In this episode of the Two to Twenty podcast, hosts Katie Vander Ark and Julia Bell welcome Teal Cooper, co-founder and president of VendiBean, a beverage tech company. Teal shares her entrepreneurial journey, including the challenges of bootstrapping a business, navigating the impact of COVID-19, and the importance of partnerships in an archaic industry. The conversation also delves into mindset, resilience, and practical advice for aspiring founders. [00:00] Introduction to VendiBean and Teal's Journey [02:57] Bootstrapping Success: The Funding Journey [05:34] The Inspiration Behind VendiBean [08:45] Navigating the Challenges of Family Business [11:35] Overcoming COVID-19: A Personal and Business Transformation [14:26] Innovative Sales Strategies and Building in Public [17:25] Partnerships in an Archaic Industry [20:16] Mindset and Resilience in Entrepreneurship [23:13] Advice for Aspiring Founders   Music production: Dustin Belt

In this episode, Katie Vander Ark and Julia Belt interview Scout Brisson, CEO of De Soi, a non-alcoholic sparkling aperitif company. Scout shares her journey from MIT to the beverage industry, discussing the lessons learned from her corporate background and how they apply to her role as a founder. The conversation delves into the importance of building a strong team, navigating the emotional challenges of entrepreneurship, and the growing trend of non-alcoholic beverages. Scout also highlights the significance of collaboration with her co-founders and the future of the consumer packaged goods (CPG) market.   [00:00] Introduction to Scout Prasan and DeSois [02:22] Scout's Journey: From MIT to Beverage Industry [05:10] Lessons from Corporate to Startup: McKinsey and VC Insights [07:25] Building a Team: Hiring for Drive and Curiosity [10:23] The Emotional Rollercoaster of Founding a Company [13:17] Balancing Work and Personal Identity [15:54] The Rise of Non-Alcoholic Beverages [18:44] Consumer Trends and Market Insights [21:16] Navigating the CPG Landscape [23:54] Time Management as a CEO [26:37] Collaborating with Celebrity Co-Founders Music production: Dustin Belt

In this episode of the Two to Twenty podcast, Katie Vander Ark and Julia Belt engage with Naseem Sayani, a seasoned venture investor and angel investor. They explore Naseem's journey from consulting to venture capital, her focus on supporting female founders, and the importance of building relationships within the startup ecosystem. The conversation delves into the attributes that make a successful founder, the role of angel investors beyond just funding, and the current market conditions affecting fundraising strategies. Naseem shares insights on evaluating risk in disruptive ideas and the evolving landscape of venture capital and IPOs. [00:00] Introduction to Venture Capital and Personal Journeys [02:42] Transitioning from Consulting to Venture Capital [05:57] Focus Areas in Angel Investing [08:31] The Importance of Founders and Their Attributes [11:33] Building Relationships in the Startup Ecosystem [14:27] The Role of Angel Investors Beyond Funding [17:30] Evaluating Female Founders and Their Vision [20:21] Navigating Confidence and Coachability in Founders [23:01] Assessing Risk in Disruptive Ideas [25:51] Market Conditions and Fundraising Strategies [28:37] The Future of Venture Capital and IPOs Music Production: Dustin Belt

In this episode of the Two to Twenty podcast, host Katie Vander Ark interviews Madeleine Cohen, founder of Nelle Atelier, a denim brand reinventing the petite category for the modern shopper. They discuss launching a fashion label, navigating early growth, and what it really takes to build brand credibility in the consumer sector. Madeleine shares her insights on marketing strategies, the significance of brand credibility, and her future growth plans for Nelle Atelier. She also offers valuable advice for aspiring founders about the realities of entrepreneurship and the importance of pursuing one's vision despite challenges.   [00:00] Introduction to Nell Atelier and Its Founder[02:59] The Market for Petite Fashion[05:45] Challenges in Product Development[08:59] Navigating Funding and Investor Relationships[11:57] Building a Brand and Customer Engagement[14:54] Pre-Launch Strategies and Market Research[17:55] Go-To-Market Strategy and Influencer Marketing[20:47] Future Growth Plans and Advice for Founders[23:54] The Reality of Entrepreneurship   Music Production: Dustin Belt

In this episode Julia Belt interviews Mariam Khayretdinova, co-founder and CEO of Brainify AI, a startup focused on revolutionizing precision psychiatry through AI. Miriam shares her unique journey from a background in mathematics to the world of mental health, discussing the challenges of data collection in AI and the importance of personalized treatment. The conversation also touches on the difficulties female founders face in fundraising and the significance of resilience and support in entrepreneurship. Miriam emphasizes the need for a supportive network and the importance of data quality in developing effective mental health solutions. [00:00:48] Intro [00:04:40] Retrieving Data [00:14:32] Startup Journey & Breaking Into Healthcare [00:19:09] Fundraising [00:27:16] Rapid Fire Questions   Editor: Cory Jennings  Music Production: Dustin Belt

In this episode host Katie Vander Ark speaks with Jenna Hannon, CEO of Hatter AI, about her journey from a marketing expert to a founder. They discuss Jenna's experiences at Uber, the evolution of Hatter AI, and the importance of customer feedback in product development. Jenna shares insights on the future of marketing with AI, go-to-market strategies, and the significance of understanding customer profiles. The conversation highlights the necessity of adapting to market needs and the role of AI in enhancing business operations. [00:01:13] Intro [00:05:00] Lessons and Feedback [00:13:45] Product Adoption [00:18:50] AI and Content [00:22:58] Customers and Demand [00:27:24] Value of AI   Editor: Cory Jennings  Music Production: Dustin Belt

In this conversation, Marilynn Joyner discusses the evolution of workplaces, the integration of technology and AI in networking, and her new venture, Canvas, which aims to support startups in navigating commercial real estate. She also shares insights on balancing her new role as a mother with her entrepreneurial journey, emphasizing the importance of community and support systems.   [00:01:05] Intro [00:05:50]  Seeing Work Differently [00:17:33] Company Pivot [00:29:43] Network Online and In Person [00:34:44] Managing Business and Life   Editor: Cory Jennings  Music Production: Dustin Belt  

In this episode, Katie Vander Ark speaks with Moonlan Zhang from Crossbeam Ventures about her journey into venture capital, the importance of personal development, and the qualities that make successful founders. They discuss the impact of AI on the industry, the significance of building a personal board of advisors, and provide valuable advice for early-stage founders and aspiring VCs.   [00:00:58] Intro [00:02:24] Traditional To VC [00:06:09] Investment Thesis [00:08:30] Lessons Learned [00:11:50] Reasons To Back Founders [00:13:05] Founder Market Fit [00:14:17] AI [00:17:09] Development As A VC [00:20:05] Mentoring [00:23:49] Advice     Editor: Cory Jennings  Music Production: Dustin Belt

In this episode, Katie Vander Ark interviews Shiv Patel, CEO of Cratoflow, about her journey as a founder and the challenges she has faced. They discuss topics such as finding product-market fit, building relationships with customers, fundraising, and the importance of having investors who understand your business. They also touch on the experience of being a founder and a new parent, and the balancing act that comes with it.   [00:01:11] Early Stages [00:05:10] Initial MVP Of Product [00:07:02] Build One Thing [00:09:12] Market Strategy  [00:12:47] Challenges Faced [00:16:24] Investor Qualities  [00:21:13] Advice For Founders [00:25:23] Becoming A Mom     Editor: Cory Jennings  Music Production: Dustin Belt  

In this episode of the podcast, Julia Belt interviews Alex Chung from Chai Ventures, discussing her journey into venture capital, the day-to-day responsibilities of a VC, and the importance of supporting women founders. Alex shares insights on networking, the investment thesis of Chai Ventures, and the diligence process involved in evaluating startups. The conversation emphasizes the need for community building and the unique challenges faced by women in the entrepreneurial space.   [00:02:37] Day To Day Activities[00:07:35] Networking[00:11:20] Chai Ventures[00:15:00] Chai Ventures Support Outside Of Capital[00:18:08] Diligence[00:25:46] Rapid Fire Questions     Editor: Cory Jennings  Music Production: Dustin Belt  

In this episode, Katie Vander Ark speaks with Caroline Cherkassky, a partner at Orrick Law Firm, about the intersection of law and startups, particularly in the context of empowering women in tech. They discuss Caroline's journey into startup law, the growth of the LA tech ecosystem, and essential legal considerations for early-stage founders, including founder equity, intellectual property, and corporate structure. The conversation also touches on the importance of seeking legal advice and the role of equity incentives for employees. Caroline shares insights for aspiring tech lawyers and emphasizes the value of community engagement in the tech space.   [00:01:19] Early Stages [00:05:22] Founder Equity Split [00:09:00] Protecting Your IP [00:11:05] Company Registration [00:13:07] Equity For Employees [00:15:56] Seed Stage Round [00:18:37] Seeking A Lawyers [00:23:17] Recommendations      Editor: Cory Jennings  Music Production: Dustin Belt  

In this episode, Katie Vander Ark and Jesse Draper discuss the devastating impact of recent wildfires in Los Angeles, sharing personal stories and the community's response. They highlight immediate relief efforts, including GoFundMe campaigns, and emphasize the importance of long-term recovery for families affected by the fires. The conversation also touches on mental health resources and the resilience of the community as they come together to support one another during this crisis. [00:00] Personal Connection to the Wildfires [04:15] - Community Response and Support Initiatives [07:14] - Navigating Family Dynamics During Crisis [10:11] - The Role of Women in Rebuilding [13:21] - Final Thoughts and Call to Action [13:51] - Introduction to the Fire Relief Podcast [19:06] - Immediate Needs of Affected Families [27:03] - Mental Health Resources and Support   Editor: Cory Jennings  Music Production: Dustin Belt

In this episode, Katie Vander Ark interviews Angela Mascarenas, the CEO of AI Furnace. They discuss Angela's background, her journey from the corporate world to startups, and the importance of supporting women in the AI space. They also touch on the ethics and security around AI, the AI Furnace community, and the skills and mindset needed for entrepreneurship.   [00:01:25] Background Information[00:07:05] Ethics And Security Of AI[00:11:20] Compliance and Security[00:12:48] What Is In The Works[00:14:23] How Do People Get Involved [00:18:32] Starting A New Venture [00:23:56] Personal Circle And Network[00:28:51] Skills And Advice   Editor: Cory Jennings  Music Production: Dustin Belt

In this episode, Katie interviews Jess Schultz, CEO of Amplify Group, about her career journey and the challenges of being a founder. Jess shares her experience transitioning from finance to tech to VC to founder and the different skills required for each role. She emphasizes the importance of finding founder-market fit and setting clear metrics and timeframes for success. Jess also discusses the pros and cons of being a solo founder and the importance of mentorship in her entrepreneurial journey. She concludes by sharing her passion for helping startups with sales and marketing and her ideal client profile.   [00:01:00] Navigating Career Shifts [00:09:26] Suggestions For Getting Into VC [00:13:11] Angel Investing [00:18:12] Qualifications To Be A Founder [00:22:03] The Good And Bad [00:26:10] Mentorship     Editor: Cory Jennings  Music Production: Dustin Belt  

Sam Pantazopoulos, CEO and co-founder of Vizor, shares her journey as an entrepreneur and the evolution of her company. She discusses the inspiration behind launching Vizor and how the mission has expanded over time. Sam also talks about the funding process and the challenges she faced in building the MVP. She emphasizes the importance of mindset and resilience in entrepreneurship and shares her favorite tools and quotes that have helped her along the way.   [00:01:25] Inspiration [00:04:50] Product Pitching [00:07:19] First Year In Business [00:09:24] Pivot To B2B [00:14:10] Product Market Fit [00:16:50] Rapid Fire Round   Co-Hosts: Katie Vander Ark and Julia Belt Editor: Cory Jennings  Music Production: Dustin Belt  

In this episode of the Two to Twenty podcast, Katie interviews Juliette Richard, an associate at the Artemis Fund. They discuss their collaboration on a female founders and funders event during LA Tech Week, the growth of the Two to Twenty event series, and Juliette's background in economics and social equity. They also delve into the founding story of the Artemis Fund and its focus on investing in female-founded startups. Juliette shares her insights on the importance of mentorship, advice for breaking into venture capital, and trends she's excited about in the tech space. [00:03:23] Juliette's Background [00:09:06] Investing In Women [00:12:03] Fintech Solutions [00:13:07] Basic Founder Tips [00:18:07] AI [00:21:08] Education & Trends [00:23:06] Mentorship [00:25:00] Venture   Co-hosts: Katie Vander Ark and Julia Belt Editor: Cory Jennings  Music Production: Dustin Belt

Katie Vander Ark and Julia Belt discuss their mission to empower women entrepreneurs and address the challenges faced by female founders in the startup ecosystem.