The Geekbox: Episode 632

The Geekbox

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…

3 years ago 1:22:02

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Wherein we discuss life in Michigan, Celebrity Jeopardy, Xenoblade Chronicles 3, Vampire Survivors, and Justin's first family Disneyland trip. Starring Ryan Scott, Adam Fitch, Justin Haywald, and Ryan Higgins.

694 episodes

The Geekbox: Episode 632

The Geekbox

75 subscribers

published 3 years ago

MP3•Episode home

694 episodes

All episodes

1
The Geekbox: Episode 688 1:10:58

14 days ago1:10:58

1:10:58

Wherein we discuss Final Fantasy II, Peak, Intruder, Final Destination: Bloodlines, Friendship, and sportsball. Starring Ryan Scott and Ryan Higgins.

1
The Geekbox: Episode 687 1:46:39

27 days ago1:46:39

1:46:39

Wherein we discuss sportsball, the launch of the Nintendo Switch 2, Mario Kart World, all the Summer Game Fest shenanigans, Nintendo's new San Francisco store, modern beat-'em-ups, and the Mission: Impossible franchise. Starring Ryan Scott and Ryan Higgins, with special guest Toby Sidler.

1
The Geekbox: Episode 686 1:01:37

10 weeks ago1:01:37

1:01:37

Wherein we discuss Nintendo Switch 2 pre-order chaos, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles figure #45, Abiotic Factor, The Rehearsal season 2, Free Comic Book Day, the very weird summer we're about to have, and Video Games Plus. Starring Ryan Scott and Ryan Higgins.

1
The Geekbox: Episode 685 1:11:15

12 weeks ago1:11:15

1:11:15

Wherein we discuss the Nintendo Switch 2 (and all the tariff nonsense surrounding it and the rest of... everything really), Blue Prince, The Last of Us, Teen Titans Go!, Peaky Blinders, and Longlegs. Starring Ryan Scott and Ryan Higgins.

1
The Geekbox: Episode 684 1:21:51

14 weeks ago1:21:51

1:21:51

Wherein we discuss the live-action Gundam movie, Disney remakes, Nintendo's film aspirations, Pretty Sailor Moon: The Super Live, touring the Pokemon Company, Severance, Abiotic Factor, and Dragon Quest. Starring Ryan Scott, Justin Haywald, and Ryan Higgins.

1
The Geekbox: Episode 683 1:02:52

16 weeks ago1:02:52

1:02:52

Wherein we discuss Severance (massive spoilers up through season 2 episode 9!), Gundam Breaker 4, Monster Hunter Wilds, and The Roottrees Are Dead. Starring Ryan Scott, Justin Haywald, and Ryan Higgins.

1
The Geekbox: Episode 682 1:17:01

18 weeks ago1:17:01

1:17:01

Wherein we discuss this week's tragic celebrity deaths, Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX, Severance (massive spoilers up through season 2 episode 7!), and the 2025 Academy Awards. Starring Ryan Scott, Justin Haywald, and Ryan Higgins.

1
The Geekbox: Episode 681 1:44:12

20 weeks ago1:44:12

1:44:12

Wherein we discuss Captain America: Brave New World, the Fantastic Four: First Steps trailer, Heretic, Nosferatu, The Substance, Metaphor: ReFantazio, Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance, more upcoming Japan visits, and Severance (major spoiler warning for season 2!). Starring Ryan Scott, Adam Fitch, Justin Haywald, and Ryan Higgins.…

1
The Geekbox: Episode 680 1:24:13

22 weeks ago1:24:13

1:24:13

Wherein we discuss Batman: The Last Halloween, Severance (massive spoiler warning through Season 1 Episode 3), the return of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, sitcoms in the 2020s, and Matlock (and other old people shows we're into). Starring Ryan Scott and Ryan Higgins.

1
The Geekbox: Episode 679 1:40:50

24 weeks ago1:40:50

1:40:50

Wherein we discuss Marvel Snap, Marvel Rivals, the Nintendo Switch 2, Elden Ring Nightreign, Farming Simulator 25, Severance, Shogun, Ichi the Killer, our favorite dumb anime, and David Lynch. Starring Ryan Scott and Ryan Higgins, with special guest Josh Epstein.

1
The Geekbox: Episode 678 1:19:14

28 weeks ago1:19:14

1:19:14

Wherein we discuss the 2024 holiday season and Higgins' latest trip to Japan. Starring Ryan Scott and Ryan Higgins.

1
The Geekbox: Episode 677 1:05:34

30 weeks ago1:05:34

1:05:34

Wherein we discuss our cyberpunk reality, Higgins' upcoming Japan trip, Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake, Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX (no that is not a typo), the moviegoing experience in 2024, Kraven the Hunter, Pop Culture Jeopardy, 1980s horror movie box art, and the upcoming Christmas holiday. Starring Ran Scott and Ryan Higgins.…

1
The Geekbox: Episode 676 1:01:10

32 weeks ago1:01:10

1:01:10

Wherein we discuss only the most non-boring topics, like investment accounts, Bluesky adoption rate, Google's would-be breakup, getting used to Windows 11, Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake, and the very exciting Legend of Zelda timeline. Starring Ryan Scott and Ryan Higgins.

1
The Geekbox: Episode 675 1:00:47

34 weeks ago1:00:47

1:00:47

Wherein we discuss the Twitter exodus, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Splintered Fate, The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom, Pokemon Trading Card Game Pocket, the Nintendo Alarmo, Super Nintendo World's Donkey Kong Country, theme park ride tolerance, The Penguin, and Three-Face. Starring Ryan Scott and Ryan Higgins.…

1
The Geekbox: Episode 674 1:13:58

36 weeks ago1:13:58

1:13:58

Wherein we discuss a bunch of utter nonsense, Halloween-adjacent garbage, video game tomfoolery, and other such junk, because this is a spooky Comedy Button takeover, baby. Starring Ryan Scott, with special guests Brian Altano and Max Scoville.

The Geekbox

1
The Geekbox: Episode 658 59:02

1 year ago59:02

59:02

Wherein we discuss the podcast's 15th anniversary, Final Fantasy XIV: Dawntrail, the glorious jump from season 1-2 in Star Trek: The Next Generation, and the times Higgins turned on his PlayStation 5 last year. Starring Ryan Scott and Ryan Higgins.

The Geekbox

1
The Geekbox: Episode 657 1:21:48

2 years ago1:21:48

1:21:48

Wherein we discuss the Game Awards 2023, Harvest Moon: The Winds of Anthos, Star Trek: The Next Generation, and Adam's Italian vacation. Starring Ryan Scott, Adam Fitch, and Ryan Higgins.

The Geekbox

1
The Geekbox: Episode 656 1:05:42

2 years ago1:05:42

1:05:42

Wherein we discuss Thanksgiving (and Black Friday) 2023, Higgins' crazy Plex media server, Wish, TV Time, Monarch, Doctor Who, Star Trek: The Next Generation, Final Fantasy XIV, the Saw franchise, and The Curse. Starring Ryan Scott and Ryan Higgins.

The Geekbox

1
The Geekbox: Episode 655 1:04:54

2 years ago1:04:54

1:04:54

Wherein we discuss all the new and upcoming movies that Higgins hates, Nintendo's Legend of Zelda live-action movie, the inevitability of Chris Pratt, and a whole lot of Star Trek: The Next Generation. Starring Ryan Scott and Ryan Higgins.

The Geekbox

1
The Geekbox: Episode 654 1:08:11

2 years ago1:08:11

1:08:11

Wherein we discuss Halloween, BlizzCon 2023, Super Mario Bros. Wonder, Endless Dungeon, Spider-Man 2, Cocoon, Final Fantasy XVI, Baldur's Gate 3, Star Trek: The Next Generation, and parenting 101. Starring Ryan Scott, Justin Haywald, and Ryan Higgins.

The Geekbox

1
The Geekbox: Episode 653 1:13:06

2 years ago1:13:06

1:13:06

Wherein we discuss nerdy sim games, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Star Wars comics, The Walking Dead, World of Warcraft vs. Final Fantasy XIV, Payday 3, accidentally beating The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, and Friday the 13th. Starring Ryan Scott and Ryan Higgins.

The Geekbox

1
The Geekbox: Episode 652 1:15:02

2 years ago1:15:02

1:15:02

Wherein we discuss shipping comics, Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves (take 2), D&D in general, Star Trek: Lower Decks, The Expanse, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem, Lies of P, and Fables author Bill Willingham's weird feud with DC Comics and the public domain. Starring Ryan Scott and Ryan Higgins.…

The Geekbox

1
The Geekbox: Episode 651 1:30:40

2 years ago1:30:40

1:30:40

Wherein we discuss Meanwhile... A Comic Shop Anthology, lessons from the publishing industry, giant skeletons, Blue Beetle, Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves, watching television in SD in 2023, The Expanse, awesome movie sequels, and where the 1980s begin and end. Starring Ryan Scott and Ryan Higgins.…

The Geekbox

1
The Geekbox: Episode 650 1:10:27

2 years ago1:10:27

1:10:27

Wherein we discuss sportsball accessibility, cool old Sierra games, the fall of Funko, the future fall of Simon & Schuster, and nerdy hobbies as jobs. Starring Ryan Scott and Ryan Higgins.

The Geekbox

1
The Geekbox: Episode 649 1:03:21

2 years ago1:03:21

1:03:21

Wherein we discuss Higgins' new cricket obsession, whatever Twitter is calling itself now, streaming and the price of unlimited choice, Barbie, Oppenheimer, and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Starring Ryan Scott and Ryan Higgins.

The Geekbox

1
The Geekbox: Episode 648 1:31:03

2 years ago1:31:03

1:31:03

Wherein we discuss Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny (no big spoilers), the post-COVID movie biz, Deadpool 3, social media's big fork in the road, Perfect Blue, and the ongoing slow death of streaming. Starring Ryan Scott and Ryan Higgins.

The Geekbox

1
The Geekbox: Episode 647 2:03:00

2 years ago2:03:00

2:03:00

Wherein we discuss Higgins' month-long tour of Japan. Starring Ryan Scott, Adam Fitch, Justin Haywald, and Ryan Higgins.

The Geekbox

1
The Geekbox: Episode 646 1:50:36

2 years ago1:50:36

1:50:36

Wherein we discuss even more nerdy old Sierra games, notably The Colonel's Bequest, The Black Cauldron, and Phantasmagoria. Starring Ryan Scott, with special guest Ben Burkhalter.

The Geekbox

1
The Geekbox: Episode 645 1:35:37

2 years ago1:35:37

1:35:37

Wherein we discuss all things Sierra (while the rest of the main cast is out on vacation and/or busy with the new Zelda game). Starring Ryan Scott with special guest Ben Burkhalter.

The Geekbox

1
The Geekbox: Episode 644 1:20:02

2 years ago1:20:02

1:20:02

Wherein we discuss Ryan's birthday, Kickstarter updates, the latest writers' strike, Perry Mason, HBO Max, The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, all things Final Fantasy, and Higgins vs. Discord. Starring Ryan Scott, Justin Haywald, and Ryan Higgins.

The Geekbox

1
The Geekbox: Episode 673 1:21:19

38 weeks ago1:21:19

1:21:19

Where in we discuss Final Fantasy, The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom, Nintendo's latest emulator blowback, Archipelago, Smile 2's creepy viral marketing, Joker: Folie a Deux, DC's upcoming movies, and Uzumaki. Starring Ryan Scott and Ryan Higgins.

The Geekbox

1
The Geekbox: Episode 672 1:14:38

42 weeks ago1:14:38

1:14:38

Wherein we discuss concert hell, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, replaying Final Fantasy, and the mystery of why AI is everywhere. Starring Ryan Scott and Ryan Higgins.

The Geekbox

1
The Geekbox: Episode 671 1:14:22

44 weeks ago1:14:22

1:14:22

Wherein we discuss the end of baseball and tennis, the Legend of Zelda timeline (and other continuity nightmares), Gen Con 2024, Pokemon Scarlet, Higgins' Final Fantasy series marathon, The Boys, and weird bizarre celebrity lives. Starring Ryan Scott and Ryan Higgins.

The Geekbox

1
The Geekbox: Episode 670 1:29:29

46 weeks ago1:29:29

1:29:29

Wherein we discuss comic reprints and reissues, Higgins' cord-cutting, Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire, the future of Friday the 13th, Deadpool & Wolverine (major spoiler warning!), and the Nintendo Museum. Starring Ryan Scott and Ryan Higgins.

The Geekbox

1
The Geekbox: Episode 669 1:10:44

48 weeks ago1:10:44

1:10:44

Wherein we discuss San Diego Comic-Con 2024, the Fantastic Four (and the multiverse!), all things Deadpool, Game Informer's tragic and sudden demise, the 2024 Summer Olympics, Batman: Caped Crusader, and Nintendo World Championships: NES Edition. Starring Ryan Scott and Ryan Higgins.

The Geekbox

1
The Geekbox: Episode 665 1:30:52

48 weeks ago1:30:52

1:30:52

Wherein we discuss PC power supply issues, Cruel World, band T-shirt etiquette, weird collectibles, Dragon Quest's upcoming HD-2D remake, various and sundry Final Fantasy stuff, Friday the 13th, Balatro, Pokemon Scarlet, sportsball, Doctor Who, Late Night with the Devil, Beetlejuice, and Jurassic Park. Starring Ryan Scott and Ryan Higgins.…

The Geekbox

1
The Geekbox: Episode 668 56:13

50 weeks ago56:13

56:13

Wherein we discuss San Diego Comic-Con 2024 hype, Higgins vs. Deadpool, Beavis and Butt-Head, Cobra Kai, Fortnite, Final Fantasy XIV, and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles x Naruto. Starring Ryan Scott and Ryan Higgins.

The Geekbox

1
The Geekbox: Episode 667 1:21:02

1 year ago1:21:02

1:21:02

Wheren we discuss the state of video games, The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom, Mario & Luigi: Brothership, Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D, Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection, Kid Icarus: Uprising, Beavis and Butt-Head, and Final Fantasy XIV. Starring Ryan Scott and Ryan Higgins.…

The Geekbox

1
The Geekbox: Episode 666 1:15:40

1 year ago1:15:40

1:15:40

Wherein we discuss SATAN'S PODCAST, Interview with the Vampire, elevated horror vs. cozy horror, Abigail, Beavis and Butt-Head, Doctor Who, Green Lantern, Summer Game Fest, Power Rangers, and Toxic Crusaders. Starring Ryan Scott and Ryan Higgins.

The Geekbox

1
The Geekbox: Episode 664 1:07:24

1 year ago1:07:24

1:07:24

Wherein we discuss the Comic Conspiracy and Patton Oswalt, Higgins' media sorting obsession, Shogun, Invincible, The Walking Dead, Final Fantasy XIV, the world's puzzling obsession with pickleball, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and Free Comic Book Day. Starring Ryan Scott and Ryan Higgins.

The Geekbox

1
The Geekbox: Episode 663 1:10:57

1 year ago1:10:57

1:10:57

Wherein we discuss being sick, Game Developers Conference 2024, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Last Ronin, X-Men 97, Super Mario Bros. Wonder, The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire, Final Fantasy Pixel Remaster, and Mother 3. Starring Ryan Scott and Ryan Higgins.…

The Geekbox

1
The Geekbox: Episopde 662 1:15:51

1 year ago1:15:51

1:15:51

Wherein we discuss Reddit (and being like Keanu), Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire and empty nostalgia, sequels and sequelitis, Tammy and the T-Rex, X-Men '97, and Princess Peach: Showtime. Starring Ryan Scott and Ryan Higgins.

The Geekbox

1
The Geekbox: Episode 661 57:13

1 year ago57:13

57:13

Wherein we discuss the Nintendo vs. Yuzu saga, and the state of video game emulation in 2024. Starring Ryan Scott and Ryan Higgins.

The Geekbox

1
The Geekbox: Episode 660 1:14:31

1 year ago1:14:31

1:14:31

Wherein we discuss The Walking Dead, streaming and the accessibility of digital media, the death of DVD special features, X-Men '97, Beetlejuice, Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, member-berries, Final Destination, and the 2024 D.I.C.E. Summit. Starring Ryan Scott and Ryan Higgins.

The Geekbox

1
The Geekbox: Episode 659 1:09:21

1 year ago1:09:21