AZ Tech Roundtable 2.0

Matt Battaglia
  • 5.0 (1)
  • TECHNOLOGY
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

AZ Tech Roundtable 2.0 with Matt Battaglia The show where Entrepreneurs, Top Executives, Founders, and Investors come to share insights about the future of business. AZ TRT 2.0 looks at the new trends in business, & how classic industries are evolving. Common Topics Discussed: Startups, Founders, Funds & Venture Capital, Business, Entrepreneurship, Biotech, Blockchain / Crypto, Executive Comp, Investing, Stocks, Real Estate + Alternative Investments, and more… AZ TRT Podcast Home Page: http://aztrtshow.com/ Please Subscribe. Thanks for Listening. - More Info: https://www.economicknight.com/azpodcast/

  1. JAN 22

    AZ TRT 2.0 - Cybersecurity, Ransomware, + AI Usage Guardrails w/ Gary Perkins of CISO Global - AZ TRT S07 EP01 (284) 1-18-2026

    AZ TRT 2.0 - Cybersecurity, Ransomware, + AI Usage Guardrails w/ Gary Perkins of CISO Global - AZ TRT S07 EP01 (284) 1-18-2026         What We Learned This Week: ·         Most cyber attacks are preventable Basic controls, training, and awareness can stop the majority of threats. ·         Humans are both the weakest link and the strongest defense Ongoing education and awareness turn employees into an effective "human firewall." ·         AI will amplify cyber risk — for both attackers and defenders Organizations must adopt AI defensively to keep pace with bad actors. ·         Reputation damage often outweighs financial loss Brand trust is hard to rebuild after a breach, even if customers don't immediately leave. ·         Cybersecurity is no longer optional or technical-only It's a business risk, a leadership issue, and a shared responsibility across the organization.       Guest: Gary Perkins, Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) of CISO Global   https://www.linkedin.com/in/perkinsgary/   Gary Perkins is the Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) for cybersecurity firm CISO Global. Prior to that he was the CISO for the Government of British Columbia in Canada for 10 years -- responsible for providing cybersecurity services in support of the province and taught undergrad and graduate students at the University of Victoria for years. He has over 25 years' experience in information technology, risk management, and cybersecurity. Prior to joining the BC Government, he worked in the private sector as chief of staff for security at TELUS and, earlier in his career, led teams responsible for incident response, operations, delivery, and architecture for both corporate and managed security services customers. A Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) since 2004, Perkins also holds an MBA from Simon Fraser University's Management of Technology program.       CISO Global Inc. (NASDAQ: CISO) operates as a cybersecurity, compliance, and software company in the United States, Chile, and internationally. The company offers security managed services, including compliance, secured managed, and cyber defense operation services; culture education and enablement; tools and technology provisioning; data, privacy, regulations, and compliance monitoring; remote infrastructure administration; and antivirus and patch management services. It also provides cybersecurity professional services, such as incident response and digital forensics; technical assessments; cybersecurity consulting; compliance auditing; vulnerability assessment and penetration testing; and disaster recovery and data backup solutions. The company was formerly known as Cerberus Cyber Sentinel Corporation and changed its name to CISO Global Inc. in May 2023. CISO Global Inc. was founded in 2015 and is headquartered in Scottsdale, Arizona.   Key leadership includes:  Owner / CEO – David Jemmett  https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-jemmett/   Website: https://www.ciso.inc/     Podcast Overview Guest: Gary Perkins Title/Role: Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) Show Theme: Cybersecurity & IT Key Topics: Cyber breaches, human risk, AI, ransomware, training, OSINT (Open Source Intelligence), security planning Organized Podcast Notes Segment 1: The Reality of Cyber Threats Today ·         Over the last several years, major corporations such as Target, Home Depot, and Wells Fargo have experienced high-profile cyber breaches. ·         No company is immune — size and brand do not provide protection. ·         Organizations must "find religion on security" and treat cybersecurity as a core business function. ·         A company's brand, trust, and reputation are always on the line after a breach. ·         The average cost of a cyber breach is often cited around $4.8 million. ·         Cyber insurance is now common, but insurers require proof that companies are actively managing security risks. ·         When a breach occurs, companies must notify customers and disclose what data was compromised. ·         Consumers are becoming desensitized to breach notifications; switching providers can feel too costly or inconvenient. ·         The good news: up to 80% of cyber threats are preventable with basic controls. ·         Most attacks are not sophisticated: o    Simple phishing scams o    Credential theft o    Insider mistakes or manipulation ·         Companies need: o    Internal security controls o    Point solutions for cybersecurity o    Regular employee alerts about phishing attempts ·         The human firewall is the most critical defense ·         Best practices include: o    Multi-factor authentication (MFA) o    Disconnected/offline backups to recover from ransomware ·         Ransomware payments are common, but organizations should learn from past breaches and have a clear detection and response plan. Segment 2: Gary Perkins' Background & the Role of Training ·         Gary spent: o    9 years working for the British Columbia government o    20+ years in the telecommunications industry ·         Extensive experience in compliance, training, and risk management ·         Strong advocate for mandatory cybersecurity training: o    Minimum: once per year o    Ideal: quarterly reminders ·         Employees should receive clear manuals and guidance for: o    Email security o    Outlook usage o    Identifying suspicious links ·         Many small and mid-sized businesses (20–50 employees) lack in-house IT teams and rely on outsourced IT/security providers. ·         Cyber attacks persist because they work — attackers exploit human behavior. Segment 3: AI, Phishing, and the Future of Cyber Attacks ·         Cyber attacks will remain simple as long as simplicity continues to succeed. ·         Artificial Intelligence will increase both frequency and scale of attacks. ·         AI systems can learn from every successful breach. ·         Phishing emails are expected to: o    Become more convincing o    Eliminate spelling and grammar errors over time ·         While AI still has flaws, generative AI will improve rapidly. ·         Defensive teams must also adopt AI because bad actors already have. ·         Society has traded convenience for risk: o    Online banking o    Social media o    Credit cards o    Email and mobile devices ·         Most people underestimate how much personal data is publicly available. ·         Recommendation: o    Google yourself using quotation marks o    Understand what information is visible ·         Even more data may exist on the dark web without your knowledge. ·         Threat actors often hijack accounts and use trusted contacts to spread scams. ·         Use a secure password manager and rotate passwords regularly. Segment 4: AI Guardrails & What's Coming Next ·         AI usage must have clear guardrails: o    Approved vs. unapproved tools o    Cloud-based AI services need governance ·         AI platforms (including ChatGPT) are online and accessible, making data exposure a real concern. ·         Companies should: o    Run AI searches on themselves o    See what public information is already available ·         Technology advancement will continue at an accelerated pace: o    Artificial Intelligence o    Quantum computing o    Robotics ·         Organizations must stay proactive and continuously update their cybersecurity strategies.     Biotech Shows: https://brt-show.libsyn.com/category/Biotech-Life+Sciences-Science   AZ Tech Council Shows:  https://brt-show.libsyn.com/size/5/?search=az+tech+council *Includes Best of AZ Tech Council show from 2/12/2023   Tech Topic: https://brt-show.libsyn.com/category/Tech-Startup-VC-Cybersecurity-Energy-Science  Best of Tech: https://brt-show.libsyn.com/size/5/?search=best+of+tech   'Best Of' Topic: https://brt-show.libsyn.com/category/Best+of+BRT      Thanks for Listening. Please Subscribe to the AZ TRT Podcast.     AZ Tech Roundtable 2.0 with Matt Battaglia The show where Entrepreneurs, Top Executives, Founders, and Investors come to share insights about the future of business.  AZ TRT 2.0 looks at the new trends in business, & how classic industries are evolving.  Common Topics Discussed: Startups, Founders, Funds & Venture Capital, Business, Entrepreneurship, Biotech, Blockchain / Crypto, Executive Comp, Investing, Stocks, Real Estate + Alternative Investments, and more…    AZ TRT Podcast Home Page: http://aztrtshow.com/ 'Best Of' AZ TRT Podcast: Click Here Podcast on Google: Click Here Podcast on Spotify: Click Here                    More Info: https://www.economicknight.com/azpodcast/ KFNX Info: https://1100kfnx.com/weekend-featured-shows/     Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the Hosts, Guests and Speakers, and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of any entities they represent (or affiliates, members, managers, employees or partners), or any Station, Podcast Platform, Website or Social Media that this show may air on. All information provided is for educational and entertainment purposes. Nothing said on this program should be considered advice or recommendations in:

    51 min

  2. 12/23/2025

    Pickleball & the Growth of Sports Enterprises & Investment w/ Evan Floersch of the Texas Ranchers Pickleball Team - AZ TRT S06 EP21 (283) 11-23-2025

    Pickleball & the Growth of Sports Enterprises & Investment w/ Evan Floersch of the Texas Ranchers Pickleball Team - AZ TRT S06 EP21 (283) 11-23-2025           What We Learned This Week: 1. Pickleball is now fully professionalized with a unified league structure. The merger of PPA + MLP created a stable, closed league system with real team economics, structured seasons, and national distribution. 2. Media partnerships are accelerating the sport's visibility. Pickleball now has a dedicated channel, plus national TV exposure on CBS and Fox—putting it in the same conversation as traditional sports. 3. Austin is becoming a major sports & tech hub fueling this growth. With Meta, Apple, Oracle, UT Austin, F1, MLS, and huge tourism, Austin is the perfect environment for emerging sports franchises. 4. Sports franchises are now a serious investment class—not a vanity asset. Private equity has poured $30B into sports recently. Firms like Permian aim to operate teams professionally, build value, and own multiple franchises across leagues. 5. The big opportunity is not just the sport—it's the stadium & real estate ecosystem. Sports districts (like The Battery or Wrigleyville) generate tens of millions by combining sports, entertainment, dining, hotels, concerts, and tourism. Pickleball could follow this playbook.         Guest: Evan Floersch– co owner Texas Ranchers   Evan Floersch is on a mission to redefine sports, starting with the 2 billion dollar professional pickleball industry as an entrepreneur, investor, and champion of change leading with a dynamic and forward-thinking passion. As the founder and CEO of the premier Texas Ranchers Major League Pickleball Team, he is transforming the industry while positioning Austin as a major sports hub integrating his passion for the city's thriving cultural arts and future tech scene.  In 2022, at just 26 years old, he made history as the youngest principal owner in sports by acquiring a controlling interest in the Texas Ranchers Major League Pickleball Team. Partnering with high-profile investors such as Lil Wayne, Scottie Scheffler, Kendra Scott, and NBA owner Dennis Wong, Evan is on a mission to turn the Ranchers into a global sports powerhouse. His long-term vision extends beyond pickleball—he has publicly committed the next phase of his career to elevating Austin, Texas, into one of the world's premier sports and entertainment markets. With its booming population, tech-driven economy, and untapped potential for championship-winning franchises, Evan sees Austin as the perfect city to build a lasting sports legacy.  A former All-American soccer player at Emory University, Evan's passion for competition and strategy extends to the pickleball court, where he plays regularly to better understand the game's evolution. While he grew up surrounded by Chicago sports, his true inspiration comes from those who have built or guided industry-defining companies, with books like Shoe Dog, The Innovator's Dilemma, The War of Art, and Relentless shaping his perspective on leadership, risk-taking, and disruption. Evan is an avid pickleball player and enjoys the fun and competitive aspect of America's fastest growing sport.  "Like great companies, a great sports organization isn't built by following the rules. It's built by questioning them, pushing past them, and creating something entirely new. The Texas Ranchers, and future sports franchises we helm in Texas, will win because we see beyond what sports are on the court or field."  - Evan Floersch, Founder and CEO         Texas Ranchers | Official Home of the Major League Pickleball Team  Texas Ranchers: A New Era of Sports Ownership & Global Fan Engagement   Who is the most valued high grossing sports franchise?  I bet you didn't guess professional pickleball did you? With pickleball exploding into a $2 billion industry and viewership surpassing major professional leagues, the Texas Ranchers are at the forefront of this revolution. By leveraging their brand authority and expansive network, they are attracting exceptional opportunities, captivating fans worldwide, and redefining what it means to be part of a professional sports franchise.   The Texas Ranchers Major League Pickleball Team is proving that ownership isn't just for high wealth individual ownership—it's a collective force driven by business leaders, entertainment icons, and sports enthusiasts. By bringing together a powerhouse network of investors—including Lil Wayne, Scottie Scheffler, Kendra Scott, and NBA owner Dennis Wong—the Ranchers are revolutionizing franchise ownership, making it more dynamic, engaging, and accessible.   The Texas Ranchers aren't just the most followed franchise in Major League Pickleball—they're the highest-grossing and one of the most marketable brands in the sport. With top-tier talent, including men's and women's pro players like Christian Alshon and Tina Pisnik, the team is fueling a movement that extends far beyond the court.   "We are creating something bigger than a sports team. The Texas Ranchers represent a global brand, powered by diverse leaders in sports, business, and entertainment. Our goal is to redefine sports ownership and elevate pickleball as a premier professional sport." – Evan Floersch, Co-Founder & CEO   The Texas Ranchers' Pillars for Success  The Texas Ranchers are built on a foundation of excellence, innovation, and inclusivity—three pillars that drive the team's success both on and off the court:   Democratizing Ownership – Unlike traditional sports teams, the Ranchers have created a model where ownership is a shared vision, uniting top minds from sports, business, and entertainment to amplify reach and influence.   Elevating the Sport – The Ranchers are committed to advancing pickleball into a premier professional sport, with top-tier athletes, world-class coaching, and high-performance training.   Building a Fan-First Experience – Through innovative media partnerships, interactive events, and digital engagement, the Ranchers are revolutionizing how fans experience pickleball. This includes using the latest in online social and AI community building tools and brand curation.   Investing in Players and Women's Sports – With top shot male players Christian Alshon and Michael Lloyd and women pros Etta Wright and Tina Pisnik–the team is leading the charge in offering diversity and equity in the team. The Ranchers are ensuring that female athletes have the same spotlight as the male counterparts.   Expanding Global Reach – With a focus on international expansion, the Ranchers are growing pickleball's footprint worldwide, attracting new fans, players, and markets.    Lil Wayne — co-owner of the Texas Ranchers MLP pickleball team drops his first official fan-gear collection. From $14 to $85, the line delivers bold, game-day style for any pickleball lover. Great stocking-stuffers, everyday wear, and court-ready accessories.   "I've always believed creativity doesn't belong to one lane. I love the opportunity to express what I can create beyond music. I hope everyone sees the Wayne in this collection. And, I hope people in the pickleball community see the Ranchers in it, too. Together, we're evolving the game and working to bring new audiences into it.  This collection represents that mindset." Lil Wayne    Shop the full collection at Lil Wayne Collection   Photos of Texas Ranchers MLPs and Texas Ranchers Juniors wearing collection         Show Notes:   SEGMENT 1 — Pickleball & League Structure History & Origins Pickleball began in 1965. Modern league landscape: Connor launched the PPA (Professional Pickleball Association) Steve Kuhn launched MLP (Major League Pickleball) PPA & MLP have since merged. League Format Team-based structure 23 teams total Roster: 2 men, 2 women, plus 2 reserves Premier level: 1 male + 1 female draft slot 7 teams in Challenger league Closed league → No relegation or promotion like European soccer. Season & Competition HQ in Austin 2025 season: May → September 25 matches, 3 points per win Playoffs: quarterfinals → semifinals → finals Teams spread across U.S.: Dallas, NY, Brooklyn, NJ, Chicago, 2 in CA, 2 in FL Operations Hybrid expense structure Auction-style draft Teams bid on players Player drops, trades 3-year rights retention Allowed to drop one player per year SEGMENT 2 — Media, Background, & Market Context Media Distribution Pickleball TV on Amazon Prime + YouTube Matches also aired on CBS and Fox Sports Guest Background Former athlete (soccer player), originally from Chicago Tech & e-commerce startup out of college → exited Worked in men's health publishing Later shifted to sports; settled in Austin, TX Austin Market Advantages Tech hub: Apple, Meta, Oracle HQ move UT Austin, Austin FC MLS team Strong tourism + events: F1, ACL, SXSW Pickleball court basics: smaller than tennis, includes the Kitchen Broader Vision Cultural momentum for pickleball Potential global expansion and Olympic inclusion someday SEGMENT 3 — Sports as an Asset Class & Permian Sports Investments Sports Ownership Trends Private equity now active in major leagues including the NFL $30 billion invested in pro sports in recent years Sports teams seen as assets—not just trophies—now more professionalized Permian Sports Investments Focused in Texas Operates as a holding company with investors (GP/LP structure) Vision: own & operate teams; expand into: NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL MLS and Formula One Goal: deliver equity appreciation + revitalize stale franchises Early-stage, but attracting celebrity & athlete investors Team facility: Austin Pickleball Ranch (2,00

    46 min

  3. 10/23/2025

    Startups from Funding to Community w/ Daniela Santagelo of Freeway - AZ TRT S06 EP20 (282) 10-19-2025

    Startups from Funding to Community w/ Daniela Santagelo of Freeway - AZ TRT S06 EP15 (277) 10-19-2025       What We Learned This Week: Freeway - Helping Startups - Talent • Capital • Community Talent Retention & Reinvestment are key to building a Flywheel Phoenix Tech Ecosystem is growing, but not yet mature Always need more VC Funding + Deal Flow Government Partnership as enabler for Tech     Guest: Daniela Santagelo https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielaalpert/ I'm a founder, startup ecosystem builder, and civic innovation partner working at the intersection of tech, talent, and community. Through my work with Freeway Phx, I help cities, startups, and global partners co-create thriving innovation ecosystems, starting in Arizona and building bridges worldwide. I believe that opportunity doesn't just happen. It's designed. That's why I focus on activating communities, cultivating tech talent, and building connective infrastructure that turns vision into velocity. My journey spans founding multiple companies including scaling a venture-backed startup to $33M in funding and helping grow it to a $100M business. I've also spent 15 years in the Moving & Relocation industry, which gave me a unique lens on talent migration patterns and the infrastructure needed to build resilient, people-first startup communities. Like many founders, I've experienced both the highs of scaling and the lows of setback. That reinvention shaped my sharper mission: helping founders grow and give back. ⚡️ I lead Tech Talent Summits that connect employers, educators, and jobseekers 🌍 I support global delegations and help founders expand across borders 🧭 I advise founders on story, capital, and strategy with a human-first, results-driven approach Whether I'm building public-private partnerships, launching a new venture, or guiding a founder through their next chapter, I care about building with legacy, community, and courage. Let's co-create what's next! daniela@founderfreeway.com   freewayphx.com We're your community partner in building a modern workforce Whether you're hiring, scaling, or making a career move, Freeway connects the dots that job boards and pipelines can't.     Here are 5 main ideas learned from the podcast: 1. Phoenix's Tech Ecosystem Is Growing but Not Yet Mature Phoenix is showing strong momentum with new funding, company relocations, and sector growth (microchips, AI, defense, and health tech), but it hasn't reached critical mass compared to cities like Austin or Miami. The region still needs more deal flow, successful exits, and reinvestment from local founders to sustain long-term growth. 2. Talent Retention and Reinvestment Are Key to Building a Flywheel A major challenge is the "brain drain" — founders and investors leaving after exits. For Phoenix to thrive, successful entrepreneurs must stay, mentor others, and reinvest profits locally. This recycled success (the "flywheel effect") is essential for building a lasting innovation community. 3. Public-Private Partnerships Strengthen the Ecosystem Collaboration between government, universities, investors, and entrepreneurs (through groups like ACA, GPEC, and Southwest MAC) is crucial. While government can enable infrastructure, real progress happens when private founders lead and public institutions act as supporters or "feeders." 4. Culture and Community Matter as Much as Capital Brad Feld's "Startup Communities" framework highlights that strong ecosystems are entrepreneur-led, mentorship-driven, and collaborative. A culture of "give first" — where leaders help others without expecting immediate returns — builds trust and long-term strength within the community. 5. Phoenix Has a Clear Opportunity to Become a Major Tech Hub by 2030 With major investments (like Hadrian's $200M AI factory) and an influx of talent from higher-cost states, Phoenix is positioned for rapid growth. If local leaders stay committed to developing talent, attracting capital, and telling the city's tech story effectively, it can emerge as a leading innovation center in the next decade.   Notes: Building a Thriving Tech Ecosystem in Phoenix Segment 1: The Phoenix Tech Landscape – Building a Community Key Theme Public and private partnerships are essential to growing a strong, sustainable tech ecosystem in Phoenix. The goal: build an environment that supports startups from funding to mentorship, attracts talent, and retains capital within Arizona. Current Ecosystem Overview ·         Silicon Valley (CA) and Silicon Slopes (UT) serve as models for how regional tech ecosystems can evolve. ·         Phoenix has growing momentum but lacks the critical mass seen in other markets. ·         Total deal volume: $435 million — promising, but still behind Austin, Miami, and California. ·         2025 so far: 47 funding rounds, compared to 88 in 2024 and Miami's 241. Challenges ·         Talent Drain: Founders and VCs often leave Phoenix after exits ("brain drain"). ·         Ecosystem Sophistication: Fewer investors and mentors compared to established hubs. ·         Access: Limited connectivity between startups, capital, and mentorship networks. ·         Diversity of Talent: Need for broader, more inclusive participation in the local startup scene. Opportunities & Growth Areas ·         Industry Strengths: o    Microchips & semiconductors o    Health care (e.g., Mayo Clinic) o    Software & AI o    Defense innovation (e.g., Southwest Mission Acceleration Center) ·         Key Local Organizations: o    ACA (Arizona Commerce Authority) o    GPEC (Greater Phoenix Economic Council) o    Southwest MAC – Center for defense innovation o    The Crown Room (Tempe) – Coworking and company-building hub Leaders & Companies to Watch ·         Gregg Scoresby: o    Exited with CampusLogic (sold to Ellucian in 2022). o    Founder of PHX Ventures and PHX FWD to reinvest in local startups. ·         Hadrian (CA): o    Investing $200M to build an AI-powered manufacturing hub in Mesa, AZ. ·         Prickly Pear Health (Healthtech): o    Raised $350K pre-seed; founded by Imen Clark — focused on women's brain health and AI. ·         Chris Fox: HR consulting leader – cfoxyaz.com ·         Rob Vera: GCU professor teaching entrepreneurship frameworks, angel investor, and advisor. ·         Joshua Siu: Connects tech talent to local opportunities. Key Points ·         The illusion of exit: when successful founders sell and leave, rather than reinvesting locally. ·         The flywheel effect: recycled profits and mentorship keep the ecosystem alive. ·         Building a healthy innovation community means inspiring founders to stay, give back, and mentor others. ·         Phoenix is at an inflection point — the story and narrative matter. ·         The city must define why tech companies and talent should choose Phoenix over Austin or California. ·         Need more local success stories to attract capital and credibility. Segment 2: Events, Civic Engagement & Ecosystem Playbook Upcoming Event: Freeway Tech Summit 2025 ·         Dates: November 6–7, 2025 ·         Location: Downtown Phx - WebPT Building ·         Day 1: Career Fair ·         Day 2: Pitch Competition ·         Partners: StartupAZ, 40 speakers & more…. ·         Focus: Talent • Capital • Community ·         Website: freewayphx.com/tech-talent-summit-2025 Civic Entrepreneurship & Public Role ·         Brian Smith, City of Phoenix: o    Advocates for civic entrepreneurship—businesses stepping up to solve challenges government cannot move fast enough to address. o    Notes aging workforce and need to attract younger tech talent. o    Encourages investors and general partners to stay active locally. o    Spark Angels – local angel network supporting early-stage innovation. Insights from "Startup Communities" by Brad Feld Core Principles for Building a Thriving Startup Ecosystem: 1.    Entrepreneurs Lead: o    Founders, not government or universities, must drive the community. 2.    Give First Mentality: o    Help others without expecting immediate returns—creates long-term strength. 3.    Mentorship-Driven: o    Experienced leaders must guide and connect emerging entrepreneurs. 4.    Long-Term Commitment: o    Building a community takes 20+ years of consistent effort. 5.    Positive-Sum Game: o    One company's success lifts the entire ecosystem. 6.    Feeders vs. Leaders: o    Universities, investors, and government are feeders—they support but don't lead. 7.    Embrace Mobility: o    People will come and go; welcome returnees to keep fresh ideas circulating. 8.    Complex Systems: o    Ecosystems evolve unpredictably; embrace experimentation and iteration. Author Background: ·         Brad Feld – VC, entrepreneur, and co-founder of Techstars and Foundry Group. ·         Built the Boulder, CO startup scene, widely seen as a model for city-based innovation ecosystems. The Vision for Phoenix 2030 ·         Competing head-to-head with Texas and California for tech leadership. ·         Migration trends are favorable—more talent and capital moving into Arizona. ·         The "Big Bet": Phoenix reaches full tech hub status by 2030, driven by collaboration between entrepre

    27 min

  4. 10/10/2025

    AZ Bio Week & Life Sciences Innovation + Best of Biotech w/ Joan Koerber-Walker - AZ TRT S06 EP19 (281) 10-12-2025

    AZ Bio Week & Life Sciences Innovation w/ Joan Koerber-Walker - AZ TRT S06 EP19 (281) 10-12-2025   Things We Learned This Week AZ Bio mission to improve life and bioscience, & make AZ a Top Ten Bioscience state AZ Bio Week 2025 - Oct. - 5 Days Talks, Events & Awards AZ Advances - nonprofit donation to biotech startups Aqualung Therapeutics is treating inflammation in the lungs, get people off ventilators & save lives Calviri is working on a Vaccine to PREVENT Cancer, currently largest animal clinical trial Anuncia Medical has a Re-Flow product to help drain fluid from the brain, treats Hydrocephalus     Guest: Joan Koerber-Walker President and CEO, AZBio - Arizona Bioindustry Association, Inc. Chairman, Opportunity Through Entrepreneurship Foundation   LKIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joankoerberwalker  www.azbio.org Bio: As President and CEO of AZBio, Joan Koerber-Walker works on behalf of the Arizona Bioscience and Medical Technology Industry to support the growth of the industry, its members and our community on the local and national level. Ms. Koerber-Walker is also a life science investor and has served on the boards of numerous for-profit and non-profit organizations. In the life science industry, Ms. Koerber-Walker serves as as Arizona's representative to the State Medical Technology Alliance (SMTA), a consortium of state and regional trade associations representing their local medical technology companies which she chaired in 2015 and  represents Arizona as a member of the Council of State Bioscience Associations (CSBA) and the Coalition of State Bioscience Institutes (CSBI). Active in the entrepreneurial and investment communities, she also serves as Chairman of the Board of the Opportunity Through Entrepreneurship Foundation which provides entrepreneurial education, mentoring and support to at-risk members of the community, on the Board of Advisors to CellTrust, Inc. which provides secure communication technology to the healthcare industry, and as Chairman of CorePurpose, Inc. which she founded in 2002. Ms. Koerber-Walker has been recognized as Executive of the Year by the Arizona Society of Association Executives, as a "Most Admired Leader" by the Phoenix Business Journal (2015),  in the pages of AZ Business Leaders (2013 thru 2020), Most Influential Women in Arizona Business (2014) and is a 2 time National Finalist for the Stevie Award which recognizes the work of women in business. Her past experience includes two years as the CEO of ASBA (the Arizona Small Business Association), service as a member of the Board of Trustees of the National Small Business Association in Washington D.C., President of the National Speakers Association/Arizona, Chair of the Board of Advisors to Parenting Arizona, the state's largest child abuse prevention organization, & much more.         AZBio:  Supporting Arizona's Life Science Industry for 19 Years (2003 – 2022) Learn more about Arizona's bioindustry: www.azbio.org | Facebook: AZBIO |Twitter: @AZBio @AZBioCEO We're part of a movement to create sustainable funding for life science innovation in Arizona. Learn more at www.AZAdvances.org  MOVING LIFE SCIENCE INNOVATIONS ALONG THE PATH FROM DISCOVERY TO DEVELOPMENT TO DELIVERY OUR VISION OF THE FUTURE: Arizona is a top-ten life science state. OUR MISSION: AZBio supports the needs of Arizona's growing life science ecosystem. The Arizona Bioindustry Association (AZBio) is a not-for-profit, 501(c)6 trade association supporting the growth of Arizona's life science sector. AZBio  Member Organizations in the fields of business, research and education, health care delivery, economic development, government, and other professions involved in the biosciences are the key drivers of the growth of Arizona's life science sector.  As the unified voice of our industry in Arizona, AZBio strives to make Arizona a place where bioscience organizations can grow and succeed.   AZBio works nationally and globally with the Advanced Medical Technology Association (AdvaMed), the Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO), the Medical Device Manufacturers Association (MDMA), the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA), and leading patient advocacy organizations. Through these relationships, AZBio has access to information, contacts, resources, cost saving programs, and the global bioscience and medtech community.   Arizona's bioscience industry is growing rapidly and reached nearly 30,000 jobs spanning 2,160 business establishments in 2018. Industry employment has grown by 15 percent since 2016—twice the growth rate of the nation—with each of the five major subsectors adding jobs during the period. Arizona's universities conducted nearly $580 million in R&D activities in bioscience-related fields in 2018, fueled in part by steadily increasing NIH awards to Arizona institutions since 2016. Venture capital investments in Arizona bioscience companies increased in 2019, and during the 2016-19 period totaled $349 million. Arizona inventors have been awarded 2,178 bioscience-related patents since 2016, among the second quintile of states in patent activity.   Notes:   Seg 1   Biotech and life sciences industry in Arizona, has 3000 businesses and 36,000 employees. The economic impact in 2021 was $38.5 billion. AZ Bio would like to double, so by 2033, the impact would be $78 billion.   Examples of biotech companies in Arizona are Medtronic that makes medical devices, WL Gore, material sciences. Other companies in diagnostics, there are Sonoran Quest which does testing. This also Castle Bio Sciences, deals in cancer treatment. Some medicine companies are Bristol, Myers, and Calvari who deals in cancer drugs. Calvari is the bio science company of the year in 2024.   AZ Bio Science Week started in 2017. AZ Bio week starts Oct. 13 (2025) and has events daily from Monday to Friday.     Example of one of the many companies involved with AZ Bio week:   CND Life Sciences - CND's Syn-One Test® offers physicians and patients an accurate, convenient, evidence-based tool to help diagnose a synucleinopathy. And our mission has just begun.   NIH - National Institute of Health gives grants or funding to universities, hospitals and even companies for medical research.   Takes time to build a medical device type product, a few years to decades.   Government is an important partner, that provides financial support. Examples are Medicare research, workforce help, and tax breaks. Many organizations like this are publicly funded with government and university help.  $25 billion in funding over the last 20 years in Arizona in bio investment. Government funded $5 billion, that's from state and federal sales tax at a penny per. $112 million funding to universities in 2022. Combination of industry, government and philanthropy. Discovery phase - university helps develop the IP and research. Technology is spun out of the university to corporate development by companies. The AZ Board of Regents owns the patents. They license the patents to companies. Then you have regulatory.  Distribution of a product. Successful products are profitable. They have a royalty that pays to the company, the university and the government. Example of this was the University of Florida created Gatorade in the 1970s and still gets royalties today. Process takes 10 to 15 years, with hundreds of people involved. Clinical trials of any type of drug takes years.   Creation of the Covid vaccine was an outlier, as many people had Covid at the time so it was very easy to put together big study groups       Seg 2   Examples of newer companies in biotech field –   Neo clinical stage company dealing in heart health with aortic artery for the abdomen.   Another new company is prim dealing in MCT deficiency, compound growth and they are in clinical and testing stages.   Drugs get tested through computer models, and then on animals. Always have to worry about safety and ethics. FDA has very strict rules. You do not put people at risk, after monitor, during test and post monitoring. There's high-level quality control.       AZ Bio has members that are in the bioscience industry with current companies   AZ Advances is about bio startups in early stage companies It's a 501 C nonprofit charity that is funding, internships, and education   Patient is not only the client, but the purpose for why biotech companies exist     Neuralink Corp. is an American neurotechnology company that has developed as of 2024 implantable brain–computer interfaces. It was founded by Elon Musk and a team of eight scientists and engineers. Neuralink was launched in 2016 and first publicly reported in March 2017.   Neuralink's first human patient, Noland Arbaugh, is an Arizona native who received his implant in January 2024 at the Barrow Neurological Institute in Phoenix. He will appear at Arizona Bioscience Week 2025     https://www.azbio.org/azbw2025     Events Summary:   Monday - Women in Biotech Leading Women: Biotech & Beyond Join us for an evening of conversation and connections with our community's leading women as we kick off Arizona Bioscience Week in style!   Tuesday - Fundraising Fundraising Strategies for Life Science Startups  A compelling narrative is crucial when you are fundraising and communicating with life science investors.  This Life Science Nation (LSN) Global Fundraising Bootcamp covers topics related to executing a successful fundraise for your startup.      Wednesday – AZ Bio awards, philanthropy, entertainment, and AZ Advances The 21st Annual AZBio Awards & AZAdvances After Party Celebrate with the Educators, Researchers, an

    51 min

  5. 09/25/2025

    Offense + Defense: The 90-Second Plan to Retire Without Fear - AZ TRT S06 EP18 (280) 9-21-2025

    Offense + Defense: The 90-Second Plan to Retire Without Fear - Balance growth and guaranteed income to protect your lifestyle — and never worry about running out of money.   - AZ TRT S06 EP18 (280) 9-21-2025              What We Learned This Week ·         Offense + Defense is the Key to Wealth Financial freedom isn't just about hustling harder or chasing returns — it's about balancing offense (growth, risk-taking) with defense (guaranteed cash flow, risk management). ·         Appreciating Assets vs. Harvesting Assets Appreciating assets grow in value but only pay off when you sell. Harvesting assets pay you while you hold them (rent, dividends, interest). The wealthy own both — using harvesting assets to cover expenses and appreciating assets to build long-term wealth. ·         Income is More Reliable Than Growth Steven Bavaria's "Income Factory" mindset reminds us that income is fact, growth is hope. A steady stream of cash flow lets you survive downturns without selling assets and builds confidence in your plan. ·         The 90-Second Retirement Plan Works Cover 80% of retirement expenses with guaranteed sources (Social Security + annuities). Use the remaining 20% of your portfolio for growth, fun, and legacy-building — no more withdrawal stress. ·         The Goal is Infinite Income The ultimate destination is creating income streams that never run out — from real estate, businesses, life insurance, or even intellectual property. When income covers expenses for life, you gain true financial freedom.     Notes: Segment 1: Offense & Defense – The Key to Becoming Financially Unbreakable   ·         Quote: "In today's uncertain economy, the safest solution to be wealthy, be in total control and enjoy freedom for you and your family is to have multiple streams of income." – Robert Allen (2001) ·         Tie to today: 20+ years later, most people still rely on one paycheck or one retirement plan. Part 1: The Problem – The "One Thing" Retirement Plan ·         Traditional advice: just max your 401(k) and hope for the best. ·         The flaw: market volatility, layoffs, health events → can wreck your plan. ·         Analogy: one oxygen mask — if it fails, you're out of air. Part 2: Offense + Defense = True Financial Freedom ·         Offense: o    Growing income, scaling business, chasing higher returns. ·         Defense: o    Creating steady cash flow, reducing risk, having a safety net. ·         Too much offense = risk of wipeout. ·         Too much defense = stagnation. ·         The key: Balance both to become "financially unbreakable."       Part 3: Appreciating vs. Harvesting Assets Introduce the concept that not all assets are created equal — some you wait to pay you, others pay you while you wait. ·         Appreciating Assets: o    Goal: Buy low, sell high. o    Examples: stocks, gold, art, land, most crypto. o    Risk: You only "win" if you sell at the right time. Gains (or losses) are just on paper until then. ·         Harvesting Assets: o    Produce income while you hold them. o    Examples: §  Rental real estate → rent + depreciation + tax benefits §  Bonds → interest §  Dividend stocks / REITs → quarterly payouts §  Staked crypto → interest §  Covered call writing → option premiums §  Cash-flowing businesses §  Indexed life insurance → credited interest + loan access o    Best assets do both: appreciate and produce cash flow (rental real estate, dividend stocks, etc.). Tie back to Offense-Defense: ·         Defense loves harvesting assets (cash flow covers bills). ·         Offense loves appreciating assets (bigger upside for growth). ·         Most wealthy individuals own both and balance them strategically. Part 4: Mental & Emotional Benefits of Defense ·         Cover 80%+ of expenses with steady income = less stress. ·         Frees mental bandwidth for creativity and risk-taking. ·         Allows you to play offense without fear. Part 5: The 3-Step Offense-Defense Plan 1.    Build the Defensive Base ("Sleep-at-Night Money") o    Rental properties, pensions, annuities, passive businesses, tax-free income plans. 2.    Grow with Offensive Moves o    Invest in higher-growth assets after defense is solid. o    Use tax strategies and leverage wisely. 3.    Think Like the Wealthy o    Control assets, income, and taxes. o    Hold appreciating and harvesting assets. o    Focus on cash flow first, price growth second. Segment 1 Takeaway: ·         Secure your financial oxygen mask first. ·         Diversify with appreciating and harvesting assets. ·         Build a system that covers your expenses so you can confidently grow your wealth. Segment 2: The Five Types of Income to the 90 Second Retirement Plan   ·         "Now that we've built your financial defense, let's talk about stacking multiple income streams so you never run out of money." Part 1: The 90-Second Retirement Plan ·         Reality Check: Markets, COVID, crypto crashes, trade wars → volatility isn't going away. ·         Biggest risk = relying only on investments for income. ·         Old school solution: Social Security + pension = guaranteed monthly paycheck. ·         Modern version: 1.    Social Security (≈40% of expenses) 2.    Guaranteed Income via annuities (≈40% of expenses) 3.    Remaining portfolio → growth, fun, and legacy. ·         Rule of Thumb: Allocate 15–20% of portfolio to lock in guaranteed lifetime income → cover 80% of your expenses. Part 2: The 5 Types of Income 1.    Business / Career Income – your day-to-day paycheck. 2.    Investment Income – dividends, rent, crypto interest. 3.    Retirement Income – 401(k), IRA distributions. 4.    Guaranteed Income – pensions, annuities, Social Security. 5.    Tax-Free Income – Roth IRA, life insurance cash value. Call to action: ·         List which ones you have today. ·         Create a strategy to build all five over time. Part 3: The Income Factory Mindset ·         Steven Bavaria's mantra: "Income is fact, growth is hope." ·         Focus on cash flow first — market value second. ·         A portfolio producing 10% yield with no price growth = same total return as 0% yield + 10% growth. ·         Income stream lets you survive downturns without selling assets. Part 4: Infinite Income – Scaling Your Streams ·         Real Estate: Buy, rent, refinance, repeat. Use leverage + 1031 exchanges. ·         Business: Build → pay off loans → profits keep coming. Use as collateral to expand. ·         Life Insurance: Tax-free policy loans → fund retirement and leave a legacy. ·         IP & Assets: Build once, get paid forever (Lucas/Star Wars, Bezos/Amazon, Microsoft/Windows, McDonald's system). Segment 2 Takeaway: ·         The goal isn't just retirement — it's infinite income. ·         Build multiple income streams that never run out. ·         Focus on income-producing assets first → appreciation becomes a bonus. ·         When your base income is covered, every market dip becomes an opportunity instead of a threat.     Investing Shows: https://brt-show.libsyn.com/category/Investing-Stocks-Bonds-Retirement       'Best Of' Topic: https://brt-show.libsyn.com/category/Best+of+BRT      Thanks for Listening. Please Subscribe to the AZ TRT Podcast.     AZ Tech Roundtable 2.0 with Matt Battaglia The show where Entrepreneurs, Top Executives, Founders, and Investors come to share insights about the future of business.  AZ TRT 2.0 looks at the new trends in business, & how classic industries are evolving.  Common Topics Discussed: Startups, Founders, Funds & Venture Capital, Business, Entrepreneurship, Biotech, Blockchain / Crypto, Executive Comp, Investing, Stocks, Real Estate + Alternative Investments, and more…    AZ TRT Podcast Home Page: http://aztrtshow.com/ 'Best Of' AZ TRT Podcast: Click Here Podcast on Google: Click Here Podcast on Spotify: Click Here                    More Info: https://www.economicknight.com/azpodcast/ KFNX Info: https://1100kfnx.com/weekend-featured-shows/     Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the Hosts, Guests and Speakers, and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of any entities they represent (or affiliates, members, managers, employees or partners), or any Station, Podcast Platform, Website or Social Media that this show may air on. All information provided is for educational and entertainment purposes. Nothing said on this program should be considered advice or recommendations in: business, legal, real estate, crypto, tax accounting, investment, etc. Always seek the advice of a professional in all business ventures, including but not limited to: investments, tax, loans, legal, accounting, real estate, crypto, contracts, sales, marketing, other business arrangements, etc.

    26 min

  6. 09/10/2025

    Inside Real Estate Syndication Investing: Returns, Risks, & Opportunity Zones w/ Adam Gower of GowerCrowd - AZ TRT S06 EP17 (279) 9-7-2025

    Inside Real Estate Syndication Investing: Returns, Risks, & Opportunity Zones w/ Adam Gower of GowerCrowd   - AZ TRT S06 EP17 (279) 9-7-2025      What We Learned This Week: Real estate syndications let accredited investors pool money with a sponsor to buy large properties. Investors earn preferred returns, dividends, and tax perks like depreciation and 1031 exchanges. These deals are illiquid, locking up money for years in exchange for long-term gains. Adam Gower showed how trust and consistent marketing are key to raising capital. High interest rates are squeezing deals, creating both challenges and distressed opportunities.     Guest: Adam Gower of GowerCrowd https://www.linkedin.com/in/gowercrowd/   Per Adam: I help real estate syndicators raise equity capital online. We integrate AI into everything we do so you have a competitive advantage. Our clients have raised $100's of millions using our proprietary Investor Acquisition System. I share all our secrets in my free newsletter. Bio: Adam Gower is a bilingual, 30-year veteran in real estate, banking, and finance who earned his Ph.D. in banking history at the University College London. He has held senior management positions at some of the largest companies and institutions in the world and is recognized as an industry thought leader on the impact of crowdfunding on real estate. During the 1990's he lived in Japan, working as the President and CEO of a major Hollywood studio developing their real estate portfolio throughout the Asia Pacific Region. After the financial crisis of 2008 had taken hold, Dr. Gower was recruited to advise the largest regional bank in California on their asset disposition strategy, assisting them to divest of a large portfolio of real estate collateralized loans, and subsequently in doubling the institution's size. He subsequently went on to work at Colony Capital, one of the world's largest private equity real estate firms, where he worked on assets acquired with the FDIC as a result of the global financial crisis. When the JOBS Act of 2012 was passed, Dr. Gower had been actively engaged in tech startup angel investing. He quickly realized that commercial real estate finance would be transformed by the new regulations by permitting equity to be raised online. Seeing that this would bring about a revolution in the industry he formed GowerCrowd, an agency geared to assisting real estate developers raise money for their projects, and to educating investors how to invest online.       Dr. Gower lives and works in California and has taught the only fully accredited university course in the country that focuses on how to raise money by and invest in crowdfunded real estate syndications. The course was a 'flipped course' allowing students to study the primary curriculum online, while engaging in practical learn-by-doing exercises in class. He is host of an internationally syndicated podcast focused exclusively on real estate crowdfunding, The Real Estate Crowdfunding Show, Syndication in the Digital Age, and publishes one of the most popular real estate investing blogs on the web. Dr. Gower is author of several books focused on the history of real estate crowdfunding, real estate investing, and risk mitigation, and his educational courses have been sold worldwide.   Books Link – HERE   https://gowercrowd.com/about   We help you find more high-net-worth investors so you can raise more equity, faster.   GowerCrowd is a team of digital marketing professionals with deep, multi-cycle real estate syndication experience. We build digital marketing systems (aka 'crowdfunding' platforms) for seasoned real estate sponsors so they can find more investors, raise more capital, and scale faster.  Our clients handle in excess of $35bn in AUM and have raised upwards of $1bn using our systems with minimum investments as low as $25,000.   Reference Info: https://gowercrowd.com/real-estate-investing/guides   Segment 1: Real Estate Syndication Basics Definition & Structure Syndication: a real estate professional pools investor money to purchase assets (apartments, offices, car washes, medical buildings, etc.). Typical structure: 70% financed with a bank loan, 30% down from investors. Investors: Accredited investors (SEC-defined high-net-worth individuals). Deals: Can involve dozens or even hundreds of private investors. Returns & Profit Sources Investors may receive: Preferred return (commonly around 8% ROI). Dividends from rental income (net operating profit). Profit share from property appreciation and sale. Liquidity: Funds are locked in for years—these are illiquid investments. Tax Treatment Investors receive a K-1 for pass-through tax benefits like depreciation. Depreciation is recaptured upon sale. Unearned income is taxed as normal income. 1031 Exchange: Allows deferral of capital gains taxes by rolling profits into another property (45-day identification rule, 180-day purchase rule). Step-Up in Basis: Heirs inherit property at its appreciated value, avoiding taxes. Opportunity Zones: Investments in designated areas can defer or eliminate capital gains taxes (deferred for 5 years, no tax after 10 years). Segment 2: Guest – Adam Gower & GowerCrowd Background Started as an electrician in the 1980s. Raised capital in California; lost money in the late-1980s Savings & Loan crisis. Worked in Japan running a film division. Later handled real estate deals and worked at a bank during the 2008 financial crisis, cleaning up distressed portfolios. In 2012, launched GowerCrowd, a consulting and marketing platform for real estate syndicators. GowerCrowd Approach Helps sponsors raise capital by building marketing and investor trust. Develops content-driven marketing strategies over ~6 months. Leverages a network of real estate investors. Breaks down industry silos—shares best practices across deals and sponsors who would normally compete. Belief: Test strategies first, then scale proven best practices across clients. Opportunity Zones Defined on city or state real estate maps. Require minimum investments (often starting at $25,000). Provide tax incentives for investors. Segment 3: Interest Rates & Real Estate Market Impact Current Market Conditions Interest rates in 2023–2024 remain higher than recent years. Higher rates = higher debt service costs on properties. Many past deals were underwritten with variable-rate loans, which have now reset higher. Long-term fixed-rate investors are in stronger positions. Consequences of High Rates Refinancing challenges: Many deals no longer work financially at today's higher rates. Distressed deals: Properties may be foreclosed or sold at discounts (sometimes 30% lower). Some properties, especially office buildings, are hardest hit. Example: A deal structured with 85% debt at 3% interest doesn't work if rates jump to 7%. Market Outlook Bond rates and interest rates remain uncertain. Debt continues to be the central driver of real estate. Investors with cash could benefit from discounted opportunities. For deals to work, proper structure and capital stack are critical.           Real Estate Shows:  https://brt-show.libsyn.com/category/Real+Estate-Construction-Land-Farming   Investing Shows:  https://brt-show.libsyn.com/category/Investing-Stocks-Bonds-Retirement    'Best Of' Topic: https://brt-show.libsyn.com/category/Best+of+BRT      Thanks for Listening. Please Subscribe to the AZ TRT Podcast.     AZ Tech Roundtable 2.0 with Matt Battaglia The show where Entrepreneurs, Top Executives, Founders, and Investors come to share insights about the future of business.  AZ TRT 2.0 looks at the new trends in business, & how classic industries are evolving.  Common Topics Discussed: Startups, Founders, Funds & Venture Capital, Business, Entrepreneurship, Biotech, Blockchain / Crypto, Executive Comp, Investing, Stocks, Real Estate + Alternative Investments, and more…    AZ TRT Podcast Home Page: http://aztrtshow.com/ 'Best Of' AZ TRT Podcast: Click Here Podcast on Google: Click Here Podcast on Spotify: Click Here                    More Info: https://www.economicknight.com/azpodcast/ KFNX Info: https://1100kfnx.com/weekend-featured-shows/     Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the Hosts, Guests and Speakers, and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of any entities they represent (or affiliates, members, managers, employees or partners), or any Station, Podcast Platform, Website or Social Media that this show may air on. All information provided is for educational and entertainment purposes. Nothing said on this program should be considered advice or recommendations in: business, legal, real estate, crypto, tax accounting, investment, etc. Always seek the advice of a professional in all business ventures, including but not limited to: investments, tax, loans, legal, accounting, real estate, crypto, contracts, sales, marketing, other business arrangements, etc.

    40 min

  7. 08/29/2025

    The New Wave of AI-First SaaS Companies Serving SMBs w/ Cooper Simson of Martell Ventures - AZ TRT S06 EP16 (278) 8-24-2025

    The New Wave of AI-First SaaS Companies Serving SMBs w/ Cooper Simson of Martell Ventures - AZ TRT S06 EP16 (278) 8-24-2025       What We Learned This Week: ·         Political & product risk can kill a business overnight. ·         AI is lowering barriers to software creation while eliminating low-value roles. ·         SMBs are ripe for AI adoption, especially in workflow automation & marketing. ·         The best AI businesses solve real problems — not just add shiny features. ·         Future-proofing means building where the "puck" is going, not where it's been.     Guest: Cooper Simson https://www.linkedin.com/in/cooper-simson-896957b1/ Website: https://martellventures.com Contact Cooper -  Instagram: @Coop_Doggy_Dog  Dan Martell's portfolio manager and business partner at Martell Ventures. Cooper talks about what they're building around AI and SaaS software, companies they work with, and the products for SMBs.   Show Notes Guest: Cooper – Entrepreneur & AI Venture Builder Bio ·         Started with a finance degree but never pursued traditional finance. ·         First venture: lead-gen & marketing agency (failed when partner left). ·         Pivoted through freelance work → launched a business helping people apply for government grants using AI. ·         Business collapsed overnight due to political risk when U.S. policy changed. ·         Backed by Dan Martel, who later brought Cooper into Martel Venture Studio AI. ·         Lessons learned: Always maintain control of the product and build businesses that can withstand outside risks.     Segment 1: AI + SMB Software Companies ·         Martel Ventures works with AI-first SaaS companies solving real business problems for SMBs (0–100 employees, $1M–$50M+ in revenue). ·         Examples of portfolio companies: o    Precision Connect – cleans and organizes business data dashboards. o    Atlas AI – AI voice agent that can call leads, nearly indistinguishable from a human caller. o    Hero – recruitment tool powered by AI. ·         AI is the middleman killer → entry-level tech jobs (SDRs, data analysts) most at risk. ·         Core question for any AI product: Does it solve a real problem, or is it just an AI feature? Segment 2: Dan Martel & Martel Ventures ·         Dan Martel: 27+ years in tech, 3 major software exits, 5M+ followers. ·         Founder of SaaS Academy (coached 6,000+ students). ·         Author of Buy Back Your Time. ·         Martel Ventures (founded 2024): o    Invests in and advises AI SaaS startups. o    Target: 10–12 portfolio companies per year. o    Provides equity, funding, and advisory services to accelerate growth & marketing. ·         Martel Ventures' niche: AI + SaaS companies with clear use cases and revenue potential. ·         Cooper's biggest takeaway: "Skate to where the puck is going" — build for future AI demand, not yesterday's. Segment 3: The AI Shift in Business ·         Cost transformation: AI drastically reduces software development and coding costs. ·         AI enables SMBs to: o    Automate workflows & reduce repetitive tasks. o    Boost employee efficiency → turns "C players" into "B+ players." o    Increase ROI per employee by shifting them to higher-value work. ·         SMB Examples: Local service providers, agencies, or firms generating $1M–$50M annually with 5–200 employees. ·         Key insight: If you can't identify the customer and the problem solved in 5 seconds, the product likely won't succeed. AI Use Cases in Marketing & Ops ·         Lead research automation. ·         Retargeting: AI can read your website, identify IPs, and find who visited. ·         Ad research: analyze competitor ads with AI agents. ·         Campaign automation: compresses timelines from weeks to days. ·         Contact management: AI can segment and organize lists for sharper targeting. Cooper Philosophy: Frameworks & Systems ·  The "Founding 50" framework walkthrough ·  How to diagnose bottlenecks and build fast paths to MRR ·  Distribution engine strategies that accelerate growth Contrarian Takes ·  "Distribution beats capital — especially when your offer hits" ·  Why founders waste time perfecting products instead of selling ·  Red flags he spots instantly in founders AI Market Insights ·  What makes AI-first companies different from traditional SaaS ·  Why SMBs are the sweet spot for AI products right now ·  How venture landscape is changing for AI companies Leadership & Scaling ·  "Lighthouse, not tugboat" guidance approach ·  Speed over perfection in execution ·  People-first, action-oriented leadership style     Dan Martell – Bio info https://www.danmartell.com/ventures/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/dmartell/?originalSubdomain=ca https://www.saasacademy.com/author-dan-martell Dan Martell is a renowned coach and founder of SaaS Academy, celebrated for his expertise in scaling B2B SaaS businesses and significant contributions as an angel investor. Dan Martell is a Canadian entrepreneur, angel investor, and coach known for his expertise in the SaaS (Software as a Service) industry. He's founded, scaled, and successfully exited three technology companies. He's also a prominent figure in the SaaS coaching space, having founded SaaS Academy. Additionally, Martell is an Ironman athlete, philanthropist, and author.  Book – Buy Back Your Time     Biotech Shows: https://brt-show.libsyn.com/category/Biotech-Life+Sciences-Science   AZ Tech Council Shows:  https://brt-show.libsyn.com/size/5/?search=az+tech+council *Includes Best of AZ Tech Council show from 2/12/2023   Tech Topic: https://brt-show.libsyn.com/category/Tech-Startup-VC-Cybersecurity-Energy-Science  Best of Tech: https://brt-show.libsyn.com/size/5/?search=best+of+tech   'Best Of' Topic: https://brt-show.libsyn.com/category/Best+of+BRT      Thanks for Listening. Please Subscribe to the AZ TRT Podcast.     AZ Tech Roundtable 2.0 with Matt Battaglia The show where Entrepreneurs, Top Executives, Founders, and Investors come to share insights about the future of business.  AZ TRT 2.0 looks at the new trends in business, & how classic industries are evolving.  Common Topics Discussed: Startups, Founders, Funds & Venture Capital, Business, Entrepreneurship, Biotech, Blockchain / Crypto, Executive Comp, Investing, Stocks, Real Estate + Alternative Investments, and more…    AZ TRT Podcast Home Page: http://aztrtshow.com/ 'Best Of' AZ TRT Podcast: Click Here Podcast on Google: Click Here Podcast on Spotify: Click Here                    More Info: https://www.economicknight.com/azpodcast/ KFNX Info: https://1100kfnx.com/weekend-featured-shows/     Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the Hosts, Guests and Speakers, and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of any entities they represent (or affiliates, members, managers, employees or partners), or any Station, Podcast Platform, Website or Social Media that this show may air on. All information provided is for educational and entertainment purposes. Nothing said on this program should be considered advice or recommendations in: business, legal, real estate, crypto, tax accounting, investment, etc. Always seek the advice of a professional in all business ventures, including but not limited to: investments, tax, loans, legal, accounting, real estate, crypto, contracts, sales, marketing, other business arrangements, etc.

    42 min

  8. 08/21/2025

    Cybersecurity & Compliance w/ Paige Hanson of Secure Labs - AZ TRT S06 EP15 (277) 8-17-2025

    Cybersecurity & Compliance w/ Paige Hanson of Secure Labs - AZ TRT S06 EP15 (277) 8-17-2025       What We Learned This Week: A cybersecurity breach can cost more than just data—it can damage infrastructure and destroy client confidence. Even smaller companies (50–100 employees) need structured safeguards, compliance, and often outside MSSPs to stay secure. Secure Labs provides a roadmap for companies to meet regulatory standards like HIPAA, ISO 27001, and SOC 2, helping them win bigger clients. AI-driven threats like voice cloning and deepfakes make personal and business digital security more important than ever. Compliance isn't cheap—outside audits can run $5,000–$50,000 annually, while Big Four audits may exceed $100,000.       Guest: Paige Hanson, Co-Founder of Secure Labs   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hello-paige-hanson Founder of SecureLabs | Helping businesses meet their security compliance standards | Fractional GRC | 🎤 Keynote, Moderator & Speaker | Identity Theft & Cyber Safety Expert | Volunteer | Wife + Mama     Speaker Info: https://speakerhub.com/speaker/paige-hanson YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PaigeonCyber   Secure Labs Website: https://securelabs.ai/   Fortify Your Company's Future: Expert GRC Solutions SecureLabs empowers organizations to navigate the complex landscape of governance, risk, and compliance (GRC) with ease. Our cutting-edge platform and expert services simplify critical processes, helping you achieve and maintain compliance while effectively mitigating risks.       Podcast Notes: Segment 1: The Reality of Cybersecurity Risks What's at stake in a breach? Data loss Infrastructure damage Loss of client confidence Common Cyber Terms: hack, breach, ransomware. Compliance & Budgeting: Every company must include cybersecurity and compliance in their budget. Company Example (50–100 employees): Usually 1 internal cybersecurity employee (legal + security). Outsource parts of the process to MSSPs (Managed Security Service Providers). Use SaaS tools to defend/alert against threats. Cyber risk insurance often included. Safeguards & Processes: Passwords, mobile device policies, website usage, software downloads. Security parameters for access and usage within the company. Company-issued laptops/phones are common, but personal device use may create security risks. Oversight: Department manager responsible for implementation, oversight, and quality control. Segment 2: Secure Labs & Paige's Journey About Secure Labs: Provides an app/platform for companies to outsource cybersecurity. Offers compliance, oversight, and process validation. About Paige (Founder Bio): Accidentally entered the cybersecurity industry. 17 years at LifeLock, building ID theft programs for law enforcement. Co-founded Secure Labs with two partners. Runs a remote global team. Common Client Question: "Where do I start?" Frameworks & Compliance: NIST Protocols: Best practices baseline for cybersecurity. GRC Platform (Secure Labs): Handles regulated industries (HIPAA, ISO 27001). SOC 2 Reports: Validation for security compliance. Why It Matters: Businesses must prove strong cyber/data protocols to win bigger clients. Medium/large companies demand strict security from partners. Interconnected SaaS & cloud systems increase risk. Validation & Auditing: Small companies seeking larger clients often need validation. Outside auditors review processes for compliance & insurance. Secure Labs provides both the platform and the roadmap for this. Segment 3: Budgets, Tips, and Best Practices Key Practices: GBLA compliance (Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act). Onboarding & offboarding client data securely. Regular security team meetings (quarterly). Ongoing record upkeep and compliance tracking. Social Media Risks: What info are you sharing? Photos, posts, public/private profile settings. Timing of posts – avoid real-time "check-ins." Businesses also need to monitor their public digital profile. AI Threats: Voice cloning & deepfakes possible with as little as 10 seconds of audio. Reinforces importance of strict security protocols. Ongoing Monitoring: Secure Labs sends periodic alerts on major breaches (e.g., AWS, Microsoft, Amazon). Budgets & Costs: Outside auditors: $5,000 – $50,000/year. Big Four audits: $100,000+. Compliance budgeting is critical for long-term protection. Where to Learn More: Website: securelab.ai LinkedIn: Paige's profile YouTube: Paige on Cyber           Biotech Shows: https://brt-show.libsyn.com/category/Biotech-Life+Sciences-Science   AZ Tech Council Shows:  https://brt-show.libsyn.com/size/5/?search=az+tech+council *Includes Best of AZ Tech Council show from 2/12/2023   Tech Topic: https://brt-show.libsyn.com/category/Tech-Startup-VC-Cybersecurity-Energy-Science  Best of Tech: https://brt-show.libsyn.com/size/5/?search=best+of+tech   'Best Of' Topic: https://brt-show.libsyn.com/category/Best+of+BRT      Thanks for Listening. Please Subscribe to the AZ TRT Podcast.     AZ Tech Roundtable 2.0 with Matt Battaglia The show where Entrepreneurs, Top Executives, Founders, and Investors come to share insights about the future of business.  AZ TRT 2.0 looks at the new trends in business, & how classic industries are evolving.  Common Topics Discussed: Startups, Founders, Funds & Venture Capital, Business, Entrepreneurship, Biotech, Blockchain / Crypto, Executive Comp, Investing, Stocks, Real Estate + Alternative Investments, and more…    AZ TRT Podcast Home Page: http://aztrtshow.com/ 'Best Of' AZ TRT Podcast: Click Here Podcast on Google: Click Here Podcast on Spotify: Click Here                    More Info: https://www.economicknight.com/azpodcast/ KFNX Info: https://1100kfnx.com/weekend-featured-shows/     Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the Hosts, Guests and Speakers, and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of any entities they represent (or affiliates, members, managers, employees or partners), or any Station, Podcast Platform, Website or Social Media that this show may air on. All information provided is for educational and entertainment purposes. Nothing said on this program should be considered advice or recommendations in: business, legal, real estate, crypto, tax accounting, investment, etc. Always seek the advice of a professional in all business ventures, including but not limited to: investments, tax, loans, legal, accounting, real estate, crypto, contracts, sales, marketing, other business arrangements, etc.

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AZ Tech Roundtable 2.0 with Matt Battaglia The show where Entrepreneurs, Top Executives, Founders, and Investors come to share insights about the future of business. AZ TRT 2.0 looks at the new trends in business, & how classic industries are evolving. Common Topics Discussed: Startups, Founders, Funds & Venture Capital, Business, Entrepreneurship, Biotech, Blockchain / Crypto, Executive Comp, Investing, Stocks, Real Estate + Alternative Investments, and more… AZ TRT Podcast Home Page: http://aztrtshow.com/ Please Subscribe. Thanks for Listening. - More Info: https://www.economicknight.com/azpodcast/

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