Cafe in front of an audience, we explored their companies' innovative use of AI in the Life Sciences sector.Our conversation covered the challenges presented by the legal and regulatory landscape, and the substantial benefits AI offers for patient outcomes and efficiency within the life sciences industry. The discussion underscored the transformative potential of AI, from enhancing drug development and manufacturing processes to ensuring compliance and facilitating commercialization.BioCurie is at the forefront of empowering biopharmaceutical companies to develop and manufacture lifesaving therapies more efficiently. Leveraging AI, they simulate process development and manufacturing, employing data-driven algorithms to conduct millions of simulations. This approach aims to optimize conditions from the outset, eliminating the costly and time-consuming trial-and-error method.Lithero is a software company creating AI tools specifically for Pharma marketers and agencies. They focus on the commercial aspects of the life sciences process, introducing a product named LARA — an "artificial lawyer" that scrutinizes drug advertisements for potential compliance issues, alerting customers to any findings. This service is invaluable, ensuring that the public receives accurate content and understands the risks and benefits of pharmaceutical products, while the pharma companies don't spend hours on extensive manual review.Tune into episode 38 of the Founding Philly podcast to hear Irene and Nyron share their personal journeys, delve into the opportunities and pitfalls of AI in Life Sciences, and explore how it has the potential to dramatically improve patient outcomes.--This episode is sponsored by EisnerAmper. 

This episode is sponsored by J.P. Morgan. --In this episode, I interview Sylvester Mobley, Managing Director of Plain Sight Capital, an early-stage venture capital firm that specializes in investing in product-led, pre-seed to seed B2B SaaS companies led by underrepresented founders.Plain Sight Capital takes a unique approach, focusing horizontally across industries while employing product-led strategies to deliver value to customers, aiming to bypass lengthy and complex sales processes.Sylvester is more than an investor; he's a leader in social impact and technology. Throughout his career, he has dedicated himself to ensuring that all underrepresented residents of Philadelphia have access to opportunities in tech and innovation.In 2013, Sylvester founded Coded by Kids, a tech and innovation education organization that strives to prepare underrepresented young people for leadership roles in the tech and innovation sectors.The extensive work and business lessons from Coded by Kids have enabled Sylvester and his team to provide unparalleled support to early-stage startups, securing a competitive advantage as investors.Before venturing into the tech world, Sylvester spent four years in the Marines. Upon re-enlisting in the Air Force Reserves, he landed his first role in technology, and almost two years later, he had already launched his first tech company.During this episode of Founding Philly, I had the honor of sitting down with Sylvester and Joe Biancaniello from the J.P. Morgan Innovation Economy Banking team to delve into the workings of Plain Sight Capital.Tune into this episode to learn about Sylvester Mobley's incredible journey from military to technology and education, his insights into his approach to building sustainable businesses, and how Plain Sight Capital is nurturing the next generation of entrepreneurs.

This episode is sponsored by J.P. Morgan. --In this episode, I interview Mike Lahiff, CEO and Co-Founder of ZeroEyes, an AI-based weapons detection solution born from a mission to prevent mass shootings and enhance public safety. Founded in 2018 by a team of Navy SEALs and military veterans, ZeroEyes integrates with existing security cameras to monitor streaming video feeds for firearms.They sought to overcome the limitations of current security systems, which largely depend on human monitoring and reactive measures, by developing a proactive, AI-driven approach. This innovative system utilizes artificial intelligence to analyze video feeds in real time, identifying firearms as soon as they appear, thereby enabling immediate alerts to local authorities and on-site security personnel.All firearm detections by ZeroEyes are immediately reviewed in the ZeroEyes Operations Center (ZOC). Upon verifying a suspected firearm, ZeroEyes systems promptly notify facility administrators and law enforcement within 3-5 seconds, providing the number and location of suspected shooters.Headquartered in Conshohocken, PA, with additional offices in Alexandria, VA, and Hawaii, ZeroEyes has grown significantly, establishing partnerships with law enforcement agencies, security firms, and educational institutions nationwide. ZeroEyes serves as the trusted weapons detection provider for numerous clients, including the US Department of Defense, leading public K-12 school districts, commercial property groups, Fortune 1000 corporate campuses, supply chain and distribution facilities, shopping malls, and big box retail.In 2021, ZeroEyes secured approximately $20 million in a Series A funding round led by Octave Ventures and, most recently, in 2023, raised $23 million in capital to fuel growth and meet demand.During this episode of Founding Philly, I had the privilege of sitting down with Mike Lahiff and Joe Biancaniello from the J.P. Morgan Innovation Economy Banking team to delve into ZeroEyes and their entrepreneurial journey in Philadelphia.Tune in to hear Mike recount his transition from Navy SEAL to tech entrepreneur and discuss how their technology is revolutionizing security and public safety standards.

In this episode, I interview Marshall Darr, co-founder and CEO of StretchDollar, a platform that provides instant, budget-friendly health benefits for small businesses.StretchDollar dramatically simplifies the group health insurance process, making it much more affordable and accessible for small businesses throughout America.Their approach enables employers on their platform to offer tax-free funding, which employees can then use to pay for their individual market plans that best suit their needs.Having spent the last decade immersed in employee benefits at companies like Gusto and Decent, Marshall has firsthand experience with the challenges small businesses face.This experience inspired him and his former colleagues to establish StretchDollar, aiming to provide a clear starting point for small businesses seeking health benefits.In a major move, StretchDollar recently announced they eliminated all fees, making access to health benefits easier and more affordable than ever for small businesses.Every dollar sent through StretchDollar lands in the employee’s bank account, tax free.In 2023, StretchDollar also successfully raised $1.6 million in funding from investors including Precursor Ventures, Elefund, v1vc, Kindergarten Ventures, and Westerly Ventures.Tune in to hear Marshall share his journey of founding StretchDollar, the invaluable lessons learned along the way, and how he and his team are transforming the approach to health benefits for small businesses and their employees.This episode is sponsored by Withum.

In this episode, I interview Jeff Stade and Will Sanderson, co-founders of Jawnt, a platform that provides access to the city through unified transit. Their innovative platform bridges the gap between mobility providers and organizations, delivering tailored benefits and access that align with the specific needs of each organization and its employees.Jawnt enables organizations to allocate funds for their employees' transit needs, allowing them to fully or partially cover the costs associated with commuting. This flexibility empowers employees to select the most suitable transit options for their daily commute, ensuring they have the necessary access and support for efficient commute planning.Jawnt also seamlessly integrates into existing payroll systems, simplifying the payment process and enabling teams to maximize both pre-tax and post-tax savings.Addressing the shortcomings of traditional commuter benefits offerings, which often fail to fully meet the needs of riders, employers, and transit providers, Jawnt stands out as a comprehensive solution.Supported by direct partnerships with transit providers and the deployment of thoughtfully designed technology, Jawnt is making strides in reimagining urban mobility.Backed by world-class investors and notable angels, including Crossbeam Ventures, Mucker Capital, Triple Impact Capital, and Reshma Saujani, the founder of Girls Who Code, Jawnt's innovative vision and potential for impact have attracted significant backing.Tune in to hear Jeff and Will share their journey of founding Jawnt, the lessons learned, and how their platform is changing how individuals and organizations access and utilize transit options across cities.

In this episode, I interview Ben Williams, the Chief Operating Officer of Exyn Technologies. Exyn is a leading company in autonomous systems, specializing in navigation and data creation in unstructured environments.Exyn is focused on commercial applications involving GPS-denied navigation. This includes environments like underground mines and internal building surveys, where the company can rapidly and safely generate high-fidelity 3D maps of areas that were previously inaccessible.The company's full-stack solution facilitates the flexible deployment of single or multiple robots. These robots are designed to intelligently navigate and dynamically adapt to complex environments in real-time.Exyn originated as a spinout from the University of Pennsylvania's GRASP Labs.Established in 2014, it aimed to commercialize decades of ground-breaking research in areas such as aerial robotics, drone swarms, multi-modal sensor fusion, 3D mapping, obstacle avoidance, and autonomous navigation & planning.In 2022, Exyn secured a $35 million Series B funding round. This investment came from both previous and new investors, including Reliance Industries.Tune in to hear Ben share his entrepreneurial journey, his experience in transforming Exyn from a research-focused entity into a commercial leader, and how Exyn is pioneering new frontiers in autonomous technology applications.

In this episode, I interview Audrey Greenberg, Co-Founder and Chief Business Officer of the Center for Breakthrough Medicines (CBM), an innovative organization specializing in cell and gene therapy-focused contract development and manufacturing (CDMO).CBM offers an integrated and comprehensive service, providing a one-source solution to accelerate the market delivery of advanced therapies. Their client-driven approach, combined with a patient-centric culture, ensures high quality and reliability in process and analytical development, viral vector manufacturing, GMP testing, cell therapy bioprocessing, plasmid production, and cell banking services, covering a product’s full life cycle.CBM supports pharmaceutical and biotechnology clients throughout the entire advanced therapy process, from research and development to manufacturing and commercialization.Audrey brings extensive experience from her background in accounting, finance, investment banking, and private equity. She has played a pivotal role in building CBM, focusing on recruiting top talent and securing significant investment, while emphasizing hard work, perseverance, and the importance of establishing trust with clients.In 2022, SK pharmteco invested $350 million in CBM, and in September, SK announced the acquisition of a controlling interest in CBM. This move adds CBM’s extensive cell and gene therapy expertise to the SK pharmteco portfolio, furthering their strategy to provide end-to-end, multi-modality support for clients.Tune in to hear Audrey Greenberg discuss her journey in co-founding CBM, the valuable lessons learned, the challenges faced by the industry, and how CBM is at the forefront of cell and gene therapy manufacturing.

On this episode, I interview Amy Zitelman, CEO and Co-Founder of Soom Foods, a sister-owned company renowned for its tahini and tahini products.Soom Tahini, known for its silky-smooth texture, is made from sesame seeds and has become a versatile ingredient in both Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisines, enhancing both savory and sweet dishes.Soom Foods' high-quality tahini has established itself as a staple in professional kitchens and home pantries. Their products are available in numerous retail locations, including Whole Foods, Thrive Market, and, as of this year, over 1300 Publix stores.This summer marks a significant milestone for Amy, her sisters, and the Soom team as they celebrate 10 years of Soom's journey. The company found its early success in the food service industry, forming partnerships with restaurants and chefs, and delivering tahini in bulk. Amy explains the strategic advantage of this B2B approach, saying, 'The beauty about restaurants or B2B is they buy more of it and they buy it more often. They buy a 40-pound bucket of tahini as opposed to a six or an 11-ounce jar of tahini and they buy that 40-pound bucket every week as opposed to once a year.'Amy also recounted knocking on doors to persuade chefs to try her tahini, sometimes leading to her being invited into their kitchens—a fun way to grow the business early on. Amy's favorite simple pleasure with tahini? She recommends, 'simply drizzling tahini on Greek yogurt with honey and sliced bananas—it's just perfect.'Listen as Amy shares her journey of co-founding and leading Soom Foods over the past decade, the invaluable lessons learned in developing a leading tahini brand, and her commitment to revolutionizing the culinary world by introducing high-quality, versatile tahini to kitchens everywhere.

In this episode, I interview Nina Farran, Co-Founder and CEO of Fashionkind, and Josh Mastromatto, Co-Founder and CEO of Rego, following their participation in the Lion's Den event at the 2023 Mid-Atlantic Capital Conference, hosted by PACT (Philadelphia Alliance for Capital and Technologies).Fashionkind offers a luxury shopping experience that's unparalleled, featuring a curated selection of exquisite pieces from leading sustainable luxury designers worldwide. Each designer is hand-selected for their unique design aesthetic and positive social and environmental impact.Rego, an AI-powered platform, aims to revolutionize waste diversion for large items like furniture. Their mission is to build cleaner communities globally by reducing the volume of furniture ending up in landfills or abandoned on streets.At the Lion's Den, a live investment event similar to Shark Tank, Nina and Josh presented their ventures to a panel of regional investors, securing a combined investment of $725,000. This panel included notable figures such as David Adelman, Founder of Darco Capital & CEO of Campus Apartments; Robert Corrato, M.D., Founder & Managing Partner of Devon Hill Capital Partners; Daniel Goldsmith, CEO of Tendo; Paul Graziani, CEO of COMSPOC Corporation; and Ryan Hicke, CEO of SEI Investments.Tune in to hear Nina and Josh recount their pitch preparation, how they managed the on-stage pressure from investors, and their advice for other founders seeking investment.---This episode is sponsored by Baker Tilly. 

On this episode, I interview Rick Nucci, Co-founder and CEO of Guru. Guru is the all-in-one tool that keeps your team connected and puts all the information they need in one place.As a collaborative knowledge management solution, Guru is at the forefront of empowering the next generation of knowledge workers. With hundreds of customers, including leading enterprises like Shopify, Square, Spotify, and Zoom, Guru is reshaping how teams create, find, and share institutional knowledge.Guru combines three products into one powerful platform, offering secure enterprise search, an intranet, and a wiki.Positioned to deliver an unparalleled knowledge management experience, Guru offers AI-powered experiences, enabling users to obtain instant answers from their existing sources and to capture and create knowledge effortlessly.Guru is backed by Accel, Thrive Capital, Emergence Capital, FirstMark Capital, MSD Capital, Slack Fund, and Salesforce Ventures.Guru recently celebrated its 10-year anniversary—a significant milestone that fills Rick with a sense of accomplishment and an eagerness for the future, particularly regarding AI's central role in what's to come.Before Guru, Rick founded Boomi, a cloud-based integration platform that became increasingly vital as companies adopted Software as a Service (SaaS) solutions requiring effective integration with existing systems. Boomi was acquired by Dell in 2010.Listen to Rick recount his entrepreneurial journey with Boomi and Guru, the lessons learned, the challenges faced, and how his team at Guru is leading the charge in AI advancements to revolutionize how companies access and utilize knowledge across teams.Learn more at https://www.getguru.com/. ---This episode is sponsored by Baker Tilly. 

On this episode, I interview Dean Miller, President & CEO of PACT, the Philadelphia Alliance for Capital and Technologies. PACT provides its members with valuable connectivity to capital, talent, and customers, fostering growth acceleration and success.PACT plays a crucial role within the Philadelphia startup ecosystem, facilitating networking opportunities and helping entrepreneurs connect with investors, mentors, and other key industry players.As President & CEO of PACT, Dean is a driving force behind entrepreneurship and innovation in Philadelphia. He acts as a “super connector,” facilitating crucial connections within the startup ecosystem and leading various initiatives to promote growth, diversity, and inclusion.Dean’s commitment to fostering a supportive community, coupled with his active involvement in investment—particularly in technology and healthcare—positions him as a central figure in elevating Philadelphia’s entrepreneurial landscape.PACT organizes various events and programs, including the Mid Atlantic Capital Conference, pitch events, and mentorship programs, providing entrepreneurs with platforms to showcase their businesses, connect with potential investors, and gain exposure.Be sure to attend this year's Mid-Atlantic Capital Conference on 11/8-9. Sign up using the code Founding23 to get 20% off your ticket!PACT is also actively working to increase the participation of women, persons of color, and other underrepresented groups in the entrepreneurial ecosystem, ensuring a more inclusive and diverse startup community.Listen to Dean share his journey of leading PACT, the valuable lessons he’s learned from venture capital and community building, and how he and his team are fostering connections and innovation in the Philadelphia startup ecosystem.---This episode is sponsored by PACT.

On this episode, I interview Jake Stein, Co-founder & CEO of Common Paper. Common Paper helps you create and sign contracts faster. Their structured contract platform helps you build trusted templates using their standard agreements, then negotiate, sign and manage contracts in a single workflow.Jake and his team felt that buying and selling technology is still harder than it should be. Throughout his career, one of Jake's biggest frustrations was the process of managing contracts of his customers. "It was slow, it was expensive, it was unpredictable." With Common Paper, a single workflow from drafting to signature: sales agreements, non-disclosure, compliance, and more.Prior to Common Paper, Jake co-founded 2 successful Philly-based companies RJMetrics (Acquired by Magento) and Stitch (Acquired by Talend).Common Paper is backed Y Combinator, Uncork Capital and Boldstart.Listen to Jake share his journey building Common Paper, his experience building multiple successful companies in the Philly startup ecosystem and how he and his team are helping businesses build, negotiate, and sign contracts for the better. 

On this episode, I interview Brian Glick, Founder and CEO of Chain.io. Chain.io is connecting the software that moves supply chains. Their platform connects systems so businesses have better control over the information they need to manage their supply chain.Chain.io was founded out of necessity, not just desire. With 15 years of experience working with global retailers, logistics providers, and software vendors, they witnessed the challenges and inefficiencies in integrations. They observed the rapid emergence of new technologies and recognized the urgent need for these platforms to connect with existing systems, even outdated ones.As Brian shared during our conversation "We saw this problem starting, that SaaS was going to explode as a category in supply chain. And that suddenly, instead of having one system at every company, you are going to have a thousand." Whether it was supply chains for pharmaceuticals, apparel, lumber, or car parts, Brian and his team identified the same problems across verticals: there is no standard for data sharing or integrations between partners and vendors.So they built a solution that plugs into any system, giving shippers, freight forwarders, and software vendors an efficient way to connect to any partner or vendor’s software.From purchase orders and invoicing to freight visibility and receiving payments, Chain.io was built to facilitate the processes core to supply chains. Listen to Brian share his journey building Chain.io, the knowledge he acquired from years in the supply chain and logistics sector, and how he and his team are revolutionizing integrations to ensure smoother and more efficient business processes for all stakeholders.Learn more at https://chain.io/

Live Episode @ Venture Cafe | Founding Philly Meetup 9/7This episode was recorded LIVE at the Founding Philly Meetup in partnership with Venture Cafe. On this episode, I got to sit down (in-person) with Dave Becker, Co-Founder & CEO of CampusESP and Catherine Griffin, Founder of ImpactableX. CampusESP turns parents into partners and is focused on student success. Making it easy to keep the most important influencers of students informed, their families.From impacting enrollment, to student success, to annual giving, keeping parents effectively engaged has proven to be critical for colleges and universities looking to better support their institutional goals.ImpactableX is impact modeling for founders & funders. Catherine and her team help social entrepreneurs to quantify and forecast their social & environmental impact and drive capital towards the greatest good.It has been used by leading social entrepreneurs, Impact Funds and Academics, including TSEF, Wharton, Stanford, USAID's Global Innovation Exchange, and Techstars, among several others.Listen to Dave and Catherine share insights from their startup journey, the importance of being customer-centric, being part of accelerators, the investment landscape and building in Philly.

On this episode, I interview Tiffanie Stanard, Founder and CEO of Stimulus. Stimulus uses data & analytics to help companies make better (diverse, equitable, and inclusionary) purchasing decisions.Stimulus is all about transforming businesses into efficient decision-makers, with a strong focus on nurturing and growing supplier ecosystems.From impacting sourcing, to procurement, to purchasing decisions, maintaining effective vendor relationships is critical for businesses looking to support their operational goals.Stimulus' unique relationship intelligence platform allows businesses to connect meaningfully with vendors. It provides data insights, relationship-building tools, and a proprietary score, ensuring businesses have the information they need to make the best sourcing, procurement, and purchasing decisions.Tiffanie shared during the episode, "I was seeing everything was figuring out how do you build better relationships with the people around you... But I wasn't necessarily seeing that with businesses that you were working with."Stimulus is already powering vendor and supplier relationship management for numerous businesses, becoming the go-to platform for making data-driven decisions.Listen to Tiffanie share her journey of building Stimulus, the insights she gained from her experiences in vendor management, and how she and her team are helping businesses build relationships that lead to better business outcomes.Learn more at https://getstimulus.io/

On this episode, I interview Sam Whitaker, Co-Founder & Co-CEO of Mural Health. Mural Health is a clinical trials technology company that is dedicated to making it easy to be a participant in clinical trials. Mural Health’s technology platform, Mural Link, is a patient-first technology that is primarily designed to benefit the study participant but also improves site operations and drives critical strategic value to study sponsors. Prior to Mural Health, Sam founded Greenphire, a leading provider of clinical payment and communication solutions.  Over 13 years, the company grew and eventually reaching a value of over a billion dollars with only 2.2 million raised from investors. After a successful exit with Greenphire, Sam co-founded Mural Health, a next-generation participant payment solution that modernizes the way research sites execute payments and participants receive them. Mural Health also provides additional features that make it easier for participants, taking advantage of modern tech and the widespread acceptance of mobile applications.Despite the challenges and difficulties of starting another business in the clinical trial space, Sam was motivated to start Mural Health for reasons different from those that led him to start Greenphire. Listen to Sam share his career journey revolutionizing the payments and clinical trial space, why he built Greenphire and now Mural Health, and his mission to modernize the way research sites handle transactions and the participant experience.Learn more at https://www.muralhealth.com/---This episode is sponsored by Brinker Simpson & Company

On this episode, I interview Dave Becker, Co-Founder & CEO of CampusESP. CampusESP is your all-in-one solution for college parent engagement.CampusESP turns parents into partners and is focused on student success.CampusESP makes it easy to keep the most important influencers of students informed, their families.From impacting enrollment, to student success, to annual giving, keeping parents effectively engaged has proven to be critical for colleges and universities looking to better support their institutional goals.CampusESP's comprehensive parent engagement platform allows institutions to connect meaningfully with families via portals, emails, and text, ensuring parents have the information to be advocates and advisors for their students.CampusESP currently powers family engagement for 300+ colleges and is the go-to destination of more than 5 million parents. Listen to Dave share his career journey in the EdTech space, how he bootstrapped CampusESP to what it is today, and his mission to help colleges and universities  engage families and parents to support student success.Learn more at https://www.campusesp.com/  ---This episode is sponsored by Brinker Simpson & Company

On this episode, I interview Co-Founders T.J. Colaiezzi and Jemma Barbarise-Kelley of LifeBrand. LifeBrand is the world leader in AI social media detection.LifeBrand’s mission is to empower all social media users to reach their full potential by maintaining a meaningful digital presence. Their AI powered software and user dashboard makes it simple to curate a powerful personal brand by bringing potentially unprofessional or harmful posts to users' attention. With ease, users can keep, edit or delete questionable posts that may not represent who they are today. LifeBrand has also developed a Social Media Awareness and Accountability Certification (SMAA) for individuals and companies to better learn responsible social media use.From job seekers, professionals and entrepreneurs to politicians, college students and athletes, LifeBrand has cleaned over 8 million posts to date and counting across Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and TikTok.LifeBrand raised a $27 million Series A round just last year and has continued to build out their team and product offerings.Listen to T.J. and Jemma share their journey building LifeBrand, the background behind their game-changing marketing strategy, and how they are helping you maintain a meaningful digital presence with AI. 

On this episode, I interview Mikal Harden, Co-Founder of Juno Search Partners. Juno Search Partners is a women-founded and women-led talent solutions firm working every day to connect the right people with the right kind of place.Juno is a team of experienced sourcers and recruiters specializing in assisting growing companies to build out their workforce through custom-built recruitment solutions.As the "Ultimate Connectors", Juno values the ability to bring many different perspectives to the table in order to enhance teams. After over 12 years, Juno Search Partners recently announced they were acquired by NFP, a leading insurance broker specializing in benefits, wealth management, property, casualty and retirement planning.  In 2020, Mikal, her Juno Search Partners co-founder Vicki Sack, and Dylan Foley launched Juno Capital. Juno Capital is an early-stage venture capital firm, who backs the disruptors and changemakers of the world, right here in Philadelphia. Juno Capital has invested in many local companies, several who have been on the podcast, including most recently Employee Cycle and LLUNA.Listen to Mikal share her passion for search and staffing, how her and her partners at Juno Capital are investing in Philly entrepreneurs, and what's next for her and the Philly startup ecosystem she has helped build.  

On this episode, I interview Jess Podgajny, Co-Founder & CEO of LLUNA. LLUNA is building the new operating system for hybrid and remote teams.The company's Team Operating System (TeamOS) is designed to deliver real-time insights through comprehensive Team Boards powered by personal operating profiles (POPs).By showcasing team dynamics, TeamOS helps leaders more effectively manage and empowers teams to optimize their ways of working.With LLUNA, teams can accelerate belonging and trust for all employees, eliminate silos across geographies, departments, and roles, and optimize team performance by knowing how each employee is at their best.Jess said it best during our conversation, "Instead we should be plugging in to the people and tapping into all of these unique strengths and ideas and capabilities in the way that worked best for them, not necessarily in the way that works best for the company."LLUNA was part of the Comcast LIFT Labs 2022 cohort. Jess and her team are also backed by Philly-based Juno Capital and Ben Franklin Tech Partners. Listen to Jess share her story building LLUNA, the unique perspective she learned as Chief People Officer, the major pivot her company made during COVID, and how her and her team are building high-performing teams through meaningful connections and data-driven belonging.Try it out for yourself and create your own POP at https://www.hellolluna.com/makeapop---This episode is sponsored by Insperity.

On this episode, I interview Nick Martin, Co-Founder & COO at Carbon Reform. Carbon Reform is designing the Carbon Capsule, a modular carbon dioxide capture device that helps building owners reduce CO2 and contaminant levels internally, while saving energy on heating and cooling.The Carbon Capsule goes into a building's return air duct and as air moves through the building, it diverts part of it into the capsule. The CO2 that is captured is then sequestered permanently onsite into calcium carbonate or limestone. The company then sells downstream to heavy industries like concrete and steel to decarbonize their supply chain. The company's Carbon Capsule integrates into existing systems and their team will conduct full indoor air quality assessments, and recommend the right combination of technology to help. Carbon Reform was founded in early 2020, with the concept of democratizing access to carbon capture and are dedicated to the mission of clean air for people and our planet.Last year, the team raised a $3 million dollar seed round which was led by by Azolla Ventures. Nick and his co-founder Jo Norris, also were named to this years Forbes 30 under 30 for Social Impact. Listen to Nick share his passion for renewable energy technology, the importance in finding ways to intersect emerging technologies with social impact,  and how he and his team are on a mission to  democratize access to carbon capture and carbon removable technology.Interested in learning more about Carbon Reform? Check out https://www.carbonreform.com/---This episode is sponsored by Insperity.

On this episode, I interview Bruce Marable, Co-Founder & CEO at Employee Cycle. Employee Cycle combines disconnected workforce data from different HR systems into one user-friendly HR dashboard, empowering HR leaders to view, track, and analyze all their people data in one place.Employee Cycle’s approach to HR data management offers a cloud-based solution that automates end-to-end HR reporting and enables seamless communication between HR and leadership teams.With Employee Cycle, you don’t have to replace your favorite HR systems to get all your employee data in one place. Use their pre-built integrations to connect all your employee data to your HR analytics dashboard.Employee Cycle's data-driven solutions across the employee journey help create a more inclusive workplace culture, boosting retention and equity. Employee Cycle was part of the 2021 class of the Comcast NBCUniversal LIFT Labs Accelerator, powered by Techstars. Listen to Bruce share his entrepreneur journey building HR products, the power of storytelling when it comes to conveying your company's value, and how he and his team are on a mission to empower HR professionals to be more data-driven.Interested in Employee Cycle for your company? Check out https://www.employeecycle.com/ ---This episode is sponsored by BridgeBank and Brinker Simpson & Company. 

On this episode, I interview Michael Beauchamp, Founder and CEO of GO. GO is a cheaper and easier alternative to traditional car ownership.GO created a better business model that allows them to provide drivers the best car for the lowest payment. GO is the best parts of a lease, a rental, and a subscription. They removed all the things that add cost and frustration to traditional car buying. By combining technology, data science and fleet management, GO is able to increase efficiency and reduce cost. This allows them to provide an experience for drivers to get their car in less time and for less money than ever before. GO recently announced a $6 million funding round led by Starting Line. To date, GO has raised $52.8 million, $40 million which was in debt used to fund car purchases. GO is currently available in Atlanta, Charlotte, Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston, Miami-Ft. Lauderdale, Northern New Jersey, Orlando, Philadelphia and Tampa.Listen to Michael share his life journey of being an entrepreneur, the challenges he navigated during COVID, and how he and the team at GO are shaking up traditional car ownership for the everyday driver.Interested in learning more about GO? Check out https://www.drivego.com/. ---This episode is sponsored by BridgeBank and Brinker Simpson & Company. 

On this episode, I interview Abe Kwon, Startup & VC Partner at Goodwin. Goodwin is a global law firm serving the innovators and the investors in a rapidly changing, technology-driven economy.Goodwin's Philadelphia office focuses on the life sciences, healthcare, and private equity industries, including where they converge with other sectors such as technology.Goodwin announced earlier this year that a team of 14 partners have joined the firm in its Life Sciences, Healthcare, Private Equity and Complex Litigation and Dispute Resolution practices across a number of offices, including its newly-established Philadelphia office.Abe counsels startups and venture-backed companies throughout their growth cycle, including issues related to incorporation, venture fundraising, corporate governance, commercial contracts, strategic partnerships, day-to-day operations, and M&A transactions. His clients include emerging companies in various industries, including fintech, blockchain/Web3, SaaS, digital health, and life sciences. He also represents venture capital funds and corporate venture arms as they look to back promising high-growth emerging companies.Listen to Abe share how he supports founders in the early stages of their journey, lessons every founder and entrepreneur should consider when building a company, and a look into what happen with Silicon Valley Bank and what founders should be thinking about moving forward. If you are a founder or entrepreneur seeking support from Goodwin, learn more at https://www.goodwinlaw.com/en---This episode is sponsored by BridgeBank and Brinker Simpson & Company. 

On this episode, I interview Catherine Griffin, Founder of ImpactableX. ImpactableX helps social entrepreneurs to quantify and forecast their social & environmental impact and drive capital towards the greatest good.ImpactableX is impact modeling for founders & funders. A digital suite of products that use the power of AI to define, quantify, forecast and report on social and environmental impact and direct capital towards the solutions that build a better world.The ImpactableX framework helps founders get really clear on core impact metrics and operations at a granular level, leveraging research and data to inform key assumptions. Providing the data to optimize for both revenue and impact, processes to collect impact data over time, and analytics to rigorously articulate the full potential of their innovation to partners, customers and investors.Developed by GoodCompany Ventures, an award-winning accelerator and innovation consortium. It has been used by leading social entrepreneurs, Impact Funds and Academics, including TSEF, Wharton, Stanford, USAID's Global Innovation Exchange, and Techstars, among several others.Listen to Catherine share her experience leading an accelerator fund in Philadelphia, how she worked with founders to understand the impact their products and services were driving, the differences between 'impact' and 'ESG', and her mission to bring intelligence to the entire impact investing market. Learn more at https://www.impactablex.com/---This episode is sponsored by BridgeBank and Brinker Simpson & Company.

On this episode, I interview Adit Gupta, Co-founder & CEO of Lula Convenience. Lula Convenience is a software company that enables delivery from convenience stores. They are building the operating system for the convenience industry with the goal to empower retailers to modernize and thrive. Today, Lula is giving stores the specialized technology, data, and customer success merchants need to serve customers. Lula enables independents and chains to compete with major corporations as the nation's largest retail delivery marketplace.Since Lula started helping stores deliver delight, they have helped convenience store owners sell over 1 million items! They serve retailers in all 50 states, connecting them to their local communities and beyond. In helping stores deliver delight to shoppers and communities all across the country, Lula is bridging the digital gap between stores and their local customers, working to ensure that no store will have to face closure over a lack of delivery options.Listen to Adit share his personal journey supporting his parents' convenience store, his passion for business and startups, how he and his co-founder navigated the convenience store market to get to where they are today, and how they plan to disrupt the convenience industry through innovation and transforming the way retailers do business for good.Learn more at https://www.lulaconvenience.com/  

On this episode, I interview Ted Mann, Co-Founder and CEO of CollX. CollX (pronounced "collects") is the fastest way to find out what your trading cards are worth. Snap a pic and instantly get the current market price. Add them to your collection to track your overall portfolio, and buy, sell, and trade your cards with other collectors.CollX helps answer one of the most basic questions that any collector has: “What’s this worth?” The mobile app enables users to take a picture of a collectible, identify it, and get the current market value. Once an item is added to your collection, you can track that item’s value over time, just as you can your overall portfolio. More importantly, you can buy and sell any collectible with full transparency.Listen to Ted share his story of how he started CollX, the multiple companies he has founded focusing on visual-search technology, the expansion into card dealers and retail outlets and how he is positioning CollX for success.Learn more at https://www.collx.app/

On this episode, I interview Scott Nissenbaum, President and CEO of Ben Franklin Tech Partners of Southeastern Pennsylvania. Ben Franklin Tech Partners is among the nation’s leading technology-based economic development programs. Covering the entire Commonwealth through four regional centers, BFTP accelerates the growth of technology-based industries in Pennsylvania.Ben Franklin Technology Partners operates as a 501 C-3 Corporation, using the tools and best practices of venture investment and technology commercialization to help build the companies that grow our region.For over 30 years, Ben Franklin Technology Partners has been the leading seed stage capital provider for the region’s technology sectors, investing over $175 million in more than 1,750 regional technology companies, many of which have gone on to become industry leaders. Ben Franklin has also launched university/industry partnerships that accelerate scientific discoveries to commercialization, and has seeded regional initiatives that strengthen our entrepreneurial community. Listen to Scott share his career journey as a venture capitalist and entrepreneur, how he and Ben Franklin Tech Partners help founders in the early stages, the advice he would give any aspiring entrepreneur and his perspective on the current state of the Philadelphia startup ecosystem.If you are a founder or entrepreneur seeking investment and support from Ben Franklin, learn more at https://www.sep.benfranklin.org/how-to-apply/

On this episode, I interview Justin Rosenberg, Founder & CEO of honeygrow. honeygrow is a Philadelphia-based fast casual restaurant chain that specializes in stir-fry, salads and honeybars (a delicious fruit-based treat). Made with only the highest quality ingredients, honeygrow's stir-fry, salads and honeybars offer the perfect combination of quick and healthy flavors to satisfy whatever you're craving for lunch, dinner, or a mid-day snack.Did you know honeygrow is a play on the phrase “honest eating + growing local”? — the phrase succinctly illustrates their commitment to providing the freshest food possible, while working with local partners whenever possible.honeygrow has 31 locations (and growing) across Boston, New York, Pittsburgh, DC Metro, Baltimore, and of course, Philadelphia. Listen to Justin share his story building honeygrow, why he wanted to bring a fast casual restaurant to Philly, the lessons learned from scaling the business and how he is giving back in his new role at Villanova Law School.Learn more at https://www.honeygrow.com/

On this episode, I interview Nathan Buchbinder, Co-Founder & Chief Product Officer of Proscia. Proscia is a software company that is accelerating pathology’s transformation toward a data-driven discipline. Their digital pathology platform and powerful AI applications are unlocking new insights that accelerate discovery, improve patient outcomes, and fulfill the promise of precision care.Digital pathology is giving today’s forward-thinking pathology organizations the means to overcome our collective challenges and fundamentally transform how we work and contribute to medicine and patient care.Proscia is helping labs worldwide transform from glass to digital, accelerating research and delivering better patient outcomes. More than 6,000 pathologists and researchers use their platform daily at reference labs, academic medical centers, CROs, and top pharma leaders.Listen to Nathan share his story building Proscia, how he sees AI impacting the future of pathology, the early days starting the company at Johns Hopkins with his co-founders, and what it is like being a product leader in a transformational space.Learn more at https://proscia.com/