In this episode of Tech Scenes Unplugged, Jeff Martin sits down with Rebekah Johnson, Founder and CEO of Numeracle, a company dedicated to restoring trust and transparency in voice communications. Rebekah shares her inspiring journey as a female founder navigating challenges, truth, and the complexities of creating a pioneering technology. Numeracle’s mission focuses on solving issues related to robocalls, spoofing, and call verification, ensuring businesses can communicate effectively and maintain trust with their customers.

The conversation explores the evolution of Numeracle’s solutions, the importance of educating the market, and the financial and operational discipline required to scale a business. Rebekah’s personal story of resilience and her advice for entrepreneurs provide valuable insights for founders, innovators, and leaders.

Key Takeaways

Numeracle’s Mission: Tackling the problem of erroneously blocked and labeled calls to ensure trust in communications.

Identity Verification Technology: Enabling businesses to authenticate their calls and protect consumers from spoofing.

The Journey to Educate the Market: Simplifying complex solutions to improve buyer understanding and adoption.

Bootstrapping Success: Rebekah’s decision to self-fund after extensive investor meetings highlights the value of independence.

Challenges for Female Founders: Overcoming biases in leadership perceptions and the funding process.

Team Alignment: Building and maintaining aligned, focused teams to drive business growth.

Managing Growth Responsibly: Balancing cash flow and resource allocation to scale effectively.

Building a Support System: Asking for help and fostering resilience as a single parent and founder.

Episode Chapters

0:00 - Challenges for Women Founders

Rebekah shares experiences as a female founder facing biases in leadership perceptions.

1:30 - Introduction to Rebekah Johnson and Numeracle

Rebekah Johnson joins Tech Scenes Unplugged to discuss her journey with Numeracle.

2:15 - The Problem with Robocalls

Rebekah explains the FCC’s Robocall Strike Force and Numeracle’s mission.

4:20 - How Verified Calls Work

An overview of how identity verification and call authentication protect businesses and consumers.

6:00 - Call Verification Technology

The role of carriers, devices, and identity data in stopping spoofed calls.

8:15 - The Shift to Educating the Market

Rebekah’s journey from complex solutions to simplifying and educating buyers.

10:45 - The ROI of Verified Calls

How call centers benefit from Numeracle’s solutions in both efficiency and profitability.

12:15 - Why Rebekah Founded Numeracle

A phone call that inspired Rebekah to solve a critical industry problem.

14:30 - Lessons from Fundraising

Rebekah’s decision to bootstrap after 100+ investor meetings and its impact on Numeracle’s growth.

17:00 - Female Founders and Funding Bias

How female founders are viewed as a risk versus growth opportunities.

19:10 - The Importance of Alignment in Teams

Rebekah’s perspective on building and aligning teams for growth.

21:45 - Managing Growth Responsibly

Balancing cash flow, hiring, and resource allocation to scale Numeracle effectively.

24:00 - Lessons in Building a Business

The discipline of focusing on what matters and avoiding unnecessary complexity.

26:00 - Building a Support System as a Founder

Rebekah’s experience as a single mom and the importance of asking for help.

Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell to stay updated with all our episodes, where we bring you the untold stories of innovation and leadership from the tech world, only on Tech Scenes Unplugged.

Learn more about the book “Peak Teams - Mastering the Habit of Unstoppable Venture-backed Companies” - https://a.co/d/hp5Jtnu

Visit Collective Genius to Build your Venture-backed Team with the Peak Operating System - www.collective-genius.com

Music by Andrew Applepie - https://soundcloud.com/andrewapplepie

In this episode of Tech Scenes Unplugged, Jeff Martin sits down with Victor Pascucci III, an accomplished venture capitalist and the driving force behind Energy Capital Ventures, the only early-stage VC fund solely focused on the sustainability, resilience, and digital transformation of the natural gas industry. With over 19 years of experience and a top-decile performance track record, Vic shares his expertise on ESG imperatives, green molecule innovation, and the evolving role of venture capital in the energy sector.

Energy Capital Ventures combines the innovation of the startup ecosystem with the scale of the energy industry, enabling game-changing companies that deliver clean, safe, reliable, and cost-effective energy for all communities. Through a unique focus on "Green Molecules™," the firm is driving decarbonization and fostering the next generation of sustainable energy solutions.

Key Takeaways:

"Green Molecules™" are a game-changer for decarbonizing the energy sector.
Energy Capital Ventures is uniquely positioned to blend startup innovation with large-scale energy solutions.
The fund focuses on building sustainable, resilient, and cost-effective energy systems.
Hydrogen and sustainable aviation fuels represent promising green molecule opportunities.
Strategic partnerships with utility companies help de-risk deep tech ventures.
Transparency, intellectual honesty, and purpose-driven leadership are critical to success.
Deep tech requires unique funding strategies and a long-term vision for scaling.
Venture capital is evolving toward pragmatic, capital-efficient investment strategies.
Building strong teams and selecting aligned investors are crucial for early-stage success.
A clear and compelling mission helps startups navigate challenges and drive innovation.

Chapters:

0:00 - Introduction to Venture Challenges
1:15 - Welcome to Tech Scenes with Vic
1:36 - Energy Capital Ventures Overview
3:50 - Green Molecules Explained
5:00 - Portfolio Highlights
8:31 - Fund Structure and Investors
10:00 - Challenges in the Green Molecule Space
11:37 - Vic’s Career Journey
14:53 - The Future of Green Molecules
15:50 - Investing Criteria
19:06 - Overcoming Founder Challenges
20:00 - Scaling Deep Tech
22:06 - High Risk, High Reward
23:16 - Funding for Deep Tech Startups
25:26 - Venture Capital Market Trends
28:41 - Testing and Iterating in Venture
31:10 - Raising Capital Efficiently
32:15 - Desert Island Album

Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell to stay updated with all our episodes, where we bring you the untold stories of innovation and leadership from the tech world, only on Tech Scenes Unplugged.

Learn more about the book “Peak Teams - Mastering the Habit of Unstoppable Venture-backed Companies” - https://a.co/d/hp5Jtnu

Visit Collective Genius to Build your Venture-backed Team with the Peak Operating System - www.collective-genius.com

Music by Andrew Applepie - https://soundcloud.com/andrewapplepie

#collectivegenius #peakoperatingsystem #energycapitalventures #victorpascucci #greentechnology #venturecapital #sustainability #greenmolecules #deeptech #startups #innovation

In this episode of Tech Scenes Unplugged, Jeff Martin sits down with Evgeny Klochikhin, CEO and Founder of Sheeva.AI, a global innovator revolutionizing the automotive industry with in-car payments and commerce solutions. Sheeva.AI's patented geolocation technology is transforming the driver experience by enabling seamless and secure payments for fueling, EV charging, parking, and more—all from the vehicle’s in-dash screen.

In this episode of Tech Scenes Unplugged, Jeff Martin sits down with Ayal Yogev, CEO and Co-founder of Anjuna Security, a company pioneering confidential computing with its Universal Confidential Computing Platform. With over 20 years of experience in enterprise security, Ayal brings a wealth of expertise in building secure, innovative solutions for industries like financial services, government, and blockchain.

Anjuna's Seaglass platform creates a zero-trust environment by intrinsically securing data in every state—at rest, in transit, and in use. This groundbreaking technology allows enterprises to isolate workloads and enforce application-level trust policies, enabling them to maintain security and privacy without compromising collaboration or efficiency.

In this engaging conversation, Ayal shares his journey through the cybersecurity landscape, lessons from his roles at SafeBreach, OpenDNS, and Imperva, and his transformative experience at Y Combinator. Topics include product management dynamics, fostering customer relationships, and the importance of quick iterations in building a successful startup. Jeff and Ayal also discuss the challenges and strategies for managing remote teams, navigating deep tech fundraising, and building a strong network for long-term success.

Key Takeaways:

Chapters:

Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell to stay updated with all our episodes, where we bring you the untold stories of innovation and leadership from the tech world, only on Tech Scenes Unplugged.

Learn more about the book “Peak Teams - Mastering the Habit of Unstoppable Venture-backed Companies” - https://a.co/d/hp5Jtnu

Visit Collective Genius to Build your Venture-backed Team with the Peak Operating System - www.collective-genius.com

Music by Andrew Applepie - https://soundcloud.com/andrewapplepie

#collectivegenius #peakoperatingsystem #peakos #vbos #innovation #startups #cybersecurity #AnjunaSecurity #AyalYogev #confidentialcomputing #entrepreneurship #CEOjourney #productmanagement

In this episode of Tech Scenes Unplugged, Jeff Martin reconnects with Troy Henikoff, a serial entrepreneur and investor with a rich history of building and scaling successful technology companies. Currently the Managing Director of Math Venture Partners, Troy has helped shape the startup ecosystem by focusing on execution, founder evaluation, and creating lasting value in businesses.

Math Venture Partners is a venture capital fund specializing in technical and digital companies, supporting their growth with a hands-on approach. With experience scaling businesses to a combined value of over $7 billion, the MATH team excels in helping companies master financials, marketing, sales, and team scaling.

In this conversation, Troy reflects on his entrepreneurial journey and shares insights into his work at Math Venture Partners and Techstars. Topics include the critical role of execution in startups, evaluating founders, the evolution of leadership, and the importance of lifelong learning. The discussion also covers collaborative leadership, board dynamics, and the necessity of transparency and intellectual honesty in business. Troy emphasizes focusing on value creation, capital efficiency, and fostering diversity and trust in decision-making processes.

Key Takeaways:

Execution, not just the idea, is the key to startup success.

Founders and teams play a pivotal role in early-stage company growth.

Leadership skills must evolve as companies scale from startup to maturity.

Lifelong learning is essential for entrepreneurs and investors.

Board meetings should prioritize interaction, problem-solving, and opportunities.

Intellectual honesty and accountability are vital for accurate forecasting and budgeting.

Delivering real value to customers should take precedence over fundraising.

Capital efficiency is a core responsibility of the CEO.

Transparency fosters trust between management and the board.

Collaborative leadership creates a positive, effective work environment.

Chapters:

Introduction to Troy Henikoff and Math Venture Partners

The Importance of Execution in Startups

Evaluating Founders and Teams for Success

Leadership Evolution in High-Growth Companies

Lifelong Learning as an Entrepreneur and Investor

Collaborative Leadership and Board Dynamics

Focusing on Value Creation Over Fundraising

Intellectual Honesty in Forecasting and Budgeting

The Role of the CEO in Capital Efficience

Building Trust Through Transparency

Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell to stay updated with all our episodes, where we bring you the untold stories of innovation and leadership from the tech world, only on Tech Scenes Unplugged.

Learn more about the book “Peak Teams - Mastering the Habit of Unstoppable Venture-backed Companies” - https://a.co/d/hp5Jtnu

Visit Collective Genius to Build your Venture-backed Team with the Peak Operating System - www.collective-genius.com

Music by Andrew Applepie - https://soundcloud.com/andrewapplepie

#collectivegenius #peakoperatingsystem #peakos #vbos #innovation #startups #venturecapital #TroyHenikoff #MathVenturePartners #Techstars #entrepreneurship #leadership #execution #teamdynamics

In this episode of Tech Scenes Unplugged, we sit down with Reyes Florez, the innovative CEO and Founder of Platform Accounting Group. With a background spanning Goldman Sachs, Credit Suisse, and his family’s boutique accounting firm, Reyes brings a unique blend of high-level finance expertise and hands-on operational knowledge to his leadership. Under his guidance, Platform Accounting is redefining professional services by merging the personalized touch of boutique firms with the technology and connectedness of the modern era.

In this episode of Tech Scenes, we take a ride with Robyn Ward, the CEO of FounderForward. Robyn shares her passion for empowering high-impact entrepreneurs and executives by cultivating exceptional leadership within themselves and their teams. With 20 years of experience working at high-growth companies and expertise in positive psychology, performance science, and conscious leadership, Robyn is redefining how leaders and teams scale and succeed.

In this episode of Tech Scenes Unplugged, we sit down with Paul Singh, a seasoned entrepreneur, investor, and founder of Results Junkies. With a mission to invest in 200 companies across North America each year, Paul and his team travel coast-to-coast, engaging with startup ecosystems in cities that are often overlooked by traditional venture capitalists. His approach is a unique blend of "tech possibilities" and "main street realities," creating a diversified portfolio that reflects both cutting-edge technology and everyday businesses.

Paul’s entrepreneurial journey spans from his early days selling websites in high school to building a successful data center business, co-founding 500 Global, and developing an investment philosophy that emphasizes execution, transparency, and adaptability. In this episode, he and Jeff Martin explore the nuances of entrepreneurship, highlighting the importance of building a company—not just a product—and using data to drive investment decisions.

From the iterative process of experimentation in business to the evolving roles of founders and the impact of technology, Paul provides invaluable insights on entrepreneurship, investment strategy, and the mindset required to navigate today’s dynamic business landscape.

Key Takeaways:

Chapters:

Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell to stay updated with all our episodes, where we bring you the untold stories of innovation and leadership from the tech world, only on Tech Scenes Unplugged.

Learn more about the book “Peak Teams - Mastering the Habit of Unstoppable Venture-backed Companies” - https://a.co/d/hp5Jtnu

Visit Collective Genius to Build your Venture-backed Team with the Peak Operating System - www.collective-genius.com

Music by Andrew Applepie - https://soundcloud.com/andrewapplepie

#collectivegenius #peakoperatingsystem #peakos #vbos #innovation #venturecapital #startups #entrepreneurship #PaulSingh #ResultsJunkies #500Global #data #investment #startupculture #founderjourney #leadership

In this episode of Tech Scenes Unplugged, we sit down with Rathna Sharad, the founder and CEO of FlavorCloud, a cross-border shipping platform that’s transforming the logistics landscape for direct-to-consumer brands. Drawing on her 20+ years of experience in global supply chain and e-commerce, Rathna has built a powerful “anywhere-to-anywhere” logistics solution that empowers brands to operate seamlessly on a global scale.

Founded in 2018, FlavorCloud simplifies international shipping for mid-to-large enterprise merchants by abstracting the complexity of customs, carrier disruptions, and compliance. The platform enables businesses to offer guaranteed global delivery with best-in-class rates and a streamlined checkout process, unlocking new revenue opportunities in a $4.8 trillion global B2C and $7.3 trillion B2B e-commerce market.

In this episode, Rathna shares her journey from developer to entrepreneur, offering insights into the complexities of logistics, the challenges of scaling a remote-first team, and the importance of community support among founders. She emphasizes continuous learning and adaptation in a constantly evolving industry, providing valuable advice for early-stage founders, along with reflections on her fundraising journey and team dynamics.

Key Takeaways:

Chapters:

Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell to stay updated with all our episodes, where we bring you the untold stories of innovation and leadership from the tech world, only on Tech Scenes Unplugged.

Learn more about the book “Peak Teams - Mastering the Habit of Unstoppable Venture-backed Companies” - https://a.co/d/hp5Jtnu

Visit Collective Genius to Build your Venture-backed Team with the Peak Operating System - www.collective-genius.com

Music by Andrew Applepie - https://soundcloud.com/andrewapplepie

#collectivegenius #peakoperatingsystem #peakos #vbos #innovation #venturecapital #startups #logistics #FlavorCloud #crossborder #ecommerce #supplychain #entrepreneurship #ceo #founder #rathnasharad #remotework #scalingstartup

In this episode of Tech Scenes Unplugged, we sit down with Forest Flager, CEO and Co-founder of Parspec, a company revolutionizing product selection and procurement in the construction industry. Parspec, founded in 2021 and headquartered in San Mateo, California, is on a mission to enable sales agents and distributors in construction to discover and source the best available products and materials for their projects. Parspect's AI-powered platform supports product selection, quoting, and submittal workflows, simplifying a traditionally cumbersome process.

Forest brings a wealth of experience from his background in architecture and construction technology. Before founding Parspec, he led software and design automation efforts at Katerra and was a Postdoctoral Research Associate at Stanford University. Forest has also built innovative digital solutions that have had a significant impact on construction design and fabrication.

In this episode, Forest shares his journey from architecture to founding a tech startup. We explore how Parspec uses AI to automate product selection, the challenges of adopting technology in the construction industry, and the importance of building strong relationships within teams. Forest reflects on his experience in fundraising, the importance of transparency with investors, and how having a clear vision attracts top talent. We also discuss the cultural differences in feedback, team dynamics, and lessons learned from building a distributed team.

Key Takeaways:

Chapters:

Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell to stay updated with all our episodes, where we bring you the untold stories of innovation and leadership from the tech world, only on Tech Scenes Unplugged.

Learn more about the book “Peak Teams - Mastering the Habit of Unstoppable Venture-backed Companies” - https://geni.us/peak-teams

Visit Collective Genius to Build your Venture-backed Team with the Peak Operating System - www.collective-genius.com

Music by Andrew Applepie - https://soundcloud.com/andrewapplepie

#collectivegenius #peakoperatingsystem #peakos #vbos #innovation #venturecapital #startups #constructiontech #AI #Parspec #forestflager #productmarketfit #teamculture #entrepreneurship #ceo #founder