Atlanta Startup Podcast

In this special episode for Venture Atlanta Week, we're dropping a first-of-its-kind podcast--AI talking to AI, about AI. No kidding! Content is completely vetted, but no human voice boxes were abused in this podcast's creation. Listen in to hear about how Valor uses AI to help founders get discovered. You won't be disappointed, and we can't wait to hear your thoughts on this unique episode. Would you enjoy more episodes from our synthetic hosts?

Join us on this episode of the Atlanta Startup Podcast as we sit down with Raha Saremi, founder of Ecoatex, a pioneering company in sustainable fashion and textiles. Ecoatex is dedicated to offering eco-friendly, non-toxic textiles and synthetic leather that significantly reduce environmental impact. Raha recently earned the Women’s Empowerment Award, presented by NCR Foundation, at the 26th Startup Runway Pitch Showcase. Tune in to learn how Ecoatex is changing the game in sustainable fashion and what’s next for this trailblazing company.

In this episode of the Atlanta Startup Podcast, we dive into a conversation with Georgina Dukes-Harris, the visionary founder of Swishvo. Swishvo is transforming the healthcare landscape by providing a platform that connects individuals seeking holistic medicine with skilled healers, while also supporting holistic practitioners in building their businesses. Georgina shares her journey of launching Swishvo, her insights on the growing demand for holistic health options, and reflects on her recent success as the winner of the Judge's Prize at the 26th Startup Runway Pitch Showcase. Tune in to discover how Swishvo is making holistic healthcare more accessible and empowering both patients and providers on their journey to better health.

Join us on this episode of the Atlanta Startup Podcast as we welcome the innovative Brian Glover, Founder of Previewed. Tune in to our conversation about how Previewed is transforming the job interview process through immersive videos, gamification, and AI matching. We’ll also delve into Brian’s recent success, winning the Audience Choice Award at the 26th Edition of the Startup Runway pitch showcase. Discover how Previewed is reshaping hiring and creating a better experience for both job seekers and employers.

In this engaging episode of the Atlanta Startup Podcast, Lisa Calhoun sits down with Daniel Dorfman, co-founder of Roots Investment Community, to explore their groundbreaking real estate investment model. Roots uniquely allows renters to invest and build wealth alongside traditional investors, creating a mutually beneficial system. Daniel delves into their data-driven strategies, the importance of democratizing real estate investment, and how they achieve remarkable occupancy and renewal rates. Tune in to discover how Roots is reshaping the real estate landscape by fostering a community-centric approach and delivering impressive returns for all stakeholders.

In this episode of the Atlanta Startup Podcast, Lisa Calhoun interviews Chris Keller, a Kauffman Fellow and partner at Catalyst Partners. They discussed Chris's career journey and his work in seeding new private equity firms. Chris shared some insights from his research on emerging managers, highlighting their significant outperformance compared to established funds. He explains that first-time funds often deliver higher returns with relatively low additional risk. The conversation covers the importance of firm-building skills in new fund managers and the current investor sentiment towards emerging managers. Chris emphasizes the potential for strong returns and partnership opportunities with early-stage investment firms. Don't miss this episode!

Join us on this episode of the Atlanta Startup Podcast as we welcome the inspiring Janessa Ferrel, founder of QuestRead. Dive into our conversation about how QuestRead is dedicated to enhancing literacy by providing interactive reading experiences customized to match children's interests and learning levels. We'll also discuss Janessa's recent achievement of winning the Women’s Empowerment Award at the 25th Edition of the Startup Runway pitch showcase. Tune in to discover how QuestRead makes reading engaging and accessible for young learners everywhere.

In today’s episode of the Atlanta Startup Podcast, we sat down with Scott Lopano, newly promoted Partner at Tech Square Ventures in Atlanta. Scott opens up about his journey from Associate to Partner, sharing real reflections on his career ascension. We get into his top fundraising tips for early-stage founders navigating today's market and highlight the rise of VC platforms and how they're creating value for portfolio companies. Then, the conversation shifts gears to talk GTM strategy, as William and Scott break down how the best startups are leveraging AI tools to drive efficient GTM motions and unlock efficient growth & scale. This episode is packed with practical advice you won't want to miss.

Explore how Dena Lewis transforms the running experience with Running Mate on this episode of the Atlanta Startup Podcast. Learn about her journey to create a safer runner environment through a real-time, on-demand app that pairs them with verified, safe mates. Dena's personal experiences and dedication to runner safety drive this innovative solution, making every run safer and more enjoyable. Don't miss this insightful conversation with one of the winners of the 25th Edition of the Startup Runway Showcase.

Software founders, as you grow to millions in ARR, are you encountering bigger tax liabilities than you anticipate? Transaction tax law is evolving fast, and if you're not prepared, rather than sell your startup at the price you agreed to in the LOI, you can find after diligence you get significantly less if you don't prepare in advance.

In this episode, join Lisa Calhoun, founder and managing partner at Valor Ventures, as she delves into the intricacies of transaction tax with Rob Piechota from Alvarez and Marsal. Rob sheds light on the often-overlooked tax implications that arise after a software startup signs an acquisition deal. From state and local tax considerations to the impact of the Wayfair decision on SaaS businesses, Rob shares invaluable insights and best practices for founders aiming for a seamless acquisition. Tune in to learn how to navigate these complexities and ensure your startup is acquisition-ready.