Tune in to this enlightening episode of Inside Startup Investing where we explore the future of energy storage with Michael Pratt, CEO of Qnetic. Discover how Qnetic is tackling the challenges of renewable energy integration with their innovative mechanical flywheel technology. 

Highlights include…

• Transition to Energy Storage (3:05)
• Mechanical Flywheel Energy Storage (7:05)
• Comparing Flywheel to Lithium-Ion Batteries (9:48)
• Market Strategy and Clientele (14:30)
• Business Model and Scaling Challenges (16:56)
• Market Potential and Future Projections (23:13)

In this episode, we dive into the transformative world of hospital supply management with Roy Malkin, CEO of Assured Med Supply (AMS). Discover how AMS is leveraging AI to streamline hospital procurement processes, ensuring that hospitals can efficiently manage supplies and avoid costly shortages. 

Highlights include…

• The AMS AI Solution: How AMSAI is optimizing hospital supply chains, acting as an AI co-pilot to navigate complex purchasing decisions. [00:13.23]
• Addressing Hospital Pain Points: Tackling the challenges of managing vast SKU counts and navigating supply shortages, which can cost hospitals billions in procedural delays and inflated supply costs. [01:36.176]
• Vendor Relationships and Integration: How AMS facilitates better supply chain decisions, providing hospitals with alternatives during critical shortages. [07:23.126]
• Future Expansion and Impact: Plans for extending AMS's AI capabilities beyond hospital procurement to other sectors, potentially influencing government efficiency and saving lives during critical shortages. [28:05.932]

In this episode, Chris Lustrino talks to Dr. Arup Roy-Burman, founder of Elemeno Health. Discover how Elemeno Health tackles the urgent need for up-to-date training in healthcare settings with their innovative microlearning platform. Designed to provide immediate, actionable information, Elemeno Health aids healthcare professionals in making critical decisions swiftly and accurately. Dr. Roy-Burman shares his journey from an ICU physician to tech entrepreneur, emphasizing the impact of Elemeno on operational efficiency and patient care.

Highlights include…

• The challenges of implementing new technologies in hospitals and how Elemeno overcomes these. (1:27)
• Real-world impact: A case study from North Bay Health demonstrating Elemeno's effectiveness during emergency medical situations. [00:05:20.29]
• The scalability of Elemeno's solution across different hospital departments. (6:44)
• The strategic approach to expanding Elemeno's adoption within hospitals and its growing traction. (10:29)
• The addition of a new CEO, Tim Coulter, to drive forward Elemeno’s mission and expand its market reach (18:41)
• Future plans for Elemeno Health, including exploring new markets in pharma and clinical trials. (20:34)

In this episode, we speak with Luis Mata and Gabriel Llaurado, the co-founders of Meat N' Bone, an innovative retailer and direct-to-consumer provider of high-end proteins, including a variety of meats and fish. Discover how Meat N' Bone is filling a critical market gap by offering an extensive selection of quality meats, ranging from ribeyes to Wagyu, appealing to serious home chefs and food lovers. Learn about their unique omnichannel approach that combines online convenience with physical store experiences, significantly lowering customer acquisition costs and fostering high customer retention. 

Highlights include…

• Concept and Unique Selling Proposition of Meat and Bone (3:53)
• Growth and Business Model (6:08)
• Expansion Plans and Market Strategy (9:25)
• Competitive Advantage and Brand Building (13:26)
• Consumer Engagement and Future Plans (20:01)
• Sourcing Strategy and Quality Assurance (22:25)

In this episode, we dive deep into the innovative world of Pivotal Health with its CEO, Sal Braico. Pivotal Health is revolutionizing the urgent care industry by bringing high-quality medical services directly to patients' homes. With 13,000+ visits and rave reviews, Pivotal Health addresses the inefficiencies of traditional healthcare by eliminating the need for waiting rooms and reducing administrative burdens. Sal discusses the strategic shift towards providing services through employer partnerships, enhancing accessibility while maintaining affordability through a subscription-based model.

Highlights include...

Sal Breakco's Background and Pivotal Health's Mission (2:35)

• Logistics and Demand Management (5:46)
• Recruiting and Retaining Providers (7:13)
• Market Expansion and Strategy (9:58)
• Business Model and Pricing (12:16)
• Sales Cycle and Employer Partnerships (20:10)
• Exit Strategies and Investment Opportunity (25:20)

In this episode, Chris speaks with Justin Giuffrida, the co-founder and CEO of Citizens Coffee. With over $27 million in lifetime sales, Citizens Coffee is not just a café but a burgeoning lifestyle brand. Justin discusses the uniqueness of Australian coffee culture, which he is transplanting into the U.S. market with an emphasis on quality and community. Their rapid expansion in New York and Texas, coupled with a strategic approach to new markets, showcases their potential within the booming U.S. coffee scene. Justin also explores the future of Citizens Coffee, including plans for international licensing and a new venture into consumer packaged goods (CPG).

Highlights include…

• Justin’s background Citizens Coffee's Unique Selling Proposition (1:41)
• The Growing Market for Specialty Coffee and Breakfast (3:08)
• Citizens Coffee's Market Strategy and Expansion Plans (10:36)
• Challenges and Competition in the Coffee and Breakfast Market (14:46)
• Efficiency and Cost Advantages of Citizens Coffee (19:06)
• Future Projections and Investment Opportunities (26:20)

In this episode, host Chris interviews Erik DeGiorgi, the CEO of NetSpeek, a company evolving audiovisual (A/V) management in the workplace. NetSpeek is addressing the common and frustrating interoperability issues in modern offices by making all AV devices communicate seamlessly. Erik, who has nearly two decades of experience in the Pro A/V industry, shares insights on the inception of NetSpeek and how their innovative platform uses AI to simplify A/V operations, essentially allowing devices to be controlled through natural language commands.

Highlights include…

• Eric Digiorgi's Background and NetSpeek's Genesis (1:55)
• Challenges and Solutions in the Pro A/V Space (3:23)
• Market Opportunity and Scalability (6:25)
• Sales Process and Implementation (12:33)
• Feedback from Beta Clients and Initial Traction (14:53)
• Pricing and Market Differentiation (19:40)

In this episode, Chris sits down with Dr. Cathy Key, the president and chief business officer of World Tree. Discover the unique and sustainable investment opportunities World Tree offers through the growth and harvest of the Empress tree. Learn about the environmental impact, the innovative profit-sharing model with farmers, and how these fast-growing trees can provide significant returns while offsetting carbon footprints. Dr. Key dives into the agricultural processes, the risks involved, and the promising future of this green investment. Whether you're an investor looking for eco-friendly opportunities or someone passionate about sustainability, this discussion sheds light on how you can contribute to a greener planet while aiming for a profitable return.

Highlights include…

• World Tree's Origin and Mission (2:34)
• Tree Planting and Farming Partnerships (5:38)
• Harvest and Profit Sharing (8:30)
• Care and Maintenance of Empress Trees (9:57)
• Market Demand and Environmental Impact (15:19)
• Investment Details and Returns (22:09)

In this episode of Inside Startup Investing, host Chris Lustrino speaks with Doron Kempel, founder and CEO of Our Bond, a company revolutionizing personal security. Our Bond provides a mobile security service that protects individuals rather than just physical spaces, offering real-time assistance and intervention in unsafe situations. Kempel shares his journey from founding companies sold to major corporations to creating Our Bond, driven by the mission to democratize personal security globally.

Highlights include…

• Doron discusses his previous ventures and the inspiration behind Our Bond (1:56)
• The unique security challenges individuals face when outside traditional safe spaces like homes or offices (4:55)
• Categories of Personal Security Concerns (6:52)
• Business Model (15:31)
• Corporate Adoption and Cost Savings (28:23)
• Investment and Future Plans (28:39)

In this episode of Inside Startup Investing, host Chris Lustrino welcomes back Jeff Annison, co-founder and President of Legion M, a pioneering fan-owned media company. Legion M leverages equity crowdfunding to unite a million fans in revolutionizing the media landscape. Annison discusses the company's journey, its significant milestones, and the future trajectory in democratizing media production.

Highlights include…

• Legion M has raised approximately $20 million for the studio and $24 million including film investments. Over 50,000 investors have participated, making it a significant fan-owned entity. [5:05]
• Shift from small investments to financing and producing their own films. [9:45]
• Fans can invest directly in films and receive a portion of the royalties. Investors get returns before the company or even the talent involved. [10:30]
• Upcoming major films: "The Man in the White Van" releasing in December; a true-crime thriller with Sean Astin and Ali Larter. "My Dead Friend Zoe" featuring Morgan Freeman and Ed Harris; won Audience Award at South by Southwest. [12:56]
• Development of "Defiant: The Story of Robert Smalls," sourced from the Legion M community. Highlights the power of fan engagement in identifying compelling stories. [15:00]
• Owning IP provides long-term revenue streams and monetization opportunities. The company is focusing on creating and owning content outright. [22:03]
• Insight into the economics of production vs. distribution roles. Plans to engage in both to maximize revenue based on market conditions. [25:50]
• The 50,000-strong investor base aids in marketing and amplifying film reach. Community acts as brand ambassadors, driving word-of-mouth promotion. [33:40]
• Attracts top talent and industry partners due to the engaged fan base. Provides leverage in negotiations and unique marketing advantages. [38:35]