The Accelerator with Michael Conniff

In today's enlightening conversation, we unveil the inspiring journey of Iambic—a next-generation shoe brand that delivers precision-fit shoes at scale through AI, virtual scanning, and streamlined manufacturing.  Speaking with us today is Maeve Wang who is the co-founder and CEO of Iambic and Raza Hassan, co-founder and CTO. 

At the heart of Iambic lies a deeply personal struggle endured by Maeve herself. Imagine facing the frustrating dilemma of never finding shoes that fit perfectly. Maeve's breaking point came after an astonishing 300 shoe returns and exchanges within a mere three years—both online and in physical stores. 

Her quest led her on a tireless journey, spanning from upstate Connecticut to the depths of Jersey, testing every foot scanner in existence, trying countless brands until the undeniable truth struck her: something was amiss in the shoe-making system.

Maeve didn't stop there. She embarked on a quest to unravel the truth, speaking with countless consumers, friends, and family, only to uncover a staggering reality—27% of people faced the same footwear woes. A chance encounter with a biomedical engineering professor, a friend with an expert perspective introduced her to Raza and that’s how they connected and began the journey to starting Iambic. Raza had just finished his doctorate degree in biomedical engineering with a focus on computational biomechanics and musculoskeletal joint research. 

The highlight is when Raza explains in detail the process of creating a shoe. You will also learn how Iambic creates shoes that fit perfectly for each customer using its proprietary technology platform. Raza explains how they use AI and streamlined manufacturing to automate and modernize the shoe-making process, from virtual scanning to production. He demonstrates how they transform a foot shape into a shoe mold, and then into a shoe product, using their advanced computational biomechanics models and machine learning algorithms. He also shows an example of a white sneaker with red highlights that is custom-made for a customer's foot. You will be amazed by the speed, accuracy, and artistry of their technology and their product.

You will also hear how Iambic's product has been very well received by the market, especially by the early adopters and tastemakers who appreciate the premium nature and value proposition of their shoes. Maeve shares how they sold out of their first limited drop without any paid ads, just because of the high demand and the strong connection with the public. She expresses her excitement and gratitude for the overwhelming response and the positive feedback that they have received. You will be impressed by the traction and momentum that they have achieved with their product and their brand.

Welcome back to The Accelerator Podcast hosted by Michael Conniff! In today's episode, we are excited to introduce three remarkable guests: Ryan Coles, Ph.D. He is a Professor at UConn (University Of Connecticut) School of Business along with Peter Goggins from Pisces Atlantic and Massyl Malem from PatentPlus AI.

Our conversation begins with Professor Coles, who shares his inspiring journey into entrepreneurship and his passion for startup culture. He narrates a captivating story of his involvement in a volunteerism startup in the Middle East during the Arab Spring in 2011. This experience exposed him to the challenges of starting a business internationally and understanding the complexities of different cultures and power structures.

After completing his doctoral studies at Cornell, Professor Coles joined the University of Connecticut (UConn) and established the Foundry within Daigle Labs. The Foundry serves as an experimental space for nurturing businesses built around scientific and technological breakthroughs. Professor Coles emphasizes the significance of leveraging academic research to foster successful startups.

Next, we explore Massyl Malem's journey, the co-founder, and CEO of PatentPlus AI. Massyl's fascination with intellectual property began during a co-op program while pursuing his studies in chemical engineering at UConn. This led him to create PatentPlus AI, an innovative AI-powered platform for patent searching and analysis. Massyl discusses the challenges they encountered while accessing global patent databases and how the Foundry's "pivot grant" played a pivotal role in overcoming these obstacles.

Currently, in the beta testing phase, Massyl's company aims to revolutionize the patent search process, making it quicker, more cost-effective, and more accurate compared to traditional methods. They collaborate with pilot programs and potential clients to fine-tune their AI-powered patent search tool.

Next, we hear from Peter Goggins, the visionary founder and CEO of Pisces Atlantic. His company produces sustainable, high-tech fish feeds that are fish meal-free, using alternative protein sources like yeast byproducts, fungal meals, and insect meals. This eco-friendly feed not only benefits the environment but also improves the health of the fish.

Peter shares Pisces Atlantic's challenges during their scaling-up journey and how the Foundry's support was instrumental in identifying niche markets abroad to gain traction. With approximately 10 million USD in sales secured, Pisces Atlantic is now focused on expansion and fulfillment.

Daigle Labs is an essential hub for nurturing startups, employing a unique approach similar to a lab rather than a traditional accelerator. Professor Coles and his team provide ongoing support to startups, even after they achieve commercial success. The Foundry's dedication to fostering innovation underscores its commitment to propelling groundbreaking entrepreneurship forward. Tune in to this informative episode as we explore the dynamic ventures of PatentPlus AI and Pisces Atlantic while gaining valuable insights into Daigle Lab’s pivotal role in their success.

Are you passionate about real estate investing but feel like the traditional options are limiting your chances? Well, let's introduce you to Daniel Rajnoch, the visionary founder of InvestBay, a platform that's changing the game for aspiring real estate investors.

InvestBay's mission is to make real estate investment accessible to everyone, regardless of the financial challenges they may face. They achieve this through cutting-edge blockchain innovation, a supportive investor community, and valuable educational resources that provide a fresh perspective on real estate investing.

Join Michael Conniff as he sits down with Daniel Rajnoch to explore how InvestBay is revolutionizing the world of real estate investments and removing barriers for potential investors.

Have you ever been frustrated by the obstacles preventing you from entering the real estate investment market?

In this engaging episode, Daniel shares the core principles behind InvestBay's success and their unwavering commitment to making real estate investments more accessible. He'll walk you through the three pillars of the platform:

1. Instant Accessibility: Discover how InvestBay's innovative payment card system enables investors to participate in real estate opportunities while ensuring they have instant access to funds whenever they need them. This eliminates the traditional hurdles that can hold back potential investors.
2. Tokenization Platform: Find out how InvestBay's tokenization platform opens up a wide range of real estate assets for investment, offering diverse options to individuals looking to invest in this lucrative market.
3. Lending Platform: Learn about the lending platform provided by InvestBay, which gives investors the chance to explore new investment possibilities and diversify their portfolio, regardless of their initial capital.

Daniel Rajnoch's journey is truly inspiring and filled with innovation. Before InvestBay, he spent 15 years in the restaurant business, managing the most popular bar and nightclub in Prague. However, his desire to explore new horizons and embrace technology led him to create InvestBay, where he utilized invaluable skills gained from his previous venture.

If you're eager to overcome the challenges and embrace a future where real estate investment is more accessible, this episode is a must-listen. Join Michael Conniff and Daniel Rajnoch as they discuss the future of real estate investments and how InvestBay is breaking barriers to create opportunities for all. Get ready for an enlightening conversation that might just change the way you think about investing in real estate! 

Are you ready for a game-changing episode of The Accelerator? This week, we dive into the fascinating world of sports and innovation with a groundbreaking company - The Union Community Inc! We had the honor of sitting down with Saskia Webber and Michael Magid, the visionary co-founders of The Union Community Inc!

The Union Community Inc is a game-changing platform designed to revolutionize the way youth athletes engage with professional players and coaches. Their mission is to create a safe haven away from the toxicity of social media, offering a quality space where young talents can thrive, learn, and excel!

 Available on both the App Store and Google Play store, and accessible through their user-friendly website (https://www.theunionsports.com), this innovative platform empowers young athletes to network, seek guidance, and receive personalized coaching from the best in the business.

Saskia Webber is a soccer legend known for her influential role in the U.S. Women's National Team's triumphant 1999 World Cup victory. Throughout her esteemed career, she proudly represented her country in the 1995 World Cup and the 1996 Gold Medal Olympic team. As a founding member of the Women's United Soccer Association, Saskia's impact on women's soccer went beyond the field. 

Her professional journey took her across continents, from playing for the Philadelphia Charge and the New York Power to earning recognition as the top goalkeeper in Japan's Oki FC league. Honored with multiple awards, including All-American recognition and the prestigious Missouri Athletic Club Goalkeeper of the Year Award, Saskia's dedication to the sport remained unwavering. Even after retiring from playing, she continues to make a significant mark as a founding investor of Angel City FC and the Broadcasting host of the NWSL. Her popular podcast, "Inside The 18," serves as a valuable source of insights and inspiration for goalkeepers worldwide.

Michael Magid has a unique and fascinating journey that blends comedy and soccer. Born in Caracas, Venezuela, and raised in a diverse cultural environment, Michael's comedic style draws from a mix of ridiculously self-deprecating stories and hilarious biographical accounts. Embracing his mixed cultural background, Michael's humor resonates with audiences worldwide. Beyond comedy, Michael's passion for soccer has played a significant role in his life. As a dedicated coach for 17 years, he has nurtured and honed the skills of aspiring athletes. Moreover, his role as the Producer of the immensely popular Pro GK (Goalkeeping) Academy and its podcast "Inside The 18" showcases his commitment to the sport's growth and development.

Together, Saskia Webber and Michael Magid have brought their expertise, passion, and innovation to create The Union Community Inc. We uncover the inspiring thought process that sparked the creation of The Union Community Inc. Hear from the passionate founders about their journey, challenges, and the impact they are making in the sports world. Discover how this exceptional community is shaping the future of sports mentorship and providing a sanctuary for aspiring athletes to thrive.

One of the key highlights is when they shed light on the significant size of niche communities, exemplified by the projected 2.7 billion revenue from worldwide goalkeeping in 2023. Together, they emphasize the transformative impact of building a robust network, envisioning a future where millions of passionate athletes can access top-notch facilities, camps, clinics, and exceptional coaching. This eye-opening discussion reveals The Union Community Inc's groundbreaking approach to sports mentorship, solidifying their role as key players in shaping the future of niche sports communities. 

Welcome, everyone, to another exciting episode of the Accelerator with Michael Conniff podcast! We're here to bring you inspiring conversations with remarkable entrepreneurs who are making waves in various fields. Today, we have an extraordinary guest joining us: the incredible Brent Barcus. Not only is he a successful real estate investor, but he's also a remarkably talented musician and sound designer. How cool is that?

In our conversation, Brent chats with our host, Michael Conniff, about his company, 65Capital. They specialize in acquiring Multi-Family assets, catering to passive investors. But that's not all—Brent takes us on a deep dive into his two captivating worlds: real estate investing and the mesmerizing realm of music and audio engineering. We'll even talk about some of the incredible hits Brent has been involved in.

Throughout his career, Brent has worn many hats—guitarist, producer, composer—and he's worked with countless artists and projects. On top of that, he's established his very own company, I-65 Capital Investments. This venture focuses on syndicating multifamily properties in high-growth markets across the US. Wondering what syndication is all about and why it's a fantastic way to invest in lucrative assets that generate cash flow and appreciation? Well, Brent will break it down for us and reveal his strategies for raising capital, which involve collaborating with individual investors, family offices, 1031 exchanges, and self-directed IRAs.

But wait, there's more! Brent also enjoys a thriving career as a sound designer and mixer for film and TV. At his state-of-the-art studio, I-65 Sound, he crafts captivating audio experiences for various content, from commercials to blockbuster movies. Just imagine the impressive list of clients he's worked with—Paramount Plus, Hulu, NASCAR, Motor Trend, Volvo, and many others. He's even lent his talent to projects like the critically acclaimed film 1917, which stunned audiences with its seamless shots and intricate soundscapes.

During our conversation, Brent will share fascinating insights into his work as a sound designer and mixer, explaining how he infuses creativity and meticulous attention to detail into his craft. Get ready for some insider tips and tricks as he reveals why he prefers mixing at low volumes and how his hypersensitive ear enhances his work.

This episode promises to be an absolute blast, packed with valuable information and captivating stories. Don't miss out on this enlightening conversation with the multi-talented Brent Barcus, a true entrepreneur with a wealth of knowledge to share. So kick back, relax, and enjoy the show!

In this episode of The Accelerator with Michael Conniff, we explore the world of freelancing and sit down with Karl Swanepoel, the visionary founder, and CEO of Revolancer. With over 20,000 users, Revolancer is revolutionizing the freelance marketplace by giving freelancers, businesses, and independent professionals the freedom they deserve. 

Karl's personal experience as a freelancer on outdated platforms motivated him to create Revolancer. He wanted to establish a platform that prioritizes fairness, effective communication, and better relationships between freelancers and clients. He strongly believes that the current setup on platforms with high commissions and communication restrictions is unfair for both parties involved.

Unlike other platforms, Revolancer eliminates the hefty 20% commission fee cuts, allowing seamless communication and collaboration. They offer an optional monthly subscription plan for additional features at just five pounds per month.

Karl discusses various aspects of the platform. He highlights that Revolancer is an international platform that focuses on quality and empowers freelancers to charge what their work is worth.

Freelancers on Revolancer have the freedom to directly contact clients without cutting out the platform. The main categories of skills offered by freelancers on Revolancer include design, web development, media, and marketing. 

 Karl envisions freelancers staying on the platform due to the benefits it offers and access to a vibrant marketplace. He positions Revolancer as a deal-making platform that empowers freelancers to negotiate their terms and eventually establish direct relationships with clients, thereby fostering long-term partnerships.

If you're curious about the future of freelancing, you won't want to miss this episode. We'll uncover the secrets behind its success and the driving force behind Karl Swanepoel's passion for creating a platform that empowers freelancers and fosters a fairer work environment. So grab your favorite pair of headphones and get ready to be inspired by the remarkable story of Revolancer.

On this episode of The Accelerator with Michael Conniff, we're catching up with Katie Dunn and Kat Weaver, the dynamic duo behind Power To Pitch. Power to Pitch is helping founders confidently raise their first round of capital and get directly matched with investors. Kat is the CEO of Power to Pitch.

In the podcast, the discussion revolves around Kat Weaver's experiences with pitch contests, her entrepreneurship journey, and her current venture called "Power to Pitch". Kat won 22 out of 23 pitch contests she participated in, and her loss was to a deserving candidate who went on to feature on Disney Plus. Kat's first entrepreneurial venture was a wearable wrist wallet that she invented after her valuables were stolen from her gym locker. Unfortunately, she lost everything to a fire, but she persevered and used pitches as a form of survival. Her second venture, "Power to Pitch", began accidentally when FedEx posted her top pitch tips on their YouTube channel. Founders began reaching out to her for advice on storytelling and raising funds. Seeing the demand, she sold her first company, Locker Lifestyle, after six years to focus full-time on Power to Pitch.

Katie Dunn is an Angel Investor, Board Member, and Finance & Due Diligence Expert. Katie's a whizz in commercial real estate finance, and Kat's been on the rollercoaster ride of starting up her own business, so they really get the ins and outs of the startup scene. They're all about pulling out the real heart of the founder's story and helping them show investors why they're the best person for the job.

Ever heard of adaptability, relatability, and grit? Well, these two reckon they're the secret sauce for a winning pitch. They're all about helping founders really hit home on their company's value, making investors understand the problem and the solution as they've never before.

Remember Jennifer Eden from Tampontribe who was on our show a while back? You can listen to her episode here. She's a Power To Pitch alum and boy, did her fundraising take a turn for the better after working with them. Same story with Guilty Grape, a fab wine business, and Cheeky Cocktails, a super cool mixer company.

But you know what? It's not just about the money for Katie and Kat. They're here to help founders really get to grips with their business and their vision. You're gonna learn a lot from this episode, so don't miss it!

In a captivating discussion, Marek Palys, co-founder and Head of Sales at Startup House, spoke with Michael Conniff about the unique value proposition of his company in serving startups. 

Marek's entrepreneurial journey began at the age of 26 when he and his best friend decided to quit their jobs and establish their first company, a decision that would lay the groundwork for their future endeavors.

Despite the inherent risks, the pair embarked on this journey driven by a shared vision and unwavering determination. This experience endowed them with invaluable insights and skills that would eventually inform the foundation of Startup House. Today, Startup House stands as a testament to their entrepreneurial spirit, offering a holistic suite of services designed exclusively for startups.

Unlike traditional development firms, Startup House is dedicated to becoming an all-inclusive platform for startups, helping them at every stage, from ideation and concept validation to technology selection, design, and team building. Operating internationally, Startup House has grown rapidly since its inception in 2016, servicing around 80 startups with a full-time staff of 100 people.

Marek emphasized the importance of organic SEO and referrals in their business growth, alongside participation in significant trade shows. He underlined the industry-agnostic approach of Startup House, with their client portfolio spanning diverse sectors. On the topic of successful entrepreneurship, Marek advocated for focus, open-mindedness, and the willingness to embrace potential failure. He underscored the need for feedback from users even before coding begins.

Marek highlighted a few projects of which Startup House is particularly proud, including global initiatives addressing carbon footprints, apps connecting users with NGOs, and cybersecurity solutions. The company's ability to nurture the growth journeys of its client startups, some of which are backed by notable investors like Gen 0 VC, keeps the prospect of nurturing a future unicorn alive. Startup House is more than a technological solution provider - it is a catalyst for startup growth and success.

Join us for an invigorating episode of 'The Accelerator', as host Michael Conniff engages in a rich conversation with Russell Brand, the Director at Responsible Solutions Limited and Entrepreneur in Residence at the Founders Institute. This episode unveils the inspiring journey of Responsible Solutions, a company that emerged in 1994 to introduce open-source technologies to the federal government, a venture that ended up saving taxpayers about a quarter billion dollars over seven years.

Russell sheds light on their journey towards assisting companies in prioritizing efficiency, sustainability, and employee wellbeing. Through this mission, they unearthed that focusing on these elements not only nurtures a healthier work environment but also propels profitability and customer satisfaction, an invaluable combination for all modern businesses.

Recently, their attention has pivoted towards early-stage companies, aiding them in breaking free from the inertia of conventional business practices and steering towards a 'better way'. Russell, an experienced software professional since the 1970s, brings a fascinating perspective, sharing anecdotes from programming wire punch boards to keypunch cards.

An exciting highlight of this episode is when Russell mentions his collaboration with business partner Chris Voltz and the unique skillset they developed: 'finding the hidden gems' in new startups. Many companies that enter their program have achieved amazing feats but often overlook to mention them.

One aspect that sets this conversation apart is when Russell delves into the strong commitment of Responsible Solutions toward mental health awareness. They strive to eliminate the stigma around mental health and utilize superior technologies to address these pertinent issues, an effort that further emphasizes their dedication to responsible entrepreneurship.

To fully appreciate this comprehensive narrative, it's recommended that you also tune into our previous episode featuring Chris Voltz, Russell's business partner. By hearing both sides of the story, you can form a well-rounded picture of their shared vision for corporate innovation, sustainability, and responsible entrepreneurship.

So, whether you're intrigued by the fusion of conventional methods with new-age innovations, the synergistic relationship between profitability and corporate citizenship, or the importance of mental health in the corporate world, this episode is a trove of insights. Tune in and uncover these fascinating tales of startup growth and business responsibility.

Welcome to another inspiring episode of The Accelerator with your host, Michael Conniff! In this episode, we're diving deep into telehealth with our special guest, Jordan Schley, the trailblazing founder of Care2Talk.

Born out of a personal need to connect with his grandfather during the pandemic, Jordan's vision quickly transformed into Care2Talk, a revolutionary telehealth platform tailored specifically for seniors. It's not just a tool, but a lifeline catering to many conditions, from the nuances of aging and dementia to cognitive and developmental disabilities, brain injuries, vision impairment, and physical disabilities.

Together with the B.C. Care Providers, Ontario Long Term Care Association, and the Canadian Mental Health Association, Jordan, and his team are knocking down communication barriers for seniors, and building bridges of conversation with their families and friends.

Here's where it gets exciting! In this episode, Jordan unveils his ambitious plans to expand Care2Talk across the border, into the American healthcare landscape. It sparks a fascinating conversation about the intriguing disparities between Canadian and U.S. healthcare systems. How does Care2Talk plan to navigate these differences? Well, you'll have to tune in to find out!

This episode is brimming with insights on healthcare innovation, the future of telehealth, and strategies to enhance senior care. So, buckle up and get ready for a deep dive into the extraordinary work Jordan Schley and the Care2Talk team are doing.