In this inspiring episode of On the Brink with Andi Simon, I had the pleasure of interviewing Nicole Loftus, a powerhouse entrepreneur with a bold vision to democratize access to venture capital. As the founder and CEO of Pop Venture Enterprises, Nicole is doing more than imagining change—she’s building it.

Nicole’s journey began, as many transformative ones do, with a disruption—not of an industry at first, but of her own life. Raised in a traditional, working-class Italian family near Chicago, Nicole was expected to follow a conventional path. But after a personal turning point, she realized she had more to offer. She turned her keen eye for observation into a career of innovation, disrupting a $26 billion industry with her first company, Zorch, and now setting her sights on venture capital itself.

Disrupting an Antiquated System of Venture Capital Investments

Nicole’s new venture, Pop Venture, challenges a venture capital model that has long excluded the majority of Americans—especially women and people of color. With only a small number of venture dollars going to diverse founders, she saw a deeply flawed system that was gatekept by geography, identity, and elitism. Her solution: a publicly accessible, SEC-approved fund that allows anyone to invest in promising companies for as little as $25.

What makes Pop Venture unique is its transparency and accessibility. The investment process is broadcasted publicly on platforms like Peacock, and viewers are invited to weigh in on the businesses that receive funding. “We make venture popular,” says Nicole. This is venture capital for the people—by the people.

The Locker: Empowering Founders with Verified Diligence

Pop Venture isn’t just about funding—it’s also about empowering founders. Nicole created The Locker, a platform where entrepreneurs can submit their companies to a rigorous but founder-friendly diligence process. The goal? To showcase viable businesses with clear value and real potential, all in a transparent format the public can trust. This creates a win-win: investors see vetted opportunities, and entrepreneurs gain access to capital without the often-demoralizing hoops of traditional fundraising.

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Key Takeaways from the Conversation with Nicole Loftus

1. Innovation Begins with Observation Nicole’s mantra echoes the podcast’s tagline: “From observation to innovation.”She urges entrepreneurs to observe not only the market but themselves. Her breakthrough came from seeing what others overlooked—redundancies in the supply chain and outdated funding models—and being bold enough to reimagine them.
2. Scale Requires Focus Nicole didn’t scale Zorch by chasing every opportunity. She created strict criteria for prospective clients and turned down deals that didn’t meet them. Her advice? Know your ideal customer, set your standards high, and stay focused.
3. Disruptors Must Think Big Nicole’s story is a testament to the power of visualization. She imagined herself as an entrepreneur when it seemed impossible. Then she imagined a billion-dollar business model—and she built it. She now urges others to dream big and write it down.Your brain needs a plan.
4. Listen for the Pain Points Through training like the Sandler sales method, Nicole learned to ask one critical question: “What’s your pain point?” This insight guided her innovations, whether for clients, suppliers, or herself.
5. Anyone Can Be a Venture Capitalist Through Pop Venture, everyday Americans can now support the businesses they believe in—and share in their success. It’s not just financial inclusion; it’s financial empowerment.

Why This Matters Now

Nicole’s work comes at a time when trust in traditional financial systems is eroding, and entrepreneurs are seeking alternatives to inequitable funding models. Pop Venture is more than a fund—it’s a movement. With television access, founder-friendly tools, and crowd-powered capital, it’s putting the future of business in everyone’s hands.

As we wrapped our conversation, I was reminded why I launched this podcast—to spotlight pioneers who see, feel, and think in new ways, and to help listeners find the courage to do the same.

To Learn More:

• Visit www.popventure.com to invest, apply for funding, or explore their founder resources.
• Watch Pop Venture episodes on Peacock (free or with subscription).
• Explore The Locker for verified diligence tools.

Final Thought: Disruption doesn’t always start with technology. Sometimes it starts with a question: What if we did it differently? Nicole Loftus asked that question—and answered it with action. Want more stories like Nicole’s? Visit www.andisimon.com, read our books, or contact us to explore how anthropology can help you discover your Blue Ocean. Connect with me:

• Website: www.simonassociates.net
• Email: [email protected]
• Books:  Learn more about these books here:
  • Rethink: Smashing the Myths of Women in Business
  • Women Mean Business
  • On the Brink: A Fresh Lens to Take Your Business to New Heights

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Reach out and contact us if you want to see how a little anthropology can help your business grow.  Let's Talk!

From Observation to Innovation,

Andi Simon, PhD CEO | Corporate Anthropologist | Award-Winning Author

Simonassociates.net [email protected] @simonandi LinkedIn