For more than three decades, Eric Miller has quietly helped build the foundation of Arizona's innovation ecosystem. As co-founder and principal of PADT, longtime Arizona Technology Council leader, investor, mentor, and Venture Café Phoenix board member, he's worked behind the scenes helping entrepreneurs turn ambitious ideas into real products while connecting the people who make innovation possible.

In this conversation with host Alex Koupal, Eric reflects on what he's learned after mentoring founders, investing in startups, and growing an engineering company through multiple waves of technological change—from the early internet to artificial intelligence. Along the way, he challenges common startup advice, explains why product-market fit is still misunderstood, and offers a candid look at what investors are actually looking for when they write a check.

Listeners will come away with practical insights into building companies that solve real problems, navigating risk without becoming reckless, empowering teams as organizations grow, and leveraging Arizona's collaborative innovation community to accelerate success. Whether you're a founder, investor, executive, student, or ecosystem builder, Eric shares lessons shaped by decades of experience helping innovators succeed.

Arizona's innovation economy isn't built by any one company or entrepreneur. It's built through trusted relationships, shared expertise, and communities that bring people together. This conversation is a reminder that lasting ecosystems grow because experienced leaders continue investing their time, knowledge, and networks into the next generation.

What You'll Learn

• • Why product-market fit should be an ongoing obsession—not just startup jargon
• • How experienced founders evaluate and manage risk without avoiding innovation
• • What investors are really looking for before they invest
• • Why relationships remain Arizona's greatest competitive advantage
• • How mentorship and community strengthen the startup ecosystem
• • Lessons from building and leading a technology company for more than 30 years
• • Practical strategies for founders navigating growth, fundraising, and product development
• • Why Venture Café Phoenix and the Arizona Technology Council continue to play critical roles in connecting innovators

About Eric Miller

Eric Miller is the co-founder and principal of PADT, an engineering services and advanced manufacturing company that has helped innovators develop products for more than three decades. He is a longtime leader within Arizona's technology community, serving as an investor, mentor, Arizona Technology Council leader, Venture Café Phoenix board member, and trusted advisor to founders working to grow Arizona's innovation economy.

About Venture Cafe Phoenix

Venture Cafe Phoenix: An Extraordinary Podcast explores the people, stories, and relationships shaping Arizona's innovation ecosystem.

Hosted by Alex Koupal, the podcast features conversations with founders, innovators, investors, educators, executives, policymakers, researchers, and community leaders working to make Arizona a place where ideas grow, businesses thrive, and meaningful connections happen.

Powered by CEI (Center for Entrepreneurial Innovation), Legacy Sponsor the City of Phoenix, and produced by Extraordinary.