Afleveringen
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In this episode of the Iowa Tech Podcast, host Kaylee Williams interviews Russel Karim, CEO and Founder of SourceEazy, about his entrepreneurial journey and the evolution of his company. Originally from Bangladesh, Russel has been part of the Iowa startup ecosystem for 14 years, beginning with his first venture, Solver Iowa, during his time at the University of Northern Iowa. Russel's background in the clothing manufacturing industry in Bangladesh inspired him to create SourceEazy, a company that connects fashion design with global manufacturing, particularly focusing on the promotional and uniform product industry. The company, originally named Dhakai (after the capital city of Bangladesh), aimed to bring visibility to the origins of fashion production and has since evolved to SourceEazy, reflecting its broader global reach and supply chain solutions.
The podcast delves into the challenges and opportunities faced by SourceEazy amidst recent trade tariffs and shifts in global supply chains. Russel explains how the company has strategically positioned itself by offering non-China supply chain options, which has become increasingly attractive to clients seeking alternatives due to the tariffs. SourceEazy's technology streamlines the process of designing and sourcing promotional products, providing significant savings and efficiency by cutting out middlemen. The company leverages its AI-powered platform to offer a seamless experience for distributors and suppliers, enhancing competitiveness in a $173 billion market. Despite the volatility in trade policies, Russel remains optimistic about SourceEazy's growth and potential to scale, emphasizing the importance of adaptability and technological innovation in navigating the current economic landscape.
Find this show on your favorite app: https://iowapodcast.com/russel-karim-custom-apparel-design
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In the latest episode of the Iowa Tech podcast, host Kaylee interviews Curt Nelson, President and CEO of the Entrepreneurial Development Center (EDC), and Ben Clark, Entrepreneur in Residence at EDC. The discussion focuses on the role of EDC in supporting Iowa's entrepreneurial ecosystem. Curt, who founded EDC 22 years ago, explains the organization's mission to accelerate the formation and success of new companies, thereby generating economic impact in Iowa. He shares his passion for entrepreneurship, which stems from his lifelong desire to create and innovate. Curt also discusses his book, "Recipe for Business Success," which offers insights for aspiring entrepreneurs. The conversation highlights the importance of balancing talent and funding to ensure successful business ventures.
Ben Clark shares his role at EDC, which involves working with clients across various stages of development, from early-stage startups to established companies facing growth challenges. He emphasizes the significance of transferring accumulated knowledge from EDC's 1,500 business interactions to sustain and support the community. The podcast delves into the pressing needs of founders, particularly the necessity of financial resources and skilled talent. Both Curt and Ben stress the importance of professional investment and strategic planning in overcoming challenges. They discuss the unique entrepreneurial environment in Iowa, highlighting the state's supportive community and work ethic, while also acknowledging the current challenges in accessing sufficient capital to sustain business growth.
Find this show on your favorite app: https://iowapodcast.com/curt-nelson-and-ben-clark-edc-cedar-rapids
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Zijn er afleveringen die ontbreken?
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The latest episode of the Iowa Tech podcast, hosted by Kaylee Williams, comes to life from the Jethro's Barbecue Studio in the East Village, where Kaylee chats with Clair Williams-Vavra, the Chief Operating Officer at SI Delivery Consulting. Clair, the recent winner of this year's Des Moines' Startup Weekend, shares her eclectic journey from hospitality to technology and entrepreneurship. She reflects on her past ventures, like the B2B mason jar salad company, Green Mason, and her deep-seated entrepreneurial spirit that traces back to childhood endeavors. The discussion takes a heartfelt turn as Clair opens up about her experiences with postpartum depression, which inspired her latest project pitched at Startup Weekend.
Throughout the weekend, Clair and her team delved into extensive customer discovery, uncovering the critical need for better support systems for postpartum mothers. This led to the conceptualization of 'Held,' an app designed to offer both clinical and community support for those experiencing perinatal mood and anxiety disorders. The podcast highlights the challenges faced by Clair and her team, the emotional journey of creating Held, and the powerful validation they received from peers and judges. Clair's story is a testament to the strength of sharing vulnerable experiences and the potential for innovation to address deeply personal and widespread issues. As Clair continues to build Held, she remains committed to listening to the needs of her community, reinforcing the importance of empathy-driven entrepreneurship.
If you, or a birthing mother you know, has experienced ANY symptoms typically associated with Postpartum Depression or Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorder, please consider taking the anonymous survey here: https://shorturl.at/Tpb5J
Hear the full show: https://iowapodcast.com/clair-williams-vavra-postpartum-depression-support
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The Iowa Tech podcast, hosted by Kaylee, is a vibrant exploration of the startup ecosystem in Des Moines, Iowa. Recorded from the unique atmosphere of the Jethro's Barbecue Studio, Kaylee brings listeners into the heart of entrepreneurial innovation by featuring dynamic interviews with key figures, such as Colleen Kinsey, co-founder of SoftVoya and co-organizer of Startup Weekend Des Moines. This episode captures the essence of Startup Weekend, a transformative 52-hour event where individuals from diverse backgrounds unite to brainstorm, develop, and pitch viable business ideas. Listeners are taken on a journey through the experiences of participants who, driven by passion and creativity, turn initial concepts into tangible startups, such as Tumbleweed and Held.
The latest episode delves into the remarkable narratives emerging from Startup Weekend 2025. It highlights the collaborative spirit and resilience of teams who navigate challenges, from unexpected snowstorms to pivoting business models based on real-time customer feedback. The podcast not only celebrates the success stories like Clair Williams-Vavra's Held, which addresses postpartum mental health, but also underscores the supportive ecosystem in Des Moines that fosters innovation and mentorship. With insightful discussions and emotional reflections, this episode is a testament to the thriving entrepreneurial landscape in Iowa, encouraging more individuals to engage with and contribute to the community's growth and success.
Hear the full show: https://iowapodcast.com/colleen-kinsey-startup-weekend-des-moines
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This episode of the Iowa Tech podcast features Ehrich Pakala, co-founder and CEO of Emigrait, a software company based in Cedar Falls, Iowa. Join us as we delve into Ehrich's journey from being a pure math major to establishing a tech firm that leverages AI to predict real estate market behaviors. Emigrait initially started as a consulting company for mortgage lenders, aiming to forecast potential home buyers and sellers by analyzing various data metrics. Over time, the company expanded its clientele to include realtors, senior housing companies, and even home service providers. Ehrich explains how their AI model functions similarly to a FICO score, focusing on predicting market engagement rather than creditworthiness. Their innovative approach has positioned Emigrait as a leader in predictive modeling within the real estate sector.
Throughout the podcast, Ehrich shares insights into the challenges and successes of building a tech company in a volatile market. Emigrait's growth strategy involves automating customer onboarding and expanding its geographical reach beyond the Midwest. Despite the ups and downs of the mortgage industry, Ehrich credits the company's resilience to a strong team culture that values candor, freedom to make mistakes, and alignment of incentives. He emphasizes the importance of a supportive team in navigating the entrepreneurial journey, particularly when bootstrapping a startup. With a focus on continuous improvement and transparency, Emigrait aims to redefine how companies in the real estate market approach targeted marketing and customer engagement.
Hear the full show: https://iowapodcast.com/ehrich-pakala-mortgage-software-emigrait
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In this episode of the Iowa Tech Podcast, host Kaylee Williams interviews Levi Cermak, the Vice President of Revenue at Elevator, a new co-warehousing space in town. Levi shares his journey from Hastings, Nebraska, through the entrepreneurship center at the University of Nebraska, to joining Elevator. He discusses Elevator's unique business model, which focuses on co-warehousing for small businesses dealing with physical goods, as opposed to traditional coworking spaces. The conversation highlights the challenges faced by small business owners who operate from home, such as storage and logistics, and how Elevator aims to provide a solution by offering flexible, community-focused spaces. Levi emphasizes the importance of community, collaboration, and learning opportunities that Elevator provides to its members, which extends beyond just logistics support.
Levi and Kaylee also discuss the expansion of Elevator from Omaha to Des Moines and Kansas City, and the positive reception and collaborative spirit they've encountered in the Des Moines startup ecosystem. Levi explains Elevator's approach to community building and how it aims to elevate small businesses by reducing barriers to growth. He describes the planned features of the Des Moines location, emphasizing the intentional design for fostering interactions and community engagement. The conversation wraps up with Levi inviting potential members to explore the space and consider joining their founding member community for additional benefits, while Kaylee reflects on the value of such innovative spaces in supporting entrepreneurial ventures.
Hear the full show: https://iowapodcast.com/levi-cermak-elevator-coworking-des-moines
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Kaylee Williams, the host of the Iowa Tech podcast, welcomes Scott Herren to the studio, who is a notable figure in the entrepreneurial ecosystem of Iowa. Scott, a third-generation Iowa native, has been deeply involved in the startup scene, starting with his time at Startup City in Des Moines. He is currently the Founding Engineer at a company called Hats. With a background in finance and marketing analytics, Scott's journey has taken him through various cities, including San Diego, Texas, and St. Louis, before returning to Iowa. He's particularly passionate about the intersection of technology and entrepreneurship, and his recent ventures have led him into the burgeoning fields of crypto and blockchain, areas where he is eager to share his knowledge and experiences.
The conversation delves into Scott's transition from marketing to the world of cryptocurrency, sparked initially by a friend's request for Bitcoin at a hackathon. This curiosity led him to explore Ethereum and its potential for creating more equitable systems through smart contracts. Scott explains how Hats, his current project, leverages Ethereum to help decentralized organizations manage responsibilities and authorities effectively. The discussion further covers the broader implications of blockchain technology, including its potential to democratize access to financial and organizational tools, its application in various ecosystems like Iowa's agricultural and insurance sectors, and the evolving landscape of decentralized finance and governance. Scott's insights highlight the transformative potential of these technologies in creating more inclusive and efficient systems for businesses and communities alike.
Hear the full show: https://iowapodcast.com/scott-herren-ethereum-hats-bitcoin
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Levi Rosol, the CEO and Founder of We Write Code, has had a remarkable journey in the tech industry, spanning over 20 years. His experience encompasses a diverse range of environments, from corporate to startups, and a significant stint at a marketing agency. With a foundation as a developer, Levi transitioned into leadership roles, culminating in the creation of We Write Code, a software development agency that has evolved from a startup-centric focus to working with larger, enterprise-level clients. We Write Code not only provides technology solutions but also offers mentorship and guidance to startups, reflecting Levi's passion for fostering growth and innovation in the tech community.
Throughout his career, Levi has emphasized the importance of networking and community involvement, particularly in the Des Moines area, where the tech ecosystem has grown significantly over the years. He attributes much of his success to the connections and collaborations formed within this ecosystem. Levi's journey also highlights the importance of adaptability and learning from past experiences, such as his time at Goodsmith’s, a marketplace for handmade goods, which taught him valuable lessons about entrepreneurship and the tech industry. As a leader, Levi continues to focus on building a collaborative and innovative environment at We Write Code, while also engaging with the broader tech community through initiatives like the AI User Group, which he co-founded to foster discussion and learning about emerging technologies.
Hear the full show: https://iowapodcast.com/levi-rosol-dev-shops-startups
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In the latest episode of the Iowa Tech podcast, host Kaylee Williams engages in a captivating conversation with Dr. Melissa Bates, CEO and founder of LSF Medical Solutions. Dr. Bates shares her journey from being a faculty member at the University of Iowa to pioneering a groundbreaking medical device, Pnumero, aimed at transforming lung disease care. Pnumero is designed to bring advanced lung function monitoring into patients' homes, providing vital data that can preemptively indicate worsening conditions long before symptoms appear. This innovation not only enhances patient autonomy but also alleviates hospital bed shortages by reducing preventable inpatient stays, showcasing a potential cost saving for healthcare institutions.
Dr. Bates delves into the intricacies of Pnumero, explaining how it offers unique insights into lung health by measuring aspects such as airway volume and oxygen exchange efficiency. She highlights the significant opportunity for hospitals to optimize resource allocation by adopting remote monitoring technologies, thus freeing up capacity for more critical cases. Throughout the episode, Dr. Bates emphasizes the importance of customer discovery and data-driven decision-making in fostering successful innovation. Her story is a testament to the power of perseverance, collaboration, and leveraging cutting-edge technology to address real-world health challenges, all while maintaining an optimistic and proactive outlook on the future of healthcare innovation.
Hear the full show: https://iowapodcast.com/dr-melissa-bates-pnumero
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In this episode of the Iowa Tech podcast, host Kaylee Williams interviews Laney Kraus-Taddeo, the founder and CEO of ActRightHere. They discuss Laney's entrepreneurial journey, starting from her participation in a Tech Star Startup Weekend, where she pitched the idea for ActRightHere—a platform connecting writers and actors to collaborate on creative projects. Laney shares her initial struggle to form a team during the weekend event and how her persistence paid off, leading her to win the competition. The success at Startup Weekend propelled her to enroll in Venture School, where she further developed her business model and won additional pitch competitions. The podcast highlights Lainey's determination and passion for building a community for creatives, despite challenges such as the need for fundraising and navigating the tech side of her startup.
The conversation also covers Laney's temporary departure from her startup to work as a senior producer on the Kamala Harris presidential campaign. She reflects on the significance of the experience and the impact of participating in a historic political campaign. Upon returning to ActRightHere, Laney shares her plans for the future, including signing with a venture studio and preparing for a beta launch of her platform. She emphasizes the importance of networking, sending cold emails, and maintaining perseverance in the face of rejection. The episode concludes with Laney's excitement about upcoming opportunities, including attending the Oscars as a seat filler, and her advice to aspiring founders to be proactive and open to all possibilities in their entrepreneurial endeavors.
Hear the full show: https://iowapodcast.com/laney-kraus-taddeo-entrepreneurial-journey-insights
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In a recent episode of the Iowa Tech podcast, host Kaylee Williams sat down with Justin Schoen, the CEO and co-founder of Force Fitters, to discuss his entrepreneurial journey and insights into the startup ecosystem in Des Moines. Justin, a native of West Des Moines, has been deeply embedded in the local entrepreneurial landscape for over a decade. He shared his background in marketing and digital marketing consultancy, a field he entered when digital marketing was still nascent in the early 2000s. His initial foray into entrepreneurship involved establishing a consultancy that specialized in digital marketing, where he worked with a diverse array of clients. This experience laid the foundation for his current venture, Force Fitters, a company that specializes in managing uniforms and corporate apparel for businesses. Justin's story highlights the evolution of digital marketing over the years and how his consultancy work with startups and established companies alike paved the way for his current entrepreneurial endeavor.
Force Fitters began in 2018, following the sale of GNL Clothing, where Justin had established an e-commerce platform. Recognizing an opportunity in the work apparel space, he and his partners founded Force Fitters to address the needs of clients who were underserved after the retail transition. With a focus on specialized apparel like flame-resistant clothing, Force Fitters operates as a B2B SaaS platform that streamlines the management of corporate uniforms and safety gear. The company has grown by leveraging Justin's existing network and relationships while maintaining a high retention rate by building features in step with customer needs. Justin also reflects on the importance of work-life balance, mentorship, and the supportive startup ecosystem in Iowa, emphasizing that successful entrepreneurship does not necessarily require constant hustle but rather a focus on efficiency and healthy boundaries. As Force Fitters looks toward future growth, Justin's experience and philosophy offer valuable insights for aspiring entrepreneurs navigating similar paths.
Hear the full show: https://iowapodcast.com/justin-schoen-iowa-tech-entrepreneur
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In this episode of the Iowa Tech podcast, host Kaylee Williams interviews Alyssa Nolte, CEO and founder of TruVue, a company that emerged from an innovative idea nurtured through a blend of accidental entrepreneurship and strategic risk-taking. Alyssa shares her journey from a traditional career path to founding a successful startup, spurred by a chance encounter with a University of Northern Iowa professor who was exploring the commercial potential of eye-tracking technology. With no initial customers or revenue, Alyssa embraced the challenge, driven by her father's advice and the support of the local entrepreneurial community. This journey led to the bootstrapping of TruVue, which was eventually acquired by a consulting company, marking a significant milestone in Alyssa's career.
The podcast also delves into Alyssa's insights on the importance of forming emotional connections with customers and how TruVue's Brand Health Score helps businesses measure and enhance these connections. As she transitions from a bootstrapping background to exploring venture capital for her new venture, Alyssa shares her experiences and challenges in navigating this unfamiliar terrain. She emphasizes the value of being open to change and learning from feedback, highlighting the difference in approach between Midwest and West Coast venture capitalists. Through her candid reflections, Alyssa underscores the significance of taking risks, leveraging community resources, and maintaining resilience in the face of entrepreneurial challenges. Her story offers valuable lessons for aspiring entrepreneurs about the power of perseverance, adaptability, and strategic networking.
Hear the full show: https://iowapodcast.com/alyssa-nolte-iowa-entrepreneur-story
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In a recent episode of the Iowa Tech podcast, host Kaylee Williams sat down with Billie Asmus, CEO and founder of Repaint Studios, to discuss her entrepreneurial journey and recent success at the $100,000 InnoVenture Challenge. Asmus, who once flipped furniture, identified a gap in the market for a reusable paint tray with a lid, leading to the creation of the Repaint Tray—a silicone paint tray liner with a lid that preserves paint freshness for up to 21 days. Her journey was not without setbacks, including initial failures in pitch competitions, but her perseverance and belief in her product led to eventual success. Asmus emphasized the importance of learning from setbacks, maintaining a strong belief in one's vision, and the value of mentorship and networking in overcoming challenges. Her innovations have gained traction, leading to successful partnerships with major retailers like Lowe's and Home Depot, without spending on advertising.
Asmus's story highlights the importance of community support and strategic alliances in the entrepreneurial landscape. Despite her rural roots in Hampton, Iowa, she successfully tapped into a network of advisors and mentors who provided invaluable guidance. Her advisors, with diverse expertise ranging from finance to manufacturing, played a crucial role in navigating the complexities of scaling her business. Asmus shared insights on the significance of storytelling in entrepreneurship, encouraging others to articulate their visions clearly to attract support and investment. She also underscored the importance of staying connected with support communities to combat the isolation that can accompany the entrepreneurial journey. As she looks to the future, Asmus plans to expand her product line, continuously innovating in response to customer feedback, and remains committed to reinvesting in rural communities. Her story serves as an inspiring example of resilience, strategic growth, and the power of dreaming big.
Hear the full show: https://iowapodcast.com/billie-asmus-iowa-entrepreneur-story
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In the latest episode of the Iowa Tech podcast, host Kaylee Williams engages in a compelling conversation with Micah Walker, an analyst at the InnoVenture Iowa Fund. The episode dives deep into Micah's fascinating journey from his entrepreneurial aspirations as a child to becoming a pivotal figure in venture capital. Micah vividly recounts how his early experiences with flat feet and an interest in footwear design sparked a lifelong passion for entrepreneurship. As he navigated through his academic journey at Iowa State, where he pursued dual majors in entrepreneurship and apparel merchandising, Micah discovered his knack for innovation and business acumen. His story unfolds with serendipitous events, including a chance encounter with a representative from Bloomrise, a company that inspired his venture into eco-friendly footwear design. These experiences have shaped Micah's approach to startups, emphasizing the importance of overcoming challenges and the value of demonstrating a product's viability early in the entrepreneurial journey.
The episode also explores Micah's dual role as both a founder and an emerging venture capitalist, highlighting his insights into the Iowa entrepreneurial ecosystem. Micah shares his observations on the predominant focuses within Iowa, such as AgTech and MedTech, and contrasts these with his experiences in the dynamic Silicon Valley startup scene. His unique perspective as a founder turned analyst provides valuable advice for entrepreneurs seeking funding from venture capitalists. Micah stresses the significance of having a robust product demo and a clear path to market as key factors in securing investment. The discussion underscores the importance of resilience and adaptability in entrepreneurship, as evidenced by the successful founders Micah admires. The podcast closes with a candid look into Micah’s personal routine and aspirations, offering listeners a glimpse into the life of a young, driven professional balancing multiple passions in the world of business and venture capital.
Hear the full show: https://iowapodcast.com/micah-walker-entrepreneurs-and-venture-capitalists-in-iowa
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In the Iowa Tech podcast episode, Kaylee Williams interviews Kelley McManus, the Managing Director of P3 + Uplift. Kelley shares her journey from growing up in Iowa to becoming a leader in the tech industry, despite initially resisting a career in technology. She talks about her non-traditional path to college and how tech eventually became a passion. Kelley discusses P3 Plus Uplift, a company focused on software development and project management, and explains the significance of the "+" in their name, which denotes their expansion into offering additional services like experience design and working with startups. The company aims to help startups by offering services such as road mapping and tech development, often at reduced rates or even for free, to ensure they build sustainable and repeatable technology.
The conversation also highlights Kelley's involvement in the Innoventure Challenge and her experiences with various startups, including Pig Eazy, a company that innovated in hog farming technology. Kelley emphasizes the importance of continuous learning for entrepreneurs and the significance of community and relationships in the startup ecosystem. She shares some personal insights, such as her morning routine and book recommendations, which reflect her focus on maintaining joy and mental wellness.
Hear the full show: https://iowapodcast.com/kelley-mcmanus-tech-and-innovation-in-iowa
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In the lively realm of entrepreneurship, Blake Renaud stands as a testament to the power of vision and perseverance. Based in Cedar Falls, Iowa, Blake embarked on a journey with her husband to transform a shared love for pickleball into a thriving startup. Their company, PicklePlay, was born out of a personal passion for the sport and a keen awareness of its burgeoning popularity. Blake's story is one of balancing family life with entrepreneurial zeal, as she managed not only to navigate the startup world with five children but also to successfully address a gap in the pickleball community. Identifying the need for a platform that connects players, courts, and clubs, PicklePlay has become an essential tool for enthusiasts worldwide, boasting a user base across 100 countries and revolutionizing how the game is played and enjoyed.
The journey to success was not without its challenges, as Blake candidly shares her experiences of development hurdles and the constant quest for funding. Yet, her unyielding dedication bore fruit with the recent acquisition of PicklePlay by UTR Sports, a move that promises to propel the platform to new heights. This acquisition not only marks a significant milestone for Blake but also exemplifies her strategic foresight in building sustainable relationships within the industry. Through her candid reflections, Blake offers invaluable insights into the acquisition process, emphasizing the importance of trust and networking. Her story is a powerful inspiration for budding entrepreneurs, demonstrating that with passion, resilience, and a supportive community, the path to success is always within reach.
Hear the full show: https://iowapodcast.com/blake-renaud-pickleball
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In the latest episode of the Iowa Tech Podcast, host Kaylee sits down with Brad Dwyer, the Co-Founder and CTO of Roboflow, to delve into the exciting world of computer vision technology. Roboflow, a company dedicated to giving computers the sense of sight through AI models, has already garnered over one million users, spanning from hobbyists to Fortune 100 companies. The discussion highlights Roboflow’s journey from a hackathon project to a key player in the AI industry, underscoring the transformative potential of computer vision technology in various sectors, from augmented reality apps to advanced security systems. Brad shares insights into how Roboflow empowers developers—even redefines the term "developer"—to harness AI for diverse applications, reflecting on how the company pivoted from creating augmented reality apps to focusing on developer tools.
As the conversation progresses, Brad reveals the strategic moves that have propelled Roboflow’s growth, including its recent $40 million Series B round led by Google Ventures (GV). The dialogue touches on the company’s innovative hiring practices and its efforts to democratize computer vision through platforms like Roboflow Universe, which allows users to share and utilize open-source datasets and models. Brad’s narrative is not only a testament to Roboflow’s success but also a broader reflection on the evolving AI landscape. The episode concludes with Brad offering valuable advice to aspiring entrepreneurs on the importance of thinking big and aligning with the right partners to achieve ambitious goals, while also emphasizing the role of community and continuous learning in his entrepreneurial journey.
Hear the full show: https://iowapodcast.com/brad-dwyer-roboflow
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The Iowa Tech Podcast episode featuring Jim Lewis, the Executive Director of the Vaughan Institute for Risk Management and Insurance at the University of Iowa, provides an insightful exploration into the evolving landscape of InsurTech and education in Iowa. Jim shares his journey from a finance graduate who faced a market crash just before graduation to becoming a key player in the InsurTech space, co-founding companies, and contributing to the development of the Global Insurance Accelerator. His experiences underscore the complexity of the insurance industry's distribution ecosystem and highlight the importance of customer discovery and product-market fit. Jim's narrative reflects a deep commitment to fostering innovation and preparing the next generation of leaders through strategic partnerships and real-world experiences.
The podcast further delves into the efforts of the Vaughan Institute to expand its influence and relevance by integrating academic excellence with practical industry engagement. With the introduction of a major in risk management and insurance, the institute has seen a significant increase in students, underscoring the growing interest and need for talent in this field. Jim emphasizes the institute's goal to inspire and equip students to become future leaders by providing hands-on projects with startups and established companies, and by creating an environment where students can tackle real-world challenges. The podcast highlights the strategic importance of Iowa as a hub for InsurTech innovation and the opportunities that lie ahead for students and the industry alike.
Hear the full show: https://iowapodcast.com/jim-lewis-insurtech-in-iowa
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The Iowa Tech Podcast, hosted by Kaylee, featured Katie Patterson, the founder and CEO of Happy Medium, a strategic business agency that she started in 2011. Katie shared her journey from aspiring to be a news anchor to founding her own company after realizing the challenges of her initial career path. She emphasized the importance of adapting and evolving within the tech and media landscape, particularly highlighting her agency's transition to a flexible gig economy model during COVID-19. This shift allowed them to leverage expert talent across the country while maintaining a core full-time team, which has significantly contributed to the agency's success and her personal contentment as a leader.
Katie also discussed her new venture, Project Homecoming, a collaboration with the Iowa Finance Authority to develop a tool supporting first-time homebuyers. This initiative has garnered attention from other states, positioning Happy Medium as a leader in housing finance solutions. Katie expressed her enthusiasm for scaling this project and changing housing accessibility nationwide. She also shared insights on media evolution and the role of AI, stressing that while technology advances, the expertise and strategy provided by professionals remain irreplaceable. Katie concluded by encouraging entrepreneurs to build strong, resilient teams and to embrace a balance of confidence and caution as they scale their ventures.
Hear the full show: https://iowapodcast.com/katie-patterson-technology-and-innovation-in-iowa
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In this episode of the Iowa Tech Podcast, host Kaylee Williams interviews Whitney Warne about her journey in entrepreneurship and her innovative work in personal development through the Enneagram. Whitney shares her experience of founding Ivory House Photography and her decision to return to Des Moines to build her business. She emphasizes the importance of building a supportive team and effectively filling talent gaps to run a successful business. Whitney also discusses her second business, Evoke EQ, which emerged during the pandemic. Through Evoke EQ, she offers consulting and coaching services using the Enneagram to enhance emotional intelligence and collaboration within teams. She highlights the value of understanding individual motivations and fears to improve both personal and professional development.
Whitney elaborates on how the Enneagram serves as a tool for personal growth and better team dynamics in the workplace, particularly for leaders and entrepreneurs. She explains the significance of recognizing different personality types and the role they play in managing teams more effectively. By utilizing the Enneagram, leaders can identify their strengths and weaknesses, enabling them to foster a culture of collaboration rather than mere management. Whitney shares stories of working with global teams and how the Enneagram helps bridge cultural and communication gaps. She emphasizes the importance of personal development in a professional setting and encourages leaders to ask for support, which can lead to greater autonomy and efficiency within teams.
Hear the full show: https://iowapodcast.com/whitney-warne-enneagram-and-business
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