455 episodes
Middle Tech Middle Tech
-
- Technology
A podcast network exploring startups, technology, and entrepreneurship in Kentucky and beyond.
-
286. borderless: Raffi Kayat on the Progress and Evolution of borderless Payments
In this episode of Middle Tech Podcast, Logan Jones and Evan Knowles welcome back Raffi Kayat, founder of borderless, a global payments platform. Rafi discusses the challenges and surprises of fundraising in Kentucky compared to the coastal tech hubs, emphasizing the need for determination and grit in the entrepreneurial journey. He also shares updates on Borderless, including new product offerings, significant partnerships, and the company's evolution over the past four years. The conversation highlights the unique benefits and challenges of building a tech company in Kentucky, focusing on community support and the need for better fundraising education.
Learn more about borderless at getborderless.com
Visit us at MiddleTech.com
Follow Us
Twitter
Instagram
Facebook
LinkedIn
Logan's Twitter
Evan's Twitter
Middle Tech is proud to be supported by:
KY Innovation
Bolt Marketing
Hunsicker Venture Studio -
285. Endeavor: Jake Budler on the Positive Trend Line of Entrepreneurship in the Midwest
In this episode, Logan and Evan sit down with Jake Budler, the Director of Entrepreneur Experience at Endeavor Midwest. They discuss various topics, including Jake's experience as a founder of a small business, the Indy Tech Tour, the strengths of the Midwest startup ecosystem, and the importance of building relationships. Jake emphasizes the value of in-person connections, the unique opportunities in the Midwest, and the need for founders to ask for help and advice. In the second part of the conversation, Jake Budler discusses the impact of trust-based relationship building and social currency in the startup world. He highlights the growth and success of Endeavor Midwest over the past 10 years, with entrepreneurs generating millions of dollars in revenue and creating thousands of jobs. Jake also emphasizes the importance of big exits and loud failures in the ecosystem, as they contribute to the growth and learning of future entrepreneurs. He shares a story of making a connection between Rabbit Hole, a bourbon company in Kentucky, and Wicklow Wolf, a craft beer distillery in Ireland, showcasing the power of networking and collaboration. Looking ahead, Jake is excited about the positive trend line of entrepreneurship in the Midwest and the potential for more big exits and impactful solutions to be developed.
Learn more about Blue North at bluenorthky.com
Visit us at MiddleTech.com
Follow Us
Twitter
Instagram
Facebook
LinkedIn
Logan's Twitter
Evan's Twitter
Middle Tech is proud to be supported by:
KY Innovation
-
284. Blue North: Dave Knox on The Future of Northern Kentucky’s Startup Scene
In this episode of the Middle Tech Podcast, hosts Logan Jones and Evan Knowles sit down with Dave Knox, Executive Director of Blue North. They delve into the mission and impact of Blue North, part of the Kentucky Innovation Hub network, and explore how it serves as a vital connector for high-growth tech entrepreneurs in Northern Kentucky. Dave shares insights on the importance of creating supportive environments for entrepreneurs, the launch of SparkHouse, and the significance of mental health in the startup journey. Listen in to learn about the transformative initiatives driving Northern Kentucky’s entrepreneurial ecosystem forward.
Learn more about Blue North at bluenorthky.com
Visit us at MiddleTech.com
Follow Us
Twitter
Instagram
Facebook
LinkedIn
Logan's Twitter
Evan's Twitter
Middle Tech is proud to be supported by:
KY Innovation
Bolt Marketing
Hunsicker Venture Studio -
283. CleanSpace: Aram Street & Eric Griffin on Disrupting Traditional Cleaning
In this episode, Logan sits down with Aram Street and Eric Griffin from the CleanSpace team, winners of the recent Five Across pitch competition. They explore their entrepreneurial journey, the inception of CleanSpace, and how they are innovating the cleaning service industry. The duo shares insights on their transition from offering a traditional service to developing a comprehensive tech-driven solution that caters to on-demand cleaning needs, reshaping how cleaning services are delivered.
Learn more about CleanSpace at cleanspace.com
Visit us at MiddleTech.com
Follow Us
Twitter
Instagram
Facebook
LinkedIn
Logan's Twitter
Evan's Twitter
Middle Tech is proud to be supported by:
KY Innovation
Bolt Marketing
Hunsicker Venture Studio -
282. RealizedCare (formerly BehaVR): Aaron Gani on Acquiring Fern Health, VR Therapeutics, & Digitized Healthcare
In this episode, Aaron Gani, Founder and CEO of RealizedCare (formerly known as BehaVR, from episode 150), discusses the journey of building their VR therapeutics company and the recent acquisition of Fern Health. After acquiring Fern Health, BehaVR rebranded as RealizedCare as they broadened the scope of their technology to include more than VR. RealizedCare is a digital therapeutics company that digitizes evidence-based therapies to improve access to care and address the high cost of healthcare by providing treatments via virtual reality.
Learn more about RealizedCare at RealizedCare.com
Visit us at MiddleTech.com
Follow Us
Twitter
Instagram
Facebook
LinkedIn
Logan's Twitter
Evan's Twitter
Middle Tech is proud to be supported by:
KY Innovation
Bolt Marketing
Hunsicker Venture Studio -
281. Non-Competes Illegal and TikTok Ban
In this episode, Logan and Evan delve into two major news stories that are shaping the business and technology landscape: the FTC's proposed ban on non-compete agreements and the potential ban or forced sale of TikTok in the United States. They kick off the discussion by exploring the FTC's initiative to restrict non-compete clauses, examining its potential economic impacts and the legal hurdles it may face. Logan argues that the ban could be an overreach by the FTC in how companies protect their intellectual property, while Evan counters that such agreements can suppress wage growth and limit opportunities for employees, highlighting the broad implications for both business owners and workers.
Transitioning to the TikTok bill, they dissect the reasons behind the proposed legislation, focusing on concerns over Chinese ownership and control of the app. The hosts debate the implications of banning TikTok, weighing the arguments for safeguarding privacy and freedom of expression against national security risks. Throughout the episode, they present a balanced view, acknowledging the complexity of both issues and the significant effects these regulatory changes could have on the U.S. economy and its workforce.
Visit us at MiddleTech.com
Follow Us
Twitter
Instagram
Facebook
LinkedIn
Logan's Twitter
Evan's Twitter
Middle Tech is proud to be supported by:
KY Innovation
Bolt Marketing