What makes a startup truly investable? In this episode, venture capitalist and author Fred Haney shares insider insights into how venture capitalists (VCs) think, what they look for in founders, and the key ingredients to startup success. Whether you're an entrepreneur or just fascinated by the world of venture capital, this conversation is packed with practical wisdom.

🎙️ Topics Covered:
🔹 The biggest myths about venture capital
🔹 What investors really want to see in a startup
🔹 Common mistakes founders make when pitching
🔹 How to assemble a winning startup team
🔹 Fred Haney's personal experiences in the VC world

⏳ Timestamps:
00:00 – Introduction
02:15 – Fred Haney’s background and journey into venture capital
07:30 – The startup traits that attract investors
15:45 – What founders misunderstand about VC funding
22:10 – How to pitch like a pro
30:25 – The role of team dynamics in startup success
38:40 – Fred Haney’s biggest lessons from investing

📘 Get Fred’s Book: The Fundable Startup
💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fredhaney/
💡 Join Monday Club: Submit your deck at fredhaney.com/monday-club

🔔  Enjoyed the episode? Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell so you never miss an update! 🎥✨

📌 Subscribe here: http://www.youtube.com/@FutureProofedPodcast

💬 Let me know your thoughts in the comments!

📲 Follow me on social media: www.linkedin.com/in/brentmuller

https://valeogrowth.com/

Andrew Ortega-Verdaguer, Founder & CEO of IntelVasc Inc., reveals a groundbreaking subcutaneous sensor that monitors blood flow to predict vascular emergencies before they happen. Learn how this ex-surgeon-turned-entrepreneur is shifting medicine from reactive to proactive—and why AI is key to saving millions from strokes and heart disease. A must-watch for healthcare innovators!

⏱Timestamps
00:00 - Intro
00:31 - From surgeon to startup founder: Andrew’s journey
02:29 - The tragedy that sparked IntelVasc Inc.
05:51 - How the sensor works (live demo!)
09:05 - FDA timeline & 2028 market launch
14:12 - AI’s role in personalized vascular care
19:05 - Proactive medicine’s $20B opportunity
24:37 - Andrew’s AI hack for founders (Fixer.ai)
28:51 - Magic wand wish: Accelerating human trials

🩺 Learn More: Visit intelvasc.com
💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewortegaverdaguer/

🔔  Enjoyed the episode? Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell so you never miss an update!

📌 Subscribe here: http://www.youtube.com/@FutureProofedPodcast

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📲 Follow me on social media: www.linkedin.com/in/brentmuller

#HealthTech #AIinMedicine #StrokePrevention #HeartHealth #MedicalInnovation #FutureOfHealthcare #ProactiveMedicine #Biotech #StartupStory #FutureProofedPodcast

https://valeogrowth.com/

Guy Rocourt, cannabis industry pioneer and founder of Guy Rocourt Consulting, reveals hemp’s untapped potential beyond medicine—from renewable energy to sustainable materials. Learn why federal legalization is stuck, how AI accelerates advocacy, and why "clean label" cannabis could revolutionize consumer goods. A must-listen for entrepreneurs and eco-conscious leaders!

⏱ Timestamps
00:00 - Intro
00:28 - Guy’s journey: Military to MySpace to cannabis outlaw
02:51 - Founding Papa & Barkley (raised $70M)
06:14 - Hemp vs. Cannabis: The farm bill loophole
10:03 - Hemp’s 3 game-changing uses (energy, food, materials)
13:24 - Why Big Oil fears hemp’s 10X energy density
17:13 - AI for activism: Creating viral content with MidJourney
21:12 - The "Clean Label" movement in cannabis CPG
27:21 - Magic wand wish: Science-based federal regulations

🌱 Join the Clean Label Movement: Follow Guy on LinkedIn and Instagram @guyrocourt.
🛒 Try Clea Midlife (hemp wellness for women): cleamidlife.com
🎙️ Subscribe to Future-Proofed Podcast for more disruptive industry insights!


#HempRevolution #CannabisIndustry #SustainableEnergy #CleanLabel #AIForGood #FutureOfCannabis #Podcast #EcoInnovation #RenewableResources #BusinessGrowth

https://valeogrowth.com/

Krishna C Surendra, CEO and Co-Founder of HR Cloud, shares his journey from MySpace engineer to leading a global HR tech company. Discover how HR Cloud leverages AI for onboarding, remote team management, and SEO-driven growth—plus why consolidating HR platforms is the future. Learn his ChatGPT hacks for CEOs and the industries ripe for disruption!

⏱Timestamps
00:00 - Intro
00:28 - Krishna’s career journey (MySpace, NeoGov, HR Cloud)
03:10 - Managing remote teams in Vietnam & Croatia
06:05 - HR Cloud’s mobile-first onboarding for healthcare & logistics
12:07 - How AI is transforming HR (without replacing jobs)
17:08 - Future of HR tech: Platform consolidation trends
24:25 - Krishna’s AI productivity hacks for CEOs
27:21 - HR Cloud’s growth goals (ads, cold emails, SEO)

Try HR Cloud’s mobile-friendly onboarding tools! 
Visit hrcloud.com to see how they simplify HR for remote teams.

🔗 Connect with Krishna: 
💼 LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/krishnacsurendra/ for insights on AI and HR tech.

🔔  Enjoyed the episode? Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell so you never miss an update! 🎥✨

📌 Subscribe here: http://www.youtube.com/@FutureProofedPodcast

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📲 Follow me on social media: www.linkedin.com/in/brentmuller

https://valeogrowth.com/

David Schomer, CEO of Build Grow Scale, shares his journey from Iowa farm kid to e-commerce expert with two successful exits. Learn why diversifying beyond Amazon is critical, how AI supercharges productivity, and why selling "nice stuff" beats competing on price. A must-watch for e-commerce founders!

⏱Timestamps
00:00 - Intro
00:28 - From farm life to e-commerce (eBay tractors → pumpkin empire)
02:45 - Why he left consulting to "fire the man"
06:05 - Amazon’s big red button danger (and how to diversify)
10:03 - Why Shopify stores outperform Amazon long term
13:24 - Live selling trends & under-$100 impulse buys
17:13 - AI = "steroids for business" (2 game-changing prompts)
21:12 - Chinese suppliers going DTC - how to compete
27:21 - Magic wand wish: Reputation over Revenue

🚀 Optimize Your Shopify Store: Visit buildgrowscale.com for CRO secrets
🎙️ Listen to Firing the Man Podcast: Spotify | Apple Podcasts
💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-schomer-b08a0a41/


🔔  Enjoyed the episode? Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell so you never miss an update! 🎥✨

📌 Subscribe here: http://www.youtube.com/@FutureProofedPodcast

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📲 Follow me on social media: www.linkedin.com/in/brentmuller

#EcommerceGrowth #AmazonFBA #ShopifyTips #AIForBusiness #DTCBrands #EntrepreneurLife #Podcast #DigitalMarketing #BuildGrowScale #FireTheMan #futureproofedpodcast

https://valeogrowth.com/

What if fertility care was more accessible and outcome-driven? Traci Keen, CEO of Onto Health, is on a mission to transform specialty healthcare by bridging the gap between general practitioners and fertility experts. With a background in finance, consulting, and health tech, Traci has built a business that helps people get earlier insights into their reproductive health—long before fertility struggles begin. In this episode, Brent Muller and Traci discuss why healthcare needs systemic change, how technology is streamlining fertility treatments, and what the future holds for patient-centered care.

🔹 Topics Covered:
✅ How Traci transitioned from finance to health tech entrepreneurship
✅ Why fertility care is often reactive instead of proactive
✅ The disconnect between general practitioners and fertility specialists
✅ How data-driven healthcare can improve patient outcomes
✅ The future of robotics, automation & smarter fertility solutions

⏱ Timestamps:
00:00 - Welcome & Introduction
00:30 - Traci’s Journey: From Finance to Building Onto Health
02:12 - Why Fertility Care Needs to Start Earlier in a Patient’s Life
05:33 - The Gaps in Women’s Healthcare & Why Generalists Need More Training
08:47 - How Onto Health is Partnering with Physicians to Close the Gap
12:20 - Why Healthcare is Slow to Change & The Barriers to Innovation
15:10 - The Future of Specialty Care: Automation, Robotics & Smarter Systems
19:02 - Using Data to Improve Patient Outcomes in Fertility
22:34 - What’s Next for Onto Health & Healthcare Innovation
26:07 - How to Connect with Traci Keen & Onto Health

Connect with Traci Keen & Onto Health:
🌐 Website: onto.health
💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/traci-keen/

🔔  Enjoyed the episode? Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell so you never miss an update! 🎥✨

📌 Subscribe here: http://www.youtube.com/@FutureProofedPodcast

💬 Let me know your thoughts in the comments!

📲 Follow me on social media: www.linkedin.com/in/brentmuller

https://valeogrowth.com/

Kim Mahan’s career is a testament to the power of vision, resilience, and leadership in the tech industry. In this episode, we dive into her journey from launching a startup to becoming an influential figure in technology and business. She shares her insights on scaling a company, fostering innovation, and the lessons she’s learned along the way.

🔹 Topics Covered:
✅ The origin story of Kim Mahan’s startup
✅ Challenges of scaling a tech company
✅ Leadership lessons for entrepreneurs
✅ The future of innovation in the industry

⏱Timestamps
00:00 - Introduction
02:15 - Kim Mahan’s early career and inspiration
08:40 - The founding of her startup
14:55 - Overcoming obstacles in business growth
22:10 - Leadership strategies for success
29:30 - The evolving tech landscape
36:50 - Advice for aspiring entrepreneurs
42:15 - Closing thoughts

🌐 Website: http://maxxpotential.com/
💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimmahan/

📢 🔔  Enjoyed the episode? Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell so you never miss an update! 🎥✨

📌 Subscribe here: http://www.youtube.com/@FutureProofedPodcast

💬 Let me know your thoughts in the comments!

📲 Follow me on social media: www.linkedin.com/in/brentmuller

https://valeogrowth.com/

What does it take to scale a business, build strong leadership, and stay ahead in a competitive market? In this episode, Brent Muller sits down with Bob Bentz, an expert in business growth and strategic leadership, to discuss the key principles of scaling companies, fostering innovation, and navigating the challenges of entrepreneurship.

🔹 Topics Covered:
✅ The biggest mistakes businesses make when scaling
✅ Leadership strategies for sustainable growth
✅ How to adapt to changing market trends
✅ The role of mindset in achieving long-term success
✅ Lessons from Bob’s journey in business and entrepreneurship

⏱ Timestamps
00:00 - Welcome & Introduction
00:22 - Meet Bob: A Leader in Business Growth
02:10 - The Fundamental Challenges of Scaling a Business
06:45 - Leadership Principles for Long-Term Success
11:30 - The Power of Innovation & Staying Ahead of Trends
16:20 - Navigating Business Risks & Making Smart Decisions
21:15 - Bob’s Advice for Entrepreneurs & Business Owners
26:00 - Where to Connect with Bob

Connect with Bob:
💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bobbentz/
🌐 Websites: purplegator.com, gatortexting.com 

🔔  Enjoyed the episode? Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell so you never miss an update! 🎥✨

📌 Subscribe here: http://www.youtube.com/@FutureProofedPodcast

💬 Let me know your thoughts in the comments!

📲 Follow me on social media: www.linkedin.com/in/brentmuller

https://valeogrowth.com/

How do you go from building a successful company to starting over with a brand-new vision? In this episode, host Brent Muller talks with Lisa Falzone, Co-Founder and CEO of Athena Security and former CEO of Revel Systems, about entrepreneurship, scaling businesses, and pivoting to new ventures. Lisa shares her journey from growing Revel Systems to 800 employees, selling the company, and launching Athena Security to create a safer world.

💡 Key Discussion:
🔹 Lisa’s journey from startup to acquisition
🔹 Lessons in scaling a company from 0 to 800 employees
🔹 The mindset needed for reinvention and leadership
🔹 How Athena Security is making an impact

⏳ Timestamps:
00:00 - Introduction to the episode
00:12 - Meet Lisa Falzone: Co-founder of Athena Security
00:26 - The journey from Revel Systems to Athena
01:00 - Scaling a company: Lessons from 0 to 800 employees
08:45 - Selling a business and the decision to start over
15:30 - The mission behind Athena Security
22:10 - Entrepreneurship, leadership, and overcoming challenges
30:45 - Advice for founders and those navigating career shifts
40:00 - Final thoughts and where to connect with Lisa

Connect with Lisa and Athena Security:
🌐 Website: https://www.athena-security.com/
💼 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/lisafalzone

🔔  Enjoyed the episode? Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell so you never miss an update! 🎥✨

📌 Subscribe here: http://www.youtube.com/@FutureProofedPodcast

💬 Let me know your thoughts in the comments!

📲 Follow me on social media: www.linkedin.com/in/brentmuller

https://valeogrowth.com/

What if flowers could do more than just look beautiful? René Rodriguez, Founder and CEO of Speaking Roses, has turned traditional floral gifting into an entirely new industry—personalized messaging on real roses. His journey from entrepreneurship in Chile to building an international brand featured at the Oscars, Grammys, and even on Ellen with Tom Cruise is nothing short of remarkable. In this episode, Brent Muller and René discuss how branding, product innovation, and licensing have helped scale his vision worldwide.

🔹 Key Topics Discussed:
💡 How René built a business around customizable, long-lasting roses
💡 The shift from traditional floristry to personalized floral branding
💡 Why companies like Nestlé and Disney have used Speaking Roses
💡 The challenges of scaling a product that blends gifting and marketing
💡The future of customized experiences in branding & luxury markets

⏱ Timestamps:
00:00 - Welcome & Introduction
00:30 - René’s Background: From Chile to Building a Global Brand
02:12 - The First Big Break: How JCPenney & Nestlé Discovered Speaking Roses
05:33 - How Custom Roses Became a Global Sensation
08:47 - The Challenge of Scaling a High-Demand Floral Product
12:20 - Why Speaking Roses Shifted to a Licensing & Distribution Model
15:10 - The Future of Personalized Gifting & Branding
19:02 - Growth Lessons from Scaling Speaking Roses to 30+ Countries
22:34 - What’s Next: Expansion, Franchising & New Product Lines
26:07 - How to Connect with René Rodriguez & Speaking Roses

Connect with René Rodriguez & Speaking Roses:
🌐 Website: speakingroses.com
📧 Email: [email protected]
💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/renerodriguez1/

🔔  Enjoyed the episode? Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell so you never miss an update! 🎥✨

📌 Subscribe here: http://www.youtube.com/@FutureProofedPodcast

💬 Let me know your thoughts in the comments!

📲 Follow me on social media: www.linkedin.com/in/brentmuller

#Branding #LuxuryGifting #PersonalizedMarketing #SpeakingRoses #BusinessInnovation #FutureProofedPodcast

https://valeogrowth.com/