Startup Science Podcast with Gregory Shepard

• Funding the Future: Marcia Dawood on Investing with Impact (Part Two)

  In the second half of their conversation, Greg Shepard and angel investor Marcia Dawood go deeper into the realities of early-stage investing. Marcia shares why she favors investing through funds for diversification, the misconceptions that keep people—especially women and underrepresented groups—out of angel investing, and how her book Do Good While Doing Well helps demystify the process for new investors and founders.They discuss aligning investments with personal values without sacrificing returns, what mission-driven founders need to show to attract capital, and why humility can be one of the most valuable traits in a startup team. Marcia also offers practical advice on pitching, building investor relationships early, and even using philanthropic capital to support for-profit companies solving big problems.This is a candid, accessible look at how investors and founders can work together to create both financial returns and meaningful change.

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  22:25

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  22:25
• Funding the Future: Marcia Dawood on Investing with Impact (Part One)

  Greg Shepard sits down with Marcia Dawood, early-stage investor, author of Do Good While Doing Well, TEDx speaker, and host of The Angel Next Door Podcast. Marcia shares her journey from attending her first angel investing meeting in 2012 to investing in over 50 startups and funds, chairing the Angel Capital Association, and advocating for diverse founders.They discuss why only a small percentage of venture funding goes to women, how representation among investors impacts funding outcomes, and the unique strengths female founders bring to the table. Marcia also reveals her top advice for new angel investors, the biggest misconceptions about investing in startups, and how she evaluates companies based on the “horse and jockey” test.This conversation is packed with insights on funding gaps, the importance of balanced teams, and how both for-profit and nonprofit efforts can drive meaningful change.

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  23:32

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  23:32
• From Farm to Fortune: Toph Day on Building Businesses, Leading with Humility, and Fueling Innovation in the Midwest (Part Two)

  In Part 2, Greg continues his conversation with Toph Day, the visionary CEO of Elevate Ventures. Toph dives deeper into his mission to build a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem in Indiana, explaining why the state is becoming a global hub for innovation and why it’s the perfect place for startups to grow. From Indiana’s top-ranked infrastructure and talent pool to its affordable cost of living and bipartisan regulatory environment, Toph makes a compelling case for why Indiana is the "Innovation Capital of the World."The conversation then shifts to “Rally", one of the most exciting innovation conferences in the world, which Toh founded. Greg shares his firsthand experience attending Rally, describing it as a "legit Silicon Valley conference" in the heart of the Midwest. Toph reveals the inspiration behind Rally, how it brings together cross-sector stakeholders, and why it’s become a must-attend event for entrepreneurs, investors, and innovators from around the globe. He also shares some jaw-dropping stats from the first two years of Rally, including the billions in assets under management represented and the thousands of connections made.Finally, Toph looks to the future, discussing the emerging trends he’s most excited about—beyond AI—including the convergence of technology and hard products, and the transformative potential of the next industrial revolution. He also shares his ambitious vision for the next 5 to 10 years, both for Rally and Elevate Ventures, including plans to grow Rally into the world’s premier innovation conference and to launch a $200 million growth fund focused on the Midwest.Whether you’re an entrepreneur, investor, or just curious about the future of innovation, this episode is packed with insights, inspiration, and a bold vision for what’s possible in the heart of America. Don’t miss this exciting conclusion to Greg’s conversation with Toph Day!

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  18:40

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  18:40
• 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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  31:56

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  31:56
• 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

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  19:49

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