Builders Live

How does building an entrepreneurship ecosystem look different in small states compared to large ones? Does a small state's size allow for faster innovation, or does it limit scale?

Technical.ly CEO and cofounder Chris Wink is joined by Delaware Governor Matt Meyer for a conversation about The First State's entrepreneurship strategy and lessons for economic development in communities of all sizes.

Recorded February 11, 2026.

What is the current state of blockchain beyond the hype? Where is it actually working today, and where is it still falling short?

Technical.ly CEO and cofounder Chris Wink is joined by Karla Ballard of HUMN for a conversation about how blockchain can provide real-world value outside of speculation, what critics get right, and where they’re missing the point.

Recorded February 4, 2026.

With 2026 marking the US Semiquincentennial, what does this anniversary mean for entrepreneurship? Does this milestone matter, and how can ecosystem leaders around the country use it to refocus on enabling the American Dream?

Builders Live co-hosts Victor Hwang of Right to Start, Brian Brackeen of Lightship Capital, Rae'Mah Henderson of Techstars and Technical.ly cofounder and CEO Chris Wink discuss the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States and how entrepreneurs and ecosystem builders can take this opportunity to gain momentum.

Recorded January 28, 2026.

What does 2026 have in store for entrepreneur ecosystems around the US?

Technical.ly CEO and cofounder Chris Wink is joined by Sherrod Davis of EcoMap for a conversation about trends and lessons from 2025 and predictions for the new year, informed by Technical.ly's newly updated Innovation Ecosystems Map.

Recorded January 8, 2026.

Looking back on the year, what is the story of ecosystem building from 2025? What worked and what are the lessons for 2026?

Builders Live co-hosts Victor Hwang of Right to Start, Brian Brackeen of Lightship Capital, Rae'Mah Henderson of Techstars and Technical.ly cofounder and CEO Chris Wink discuss the year in entrepreneur-led, place-based economic development across the country, and dive into highlights, takeaways and reactions.

Recorded December 17, 2025.

Many founders would not have become successful without the support of other experienced founders, but are current entrepreneurs still interested in fueling the generation that follows them? How has founder behavior changed when it comes to mentoring, angel investing or staying connected locally?

Technical.ly CEO and cofounder Chris Wink is joined by Chris Heivly of Build the Fort for a conversation about the role of giving back in maintaining a healthy entrepreneurial ecosystem and the moral, economic and practical case for paying it forward.

Recorded December 10, 2025.

Healthcare and life sciences are more highly regulated than other industries, and navigating that complex landscape can pose unique challenges for entrepreneurs and investors.

Technical.ly CEO and cofounder Chris Wink is joined by Kathie Jordan of Ben Franklin Technology Partners for a conversation about how founding and investing in healthcare companies differs from other businesses, the tension between financial outcomes and health outcomes, and the industry's impact on the local economies.

Recorded December 3, 2025.

Builders Live co-hosts Victor Hwang of Right to Start, Brian Brackeen of Lightship Capital, Rae'Mah Henderson of Techstars and Technical.ly cofounder and CEO Chris Wink discuss how artificial intelligence intersects with entrepreneurship — especially at the local and regional ecosystem level — and whether AI will empower a new generation of entrepreneurs or reinforce incumbent advantages.

Recorded November 26, 2025.

The Nasdaq Entrepreneurial Center just released its 2025 Advancing Regional Innovation Economies report, examining how policy, practice and markets expand access to venture capital and growth finance for entrepreneurs from emerging markets.

Technical.ly CEO and cofounder Chris Wink is joined by Nicola Corzine of the NEC for a conversation about takeaways from the report and what entrepreneurs, policymakers and economic development leaders should know about evaluating their ecosystems.

See the full report here: https://nasdaqcenter.org/arie/

Recorded November 19, 2025.

Universities have long been involved in translating research into products and companies, and that's become a large part of regional innovation ecosystems. But what can schools do better to more effectively bring discoveries to market?

Technical.ly editorial director Danya Henninger is joined by Ben Dibling of the Penn Center for Innovation and Karina Sotnik of WorldUpstart for a conversation about how tech transfer has evolved over the past few decades and the impact it has on entrepreneurship and local economies.

Recorded November 5, 2025.