In this episode, Jonathan Lacoste, founder and General Partner of Space VC, shares why raising $90M isn’t always the golden ticket and how retaining equity, focus, and vision can outperform flashier headlines.

Recorded live at TechConnect 2025, Jonathan dives into how founders should think long-term, the pitfalls of venture capital hype, and the smart ways to scale companies in frontier tech. From spy satellites to hypersonics, Jonathan reveals how Space VC is betting big on sectors like defense, energy, and space, and what it takes for founders to capture investor conviction at the pre-seed stage.

Packed with wisdom for operators and investors alike, this episode, sponsored by ATI, is a must-listen for anyone serious about startup sustainability.

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Aasim Hasan brings his deep product and engineering experience to the world of venture capital, shaping how he evaluates startups. In this episode, recorded for a live audience at Capital Factory, he dives into spotting red flags and green lights in B2B startups, Moneta’s thesis-driven investing, and their hands-on operator support.

Discover what types of founders succeed in their portfolio and get insider insights on pitching Moneta. Whether you’re a founder or curious about how modern VCs think, this episode is your essential guide.

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Dive into this episode, recorded for a live audience at Capital Factory House during SXSW® 2024, for a discussion with a seasoned serial entrepreneur boasting a portfolio of 15 successful ventures, including the renowned telemedicine giant Teledoc, Michael Gorton. Join Nick Spiller, Venture Principal at Capital Factory, as he sits down with Gorton to explore the nuances of market timing, cultivating a vibrant company culture, and venturing into the intriguing realm of tachyon tunnels through a lens of physics.

Michael's curiosity has no limits with his degrees in Physics, Engineering, Law and a minor in English. On top of pioneering telemedicine, Michael founded Internet Global where he developed the world's first DSL and VOIP networks. He's also an accomplished author in a variety of categories including business, science fiction and historical fiction. Outside of work, Michael is a runner, Second Degree Black Belt in Kenpo and a mountain climber having scaled the highest elevation in 43 states.

This episode is a rebroadcast that originally published on April 9, 2024.

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Dive into the mind of rising venture capitalist Ariel Ganz, a postdoctoral fellow at Stanford University School of Medicine, in this conversation recorded live in Dallas at Health Supernova 2024. Drawing from her frontline experience with Arben Ventures and her pioneering research, Ariel shares fresh insights into the future of healthcare innovation.

Explore a wide spectrum of groundbreaking topics, from electronic drugs and precision medicine to advances in breast cancer treatment and beyond.

This episode is a rebroadcast of the original release from June 17, 2024.

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What began as a college experiment with PVC-pipe drones has evolved into a groundbreaking public safety solution. Roger Pecina, CEO of eVe Vehicles Corporation, shares how he turned early prototypes into a platform for autonomous emergency response.

Learn how eVe Vehicles Corporation has completed over 1,000 autonomous missions in Bee Cave, Texas, and is addressing first responder shortages with scalable drone technology. A must-listen for anyone interested in drones, civic tech, and hardware startups making a real-world impact.

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What does it take to craft a pitch that truly captivates investors?

In this episode, recorded live at Capital Factory House 2025, Allyson Eman, CEO of Venture Atlanta, breaks down the key elements of a winning pitch. Drawing from her experience connecting hundreds of startups with thousands of investors at one of the nation’s top VC conferences, she shares practical tips, common pitfalls, and what investors really want to hear.

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In an era where drones are reshaping modern conflict, how do we stay one step ahead?

In this special live episode, recorded at Capital Factory House 2025, former Navy veteran Steven Simoni, Co-founder and President of Allen Control Systems, dives into the escalating threat of drone warfare and what it takes to build the technologies that defend against it. From national security to battlefield innovation, this conversation pulls back the curtain on one of the most urgent tech challenges of our time.

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Sam Cossman never set out to revolutionize firefighting—but that’s exactly what he did.

In this episode, recorded live at Capital Factory House 2025, Sam, CEO & Co-founder of Qwake, shares how his unconventional path as a volcano-diving adventurer led to building tools that help firefighters work smarter and safer.

Driven by necessity, forged through extreme field testing, and grounded in deep respect for tradition, Qwake created an AR-enabled helmet that’s transforming how first responders see and operate in the most dangerous conditions. From pioneering NASA-grade thermal systems to collaborating with the Department of Homeland Security, Qwake’s journey is a masterclass in building rugged, life-critical hardtech.

Tune in to hear what it really takes to engineer gear that survives the extremes—because when lives are on the line, failure isn’t an option.

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Why toss your old laptop when it could live another life—and another—without ever hitting a landfill?

That’s the question driving John Erik Metcalf, CEO & Co-founder of Upgraded, who joins Nick Spiller to talk about building a business that’s equal parts circular economy, fintech, and tech retail. John dives into his 10+ years of startup experience, from early coworking projects in Austin to launching leasing platforms for Apple products in Scandinavia. He shares lessons on team-building, fundraising, and why you shouldn’t just mimic Elon Musk.

Whether you’re deep in product ops, raising your next round, or simply curious about the future of sustainable tech, this episode delivers fresh perspective on what it means to scale with purpose.

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AI is no longer a futuristic concept—it's today’s competitive edge.

Recorded live at Capital Factory House 2025, Jesse Lozano, Co-founder and CEO of Intellectible, reveals how top businesses are turning AI into a profit-driving machine. With over five years of experience building on OpenAI and other LLMs, Jesse shares real-world strategies that are delivering serious results.

From automating RFPs and due diligence to accelerating research, Intellectible’s no-code platform is reshaping how teams work—saving time, cutting costs, and creating new value for customers.

Listen in to learn how you can harness AI to drive revenue, streamline operations, and stay ahead of the curve.

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