10-Minute Tech Talks: How Tech Entrepreneurs Fail & How You Can Avoid It

Pittsburgh Technology Council
  • 4.1 (7)
  • TECHNOLOGY
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Are you an entrepreneur building a technology company and looking to grow fast? This show teaches and inspires entrepreneurs to build better companies by learning from the failures of other tech companies and entrepreneurs. If you're striving for rapid growth while avoiding the mistakes that have led others to failure, this podcast is designed to help you stay on track. Avoid the devastating mistakes that tech entrepreneurs have made, which led their businesses to collapse. Hear from tech, business, and entrepreneurial experts detailing what went wrong in famous tech busts and modern-day meltdowns so you don't follow the same path. Learn how to overcome adversity and make your tech company a long-term success. If you’re ready to grow your tech venture quickly and avoid pitfalls, start with our fan-favorite episode: Don't Fall In Love With Your Technology.

  1. 20H AGO

    How Two Tech Entrepreneurs Turned a Startup Dream into a $10.6M Reality

    What does it really take to build a tech startup from scratch — not in Silicon Valley, but in Pittsburgh — and grow it into a company that just landed $10.6 million in growth capital? On this episode of 10 Minute Tech Talks, we sit down with Alison Alvarez and Tomer Borenstein, the co-founders of BlastPoint, a Pittsburgh-based AI company that’s spent nearly a decade perfecting how data can drive smarter business decisions. Their story is one of grit, patience, and the power of building something meaningful over time. You’ll hear how Alison and Tomer: Turned a class project at Carnegie Mellon into a national AI success story, powered by sheer determination (and a few late nights with chickens watching from the windowsill). Balanced day jobs, family, and startup dreams for years before finally jumping in full-time — a masterclass in sustainable entrepreneurship. Navigated Pittsburgh’s unique startup ecosystem, proving that community support and local roots can be just as powerful as coastal capital. As Alison puts it, “Starting a company is like chasing a crazy dream — but if we hadn’t done it, BlastPoint wouldn’t exist.” Their reflections on resilience, growth, and staying grounded in Pittsburgh’s tech scene make this episode a must-listen for any entrepreneur who’s ever wondered if it’s still possible to build something great the hard way — with integrity, perseverance, and a love for where you live. Hit PLAY now to hear how two tech entrepreneurs turned persistence into progress — and why their best chapters are just beginning. Listen to their entire interview on TechVibe Radio here. This is a podcast for tech and manufacturing  entrepreneurs exploring the tech ecosystem, from cyber security and AI to SaaS, robotics, and life sciences, featuring insights to satisfy the tech curious.

    9 min

  2. OCT 6

    Rewriting the Rules of AI: Insights for the Tech Entrepreneur

    What if everything we thought we knew about artificial intelligence was built on an outdated model from the 1940s? On this episode of 10 Minute Tech Talks, we sit down with Dr. Rorry Brenner, founder of Perforated AI, whose breakthrough approach is rewriting the very foundations of neural networks. His team is showing how AI systems can be built to run smarter, faster, and far more efficiently — delivering game-changing results like a 38x reduction in cloud computing costs. This isn’t just another AI startup story. It’s a fundamental shift in how technology will be built and deployed across every industry. And it’s happening right here in Pittsburgh. In the next 10 minutes, you’ll hear why Perforated AI could reshape the way businesses think about energy use, scalability, and performance in machine learning. And if you want to dive deeper into Dr. Brenner’s full vision, you can catch the complete interview over on TechVibe Radio. Produced by the Pittsburgh Technology Council, this is a podcast for tech and manufacturing  entrepreneurs exploring the tech ecosystem, from cyber security and AI to SaaS, robotics, and life sciences, featuring insights to satisfy the tech curious.

    8 min

  3. SEP 29

    When Should a Tech Entrepreneur DIY Hiring, and When to Call in Pros?

    How much is a bad hire really costing your business — and how do you know when to call in experts instead of doing it yourself? For entrepreneurs trying to grow, hiring is both the biggest opportunity and the biggest risk. Sorting résumés, screening candidates and hoping for a good fit can drain your time and budget, while the wrong hire can set back an entire team. In this episode, Anthony Bucci and Blake Babcock from BV Staffing share their hard-won tips on when founders should handle recruiting themselves and when it pays to partner with a staffing firm. Learn simple, no-cost ways to tighten your hiring process before you post a single job. Understand the hidden costs of mis-hiring and how to avoid them. Discover what to look for in a staffing partner and how to hold them accountable with clear metrics. Press play to get practical, money-saving insights on building your team from two pros who help high-growth companies hire right the first time. If you want the full TechVibe Radio interview, click here! Let's jump into the conversation. Produced by the Pittsburgh Technology Council, this is a podcast for tech and manufacturing  entrepreneurs exploring the tech ecosystem, from cyber security and AI to SaaS, robotics, and life sciences, featuring insights to satisfy the tech curious.

    8 min

  4. SEP 22

    Digital Transformation Decoded: What Every Tech Entrepreneur Can Learn from This Top AI & Data Leader

    How can data and AI generate measurable value, and what lessons can you apply to your own organization right now? Many leaders are investing in analytics, machine learning, and digital transformation but still struggle to connect their projects back to business outcomes. In this episode, Mitch Kwiatkowski, Executive Vice President of Data at Techstra Solutions, who has led initiatives delivering over $250 million in value, offers a roadmap for entrepreneurs and business leaders facing the same challenge. He answered three key questions on the Pittsburgh Technology Council's TechVibe Radio Show so you can: Learn how Mitch first saw technology’s power to transform entire industries and why that perspective still guides his work today. Understand the coming workforce shifts driven by AI and what leaders can do now to reskill, upskill, and redeploy talent. Hear a simple, practical way to ensure every data or AI initiative ties back to measurable business results. Discover how you can align your own data and AI efforts with real business impact, straight from one of the field’s most experienced leaders. If you're not not so time-crunched, listen to Mitch's entire interview here. This is a podcast for tech and manufacturing  entrepreneurs exploring the tech ecosystem, from cyber security and AI to SaaS, robotics, and life sciences, featuring insights to satisfy the tech curious.

    6 min

  5. SEP 15

    A Simpler, More Transparent and Cost-Effective Healthcare Option Is Set to Help Entrepreneurs

    Are skyrocketing medical costs and confusing benefit plans draining your budget and frustrating your employees? You’re not alone—commercial healthcare costs are rising 9–10% annually and traditional high-deductible plans rarely deliver the promised savings. This episode of 10 Minute Tech Talk explores Highmark’s bold new CopayGo plan, which is designed to simplify benefits and bring real transparency to what care costs before you get it. Host Jonathan Kersting talked to Highmark leaders Jonathan Majernik and Taylor Mackay for the Health Care Reinvented podcast series so you can: Understand how CopayGo removes deductibles and co-insurance so members see a single, clear copay up front. Learn how a national network with tiered high-impact specialties can help control 60% of medical spend without limiting options. Discover how Highmark’s enhanced digital tools empower employees to make confident, informed healthcare choices. Press play now to hear how CopayGo can help you rein in rising costs and give your workforce a simpler, smarter healthcare experience. If you've got more time on you hands, listen to the entire episode here. Let's get into the conversation with Jonathan Majernik. The Pittsburgh Technology Council produces this podcast for tech and manufacturing  entrepreneurs exploring the tech ecosystem, from cyber security and AI to SaaS, robotics, and life sciences, featuring insights to satisfy the tech curious.

    7 min

  6. SEP 8

    Hey Tech Entrepreneurs: You're Probably Not Using AI Enough

    Are you truly making the most of AI’s potential? In this thought-provoking conversation ripped from the Pittsburgh Technology Council's TechVibe Radio Show, Zico Kolter and Matt Fredrickson, faculty members at Carnegie Mellon University and founders of Gray Swan AI, explore why the time to embrace AI is right now and how technology once deemed futuristic is fundamentally reshaping industries today.  TechVibe hosts Audrey Russo and Jonathan Kersting  discuss the immense power of AI tools already at your fingertips. Key takeaways? You’ll gain insights into how AI can radically enhance your productivity, why security is key to unlocking its full potential, and a surprising perspective on why even the most advanced users of AI aren’t utilizing it fully. This episode is a must-listen for anyone who wants to stay ahead in the AI-driven world, solve problems more effectively, and tap into the industry-changing possibilities of artificial intelligence. Let's jump into the conversation with Zico and Matt. Got extra time on your hands? Listen to the entire interview here. Produced by the Pittsburgh Technology Council, this is a podcast for tech and manufacturing  entrepreneurs exploring the tech ecosystem, from cyber security and AI to SaaS, robotics, and life sciences, featuring insights to satisfy the tech curious.

    6 min

  7. SEP 1

    Is AI Making Your Workplace Smarter or Just More Stressful? Get Key Insights for Success

    As companies race to integrate AI tools, many overlook the human side of the equation: how employees actually feel about using them, and how workplace culture shifts when new technology enters the mix. If you’re leading a team or adapting to AI yourself, this episode gives you the perspective you need to navigate both the opportunities and anxieties. This episode has highlights with Nathan Wadding of the Kindling Culture Agency who authored a fascinating read about the impact of AI on work culture. Click here for a great read. Keep on listening to: Discover why embedding AI into daily workflows can free up time for more meaningful work. Learn how leaders can use “moments that matter” to strengthen trust and adaptability. Hear practical ways to build a culture where employees feel safe, valued, and future-ready in the age of AI. Press play now to hear how you can turn AI adoption into a competitive advantage while protecting the culture that keeps your people engaged. Let's jump into the conversation with Nathan right now. Produced by the Pittsburgh Technology Council, this is a podcast for tech and manufacturing  entrepreneurs exploring the tech ecosystem, from cyber security and AI to SaaS, robotics, and life sciences, featuring insights to satisfy the tech curious.

    9 min

  8. AUG 25

    3 Key Steps to Transform Your Website Into a Conversion Powerhouse!

    Are you maximizing the potential of your website's search visibility to drive conversions? In today's digital age, we'll know that getting your business noticed online is crucial. 10 Minute Tech Talks welcomes Meesha Gerhart of RedTree Web Design to help make it easier for you. We're going to explore how search engine optimization (SEO), Generative Engine Optimization (GEO) and user experience can work together to not only attract visitors but also lead them down the path to conversion. Hit PLAY to: Discover actionable strategies to enhance your website's visibility before the click. Learn how to create a seamless user journey that turns visitors into loyal customers. Gain insights into integrating thought leadership with SEO and GEO to build brand trust and recognition. Learn how to transform your website into a conversion powerhouse! And be sure to read Meesha's insightful whitepaper for more details. Produced by the Pittsburgh Technology Council, this is a podcast for tech and manufacturing  entrepreneurs exploring the tech ecosystem, from cyber security and AI to SaaS, robotics, and life sciences, featuring insights to satisfy the tech curious.

    10 min
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Ratings & Reviews

4.1
out of 5
7 Ratings

About

Are you an entrepreneur building a technology company and looking to grow fast? This show teaches and inspires entrepreneurs to build better companies by learning from the failures of other tech companies and entrepreneurs. If you're striving for rapid growth while avoiding the mistakes that have led others to failure, this podcast is designed to help you stay on track. Avoid the devastating mistakes that tech entrepreneurs have made, which led their businesses to collapse. Hear from tech, business, and entrepreneurial experts detailing what went wrong in famous tech busts and modern-day meltdowns so you don't follow the same path. Learn how to overcome adversity and make your tech company a long-term success. If you’re ready to grow your tech venture quickly and avoid pitfalls, start with our fan-favorite episode: Don't Fall In Love With Your Technology.

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