Ever wondered how startups turn bold ideas into industry-shaping innovations? In this episode, we team up with Plug and Play, a global accelerator powerhouse, to uncover the secrets behind their success in driving breakthroughs across agricultural technology, animal health, and beyond. Hear from visionary founder Saeed Amidi, the Plug and Play Topeka team, and trailblazing entrepreneur Rich Kelleman as they share how Plug and Play transforms ambitious dreams into thriving businesses. Plus, stick around for an exciting announcement about how this collaboration will continue in 2025! 

Helpful Links

Learn more about Plug and Play: https://www.plugandplaytechcenter.com/

Embroker’s 106 Must-Know Startup Statistics for 2024: https://www.embroker.com/blog/startup-statistics/

Understanding the Stages of Venture Capital from Silicon Valley Bank: https://www.svb.com/startup-insights/vc-relations/stages-of-venture-capital/

Learn more about Bond Pet Foods: https://www.petfoodprocessing.net/articles/17131-food-is-science-and-science-is-food-at-bond-pet-foods

Follow BSM Partners on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram to stay up to date about future episodes, including our co-branded podcast collaboration with Plug and Play. 

Show Notes

00:00 – Inside the Episode

02:45 – Meet Saeed Amidi, Serial Entrepreneur and Visionary Founder of Plug and Play

08:18 – What is a Unicorn?

10:48 – Building a Solution-Minded Community

15:38 – Meet the Plug and Play Topeka Team

17:01 – Breaking Down the Jargon

22:05 – Supporting Long-Term Innovation

24:00 – How Plug and Play Selects Startups for its Programs

27:02 – The Value Proposition

30:12 – Behind the Scenes of a Plug and Play Program

35:35 – Meet Rich Kelleman, Founder of Bond Pet Foods

36:56 – Rich’s Plug and Play Experience

46:43 – A Message for Fellow Founders

47:30 – When Impact Trumps Profit

49:55 – An Exciting Announcement!

50:45 – Conclusion and Farewell