Hey everyone! Welcome back to Student Entrepreneur 101!
Tune in to this episode to hear from Rahul Singh, Managing Partner at Dual Use Ventures and Chief Growth Officer at defense tech startup: Hybron Technologies.
Rahul started his career in the Marine Corps and then went on to earn degrees from UCLA and USC. He’s worked at Amazon identifying innovation at the corporate level and he’s worked at the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) connecting defense ecosystems with technology startups, VC's, and university research in Southern California.
If you're ready to launch your career in defense innovation, our conversation is packed with the actionable insights you need to get started.
Tune in to our conversation and listen to Rahul share key insights on:
- Dual-use technology and the defense tech investment landscape
- Key challenges and opportunities that dual-use startups face- how to avoid common pitfalls and Rahul’s take on winning startup strategy in today’s defense tech ecosystem
- Why engaging mission partners early and often is critical to a startup’s success
- The importance of finding your champions when engaging with different government organizations
- The role of universities in defense innovation
And more!
This episode is your ultimate guide to navigating the defense tech industry, building key relationships, and transforming bold ideas into real-world solutions. Let's dive right in!
Hey everyone! Welcome back to another episode of Student Entrepreneur 101!
Tune in to this episode to hear from Kevin Plascencia, the founding Chief of Staff for the Space Systems Integration Office at Space Systems Command. Kevin previously taught aerospace studies at UCLA as an assistant professor and has experience evaluating startups for Space Force investment. Today, Kevin is a Business Development Strategist for the space security startup: True Anomaly.
Tune in to our conversation and listen to Kevin share key insights on:
- Current national security challenges we face in space
- The key to success for startups in space tech
- Applications of space systems in our everyday lives
- The importance of increasing workforce diversity in the industry
And more!
Feel free to connect with Kevin on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-plascencia-2028637a/
Hey everyone! Tune in to this episode to hear from Dr. Leon Alkalai, the founder and CEO of Mandala Space Ventures– a venture fund and studio supporting startups in the emerging space economy.
Leon earned his PhD from UCLA and established his career at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), where he conducted research and later became responsible for the capture leadership of the GRAIL mission to the Moon and the INSIGHT lander on Mars.
In this episode, you’ll get to learn more about:
Leon’s incredible journey from his groundbreaking work at JPL to launching Mandala Space Ventures; how bold risks drive innovation and unlock new advancements in space technology and exploration; learn exciting opportunities shaping the future of the space industry; and gain valuable insights and advice to help you launch your entrepreneurial journey!
You can connect with Leon and learn more about Mandala Space Ventures by visiting their website!
Website: https://mandalaspaceventures.com/
Hey everyone! Tune in to this episode to hear from co-founders Alex Kroll and Brandon Florian, two UCLA alumni and aerospace professionals. Currently working on stealth-mode aerospace startup Aero.Grid, which is reshaping aerial cargo mobility- Alex and Brandon share valuable insights for current students. Consider this episode a career guide—packed with strategies, inspiration, and practical advice to help you navigate your professional journey with confidence.
Alex Kroll, is a former Air Force Test Pilot with over 2,500 flight hours and extensive experience with advanced propulsion systems. He is now the Chief Strategy Officer of Grid.Aero.
Brandon Florian, an aerospace and defense professional with 20+ years of experience, including leadership roles at Northrop Grumman and Starburst Aerospace. Brandon has spearheaded accelerator programs for international space agencies and is now the Chief Commercial Officer at Grid.Aero.
What you can expect to learn from our conversation:
The importance of mentorship: Here we discuss how to identify and cultivate mentorships that grow with you throughout your career
We also talk about the importance of building experience and networking: Alex and Brandon share tips on how to leverage your network, say yes to new opportunities, and demonstrate your interest through meaningful projects and work.
Our conversation also focuses on the reality of the entrepreneurial journey: How facing rejection, embracing trial and error, and getting market feedback early are essential for any startup journey.
This episode is packed with actionable advice and value, so let’s dive in and set you on the path to success!
You can connect with Alex and Brandon on LinkedIn!
Alex Kroll: LinkedIn
Brandon Florian: LinkedIn
Hey everyone! Tune in to this episode to hear from Matthew Semegran, a seasoned entrepreneur with a dynamic career journey. From art dealing to jet sales, scaling a cleaning company to property management and e-commerce – Matt’s journey is a masterclass in resilience and reinvention.
He’s here to share the lessons learned from his unique path, so tune in to our conversation to learn: how success looks different for every entrepreneur—and why there’s not one ‘right way’ to do it; the importance of adaptability and wearing many hats as an entrepreneur; how cash management is time management—and why mastering tradeoffs is essential in the early days of building your business; the importance of embracing uncertainty; why acting despite fear is what truly makes a difference; and more!
You can find Matthew on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/msemegran/
Hey everyone! Tune in to this episode to hear from Justin Lee, the founder and CEO of Quantum Senses, a Maryland-based company that’s providing innovative assistive technology solutions such as their Earcoustic headphones, which improves the hearing experience for those with hearing impairments.
Before Quantum Senses, Justin had a successful career as an aerospace engineer working at the Air Force and Space Force. Recently, Justin produced his own film: Turning Point, and through this work continues to share his message of the power in believing in yourself and overcoming adversity with greater audiences.
In this episode, you’ll learn about how to go from an idea to a product with real impact, why protecting intellectual property is important when building your business, why adaptability and resilience are key to success, how credibility and trust are critical when building your brand, and more!
Website: www.theearcoustic.com
Learn more about his latest film Turning Point at www.turningpointcollective.com
Instagram: @Earcoustic and @TurningPointFilm
TikTok: @Quantum Senses
YouTube: Quantum Senses
Hey everyone! Tune in to this episode to hear from Drew Busbee: a founding member at SpaceWERX and the current COO at the Disruptive Technology Index (DTI), a California nonprofit that partners with SpaceWERX to bring technological advancement and innovation to the US Space Force.
In this episode you’ll learn about Drew’s experience building innovation programs, his work with startups to modernize space and defense technologies, you’ll also discover what’s next for the Space Economy, and more!
Interested in attending I2A Expo Day on October 17th during LA Tech Week?
Register with the promo code GOBRUINS and get 15% off your tickets!
Get tickets here: https://lu.ma/rs45re9x?tk=RVXKtl
Hey rising entrepreneurs! Tune in to this episode to hear from Jessie Somekh: Co-Founder of Rotate Your Closet, a peer-to-peer platform where users can rent trendy clothes from others and generate money from their own closet.
In this episode, you’ll learn about Jessie’s experience building Rotate, the importance of community engagement when building your startup, how to lose the fear of imperfection and embrace the iteration process when launching your product, and more!
You can also learn more about Rotate Your Closet by visiting their website and following them on social media!
Website: https://rotateyourcloset.co/
Instagram: @rotateyourcloset
Hey rising entrepreneurs! Tune in to this episode to hear from Brenna Turner: Co-Founder of Sake High- the company making sake fun, approachable, and bringing it to new audiences.
In this episode, you’ll learn about Brenna’s experience building Sake High, the importance of finding a unique niche for your product, why networking can help you establish opportunities for your brand, and more!
You can also learn more about Sake High by visiting their website and following them on social media!
Website: https://www.sakehigh.com/
Instagram: @drinksakehigh
Hey rising entrepreneurs! Tune in to this episode to hear from Lena Zhang: Co-founder and COO of Cohere- a company building the Glassdoor for the retail industry that is committed to connecting retailers with emerging consumer brands.
In this episode, you’ll learn about Lena’s experience building Cohere, why iteration and market feedback are critical for success with your startup, how supporting local businesses can have a positive impact on communities, and more!
You can also learn more about Cohere by visiting their website and following them on social media!
Instagram: thecohere_
Website: www.thecohere.com
Hey rising entrepreneurs! Tune in to this episode to hear from Rosie Mangiarotti: founder and CEO of Perkies- a startup creating innovative undergarments for women, including sticky bras with replaceable adhesives. Perkies is dedicated to sustainability, inclusivity, and empowering women to feel confident.
In this episode, you’ll learn about Rosie’s experience building Perkies, the importance of persistence in getting where you want to be, why your network is EVERYTHING, and more!
You can learn more about Perkies by visiting their website and following them on social media!
Website: https://perkies.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/myperkies
Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@myperkies
Hey rising entrepreneurs! In this episode, we're diving headfirst into 2024 with enthusiasm and a game plan for success. Together, we’ll walk through a journey of self-reflection, sharing personal wins and challenges from 2023.
Together, we’ll also walk through the SMART method, breaking down each letter to help you set goals that are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-Bound. You'll learn how to make your dreams crystal clear and track your progress with precision.
2024 is your year of accomplishment, and the SMART goal framework is your roadmap to success. Here's to another great year ahead! 🎉
Hey rising entrepreneurs! Tune in to this episode to hear from Carol Shih: the co-founder and CEO of Qode Space- a web development agency that specializes in building and enhancing Shopify eCommerce stores.
In this episode, you’ll learn about Carol’s experience building Qode Space, the importance of being a solutions seeker, why you should be bold and take massive action when building your network, and more!
You can learn more about Qode Space by visiting their website and following them on social media!
Website: https://qodespace.com/
Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/qodespace
Carol’s LinkedIn
Qode Space LinkedIn
Hey rising entrepreneurs! Tune in to this episode to hear from Sterling Champion: the co-founder and CEO of The SHE Mark- a startup on a mission to recognize and certify women-led businesses and create a more inclusive economy.
In this episode, you’ll learn about Sterling’s experience building The SHE Mark, creating a collaborative and supportive community for women in business, and her goal to empower consumers and companies to make informed decisions that promote gender equity.
You can learn more about The SHE Mark by visiting their website and following them on social media!
Website: www.theshemark.com
Instagram: instagram.com/theshemark
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-she-mark
Hey rising entrepreneurs! Tune in to this episode to hear from Julie Castro Abrams: the founder of How Women Lead- a professional network of 20,000 top women executives, AND How Women Invest- an early stage venture firm focused exclusively on women founders.
In this episode you’ll learn about Julie’s experience building her venture firm How Women Invest, why it’s crucial that more women enter venture capital, and the movement she’s building to empower more women as leaders, innovators, and entrepreneurs, and more!
You can learn more about Julie and her work by visiting her websites and following her on LinkedIn!
Website: https://www.howwomeninvest.com/ and https://www.howwomenlead.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-castro-abrams/
Hey rising entrepreneurs! Tune in to this episode to hear about Duffl: a company that delivers snacks to college students in 10 minutes and is dedicated to empowering students to better serve each other.
Founder and CEO David Lin shares all about this experience with Duffl, the importance of building something that people want, how personal development is crucial to success in business, why you should focus on investing in the right people for your company, and more!
You can learn more about Duffl by visiting their website and following them on social media!
Website: https://www.duffl.com
Insta: @dufflstores
TikTok: @duffl.com
Hey rising entrepreneurs! Tune in to this episode to hear about Poppin: a ticketing event platform dedicated to helping people find authentic connections in their community.
CEO and Co-Founder Tejes Srivalsan shares all about this experience with Poppin- the importance of your network, the importance of team optimization for successfully building your startup and attracting investors, and more!
You can learn more about Poppin by visiting their website and following them on social media!
Website: www.joinpoppin.com
App: ios.joinpoppin.com
Instagram: http://instagram.com/poppinucla/
Hey rising entrepreneurs! Tune in to this episode to hear the top 3 lessons I learned from my recent travels to New York. This episode is all about adaptability, time management, and recognizing your wins. Tune in to learn more!
Hey rising entrepreneurs! Tune into this episode to hear about Monark Entertainment: a company dedicated to empowering artists by promoting their music through brand marketing campaigns on various digital platforms. Founder and CEO Karla Ortiz shares all about her early career experience in the music industry, her journey with Monark Entertainment so far, why establishing strong relationships is key to success for businesses in the music industry, and more!
You can learn more about Monark Entertainment by visiting their website and following them on social media!
Website: https://monarkentertainment.co/
Instagram: @misskortiz and @monarkent
Hey rising entrepreneurs! Tune in to this episode to hear about SliimeyHoney: a premium slime business with gourmet slimes that look and smell like your favorite foods! Founder Mark Lin shares how being involved in business groups on campus can help you as a student-entrepreneur, the importance of enthusiasm and passion in your business pitch, and more!
You can learn more about SliimeyHoney by visiting their website and following them on social media!
Website: https://sliimeyhoney.com
Tiktok: @sliimeyhoneyshop
Instagram: @sliimeyhoney
Youtube: @sliimeyhoney