Today we discuss the role and importance of a Chief of Staff, what it takes to be great at the role and why businesses need one.
Big thanks to Scott Thompson, Emily Whiting and Samantha Talucci.
Takeaways
In this conversation, Mike shares his journey from working in a profit-driven environment to a culture-focused startup, emphasizing the importance of truth and communication in business relationships.
Takeaways
The Florida Tech & Growth Podcast is presented by Tiro Partners Limited.
In this conversation, Garima shares her journey of building Biller Genie, a fintech startup focused on accounts receivable automation.
Takeaways
The Florida Tech & Growth Podcast is presented by Tiro Partners Limited.
Today we welcome Todd Albert, Paul Cassell and John Fly to explore further the Impact of AI on Software Engineering.
Takeaways
The Florida Tech & Growth Podcast is presented by Tiro Partners Limited
In today's episode, we're joined by Francisco Benedito, Co-Founder & CEO at ClimateTrade.
Francisco shares insights into how ClimateTrade is revolutionizing the carbon credits market with its innovative use of blockchain technology and discusses the importance of sustainable solutions for combating climate change.
Takeaways
Climate Trade has created a user-friendly marketplace for carbon credits, simplifying the process of trading and procurement.
The company has achieved milestones in brand recognition and innovation in the climate space.
Francisco Benedito advises entrepreneurs in the environmental sector to be well-prepared, surround themselves with a knowledgeable team, and test their product-market fit.
The carbon markets are expected to grow exponentially in the coming years, with a combination of mandatory and voluntary projects.
The biggest challenges for Climate Trade have been the lack of previous startup experience and managing the influence of the press and lobbies
The Florida Tech & Growth Podcast is presented by Tiro Partners Limited.
Today, we are joined by Gerry Poirier, CEO and founder of AngeLink, a woman-powered social fintech company that empowers individuals through crowdfunding.
Takeaways
The Florida Tech & Growth Podcast is presented by Tiro Partners Limited.
Today we are joined by Bill Grieco, CTO at Innventure. Bill is an engineer, an entrepreneur, an innovator and a phenomenal leader. He knows how to create team dynamics that foster innovation.
Takeaways
Creating trust among team members is crucial for success.
Consistency and transparency build trust within teams.
Middle management faces unique challenges in team dynamics.
Respect and understanding are key in leadership transitions.
Innovation methodologies are similar across different industries.
Empowering teams involves setting clear goals and context.
Understanding individual team members' needs enhances collaboration.
The legacy of a leader is the impact on their team.
Hiring smart thinkers who embrace challenges is essential.
Failure is a valuable learning opportunity in innovation.
Today we are joined by William Hawkins from Lonestar Data Holdings. Lone Star Data Holdings is designing and deploying data centers on the lunar surface and in cislunar orbit to protect humanity's data off Earth. The team consists of experts in licensing communications for space, orbital mechanics, data center build-outs, space investment, and space law. The need for data centers on the moon and in cislunar orbit varies for different nations and companies, from storing sensitive data in contested areas to processing data collected in space.
Takeaways
Lone Star Data Holdings is building data centers on the moon and in cislunar orbit to protect humanity's data off Earth.
The team consists of experts in licensing communications for space, orbital mechanics, data center build-outs, space investment, and space law.
Businesses should focus on backups, mutability, indexing, understanding, and securing their data for effective data utilization and protection.
AI tools can assist in research, administrative tasks, and data understanding, but are not currently a core part of Lone Star's mission.
Educating the market about the benefits of data storage in space involves explaining the challenges of communications and the importance of geographically diverse data storage.
The long-term goals of Lone Star include preventing large-scale data loss, providing data storage and processing capabilities in space, and deploying very long baseline interferometry for radio astronomy.
The future of data management and security will involve responsible data storage, compliance, cybersecurity, and the use of AI tools for data understanding and automation.
Jose Restrepo, founder of Ecotropics, discusses his background and the development of his company in the carbon credits market. He explains how the carbon credits platform works and its impact on the environment and businesses.
Takeaways
Jose Restrepo has a background in ecology and environmental science and technology, which led him to work in the carbon credits market.
Ecotropics has developed a digital platform for originating and trading high integrity carbon credits, using geospatial digital transformations and back-office reporting.
The platform allows farmers to receive payments for ecosystem services, while companies can offset their carbon footprints.
The initial team at Ecotropics consists of experts in data science and fintech, with a focus on AWS architecture and cybersecurity.
Funding is a major challenge for startups in the carbon credits market, but partnerships and investor education can help overcome this barrier.
Ecotropics plans to scale its business and expand its product offerings, including the introduction of biodiversity credits.
The carbon credits market is evolving, with more companies and regulations driving the demand for transparent and reliable carbon credits.
Ecotropics aims to bridge the gap in the market by supplying high integrity carbon and biodiversity credits through its platform.
Florida Tech & Growth Podcast is presented by Tiro Partners Limited
Today we are joined by the CEO & Co-Founder of Lit Thinking, John Rajchert.
The goal of Lit Thinking is to create safer, healthier, and more productive indoor environments. By funding state of the art research, Lit Thinking is setting the new standard for applying Far-UVC light and other new technologies safely and effectively. All powered by proprietary software that enables, informs, and empowers businesses to maximize indoor air quality.
Takeaways
- Lit Thinking uses far UVC technology to provide safe and pathogen-free air in indoor spaces.
- The COVID-19 pandemic created awareness of the need for resilient facilities and accelerated the adoption of far UVC technology.
- Starting a business involves making big existential decisions and ensuring legal, banking, and insurance matters are in order.
- Lit Thinking integrates their devices into various environments, including hospitals and public spaces.
In episode 011, we are joined by Erick Gavin, Executive Director at Venture Miami.
We discuss Erick’s journey, what sets Miami apart from other tech hubs, challenges and opportunities that entrepreneurs and the communities face, the secrets and approaches for long-term success and much more!
Takeaways
Miami's tech ecosystem is still in its early stage, with a focus on supporting and nurturing early-stage companies.
The challenge lies in connecting international founders and talent with the right opportunities in Miami.
The cost of living in Miami is a consideration for founders, but there are ways to keep costs low while still benefiting from the community.
The emerging markets in Miami's tech ecosystem include climate tech, fintech, healthcare, and advanced air mobility.
The future of Miami's tech ecosystem is exciting, with the vision of becoming a place where startups can start and grow successfully, attracting founders from all over the country.
Today we are joined by Carol Houts, Chief Strategy Officer at Germfree.
Germfree is a pioneering laboratory & cleanroom manufacturing company. They build world-class mobile & modular cleanrooms, labs & equipment.
Takeaways
Germfree technology addresses drug shortages and improves access to therapies by providing infrastructure and operating systems for manufacturing at the point of care.
Clean room trailers have been successfully implemented to support compounding for sterile pharmaceuticals and hazardous drugs in healthcare settings.
Modular cleanroom technology is expected to evolve with a focus on flexible and adaptable space, especially in the cell and gene therapy space.
Advancements in bio manufacturing have the potential to reduce costs and improve accessibility to medicines.
Challenges faced by Germfree include managing growth, navigating change, and integrating the business after transitioning to private equity ownership.
When hiring, Germfree looks for individuals who align with their culture, demonstrate commitment, innovation, and business acumen.
Future plans for Germfree include enabling mini factories for pharmaceutical production worldwide and expanding service teams globally.
Eva Palatinsky, the founder of GlobalFy, shares her journey of helping international entrepreneurs set up businesses in the US. GlobalFi offers services such as company registration, virtual addresses, registered agents, tax filings, and accounting services.
Takeaways
International entrepreneurs face challenges in understanding US regulations and adapting their products/services to the local market.
GlobalFi offers services to help international entrepreneurs set up and run their businesses in the US, including company registration, virtual addresses, tax filings, and accounting services.
Content marketing is a key strategy for GlobalFi, providing valuable and actionable content in multiple languages.
GlobalFi operates with a globally dispersed team and values diversity and adaptability in their hires.
International entrepreneurs should study the market and be prepared for the journey ahead when expanding to the US.
GlobalFi plans to expand their offerings and help entrepreneurs thrive in the US market.
This week's episode includes a fascinating conversation with Dr. Carlos Mata, CTO at Scientific Lightning Solutions, about how lightning impacts multiple industries, and the innovative solutions SLS has developed to enable companies to minimize lightning-related risks.
Takeaways
Lightning can cause severe injuries and disruptions in operations for companies.
SLS has developed lightning-specific instrumentation to analyze and mitigate lightning-related issues.
Staying ahead of technological advancements and overcoming challenges like obsolescence and parts shortage is crucial.
Keeping employees engaged and involved in the solution process is important for success.
SLS has successfully solved lightning-related problems for a power generation company and a transportation system in a theme park.
In this week's episode, Ashok Kartham, Founder and CEO of Circuitry.ai, talks about how utilising technological transformations and applied AI can enable businesses to better serve their customers and improve customer experience.
Takeaways
Focus on what will not change in the next 10 years to ensure the relevance and effectiveness of AI solutions.
When hiring new team members, prioritize customer-centricity, the ability to get things done, and a willingness to learn.
Foster a culture of innovation and continuous improvement within the team by having a compelling vision, applying agile methodologies, and exposing the team to customer feedback.
Future plans for Circuitree AI include expanding the customer base and innovating the product.
Businesses should leverage AI in various aspects of their operations to drive growth and innovation, with a focus on delivering value to customers.
Aspiring entrepreneurs should prioritize customer-centricity, building a strong team, and focusing on differentiation.
Michel Triana is a serial entrepreneur, with experience in building and scaling tech startups, from bootstrapping to raising capital.
Specifically, Michel is in the business of money, both in how it's made and in building the tools that make it move.
Now the Co-Founder of Supersafe, Michel has a unique perspective on Florida Tech Eco-system.
Takeaways
Bootstrapping can be valuable in the early stages of a startup until there is a committed team and some customers.
Focus on building your product or service and acquiring customers before seeking investment.
Character, bias for action, and communication skills are key qualities to look for when hiring team members.
The tech scene in Florida, particularly in Miami, has evolved significantly in the past decade, with a growing focus on finance and crypto.
Remote work and nearshoring may become more prevalent in the future, allowing companies to hire talent from around the world while maintaining a presence in Miami.
In this episode we discuss The Impact Of AI On Software Engineering with:
Nack Kyoo Jun, CTO at Influur
Michael Lehmbeck, CTO at BankUnited
Zach Wills, Head of Engineering at Haven
Takeaways
I am a huge fan of Unnat Bak and RevScale.
He is a serial entrepreneur, who has taken account of the lessons he has learned along the way, implemented them into his strategy, and now built another very successful business called RevScale AI, an innovative sales-focused platform. They have just closed their latest round of funding.
Takeaways
Sales is crucial in every stage and size of a business, regardless of the industry.
Building an ecosystem is more valuable than just creating a tool or platform.
Product-led growth is an effective strategy for acquiring and retaining customers.
Leveraging unstructured data can enhance the offering and provide valuable insights.
RevScale has had a positive impact on its customers, helping them grow their businesses and achieve success.
Future plans for RevScale include expanding in the franchise vertical and enabling cross-border communication.
Aspiring entrepreneurs should focus on learning, building, and not rushing into building a company.
In Episode 003 of Florida Tech & Growth we talk Crypto with Dave Weisberger, co-founder of CoinRoutes. Dave and his son have set up an incredibly successful and exciting crypto trading platform in CoinRoutes and in today's chat, Dave shares how they have done so and how they have overcome the challenges that have come their way.
Takeaways
In Episode 002 of Florida Tech & Growth, we welcome the absolutely inspirational Raechel Canipe, the Founder and CEO of Women in Tech and Entrepreneurship & CMO of RevStar
Raechel has built something truly remarkable, and in this conversation, she shares the hows, the whys, and the impact, providing resources and support for women in tech.
Takeaways
Women in Tech and Entrepreneurship is a free membership model that provides support, networking, and educational resources for women in the tech industry.
The initiative aims to break down barriers and create opportunities for women in tech, who are often underrepresented.
Male allies play a crucial role in promoting diversity and inclusion and holding others accountable for their actions.
Future goals include national expansion, providing financial resources for women in tech, and supporting women founders.
The impact of Women in Tech and Entrepreneurship goes beyond the individual members, creating a ripple effect of support and empowerment.Creating Opportunities for Women in Tech
