Building blocks get smarter with sensors

SmartPlanet Video

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39:30

In this episode of The Innovators & Investors Podcast, host Kristian Marquez sits down with David Brem, Managing Director of the University of Michigan’s Zell Lurie Commercialization Fund. David offers a rare glimpse into the inner workings of a student-led endowment fund focused on early-stage, sector-agnostic investments primarily in the Michigan ecosystem. He shares insights on their unique, founder-first investment approach, how they navigate pre-seed to Series A venture opportunities, and the rigorous due diligence process involving qualitative analysis over pure numbers. David also discusses his roles with global VC networks including Electro Ventures, the London Venture Capital Network, and Level Up Ventures, illustrating how he bridges U.S., European, and Australian venture ecosystems with a special focus on mobility and transportation tech. Highlights include deep dives into emerging trends like eVTOLs (electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft), smart city infrastructure, and safety innovations in aviation technology. Listeners will gain valuable perspectives on how diverse expertise—from military intelligence and management consulting to academic ventures—shapes David’s investment thesis and community-building efforts. The episode also explores the importance of networking, adding value in the startup ecosystem, and practical advice for aspiring investors or entrepreneurs navigating the venture capital world. With stories of successes, challenges, and future outlooks, this episode is a must-listen for innovators, founders, and investors aiming to understand the intersection of academia, technology, and venture capital in today’s dynamic landscape. Learn more about David's work at https://zli.umich.edu/zell-lurie-commercialization-fund/ Connect with David on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-lowell-brem/ Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply at https://finstratmgmt.com/innovators-investors-podcast/ Want to learn more about Kristian Marquez's work? Check out his website at https://finstratmgmt.com…

13 years ago 1:50

M4V•Episode home

Sifteo offers a new game platform--requiring you to stack, sort, and shuffle. SmartPlanet's Sumi Das shows how these video game cubes communicate with each other for a novel way to play.

50 episodes

SmartPlanet Video

Building blocks get smarter with sensors

SmartPlanet Video

published 13 years ago

M4V•Episode home

Sifteo offers a new game platform--requiring you to stack, sort, and shuffle. SmartPlanet's Sumi Das shows how these video game cubes communicate with each other for a novel way to play.

50 episodes

#Science #Development #Energy #Efficient #Smart #Electric #Planet #SmartPlanet.com #Natural Sciences #Video #Sustainability #Productivity #Work #Virtual #Grid #Learn #SmartPlanet

All episodes

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Amory Lovins: Carbon fiber cars would cut oil dependency 4:48

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Kindle cover has built-in solar panels 2:02

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Jonathan Schwartz on why we need CareZone 6:44

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At Ford, using virtual reality to tweak car design 4:00

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Doctors use simple texts to deliver better healthcare in developing world 4:25

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Video games replace physical therapy for Parkinson's patients 3:11

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SmartPlanet Video

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Building blocks get smarter with sensors 1:50

13 years ago1:50

1:50

Sifteo offers a new game platform--requiring you to stack, sort, and shuffle. SmartPlanet's Sumi Das shows how these video game cubes communicate with each other for a novel way to play.

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Apple launches latest iPad with 4G 7:13

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