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Podcasts are becoming more popular than ever. Just last year, Edison Research completed a study showing that 51% of Americans over the age of 12 have listened to some sort of podcast just in the year 2019. As a fan, it appears that while the demand for podcasts is increasing, the supply of shows available is growing at an extreme pace. To turn into competition in this deeply saturated market, current podcasts have had to be able to market themselves well but are struggling to find efficient tools in order to promote themselves than most other products. So what can they do to keep up with the growing trend of podcasts? And who can help them better market their podcast?

On today’s episode of the Igniting Startups Podcast, you’ll hear from Lindsay Tjepkema, the CEO and Co-founder of Casted, the first B2B Podcasting Platform, helping B2B Podcasters and Content Marketers become more effective through better measurement and activation of their podcasts.

Lindsey had just 5 minutes on the Powderkeg stage to pitch Casted her startup to a live panel of investors and industry experts at our recent Powderkeg Pitch Night event featuring some of the most innovative Marketing Tech companies scaling in the middle of United States. The four experts you’ll hear from on this episode include:

-- Senior Vice President at Chicago-based Venture Fund 50 South Capital, Aaron Gillum!

-- Private Equity Technology Investor at New-York based private equity firm Warburg Pincus LLC, Miloni Madan

-- Executive Vice President of Technology for Indianapolis-based Salesforce Marketing Cloud, Syam Nair

-- President of the National SaaS-PR Firm BLASTMedia, Lindsey Groepper

Lindsay is an experienced marketer and brand builder that creates well-planned and well-executed campaigns. Casted just announced their $2.35 Million round of seed funding just a few weeks prior to Lindsay taking the stage at Powderkeg to pitch in front of a LIVE audience. Tune in for more!

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Please enjoy this pitch with Lindsay Tjepkema of Casted!

If you like this episode, please subscribe and leave us a review on iTunes. You can also follow us on Soundcloud or Stitcher. We have an incredible lineup of interviews we’ll be releasing every Tuesday here on the Powderkeg Podcast. Check it out at powderkeg.com/itunes.

There is no doubt about it: the tasks that happen in data science can be complicated and unpredictable. The way we do business, sell, promote, strategize, and grow in today’s world ultimately has become data-driven. That’s why you need to have a good team that can keep up with the data. Now most organizations, from small start-ups to large-scale companies, are using the help of data scientists and data-minded folks to tap into the many opportunities that data possesses. And some companies are only just getting started.

Today’s episode is part of a recording of a live fireside chat we hosted just a few weeks ago here in Indianapolis, where we discussed the topic of “Unlocking the Power of Data Science and Visualization.” Joining me on this special podcast episode is the VP of Data Science at High Alpha, Mark Clerkin.

Mark is an experienced data science leader with an exceptional track record of conceiving, developing, and delivering innovative processes and products. He is a mentor with Techstars and The Last Mile. Mark and his team are the architects of building statistical analysis, data pipelines, data visualization, and machine learning solutions for High Alpha’s portfolio companies.

Throughout this episode, you’ll get to hear Mark discuss the benefits of possessing soft skills, using data in startups, and bringing diversity to high performing teams. Also, you’ll get to listen to a featured interview with KSM Consulting’s Director of Talent, Louonna Kachur where she shares the fantastic energy and culture that KSM is building and the kind of talent they’re currently looking for on this episode of Powderkeg Igniting Startups.

In this episode with Mark Clerkin, you’ll learn:

-- How to make meaningful connections with other tech folks

-- The biggest opportunities in data science and visualization

-- Why startups should use data science to capture key data

-- How Data Science has become inherently diverse

-- Mark’s hope for the Indianapolis tech community and data science

Please enjoy this conversation with Mark Clerkin!

If you like this episode, please subscribe and leave us a review on iTunes. You can also follow us on Soundcloud or Stitcher. We have an incredible lineup of interviews we’ll be releasing every Tuesday here on the Powderkeg Podcast. Check it out at powderkeg.com/itunes.

The world data science, analytics, and machine learning are rising up at an incredible pace, and companies are now searching for experienced data scientists and those who have a great fascination with data to sift through this growing goldmine of data and information to help them make and drive swift business decisions. Just recently, in a study conducted by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, they estimated that an incredible 11.5 million jobs will be available in the field of data science by the year 2026. So what’s sparking this incredible growth and demand of data science? And what is the area of data science going to look like these next few years?

Today’s episode is part of a recording of a live fireside chat we hosted just a few weeks ago here in Indianapolis, where we discussed the topic of “Unlocking the Power of Data Science and Visualization.” Joining me on this special podcast episode is experienced Data Scientist Brian Lehman of Honey.

Brian is an expert in data storytelling and visualization. He has led numerous data projects at Google, Twitter, Proofpoint, Tendril, and now Honey/PayPal in Boulder, Colorado. And previously, he taught mathematics at the Colorado School of Mines and Colorado public schools before making the switch from math teacher to data scientist.

Throughout this episode, you’ll get to hear Brian discuss his journey from math teacher to becoming an experienced data scientist, his personal experiences with data storytelling and visualization, and his current role as a data scientist at Honey. Find out more about the work in data science that Brian and his team are doing at Honey on this special episode of Powderkeg Igniting Startups.

In this episode with Brian Lehman, you’ll learn:

How Brian made the switch from math teacher to data scientist

Finding a great mentor and how to work with them

The benefits of being involved in a data science community

How to identify the best culture fit for you

The opportunities and future of data science

Please enjoy this conversation with Brian Lehman!

If you like this episode, please subscribe and leave us a review on iTunes. You can also follow us on Soundcloud or Stitcher. We have an incredible lineup of interviews we’ll be releasing every Tuesday here on the Powderkeg Podcast. Check it out at powderkeg.com/itunes.

Hey there, Powderkeg fans! Nick here from the Powderkeg team. This is episode #124 of Powderkeg: Igniting Startups, the show for entrepreneurs, leaders, and innovators building remarkable tech companies in areas outside of Silicon Valley. 

Today we’re revisiting an interview where Matt spoke with entrepreneur Rodney Williams, Co-Founder, and CCO of LISNR, one of the most disruptive companies in the IoT space and the world of mobile connectivity. 

Rodney is a passionate entrepreneur with years of experience and tech expertise under his belt and is currently responsible for leading all of the LISNR’S commercial activities and strategy execution as their Chief Commercial Officer. He’s been with LISNR since its founding and served as the CEO till August 2018. 

In this episode, you’ll get hear Rodney shares his personal and most significant lessons in marketing, the entrepreneurial hustle, and building a technology that has the potential to disrupt massive industries.

So let’s hop right in!

In this interview, you’ll learn:

-- How Rodney broke free from cubicle nation and started his own company

-- Some creative and unique approaches to problem solving and corporate innovation

-- And some very insightful perspectives on marketing

-- Plus so, so much more.

So, please enjoy this interview with Rodney Williams.

If you like this episode, please subscribe and leave us a review on iTunes. You can also follow us on Soundcloud or Stitcher. We have an incredible lineup of interviews we’ll be releasing every Tuesday here on the Powderkeg Podcast. Check it out at powderkeg.com/itunes.

Most, if not all, customers want better ways of solving their problems, whether it be with a service, an experience, or even a product. Being able to identify the real problem our customers experience every day can be the natural part of figuring out how to build a great product. The challenging part is being able to answer that problem or need with the right solution. When creating a great product, as entrepreneurs, we have to take a look at what our customer needs and what their problems are. But the challenging question we have to answer is, “How do we solve it?”

For today’s episode of the Igniting Startups Podcast, we want to shout out to our friends over at Stout Street Capital, for inviting us to this past year’s UNMET 2019 conference. And for setting up this awesome opportunity of speaking with Jason Smith, co-founder and CEO of rMark Bio. rMark Bio, a personalized business intelligence solution that empowers life science companies to identify and partner with clinical/academic scientists.

Jason is a leading-edge technologist and product executive with over 19 years of industry experience where he has held numerous positions in early-stage companies, large multinational corporations, and venture capital incubators, yielding a rich professional background.

Throughout this episode, you’ll have the opportunity to hear how Jason and his co-founder were able to overcome the challenges of healthcare and pharma tech, their focus on building a great product platform for customers, and his current role as co-founder and CEO of rMark Bio. Find out more on how Jason and his team are disrupting the pharmacy industry with their data intelligence platform, rMark Bio, on this episode Igniting Startups Podcast. Tune in for more!

In this episode with Jason Smith, you’ll learn:

-- Finding and solving the needs of your customers through product

-- Great tips on raising capital with the right VC’s

-- Jason’s personal outlook on finding great tech talent in Chicago

-- About the growing companies and investments happening in Chicago tech

-- Jason’s visions for the future of rMark Bio in Pharma Tech

Please enjoy this conversation with Jason Smith!

If you like this episode, please subscribe and leave us a review on iTunes. You can also follow us on Soundcloud or Stitcher. We have an incredible lineup of interviews we’ll be releasing every Tuesday here on the Powderkeg Podcast. Check it out at powderkeg.com/itunes.

For most entrepreneurs, the word “traction” gets thrown around quite a bit, and it tends to be broadly defined for those in the startup scene who are looking for their first round of funding. But most startups have very little room or time to understand it before they hit a rock and hard place as the clock begins ticking as startup teams scramble to gain enough traction to obtain the next critical round of funding to survive. So why is this traction so essential and challenging to achieve? And how can we build more of that traction with customers?

On today’s episode of the Igniting Startups podcast, we speak with Joe Zell of Grotech Ventures Joe is currently a venture partner at Grotech Ventures, an early-stage venture capital firm based out of Vienna, Virginia that focuses on Series A and B round high-growth tech/software investments.

Joe joined Grotech Ventures back in 2002 as a General Partner and focused on investment opportunities in the IT infrastructure, cloud services, mobile, networking, and internet, and digital media sectors. And is active on several portfolio company boards for Grotech.

In this episode, you’ll get to hear Joe shares his thoughts on how companies who have significant traction with their customers excite surprising investors and which is more valuable to a potential VC, Team, or Product. You’ll also get to hear how his view on the future of venture capitalists in the Rockies and Midwest regions, and actionable tips for companies looking for funding. Tune in for more!

In this episode with Joe Zell, you’ll learn:

When companies are a great fit for venture capitalist

Whats a great balance between a good product and a good team

How a company can be attractive and exciting for potential VC’s

What differentiates certain venture capitalist from the others

Joe’s vision on the future and potential of Midwest VC’s

Please enjoy this conversation with Joe Zell!

If you like this episode, please subscribe and leave us a review on iTunes. You can also follow us on Soundcloud or Stitcher. We have an incredible lineup of interviews we’ll be releasing every Tuesday here on the Powderkeg Podcast. Check it out at powderkeg.com/itunes.

FinTech is well on its way to becoming one of tech’s hottest emerging technologies. From mobile payments to cryptocurrency, fintech startups are on fire. Investing in FinTech startups has been growing rapidly. Support for Fintech around the world has grown to a staggering $100 billion, fuelled by massive rounds of funding. With the expectation that FinTech companies are going to significantly continue to grow. But how is the world being affected by this growing investment in FinTech? And what will Fintech’s role become in growing and developing countries?

In today’s episode of Igniting Startups Podcast, we’ll be speaking with Ben Lyon, founder, and CEO of Hover, an Android API platform that enables developers to integrate any mobile money service worldwide. While being Hover’s founder and CEO, Ben is also an Entrepreneur in Residence for Caribou Digital’s Digital Financial Services (DFS) Innovation Lab where he’s responsible for sourcing and supporting innovative financial technology startups throughout South Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa, and in some cases building them from scratch.

Prior to joining Caribou Digital, Ben helped co-found Kopo Kopo, the first merchant aggregator and merchant cash advance provider in the mobile money industry, which now serves thousands of merchants throughout East Africa.

In this episode, Ben shares his experiences through the entrepreneurial path of FinTech and how he and his team at Hover are changing the lives and providing an awesome opportunity for people in the regions of Eastern Africa and changing the future of FinTech. Tune in for more!

In this episode with Ben Lyon, you’ll learn:

--- Ben’s beginnings into the world of entrepreneurship

--- How to build a remote culture for remote teams

--- The diversity of hiring through different countries and cultures

--- About the future of financial technologies in developing countries of Africa

--- Ben’s take on the developments of the tech-ecosystem in Africa

Please enjoy this conversation with Ben Lyon!

If you like this episode, please subscribe and leave us a review on iTunes. You can also follow us on Soundcloud or Stitcher. We have an incredible lineup of interviews we’ll be releasing every Tuesday here on the Powderkeg Podcast. Check it out at powderkeg.com/itunes.

As investors, we have a major role in building and creating opportunities for underrepresented geniuses — founders whose ideas and innovations are knowledgeable and led by their diverse backgrounds and experiences. It’s really surprising to know that the major difference between minority and majority startup founders is bleak. It's so bleak that less than 10% of all venture capital deals go to women, people of color, and LGBTQ+ founders. So how can we change the way VC’s think? And how can we best support underrepresented founders and innovators?

On today’s episode of the Igniting Startups podcast we’ll be speaking with Anastasia Tarpeh-Ellis. Anastasia joined the team at Backstage in 2016 as Entrepreneur in Residence and ran Backstage Accelerator’s first cohort in Los Angeles as Managing Director. She now leads Special Projects at Backstage Capital, a VC firm that invests in women, people of color, and LBGTQ founders. She’s also the co-founder of bosa, a wellness and productivity app that enables consultants to provide the highest level of service to their clients.

In this episode, you’ll get to hear Anastasia share her thoughts on why investors should believe and invest in underrepresented founders, how she found a great mentor, the amazing culture at Backstage, and finding a breakthrough in her product. You’ll also get to hear how she was able to get plugged into the culture of tech and the growing tech scene in the Los Angeles area. Tune in for more!

In this episode with Anastasia Tarpeh-Ellis, you’ll learn:

How Anastasia broke into tech and entrepreneurship

Finding and building a great relationship with a mentor in tech

How Anastasia was able to plug into the L.A. tech ecosystem

The exciting things happening at Backstage Capital

The biggest determinants of success or failure for a startup or an entrepreneur

Please enjoy this conversation with Anastasia Tarpeh-Ellis!

If you like this episode, please subscribe and leave us a review on iTunes. You can also follow us on Soundcloud or Stitcher. We have an incredible lineup of interviews we’ll be releasing every Tuesday here on the Powderkeg Podcast. Check it out at powderkeg.com/itunes.

We’ve all heard about how the city of Oakland is becoming a rising counterpart to Silicon Valley. It’s becoming a rising and dynamic hub of innovation and creativity that is full of visionary innovators. But how is Oakland utilizing this amazing talent of creative, productive, and tech-savvy residents? And how is the entertainment industry in California collaborating with rising tech companies in entertainment tech?

On today’s episode, we’ll be speaking with James Norman. James is a serial entrepreneur who started and launched his first company at the age of 16, an automotive e-commerce site called MJH Sound.com. While previously he has been known as a visionary in automotive product planning. In the past 7 years in the media and entertainment industry he has become a key thought leader in over-the-top media and consumer video consumption behaviors. And is currently the Founder and CEO of Oakland-Based Pilotly, an online platform that enables content creators to get feedback from a representative audience at a scale.

In this episode, James shares his personal experiences into the world of entrepreneurship and how they have influenced and defined his role as the founder and CEO of Pilotly. Along with James’s thoughts on the power of the entertainment industry in Hollywood and how his company is becoming a leader in entertainment technology. Tune in for more!

In this episode with James Norman, you’ll learn:

What sparked James’s entrepreneurial journey

What the tech ecosystem is like in Oakland, California

The importance of culture at Pilotly and what it means

James’s advice on raising capital as a beginning entrepreneur

Please enjoy this conversation with James Norman!

If you like this episode, please subscribe and leave us a review on iTunes. You can also follow us on Soundcloud or Stitcher. We have an incredible lineup of interviews we’ll be releasing every Tuesday here on the Powderkeg Podcast. Check it out at powderkeg.com/itunes.

We all know that technology is influencing the future. From easier ways to communicate to money-saving software – technology is surrounding every part of our everyday lives, including education. Just recently here in Indianapolis, edTech startup Mimir was acquired by Silicon Valley based HackerRank— a developer skills platform that helps businesses evaluate software developers based on skill. No doubt, “ed tech” is starting to make big moves to create major headlines.

That’s why on today’s episode, we’ll be speaking with Jaime Martinez. Jaime started his entrepreneurial career after graduating from Arizona State University and started out as a teacher for Teach For America. He has consulted and worked with numerous companies with a strong focus on student education And is now the Founder and CEO of the Phoenix-based EdTech company Schola. Schola is an educational technology company that’s focused on streamlining the recruitment and enrollment process for all public and private Pre-K through 12 schools.

In this episode Jaime shares his experiences through education and how it has inspired and led him into the realm of education technology. Along with Jaime’s thoughts on the evolving influences of education and how his company Schola is changing the way parents and schools are enrolling students for their educational future. Tune in for more!

In this episode with Jaime Martinez, you’ll learn:

--- Jaime’s experience in education and entrepreneurship

--- About the Ed-tech ecosystem in Phoenix, Arizona

--- Advice on best ways to raise capital as an Ed Tech startup

--- How Schola is disrupting the education industry and its vision for the future

Please enjoy this conversation with Jaime Martinez!

If you like this episode, please subscribe and leave us a review on iTunes. You can also follow us on Soundcloud or Stitcher. We have an incredible lineup of interviews we’ll be releasing every Tuesday here on the Powderkeg Podcast. Check it out at powderkeg.com/itunes.