AZ Tech Roundtable 2.0

Cell Based Collagen from Jellatech + BRT 2.2021 - Best of Tech 2021 AR, AI + EV 

- BRT S02 EP13 (60) 03-28-2021

Things We Learned This Week:

• Collagen 2.0 – Innovation in 21st Century
• Gelatin is a derivative from Collagen, makes popular gummies
• Collagen is usually used for health
• Sustainable Future with byproduct of animal cells
• Start w/ cell culture from a live animal, extract collagen or product

Guests: Stephanie Michelsen, Co-Founder / CEO Jellatech

https://www.jellatech.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephanie-michelsen-b3554211b

Stephanie Michelsen, founder and CEO of Jellatech, aims to use biotechnology to synthesize animal proteins - without killing the animals. This includes collagen and gelatin produced from animal cell lines and cultured in giant bioreactors to be used in food, pharma and cosmetic applications. Jellatech has raised $2.1 million. The Raleigh-based startup CEO lauded, lands on Forbes 30 under 30

https://www.forbes.com/profile/stephanie-michelsen/?sh=1a4e74ed778c

Jellatech is a developer of cutting-edge technologies to produce high quality, pure, animal-free collagen and gelatin. Founded by a group of innovators, dreamers, entrepreneurs and scientists, Jellatech is on a mission to eliminate animals from the food system, making better ingredient products - starting with collagen and gelatin.

Collagen is a by-product of the meat industry. You may be familiar with collagen from seeing it in skin serums, or with its derivative, gelatin, in gummy bears - but it’s likely around you much more than you realize. This ingredient is used in a number of applications such as for food texturizers, vaccine stabilizers, pill capsules, the clarification of wine and beer, and many more. 

Today, the only way to source native, functional collagen is to extract it from animals. This is what they are changing at Jellatech. Jellatech makes functional, native collagen - without animals. Cellular agriculture enables one to produce a more sustainable, smarter high quality collagen that breaks the cycle of relying on an inefficient and unethical supply chain of live animals.

Notes:

Ryan Bethencourt w/ Wild Earth (Vegan pet Food) is one of the major backers of Jellatech  

Gelatin is a derivative from Collagen, and what gummies, or what Jello is made of

Collagen 2.0 – Innovation in 21st Century, been around 200+ years, and uses parts f animal people do not want

Collagen is usually used for health, beauty, supplements for joint health (in powdered form), skin care, burn injuries, and skin grafts

Start w/ cell culture from a live animal, extract collagen or product – need 1 cow & take a biopsy, then grow cell. Process is very efficient – use less land, and less animals

Sustainable Future with byproduct of animal cells, use specialized cells

Also byproducts of meat industry like beer, wine, pills, gummy

Impossible Burgers – plant based hamburgers

Topic: BRT 2.2021: Best of Tech in 2021

Clips from BRT Tech Themed Shows in early 2021 –

Topics Include: VR (Virtual Reality), AI (Artificial Intelligence), EV (Electric Vehicles), Autonomous Vehicles

1. - Guest: Amy Peck, Founder / CEO of Endeavor VR - from 2/21/21, Seg. 3 http://www.endeavorvr.com/

EndeavorVR, works to bridge the gap between AR/VR developers & solution providers and corporations & institutions. The capabilities of AR/VR are vast and can combine with other technologies such as AI, Machine Learning, Body/Eye Tracking and Haptics. These technologies will dramatically improve every human endeavor.

Full Show: Here 

1. - Guest: David Schie, Founder / CEO of AI Storm - from 3/7/21, Seg. 4

aistorm.ai / www.lineardimensions.com

AI Storm is a AI company that makes the sensor tech used in common products for security cameras, traffic devices, and vehicles (cars). AI (Artificial Intelligence) common uses in everyday services that people are unaware of, and how the technology works. We also ponder the future uses of AI technology and how many industries it will be a part of in the next decade.

 Full Show: Here 

1. - Guest: Mark Hanchett CEO & Founder of Atlis Motor Vehicles - from 1/31/21 Seg. 2 https://www.atlismotorvehicles.com/

Electric vehicles history, and the inspiration for Atlis Motors. Atlis is an energy company, the Apple of electric vehicles and the truck is their I-Pod. Electric trucks, engine battery, and battery design. Where (and how) is the battery produced?

Full Show: Here 

1. - Guest: Robert Brown Senior Director of External Affairs at TuSimple - from 1/31/21, Seg 3 https://www.tusimple.com/

TuSimple is an autonomous (driverless) truck company using AI software to control the truck with a driver riding in the cab. They are operational on a test basis from Az to Texas, and expect to be live in 2024. Robert talks about the technology of the AI trucks, safety protocol, and the process to get Gov’t agreement. Then he tells of the future of the truck market, truck driver employment.

Full Show: Here 

Tech Topic: 

https://brt-show.libsyn.com/category/Tech-Startup-VC-Cybersecurity-Energy-Science

More - BRT Best of Tech 2021:

BRT Summer TechFest 2021 – Drones, Robotics & More Tech

Tech for the Holidays - BRT Best of Tech 2021

Thanks for Listening.

Please Subscribe to the BRT Podcast. 

Business Roundtable with Matt Battaglia

The show where Entrepreneurs, High Level Executives, Business Owners, and Investors come to share insight and ideas about the future of business. BRT 2.0 looks at the new trends in business, and how classic industries are evolving. 

Common Topics Discussed: Business, Entrepreneurship, Investing, Stocks, Cannabis, Tech, Blockchain / Crypto, Real Estate, Legal, Sales, Charity, and more… 

BRT Podcast Home Page: https://brt-show.libsyn.com/

‘Best Of’ BRT Podcast: Click Here

BRT Podcast on Google: Click Here

BRT Podcast on Spotify: Click Here                   

More Info: https://www.economicknight.com/podcast-brt-home/

KFNX Info: https://1100kfnx.com/weekend-featured-shows/

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the Hosts, Guests and Speakers, and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of any entities they represent (or affiliates, members, managers, employees or partners), or any Station, Podcast Platform, Website or Social Media that this show may air on. All information provided is for educational and entertainment purposes. Nothing said on this program should be considered advice or recommendations in: business, legal, real estate, crypto, tax accounting, investment, etc. Always seek the advice of a professional in all business ventures, including but not limited to: investments, tax, loans, legal, accounting, real estate, crypto, contracts, sales, marketing, other business arrangements, etc.

Cannabis is Legal in AZ thanks to Prop. 207, & Harvest Health weighs in

- BRT S02 EP12 (59) 03-21-2021

Things We Learned This Week

• Harvest Health is a public co. (since 2018) traded Cannabis company (in Canada) that operates in 5 states with 15+ locations in AZ alone
• Legalization led to Tax Revenue off Cannabis business that was happening already and cleans up crime, business was illegal in past and unregulated
• Regulations will relax over time, and probably all 50 states will legalize Cannabis use
• Prop 207 passed, Cannabis fully legal in AZ in 2021 - Dedicated line for medical, huge demand 3-6x increase in revenue
• No More licenses, high barriers to entry in AZ as it is a limited licensure state

Guests: Steve White, Founder / CEO of Harvest Health

https://investor.harvesthoc.com/governance/board-of-directors/person-details/default.aspx?ItemId=77f1cb4f-4a85-4ae0-8fd3-11caa6c9b345

https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-white-40bb098

Steve co-founded Harvest in 2011. After opening Harvest’s first dispensary in 2013, Steve worked there for several months fulfilling orders, performing reception duties, and consulting with patients. He quickly learned that he had the ability to help shape a company that gave people control over an aspect of their life where they previously had very little – their health and wellness. This led Steve to instill a culture of education and empowerment at Harvest to provide patients much needed products, resources, and support. For example, Harvest facilities host a new patient orientation and monthly support group meetings for epilepsy, chronic pain, cancer, and PTSD.

Under Steve’s direction, Harvest has also engaged in many community activities and events, including donating more than $500,000 to local charitable organizations, veterans, seniors, and patients in need. Steve founded and now serves on the board of directors for Harvesting Hope, a non-profit organization that supports young children suffering from seizure disorders. To date, Harvesting Hope has provided a wide range of services for over 100 families. As Harvest’s CEO, Steve is responsible for license acquisition, start-up, operations, and organizational direction and strategy. He has also been instrumental in navigating state- and county-level regulatory audits, including, to date, hundreds of state inspections across multiple states, four Americans for Safe Access Patient Focused Certifications, and more than fifty certified financial audits. He is also a board member and President of the Arizona Dispensary Association. In addition, he has done hundreds of interviews, speaking engagements, and has been qualified to provide expert testimony on a multitude of marijuana-related topics.

Harvest Health is a public co. (since 2018) traded Cannabis company (in Canada) that operates in 5 states with 15+ locations in AZ alone (18 in the future by 2022). Steve talks about the history of Harvest from 2012 to present, and how the industry has changed in the last 5 years, ad what he expects in the next 5. Also how Steve sees the Cannabis industry – is it mature? – or - Issues with the image of industry. Steve believes it has moved into the mainstream.

The insider knowledge in this episode is vast from regulations with the dispensary business, to the effect legalization has on the business, going public, relationship with investors, and distribution of the product (from farms for growing or facilities  to the dispensaries). We talk of the influx of corporate money and companies, and if the competition from alcohol and cigarette companies will hurt.  

Harvest is also the biggest player in the Arizona market with 16 dispensary licenses here, supplied mostly by a farm in Camp Verde, according to the company. Harvest has lucrative retail locations in big markets like California and Florida. And that's just the beginning.

Notes:

Building new installation near Cape Verde & Highway 260, off I-17

OTC listing in USA, w/ symbol – HRVSF

Canada - CA stock symbol – HARV (Public IPO in Canada in 2018)

States - CA decrease low cost for license vs FLA increase $100 million / license

License value of $15 million per in AZ, mass scarcity.

AZ better regulated state with same AZ Staff since 2010 and is a model program

4 cultivation (one has production facility) and 1 production facility

Zoning issues w/ Cannabis, where you can set up the business

Farming - outdoor and 4 indoor, greenhouse and indoor vertical

Other Cannabis States Harvest operates in - 9 PN, 6 FLA, 3 MD

Legalization led to Tax Revenue off Cannabis business that was happening already and cleans up crime, business was illegal in past and unregulated

Work with other distributers wholesale / niche

Harvest Goal – was to raise $200 million in funding, instead raised $800 million – had to turn down money.

Harvest was a startup in 2018 with huge potential, AZ is a mature market

California Pot Co’s make money $ going public (IPO)

U.S. industry looks great

Store 2011 - 2013 – license per store, full vertical

Health Q – AZ 2010 medical act

State Exceptions for Cannabis industry – since Fed illegal

Regulations will relax over time, and probably all 50 states will legalize Cannabis use  

Guests: Melissa Diaz w/ Rebel Rock

- customized accounting solutions, HR, and M&A for the Cannabis industry in AZ. https://rebelrock.co/melissa-diaz/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-k-diaz-cpa-10215623

Melissa’s accounting experience as a CPA spans numerous industries, both domestically & internationally, including healthcare, hospitality and, of course, Cannabis. In addition to co-founding and serving as CFO to Rebel Rock, Melissa is CFO and Shareholder for High Rock Accounting, which places an emphasis on utilizing technology to strategically make day-to-day and long-term financial decisions, while pursuing company goals and compliancy.

At High Rock and Rebel Rock, Melissa helps companies remain competitive and efficient in increasingly high-pressure and high-stakes environments. Starting in 2016 she started branching out into the Cannabis industry.

Melissa discusses the passing Prop 207 in AZ, and legalization. What are the laws and regulations now in AZ, and federally. What is the expected future for the industry and will legalization go nationwide. She covers the bigger picture of new investing in the Cannabis business. What requirements investors look for in the Cannabis industry, and how the whole industry is maturing.

Cannabis (Marijuana) License in the state of AZ go for $10’s of millions of dollars, and are difficult to come by now. The industry will grow 30 – 50% in 2021, after 30% growth in 2020 to be over a $1 billion annually in AZ with a 16% tax statewide.

Notes:

Testing requirement for dispensary

Prop 207 passed, Cannabis fully legal in AZ April 2021, started Feb 2021 - Dedicated line for medical, huge demand 3-6x increase in revenue.

April 2021, started Feb 2021 - Dedicated line for medical, huge demand 3-6x increase in revenue.

No interstate commerce, not fed legal and if you cross state lines, still a drug offense & crime - 280 E – tax code, Cannabis illegal federally

Shortage of supply vs. large demand

Canadian stock market – Cannabis is federally legal in Canada

Private investment or SPACs – Cresco created REIT 11PR fund

No banking, no merchant or credit card accounts – all cash business

Security in locations, as potential theft real issue, plus need cash control

Copperstate Farms – greenhouses and cultivation

Vertical farming with special lighting and timed watering and feeding

Regulation – on site security for cultivation

Rebel Rock has medical card

No more licenses, high barriers to entry in AZ as it is a limited licensure state  

Safe Banking Act – need this to pass for cannabis banking at Fed level

Investors all in, at tipping point

Due diligence is sophisticated

Lease a license, avoid huge CAP x Cost of $16 million, new license may be less

$150K cost of license in 2010 or 2013

30% increase in sales revenue for Cannabis in 2019, to 2020

$700 million - $1 billion annual revenue (and beyond +) for 2021, growth of 30 - 50%

Taxes - 16% AZ tax + city tax, 10-11% medicinal & up to 27% total recreational

Cannabis Topic: https://brt-show.libsyn.com/category/Cannabis-Hemp-Marijuana

‘Best Of’ Topic: https://brt-show.libsyn.com/category/Best+of+BRT

Thanks for Listening.

Please Subscribe to the BRT Podcast. 

Business Roundtable with Matt Battaglia

The show where Entrepreneurs, High Level Executives, Business Owners, and Investors come to share insight and ideas about the future of business. BRT 2.0 looks at the new trends in business, and how classic industries are evolving. 

Common Topics Discussed: Business, Entrepreneurship, Investing, Stocks, Cannabis, Tech, Blockchain / Crypto, Real Estate, Legal, Sales, Charity, and more… 

BRT Podcast Home Page: https://brt-show.libsyn.com/

‘Best Of’ BRT Podcast: Click Here

BRT Podcast on Google: Click Here

BRT Podcast on Spotify: Click Here                   

More Info: https://www.economicknight.com/podcast-brt-home/

KFNX Info: https://1100kfnx.com/weekend-featured-shows/

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the Hosts, Guests and Speakers, and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of any entities they represent (or affiliates, members, managers, employees or partners), or any Station, Podcast Platform, Website or Social Media that this show may air on. All information provided is for educational and entertainment purposes. Nothing said on this program should be considered advice or recommendations in: business, legal, real estate, crypto, tax accounting, investment, etc. Always seek the advice of a professional in all business ventures, including but not limited to: investments, tax, loans, legal, accounting, real estate, crypto, contracts, sales, marketing, other business arrangements, etc.

Business Takes Off from Private Jets to Banking & SBA Loans

- BRT S02 EP11 (58) 03-14-2021

Things We Learned This Week:

• Smaller Planes for Chartered Flights, Turbo Prop or King Air (holds 7 – 8people)
• TVM: Time Value of Money – Status Jets gives Time back to Clients
• Fractional Owner – 1/8 owner of a chartered plane, use it for 250 hrs / year
• SBA 7a Loans to for profit US business with 51% ownership by US Citizen
• Banks Get Loans From: The Fed, other Banks, or Depositors – Fed Funds Rate & Discount Rates are 2 types of Interest rates

Guests: David Henry, Founder / CEO of Status Jets

https://statusjet.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/peruna

David breaks down the charter airline industry (private jets), and the aviation industry at smaller airports. The types of planes (sizes), the clients he works with, and how chartered flight industry helps their business. Status Jets deals in all areas of the industry from being an airline broker, to also servicing chartered flights.

Private Jets provide convenience and save time for high end clients with multiple sites. There are 10K airports in the U.S., but only 535 serve by the airlines, so private airlines fulfill a need to for access to smaller markets. We also review the regulations, landing fees, the security setup with private airports, and the impact of Covid19 on the industry.

Notes:

David Henry had a background in radio, worked as a GM, & in Sales at stations like CBS Radio KRLD plus 5 stations.

Status Jets located in Dallas TX, works with clients Coast to coast.

airline industry, investors, charter flights, regulations, & the impact of Covid19

How chartered flight industry helps the business industry with multiple locations  

Security setup with private airports - Pre-provide passenger list & cross reference

Types of planes - Turbo Prop or King Air – holds 7 – 8 people

Light Jet – Hawkers hold 7

Business owner, not AT&T, have their own mid-size plane for 10-12 trips a year.

Covid- pro/con – not much affect, increased business

Comp. – private side, cost 10X to fly private vs. first class – carries 6 - 8 people.

TVM – Time Value of Money Status Jet sells back time to clients

Time component – convenience with big clients and celebrities.

Status Jets is a time machine, gives control of your business schedule

Aircraft Broker –

Charter flights – whole plane, agency with contacts across U.S., & the world.

Options - 1.Own it. 250 hrs./year, 100-200 Nets Jets - fractional owner of 1/8

2.On demand  charter – 3-10 trips

Landing fees – better at small airport.

10K airports in USA, only 535 served by airlines.

Good use of private aviation is necessity and access.

Tim Romano w/ Velocity SBA

https://www.velocitysba.com/about-us

https://www.linkedin.com/in/tim-romano-a37b233a

From banking to loans, what’s involved and the process to secure a loan. Tim breaks down different loans like: SBA 7a loans to for profit US business (with 51% ownership by a US Citizen), small business loans, and commercial real estate.

SBA loans have many qualifiers and rules: Size of loan varies on income, employees, etc.; 80% gov’t guaranteed backed – like an insurance agency, 75 cents on the $ dollar; Borrower must pass SBA requirements with APP, and put down 10 – 25%.

The bank is still lender in SBA, so the usual lender preferences apply: credit profile, established business and operating history, activity in P&L, cash flow, personal guaranty, and collateral (and they will avoid startups and new business, or unique setups).

Notes:

SBA 7a loans to for profit US business with 51% ownership by US Citizen

Small bus loans or commercial real estate w/ Size of loan varies on income, employees, etc.  & 80% gov’t guaranteed backed – like an insurance agency, 75 cents on the $ dollar, Borrower must pass SBA requirements with APP, and put down 10 – 25%

Bank is still lender in SBA, interest rate wall st prime rate of 3.25% + 2.75%

Originate loan - SBA charges estimate guarantee fee of 2.75% of total loan

Lender preferences – credit profile, established business and operating history, activity in P&L, cash flow – avoid startups and new business, or unique

Collateral – preferred, but will own without – require life insurance

ie: real estate, $ cash on hand, equipment, A/R, inventory

Loan Collateral requirements, not all assets work: hard to perfect a lien on equities, or cash value life insurance   or Goodwill, or IP – does not assign a value to it

Personal guaranty required from all owners with 20% + ownership stake

Lender wants 1.5: debt service coverage ratio = EBIDTA / Annual debt service

Determine if borrower has cash flow to service debt

Borrower base – A borrowing base is a central part of asset-based lending, the amount of money a lender will loan your company based on the value of your business assets. The amount of collateral you offer in order to secure the loan influences just how much a lender is willing to give you.

Banks are competitors and referrers of Velocity SBA

Banks lend on deposits (10-20% reserves, cost of funds is less than 1%, 25 basis points) vs Velocity SBA has capital to lend (also has minimum threshold of reserves) and also gets bank loan and makes $ on the loan spread

Fed Funds rate (interest rate set by Fed for banks to lend to each other)

Discount Rate (interest rate charged by Fed for banks to borrow $ from Fed) on 2 lender rates for banks to borrow $

Banks Get Loans From: The Fed, other Banks, or Depositors

Banks can borrow from other banks or from the Fed and the interest rate is 25 basis points, .25 % - Banks then loan at 5%, and the spread is 4.75%

Business of Banking –Bank have depositors, they pay interest on deposits also at .25 %, and then again make loans at 5% = 4.75% profit spread or higher (Arbitrage)

https://www.investopedia.com/terms/d/discountrate.asp

https://www.investopedia.com/terms/f/federalfundsrate.asp

Business Topic: https://brt-show.libsyn.com/category/Business-Consulting-Bus+Lessons-Management-General

‘Best Of’ Topic: https://brt-show.libsyn.com/category/Best+of+BRT

Thanks for Listening.

Please Subscribe to the BRT Podcast. 

Business Roundtable with Matt Battaglia

The show where Entrepreneurs, High Level Executives, Business Owners, and Investors come to share insight and ideas about the future of business. BRT 2.0 looks at the new trends in business, and how classic industries are evolving. 

Common Topics Discussed: Business, Entrepreneurship, Investing, Stocks, Cannabis, Tech, Blockchain / Crypto, Real Estate, Legal, Sales, Charity, and more… 

BRT Podcast Home Page: https://brt-show.libsyn.com/

‘Best Of’ BRT Podcast: Click Here

BRT Podcast on Google: Click Here

BRT Podcast on Spotify: Click Here                   

More Info: https://www.economicknight.com/podcast-brt-home/

KFNX Info: https://1100kfnx.com/weekend-featured-shows/

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the Hosts, Guests and Speakers, and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of any entities they represent (or affiliates, members, managers, employees or partners), or any Station, Podcast Platform, Website or Social Media that this show may air on. All information provided is for educational and entertainment purposes. Nothing said on this program should be considered advice or recommendations in: business, legal, real estate, crypto, tax accounting, investment, etc. Always seek the advice of a professional in all business ventures, including but not limited to: investments, tax, loans, legal, accounting, real estate, crypto, contracts, sales, marketing, other business arrangements, etc.

Tech Biz from New Tech of AI Sensors to How to Value a Tech Co

- BRT S02 EP10 (57) 03-07-2021

What We Learned This Week:

• Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a regular part of everyday life w/ phones, search, tech equip & cars
• New Cars use AI + Sensors w/ cameras all over the car to enhance driver safety & experience
• Smart Home – sensors on temp, security equipment, pool, A/C, appliances & more
• Valuation Multiples - software co with recurring revenues & IP get higher price
• Strategic Value – how to integrate new company acquired into the buyer company

Guests: David Schie, Founder / CEO of AI Storm

aistorm.ai / www.lineardimensions.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-schie-9b02784

AI Storm is a AI company that makes the sensor tech used in common products for security cameras, traffic devices, and vehicles (cars).

AIStorm is the pioneer and leader in AI-in-Sensor processing, which eliminates the latency, power and cost associated with digital GPU-based implementations at the edge. AIStorm is headquartered in Silicon Valley, with offices in Phoenix & Graz, Austria. The team includes industry veterans responsible for development of thousands of products, as well as for P&L and significant revenue growth at leading semiconductor companies.

David Schie is a tech industry veteran who runs two companies – AI Strom (started 2018), and Linear Dimensions (c 2011) with their HQ in Texas. Prior to staring Linear he worked as a VP at Semtech, and Micrel Semiconductor before that, and worked at Maxim Integrated Products.

Linear Dimensions develops machine learning systems for the fast growing consumer wearables market. Linear is focused on powering and interfacing sensors and microelectromechanical systems (MEMs) for use in industrial, communications, and biotechnology devices. Linear's innovations include flexible analog front ends (AFEs), mixed-signal integrated circuits including ARM based SoCs, and extraction and security algorithms & software.

Linear continues to define the future of the wearables industry, as presented by Linear CEO, David Schie in his keynote speech at CES 2014 - collaborative industry partners such as BodyMedia/Jawbone, Orbital Research, Freescale Semiconductor, and others, bring next generation solutions to market. Product examples include physiological and heart rate monitors, head worn wearable devices, ECG and EEG harnesses and bands, and other sensor based products. In addition to customers in consumer fitness tech and digital health, they support developments for governmental agencies such as NASA, DMEA, Navy, AFRL, and the Air Force.

AI (Artificial Intelligence) common uses in everyday services that people are unaware of, and how the technology works. We also ponder the future uses of AI technology and how many industries it will be a part of in the next decade. AIS Technology is analog and mixed signal tech, and more. The Sensor itself is smart enough to deal with events, make decisions and perform complex analysis. 

E beam sensor – for garage door, has no intelligence

Marketing/Advertising  with AI – Algorithm or voice recognition – ie: auto turn on faucet, or air dryer.

How the tech is being used in security, traffic and vehicles: alerts in traffic, monitor car for dog/baby in car.

Concerns over future use of AI – especially with facial recognition: cell phone companies to open phones. Subway security – watch people.

Niche – Edge, sensors that are low cost. Analog solutions. Camera chip, smart alerts, smart lights. Intelligent camera turns light for people, not animals.

Smart Home – sensors on temp, security equipment, pool, A/C. i.e – oil companies & gas stations – security camera to detect smoking or vandalizing equipment.

IOT – connecting sensors, analytics

Mantis Chip – camera with 10K pixels.

Regulations / Concerns – privacy and laws. Camera in TV – tech is watching you

AR – eyeball tracking, analytics – Wearables - Data and power limits to glasses

HRV Health – ramifications and help – camera and future glasses – fix prescription – liquid crystal looks at the eye.

Foundry Model – make chips millimeters in size

Tower Semiconductor - high value analog semiconductor solutions, specializes in manufacturing analog integrated circuits

Fables – silicon labs connects sensors, wireless IOT

Dave Kauppi , President of MidMarket Capital, a Technology Focused Investment Banking

https://midmarkcap.com/mmc/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/kauppi1midmarket1capital

The M&A business of selling software and IT business'. Analyzing the biggest differences of selling a traditional "Bricks and Mortar" business vs selling a technology based business. Why recurring revenue is so important for tech companies, driving up the valuation. This conflicts with business characteristics that drive down the selling price. What mistakes do business owners make when selling their business, and why the owner may not be as vital as believed.

Dave Kauppi, Managing Partner, Business Sales and Acquisitions - Dave began his Mergers & Acquisitions practice after a twenty-five year career with a Multi-Industry background that included banking, high tech, and services. While in the leasing industry he gained a reputation for “finding a better way” through creative deal structure. During one fiscal year, Dave’s region successfully negotiated over $200 million in financing transactions. He was instrumental in negotiating three multi-million dollar strategic partnerships in the service industry and launched and managed a very successfsul division.

In his M&A practice, Dave has completed transactions that range from succession planning exits, to finding strategic buyers for healthy, rapidly growing companies seeking a partner to provide scale, to division divestitures, to troubled companies.

Mr. Kauppi also wrote a book available on Amazon - 'Selling Your Software Company'

Notes:

Multiples & Valuations - No rule of thumb, Tech Unicorns ($1 Bil+) increase price

Strategic Value – how integrate company acquired into buyer company

M&A software – experience $12.1 million to $120 million

Sellers need to create auction marketplace - Need 4-5 buyers – create company with FAQ then CA – Confidentiality Agreement for potential Buyers to sign

Estimates on Values - Software – $1 to 8 mil, IT – $5 to 15 mil, SAAS – could be more

Software companies acquire customer = $0, raises values as ops costs lower

Valuation multiples – recurring revenue is huge in a valuation, not owner dependent

Private Equity tactics, get your Co off market with dual sign NDA / LOI

Quality of Earnings – sustainability of earnings, can new buyer keep sales going $

Due Diligence – Buyers offer low ball price, decrease 30% because off market

Risk in Business Sale – if Selling Co has too few customers, so is dependent on just a few customers

Leverage so important – avoid Earnouts & seller notes and networking cap. – holdover $, want the Buyer to pay the cash at the sale

Unsolicited Offers – auction of 1, low ball offers, then lower price thru due diligence

Compare Business Markets, should not be compared like operating states

Replacement of the Owner or CEO with 2 Executives – may affect costs post sale

3.5x EBITDA – for a Business Valuation

CAC - Cost of client acquisition, limits to net margin.

Costs of traditional business to get product to market.

Pockets of – Strategic Value – where can value be increased post sale

Reasons to Buy a Business -

Strategic Value – how to determine to create valuation multiple

IP – Intellectual Property – R&D or Tech behind the products

R&D – cutting edge technology or adds values to current product.

Cash Flow – profit, Want CF & buy it to keep going

Have government contracts and buy business to get contracts

Buy companies for good sales process of current services / products

Growth by Acquisition – buy another competitor business to increase 1st business

Software companies need $50 million in sales to push meter for Big Tech like Microsoft

Private Equity PE – giving generous multiples because growth EBITDA 8.5 x with $15 million revenue.

Potential leakage in sale of business as you go thru the due diligence & closing steps

Car Dealer example. – no one pays sticker price

FAQ Doc. – MidMarket Capital creates this as part of sale process

Relationships – critical to get meeting with big company

Contractually Recurring Revenue – establish minimum sell price for business – pushes 4-5x revenue

Networking Capital (NWC) – CF averages 2 months worth of fixed expenses (working capital)

Tech Topic: https://brt-show.libsyn.com/category/Tech-Startup-VC-Cybersecurity-Energy-Science

M&A Topic:

https://brt-show.libsyn.com/category/Private+Equity-Valuation-MandA-Franchise-Business+Broker

‘Best Of’ Topic: https://brt-show.libsyn.com/category/Best+of+BRT

Thanks for Listening.

Please Subscribe to the BRT Podcast. 

Business Roundtable with Matt Battaglia

The show where Entrepreneurs, High Level Executives, Business Owners, and Investors come to share insight and ideas about the future of business. BRT 2.0 looks at the new trends in business, and how classic industries are evolving. 

Common Topics Discussed: Business, Entrepreneurship, Investing, Stocks, Cannabis, Tech, Blockchain / Crypto, Real Estate, Legal, Sales, Charity, and more… 

BRT Podcast Home Page: https://brt-show.libsyn.com/

‘Best Of’ BRT Podcast: Click Here

BRT Podcast on Google: Click Here

BRT Podcast on Spotify: Click Here                   

More Info: https://www.economicknight.com/podcast-brt-home/

KFNX Info: https://1100kfnx.com/weekend-featured-shows/

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the Hosts, Guests and Speakers, and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of any entities they represent (or affiliates, members, managers, employees or partners), or any Station, Podcast Platform, Website or Social Media that this show may air on. All information provided is for educational and entertainment purposes. Nothing said on this program should be considered advice or recommendations in: business, legal, real estate, crypto, tax accounting, investment, etc. Always seek the advice of a professional in all business ventures, including but not limited to: investments, tax, loans, legal, accounting, real estate, crypto, contracts, sales, marketing, other business arrangements, etc.

Investing Class on Economic Indicators, Diversification & Leverage w/ Denver Nowicz

- BRT S02 EP9 (56) 02-28-2021

Things We Learned This Week

• Economic Indicators - how they effect the Economy
• The Fed, Money Supply, Market Cycles, Volatility
• Diversification, is it really as good as the business media claims?
• Why the Top Investors do not Diversify & choose to Concentrate their Holdings
• Leverage defined in the financial sense, and how to use it properly

Guest: Denver Nowicz, President - Wealth For Life

http://wealthforlife.net/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/denvernowicz/

https://twitter.com/denvernowicz

Denver is an advisor with nearly 20 years experience working with clients in investments and insurance, designing retirement plans with a combo of both. He takes us through different strategies for clients to get the best allocations for their money over the long term. It is the Combo Strategy of both Offense and Defense, the synergy of the mix, not ‘All or Nothing’.

We discuss the popular Economic Indicators you read and hear about in business news, what are they, how they affect the economy, and what you should pay attention to.The list includes – The Fed, Money Supply, Inflation, Housing, Inventory, Market Cycles, Volatility and more.

The Fed – Inflation & the Money Supply

Fed prints money $, creates liquidity, which leads to more borrowing (also because of low interest rates). People have more money to buy assets like stocks vs bonds, because of low interest rates. Low interest rates punish savers, and rewards people who put money in the market.

Market Cycles – Bullish – Expansion, Bearish – Contraction, Recessions

Mean Reversion – markets cannot go up forever, eventually this leads to a bubble (over inflated economy), there is a Recession, and the market goes down.

Have to study areas of the market with Capacity to Grow, as in what Market Sectors are growing to pick good investments.

Consumer Sentiment – VIX / Volatility Index, Consumer Debt

Inflation affects average consumer, if inflation rises then costs of common goods goes up. VIX is a measure of volatility over the short term, and if people think prices will rise. If VIX is high usually means there is inflation, fear, and less spending which hurts business. Economy is made up of 70% consumer spending.

Consumer debt is declining, but if they still have debt (in particular high credit card debt) then one has less money to spend elsewhere. High credit card debt needs to be paid off to create wealth. Consumers may need to earn more to pay debt, and save more.

Inventory – Business Debt, Container Shipments, Purchase Orders, Trade

What is going on with trade, and shipping inventory – people are buying goods and companies can meet the demand. The economy needs liquidity (borrowed $) to buy goods on credit. When liquidity dries up, then economy slows as business have less access to capital.

Employment – Jobs Report, Unemployment

Government – GDP, Tax Policy, Tariffs, Regulations

Housing – Home Sales, Mortgages

When interest rates are lower, then people borrow money to buy houses. People will also re-finance their mortgage, and sometimes take money out to spend on home improvements, etc. (tapping equity thru more home debt). This leads to more home sales, and over time home prices increasing – which could slow demand over time.

Speculation vs Investing - Investing in good companies with sales, low debt, and cash on the balance sheet can withstand downturns in the market. Speculation happens when people invest in companies that are volatile, inconsistent sales, and may have high debt (ie buying sales).  

Diversification, is it really as good as the business media claims?

Why the top investors do not diversify and choose to concentrate their holdings including the Oracle of Omaha (Buffett), and his partner Charlie Munger at Berkshire Hathaway are two of the most outspoken critics.

You should be specialized in investing (buy a few good companies), know what you are buying, and monitor your investments closely. The goal is a small concentrated portfolio of well researched investments (5 – 20 stocks).

Indexing – buying the entire index (ie – S&P Index), a fund with low fees, that mirrors the Index, conservative passive approach for average returns

Problem is that this process can underperform the market a little – this is a good plan if an Investor does not want to do the work needed to find the good few companies. There are about 10 – 20% stocks in the S&P 500 Index worth investing in. The Index is made of 50% of mediocre to poor companies.

Zombie Co’s – there are 20% of the Index labeled this way - A “zombie company” is a term used to describe an uncompetitive company that needs a bailout to operate successfully or an indebted company that is only able to repay interest. Simply put, the effective on its debt (interest-coverage ratio of 1 or less).

The top companies (Big tech) are usually carrying the Index and responsible for most of the Index’ returns. Would you rather buy all the houses in a neighborhood, or the few best? Same philosophy in picking the better co’s / stocks to invest in, simply buy what is good and you understand.

Robert’s (of LifePro Asset Mgmt) core philosophy on picking stocks - good companies that are growing, leadership position in their industry, positive cash flow, good balance sheets, and low debt.

Real Diversification is a Combo of Assets –

Baseline / Defense: Insurance, Real Estate, Business Income (Cash Flow), Commodities, Cash – Streams of Income for a safe foundation to cover expenses and retirement

Offense / Growth: Stocks, Crypto, Alt Investments (Private Equity)

Leverage from good (OPM) to bad (debt), and what is the difference. Leverage defined in the financial sense, and how to use it properly. Leverage is just a strategy, if an investment is bad, then leverage magnifies losses.

The idea is to borrow at a low rate (and good multiple like 4:1), earn at a higher rate of return to make $ off the spread (like a bank) – borrow at 3% to invest and earn 8%. Wealthy use Leverage in conservative way, get a lower ROI on more $ money – multiplies rate of return.

Ie – borrow $1 mil to buy rental real estate + invest $250k of your $ (= $1.25 mil invested total), then make $100K at 8% ROI

vs invest $250k of your $ only (= $250k invested total), then make $20k at 8% ROI

This can be done with retirement accounts also – go to https://wealthforlife.net/

Article: Jim Harbaugh, Michigan Football Coach

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/how-copy-michigan-coach-jim-harbaughs-14-million-per-year-nowicz/

Link to Taxes Show on 10/31/2021 w/ Denver: Here

Link to Offense / Defense Show on 6/6/2021 w/ Denver: Here

Link to Shows, Denver was a Guest: Here

Robert of LPAM on Stocks: Here

Investing Topic: https://brt-show.libsyn.com/category/Investing-Stocks-Bonds-Retirement

More - BRT Best of: https://brt-show.libsyn.com/category/Best+of+BRT

Thanks for Listening.

Please Subscribe to the BRT Podcast.

Business Roundtable with Matt Battaglia

The show where Entrepreneurs, High Level Executives, Business Owners, and Investors come to share insight and ideas about the future of business. BRT 2.0 looks at the new trends in business, and how classic industries are evolving. 

Common Topics Discussed: Business, Entrepreneurship, Investing, Stocks, Cannabis, Tech, Blockchain / Crypto, Real Estate, Legal, Sales, Charity, and more… 

BRT Podcast Home Page: https://brt-show.libsyn.com/

‘Best Of’ BRT Podcast: Click Here

BRT Podcast on Google: Click Here

BRT Podcast on Spotify: Click Here                   

More Info: https://www.economicknight.com/podcast-brt-home/

KFNX Info: https://1100kfnx.com/weekend-featured-shows/

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the Hosts, Guests and Speakers, and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of any entities they represent (or affiliates, members, managers, employees or partners), or any Station, Podcast Platform, Website or Social Media that this show may air on. All information provided is for educational and entertainment purposes. Nothing said on this program should be considered advice or recommendations in: business, legal, real estate, crypto, tax accounting, investment, etc. Always seek the advice of a professional in all business ventures, including but not limited to: investments, tax, loans, legal, accounting, real estate, crypto, contracts, sales, marketing, other business arrangements, etc.

Tech Evolves - VR to AR to the Semiconductors That Power Tech w/ Amy Peck of Endeavor VR & Kevin Parmenter on Chips

- BRT S02 EP08 (55) 2-21-2021

What We Learned This Week:

• Many Realities – Virtual VR, Augmented AR, Extended, Mixed & Project that combine multiple
• Oculus Headsets & other Haptics (suits, gloves – wearables) VR products
• AR & VR is now a part of Gaming, shopping experience, work training, simulators, entertainment & more
• Semiconductor (microchip) industry dates back to the 1950s w/ the integrated circuit and growth of computers, DARPA and Gov’t investment in NASA
• Semiconductors are now prevalent in & power all tech – AI, VR, sensors, cameras, cars, data centers, IOT, phones, laptops, tablets, appliances, quantum and edge computing, smart home, security, gaming, headsets, etc.

Guests: Amy Peck, Founder / CEO of Endeavor VR 

http://www.endeavorvr.com/

https://twitter.com/AmyPeckXR

https://www.linkedin.com/in/amympeck

EndeavorVR, works to bridge the gap between AR/VR developers & solution providers and corporations & institutions. The capabilities of AR/VR are vast and can combine with other technologies such as AI, Machine Learning, Body/Eye Tracking and Haptics. These technologies will dramatically improve every human endeavor.

Amy Peck is a business development and strategy executive with years of experience working with startups. Amy holds several Advisory Board roles, consults with tech executives, and has run events on VR. She is an active mentor to women in tech and participates in many technology and leadership forums for both startups and established industry players.

This is the impetus for her regular hashtag on Twitter: #ARVRForAll with the goal of making this technology accessible and transformative for everyone. 

From Amy Peck LinkedIn:

If you are looking at AR/VR technologies for your company, our team at EndeavorVR can help you navigate the landscape, identify the right use cases and find the right development resources and platform partners. This is a complex long-term process and it is of utmost importance to look holistically at your company, goals, workflows and legacy systems as well as integration with other frontier technologies - AI, Machine Learning, Robotics and Blockchain. We understand the need for an end-to-end strategy and have a network of best-in-class professionals and partners. Get in touch and we will set up a consultation to help you get started. From healthcare, education, retail, hospitality and entertainment to government and industrial use cases, my personal goal is to bridge the gap between the leading edge tech and our clients ready to adopt the myriad solutions in the AR/VR stratosphere. 

Notes:

Amy talks tech startup, VC, augmented & virtual reality, applications, equipment & the future of the industry

What are the different Realities?

AR – Augmented reality (AR) is an interactive experience of a real-world environment where the objects that reside in the real world are enhanced by computer-generated perceptual information, sometimes across multiple sensory modalities, including visual, auditory, haptic, somatosensory and olfactory.

VR – Virtual reality (VR) is a simulated experience that can be similar to or completely different from the real world. Applications of virtual reality include entertainment (particularly video games), education (such as medical or military training) and business (such as virtual meetings). MR – Mixed Reality mixed, interactive

MR - Mixed reality (MR) or polyplexity is the merging of real and virtual worlds to produce new environments and visualizations, where physical and digital objects co-exist and interact in real time. Mixed reality does not exclusively take place in either the physical world or virtual world, but is a hybrid of augmented reality and virtual reality.

PR – Project Reality is a series of combined arms tactical first-person shooter video game modifications which aim to create a realistic combat environment where the core gameplay encourages teamwork and coordination.

XR – Extended Reality (XR) is an umbrella term encapsulating Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR), Mixed Reality (MR), and everything in between.

History – VR started in 1950s with Sensorama booths, then in 1960’s 2nd wave with headsets

Future of AI – 2013 3rd wave, modern VR headset, creation of oculus in 2012

More: https://www.vrs.org.uk/virtual-reality/history.html

Players in Industry:

Go Touch VR – glasses, gloves & Haptics physical VR suits

Flight Simulator at Delta, precursor to current VR

Oculus – VR products – VR headsets, digital gloves, suit, chair

Branded AR Effects – AR + 3D

3D Ecommerce – adding AR into sales

Omni One & CityRun VR – VR treadmills, for fitness and gaming

Amazon – Echo Frames and Boze

Spatial.io – virtual conference, whiteboard session, explore the Metaverse

Luxottica Group is a leader in premium, luxury and sports eyewear with over 7400 optical and sun retail stores in North America, Asia-Pacific, China, and has a deal with Google

Wear OS – AR glasses. Google bought company, uses tech in fitness devices, smartwatch

Alt Ticket – ticket service for all sorts of venues, even smaller venues, less money with VR ticket

Snap Camera - Bring the magic of Snapchat Lenses to your live streams and video chats, also face filter .

Magic Leap One - Wayfare mixed reality for shopping w/ outward facing glasses

Focals by North - custom-built smart glasses with a holographic display only you can see. Stay connected to the people, places, and things that matter 

Gaming – AR games are typically played on devices like smartphones, tablets and portable gaming systems. An augmented reality game often superimposes a precreated environment on top of a user's actual environment. The game itself can be as simple as a game of virtual checkers played on a table surface.

Enterprise for business in VR – training, learning

AR Cloud - An AR Cloud or Augmented Reality Cloud is a technology that aims to create immersive experiences by unifying the physical and digital worlds. 

AR – Spatial Wearables or Smart Glasses for VR / AR

VR Simulator equipment is now smaller and cheaper, be more common 

Consumer – games, workouts, entertainment (Fortnite, social media)

Artist performing – private concert

Gamer Travis Scott performed a virtual concert in Fortnite

Twitch.tv interactive live streaming service, like a Feed in the game, and live entertainment

Hybrid Conference – 150 at event plus 2500 virtual

Remote Work Teams – future of hybrid office work, mid market and enterprise

Special computing – 3D world with AR

Mobile AR with digital object through phone

Screens – no more 2D, project story – change TV – interact with entertainment

Kevin Parmenter – Field Application Engineer, of Taiwan Semiconductor

https://www.psma.com/members/taiwan-semiconductor

https://www.linkedin.com/in/parmenter-kevin-96bb5a8

Article on Semiconductors: https://www.taiwansemi.com/assets/uploads/whitepaper/options-are-endless-for-power-semiconductor-device-selection.pdf

Kevin Parmenter is an IEEE Senior Member and has over 35 years of experience in the electronics and semiconductor industry. Kevin is currently Director of Field Applications Engineering North America for Taiwan Semiconductor. Previously he was vice president of applications engineering in the U.S.A. for Excelsys, an Advanced Energy company; director of Advanced Technical Marketing for Digital Power Products at Exar; and led global product applications engineering and new product definition for Freescale Semiconductors AMPD - Analog, Mixed-Signall and Power Division.  

Prior to these positions Kevin worked for Fairchild Semiconductor in the Americas as senior director of field applications engineering and held various technical and management positions with increasing responsibility at ON Semiconductor (spin off of Motorola) & in the Motorola Semiconductor Products Sector. He holds a BSEE and BS in Business Administration. Kevin holds an FCC first-class license -GRTL and Amateur Radio Extra Class License KG5Q

Kevin discusses the history of the microchip, aka – semiconductors, and all the applications and tech that use chips from computers to cars. It mostly started with Jack Kilby’s work at Texas Instruments with chips and circuits in the 1950s, to the explosive growth in the 1990s and beyond.

AZ has a long history with the microchip industry from aerospace, the military, to Motorola. NASA landed on the moon with less computing power that what’s in your cell phone you carry in your pocket. We also talk about the future of semiconductors in IoT, AI, 6G, AR / VR, quantum computing.

Notes:

Background w/ TJ Rogers – founding CEO of Cypress Semiconductors

FAE Director – Taiwan Semiducter / TSM - Field Application Engineer – taiwansemi.com

Sales and engineers do not understand each other.

Robotics, cars, trainings

COTS commercial off the shelf

Target market – automotive, high end industrial

Power Rectifiers – are electrical devices that convert alternating current (AC) to direct current (DC). They are an integral part of telecom rectifiers for the telecommunications industry, and in battery chargers, DC power systems, and other power system devices.

Chip, semi-conducter, transistor, microprocessor, mostet, diode, computers, cars, charging stations, ATM, cell phones, tablets.

History of Tech – military, NASA, Velcro

1.History and define – Jack Kilby 1950’s Texas Instruments . Integrated Circuit

2.Future of industry – AI, IOT, 6G, Quantum Computers, smart home

DARPA – Vehicles, memory storage, GPS

We (1969) landed on the moon with less computing power than what’s in your pocket. 1960’s had giant computers

Client- Honeywell. Industries – car

Northrup – defense industry

Foreign countries make all of us tech.

R&D – government and aerospace. 20% sales spent on R&D vs. Pharma

IOT (Internet Of Things) – Data Sensors  /connectors

AI – edge computing, no central system and learns

Data – 70% chip use and growing.

6G – high speed, streaming. Wireless, no cable

AR/AV – recreate scenarios, business training – optical and display, health and flight

Quantum Computing – super computer

Applications, software, circuits, algorithm

Tech Topic: https://brt-show.libsyn.com/category/Tech-Startup-VC-Cybersecurity-Energy-Science

Thanks for Listening.

Please Subscribe to the BRT Podcast. 

Business Roundtable with Matt Battaglia

The show where Entrepreneurs, High Level Executives, Business Owners, and Investors come to share insight and ideas about the future of business. BRT 2.0 looks at the new trends in business, and how classic industries are evolving. 

Common Topics Discussed: Business, Entrepreneurship, Investing, Stocks, Cannabis, Tech, Blockchain / Crypto, Real Estate, Legal, Sales, Charity, and more… 

BRT Podcast Home Page: https://brt-show.libsyn.com/

‘Best Of’ BRT Podcast: Click Here

BRT Podcast on Google: Click Here

BRT Podcast on Spotify: Click Here                   

More Info: https://www.economicknight.com/podcast-brt-home/

KFNX Info: https://1100kfnx.com/weekend-featured-shows/

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the Hosts, Guests and Speakers, and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of any entities they represent (or affiliates, members, managers, employees or partners), or any Station, Podcast Platform, Website or Social Media that this show may air on. All information provided is for educational and entertainment purposes. Nothing said on this program should be considered advice or recommendations in: business, legal, real estate, crypto, tax accounting, investment, etc. Always seek the advice of a professional in all business ventures, including but not limited to: investments, tax, loans, legal, accounting, real estate, crypto, contracts, sales, marketing, other business arrangements, etc.

BRT Grows: Best of Cannabis 2020 Investing, Legal, Accounting & Canada

- BRT S02 EP07 (54) 02-14-2021

Topic: BRT Grows: Best of Cannabis 2020

The Cannabis Industry is covered from A-Z, talking Cannabis, Hemp, legal issues, investment, accounting, cash control, taxes, Canadian Market, M&A, regulations, & more.

1. Seg. 3 of 8/16/20 Show – Alan Brochstein, CFA of New Cannabis Ventures

https://www.newcannabisventures.com/

Alan covers the Cannabis industry, from investing ideas, to news

Full Show: Here

1. Seg. 1 of 8/23/20 Show – Interview w Adam Trenk / Rose Law Group

https://www.roselawgroup.com/trenk-adam-m/ -

Talks about the legality of Cannabis and Hemp

Full Show: Here

1. Seg. 3 of 8/23/20 Show - Melissa Diaz w/ Rebel Rock

https://rebelrock.co/melissa-diaz/

Melissa discusses banking, accounting, regulations, and VC in Cannabis.

Full Show: Here

1. Seg. 3 of 10/18/20 Show –

Guests: Melissa Diaz w/ Rebel Rock 

https://rebelrock.co/melissa-diaz/

Melissa discusses legality, Prop 207 in AZ, regulations, investing and VC in Cannabis. She does customized accounting solutions, HR, and M&A for the Cannabis industry in AZ.

Maurizio Terrigno - Canadian Cannabis Chamber of Commerce 

https://canadiancannabischamber.com/

Maurizio discusses Investment, and Fed regulation in the Cannabis industry in Canada, how it is federally legal, and the differences vs the U.S.

Full Show: Here

Cannabis Topic: 

https://brt-show.libsyn.com/category/Cannabis-Hemp-Marijuana

More - ‘Best Of’ BRT Podcast: Click Here

Thanks for Listening.

Please Subscribe to the BRT Podcast. 

Business Roundtable with Matt Battaglia

The show where Entrepreneurs, High Level Executives, Business Owners, and Investors come to share insight and ideas about the future of business. BRT 2.0 looks at the new trends in business, and how classic industries are evolving. 

Common Topics Discussed: Business, Entrepreneurship, Investing, Stocks, Cannabis, Tech, Blockchain / Crypto, Real Estate, Legal, Sales, Charity, and more… 

BRT Podcast Home Page: https://brt-show.libsyn.com/

‘Best Of’ BRT Podcast: Click Here

BRT Podcast on Google: Click Here

BRT Podcast on Spotify: Click Here                   

More Info: https://www.economicknight.com/podcast-brt-home/

KFNX Info: https://1100kfnx.com/weekend-featured-shows/

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the Hosts, Guests and Speakers, and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of any entities they represent (or affiliates, members, managers, employees or partners), or any Station, Podcast Platform, Website or Social Media that this show may air on. All information provided is for educational and entertainment purposes. Nothing said on this program should be considered advice or recommendations in: business, legal, real estate, crypto, tax accounting, investment, etc. Always seek the advice of a professional in all business ventures, including but not limited to: investments, tax, loans, legal, accounting, real estate, crypto, contracts, sales, marketing, other business arrangements, etc.

Chess, Poker, Business & the Queen’s Gambit' w/ Jennifer Shahade

- BRT S02 EP06 02-07-21 (53)

Things We Learned This Week

• Women in Chess - How Chess can Empower young girls to succeed in life
• Chess = The Art of Movement, pieces moving around in the player’s head, a Mind Game
• Queen's Gambit - the Netflix cold war drama show
• Tactics (specific thing) vs Strategy (overall plan) & Chess is a mesh of these 2 things
• Decision Making / Strategy – it’s about making the Right Moves at the Critical Moments

Guests: Jennifer Shahade 

https://jennifershahade.com/,

https://new.uschess.org/

https://new.uschess.org/give/women-chess-initiative

Podcasts: https://thepokergrid.com/

https://ladiesknight.org/

Jennifer Shahade is a two-time U.S. Women’s Chess Champion, author, speaker & PokerStars Ambassador.  The first female to win the US Junior Open, Jennifer is passionate about empowerment and creative work around the games she loves most, chess and poker. She is the author of Chess Queens, and Play Like a Girl, books that, along with her work with US Chess Women and Poker Poker, are making the games more inclusive. 

Jennifer hosts two award-winning podcasts, the GRID and Ladies Knight. The GRID, which won the 2020 Global Poker Award for the best poker podcast in the World (interview Poker Players), is both a reference to the 8×8 chess board, and the 13×13 color coded grid of all possible poker hands (169).

Jennifer talks all things Chess – being a Grandmaster, strategy in Chess, how she studies and trains, her teaching, and her work at US Chess (.org).

Jennifer teaches young girls and woman how to play chess, and how the game can be used to grow as a person, while also being empowering. Chess is the great equalizer, and when girls learn chess, it helps them to take on all challenges. Her weekly lessons are posted online. Her Chess podcast, ‘Ladies Knight’ is an interview format with women in Chess.

Donate to help women in Chess at: https://new.uschess.org/give/women-chess-initiative

She talks about the hit Netflix show ‘The Queen’s Gambit’, and its effect on the world of Chess, and women in Chess. The beauty of the game, art of movement, style and geometry of the pieces, and drama of the game are all captured in this new series. The show stars Anna Taylor-Joy, and is set during the Cold War era, orphaned chess prodigy Beth Harmon struggles with addiction in a quest to become the greatest chess player in the world.

Jennifer and Queen’s Gambit: https://www.the-sun.com/lifestyle/2376082/im-the-real-life-queens-gambit/

Chess = The Art of Movement

Chess – pieces moving around in the player’s head, a Mind Game that requires serious focus, and keep the Movement of the pieces organized in your head, games can last 4 – 5 hours, so one must be able to turn focus on for 20 mins. during their move, but be able to calm down during downtime while still paying attention

Tactics (specific thing) vs Strategy (overall plan) & Chess is a mesh of these 2 things

We also talk Poker, as Jennifer is a professional Poker player playing in tournament play. Jennifer compares Poker and Chess. She has tons of stories on the craft of Chess, her favorite openings and other great masters of the game. She also has a Poker podcast called ‘The Grid’.

In both Chess and Poker there are so many interesting people in both worlds. Both games have so much psychology, and the need to focus, but also read opponents. One must understand the game, the rules, & possibilities of different hands or moves.

Chess and Poker have also seen the creation of celebrities within each industry as both have become more mainstream. It is common to see games or tournaments aired on TV, plus all the websites, blogs, videos and social media stars.

Chess can have a long learning curve, and improvements can take time, then suddenly it comes together. There are tons of free resources online for both kids and adults to learn online.

Decision Making / Strategy – it’s about making the Right Moves at the Critical Moments, possibly in the Middle Game and lots of pieces are being traded, so you should think longer at these moments. Life Analogy – there are many small decisions daily that have little impact on your life vs those Big Decisions that affect many areas of your life long term.

Jennifer’s Prep for a Game is: 1. getting focused, 2. taking a walk before a game (as she will be sitting for hours, and 3. not eating too much. The Sicilian is Jennifer’s favorite opening. She likes classical chess vs speed chess. She describes herself as creative, and methodical in her chess moves.

Learn to Say No, Focus More - do not be so agreeable that your time is taken up with too many minor projects. A Mindset of Restraint.

Get a Coach or Mentor, what you study & how you study it is sometimes more important than the info learned – the process, use your time well to learn more in shorter time windows.

Jennifer is also an author, including 2 books on Chess –  Available at Amazon: HERE 

Shows Like This: https://brt-show.libsyn.com/category/Sports-Chess-Gambling-Games-Crime-Misc.

‘Best Of’ Topic: https://brt-show.libsyn.com/category/Best+of+BRT

Thanks for Listening.

Please Subscribe to the BRT Podcast. 

Business Roundtable with Matt Battaglia

The show where Entrepreneurs, High Level Executives, Business Owners, and Investors come to share insight and ideas about the future of business. BRT 2.0 looks at the new trends in business, and how classic industries are evolving. 

Common Topics Discussed: Business, Entrepreneurship, Investing, Stocks, Cannabis, Tech, Blockchain / Crypto, Real Estate, Legal, Sales, Charity, and more… 

BRT Podcast Home Page: https://brt-show.libsyn.com/

‘Best Of’ BRT Podcast: Click Here

BRT Podcast on Google: Click Here

BRT Podcast on Spotify: Click Here                   

More Info: https://www.economicknight.com/podcast-brt-home/

KFNX Info: https://1100kfnx.com/weekend-featured-shows/

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the Hosts, Guests and Speakers, and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of any entities they represent (or affiliates, members, managers, employees or partners), or any Station, Podcast Platform, Website or Social Media that this show may air on. All information provided is for educational and entertainment purposes. Nothing said on this program should be considered advice or recommendations in: business, legal, real estate, crypto, tax accounting, investment, etc. Always seek the advice of a professional in all business ventures, including but not limited to: investments, tax, loans, legal, accounting, real estate, crypto, contracts, sales, marketing, other business arrangements, etc.

Vehicle 2.0 – Tech Meets Transportation w/ Atlis Motors & TuSimple

- BRT S02 EP05 01-31-21 (52)

What We Learned This Week:

• Atlis Motors is an Energy Company - Apple of energy – vehicle is their ‘I-Pod’
• Revolutionizing the Electric Battery - Lithium, cobalt, copper w/ a Lifespan – 1 million miles or 10 years +
• AMV technology powers the XT pickup truck
• TuSimple AI Tech in Autonomous Trucks
• AI Tech with HD Mapping

Guests: Mark Hanchett CEO & Founder of Atlis Motor Vehicles

https://www.atlismotorvehicles.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-hanchett-amv

Mark Hanchett, CEO and Founder – started 2016, tech background, worked at Axon (Taser)

Per Mark - I believe that to change the world we need to build it ourselves. We cannot wait for the government to force it, and we cannot wait for big corporations to innovate. To make this world better, we need to develop the products, technologies, and solutions that make the current standard obsolete. I believe dedication to this is what makes great products and great people.

The future won’t be built by compromising today’s technological abilities. Built off of our three business units — Energy, XP Platform, and XT Pickup Truck- our vision at ATLIS is: to build the technology ecosystem that powers our lives.  

​

ATLIS is revolutionizing battery technology from the ground up and developing the AMV cell entirely in-house, reimagining what a work vehicle powered by our AMV technology should look like with the XT pickup truck. We are bringing the future standard of vehicle capabilities to alternative mobility markets such as box trucks and emergency vehicles with the XP Platform. All these capabilities disrupts and surpass the current standards of vehicle performance. 

Electric vehicles history, and the inspiration for Atlis Motors. Atlis is an energy company, the Apple of electric vehicles and the truck is their I-Pod. Electric trucks, engine battery, and battery design. Where (and how) is the battery produced?

Difference between electric car and hybrid like Prius. We dispel myth that Tesla is the only player in the industry.  Current state of the industry, plus what is the future of the industry – will all cars be hybrid or electric?

Notes:

Apple of work, energy – vehicle is their ‘I-Pod’

Utility, Commercial energy storage

Construction of battery w/ Lithium, cobalt, copper

Lifespan – 1 million miles or 10 years +

Dispose – energy storage or recycle

Internal combustion engine through heat. Electric car- battery cells. Hybrid

Electric vehicles history - Inspiration for Atlis Motors

Electric trucks, engines & battery + battery makeup

Difference between electric car and hybrid like Prius

Dispel myth that Tesla is the only player in the industry

Current state of the industry

What is the future of the industry – will all cars be hybrid or electric?

Robert Brown - Senior Director of External Affairs at TuSimple https://www.tusimple.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-brown-797085150/

TuSimple is an autonomous (driverless) truck company using AI software to control the truck with a driver riding in the cab. They are operational on a test basis from Az to Texas, and expect to be live in 2024. Robert talks about the technology of the AI trucks, safety protocol, and the process to get Gov’t agreement. Then he tells of the future of the truck market, truck driver employment.

About Robert Brown:

- Developed successful government and business development strategies - Led business and strategic partnerships for innovative tech - Managed legislative, media, and PR plans with fortune 500 - Excellent communication and leadership skills

Notes:

TuSimple - AI + Autonomous Vehicle, self driving autonomous (AI Tech) trucks

TuSimple - 60 Minutes. story in 2020 on their unique AI work

TuSimple Connect – tusimple.com – Level 4 technology

AFN (Auto Freight Network), AV 2.0

Test States – NM, AZ, TX,

HD Mapping – AV terminal, Uses camera system & 2 test drivers

TuSimple started in 2015, Testing in AZ out of the Tucson location with HQ in San Diego, CA  

Business Model / Partners like McClane Foods, Navistar, UPS Haul US Mail

Government regulations on safety 

2024 timelines – ETA to be active

Trucker employment and future – will not replace, but supplement. Need more drivers

Tu Simple – self driving autonomous (AI Tech) trucks

Tech Topic: 

https://brt-show.libsyn.com/category/Tech-Startup-VC-Cybersecurity-Energy-Science

Thanks for Listening

Please Subscribe

Business Roundtable with Matt Battaglia

The show where Entrepreneurs, High Level Executives, Business Owners, and Investors come to share insight and ideas about the future of business. BRT 2.0 looks at the new trends in business, and how classic industries are evolving. 

Common Topics Discussed: Business, Entrepreneurship, Investing, Stocks, Cannabis, Tech, Blockchain / Crypto, Real Estate, Legal, Sales, Charity, and more… 

BRT Podcast Home Page: https://brt-show.libsyn.com/

‘Best Of’ BRT Podcast: Click Here

BRT Podcast on Google: Click Here

BRT Podcast on Spotify: Click Here                   

More Info: https://www.economicknight.com/podcast-brt-home/

KFNX Info: https://1100kfnx.com/weekend-featured-shows/

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the Hosts, Guests and Speakers, and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of any entities they represent (or affiliates, members, managers, employees or partners), or any Station, Podcast Platform, Website or Social Media that this show may air on. All information provided is for educational and entertainment purposes. Nothing said on this program should be considered advice or recommendations in: business, legal, real estate, crypto, tax accounting, investment, etc. Always seek the advice of a professional in all business ventures, including but not limited to: investments, tax, loans, legal, accounting, real estate, crypto, contracts, sales, marketing, other business arrangements, etc.

Happy New Investing Year & Stocks w/ Robert Raeburn of Life Pro Asset Mgmt

- BRT S02 EP04 01-24-21 (51)

Things We Learned This Week:

• Robert’s Core Philosophy on Picking Stocks - good co's, that are growing, leadership position in industry, positive cash flow, good balance sheets, & low debt
• Diversification Myths - why you should hold 20 – 25 stocks in a portfolio to avoid concentration risk
• Issues with the S&P & Zombie Co. (Too Much Debt!!)
• Value Investing & PE Ratios vs Growth - how to evaluate
• Low Inflation – Fed inflating asset classes, keeps $ cheap
• Importance of picking Good Co's & thinking Long Term

Guest: Robert Raeburn VP Wealth Mgmt,  Life Pro Asset Mgmt

LPAM YouTube Channel: Here

Robert’s Weekly Insights - https://www.lifeproassetmanagement.com/insights

Robert’s core philosophy on picking stocks - good companies that are growing, leadership position in their industry, positive cash flow, good balance sheets, and low debt. Keep it simple and understand what you invest in. Zero to One (book) commentary of good business that execute at scale and reach customers efficiently.

Diversification myths, and why you should hold 20 – 25 stocks in a portfolio to avoid concentration risk. Robert tells of the issues with the S&P and its Zombie Co. problem.

Also, we review Value Investing and PE Ratios vs growth and how to evaluate. Then move on to the current Low Inflation – Fed inflating asset classes, keeping money cheap with high supply. Robert likes a stable environment with the economy plus a good credit market.

Notes

LPAM – Growth focused investors, grow client account value, pick stocks in multiple areas, not just growth stocks.

Lifepro asset management websites, also Weekly updates on YT channel.

Picks individual companies/stocks. Work to pick companies that are doing the disruption, 20-30 stocks, pick more than 30 & you are just diversifying your results, if pick less than 20, not enough balance. Could have individual stock risk.

- Good to have Stable economy and liquidity market, we want credit to be available.

- DC and Politics has little effect on markets. More emotion than substance.

- Fiscal and monetary policy can impact some sectors and industries. Example: energy. Often, assumptions on investing w/ politics / policy as guide are false.

- Closed based software, data, Human Genome are all areas that are growing and unlikely to be affected by Gov’t Policy.

GDP Outlook - Output Gap in economy, so inflation likely to be low in near term. Earnings are re-bounding, money is cheap and money supply is up. Asset prices inflated. Interest rates are low.

Stock Checklist - Good balance sheet, low risks, earnings, growth, secular growth, FCF, leaders in industry, low debt, stable economy and credit market, then L/T plan.

Keep it simple – go with the flow of market. Buy good companies. Robert does not short stocks or trade options.

Bull market – hard to make money shorting, market drag pulling most companies up, propelling some bad companies.

Under valued sectors – software, banks

Bubble sectors – EV and SPACs, cannabis

S&P Index Breakdown – S&P is top heavy, 30% in 6 companies – concentration risk.

Zombie companies – 15%. Value is eroding, too much debt, just paying debt service. Cost of debt greater than earnings.

Treading water – 30% of S&P Companies mediocre meandering along – little to no growth.

Good companies to invest in – 25% of S&P (100+ co’s)

Index is Inefficient – buying high and selling low. Ie: Tesla stock up 700% and then added to S&P.

Zero to One economy – winner take all. Tech companies and others that can scale grow and take market share, upwards 50% (30 P/E)

Every 1% ROI above Index, add years to retirement savings – 7 to 8% may not cut it. Recommended 4% per year, take out of retirement, earn 7%, fees if 1%, take out 4% = 2% growth.

Pick 25 companies/stocks – few miss and few outsized returns

Value Investing – Competitive Moat (leader in industry). Buy a business at a good price, idea of low P/E 7-12x may not be applicable anymore.

Microcap – smaller co’s, not as liquid, can have risk

Denver Nowicz of https://wealthforlife.net/

Denver is an advisor with nearly 20 years experience working with clients in investments and insurance, designing retirement plans with a combo of both. He takes us through different strategies for clients to get the best allocations for their money over the long term. It is the Combo Strategy of both Offense and Defense, the synergy of the mix, not ‘All or Nothing’.

Denver talks investing, and how he helps clients with their retirement. The importance of picking good companies, and thinking long term. How he and his team evaluate investments daily, very tactical to focus on growth.

Notes

Basics of Investing – simple rules: not investing in stock, but companies, 15 to 25 companies. Research each company and determine if you would own the biz vs invest in S&P 500, and not know 95% of companies invested in.

Peter Lynch – book, “One Up On Wallstreet” – Pick good companies you understand. Industries you work in and have insight into.

Buffet core tenet – focus on concentration, Punch-card with 20 punches, make them count.

500 companies in S&P,  hard to know 500 stocks.

Buffet – invest in index, if you don’t do the work. Diversification is what to do when you don’t know what to do.

Professional Money Managers – can’t know more than 20-30 companies, let alone 500. If you own more than 30, or own 100 – not going to outperform market. Its hard to have more than 20 good ideas, be judicious with picks.

- Buffet adjusted investment plan – stocks are 10 or 15% of Berkshire, started buying entire companies. That’s how Buffett diversified, gained more business income streams.

- LPAM more tech and growth than usual fund manager, traditional companies using tech to hold high position in their industry.

Conservative vs Aggressive is not the best way to pick investments.

Balanced Investment Strategy – have core needs covered, then can risk more. Never go to Vegas with scared money.

Hold good companies – they will recover quicker.

Segmented investment buckets – income needs and basics covered, then L/T investments.

Peter Lynch – Earnings and sales growth analysis, not as much on P/E, if company growing at 25%, then ok if P/E is 25.

- Look for competitive advantages, if growing. Is there more room for growth?

- Topline growth over dividends.

L/T Long Term – Hard to invest for 10 years + with disruption & shorter cycles of companies, not many 50 or 100 year old companies anymore, and companies that are 40 years old or more usually have long down periods, that could last 10 years (think Microsoft from 2001 – 2011, or Apple in 1990s).

Zombie Co’s w/ lots of debt, Debt keeps many bad companies going, so a company that goes on for years could just be muddling  along. Debt masks problems. Cheap can be cheap for a reason. Check balance sheet for debt.

Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Link to Taxes Show on 10/31/2021 w/ Denver: Here

Link to Offense / Defense Show on 6/6/2021 w/ Denver: Here

Link to Shows, Denver was a Guest: Here

Investing Topic: https://brt-show.libsyn.com/category/Investing-Stocks-Bonds-Retirement

More - BRT Best of: https://brt-show.libsyn.com/category/Best+of+BRT

Thanks for Listening.

Please Subscribe to the BRT Podcast. 

Business Roundtable with Matt Battaglia

The show where Entrepreneurs, High Level Executives, Business Owners, and Investors come to share insight and ideas about the future of business. BRT 2.0 looks at the new trends in business, and how classic industries are evolving. 

Common Topics Discussed: Business, Entrepreneurship, Investing, Stocks, Cannabis, Tech, Blockchain / Crypto, Real Estate, Legal, Sales, Charity, and more… 

BRT Podcast Home Page: https://brt-show.libsyn.com/

‘Best Of’ BRT Podcast: Click Here

BRT Podcast on Google: Click Here

BRT Podcast on Spotify: Click Here                   

More Info: https://www.economicknight.com/podcast-brt-home/

KFNX Info: https://1100kfnx.com/weekend-featured-shows/

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the Hosts, Guests and Speakers, and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of any entities they represent (or affiliates, members, managers, employees or partners), or any Station, Podcast Platform, Website or Social Media that this show may air on. All information provided is for educational and entertainment purposes. Nothing said on this program should be considered advice or recommendations in: business, legal, real estate, crypto, tax accounting, investment, etc. Always seek the advice of a professional in all business ventures, including but not limited to: investments, tax, loans, legal, accounting, real estate, crypto, contracts, sales, marketing, other business arrangements, etc.