Ramya Swaminathan brings 30+ years of electricity infrastructure experience to this conversation about spinning companies out of corporate environments, navigating strategic pivots, and the transformative moment facing the energy grid. From growing up with unreliable infrastructure in India and the Philippines to leading Malta Inc. out of Alphabet's Moonshot Factory (Google X), Ramya shares hard-won lessons about commercializing deep tech in capital-intensive industries. 

An active supporter of the energy infrastructure innovation ecosystem, she previously served as Executive-in-Residence at Engine Ventures and currently sits on the boards of Vema Hydrogen and Resources for the Future. Her non-traditional path through anthropology, public policy, and investment banking provides a masterclass in translation between technical teams, policymakers, and institutional investors. Essential listening for founders in hard tech, climate, and infrastructure sectors seeking practical guidance on pivots, fundraising, and building conviction around emerging technologies.

Chapters:

[00:00:00] Opening: The Power of Pivots 
[00:02:38] From CEO to Entrepreneur in Residence 
[00:06:06] Growing Up with Fragile Infrastructure 
[00:13:21] Anthropology, Policy, and Learning to Learn 
[00:18:02] Participant Observation in Business 
[00:31:45] The First Pivot: Hydrokinetics to Low-Head Hydro 
[00:40:21] When to Pivot and Why We Resist 
[00:46:00] Spinning Out of Google X 
[00:58:27] Raising Capital for Hard Tech 
[01:06:13] The Malta Pivot: 10MW to 100MW 
[01:14:06] The Future Grid and Innovation Urgency 
[01:19:13] Teaching Sunday School 
[01:21:59] Connect with Ramya

Key Takeaways:

1. Pivot sooner than comfortable. "There is no pivot that I have made in a company that I shouldn't have made sooner." Founders often recognize the need for change but resist due to emotional attachment.
2. Good technologies do not guarantee commercialization. Success requires understanding codes and standards, commercial instruments, customer adoption pathways, and balance sheet requirements beyond the technology itself.
3. Capital raising is not outsourceable. Hard tech CEOs must personally articulate pain, why now, and solution to institutional investors. Conviction plus a plan are both required.
4. Infrastructure innovation requires translation skills. Bridging engineers, policymakers, investors, and communities is as critical as technical excellence.
5. The electricity grid faces unprecedented transformation. Load growth from AI and electrification creates urgency that opens doors for innovation previously closed by institutional inertia.

Notable Quotes:

[00:41:20] "I think there is no pivot that I have made in a company that I shouldn't have made sooner." - Ramya Swaminathan

[01:01:32] "The ability to raise capital is kind of the core competence of a CEO in clean tech because it's necessary, it's hard, and it's not outsourceable." - Ramya Swaminathan

[01:03:10] "There are many more good technologies than get commercialized, and it's for all kinds of reasons." - Ramya Swaminathan

[00:44:00] "The wrong decision is not to do anything. Or to think about it or to sit." - Ilya Tabakh

[01:05:58] "Good judgment came from having had bad judgment in the past." - Ramya Swaminathan

Organizations & Resources Mentioned:

• Engine Ventures: https://www.engine.xyz
• Malta Inc.: https://www.maltainc.com
• X (Alphabet's Moonshot Factory): https://x.company
• Breakthrough Energy Ventures: https://www.breakthroughenergy.org
• Rye Development: https://www.ryedevelopment.com
• U.S. Department of Energy Electricity Advisory Committee
• U.S. Department of Commerce REEEAC

🔗 Connect with Ramya Swaminathan:
▪️ LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ramyaxswaminathan 

🔗 Connect with EIR Live
▪️ Terrance Orr on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/terranceorr
▪️ Ilya Tabakh on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ilyatabakh
▪️ Website: eir.live
▪️ LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/eirlive
▪️ YouTube: youtube.com/@EIRLive
▪️ X/Twitter: twitter.com/EIRLive_show
▪️ Suggest Guest

🎧 Listen to the Episode:
▪️ YouTube: https://youtu.be/7PyDHvcIuXs
▪️ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/eir-live/id1767045066
▪️ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2TBj8ZLbHQMnaeK6dOh23P
▪️ All Platforms: https://podcast.eir.live

Subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts and join us as we explore the real stories behind entrepreneurship in residence!

• (00:00) - Opening: The Power of Pivots

In this episode of EIR Live, hosts Ilya Tabakh and Terrance Orr sit down with Victor Muchiri, a construction technology and fintech professional who served as one of the rare Entrepreneurs in Residence in the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industry at Barton Malow.

Victor shares his remarkable journey from his childhood in Kenya and South Africa, through his immigration to the United States, to building a diverse career spanning construction engineering, fintech at Upstart, venture capital at Nationwide Insurance, and corporate innovation. The conversation explores what it takes to create your own EIR role, the critical importance of change management in traditional industries, and how immigrant adaptability can fuel entrepreneurial success.

Whether you're an aspiring EIR, a corporate leader considering innovation programs, or a professional navigating career pivots, this episode delivers actionable insights on betting on yourself and building bridges across professional worlds.

Chapters

[00:00:00] Cold Open: The Rorschach Test of Perspectives

[00:00:49] Welcome to EIR Live

[00:01:27] Introduction: Finding the Rare AEC EIR

[00:02:45] Victor's Background: Kenya to Ohio

[00:06:22] Early Career in Construction at Turner

[00:09:55] Taking the Leap: COVID and Joining Upstart

[00:14:20] Exploring Venture Creation at High Alpha

[00:17:43] Return to Fintech: Navigating Triple-Sided Marketplaces

[00:21:59] Sitting at the Interface of Disciplines

[00:26:22] Breaking into Venture Capital at Nationwide

[00:30:17] CVC vs Traditional VC Explained

[00:33:07] Landing the EIR Role at Barton Malow

[00:35:36] EIR Roles Are Created, Not Applied For

[00:41:07] Advice for Leaders Starting EIR Programs

[00:47:20] Safety and Culture in Construction Innovation

[00:51:34] From EIR to Strategy: Building on Relationships

[00:54:15] Personal Passions: The Orphanage in Kenya

[00:55:49] How to Connect with Victor

[00:57:13] Host Reflections and Takeaways

Key Takeaways

1. EIR roles are created, not applied for. Victor crafted his own position by writing a memo to Barton Malow executives outlining his value proposition. Most successful EIRs propose roles rather than finding job postings.
2. Change management comes before innovation. Before introducing new technologies or processes, EIRs must build relationships, gain alignment, and manage expectations. Without this foundation, even great ideas will fail to gain adoption.
3. Understanding diverse stakeholder perspectives is a superpower. Victor's experience navigating Upstart's triple-sided marketplace taught him that the same information looks completely different to different parties. Successful EIRs translate across these worldviews.
4. Curiosity and honest self-assessment drive career success. Victor recognized early that he wasn't destined to be a traditional superintendent and instead leaned into his analytical strengths across multiple industries.
5. Organizations must commit resources and align incentives. Leaders considering EIR programs should assess cultural readiness, commit real company resources (not just budget), define timelines, and offer entrepreneurial incentives that match the risk being asked of the EIR.

Notable Quotes

1. "It's a bit of a Rorschach test... we're both looking at the same thing... you see a bunny and I see something else. I see a duck." [00:22:34] Victor Muchiri on how different stakeholders interpret the same information
2. "EIR roles, you really can't apply for them... they are really created." [00:35:36] Terrance Orr on the reality of landing EIR positions
3. "You should find work that feels like fun. And for me, that felt like fun." [00:28:15] Victor Muchiri on pursuing curiosity-driven career choices
4. "Moving fast and breaking things when there is I-beams flying around is not acceptable." [00:47:20] Ilya Tabakh on respecting safety culture in construction innovation
5. "A lot of the early work has to be change management. You have to manage expectations. You have to manage relationships. You have to get alignment." [00:48:58] Victor Muchiri on the real work of corporate innovation

Organizations & Resources Mentioned

• Barton Malow - National construction company where Victor served as EIR and Strategy Manager
• Turner Construction - Largest general contractor in the U.S. where Victor worked early in his career
• Upstart - AI-powered lending platform where Victor worked through their IPO
• High Alpha Innovation - Venture studio focused on building advantaged startups for corporations
• Nationwide Ventures - Corporate venture capital arm of Nationwide Insurance
• BuildVision - Construction technology company where Victor currently works
• Primary Venture Partners - NYC-based early stage venture firm where Victor serves as Expert
• The Ohio State University - Where Victor earned his degree in Construction Management
• Plot - Construction tech company Victor supported at High Alpha

🔗 Connect with Victor Muchiri

▪️    LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/victor-muchiri

▪️    X/Twitter: @Vic_Muchiri

🔗 Connect with EIR Live
▪️ Terrance Orr on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/terranceorr
▪️ Ilya Tabakh on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ilyatabakh
▪️ Website: eir.live
▪️ LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/eirlive
▪️ YouTube: youtube.com/@EIRLive
▪️ X/Twitter: twitter.com/EIRLive_show
▪️ Suggest Guest

Subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts and join us as we explore the real stories behind entrepreneurship in residence!

• (00:00) - Cold Open: The Rorschach Test of Perspectives

Join us for an extraordinary conversation with Peter Winton, an Entrepreneur-in-Residence at the University of Nottingham and member of the Royal Society's Industry College. With over 50 years spanning Ford Motor Company, 22 years at Rolls-Royce, and six years supporting academic spin-outs, Peter shares his unconventional journey from apprentice engineer to master translator between academic research and commercial opportunity.

Peter's career philosophy challenges conventional wisdom: choosing breadth over hierarchical advancement, embracing strategic quits as career-defining moments, and recognizing that "the only difference between a rut and a grave is the depth." In this episode, Peter delivers masterclasses in translation, revealing how to transform impenetrable scientific abstracts into compelling business value propositions. He explains why academic competition happens "with the guy in the office next door," why EIR engagements require minimum three-year commitments, and why "I don't know" are the three most powerful words in any language.

Whether you're an aspiring EIR, university administrator, corporate innovation leader, or anyone interested in technology commercialization, Peter's insights will transform how you think about bridging academic and industrial worlds.

Chapters
[00:00:00] The Power of I Don't Know
[00:01:22] Welcome to EIR Live
[00:02:33] Peter's Early Career at Ford Motor Company
[00:04:53] Moving to Desoutter and Learning Business
[00:09:04] Strategic Quits and Career Lessons
[00:10:08] Landing at Rolls-Royce
[00:12:04] Breadth Over Height: The Career Philosophy
[00:15:10] Understanding How Things Work
[00:17:42] The EIR Pattern: Diverse Experiences
[00:19:47] The Most Powerful Three Words
[00:21:53] Managing University Technology Centres
[00:25:17] The UTC Business Model
[00:28:10] Academic vs Industrial Competition
[00:33:27] Discovering the EIR Role
[00:36:20] Kate's Suggestion: You're Going to Be One
[00:38:53] IP Experience and Patent Strategy
[00:45:49] IQ Explore and Market Validation
[00:50:33] The Sintam Spin-Out Success Story
[00:54:37] Why Two Years Isn't Enough
[00:56:42] Universities and Fear of Failure
[00:59:05] The Funding Timeline Problem
[01:02:48] What Keeps Peter Engaged
[01:04:25] Translation Masterclass: Biomaterials
[01:07:44] The Eye Drops Elevator Pitch
[01:10:11] Research Excellence Framework
[01:13:31] Where to Find Peter's Work
[01:14:51] Advice for Aspiring EIRs
[01:17:38] How the EIR Network Can Help
[01:20:12] Host Reflections on the Episode

Key Takeaways

1. Choose Breadth Over Height: Building horizontal expertise across functions creates unique pattern recognition abilities invaluable for EIR roles. "The only difference between a rut and a grave is the depth."

2. Master Translation: The critical EIR skill is converting technical language into business value. Academics talk science; business talks benefits. Bridge that gap to accelerate commercialization.

3. Understand Academic Incentives: In academia, "the professor's competitor was the guy in the office next door," not rival universities. Understanding this changes everything about supporting faculty.

4. EIR Roles Need Three Years: Meaningful technology transfer impact requires sustained engagement. Most valuable outcomes emerge in year three, finishing initiatives started in year one.

5. "I Don't Know" is a Superpower: Combined with knowing how to find answers, intellectual honesty about knowledge gaps builds trust and enables effective problem-solving.

Notable Quotes

[00:00:19] Peter Winton:
 "The most powerful three words in the English language were I don't know. I had the courage to say, I don't know. But I could then go off somewhere and find out."

[00:12:32] Peter Winton:
 "The only difference between a rut and a grave is the depth. If you don't want to be in a rut and height's not your thing, then the only dimension left is breadth."

[00:28:55] Peter Winton:
 "In Rolls-Royce, our principal competitor was General Electric. What I came to realize was in academia, the professor's competitor was the guy in the office next door."

[00:58:41] Peter Winton:
 "95% of startups fail. So what makes you think universities can have a better track record? And what makes you afraid of actually matching the existing track record of the world?"

[01:07:10] Peter Winton:
 "One of the reasons that academics find it difficult to get things out there is that they talk science, and business talks benefits."

Organizations & Resources Mentioned

Royal Society Industry Fellowship - One of the world's oldest scientific academies offering the Industrial Fellowship scheme
https://royalsociety.org/grants/industry-fellowships/

University of Nottingham - Peter's host institution with 38 active spin-outs and only 3 failures since 2005
https://www.nottingham.ac.uk/

Nottingham Technology Ventures - University company managing spin-outs
https://www.nottinghamtechventures.com/

Innovate UK - UK government innovation agency funding IQ Explore program
https://www.ukri.org/councils/innovate-uk/

IQ Explore Program - Three-month market validation before company formation
https://iuk.ktn-uk.org/programme/icure/

Research Excellence Framework - UK research impact assessment
https://www.ref.ac.uk/

 🔗 Connect with Peter Winton

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-winton-11b06128
University Spin-Outs: Nottingham Technology Ventures

🔗 Connect with EIR Live

▪️ Terrance Orr on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/terranceorr
▪️ Ilya Tabakh on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ilyatabakh
▪️ Website: eir.live
▪️ LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/eirlive
▪️ YouTube: youtube.com/@EIRLive
▪️ X/Twitter: twitter.com/EIRLive_show
▪️ Suggest Guest

Subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts and join us as we explore the real stories behind entrepreneurship in residence!

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Adam Tank, co-founder and CCO of Transcend, a Series B infrastructure technology company revolutionizing how critical infrastructure is designed. From his unexpected journey starting as a microbiology student who won pitch competitions without business knowledge, to working at General Electric and founding a robotics startup that was successfully acquired, Adam shares invaluable insights on building mission-driven companies that create measurable social impact. With Transcend's software already affecting over 400 million people globally, Adam discusses the art of "collecting dots before connecting them," the reality of scaling from founder mode to operational excellence, and why infrastructure innovation represents one of the greatest opportunities of our generation.

Chapters

[00:00:00] Guest Introduction & Serendipitous Connection Story 
[00:04:04] Early Life: From Microscopes to Medical School Dreams 
[00:05:04] First Entrepreneurial Win: The Papa John's Pizza Competition 
[00:08:03] MBA & Second Competition Victory: Airbnb for Business Travelers 
[00:11:44] Collecting Dots Before Connecting Dots 
[00:17:31] Mexico Volunteering & Life Perspective 
[00:21:44] GE Water: Entering the Water Industry 
[00:26:00] The Digital Water Revolution & 30% Water Loss Crisis 
[00:29:00] From GE Ventures to Founding Industrial Optic (Robotics) 
[00:31:30] Suez Experience & Corporate vs Startup Reality 
[00:36:00] Building Transcend: Mission-Driven Infrastructure Innovation 
[00:41:00] Scaling Challenges: Series A to Series B Transition 
[00:46:00] Infrastructure as Opportunity: The Unsexy Gold Mine 
[00:49:40] Corporate Innovation vs Startup Execution 
[00:52:00] War Wounds: California Tax Story & Resilience 
[00:54:00] Vision for the Future: Designing Cities from Scratch 
[00:56:00] Personal Life: Foster Parenting & Work-Life Integration 
[00:58:00] Final Reflections & How to Connect

Key Takeaways

1. Collect dots before connecting them: Diverse experiences that seem unrelated often converge to create unique entrepreneurial capabilities. Actively seek experiences outside your comfort zone.
2. Mission drives resilience: Having a clear purpose and measurable impact (Transcend tracks helping 400M+ people) provides stability during the inevitable volatility of entrepreneurship.
3. Scale requires different skills: The transition from "just get shit done" founder mode to building systems and processes is necessary but challenging. Know when to ask "Who can do this?" instead of "How do I do this?"
4. Infrastructure presents massive opportunity: With U.S. water infrastructure rated D and 30% of treated water lost, there's tremendous potential for innovation in "unsexy" but critical sectors.
5. Bridge corporate and startup worlds: Both environments have misconceptions about each other. Success comes from recognizing complementary capabilities and building mutual respect.

Notable Quotes

[00:00:14] Adam Tank: "You have to collect the dots before you can connect the dots. You have to have all of these experiences and only in hindsight can you actually connect them and make sense."

[00:18:00] Adam Tank: "Happiness and fulfillment have very little to do with your job title or how much money you make. Really, the things that are most important are your health, the health of your friends and family, that you have people that love you."

[00:36:00] Adam Tank: "My mindset is just get shit done. You might piss some people off along the way... but you just need to get it done. And that's not our company anymore."

[00:39:00] Adam Tank: "Every time someone runs a design using our software, we know that there is a percentage likelihood that someone in the world is going to get access to clean water or renewable power because of it."

[00:52:00] Adam Tank: "The things that you think you need to worry about inevitably never come to fruition, and the stuff that you're not worried about does."

Organizations & Resources Mentioned

• Transcend Software: Infrastructure design platform (https://transcendinfra.com)
• General Electric (GE): Water division, GE Ventures, ECLP rotational program
• General Mills: Quality engineering and food safety
• Suez: French water and infrastructure company - https://www.suez.com/en/north-america
• Industrial Optic: Adam's robotics startup (acquired by Mueller Water Technologies)
• Kansas State University: Bachelor's in Microbiology
• University of Arizona: MBA in Marketing & Entrepreneurship
• Book: "Who Not How" by Dan Sullivan and Benjamin Hardy - https://whonothow.com/
• David Perel: Writing expert referenced for "collect the dots" concept - https://x.com/david_perell/status/1765416669948637399
• American Society of Civil Engineers: Infrastructure Report Card - https://infrastructurereportcard.org/
• Ralph Exton: Adam's mentor at GE Water - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ralpherikexton/

🔗 Connect with Adam Tank

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamtank/
• Website: https://adamtank.com
• Company: https://transcendinfra.com

🔗 Connect with EIR Live
▪️ Terrance Orr on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/terranceorr
▪️ Ilya Tabakh on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ilyatabakh
▪️ Website: eir.live
▪️ LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/eirlive
▪️ YouTube: youtube.com/@EIRLive
▪️ X/Twitter: twitter.com/EIRLive_show
▪️ Suggest Guest

• (00:00) - Guest Introduction & Serendipitous Connection Story

In this episode of EIR Live, hosts Ilya Tabakh and Terrance Orr sit down with Mia Bennett, a serial entrepreneur turned EIR enabler who has transformed from management consultant to venture builder to leading 120+ entrepreneurs at Oneday. With over 25 years of experience spanning corporate innovation at Citi Ventures and PwC, impact entrepreneurship at Zinc VC, and building 40+ products across multiple startups, Mia shares her unique journey through the evolving landscape of entrepreneurship in residence roles. She reveals how a 4 AM cold email changed her career trajectory, why relationships are 15-year investments, and how she's revolutionizing entrepreneurship education by making it accessible to everyone—from medical doctors to people who never touched a college campus. This episode is essential listening for anyone interested in corporate innovation, venture building, or understanding how diverse perspectives create entrepreneurial magic.

Chapters

[00:00:00] Cold Open - The 4 AM Email That Changed Everything
[00:01:25] Episode Introduction
[00:01:35] Guest Introduction & Background
[00:03:19] From Consultant to Entrepreneur - Making the Jump
[00:07:04] Management Consulting Lessons - Relationships Matter
[00:14:56] Building an Agency - 30 Failed Proposals to Success
[00:24:08] First EIR Role at Citi Ventures
[00:29:29] Impact Entrepreneurship at Zinc VC
[00:46:34] Joining Oneday - From 2 Hours to Head of Faculty
[00:53:08] Building a Network of 120+ EIRs
[00:58:15] The Power of Diverse Networks
[01:02:35] Long-term Relationships & 15-Year Connections
[01:06:32] Call to Action & Connect with Mia
[01:07:27] Hidden Talent - Spanish Property Development
[01:10:27] Host Reflection - The Onion Episode

Key Takeaways

1. EIR roles find you, you don't find them - These positions are typically created specifically for individuals based on their unique skills and network, not posted as traditional job openings.
2. Relationships are decades-long investments - Mia's first employee from 15 years ago is now a founder she works with again, demonstrating the compound value of professional relationships.
3. Diversity is a superpower in entrepreneurship - Oneday's cohorts include everyone from medical doctors to people without degrees, creating an environment where everyone gets humbled and learns.
4. Impact ventures require more patience than commercial ones - Social entrepreneurship needs longer timelines and government support, but persistence eventually pays off.
5. Speed and partnerships beat traditional RFPs for small players - After 30 failed proposals, one creative partnership transformed Mia's struggling agency into a success.

Notable Quotes

[00:03:35] Mia Bennett: "I ended up in a role that I absolutely loved, great team, great projects. And I felt if I don't make the jump, I will never leave."

[00:17:10] Mia Bennett: "After we did about 30 [proposals], I didn't get anything. I was like, that's it. I am NOT doing any more proposals."

[00:41:46] Terrance Orr: "Usually your EIR role is created for you or it finds you. You don't find it."

[00:40:27] Ilya Tabakh: "This is sort of the concept of the ten or fifteen year overnight success... the story you get directly and what could have gone wrong, how high were the highs, how low were the lows is completely different than the TechCrunch article."

[01:03:22] Mia Bennett: "A lot of these relationships last... my very first employee when I was at the agency, fast forward fifteen years, he's a founder of a really interesting Microsoft. I'm now working with him again."

Organizations & Resources Mentioned

• Oneday - Entrepreneurship MBA program (https://www.oneday.org/)
• Citi Ventures - Corporate innovation arm of Citigroup
• D10X - Citi Ventures' incubator program
• Zinc VC - Impact-focused venture builder (https://www.zinc.vc/)
• PwC - Professional services firm where Mia built emerging tech practice
• IBM - Where Mia received initial consulting training
• Mach49 - Venture building firm mentioned by Terrance
• SAP.iO - SAP's venture studio program
• EMC - IT infrastructure company where Terrance received sales training
• Book: "This Diary Will Change Your Life" by Benrik
• Book: "The Almanac of Naval Ravikant" - Mentioned by Ilya

🔗 Connect with Mia Bennett

▪️ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/miabennett
▪️ Twitter/X: https://x.com/miaotsoa

🔗 Connect with EIR Live:
▪️ Terrance Orr on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/terranceorr
▪️ Ilya Tabakh on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ilyatabakh
▪️ Website: eir.live
▪️ LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/eirlive
▪️ YouTube: youtube.com/@EIRLive
▪️ X/Twitter: twitter.com/EIRLive_show
▪️ Suggest Guest

• (00:00) - Cold Open - The 4 AM Email That Changed Everything

In this engaging episode of EIR Live, Rachel Burton, an accomplished entrepreneur, innovator, and biofuels expert, shares her remarkable journey from mechanic to leading authority in bioenergy and innovation. Rachel discusses how her unconventional path—starting with agriculture and mechanics—led to founding Piedmont Biofuels, pioneering sustainability initiatives, and later influencing global bioenergy commercialization strategies at Novozymes. With vivid anecdotes, Rachel emphasizes the importance of risk-taking, problem-solving through innovation, and the essential role of water infrastructure in industrial processes. Entrepreneurs, innovators, and educators will find her insights invaluable as she navigates from hands-on problem-solving to strategic innovation roles within large corporations and academia. This conversation underscores the power of charting one's own path and embracing the unexpected opportunities that arise along the entrepreneurial journey.

Chapters:

• [00:00:00] Introduction & Key Takeaways Preview
• [00:07:29] Guest Introduction & Networking Connections
• [00:08:45] Rachel's Accidental Entry into Entrepreneurship
• [00:13:37] From Transmission Repair to Trade School
• [00:17:11] The Early Biofuels Industry Landscape
• [00:21:14] Scaling from Pilot to Commercial Production
• [00:25:00] Innovation Born from Water Infrastructure Challenges
• [00:29:08] Transition to Novozymes & Corporate Culture Shock
• [00:32:47] Pace Differences: Startup vs. Corporate
• [00:36:23] Becoming an EIR at UNC Chapel Hill
• [00:39:24] The Role of Connective Tissue in Innovation
• [00:43:50] Academic vs. Commercial Incentive Alignment
• [00:46:47] North Carolina's Collaborative Ecosystem
• [00:51:11] Evolution of the EIR Role & Venture Studios
• [00:54:12] Teaching Entrepreneurship with AI Tools
• [00:56:51] Dream EIR Opportunities in AgTech & Biotech
• [00:58:32] Reshaping the PhD Experience for Innovation
• [01:02:16] Building a Home Lab During COVID
• [01:04:55] Connecting with Rachel & Closing Thoughts

Key Takeaways:

• Innovation often arises from necessity—embrace problems as opportunities.
• Taking unconventional paths can lead to pioneering opportunities in emerging sectors.
• Collaboration between academia, industry, and entrepreneurship fosters robust innovation ecosystems.
• Effective entrepreneurs navigate both startup and corporate cultures adeptly.
• Venture studios provide critical support for deep-tech startups, significantly accelerating innovation and commercialization.

Notable Quotes:

"If you're a startup founder, you don't really know any other pace." [00:00:51] – Rachel Burton

"Necessity is my favorite driver for innovation." [00:28:40] – Ilya Tabakh

"There's something special about North Carolina as a state where they want to work with each other." [00:46:47] – Terrance Orr

"Farmers in many countries are natural innovators because necessity being the mother of invention." [01:04:03] – Rachel Burton

Organizations & Resources Mentioned:

• Piedmont Biofuels - https://x.com/piedmontbiofuel
• Novozymes (now Novonesis) - https://www.novozymes.com/en
• Activate Fellows - https://www.activate.org/
• Flagship Pioneering - https://www.flagshippioneering.com/
• ProcessWerx - https://processwerx.com/

North Carolina Ecosystem Resources:

• Research Triangle Park (RTP) - https://www.rtp.org/
• UNC Kickstart Venture Services - https://innovate.unc.edu/startup-accelerators-and-venture-services/kickstart-venture-services/
• NC IDEA - https://ncidea.org/
• North Carolina Center for Entrepreneurial Development (CED) - https://cednc.org/
• University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill - https://www.unc.edu/
• Duke University - https://duke.edu/
• NC State University - https://www.ncsu.edu/
• Small Business & Technology Development Center (SBTDC) - https://www.ncsbc.net/

Connect with Rachel Burton:

• LinkedIn

Connect with EIR Live:

• Terrance Orr on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/terranceorr
• Ilya Tabakh on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ilyatabakh
• Website: eir.live
• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/eirlive
• YouTube: youtube.com/@EIRLive
• Twitter: twitter.com/EIRLive_show
• Suggest Guest

• (00:00) - Introduction & Key Takeaways Preview

Meet Sam Arbesman, Lux Capital's pioneering Scientist in Residence who has spent over a decade redefining what it means to be "in residence" at a venture capital firm. With a PhD in computational biology and a background spanning complex systems and network science, Sam represents a new breed of venture capitalist—one who follows curiosity rather than convention. In this fascinating conversation, Sam shares his journey from "Little Sam" in Buffalo tinkering with Commodore computers to becoming the connective tissue between cutting-edge science and frontier technology investments. Learn how his grandfather's science fiction collection shaped his worldview, why being a "weirdo" in organizations is valuable, and how he uses an undirected, curiosity-driven approach to identify breakthrough opportunities. Don't miss his upcoming book "The Magic of Code" releasing June 10th.

Chapters 
[00:00:00] Cold Open - "Send Me Your Weirdos" 
[00:00:41] Introduction - First Scientist in Residence 
[00:02:08] Little Sam's Origins - Grandfather's Influence & Science Fiction 
[00:03:36] Early Technology Exposure - Commodore VIC-20 
[00:05:32] Internet Access & Academic Journey 
[00:07:24] Complex Systems & Interdisciplinary Fellowship 
[00:08:38] Pursuing the "Weird Thing" - Dissertation Without Biology 
[00:15:10] Curiosity-Driven Exploration & Library Adventures 
[00:17:58] Writing for Popular Audiences - The Half-Life of Facts 
[00:21:23] Leaving Academia 
[00:25:09] Becoming Scientist in Residence at Lux Capital 
[00:30:53] Day-to-Day Role - Surveying Science & Technology 
[00:33:41] Upstream vs Downstream Investment Work 
[00:37:24] Outlier Roles in Organizations 
[00:39:48] Hedgehogs vs Foxes - Different Thinking Styles 
[00:43:26] Evaluating Ideas - Following Excitement 
[00:46:46] Dark Night of the Soul - Career Transition 
[00:51:51] Creating Outlier Roles 
[00:55:18] Networks Beat Knowledge in Venture Capital 
[00:56:52] Science Fiction Authors & Startups 
[00:59:12] Advice for GPs - Finding Your Own Weirdos 
[01:02:11] The Magic of Code - June 10th Release 
[01:06:32] Book Recommendations 
[01:10:50] Post-Episode Reflection

Key Takeaways

1. Embrace Being the "Weirdo" [00:37:24] - Organizations need outlier roles filled by people who don't fit traditional categories. These boundary-spanners identify opportunities specialists miss.
2. Follow Curiosity, Not Systems [00:37:24] - In high-dimensional search spaces, undirected exploration focused on "interestingness" yields better results than systematic approaches.
3. Networks Trump Knowledge [00:55:18] - The breadth and depth of your network across different domains provides more value in venture capital than deep expertise alone.
4. Create Your Own Role [00:50:24] - Non-traditional positions rarely have job postings. You must proactively craft these opportunities with organizations that understand their value.
5. Think Like a Fox [00:39:48] - In rapidly changing environments, generalists who connect insights across domains outperform specialists focused on one area.

Notable Quotes
[00:49:28] "I've become this weird, hyper generalist that is so far removed from any specific expertise that I no longer have any value to any organization." - Sam Arbesman

[00:56:43] "The real coin of the realm in venture is the depth and breadth of your network." - Sam Arbesman

[00:37:37] "If everyone becomes so busy and specialized that they don't have bandwidth for exploration, the organization might not be as resilient." - Sam Arbesman

[01:07:04] "Send me your weirdos, like just interesting people, interesting ideas, things that don't fit. This is my catnip." - Sam Arbesman

Resources Mentioned

• Lux Capital: https://www.luxcapital.com/
• Kauffman Foundation: https://www.kauffman.org/
• Santa Fe Institute: https://www.santafe.edu/
• The Half-Life of Facts by Samuel Arbesman
• Overcomplicated by Samuel Arbesman
• The Magic of Code (June 10)
• Why Greatness Cannot Be Planned by Kenneth Stanley & Joel Lehman
• Inventing the Renaissance by Ada Palmer
• The Baroque Cycle by Neal Stephenson
• Idea Machines podcast by Ben Reinhart

Connect with Sam Arbesman:

• Website
• LinkedIn
• Newsletter: The Cabinet of Wonders
• Podcast: The Orthogonal Bet

Connect with EIR Live:

• Terrance Orr on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/terranceorr
• Ilya Tabakh on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ilyatabakh
• Website: eir.live
• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/eirlive
• YouTube: youtube.com/@EIRLive
• Twitter: twitter.com/EIRLive_show
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• (00:00) - Cold Open - "Send Me Your Weirdos"

In this episode of EIR Live, hosts Terrance Orr and Ilya Tabakh sit down with John Lynn, Co-Founder of Quay Acceleration, an accelerator-as-a-service organization. John, an experienced entrepreneur-in-residence (EIR) with an extensive background in community-driven innovation, shares his unique journey—from building international business connections in Japan to orchestrating transformative startup accelerators across corporate, governmental, and academic landscapes. This episode delves deeply into how John leverages community principles, storytelling, and strategic networks to successfully foster innovation ecosystems. Listeners gain valuable insights on effectively implementing accelerator models, harnessing sustainable self-interest, and understanding the critical role narrative plays in securing buy-in from stakeholders.

Chapters

• [00:00:00] Episode Opening - Corporate Innovation Fatigue
• [00:00:57] Podcast Introduction
• [00:01:41] Guest Introduction - John Lynn
• [00:02:32] John's Background and Quay Acceleration
• [00:04:08] John's International Experience Introduction
• [00:04:55] First Startup Experience in Japan
• [00:08:28] Community Building and Accelerator Methodology
• [00:09:00] Power of Sustainable Self-interest
• [00:11:51] Transition into Techstars
• [00:16:31] The Importance of Storytelling
• [00:17:55] MVP Development and Hustle Culture
• [00:26:19] KJ Singh and Techstars Experience
• [00:28:07] First EIR Role Journey
• [00:34:07] EIR Roles and Different Structures
• [00:38:52] Building Sustainable Innovation Ecosystems
• [00:42:31] Government and Community-led Accelerators
• [00:49:56] Ideal Structure for EIR Roles
• [00:52:04] Closing Thoughts on Providing Networks Over Ideas

Key Takeaways

• Successful innovation ecosystems rely heavily on understanding and harnessing community dynamics and sustainable self-interest
• Storytelling is critical for startup success, enabling founders to inspire stakeholders beyond just presenting data points
• MVP strategies, even if analog or basic, can be highly effective and cost-efficient ways to validate market fit and engage early adopters
• Government and local communities are increasingly critical in supporting and driving innovation ecosystems post-pandemic
• The best support EIRs can offer entrepreneurs involves leveraging their network to provide tangible access and opportunities

Notable Quotes

• "Selfishness and selflessness equally poor foundations for a community. Great communities thrive on give and take." [00:09:33] - John Lynn
• "Storytelling is a superpower. It's not about getting someone to trust you—it's about inspiring them." [00:17:25] - John Lynn
• "The real reason an MVP is effective is not because it's cheap, but because it's fair to your customer." [00:24:16] - John Lynn
• "Next time you talk to an entrepreneur, don't give them your ideas—give them your network." [00:52:04] - John Lynn

Organizations & Resources Mentioned

• Quay Acceleration 
• Techstars
• BetaSpring (now RevUp)
• SAP NextGen
• Startup Institute

Connect with John Lynn

• LinkedIn: John Lynn
• Website: Quay Acceleration

Connect with EIR Live:

• Terrance Orr on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/terranceorr
• Ilya Tabakh on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ilyatabakh
• Website: eir.live
• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/eirlive
• YouTube: youtube.com/@EIRLive
• Twitter: twitter.com/EIRLive_show
• Suggest Guest

In this episode of EIR Live, co-hosts Ilya Tabakh and Terrance Orr welcome Matthias Ørum-Hansen, an entrepreneur with a diverse career spanning product management, innovation, and entrepreneurship across family-owned brands like LEGO, Ricola, and Bang & Olufsen. Matthias shares his unique journey from being a startup founder to becoming a Founder in Residence (FIR) at LEGO, ultimately spinning out an innovative audio technology company.

The conversation explores the complexities of corporate innovation, the challenges of being an entrepreneur within large organizations, and the importance of understanding organizational dynamics. Matthias provides insights into his non-linear career path, emphasizing adaptability, learning across different industries, and the value of bringing fresh perspectives to established companies.

Key Points from This Episode:
[00:00:00] Introduction: Matthias discusses his background in creating Game Analytics, a software analytics platform for game developers
[00:04:35] Early Career: Dropping out of college to pursue entrepreneurship in Denmark
[00:09:00] Bang & Olufsen Experience: Leading product innovation in a legacy electronics company
[00:11:38] Ricola Consulting: Helping a family-owned brand redesign product innovation processes
[00:17:06] LEGO Ventures: Becoming the first Founder in Residence and exploring new innovation opportunities
[00:22:57] Startup Spinout: Negotiating and launching an independent audio technology company
[00:33:32] AI Pivot: Shifting focus to AI-driven content generation
[00:49:43] Career Reflection: Discussing the value of working with iconic brands and making meaningful impact
[00:56:17] Dream EIR Role: Aspiring to work on high-impact projects in areas like healthcare, nutrition, or climate change
[00:57:38] Future Career Aspirations: Exploring potential next steps in entrepreneurship and innovation
[00:59:39] EIR Network Support: Discussing how the community can help in his current career search
[01:01:10] Innovation Insights: Reflections on corporate innovation and entrepreneurial spirit
[01:02:33] Closing Thoughts: Final perspectives on the importance of innovative thinking

Episode Links:

• Matthias Ørum-Hansen on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/flugge
• GameAnalytics: gameanalytics.com
• Bang & Olufsen: bang-olufsen.com
• Ricola: ricola.com
• LEGO Ventures: legoventures.com

Connect with EIR Live:

• Terrance Orr on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/terranceorr
• Ilya Tabakh on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ilyatabakh
• Website: eir.live
• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/eirlive
• YouTube: youtube.com/@EIRLive
• Twitter: twitter.com/EIRLive_show
• Suggest Guest

• (00:00) - Introduction and Matthias's Startup Background

Episode Description

In this episode of Entrepreneur in Residence, co-hosts Ilya Tabakh and Terrance Orr welcome Dr. Loleta Robinson, a four-time Entrepreneur in Residence (EIR) with a background in medicine and business. Dr. Robinson shares her transformative career journey from clinical medicine to entrepreneurship and EIR roles across corporate, government, and startup ecosystems. She reflects on pivotal leaps of faith, the importance of community, lessons from international work in Africa, and her experience in startup co-founding and advisory roles.

The conversation explores how Dr. Robinson's diagnostic mindset fuels her ability to navigate complex EIR roles, the significance of network-based opportunities, and balancing professional pursuits with her passion for fly fishing. Aspiring EIRs and entrepreneurial professionals will gain valuable insights into resilience, adaptability, and pursuing diverse EIR pathways.

Key Points from This Episode:
[00:00:00] Introduction of Dr. Loleta Robinson: Terrance highlights Dr. Robinson’s background as a serial EIR and her transition from medicine to entrepreneurship.
[00:04:25] First leap of faith: Dr. Robinson recounts her early transition into a medical diagnostics startup without prior business experience.
[00:07:02] Balancing science and business: She explains pursuing an MBA to blend her interest in science and business, joining the first MBA cohort at the University of Colorado Denver.
[00:12:45] Pivoting to MedImmune: Transitioning to biotech with MedImmune, working on the intranasal flu vaccine while learning large-scale commercialization.
[00:16:55] Founding a diagnostics company: Co-founding a melanoma diagnostics startup and the challenges of funding, regulatory hurdles, and tech transfer.
[00:20:30] First CMO role: Dr. Robinson describes her first Chief Medical Officer position, balancing scientific rigor with startup needs.
[00:23:50] Joining Blue Cross Blue Shield as an EIR: Introduction to venture capital, sourcing startups, and conducting due diligence.
[00:28:18] Transition to advisory EIR roles: Contrasting the hands-on role at Blue Cross with advisory roles at NIH and hospital systems.
[00:32:02] Importance of community: How organizations like Women in Bio shaped her entrepreneurial journey.
[00:36:45] Networking as a pathway: Securing EIR roles through referrals and relationships with mentors and industry contacts.
[00:41:11] Perseverance in the face of bias: Dr. Robinson reflects on her experience navigating rooms where she was often the only Black woman.
[00:45:33] Resilience in setbacks: Discussing failures and the importance of continuing to move forward despite obstacles.
[00:49:05] Passion for fly fishing: How fly fishing became a hobby that parallels her approach to life and career—embracing challenges and growth.
[00:52:42] Building diverse communities: Supporting initiatives that foster inclusive outdoor spaces and networks for women and underrepresented groups.
[00:56:00] Final reflections: Dr. Robinson shares advice on adapting, staying curious, and taking strategic leaps of faith in life and career.

Episode Links:

• Loleta Robinson on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/loletarobinson/ 
• Women in Bio: https://womeninbio.org/ 
• United Women on the Fly (fly fishing organization): https://uwotf.com/ 
• University of Colorado at Anschutz Joint Degree Programs: https://medschool.cuanschutz.edu/education/md-admissions/about-cu-school-of-medicine/joint-degree-programs

Connect with EIR Live:

• Terrance Orr on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/terranceorr/ 
• Ilya Tabakh on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ilyatabakh/
• Website: https://eir.live (sign up for early access)
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/eirlive
• YouTube: https://youtube.com/@EIRLive
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/EIRLive_show
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• (00:00) - Guest Introduction