This is the second of four episodes in a special series dedicated to the 2025 NVCA Award Recipients. To learn more about the NVCA and their work in crafting the future of Venture Capital, visit their website at https://nvca.org/.

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In this episode of The Innovators & Investors Podcast, host Kristian Marquez sits down with Chris Rizik, CEO of Renaissance Venture Capital and recipient of the NVCA’s Venture Vanguard Award.

Chris shares the origin story and unique investment thesis behind Renaissance, a fund of funds focused on connecting top venture capital firms nationwide with promising startups in Michigan.

He discusses how Renaissance overcame early skepticism by creating a “no rules” approach that encourages fund managers to explore local opportunities without restrictive mandates.

The conversation delves into the importance of strategic partnerships with Fortune 1000 companies and universities like the University of Michigan, which fuel innovation and economic growth in the region. Chris also reflects on his unconventional career path, lessons learned about trusting instincts, managing losses, and recognizing winning investments.

They explore how AI is reshaping venture capital dynamics, accelerating product development, and shifting competitive moats from technology to networks and customer relationships.

Finally, Chris highlights Renaissance’s signature Demo Day event in Detroit, which facilitates hundreds of meetings between local startups and national investors, and shares his passion for soul music and how it complements his professional life.

This episode offers a comprehensive look at regional venture capital, investment strategy, and the evolving landscape of innovation in Michigan and beyond.

Learn more about Chris's work at https://renvcf.com/ and learn about UnDemo Day at https://undemoday.com/

Connect with Chris on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-rizik-674300/

Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply at https://finstratmgmt.com/innovators-investors-podcast/

Want to learn more about Kristian Marquez's work? Check out his website at https://finstratmgmt.com

This is the first of four episodes in a special series dedicated to the 2025 NVCA Award Recipients. To learn more about the NVCA and their work in crafting the future of Venture Capital, visit their website at https://nvca.org/.

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In this episode of The Innovators & Investors Podcast, host Kristian Marquez sits down with Howard Morgan, chairman of B Capital Group and a recipient of the NVCA Vanguard Award.

Howard shares deep insights into B Capital’s global multi-stage venture strategy, investing across sectors like healthcare, enterprise software, frontier tech, and AI-driven innovations.

He discusses the firm’s unique partnership with Boston Consulting Group, which provides hands-on support to portfolio companies, and how AI has become integral to nearly every investment today.

Howard reflects on his remarkable career, from pioneering work in computing and founding Renaissance Technologies to co-founding First Round Capital, which backed early successes like Uber and Roblox.

The conversation explores how AI impacts valuations, founder importance, and market dynamics, as well as challenges such as energy infrastructure for AI growth and the evolving venture capital landscape. Howard also shares his personal mission around longevity and the future of biotech investments.

This episode offers a comprehensive look at venture investing from one of the industry’s most experienced leaders, providing valuable perspectives for founders, investors, and innovation enthusiasts alike.

As a follow on, stay on the lookout for Howard's upcoming memoir, it's sure to be packed with insights and reflections from his impressive career!

Learn more about Howard's work at https://b.capital/

Connect with Howard on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/hlmorgan/

Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply at https://finstratmgmt.com/innovators-investors-podcast/

Want to learn more about Kristian Marquez's work? Check out his website at https://finstratmgmt.com

In this episode of The Innovators & Investors Podcast, host Kristian Marquez welcomes Sivan Zamir, Vice President of Enterprise Innovation and Venture at Xylem, the world’s largest water technology provider.

Sivan shares how Xylem addresses critical water challenges including scarcity, contamination, flooding, and workforce shortages through innovative technologies and strategic corporate venture partnerships.

She explains Xylem’s unique approach to investing in growth-stage startups, emphasizing collaboration, rigorous due diligence, and long-term partnerships.

The conversation also explores the role of AI in accelerating wastewater treatment design and supporting workforce training in a retiring industry. Sivan reflects on his career journey from civil engineering to leading innovation within a Fortune 500 company and highlights the importance of kindness and human connection in business.

This episode offers a deep dive into the intersection of water technology, venture capital, and sustainable industrial solutions, providing valuable perspectives for entrepreneurs, investors, and industry professionals alike.

Learn more about Sivan's work at https://www.xylem.com/en-us/

Connect with Sivan on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/sivan-sidney-zamir/

Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply at https://finstratmgmt.com/innovators-investors-podcast/

Want to learn more about Kristian Marquez's work? Check out his website at https://finstratmgmt.com

In this episode of The Innovators & Investors Podcast, host Kristian Marquez sits down with Renan Devillieres, founder and CEO of OSS Ventures, to explore how technology is reshaping manufacturing and supply chain operations.

Renan shares the origins of OSS Ventures, a firm dedicated to building and investing in tech startups that modernize factories, warehouses, and logistics through AI and software solutions.

Listeners will learn about OSS’s hands-on approach—partnering early with founders, providing operational expertise, and leveraging a vast network of over 2,200 factories to accelerate market adoption.

The conversation covers real-world examples like Fabric, a company digitizing factory workflows with AI, and insights into how AI and robotics are driving efficiency gains and redefining human roles in manufacturing.

Renan also reflects on his entrepreneurial journey, the challenges of changing industry mindsets, and the future of robotics across sectors.

This episode offers a comprehensive look at the intersection of innovation, investment, and industrial evolution for anyone interested in the future of manufacturing technology.

Learn more about Renan's work at https://www.oss.ventures/

Connect with Renan on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/renan-devillieres-4b8a3a83/

Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply at https://finstratmgmt.com/innovators-investors-podcast/

Want to learn more about Kristian Marquez's work? Check out his website at https://finstratmgmt.com

In this episode of The Innovators & Investors Podcast, host Kristian Marquez sits down with Ronen Soffer, Chief Product Officer at Intuition Robotics, to explore how AI-driven companion robots are addressing the growing challenge of loneliness among older adults. They discuss the thoughtful design behind ElliQ, a social desktop robot that offers emotional support, cognitive engagement, and social connection without replacing human relationships.

Ronen shares insights on blending behavioral AI with generative AI to create meaningful, goal-based interactions that improve users’ daily lives, from medication reminders to social activities and relaxation techniques. The conversation also delves into the importance of empathy in product development, the evolving role of artificial intelligence in enhancing user experience, and the company’s mission to bridge the digital divide for seniors.

Finally, Ronen reflects on the significance of purpose in innovation and leadership, making this episode a compelling listen for anyone interested in the intersection of technology, aging, and human connection.

Learn more about Ronen's work at https://www.intuitionrobotics.com/

Connect with Ronen on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/ronensoffer/

Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply at https://finstratmgmt.com/innovators-investors-podcast/

Want to learn more about Kristian Marquez's work? Check out his website at https://finstratmgmt.com

In this episode of The Innovators & Investors Podcast, host Kristian Marquez sits down with Ranvir Mangat, co-founder and COO of InsightRx, to explore how their software addresses the critical issue of one-size-fits-all dosing in healthcare. InsightRx leverages precision dosing and clinical analytics integrated directly into medical records to tailor medication plans based on individual patient pharmacology and biomarkers. Ranvir shares the company’s origins stemming from a UCSF bone marrow transplant project and explains how their technology applies predictive pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic models traditionally used in drug development to real-world clinical settings.

The conversation delves into the evolving healthcare landscape, particularly the shift from fee-for-service to pay-for-performance models, and how InsightRx’s solutions align with this focus on patient outcomes and cost efficiency. Ranvir discusses the complex dynamics between pharmacies, payers, and hospitals, highlighting challenges in demonstrating ROI and navigating lengthy sales cycles in a conservative industry with tight budgets.

Listeners will gain a deep understanding of the startup’s journey to product-market fit, emphasizing the importance of domain expertise, rapid iteration, and understanding customer pain points to build a “must-have” solution. The episode also touches on how InsightRx is incorporating AI and machine learning, including generative AI, to enhance operational efficiency and clinical decision support, while maintaining necessary human oversight.

Ranvir reflects on lessons learned over InsightRx’s decade-long evolution, offering practical advice on managing market hype, capital raising, and balancing product development with sales strategy. The episode concludes with personal reflections on the power of co-founder partnerships and mentorship, underscoring the entrepreneurial spirit necessary to navigate the challenges of building innovative healthcare technology.

For those interested in healthcare innovation, precision medicine, and the intersection of AI in clinical applications, this episode provides a comprehensive look at how InsightRx is shaping the future of personalized drug dosing.

Learn more about Ranvir's work at insight-rx.com

Connect with Ranvir on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/ranvir-mangat-99621a6/

Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply at https://finstratmgmt.com/innovators-investors-podcast/

Want to learn more about Kristian Marquez's work? Check out his website at https://finstratmgmt.com

In this episode of The Innovators & Investors Podcast, host Kristian Marquez sits down with Srikant Vasan, founder and managing partner of Avesta Fund, to explore early-stage investing focused on climate change and economic opportunity.

Srikant shares his unique perspective shaped by his experience as a founder, operator, and investor, including lessons learned from Techstars and other venture ecosystems.

The conversation delves into Avesta Fund’s investment approach, emphasizing portfolio construction, managing cognitive biases, and the importance of diverse expert input.

Srikant also discusses the challenges and opportunities within climate tech sectors such as grid modernization, clean data centers, and sustainable transportation.

Listeners will gain a comprehensive understanding of how Avesta balances impact with financial returns, collaborates with corporate partners, and navigates the complexities of investment horizons.

Additionally, Srikant reflects on his eclectic career journey—from corporate consulting and startup success to philanthropic investing—and offers valuable leadership advice for entrepreneurs.

This episode provides a thorough look at building a purpose-driven investment fund that aims to generate positive change while delivering solid returns.

Learn more about Srikant's work at https://www.avesta.fund/

Connect with Srikant on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/srikantvasan/

Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply at https://finstratmgmt.com/innovators-investors-podcast/

Want to learn more about Kristian Marquez's work? Check out his website at https://finstratmgmt.com

In this episode of The Innovators & Investors Podcast, host Kristian Marquez sits down with Kenny Vassigh, founder of Caylan Space, to explore the evolving commercial space industry and the challenges startups face in connecting technologies with customers.

Drawing from his extensive NASA experience, Kenny discusses how Caylan Space’s platform streamlines the discovery and comparison of space products and services, facilitating a global marketplace for vendors and buyers.

They dive into key space applications such as Earth observation, lunar exploration, and satellite communications, highlighting the shift toward service-based models in the industry.

Kenny also offers practical advice for space tech entrepreneurs, emphasizing the importance of flexibility, securing diverse funding sources including government grants and venture capital, and developing a minimum viable product to attract customers.

The conversation touches on the growing international collaboration in space programs and the critical role of mentorship and continuous learning for engineers entering this fast-paced sector.

This episode provides a comprehensive look at how innovation, market dynamics, and strategic adaptation are shaping the future of space commerce.

Learn more about Kenny's work at https://www.caylanspace.com/

Connect with Kenny on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/kenny-vassigh-b8a9a61/

Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply at https://finstratmgmt.com/innovators-investors-podcast/

Want to learn more about Kristian Marquez's work? Check out his website at https://finstratmgmt.com

In this insightful episode of The Innovators & Investors Podcast, host Kristian Marquez sits down with Charles Anselm, CEO and co-founder of OSYTE, to explore the complexities of managing multi-asset portfolios across public and private markets.

They discuss the growing shift of capital from public to private investments and the resulting liquidity challenges faced by allocators such as family offices and outsourced CIOs.

Charles explains how OSYTE’s platform enhances transparency, portfolio allocation planning, risk management, and liquidity workflow automation, addressing critical issues like capital calls, rebalancing, and order management.

The conversation also delves into Charles’s personal entrepreneurial journey, the unique challenges of fintech product development in regulated markets, and the importance of combining domain expertise with advanced technology, including AI.

Listeners gain valuable perspectives on the future of multi-asset investing, the role of private markets, and how innovative tools can empower sophisticated investors and advisors to make smarter, more efficient investment decisions.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the evolving landscape of investment management and fintech innovation.

Learn more about Charles's work at https://osyte.com/

Connect with Charles on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlesanselm/

Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply at https://finstratmgmt.com/innovators-investors-podcast/

Want to learn more about Kristian Marquez's work? Check out his website at https://finstratmgmt.com

In this insightful episode of The Innovators & Investors Podcast, host Kristian Marquez sits down with Dr. Yvonne Lutsch, Investment Director at Lam Research Capital, a leading player in the semiconductor equipment industry.

They explore Lam Research Capital’s strategic investment thesis, focusing on cutting-edge startups across the semiconductor value chain, including materials, sensors, robotics, automation, and sustainability.

Yvonne shares her unique journey from a corporate role in Germany to venture capital in Silicon Valley, highlighting the importance of human connections and the dense innovation ecosystem that drives deal flow.

The conversation delves into the macroeconomic trends shaping the semiconductor market, emphasizing AI’s pivotal role and the growing demand for smarter devices across industries like consumer electronics and electric vehicles. Yvonne candidly discusses risks such as valuation bubbles in AI data center startups and the critical factors behind LAM’s investment decisions, including strategic relevance, strong leadership teams, and market potential.

She also sheds light on LAM’s approach to supporting portfolio companies beyond capital—by becoming customers, co-developing technology, and fostering sustainable growth.

With a focus on hardware innovation and a commitment to sustainability, this episode offers valuable perspectives for investors, founders, and anyone interested in the future of semiconductor technology and strategic corporate venture capital. Listen to gain expert insights into navigating the complexities of tech investing and building impactful, enduring partnerships in a dynamic market.

Learn more about Yvonne's work at https://www.lamcapital.com/

Connect with Yvonne on LinkedIn at http://www.linkedin.com/in/yvonne-lutsch

Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply at https://finstratmgmt.com/innovators-investors-podcast/

Want to learn more about Kristian Marquez's work? Check out his website at https://finstratmgmt.com