Austinpreneur

In this Austinpreneur episode, recorded live at Fed Supernova 2025, host Nick Spiller sits down with Arthur Grijalva, Director of SpaceWERX, the U.S. Space Force’s innovation arm, to discuss how startups are reshaping national security in orbit. Grijalva explains how SPACEWERX connects entrepreneurs, private capital, and the military to accelerate technologies from concept to operations.

Listeners learn how programs like SBIR, TACT-FI, and STRAT-FI give startups staged funding that can grow from a few hundred thousand dollars to tens of millions, de-risking cutting-edge ideas before scaling them into Space Force programs of record.

For founders, this is a masterclass in how to enter the defense market; for investors, it’s a look at how federal capital and commercial dollars now work hand-in-hand to build the future of space infrastructure.

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In this episode, recorded live at Fed Supernova 2025, we sit down with Jason Hundley, Marine veteran, NASA researcher, and founder of X-Bow Systems, to explore how his team is rethinking solid rocket motors for the 21st century. Jason explains how traditional manufacturing relies on billion-dollar factories, giant explosive-proof mixers, and inflexible processes dating back to the Korean War. X-Bow’s innovation? Additive manufacturing of solid propellant: a safer, cheaper, and more adaptable way to build rocket motors.

Jason compares his approach to switching from a massive water tank to a tankless water heater: instead of mixing 10,000 pounds at once, X-Bow continuously processes smaller amounts under tighter control. This unlocks not only cost savings, but also new possibilities in chemistry, performance, and automation. Investors will hear why this model could reduce production costs by up to 40% while scaling output to 10,000 motors per year at their new Texas campus.

For startup fans, this is a story of how ingenuity and grit can disrupt entrenched industries and create dual-use opportunities in defense, aerospace, and beyond.

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In this episode of Austinpreneur, recorded live at Fed Supernova 2025, Nick Spiller talks with Leonard Lublin, Deputy General Manager of BAE Systems’ FAST Labs, the company’s advanced R&D arm. Leonard explains how FAST Labs operates differently from traditional defense primes: instead of running a corporate venture arm, they build partnerships with startups, encourage them to own their IP, and plug them into defense programs as suppliers and collaborators.

He shares how tech scouts at BAE connect with founders—sometimes through accelerators and Capital Factory itself, and why BAE looks for everything from incremental improvements in sensors and algorithms to breakthrough technologies in AI, lasers, and microelectronics. For founders, this is a practical roadmap to getting plugged into the defense innovation ecosystem without giving up equity. For investors, it shows how startups can scale faster with prime partnerships than with capital alone.

Learn more about BAE Systems FAST Labs here.

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In this episode, recorded live at Fed Supernova 2025, Nick Spiller sits down with Dr. Michael Webber, UT professor, GTI board member, and global energy thought leader, to explore the intersection of energy systems, policy, and innovation. Webber breaks down how massive federal bills, from the Inflation Reduction Act to the new “One Big Beautiful Bill,” are reshaping America’s energy mix. He explains why bipartisan support for nuclear, geothermal, and hydrogen is growing, and how shifting subsidies could drive both affordability concerns and long-term opportunities.

The conversation dives deep into how AI and data centers are pushing electricity demand higher for the first time in decades and why that may ultimately accelerate trillions in new energy investments. Investors and entrepreneurs will hear how this demand is creating a “once-in-a-generation” opportunity for startups in storage, grid management, and clean power generation.

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Why do some businesses thrive through uncertainty while others crumble? According to serial entrepreneur, former Swiss Army officer and Capital Factory Mentor Sam Goodner, the difference comes down to discipline, systems, and culture—principles he’s captured in his upcoming book, Like Clockwork: Run Your Business with Swiss Army Precision.

How does it work? By translating lessons from the Swiss Army and decades of building companies like Catapult Systems and FlashParking into practical tools founders can use: codifying values into “Golden Rules,” creating resilient onboarding practices, and designing organizations that can weather downturns.

Join host, NickSpiller, as he sits down with Sam to explore the stories, strategies, and takeaways behind his journey. This is your chance to learn firsthand how to run your business with Swiss Army precision.

Grab Sam’s new book, Like Clockwork, and unlock even more strategies to build a disciplined, resilient business: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FLQK1Y8S?maas=maas_adg_B9722D58867294F151B1CEA667B612A5_afap_abs&ref_=aa_maas&tag=maas

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When most entrepreneurs think of federal funding, they picture grants or SBIR awards. But Eric Robinson, of Baker Botts, reveals how the Office of Strategic Capital (OSC) is rewriting the playbook: a $200B program that provides direct loans and guarantees to companies critical to national security.

In this conversation, recorded live at Fed Supernova 2025, Eric contrasts OSC with In-Q-Tel and other defense innovation players, showing why its credit-first model resonates with Congress and generates outsized leverage beyond its reserves. Through case studies like MP Materials—and a look ahead at potential equity authority—he outlines how startups and investors can position themselves to benefit from this once-in-a-generation shift in government-backed finance.

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In this episode of Austinpreneur, recorded live at Capital Factory, we sit down with Paradromics Founder and CEO, Matt Angle, to explore the cutting edge of brain-computer interfaces (BCIs). Paradromics recently became one of the first companies to successfully implant a high-bandwidth BCI in a human patient, a milestone in both neuroscience and technology entrepreneurship.

Tune in as Matt explains BCIs as “modems for the brain,” devices that directly connect neurons to computers, unlocking the ability to restore lost communication for people with paralysis, and potentially enhance human experience for everyone. From helping ALS patients speak again to envisioning immersive, latency-free augmented reality, the conversation spans both humanitarian applications and the long-term implications of a world where thoughts can flow seamlessly into digital systems.

But this isn’t just a science talk. Matt dives into the entrepreneurial side. For founders, this is a masterclass in perseverance, fundraising strategy, and building ambitious hardware in a software-dominated startup ecosystem.

Listeners will come away with a clearer sense of where BCIs stand today, how close we are to mainstream adoption, and why Austin, Texas is fast becoming the BCI capital of the world.

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When expanding into new markets, especially in the Middle East, success isn’t about closing the fastest deal; it’s about building the right relationship.

In this live-recorded episode from Capital Factory, Rudy Mirran draws on his experience managing multi-country operations and joint ventures to share how startups can land meaningful, mutually beneficial partnerships abroad. He unpacks sector priorities in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar, covering ag-tech, biotech, AI, and defense-adjacent dual-use technologies, and explains how founders can align with national strategies like Vision 2030, tap into publicly available market roadmaps, and position themselves as indispensable in-country partners.

Beyond market entry strategy, Rudy shares candid stories from mentoring startups at Capital Factory, offering practical advice on getting the most out of mentorship, earning introductions to high-value contacts, and navigating the tricky waters of conflicting advisor feedback.

Whether you’re a founder, investor, or ecosystem builder, this conversation blends high-level global trade insight with actionable, on-the-ground startup guidance—making it a must-listen for anyone eyeing international growth.

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Explore the future of space exploration with Jason Kim, CEO of Firefly Aerospace. In this episode, Jason discusses Firefly’s record-setting rocket launch, upcoming lunar missions, and the cutting-edge technologies driving space innovation.

Recorded live before an audience at Capital Factory, this conversation delves into personal stories of aerospace inspiration and offers insights on creating a resilient space workforce. Discover a fascinating glimpse into the next frontier of humanity’s journey to the stars.

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This episode was originally published on December 10, 2024.

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.

Originally published on May 13, 2025.

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