The Innovators & Investors Podcast

FinStrat Management, Inc.
  • 5.0 (5)
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  • UPDATED WEEKLY

The Innovators & Investors Podcast: Connecting the Startup Ecosystem. We are on a mission to bridge the gap between founders, investors, and industry leaders across the early-stage ecosystem. By bringing together visionaries from cutting-edge startups, venture capitalists, family offices, angel investors, accelerators, and studios, we offer a platform for sharing invaluable insights, market trends, and first-hand experiences. Whether you’re an entrepreneur navigating the challenges of building a business or an investor seeking opportunities in emerging technologies, our podcast provides a front-row seat to the dynamic world of innovation and investment. Tune in to gain a comprehensive understanding of the startup landscape, stay ahead of the curve, and benefit from the collective wisdom of those shaping the future. Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply at https://finstratmgmt.com/innovators-investors-podcast/

  1. Navigating the Shift to AI SEO with John Hargrave of Media Shower | The Innovators & Investors Podcast

    3D AGO

    Navigating the Shift to AI SEO with John Hargrave of Media Shower | The Innovators & Investors Podcast

    In this episode, Kristian Marquez sits down with John Hargrave, CEO of Media Shower, to discuss how AI is fundamentally changing search and content marketing. John explains the concept of "AI SEO" (or Generative Engine Optimization) and why original data is the only way to remain visible in a conversational internet. We also dive into John’s new book, The Intelligent Crypto Investor, where he outlines a "value investing" approach to digital assets, applying the wisdom of giants like Warren Buffett to the modern crypto market. The Intelligent Crypto Investor: https://www.amazon.com/Intelligent-Crypto-Investor-John-Hargrave/dp/1394366426 Learn more about Media Shower work at: https://www.mediashower.com/ Connect with John Hargrave on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnhargrave/ 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? https://finstratmgmt.com

    41 min
  2. How Eugene Johnson, CEO of Revi is Disrupting Retail Transactions with AI and Customer Data

    FEB 24

    How Eugene Johnson, CEO of Revi is Disrupting Retail Transactions with AI and Customer Data

    In this episode of The Innovators & Investors Podcast, host Christian Marquez sits down with Eugene Johnson, founder and CEO of Revi, to explore how his company is revolutionizing in-person transactions by bridging traditional point-of-sale systems with digital commerce. Eugene shares the origins of Revi, the challenges faced during the pandemic, and how the company pivoted to focus on data-driven customer engagement and AI-native product development. The conversation delves into the critical role of mentorship, resilience, strategic hiring, and leadership in scaling a business, along with Eugene’s unique perspective as both a CEO and pastor. Listeners will gain valuable perspectives on navigating rapid technological change, fostering strong company culture, and preparing for the future of commerce in an AI-driven world. Learn more about Revi's work at: https://www.getrevi.com/ Connect with Eugene Johnson on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eugenekjohnson1/ 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

    42 min
  3. Scaling Computer Vision Technology with Josh Kohn of Meridian Performance Systems | The Innovators & Investors Podcast

    FEB 17

    Scaling Computer Vision Technology with Josh Kohn of Meridian Performance Systems | The Innovators & Investors Podcast

    How do you turn a smartphone into a professional-grade motion analysis laboratory? Join host Kristian Marquez as he speaks with Josh Kohn, CEO of Meridian Performance Systems. From Army Ranger to Investment Banker to Tech Founder, Josh discusses how his company uses on-device computer vision to revolutionize golf putting and solve massive quality assurance problems in the manufacturing industry. Learn why Josh believes the most valuable AI tools are the ones that can "see" the physical world with precision and how his military leadership background shapes his approach to scaling a high-growth startup. Learn more about Meridian Performance Systems work at: https://meridiankps.com/ Connect with Josh Kohn on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josh-kohn/ 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? https://finstratmgmt.com

    42 min
  4. Scaling Global Media Empires with Brandon Williams of LawCorp | The Innovators & Investors Podcast

    FEB 10

    Scaling Global Media Empires with Brandon Williams of LawCorp | The Innovators & Investors Podcast

    How do you transition from protecting $100 billion in M&A to running a global entertainment empire? In this episode, Brandon Williams discusses the importance of corporate infrastructure in the world of innovation. We dive into the grit required to launch Family Feud in Africa, the strategy behind the Steve Harvey Global restructuring, and why persistence is the ultimate currency in high-level investment. Learn more about Steve Harvey Global and LawCorp work at: https://steveharvey.com/ and https://www.lawcorpllc.com/ Connect with Brandon Williams on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandonwilliams1/ 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? https://finstratmgmt.com

    1 hr
  5. Scaling AI Video Innovation with Jeremy Toeman of JWX | The Innovators & Investors Podcast

    FEB 3

    Scaling AI Video Innovation with Jeremy Toeman of JWX | The Innovators & Investors Podcast

    What happens when you have 175,000 users but realize you're looking at the wrong data? In this episode, Kristian Marquez sits down with Jeremy Toeman, the founder of Augie Studio and current SVP of AI Innovation at JWX. Jeremy shares the candid story of Augie’s "beast mode" pivot, the reality of being acquired by a major industry player, and why he believes AI is turning everyone into a "competent" creator, while simultaneously raising the stakes for human creativity. Listeners will learn: How to identify when "good" metrics are actually masking a flawed growth strategy.The difference between a "hackathon" and a "scrimmage" in building team culture.Why your 20-year professional network is more powerful than any AI tool for business longevity. Jeremy also reflects on the nostalgia of 80s cinema and how the lessons learned from the "Cavern Club" to the corporate boardroom shape his outlook on the future of work. Learn more about JWX's work at: https://jwx.com/ Connect with Jeremy on LinkedIn at: / jtoeman Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply at https://finstratmgmt.com/innovators-i... Want to learn more about Kristian Marquez's work? Check out his website at https://finstratmgmt.com

    46 min
  6. AI Safety with Craig Kaplan of iQ Company | The Innovators & Investors Podcast

    JAN 27

    AI Safety with Craig Kaplan of iQ Company | The Innovators & Investors Podcast

    In this episode, Kristian Marquez sits down with Craig Kaplan, the CEO of iQ Company and founder of superintelligence.com. With over 30 years of experience in the field, Craig breaks down the transition from rule-based AI to the "black box" of modern machine learning. They discuss the critical need for transparency in AI, the "alignment problem," and Craig’s innovative "Democratic AI" model. Whether you are a founder looking to integrate AI agents or an investor seeking an edge, this conversation provides a high-level roadmap for the most transformative technology of our time. Learn more about iQ Company's work at: https://www.iqco.com/ Connect with Craig Kaplan on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craigakaplan/ 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

    52 min
  7. The New Economics of Startups in the AI Era with Peter Walker of Carta

    JAN 20

    The New Economics of Startups in the AI Era with Peter Walker of Carta

    In this episode of The Innovators & Investors Podcast, Kristian Marquez hosts Peter Walker, Head of Insights at Carta, to explore the evolving landscape of venture capital, startup growth, and the transformative impact of AI on fundraising and hiring. Drawing on Carta’s unique position atop data from over 60,000 startups and thousands of venture funds, Peter shares how emerging technologies are reshaping benchmarks for revenue growth and team size, with AI enabling companies to scale faster and more efficiently than ever before. The conversation delves into how venture valuations have shifted, especially at early stages, and why the geography of fundraising—particularly Silicon Valley’s enduring dominance—remains critical. They also discuss the bifurcation in venture capital between mega funds and smaller emerging managers, the complexities of LP-GP relationships, and the increasing role of secondary markets in providing liquidity. Peter offers perspective on how AI is currently delaying startup hiring but may ultimately change the workforce landscape. The episode closes with reflections on democratizing access to venture investing and the importance of data-driven insights for founders, investors, and ecosystem participants. Listeners gain a comprehensive understanding of current venture trends, challenges, and opportunities from one of the most data-informed voices in the industry. Learn more about Carta's work at: https://carta.com/ Connect with Peter on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peterjameswalker/ Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply at https://finstratmgmt.com/innovators-investors-podcast/

    45 min
  8. How Berkeley Skydeck is Shaping the Next Generations of Innovators

    JAN 13

    How Berkeley Skydeck is Shaping the Next Generations of Innovators

    In this episode of The Innovators & Investors Podcast, host Kristian Marquez sits down with Caroline Winnett, Executive Director of Berkeley Skydeck, to explore the evolution and impact of one of the nation’s leading university accelerators. Caroline shares the journey of transforming Skydeck from a modest program into a powerhouse accelerator with a unique funding model that aligns private venture capital with a public university mission. Listeners will gain a comprehensive understanding of how Berkeley Skydeck leverages a dedicated venture fund to invest in early-stage startups, attracting thousands of applications worldwide and engaging a vast network of alumni and professional advisors.The conversation delves into the selection process, the maturation of founders over the years, and how the accelerator balances supporting Berkeley-affiliated startups while welcoming founders globally. Caroline also discusses the vital role of culture, ecosystem, and university leadership—highlighting how Berkeley’s strategic changes, including faculty tenure policies supportive of entrepreneurship, have fueled innovation on campus. The episode offers valuable lessons from Caroline’s personal career path, including her experience founding and exiting a neuroscience startup, emphasizing the importance of rigorous scientific validation and customer-centric product development. Moreover, the podcast touches on Skydeck’s international collaborations, notably with Japan’s JETRO, illustrating how global partnerships are expanding the reach and influence of the program. Caroline provides insights into key success metrics such as follow-on capital raised, internship opportunities for students, and the broader impact on Berkeley’s reputation. This episode is a rich resource for founders, investors, university leaders, and innovation enthusiasts interested in understanding how a research university accelerator can thrive at the intersection of academia and venture capital to nurture startups and foster entrepreneurship at scale. Learn more about Berkeley SkyDeck: https://skydeck.berkeley.edu/ Connect with Caroline Winnett on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/caroline-winnett-5574933/ 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

    46 min
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Ratings & Reviews

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out of 5
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About

The Innovators & Investors Podcast: Connecting the Startup Ecosystem. We are on a mission to bridge the gap between founders, investors, and industry leaders across the early-stage ecosystem. By bringing together visionaries from cutting-edge startups, venture capitalists, family offices, angel investors, accelerators, and studios, we offer a platform for sharing invaluable insights, market trends, and first-hand experiences. Whether you’re an entrepreneur navigating the challenges of building a business or an investor seeking opportunities in emerging technologies, our podcast provides a front-row seat to the dynamic world of innovation and investment. Tune in to gain a comprehensive understanding of the startup landscape, stay ahead of the curve, and benefit from the collective wisdom of those shaping the future. Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply at https://finstratmgmt.com/innovators-investors-podcast/

Information

  • Creator
    FinStrat Management, Inc.
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    154
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 FinStrat Management, Inc.
  • Show Website
    The Innovators & Investors Podcast

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