Why Brain Science Is Critical For Entrepreneurs, With Phil Dixon (Raleigh Durham Startup Week Keynote) Triangle Tweener Talks podcast

1:39:07

Chris Heivly’s journey through the tech world is one for the books, literally - thanks to his deep-rooted love of maps. From his early days studying geography and computer mapping to shaping the future of internet navigation with MapQuest, Chris shares an inspiring story of innovation, risk, and community-building. In this episode, we explore Chris’s entrepreneurial journey, discussing everything from his time building map systems for the U.S. State Department to his pivot into founding one of the Triangle’s first startup accelerators, the Triangle Startup Factory. Tune in to hear: Chris’s early fascination with maps and how it led him to become a leader in the tech space. The inside story of MapQuest and its revolutionary role in the rise of online mapping, years before Google Maps. The entrepreneurial lessons Chris learned while transitioning from MapQuest to venture capital. Insights from running one of the first accelerators in the Triangle and how it shaped the region’s startup ecosystem. Stories of standout companies from the Triangle Startup Factory, including the success of Archive Social. Where to Find Chris Heivly: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisheivly/ Build the Fort Blog: https://heivly.com/blog/ Where to Find Scot Wingo: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thescotwingo/ Tweener Times: https://www.tweenertimes.com/ X: https://x.com/scotwingo In this episode: (00:03:00) Chris's love of maps and how it shaped his career from geography major to tech innovator. (00:10:15) The breakthrough moment: from computer mapping to building mapping systems for the U.S. State Department. (00:17:45) The story of MapQuest’s creation, why it was so ahead of its time, and how it revolutionized navigation. (00:27:30) Chris’s time at Donnelly and the strategic decisions that led to MapQuest's success. (00:38:05) The evolution from VC to accelerator: Chris’s journey building the Triangle Startup Factory and shaping the local ecosystem. (00:46:52) Chris’s key lessons for startup founders and how to build a lasting legacy. In the news: Going Against the Flow: Chris Heivly, Managing Director of The Startup Factory: https://www.huffpost.com/entry/going-against-the-flow-ch_b_10596620 One-on-one: ‘Startup Whisperer’ Chris Heivly talks Raleigh-Durham Startup Week, Triangle’s success, new book: https://wraltechwire.com/2023/04/19/one-on-one-startup-whisperer-chris-heivly-talks-raleigh-durham-startup-week-triangles-success-new-book/ --- Triangle Tweener Talks is hosted by Scot Wingo, presented by Triangle Tweener Fund , and produced by Walk West . ------ Triangle Tweener Talks is sponsored by: Atomic Object: https://atomicobject.com/…

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Allstacks' Hersh Tapadia: Raising $20M+ and Redefining Productivity 1:31:34

25 days ago1:31:34

1:31:34

If you ask someone what’s at the heart of a successful engineering team, the answer might involve tools, talent, or tech. But Hersh Tapadia, CEO and co-founder of Allstacks, believes it all starts with one thing: measurable productivity. While we all know engineering teams face unique challenges, Allstacks is tackling the toughest one—how to measure and improve engineering productivity at scale. In today’s episode, we talk to Hersh about his journey, from growing up in Raleigh to leading a company that's reshaping the way engineering teams operate. Hersh shares how Allstacks went from a consulting business to a product-driven company, the challenges of raising capital, and what he’s learned about engineering productivity in the process. Tune in to hear: Hersh’s path to founding Allstacks and his early struggles with raising capital. The challenge of measuring engineering productivity and how Allstacks solves it with data. Insights on making the leap from consulting to product development and what tech companies need to understand about the market. The future of engineering productivity—how AI is playing a role in tracking performance. Lessons learned from building a dev-tech startup in a competitive space. Where to Find Hersh Tapadia: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hershtapadia Allstacks: https://www.allstacks.com Where to Find Scot Wingo: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thescotwingo/ Tweener Times: https://www.tweenertimes.com/ X: https://x.com/scotwingo In this episode: (00:03:00) From Raleigh to Allstacks – How Hersh’s journey led him to build a product that’s changing the game for engineering teams. (00:10:15) The Early Days – Raising capital, finding product-market fit, and making the leap from consulting to product development. (00:17:45) The Allstacks Approach – How data can drive engineering productivity and why it’s more than just tracking output. (00:27:30) Navigating the Tech Space – The challenges of scaling in the dev-tech world and the lessons learned along the way. (00:38:05) The Future of Engineering Productivity – What’s next for engineering teams and how AI is shaping the way they work. (00:46:52) Lessons for Founders – Hersh’s hard-earned wisdom on building a company, raising capital, and navigating the startup rollercoaster. In the news: Allstacks raises $20M to help engineering teams measure productivity: https://techcrunch.com/2024/03/30/allstacks-raises-20m-productivity/ How Allstacks is changing the way engineering teams measure success: https://www.forbes.com/sites/hersh-tapadia-allstacks/ The Importance of Data-Driven Engineering Teams in 2025: https://www.businessinsider.com/data-driven-engg-productivity-allstacks --- Triangle Tweener Talks is hosted by Scot Wingo, presented by Triangle Tweener Fund , and produced by Walk West . ------ Triangle Tweener Talks is sponsored by: Atomic Object: https://atomicobject.com/…

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Engineering Entrepreneurs: NC State Eship and Triangle Legend Dr. Tom Miller 1:53:01

5 weeks ago1:53:01

1:53:01

If you ask anyone about the entrepreneurial ecosystem in the Triangle, one name that keeps coming up is Dr. Tom Miller. Known as the champion of engineering entrepreneurship at NC State, Tom has been pivotal in shaping the region’s startup culture for over 40 years. From his early days in eastern North Carolina to founding the Engineering Entrepreneurs Program, his influence is felt across generations of entrepreneurs. Today, we sit down with Dr. Miller to hear his journey, the creation of the Engineering Entrepreneurs Program, his work with students like Bill Nussey and Chris Evans, and his thoughts on the evolving role of entrepreneurship in education. In this episode: Dr. Miller’s Early Years – Growing up in eastern North Carolina and how his humble beginnings fueled his curiosity in technology and entrepreneurship. The Spark at NC State – How a professor’s advice led him to take the leap from big corporations to the startup world. Founding the Engineering Entrepreneurs Program – Building the foundation for NC State's first program designed to foster entrepreneurship in engineers. The DaVinci Story – How students from his program, like Bill Nussey and Chris Evans, founded DaVinci, a revolutionary tech startup. Transforming the Triangle – Tom’s role in developing a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem in the Triangle, impacting thousands of students. The Entrepreneurial Mindset – What it takes to build successful startups and why entrepreneurs should embrace risk and failure. Lessons for Aspiring Entrepreneurs – Dr. Miller’s invaluable advice on navigating university systems, securing funding, and building sustainable businesses. Where to Find Dr. Tom Miller: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tkmiller/ Where to Find Scot Wingo: Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thescotwingo/ Tweener Times: https://www.tweenertimes.com/ X: https://x.com/scotwingo In this episode: (00:03:00) Growing Up in Eastern North Carolina – How Tom’s early experiences shaped his path into technology and entrepreneurship. (00:08:26) From Big Corporations to Startups – The moment Tom took the leap from IBM and Motorola to the world of startups. (00:14:57) Founding the Engineering Entrepreneurs Program – How Tom built the foundation for engineering-focused entrepreneurship at NC State. (00:27:12) The DaVinci Success Story – How Bill Nussey and Chris Evans took the lessons from the program to launch DaVinci and make their mark. (00:39:28) Transforming Education – Tom’s role in reshaping the university’s approach to entrepreneurship and how it impacted thousands of students. (00:52:13) The Entrepreneurial Mindset – Why embracing failure and risk is essential for founders. (01:05:00) Lessons for the Next Generation – Advice Tom would give to young entrepreneurs looking to build their own startups. (01:15:40) The Triangle’s Startup Ecosystem – How the region evolved into a hub for innovation and entrepreneurship. In the news: Remembering Marshall Brain, Founder of HowStuffWorks: https://history.howstuffworks.com/historical-figures/marshall-brain.htm Triangle Tweener Talks is hosted by Scot Wingo, presented by Triangle Tweener Fund, and produced by Walk West. ------ Triangle Tweener Talks is sponsored by: Atomic Object: https://atomicobject.com/…

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Tweener Madness Championship! ZW vs InviteJet: Who Takes Home the $25K Tweener Fund Investment? 1:05:25

8 weeks ago1:05:25

1:05:25

Who will be crowned champion of Tweener Madness and take home the $25K investment from the Triangle Tweener Fund? The championship features two radically different approaches to innovation: ZW (Robert Fu) – An AI-powered platform helping manufacturers optimize production and R&D in complex industries. InviteJet (Brian Watson & Paul Davis) – A calendar-based marketing solution helping brands reach customers at exactly the right time. ZW (Robert Fu) Platform suite includes ZAI, ZMAP, and ZFastQ—each targeting different needs in manufacturing and R&D. Combines deep manufacturing experience with proprietary AI to handle data-heavy optimization challenges. Focused on proof-of-concept engagements with industrial clients, including those looking to reduce energy use or improve yield. Emphasizes speed over patents—lean team, bootstrapped hustle, and decades of industry know-how. Looking to build out sales and marketing strategy with targeted funding. InviteJet (Brian Watson & Paul Davis) Pioneering “calendar marketing” with branded invites that sync to customers’ calendars for product drops, shipping alerts, and events. Deep integrations with Shopify, Klaviyo, and Mailchimp; strong early traction with eComm brands. Clear technical moat in managing cross-platform calendar compatibility and high-scale deliverability. Future plans include AI-powered segmentation and automation, plus agency partnerships to scale distribution. Big focus on customer education and making a brand’s most important moments unmissable. Selection Committee Robbie Allen – General Partner, Triangle Tweener Fund Nikita Ramaswamy – Partner, Triangle Tweener Fund Scot Wingo – Host & General Partner, Triangle Tweener Fund Key Discussion Topics 🧠 ZW’s Highlights Custom AI models built to solve complex, high-variable industrial problems Strong market understanding from years inside Corning and similar legacy companies Sales strategy driven by proof-of-concept deals and existing network relationships Bootstrapped and scrappy: trade shows, peanut butter sandwiches, and real customer traction Plans to scale with the right sales hire and targeted marketing spend 📅 InviteJet’s Highlights Calendar invites as a new marketing channel—high visibility, minimal friction, big conversion potential Built-in unsubscribe controls, multi-tenant tools, and robust integration roadmap Not chasing trends: AI is in the plan but not the product’s core value Early success with brands doing weekly drops and time-sensitive promos Clear-eyed about the challenges of educating the market—and excited to lead the way 📌 Timestamps (00:00:04) – Championship kickoff with Scot Wingo (00:01:25) – ZW fields questions on product, AI architecture, and industrial go-to-market (00:27:04) – InviteJet dives into scaling, technical differentiation, customer retention, and future roadmap (01:02:47) – Selection committee debrief and reflections on both companies So who wins? 🏆 Tune in to find out! This episode wraps up the Tweener Madness series, where eight Triangle startups competed for a $25K investment and plenty of local bragging rights. 🎙️ Triangle Tweener Talks is hosted by Scot Wingo , presented by Triangle Tweener Fund , and produced by Walk West . ------ Triangle Tweener Talks is sponsored by: Atomic Object: https://atomicobject.com/…

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CivicReach or InviteJet? What Startup Advances to the Tweener Madness Championship? 52:09

8 weeks ago52:09

52:09

Who’s Advancing from the Fabulous Four - CivicReach or InviteJet? Welcome back to Triangle Tweener Madness , the high-stakes startup tournament where eight companies go head-to-head for a $25,000 investment from the Triangle Tweener Fund! We’re down to the Fabulous Four, and this week’s semifinal is a clash between a calendar-powered marketing platform and a voice AI company transforming local government services. Two bold visions. One coveted spot in the finals. Let’s meet the contenders. 🔹 InviteJet (Paul Davis & Brian Watson) – A marketing platform that lets brands send calendar invites—yes, calendar invites—to their customers. With integrations into tools like Klaviyo and Mailchimp, InviteJet gives brands a new channel for time-based marketing. Early traction shows that calendar invites can outperform email when it comes to urgency and engagement, especially with unengaged audiences. 🔹 CivicReach (Chip Kennedy) – A voice AI platform built to modernize how local governments serve their residents. CivicReach helps cities and counties automatically answer incoming calls, reducing costs and relieving overworked staff. With integrations into CRMs and payment systems, CivicReach is on a mission to improve public service delivery—without increasing headcount. 🎤 InviteJet’s Pitch Provides an alternative to crowded inboxes using calendar invites as a persistent, underutilized communication channel. Helps brands boost conversions during product launches, sales events, shipping cutoffs, and re-engagement campaigns. Built-in unsubscribe features, strong deliverability, and a UX designed for different calendar clients. Exploring a pricing evolution from tiered subscription to usage-based. Technical moat in managing calendar clients (Google, Outlook, Apple) and formatting consistent, branded experiences. 🎤 CivicReach’s Pitch Targets a clear pain point for cities drowning in calls but short on staff or call center support. Focused on voice AI that can route, answer, and assist callers with accurate, up-to-date info—customized to each city’s needs. Emphasizes cost savings, improved customer experience, and integrations with existing systems. Moat includes proprietary speech-to-text and integrations tailored to government use cases, as well as a custom data layer. Structured pilots lead to multi-year contracts, with pricing transparency and ROI baked in from day one. Selection Committee Zakiya Alta Lee-Hill – https://www.linkedin.com/in/zakiyaaltalee/ Antony Rotoli – https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthonyrotoli/ Mitch Mumma – https://www.linkedin.com/in/mitchmumma/ 📌 Timestamps (00:00:35) – Scot Wingo kicks off the InviteJet vs. CivicReach semifinal showdown. (00:01:31) – InviteJet answers questions on market education, technical complexity, customer success stories, and pricing models. (00:23:34) – CivicReach fields questions on ROI, government buying cycles, integration strategies, and its founding story. (00:41:36) – Founders reflect on the mission, momentum, and long-term potential. (00:43:12) – The selection committee deliberates. (00:50:33) – One company advances to the Tweener Madness finals! 🎙️ Triangle Tweener Talks is hosted by Scot Wingo , presented by Triangle Tweener Fund , and produced by Walk West . ------ Triangle Tweener Talks is sponsored by: Atomic Object: https://atomicobject.com/…

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Unlocking Leadership Potential: Katherine Krupka on Raleigh Durham Startup Week 14:40

9 weeks ago14:40

14:40

What if the most powerful tool for success as an entrepreneur isn’t the latest strategy or tech hack—but the way you perceive and process every challenge you face? In this episode of Triangle Tweener Talks , guest host Rebecca Ross sits down with Katherine Krupka, a leadership strategist and executive coach, to dive into the powerful connection between leadership, perception, and decision-making. Katherine has worked with leaders around the world, from embassies to startups, helping them unlock deeper levels of wisdom and navigate uncertainty. She’s bringing all of her expertise to Raleigh Durham Startup Week as a keynote speaker, and she’s here to share a sneak peek of what attendees can expect. You’ll hear Katherine discuss: The biggest misconception about leadership How perception shapes outcomes, both in business and personal life Why founders should cultivate their “inner game” for stronger leadership How leveraging unconscious potential can help you make decisions faster and more effectively And much more! If you’re a founder or executive struggling with uncertainty and high-stakes decisions, Katherine’s talk is not to be missed at Raleigh Durham Startup Week on April 8th. Key Takeaways: Leadership isn't just about strategy and decision-making—it’s about how you perceive and process information. Cultivating both your conscious and unconscious mind (your “inner game”) is essential for navigating the complexities of leadership. The ability to tap into your intuition can help you make better decisions faster and stay calm under pressure. Links Mentioned: Raleigh Durham Startup Week: https://www.raleighdurhamstartupweek.com/ Connect with Katherine Krupka on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katherinekrupka/ 🎙️ Triangle Tweener Talks is (usually) hosted by Scot Wingo , presented by Triangle Tweener Fund , and produced by Walk West . ------ Triangle Tweener Talks is sponsored by: Atomic Object: https://atomicobject.com/…

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Moxie or ZW? What Startup Advances to the Tweener Madness Championship? 48:52

9 weeks ago48:52

48:52

Who’s Advancing from the Fabulous Four - Moxie or ZW? Welcome back to Triangle Tweener Madness, where four startups remain in the race for a $25K investment from the Triangle Tweener Fund! In this week’s matchup, we’ve got two very different companies: one’s building AI to protect the integrity of academic research, and the other’s helping manufacturers optimize glass and ceramics production with deep tech. The stakes are higher than ever—only one will move on to the championship round. The Contenders 🔹 Moxie (Jessica Parker) – An AI-powered research writing platform designed for PhD students, faculty, and academic researchers. Moxie helps streamline the writing and review process while preserving intellectual integrity and preventing misuse of generative AI. It’s a closed system, workflow-oriented, and focused on fluency and complexity—going far beyond what tools like Grammarly can do. 🔗 Learn more about Moxie 🔹 ZW (Robert Fu) – A precision AI platform for the materials science industry. ZW’s suite of tools helps manufacturers of glass and ceramics reduce R&D time, cut costs, and lower emissions by optimizing material formulas and manufacturing parameters. With traction in enterprise settings and deep subject-matter expertise, ZW is turning AI into ROI for an overlooked vertical. 🔗 Learn more about ZW Key Highlights 🎤 Jessica’s Q&A (Moxie) Moxie focuses on research fluency and complexity , not just grammatical accuracy. Sees usage across the research workflow—writing, reviewing, and iteration tracking. YouTube channel and SEO are key drivers of user acquisition. Challenges: Pricing accessibility for international students and educating users on AI trust and data privacy. Long-term vision: Create a full-stack research platform beyond just writing tools. 🎤 Robert’s Q&A (ZW) ZW’s AI reduces energy and costs for manufacturers by optimizing material formulas and operational settings. Tailors its models to each customer using proprietary data—ensuring privacy and precision. Already saving enterprise clients millions in throughput and energy. Challenges: Limited sales/marketing bandwidth, need to scale outside of founder networks. Long-term vision: Expand from glass and ceramics into polymers, advanced materials, and beyond. Selection Committee Insights 💡 Mahati Sridhar saw opportunity for both platforms to scale but emphasized the importance of refining go-to-market and self-service onboarding. She noted ZW’s long-term expansion potential into other verticals. 💡 Jan Davis appreciated Moxie’s collaborative model and grassroots traction via content marketing, while noting ZW’s deeper tech and need for pricing adjustments. She voiced concern about whether ZW can scale without heavy customization. 💡 David Gardner leaned toward ZW’s B2B focus and high-value contracts, noting the risk of Moxie being overtaken by generic LLM tools if defensibility isn’t strengthened. Who Will Move On? 🏆 After a close and thoughtful debate, the selection committee made their call. Which of these future-forward startups will compete for the $25K prize in the championship round? You’ll have to listen to find out. Today's Selection Committee: Mahati Sridhar (Revolution's Rise of the Rest) – LinkedIn Jan Davis (Investor & Entrepreneur) – LinkedIn David Gardner (Cofounders Capital) – LinkedIn 📌 Timestamps (00:00:35) – Scot Wingo introduces the Fabulous Four and the selection committee (00:01:18) – Jessica Parker (Moxie) answers questions on AI defensibility, research integrity, and user acquisition (00:18:58) – Robert Fu (ZW) shares insights into AI optimization, customer savings, and sales strategy (00:36:42) – Judges reflect on both companies, discuss product-market fit, and debate defensibility and growth (00:45:12) – Final votes are cast—who moves on to the final? 🎙️ Triangle Tweener Talks is hosted by Scot Wingo , presented by Triangle Tweener Fund , and produced by Walk West . ------ Triangle Tweener Talks is sponsored by: Atomic Object: https://atomicobject.com/…

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Tweener Madness! Logistics Innovation (Deliveri) vs Bulk Marketing Invitations (InviteJet) 53:27

9 weeks ago53:27

53:27

Welcome back to Triangle Tweener Madness , where 8 startups go head-to-head for a $25K investment from the Triangle Tweener Fund! This week, it’s a battle between a logistics platform built for scrappy e-commerce sellers and a surprising new marketing tool using your calendar. Only one can move on to the next round. Let’s meet the contenders. The Contenders 🔹 Deliveri (Jason Brown) – A full-service logistics tech stack for small e-commerce businesses shipping across the U.S., Canada, and Latin America. Deliveri helps brands compare rates, insure shipments, automate duties and taxes, and create branded tracking pages—all through a single platform that plugs right into Shopify and other storefronts. 🔹 InviteJet (Brian Watson and Paul Davis) – A marketing platform that lets brands send calendar invites—yes, calendar invites—to their customers as a new way to drive engagement and conversions. With integrations into tools like Klaviyo and Mailchimp, InviteJet is showing strong early traction with e-commerce brands eager for alternatives to crowded inboxes. Key Highlights 🎤 Jason’s Pitch (Deliveri) Aims to be the Supabase of e-commerce logistics. Helps early-stage Shopify sellers streamline shipping, returns, insurance, and customs paperwork. Offers discounted rates with major carriers and integrates easily with existing storefronts. Traction: 2000+ shipments pre-launch and a go-to-market partnership with Hello Alice targeting 1.5M small businesses. Challenges: Still pre-launch and entering a crowded space with big players like Shopify and Flexport. 🎤 Brian & Paul’s Pitch (InviteJet) Created to solve a problem the founders experienced firsthand—missed time-sensitive e-commerce sales. Converts events like product drops and sales into calendar invites to drive in-the-moment engagement. 7M+ invites sent, 35 paying customers, and revenue-per-send metrics that outperform traditional email. Vision: Become the infrastructure for time-based marketing across verticals. Challenges: Educating the market, and early churn may come from limited use cases or seasonal campaigns. Selection Committee Insights 💡 Robbie Hardy appreciated that both teams showed strong command of their business and were confident without overselling. She was intrigued by InviteJet’s novel approach and experience-driven founding story. 💡 Michael Jones noted how polished both pitches were and was impressed by the capital efficiency of both companies. He saw strong acquisition potential for both Deliveri and InviteJet. 💡 Jason Caplain pointed to the early traction InviteJet has achieved with limited resources, calling it "best of class" in terms of scrappiness and growth. He also highlighted Deliveri's strong vision and founder-market fit in the logistics space. Who Will Move On? 🏆 After a thoughtful debate, one startup gets the nod to move forward in Tweener Madness and the chance to compete for the $25K investment. Which company did the committee choose? You’ll have to tune in to find out! Today's Selection Committee: Jason Caplain (Bull City Venture Partners) – LinkedIn Robbie Hardy – LinkedIn Michael Jones – LinkedIn 📌 Timestamps (00:00:35) – Host Scot Wingo introduces the matchup: Deliveri vs. InviteJet and welcomes the judges. (00:01:18) – Jason Brown (Deliveri) kicks off his pitch, outlining a logistics tech platform for small e-commerce sellers. (00:09:59) – Judges ask about scaling, competition, customer fit, and what makes Deliveri sticky as customers grow. (00:24:12) – Brian Watson and Paul Davis (InviteJet) pitch their calendar-based marketing solution. (00:30:53) – Judges dive into potential spam concerns, unsubscribes, and use cases beyond e-commerce. (00:36:41) – Paul shares case studies from his own brand, Mozie Tea, showing 400%+ sales lift from calendar invites. (00:46:51) – Judges reflect on the pitches, share feedback, and cast their votes. (00:51:02) – Final decision and closing thoughts from the selection committee. 🎙️ Triangle Tweener Talks is hosted by Scot Wingo , presented by Triangle Tweener Fund , and produced by Walk West . ------ Triangle Tweener Talks is sponsored by: Atomic Object: https://atomicobject.com/…

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Why Brain Science is Critical for Entrepreneurs, with Phil Dixon (Raleigh Durham Startup Week Keynote) 10:14

10 weeks ago10:14

10:14

Guest host Rebecca Ross sits down with Phil Dixon, CEO of the Oxford Brain Institute and expert on neuroscience in leadership. With years of experience working with top companies like Apple, Google, and Facebook, Phil is bringing his insights to Raleigh Durham Startup Week as a keynote speaker. You’ll hear Phil discuss: Why understanding brain science is crucial for entrepreneurs How emotional threats impact decision-making and productivity The importance of timing when making tough decisions The science behind how words shape our mindset and success And much more! If you’re an entrepreneur or just interested in the fascinating connection between neuroscience and business, you won’t want to miss Phil’s keynote speech at Raleigh Durham Startup Week on April 10th. Tune in for this eye-opening episode! Key Takeaways: Your brain influences everything you do—understanding it can lead to better decisions and leadership. Timing and emotional responses play a major role in how entrepreneurs operate. Simple changes in language can have a huge impact on the way you approach challenges in both business and life. Links Mentioned: Raleigh Durham Startup Week: https://www.raleighdurhamstartupweek.com/ Connect with Phil Dixon: phil.dixon1@mac.com 🎙️ Triangle Tweener Talks is (usually) hosted by Scot Wingo , presented by Triangle Tweener Fund , and produced by Walk West . ------ Triangle Tweener Talks is sponsored by: Atomic Object: https://atomicobject.com/…

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Valuable App vs CivicReach: The Battle of AI, Government, and Hidden Treasures 48:15

10 weeks ago48:15

48:15

Welcome back to Triangle Tweener Madness , where 8 startups go head-to-head for a $25K investment from the Triangle Tweener Fund! This week, it’s a clash of categories—govtech vs. asset tech—as two AI-powered platforms pitch their visions for transforming outdated systems. One startup is helping local governments serve residents more efficiently. The other is helping estate sale pros and collectors reclaim time and value in the secondary market. Let’s meet the contenders. 🔹 CivicReach (Chip Kennedy) – A voice-based AI platform that helps cities and counties improve the customer experience of government services—think tax appeals, pothole complaints, and zoning requests. CivicReach replaces confusing forms and long hold times with AI that actually solves your problem. 🔗 Learn more about CivicReach 🔹 Valuable (Amy Wolpert, John Wolpert, John Bozeman) – A platform for estate sale pros and collectors to inventory, research, and manage valuable items using AI. It’s Kelley Blue Book meets digital asset curation, solving a huge pain point in a growing secondary market. 🔗 Learn more about Valuable 🎤 Chip’s Pitch (CivicReach) Replaces clunky government phone systems with voice AI to help residents navigate services. Post-revenue, with their first contract closed and a clear strategy for more. Positions CivicReach as the go-to data and AI layer for local governments. Challenges: Government sales cycles are slow, and voice AI is still a new concept in govtech. 🎤 Valuable’s Pitch Solves major time and tech inefficiencies for estate sale pros and antique dealers. AI-driven inventory, pricing, and even LIDAR-based measurements make setup faster and smarter. A sticky product that could evolve into a collector-to-auction house ecosystem—or even an insurance asset management tool. Challenges: Early-stage with some features still in testing and refining the monetization model. Selection Committee Insights 💡 Dave Neal (Duke Capital Partners) : CivicReach impressed with a sharp pitch and a clear understanding of the problem they’re solving—one that affects millions and is long overdue for innovation. Valuable, meanwhile, offers an intriguing product with potential applications beyond estate sales, including insurance and asset management. 💡 Kevin Mosley (Jurassic Capital) : CivicReach has strong early traction, a capable team, and a clear roadmap to growth, especially as governments look to modernize. Valuable is tackling a unique and under-the-radar opportunity in the secondary market and could evolve into a much larger platform over time. 💡 Evan Shear (Oval Park Capital) : Valuable has an exciting long-term vision and a product that could scale rapidly into multiple verticals, from collectibles to insurance. CivicReach, on the other hand, is already gaining momentum with a smart, apolitical solution to an outdated civic challenge. Who Will Move On? 🏆 After a thoughtful debate, one startup gets the nod to move forward in Tweener Madness and the chance to compete for the $25K investment. Which company did the committee choose? You’ll have to tune in to find out! Today's Selection Committee: Kevin Mosley (Jurassic Capital) – LinkedIn Evan Shear (Oval Park Capital) – LinkedIn Dave Neal (Duke Capital Partners) – LinkedIn 📌 Timestamps (00:00:39) – Host Scot Wingo introduces the matchup: CivicReach vs. Valuable, and welcomes the selection committee. (00:02:03) – Chip Kennedy (CivicReach) pitches a voice-based AI platform to modernize local government service delivery. (00:08:06) – Judges dive into Q&A: competition, procurement cycles, onboarding, and why CivicReach resonates across political lines. (00:20:56) – The team from Valuable (Amy, John & John) pitches their AI-driven platform for estate sale pros and collectors. (00:28:02) – Judges ask about business model, market size, product features, pricing, and long-term vision. (00:40:07) – Marketplace models, expansion potential, and monetizing unique features like expert appraisals and asset provenance. (00:43:18) – Final deliberation: Judges weigh immediate traction against longer-term scale potential. (00:45:17) – The votes are in. One company advances to the Fabulous Four. (00:47:00) – Closing thoughts from Scot and the judges. 🎙️ Triangle Tweener Talks is hosted by Scot Wingo , presented by Triangle Tweener Fund , and produced by Walk West . ------ Triangle Tweener Talks is sponsored by: Atomic Object: https://atomicobject.com/…

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Exclusive Interview: $45m financing for Inn-Flow with CEO John Erhart 28:35

10 weeks ago28:35

28:35

Bootstrapped vertical SaaS software company, Inn-Flow, raised $45m from Mainsail. In this exclusive interview we hear from CEO and co-founder John Erhart the history of Inn-Flow, how they got the deal done and what this means going foraward. ------ Triangle Tweener Talks is sponsored by: Atomic Object: https://atomicobject.com/…

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Moxie (Jessica Parker) vs TutorSmith (Austin Ketola): Tweener Madness Battle of the EdTechs! 48:13

11 weeks ago48:13

48:13

Who’s Moving On in the Battle of EdTech? Welcome back to Triangle Tweener Madness , where 8 startups go head-to-head for a $25K investment from the Triangle Tweener Fund! This week, two edtech startups take the stage in a battle of AI-driven learning solutions—but only one will move on to the next round. The Contenders 🔹 Moxie (Jessica Parker) – An AI-powered research writing platform that helps graduate students, faculty, and researchers streamline the writing and revision process while maintaining academic integrity. With a growing user base and institutional partnerships, Moxie is poised to disrupt the way research is conducted and reviewed. 🔗 Learn more about Moxie 🔹 TutorSmith (Austin Ketola) – A game-based, AI-driven learning platform designed to personalize student learning experiences and help teachers identify knowledge gaps in real-time. With a vision of transforming K-12 education, TutorSmith is building the next generation of adaptive learning tools. 🔗 Learn more about TutorSmith Key Highlights 🎤 Jessica’s Pitch (Moxie) Tackles the growing crisis in research quality and the inefficiencies in the academic writing process. AI-powered writing feedback preserves academic integrity while improving research outcomes. Strong traction with institutional partnerships and 8,000 users. Challenges: Expanding reach beyond early adopters and refining go-to-market strategy. 🎤 Austin’s Pitch (TutorSmith) Addresses the achievement gap by providing personalized, gamified learning experiences. Uses AI to create adaptive learning pathways for students and provide teachers with real-time insights. Early-stage but ambitious vision to revolutionize education. Challenges: Selling into K-12 schools is notoriously difficult, and scaling requires funding and a strong team. Selection Committee Insights 💡 Jenn Summe: Moxie has a clear go-to-market strategy and paying customers, while TutorSmith has a big vision but needs more proof of traction. 💡 Tobi Walter: The path to commercialization is clearer for Moxie, but TutorSmith's potential impact on education is massive. 💡 Lister Delgado: TutorSmith’s long-term vision is compelling, but Moxie has a solid foundation and is already generating revenue. Who Will Move On? 🏆 After a tough deliberation, one company takes the next step toward the $25K prize . Which startup secured the win? You’ll have to tune in to find out! 🔗 Visit Tweener Madness Today's Selection Committee: Jenn Summe (Primordial Ventures) – LinkedIn Tobi Walter (Cofounders Capital) – LinkedIn Lister Delgado (IDEA Fund Partners) – LinkedIn 📌 Timestamps (00:00:35) – Host Scot Wingo introduces the first-round matchup: Moxie vs. TutorSmith and welcomes the selection committee. (00:01:27) – Jessica Parker (Moxie) pitches her AI-driven research writing platform, addressing academic integrity and inefficiencies in the research process. (00:09:47) – Judges begin Q&A with Jessica, diving into Moxie’s origins, go-to-market strategy, competitive landscape, and potential exit opportunities. (00:18:25) – Austin Ketola (TutorSmith) pitches, introducing his vision for a gamified, AI-powered learning platform to address educational gaps in math. (00:29:11) – Judges question Austin on his startup’s origins, revenue model, competitive differentiation, and long-term vision. (00:40:05) – Judges deliberate: They discuss the potential risks and rewards of each company, comparing Moxie’s traction with TutorSmith’s long-term vision. (00:45:13) – The selection committee votes (00:46:58) – Closing remarks from Scot Wingo and the next round teaser. 🎙️ Triangle Tweener Talks is hosted by Scot Wingo , presented by Triangle Tweener Fund , and produced by Walk West . ------ Triangle Tweener Talks is sponsored by: Atomic Object: https://atomicobject.com/…

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MyMatR (John Starke) vs ZW LLC (Robert Fu): Let the Tweener Madness Begin! 1:14:28

12 weeks ago1:14:28

1:14:28

Welcome to the first-ever Triangle Tweener Madness, where 8 startups compete for a $25K investment from the Triangle Tweener Fund! We kick off the competition with two promising startups going head-to-head: John Starke from MyMatR and Robert Fu from ZW LLC. With a distinguished selection committee featuring David Jones (Bull City Venture Partners), Anil Chawla (Entrepreneur and Angel Investor), and Nikin Shah (Front Porch Ventures), the stakes are high as these founders pitch their innovative solutions. The Contenders 🔹 MyMatR (John Starke) – Tackling the massive waste management problem, MyMatR has developed an automatic sorting waste container designed for public spaces. With real-time AI-driven waste sorting, data analytics, and cost-saving solutions, John aims to revolutionize how businesses and municipalities handle waste while improving sustainability efforts. https://www.mymatrcorp.com/ 🔹 ZW LLC (Robert Fu) – Focused on AI and machine learning solutions for the glass and ceramics industry, Robert's company provides software that accelerates new material discovery, optimizes manufacturing processes, and reduces costs. With deep industry expertise and a scalable software model, ZW LLC is positioning itself as a game-changer in industrial AI applications. https://www.zw-ml.com/ Key Highlights 🎤 John’s Pitch (MyMatR) Addresses the waste contamination crisis in public spaces. Introduces a smart waste container that sorts recyclables from trash using AI. Offers a data dashboard to help businesses improve waste efficiency and sustainability. Challenges: Convincing businesses to invest in waste management as a value-driven initiative. 🎤 Robert’s Pitch (ZW LLC) Focuses on AI-driven process optimization for the $650B glass and ceramics industry. Provides solutions to accelerate material discovery, improve manufacturing efficiency, and reduce emissions. Strong industry connections and an existing customer base. Challenges: Communicating the technical complexity of the product to investors. Selection Committee Insights 💡 David Jones: Each business presents a compelling case—MyMatR is solving a highly visible issue with a clear environmental impact, while ZW LLC is tackling a complex industry problem with deep technical expertise. 💡 Anil Chawla: Both founders demonstrate passion and knowledge in their fields. MyMatR has a tangible, everyday impact, while ZW LLC has a high-growth potential in a niche market. 💡 Nikin Shah: Each company has unique strengths—MyMatR has a clear sustainability mission and an engaging consumer-facing product, while ZW LLC’s software solution has the advantage of scalability and recurring revenue potential. Who Will Move On? 🏆 The selection committee weighs in, analyzing the strengths, challenges, and potential of both companies. But which one will advance to the Fantastic Four? Today's Selection Committee: Anil Chawla: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anilchawla/ Nikin Shah: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nikin-shah-9801885/ David Jones: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidsjones/ About Tweener Madness: https://www.tweenermadness.com (00:01:22) John’s Pitch (MyMatR) (00:09:19) Selection Committee Q&A with John (00:31:38) Robert’s Pitch (ZW LLC) (00:40:40) Selection Committee Q&A with Robert (00:58:24) Selection Committee Discussion & Decision --- Triangle Tweener Talks is hosted by Scot Wingo, presented by Triangle Tweener Fund , and produced by Walk West . ------ Triangle Tweener Talks is sponsored by: Atomic Object: https://atomicobject.com/…

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8 Startups Competing for $25K Prize: This is Tweener Madness! 1:42

12 weeks ago1:42

1:42

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Tweener Madness! Meet the Selection Committee: Michael Jones 20:42

12 weeks ago20:42