Visionaries are defined as having extraordinary foresight and imagination. Those who can see what isn't there. They can imagine the unimaginable and they have the grit to make it happen. Business Visionaries are the change-agents embracing new opportunities to drive outsized results. From the C-Suite to the up-and-coming disruptors, they are blazing new paths, discovering inventive solutions and powering the future. Join us each week as we speak with these Visionaries: the entrepreneurs, inv ...
…
continue reading
This is a Podcast dedicated to bringing entrepreneurs, founders, start ups together with angels, investors and venture capitalists. Anyone who is interested in watching the economy grow in a magnificent way!
…
continue reading
1
What Needs to Be Done - Stand Together Venture Lab Fellow Paolo Narciso
31:31
31:31
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
31:31
What Needs to Be Done? Is Better Possible? Where do the seeds of change begin, and can entrepreneurs really solve society’s biggest challenges? Paolo Narciso is a Build Fellow at Stand Together Ventures Lab. STVL invests and builds to change society with founders and teams who are obsessed with showing that better is possible. Today, we talk about …
…
continue reading
1
Unlock Bunker's Full Power | Unmasking the Imposters: The Truth About Online Trust
31:23
31:23
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
31:23
Description: join Michael Conniff as he talks to Kurt Long, a seasoned entrepreneur and the founder of Bunker, a secure messaging platform designed to protect your digital life. In this episode, Kurt shares his insights on the importance of trust in the digital age, the challenges of online security, and how Bunker is revolutionizing the way we com…
…
continue reading
1
Overcoming Obstacles: Dave Liniger's Journey
30:56
30:56
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
30:56
Welcome to The Accelerator, a podcast and newsletter designed to ignite your entrepreneurial spirit and equip you with the tools to turn your ideas into reality. Join host Michael Conniff as he delves into the world of startups, roll-ups, and the entrepreneurial mindset. In each episode, you'll discover: Inspiring interviews with industry leaders: …
…
continue reading
1
Leap Venture Studio – Mars Petcare Director Ventures Rachel Sheppard
25:45
25:45
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
25:45
“Further, Faster.” Rachel Shepphard, Director of Ventures for Mars Pet Care, shares how the Leap Venture Studio & Academy ignites impactful growth for pet care startups.7 out of 10 US households have a pet, with 97% considering the pet a part of the family - which explains the $320+ billion global pet care market (predicted to get to $500bn by 2030…
…
continue reading
Dan Kihanya is the Director of REI’s Path Ahead Ventures, a $30 million fund aimed at supporting founders of color in the outdoor industry. Launched in 2021, this program focuses on providing resources, mentorship, and funding to help diverse entrepreneurs start and scale their businesses. They have multiple programs like Embark (for early-stage fo…
…
continue reading
1
Is your cyber security strategy ready for 2024 | Find Out with Michael Conniff
30:16
30:16
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
30:16
In this episode of "The Accelerator," host Michael Conniff interviews Jeremy Lessaris, a serial entrepreneur with eight company exits under his belt. Jeremy discusses his journey through entrepreneurship, sharing both the successes and challenges he's faced along the way. He delves into the lessons learned from his first exit, the online furniture …
…
continue reading
Marcelo De Santis is a seasoned C-suite leader (former executive at Thoughtworks, Pirelli, and Mondelēz International), and his new book, Figure Eight, unlocks the secrets of leadership in our rapidly evolving world where technology and humanity converge. We talk about leadership in fast times, accelerating time to market, executive mountaineering …
…
continue reading
1
Navigating NYC's Tech Ecosystem with Mark Gold A Journey from Startups to Success
30:16
30:16
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
30:16
In this episode of "The Accelerator Podcast," host Michael Conniff engages in a dynamic conversation with Mark Gold, a prominent figure in New York City's tech and startup scene, and the visionary behind 2020 Startups. Mark delves into his extensive experience in digital transformation, sharing how he's helped shape the future of numerous startups …
…
continue reading
1
Re-Release: Where Ideas Take Flight: Glasswing Ventures' Rudina Seseri On AI
33:11
33:11
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
33:11
In this special re-release, we dive into the ever-evolving world of artificial intelligence with Rudina Seseri, Managing Partner at Glasswing Ventures, as she reflects on AI investment and innovation. Rudina provides an analysis of the AI industry, addressing pressing questions on the technology's evolution and her assessment of its long-term poten…
…
continue reading
1
Entrepreneur-Based Community Development - Raza Development Fund Natalia Rodriguez-Hilt
24:25
24:25
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
24:25
Natalia Rodriguez-Hilt is the Senior Director of UnidosUS Affiliate Development and Small Business Strategies at Raza Development Fund. Natalia is a seasoned expert in economic and community development, with a passion for driving economic opportunity for entrepreneurs in underrepresented communities. We discuss how RDF unleashes unleash the power,…
…
continue reading
1
Transforming Accelerators: Fred Schonenberg on the Growth of VentureFuel
30:03
30:03
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
30:03
In this episode, we sit down with Fred Schonenberg, the founder of VentureFuel, to explore how his accelerator is driving innovation and growth for startups. Fred shares insights on what it takes to succeed in the competitive world of venture capital and the unique approach that sets VentureFuel apart from other accelerators. Want to dive deeper in…
…
continue reading
1
25 Lessons to Unlock Corporate Innovation –Co-Founder Webex Hologram Elizabeth Bieneck
29:44
29:44
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
29:44
Elizabeth Bieniek, author of Cake on Tuesdays: 25 Lessons To Unlock Corporate Innovation, shares her blueprint for executing change within complex organizations. She co-founded Webex Hologram, the industry’s first holographic collaboration system, while at Cisco and here explores the intricacies of innovation and leadership, offering valuable insig…
…
continue reading
1
Transforming Content Creation: Mario Tarouca on FrameDrop.ai's Growth and Impact
29:37
29:37
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
29:37
In this episode, we dive deep with Mario Tarouca, Founder and CEO of FrameDrop.ai, a revolutionary platform reshaping content creation. Mario shares insights into how FrameDrop.ai is transforming the landscape of video content, the challenges of scaling a startup, and the innovative strategies behind their success. Whether you're a content creator,…
…
continue reading
1
Exciting Re-Release: Dive into Collaboration to Grow with PepsiCo & the California Milk Advisory Board
45:43
45:43
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
45:43
We are thrilled to announce the re-release of one of our more popular podcast episodes, featuring a captivating conversation on collaboration and growth with industry leaders from PepsiCo and the California Milk Advisory Board. Hosted by Fred Schonenberg, founder and CEO of VentureFuel, this episode delves deep into innovative strategies and real-w…
…
continue reading
1
Silicon Prairie and The Future of the Semiconductor Industry - GlobalWafers Co. EVP Brent Omdahl
28:12
28:12
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
28:12
GlobalWafers is a global leader in semiconductor technology, providing innovative, advanced silicon wafer solutions to integrated chip manufacturers worldwide. Brent Omdahl, Executive Vice President for Government Affairs, has over 20 years of deep experience counseling U.S. firms on international market entry strategies and advising foreign firms …
…
continue reading
1
Interactive Characters & Immersive AI with Inworld AI CEO Kylan Gibbs
22:28
22:28
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
22:28
In this episode, Vanessa Rosato sits down with Kylan Gibbs, CEO and Co-founder of Inworld AI. They delve into the groundbreaking work of Inworld AI, a platform that's transforming gaming and media by making virtual characters more lifelike and interactive. Kylan shares insights on the unique value proposition of Inworld, their innovative approach t…
…
continue reading
1
Commercializing Emerging Tech - Yale Ventures Director of the Roberts Innovation Fund Claudia Reuter
26:47
26:47
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
26:47
The Roberts Innovation Fund was launched in 2022 to provide funding, mentoring, and strategic support for Yale faculty-led projects to assist in the commercialization of breakthrough inventions that solve real-world problems. New methods to purify our water, advance quantum computing, democratize artificial intelligence, and deliver life-saving dru…
…
continue reading
1
CVC to CVP – TDK, JP Morgan Chase, LG Electronics
34:39
34:39
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
34:39
Corporate Venture Capital to Corporate Venture Partnerships, we examine the evolving role of CVC, why it matters for startups and investors + trade secrets on sourcing and vetting the best startup investment opportunities. Featuring: Elias Chavarria of TDK Ventures, Min Park of J.P. Morgan Sustainable Growth Equity, and Joshua Di Frances of LG Elec…
…
continue reading
1
Navigating Clean Tech Investing – Earthshot Ventures Managing Partner Mike Jackson
27:37
27:37
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
27:37
Mike Jackson, Managing Partner of Earthshot Ventures. Earthshot Ventures invests in entrepreneurs making a dent in climate change. Collectively, their team has invested in 200+ startups over the last fourteen years and Mike’s investments have collectively raised over $1.1 billion in follow-on funding from Sequoia Capital, Benchmark, BlackRock, Micr…
…
continue reading
1
Defending Your Reality: Cybersecurity & Gen AI with Ben Colman of Reality Defender
26:15
26:15
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
26:15
Ben Colman is the founder of Reality Defender, the leading deepfake detection platform helping enterprises flag fraudulent users and content. In this episode, join us as we dive deep into the world of AI, cybersecurity, and the innovative solutions being developed to protect our reality in an increasingly digital age.…
…
continue reading
1
From Setback to Success - The Role of Resilience and Strategy in Gotham FC's Rise with Yael Averbuch and Nan Vogel
34:23
34:23
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
34:23
Originally recorded at our 2024 Rogue Women event earlier this spring, Fred Schonenberg, VentureFuel’s Founder and CEO dived into the heart of Gotham FC’s remarkable comeback story with Yael Averbuch West, the General Manager and Head of Soccer Operations; and Nan Vogel, Senior Vice President of Partnerships and Game Day at Gotham FC. Hear how a mi…
…
continue reading
1
Resilient, Steady, And Disciplined with Caroline Lewis, Sydney Paige Thomas, McKeever “Mac” Conwell II, and Yao Huang
45:42
45:42
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
45:42
At our 2024 Rogue Women event earlier this spring, Yao Huang, founder of The Hatchery, moderated a panel discussion with venture capitalists. The panel included Caroline Lewis, Managing Partner of Rogue Women's Fund; Sydney Paige Thomas, Founder and General Partner of Symphonic Capital; and McKeever "Mac" Conwell II, Managing Partner of RareBreed V…
…
continue reading
1
Disrupting the Food Business – The Supermarket Guru Phil Lempert
32:54
32:54
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
32:54
Thoughts: 5 years from now, grocery stores will be half the size and entirely stocked with fresh products served by subject matter experts (the baker, the monger, the butcher). The back half of the store will be mini-fulfillment centers with autonomous robots packing personalized orders of your non-emotional staples and customizing your outputs bas…
…
continue reading
1
Driving Resilient Growth through Corporate- Startup Partnerships with Limor Schafman, Lizzie Naylor, Shira Averbuch, and Danielle Cohn
39:07
39:07
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
39:07
At our 2024 Rogue Women event earlier this spring, Danielle Cohn, Founding Partner and CEO of The Wave Ventures, hosted a panel discussion with executives from corporate companies. The panel included Limor Schafman, Director of Operations and Programs at LG NOVA, a division of LG Electronics that collaborates with startups to develop businesses; Li…
…
continue reading
1
What's Next Now: Building an Innovation Ecosystem
57:05
57:05
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
57:05
Last week, we had an 'Ask Me Anything' session with Danielle Cohn, CEO and Founding Partner of Wave Ventures, on Building an Innovation Ecosystem for Enterprise Organizations. The discussion centers on Danielle’s leadership in a top Fortune 30 innovation function. Danielle shared insights on founding an award-winning startup platform and emphasized…
…
continue reading
1
Advocacy, Access & Acceleration with Charlotte Newman and Aina Fadina
42:01
42:01
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
42:01
A fireside chat originally recorded at our 2024 Rogue Women event earlier this spring, The theme Advocacy Access and Acceleration features a wonderful discussion with Charlotte Newman, Global Head of underrepresented founder and investor startup business development. Charlotte is a global business development leader for Amazon Web Services, and a f…
…
continue reading
1
Scaling Climate Technologies - Elemental Excelerator COO Avra van der Zee
24:24
24:24
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
24:24
Avra van der Zee is the COO of Elemental Excelerator, a global climate technology accelerator started in Honolulu with over 150 portfolio companies that have received over $8B in follow-on funding. We talk about using entrepreneurship for social change, catalytic capital, how to scale new technologies and the role of corporates in solving the clima…
…
continue reading
1
Igniting Innovation In the Corporate World - Philipp Willigmann
26:41
26:41
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
26:41
Philipp has over two decades of expertise catalyzing the evolution of Fortune 500s, like Deloitte and Vontier, to drive transformative impact. We discuss Corporate Venturing and its various iterations, from Accelerators to Venture Studios to Pilots to Partnerships to Hackathons, and why insights from this work not only inform strategic decisions bu…
…
continue reading
1
The Perfect Ten: Dave Liniger's Recipe for Entrepreneurial Success
30:56
30:56
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
30:56
In this episode, we sit down with Dave Liniger, the founder of RE/MAX LLC and author of "The Perfect Ten." Dave shares his journey, starting with the inception of RE/MAX LLC in 1973. RE/MAX is one of the leading real estate empires globally. Dave reflects on the challenges faced in revolutionizing the real estate industry with a model focused on em…
…
continue reading
1
From Underdog to Top Dog with Jamie Norwood & Cynthia Blotch, Isoken Igbinedion, Kathryn Harrison, and Kathleen Carbone
39:30
39:30
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
39:30
Originally recorded at our 2024 Rogue Women event earlier this spring, Kathleen Carbone, Principal, Director of Advisory, and a Senior Family Advisor at Parcion Private Wealth, led a panel discussion featuring founders from three startup companies.On the panel were Jamie Norwood & Cynthia Plotch, the dynamic duo behind FemTech startup Stix, Isoken …
…
continue reading
1
The Entrepreneur's Compass: Insights from Jeremy Lessaris
30:13
30:13
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
30:13
In this episode, we delved into the journey of Jeremy Luceris, Investor, Founder & CEO in Fintech & SaaS. He is a serial entrepreneur with a track record of eight successful exits. Jeremy emphasized that while some might hear about his eight exits and envision glamour, the reality is quite different. "It's not glamorous at all," he clarified. "Thes…
…
continue reading
1
Show Her the Money with La Keisha Landrum Pierre
19:30
19:30
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
19:30
Originally recorded at our 2024 Rogue Women event earlier this spring, La Keisha Landrum Pierre, General Partner & Co-Founder of Emmeline Ventures shares insights from her journey in venture capital, featured in the documentary "Show Her the Money." She talks about how the film is helping to rewrite the narrative on women and fundraising.Before sta…
…
continue reading
1
Venture Clienting – ExxonMobil’s Global Innovation Lead Kyle Basler-Reeder
31:25
31:25
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
31:25
On today’s show we have Kyle Basler-Reeder, who designed and leads ExxonMobil’s corporate-wide Open Innovation program. We discuss how the exponential growth of PHDs and startups enables Exxon to tap into external resources for Exploration, Acceleration and to solve stubborn problems. We talk about the importance of problem definition, declaring yo…
…
continue reading
1
Ensuring Trust in Tomorrow's Digital Landscape: Kurt Long Speaks on BUNKR
31:23
31:23
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
31:23
Join Michael Conniff in the latest episode of "The Accelerator" as he sits down with Kurt Long, BUNKR CEO and co-founder. Kurt is a successful entrepreneur with over 25 years of starting, growing, and building financially successful information security and privacy businesses. Kurt is the Executive Director of the Long Family Force for Good Foundat…
…
continue reading
1
200th Episode Recap – VentureFuel Founder Fred Schonenberg
30:21
30:21
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
30:21
To celebrate our 200th episode, we put host Fred Schonenberg in the guest chair to find out what his biggest unlock, the best corporate innovation models, his favorite episodes, the best startups on the show and how the guests have evolved his thinking around innovation. From Venture Studios to Venture Capital to Venture Partners. From Sonic Brandi…
…
continue reading
1
Show Her The Money – Producer Catherine Gray
24:05
24:05
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
24:05
Catherine Gray is a Producer, Keynote Speaker, Author, and the Founder of She Angel Investors. She's dedicated her career to empowering female entrepreneurs and addressing the underfunding of women in venture capital. We discuss her documentary "Show Her the Money," her TED Talk "Fund Women, Save the World," and her vision for the future of gender …
…
continue reading
1
Revenue First Innovation - Tampa Bay Innovation Center Managing Director Ken Evans
31:10
31:10
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
31:10
Ken Evans is the Managing Director of the Accelerator Program for Emerging Tech Startups at Tampa Bay Innovation Center. With a background in venture-backed startups and Fortune 50 companies, Ken is key player in Tampa Bay's tech ecosystem, co-founding the region's first full-time coworking space and leading initiatives to support local startups. O…
…
continue reading
1
Philanthropic Venturing - Valiente Fund Executive Director Maria Rodriguez
21:06
21:06
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
21:06
Maria Rodriguez is the Executive Director of the Valiente Fund, a donor and funder collaborative addressing the lack of investment of philanthropic funds for Latine leaders, organizations, and communities. They just launched the Valiente Accelerator to support emerging Latine groups with grants and operational capacity to accelerate their growth. W…
…
continue reading
1
Game Changers: How NIL Legislation Empowers Athlete Entrepreneurs
28:53
28:53
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
28:53
Summary In this conversation, Michael Conniff interviews Sean Clifford and Pat Waters from Team Group Holdings. They discuss the impact of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) legislation on college athletes and the opportunities it presents for them to become entrepreneurs. They also talk about the growth of Limitless, a company focused on NIL business…
…
continue reading
1
VentureFuel Visionary and Venture of the Year
54:55
54:55
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
54:55
Join us as we honor the 2023 Visionary and Venture of the Year. Nominated and voted on by their peers, these are the change agents embracing new opportunities to drive outsized results. They are intent on blazing new paths, discovering inventive solutions, and powering the future.Visionary of the Year: Marty Guay, Vice President of Business Develop…
…
continue reading
1
Visualizing Business – Microsoft Garage Director Mike Pell
25:17
25:17
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
25:17
Disruptor, Founder, Envisioneer Mike Pell leads The Microsoft Garage in NYC, the company’s worldwide innovation program. Mike Invented PDF and Acrobat at Adobe and has been granted over 20 US Patents. We talk about why going fast is the only way to protect your business, the evolution of ai Co-Pilots, the art of hacking, the ROI of Innovation, why …
…
continue reading
1
External Innovation For Internal Stakeholders - LG Electronics EVP Sokwoo Rhee
31:19
31:19
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
31:19
Sokwoo Rhee is the EVP at LG Electronics and the Head of LG's North America Innovation Center, LG Nova. From serving as a Presidential Innovation Fellow at the Whitehouse to leading groundbreaking IoT and smart city initiatives, Sokwoo brings a wealth of experience driving innovation forward. Today, we discuss why external innovation is important f…
…
continue reading
1
Robotic Innovation – MassRobotics Accelerator Director Marita McGinn
26:49
26:49
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
26:49
MassRobotics is the largest independent robotics hub that accelerates robotics innovation and adoption, and they are launching their first Accelerator program, led by Director Marita McGinn. The unique, equity-free program combines funding, mentorship, and a collaborative community. We talk about the future of robotics, from Cobots to Ag Tech, as w…
…
continue reading
1
Diversity & Innovation – Guerrero CEO Pedro Antonio Guerrero
26:08
26:08
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
26:08
On today’s show, I am honored to have Pedro Antonio Guerrero, CEO of Guerrero - an executive advancement company at the intersection of media, professional networks, and executive search. Pedro specializes in executive advancement and corporate diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives – utilizing Guerrero Search and Guerrero Media to deliver on…
…
continue reading
1
From Bench to Bedside - University Hospitals Health System President, Chief Scientific Officer Dr. Daniel Simon
31:15
31:15
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
31:15
This is quite simply a master class in collaborative innovation to solve meaningful challenges. Dr. Simon is a practicing cardiologist, the President of Academic & External Affairs and Chief Scientific Officer for the University Hospitals Health System (UH). We discuss the unique non-profit, for-profit model of The Oxford-Harrington Rare Disease Ce…
…
continue reading
1
Disrupting with Impact – Dispact Ventures Founder Andrew Merinoff
22:38
22:38
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
22:38
On today’s show we have Andrew Merinoff. Andrew is the founder of Dispact Ventures, which is disrupting industries with impact investing. What started off as a small fund to assist his close friends and confidants eventually grew into a 16-venture portfolio. Andrew is also a seasoned entrepreneur and the Co-founder and CEO of Chinola Liqueur. With …
…
continue reading
1
Systems of Innovation – Intel Ignite Managing Director Markus Bohl
29:15
29:15
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
29:15
How can you create a system of innovation, that becomes a membrane to attract the best transformational technologies to collaborate with your organization? Markus Bohl, the Managing Director of Intel® Ignite, which is Intel Corporation’s global startup accelerator program for early-stage deep tech startups shares his insights. Markus has a phenomen…
…
continue reading
1
How to Stay Ahead in Digital Media: Sean Branagan's Insights
30:10
30:10
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
30:10
In this episode, Michael Conniff talks with Sean Branagan, the Director of the Digital Media Entrepreneurship Program at the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University. They discuss Sean's experience as an entrepreneur, the transition from traditional typesetting to digital media, the rise of social media and its impact on…
…
continue reading
1
The Financial Markets and Innovation – UBS International SVP Brenda O’Connor Juanas
36:06
36:06
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
36:06
Does innovation drive market value, and do investors pay more for innovation? Brenda O’Connor Juanas is a Senior Vice President and Financial Advisor at UBS International and is an industry thought leader on financial markets, frequently speaking across CNBC, Bloomberg, and Fox Business, to name a few. We talk about R&D to Sales Ratios, the delta i…
…
continue reading
1
Shell and The Open Exploration of Energy - StudioX CEO Jeff Allyn
29:10
29:10
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
29:10
Jeff Allyn is the CEO of StudioX, a first-of-its-kind open innovation studio powered by Shell that brings a collaborative approach to reimagine energy exploration and break down the silos of traditional R&D - they call it “open exploration.” We talk about their new model and how it is accelerating the pace of innovation in climate tech and the ener…
…
continue reading