Founder Shares

Have you ever wondered how scientific research can be translated into tangible products and services that benefit patients, clients, or customers? Or how an academic idea can transform into a successful healthcare business? In this episode, John Bamforth, executive director of UNC Chapel Hill's Eshelman Innovation, shares his work in developing therapeutics and digital health companies in North Carolina. With a background in neuropharmacology and experience at Eli Lilly, John discusses the challenges and opportunities in translating research into impactful healthcare solutions, and how aligning incentives and integrating entrepreneurship education can help bridge the gap between academia and commercialization.

Hosted by Trevor Schmidt, Founder Shares is brought to you by Hutchison PLLC and is edited and produced by Earfluence.

What if the key to unlocking true autonomy and advancing artificial intelligence lies in the development of more efficient and intelligent visual sensors? On today's episode of Founder Shares, Charbel Rizk, the visionary founder and CEO of Oculi, discusses the need for a shift towards advanced visual sensors over traditional motion sensors, and shares their potential to revolutionize automation and AI capabilities. What are the limitations of traditional motion sensors and how do advanced visual sensors address these challenges? Find out in this episode as Charbel describes the benefits of smarter, more efficient visual sensors that can accurately identify objects and activities, thereby automating tasks and enhancing overall system intelligence, while also acknowledging the significant challenges that startups face in this cutting-edge field. 

Hosted by Trevor Schmidt, Founder Shares is brought to you by Hutchison PLLC and is edited and produced by Earfluence.

How integral are networking and community-building to becoming a successful entrepreneur? Pablo Casilimas and Justis Mendez of OneSixOne Ventures join Founder Shares to discuss how they harnessed the power of these strategies to jumpstart their venture capital firm and connect founders and funders. Listen as they share some of the most useful insights they gained from hosting highly curated programs and events in different cities across the country and hosting a virtual accelerator program that helped 40 companies raise over $13 million and generated $15 million in revenue. How did they overcome challenges in raising capital and building a reputation as first-time fund managers? Find out in this conversation, as Pablo and Justis discuss their unique approach to venture capital and their focus on community building, reputation, long-term thinking, building value, and supporting founders in ways that other firms are not.

Hosted by Trevor Schmidt, Founder Shares is brought to you by Hutchison PLLC and is edited and produced by Earfluence.

How can a founder transition from a successful entrepreneur, to empowering other entrepreneurs by becoming a key figure in building startup communities? Join host Trevor Schmidt as he talks to Chris Heivly, Co-Founder of MapQuest and The Startup Factory and author of the book “Build the Fort”, about the importance of self-awareness, curiosity, and customer understanding for startup success--and how that success can, in turn, lead to building successful communities. What are some of the many ways that these startup communities can be beneficial? Find out on today's episode, as Trevor and Chris discuss the value of entrepreneurial communities, mentorship, and technology in navigating the entrepreneurial landscape effectively.

Hosted by Trevor Schmidt, Founder Shares is brought to you by Hutchison PLLC and is edited and produced by Earfluence.

At the end of every Founder Shares episode, host Trevor Schmidt poses the question, “If there's one piece of advice that you would share with somebody who's thinking about starting a company or who's currently running their company, what would that advice be?” 

In this "Best Of" episode of Founder Shares, that question is answered with a collection of insightful advice from various founders and professionals who have graced the show throughout the season. Covering topics from taking the first step into entrepreneurship as discussed by Philip Freeman, Tina Tang, and Josh Owen, to the necessity of decisive action discussed by Tierney Schmidt, Scot Wingo, and Susan Cates, these discussions provide invaluable tips on overcoming business challenges and staying flexible within entrepreneurship. Tune in for information on strategic planning and building strong teams, with insights from Dan O’Korn, Neal Shah, Donald Thompson, and Joe Colopy, along with advice on the importance of leveraging networks highlighted by Jason Caplain, Charlie Banks, and Bill Spruil. Kurt Sysock, Tom Droege, Keith Daniel, and Dr. Nehemiah Mabry. If you want to learn the best ways to embrace the challenges of entrepreneurship, seek support, and remain resilient in pursuit of goals, look no further than today’s episode of Founder Shares.

Hosted by Trevor Schmidt, Founder Shares is brought to you by Hutchison PLLC and is edited and produced by Earfluence.

Have you ever wondered about the myriad of ways your personal data can be utilized by artificial intelligence? What important legal considerations should you make when using AI professionally?

On today's episode of Founder Shares, we talk to attorney Lucas Beal and dive deep into the legal implications of AI on data privacy, copyright, and patents. Can you legally copyright AI output for your business? And is it possible to own content created by artificial intelligence? Find out about individuals' rights as they pertain to AI, and discover the important distinctions between personally identifiable information and de-identified data. Additionally, hear more about the use of protected health information (PHI) in AI training and the impact on consent and compliance with evolving regulations like the EU AI Act. Tune in to this thought-provoking episode to get some assistance navigating the complex world of AI.

Hosted by Trevor Schmidt, Founder Shares is brought to you by Hutchison PLLC and is edited and produced by Earfluence.

Ever wondered how successful entrepreneurs navigate through challenges and achieve groundbreaking success? In our latest podcast episode, we dig into the remarkable journey of Scot Wingo. From founding companies like Stingray and ChannelAdvisor to revolutionizing traditional business models with Spiffy, Scot embodies the spirit of innovation. But what sets him apart? Join us as we uncover Scot's secret sauce – mentorship, seizing opportunities, and strategic decision-making. Looking to carve your path to success? Tune in to discover how Scot's experiences and insights can guide you through the maze of entrepreneurship.

Hosted by Trevor Schmidt, Founder Shares is brought to you by Hutchison PLLC and is edited and produced by Earfluence.

Have you ever wondered what it takes to navigate the labyrinth of venture capital and emerge as a true industry luminary? Join host Trevor as he takes us into the dynamic world of venture capital with industry titan Jason Caplain, Co-Founder and General Partner of Bull City Venture Partners.

With a career spanning over twenty years, Jason's investments have catalyzed the success of renowned companies like Channel Advisor, Wedding Wire, Spiffy, and Spoonflower. Find out as Trevor and Jason embark on a journey through the heart of entrepreneurship and investment, offering insights that promise to reshape your perspective on the power of purpose in business.

Hosted by Trevor Schmidt, Founder Shares is brought to you by Hutchison PLLC and is edited and produced by Earfluence.

Ever wondered how startups in the pharmaceutical and biotech sectors navigate the maze of university licensing agreements? Join us as we sit down with Dan O'Korn, a seasoned attorney specializing in life sciences. Dan sheds light on the critical role of legal counsel in securing fair agreements and avoiding potential pitfalls early in the licensing process. From dissecting license fees to understanding royalty rates and milestone payments, Dan offers practical advice for startups diving into this complex terrain.

Tune in as Dan shares his insights on the power of early connections and navigating the dynamic world of university licensing agreements.

Hosted by Trevor Schmidt, Founder Shares is brought to you by Hutchison PLLC and is edited and produced by Earfluence.

Ever wondered what it takes to navigate the dynamic landscape of technology ecosystems? How about fostering a workplace revolution or leaving an indelible mark on the entrepreneurial scene? Well, today's guest, Bill Spruil, has the answers. Welcome into the mind of a true entrepreneurial icon, someone who not only sold a company for hundreds of millions but also orchestrated a windfall that created 25 new millionaires in the Triangle area.

Bill shares his insights on shaping a legacy, spearheading diversity initiatives, and, most importantly, catalyzing a workplace revolution. From his roots as employee number five at CED, the Council for Entrepreneurial Development, to founding and selling Global Data Consortium, Bill's journey is a roadmap for success in the ever-evolving tech world.

Stay tuned for an eye-opening conversation that delves into the nitty-gritty of entrepreneurship, leadership, and the future of technology in the Triangle area.

Hosted by Trevor Schmidt, Founder Shares is brought to you by Hutchison PLLC and is edited and produced by Earfluence.