The Startup Science Podcast, hosted by Gregory Shepard, and produced by ForbesBooks, focuses on conversations in the cross-section of foundership and investing ...
From Farm to Fortune: Toph Day on Building Businesses, Leading with Humility, and Fueling Innovation in the Midwest (Part One)
In this electrifying episode of the Startup Science Podcast, Greg Shepard sits down with Toph Day, the visionary CEO of Elevate Ventures, one of the most active seed and early-stage investors in the Great Lakes Region and a top 20 venture capital firm globally. With over 30 years of entrepreneurial experience and multiple exits to Fortune 500 companies, Toph shares his incredible journey from growing up in a strict German Baptist household on a small farm to becoming a powerhouse in the venture capital world.Toph opens up about his early days as an entrepreneur, founding eight businesses across seven different sectors, and how his relentless curiosity and work ethic propelled him to success. He dives deep into the key lessons he’s learned in leadership, including the importance of listening, vulnerability, and giving credit to others. Toph also shares his insights on adapting leadership styles across diverse industries, from AI to broadband, and how humility and respect are critical to building high-performing teams.The conversation takes a fascinating turn as Toph discusses his role at Elevate Ventures, where he’s leading the charge to modernize the organization and launch a $200 million growth fund. He breaks down the three pillars of Elevate’s strategy—community, capital, and acceleration—and how they work together to create a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem in Indiana and beyond.Toph also offers invaluable advice for founders, emphasizing the importance of grit, creativity, and focus. He shares practical tips on how to avoid common pitfalls, such as overcomplicating go-to-market strategies and the critical role of tracking data from day one. Whether you’re a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting out, this episode is packed with actionable insights and inspiration to help you navigate the challenging yet rewarding world of startups.Tune in to hear Toph’s incredible story, his vision for the future of innovation, and his advice for building businesses that stand the test of time. This is an episode you won’t want to miss!
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Aras Sheikhi: Bridging Academia and Entrepreneurship for Immigrant Innovators (Part Two)
In Part 2, Greg Shepard and Aras Sheikhi explore the intricate world of entrepreneurship, offering profound insights for academics and startup founders. They delve into the mechanics of innovation hubs and accelerators, revealing how early-stage startups can transform innovative ideas into market-ready solutions. Greg shares critical advice for researchers looking to commercialize their work, emphasizing the importance of flexibility, market adaptation, and continuous pivoting. The conversation spans multiple dimensions of entrepreneurial success, from leading multidisciplinary teams to identifying market needs and emerging technologies. With a particular focus on blockchain, they discuss its potential to revolutionize industries and create new opportunities for innovation. Drawing from personal experiences of transitioning from academia to entrepreneurship, Greg and Aras provide a candid look at the challenges and rewards of building startup ecosystems that support first-generation entrepreneurs and emerging technologies.
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19:49
Aras Sheikhi: Bridging Academia and Entrepreneurship for Immigrant Innovators (Part One)
In this episode of Startup Science, Greg sits down with Aras Sheikhi, a dynamic leader who transformed his academic career into a mission of empowering immigrant entrepreneurs. From pioneering blockchain research in Iran to founding the Janus Innovation Hub in San Diego, Aras shares his remarkable transition from university professor to startup founder. Discover how Sheikhi's personal experience as a first-generation immigrant inspired him to create an incubator that helps newcomers navigate the complex world of entrepreneurship. Learn about the challenges of leaving a predictable academic life, the importance of building a supportive team, and how immigrant founders bring unique resilience to the startup ecosystem.
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19:20
Navigating Risks, Rewards, and Innovations in Angel Investing with Patrick Gouhin (Part Two)
In part two of this engaging conversation on The Startup Science Podcast, Greg continues his discussion with Patrick Gouhin, CEO of the Angel Capital Association (ACA). This episode dives deeper into the dynamics of angel investing, focusing on balancing risk and opportunity for both investors and entrepreneurs. Patrick emphasizes the critical role of diversification, the importance of aiming for high returns, and the necessity of aligning expectations between investors and founders.The conversation also explores the broader impact of angel investing, including economic growth and community development, supported by powerful examples like the Desert Angels’ transformative contributions. Patrick offers practical advice for emerging entrepreneurs on coachability and leveraging investor networks, while guiding new angel investors on how to navigate the ecosystem effectively.Additionally, the episode highlights key trends in startup sectors, the ACA’s initiatives to improve diversity in investment, and innovations such as syndication and standardized processes to streamline funding. Patrick concludes by envisioning a more efficient, inclusive funding model designed to fast-track capital deployment and empower entrepreneurs.This episode is packed with actionable insights and strategies for anyone interested in the startup or investment world.
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Navigating Risks, Rewards, and Innovations in Angel Investing with Patrick Gouhin (Part One)
In this episode of The Startup Science Podcast, Greg engages in an insightful conversation with Patrick Gouhin, CEO of the Angel Capital Association (ACA). Patrick shares his remarkable journey from aerospace engineering to leading an organization that represents over 16,000 angel investors, collectively deploying nearly $1 billion annually to fund startups. Drawing from his extensive experience, Patrick delves into the critical factors that make startups "investable," emphasizing the importance of coachable founders and strong management teams.The discussion explores the dynamic trends in angel investing, from the rise of artificial intelligence to the shifting market conditions that have reshaped valuation and deal negotiations. Patrick also highlights the ACA's pivotal role in fostering collaboration among angel groups through syndication and its advocacy efforts to promote capital formation in underserved communities. Additionally, he shares exciting developments like Angel University, a platform bridging entrepreneurs and investors, and the potential of AI to revolutionize investor education.This episode offers a wealth of insights for both entrepreneurs and investors, providing a comprehensive look at the evolving startup ecosystem and the forces shaping its future. Whether you're building a startup or exploring angel investment, Patrick's expertise and perspective make this a must-listen.
About Startup Science Podcast with Gregory Shepard
The Startup Science Podcast, hosted by Gregory Shepard, and produced by ForbesBooks, focuses on conversations in the cross-section of foundership and investing and features best-selling authors like Oren Klaff (Pitch Anything & Flip the Script), David Allen (Getting Things Done), and David Covey COO of FranklinCovey and author of Trap Tales: Outsmarting the 7 Hidden Obstacles to Success. Investing giants like Tim Draper, Leaders like NBA Coach Phill Weber, and newly exited founders like you. With a focus on the common mistakes founders make, perspectives from investors, and founder’s tools, tips, and tactics. Conversations are real, honest, and unfiltered to expose the realities of early-stage while encouraging entrepreneurship with motivational stories and optimistic viewpoints.
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