Startup Science Podcast with Gregory Shepard Gregory Shepard

In the second half of this episode, Greg continues his illuminating open-source conversation with Heather Meeker, General Partner at OSS Capital. With her deep expertise on both the legal and business strategy sides, Heather shares invaluable insights for investors evaluating commercial open-source startups. Heather outlines key factors investors should consider when assessing these unique companies. She also dives deeper into one vertical she sees as a major open-source opportunity right now. Tune in to hear Heather's guidance for open source investors on what metrics matter most as well as where she sees fertile ground for new commercial open source ventures taking root and scaling over the next 5 years. You'll walk away better equipped to spot the next big players in open-source business software.

Heather Meeker, a leading expert on open-source software licensing and business strategy, joins Greg on the podcast. Heather is a General Partner at OSS Capital, an early-stage VC fund investing exclusively in commercial open-source startups. In this episode, Greg and Heather discuss her latest book, "From Project to Profit: How to Build a Business Around Your Open Source Project." They explore Heather's insights on the opportunities and challenges faced by open-source founders seeking to create sustainable businesses. Heather shares her valuable perspective, gained from nearly 30 years of experience advising companies on open source strategy and licensing. Whether you're thinking about launching an open-source startup or looking to scale an existing one, this conversation aims to shed light on turning passion projects into thriving companies.

In part two of their talk, Owen provides background on the Canadian Fulbright Entrepreneur Initiative, which enables Canadian entrepreneurs to study approaches to innovation and entrepreneurship in leading ecosystems. Owen also touches on his aim to serve as a "humble thought leader" seeking to make meaningful contributions rather than pursue status or fame. He discusses the responsibility he feels to give back by helping develop future generations of entrepreneurs and technology talent capable of driving continued innovation.

About Owen Matthews: Owen helps lead the vision and direction of the Alacrity Foundation and is a major contributor to the local technology community in Victoria. He donates his time and resources to multiple groups within and outside of the Alacrity portfolio.Owen is also a General Partner at Wesley Clover International, responsible for managing their technology portfolio. Wesley Clover is a private investment firm with active portfolios in technology, hospitality and commercial real estate.Prior to his move to Wesley Clover in 2007, Owen was the founder and CEO of NewHeights Software. NewHeights was a pioneer in enterprise unified communication products and was acquired by CounterPath Corporation. Owen is an active member on the Board of Directors for Counterpath Corporation, EchoSec Systems, Encepta Corp., Pretio Interactive, Referral SaaSquatch, and Tutela Technologies.On the community engagement side Owen is a Governor on the Board of Power to Be, a non-profit organization that empowers people to explore their limitless abilities through inclusive adventures rooted in nature. He has been active on the board of advisors for the Peter B. Gustavson School of Business at the University of Victoria, Children’s Health Foundation of Vancouver Island and St. Margaret’s School.He is also on the board of directors for the Victoria Innovation, Advanced Technology and Entrepreneurship Council, Victoria’s one-stop hub connecting people, knowledge, and resources to grow and promote the local technology sector.

This week on The Startup Science Podcast, Greg is joined by pioneering technology entrepreneur and investor Owen Matthews. As Chairman of Alacrity Canada, Owen has made major contributions to Western Canada's tech ecosystem through his ventures and his work with Alacrity. As Chairman, Owen has helped bring over $225 million into Western Canada's tech ecosystem and employed 300+ people. He is a true community builder, supporting technology education initiatives, serving on numerous boards, and giving back through philanthropic organizations. On the show, Greg and Owen discuss his varied career, lessons learned along the way, advice for aspiring entrepreneurs, the future of the Canadian tech scene, and more. Tune in to hear insights from this pioneer, who has dedicated his career to building technology companies and giving back.

About Owen Matthews: Owen helps lead the vision and direction of the Alacrity Foundation and is a major contributor to the local technology community in Victoria. He donates his time and resources to multiple groups within and outside of the Alacrity portfolio.Owen is also a General Partner at Wesley Clover International, responsible for managing their technology portfolio. Wesley Clover is a private investment firm with active portfolios in technology, hospitality and commercial real estate.Prior to his move to Wesley Clover in 2007, Owen was the founder and CEO of NewHeights Software. NewHeights was a pioneer in enterprise unified communication products and was acquired by CounterPath Corporation.
Owen is an active member on the Board of Directors for Counterpath Corporation, EchoSec Systems, Encepta Corp., Pretio Interactive, Referral SaaSquatch, and Tutela Technologies.On the community engagement side Owen is a Governor on the Board of Power to Be, a non-profit organization that empowers people to explore their limitless abilities through inclusive adventures rooted in nature. He has been active on the board of advisors for the Peter B. Gustavson School of Business at the University of Victoria, Children’s Health Foundation of Vancouver Island and St. Margaret’s School.He is also on the board of directors for the Victoria Innovation, Advanced Technology and Entrepreneurship Council, Victoria’s one-stop hub connecting people, knowledge, and resources to grow and promote the local technology sector.

In Part 2 of Victorio Pellicano's conversation on the Startup Science podcast, Greg and Vic go deeper into the mindset and motivation of this tech pioneer. They discuss how Vic stays focused when facing life's turbulence and keeps moving forward with resilience. He shares how he fights adversity and uncertainty as an entrepreneur while maintaining balance as a father and husband. Vic reveals how he handles the constant juggle of managing a startup while being present for his family. He opens up about his techniques for minimizing stress, practicing mindfulness, and achieving work-life harmony. Through stories and insights, Vic paints a picture of how he navigates the ups and downs of entrepreneurship. He offers advice for founders on how to cultivate equanimity and keep sight of their vision during difficult times. Join Greg and Vic for an inside look at the mindset and motivation fueling this inspiring tech leader. Discover how he confronts challenges with courage and purpose on the journey to make a positive impact through innovation.


About Victorio Pellicano: Victorio is a testament to human resilience and the transformative power of a visionary mind. Having journeyed from humble beginnings as the son of a truck driver, and overcoming life-altering setbacks, he carved out his niche in the tech world, breaking barriers and inspiring change.The first in his family to complete high school and venture into college, Victorio's journey has been anything but smooth. After the untimely loss of his parents and subsequent financial hardships that led to homelessness and an unfinished law degree, he rose from adversity like a phoenix from the ashes.Victorio's entrepreneurial journey began with Verenia, a software company that personified his people-first ethos. After a decade of growth and nurturing a culture of compassion, Verenia was acquired by Oracle in 2022. The company's success story echoes Victorio's unwavering belief in the strength of community and the human spirit.However, Victorio's story doesn't stop at Verenia. He has now turned his gaze towards the future of AI and Robotics. He is at the helm of Avianna, a trailblazing venture that aims to merge these technologies and transform our world. In his private life, Victorio is a doting father of four, soon to be five, and a loving husband. He follows the principles of Tao spiritualism, finding balance in the face of life's unpredictability.Victorio Pellicano is not just a tech entrepreneur; he's a visionary guiding us towards a future where AI and Robotics are the cornerstone of innovation. His journey serves as an enduring reminder that no matter the odds, the human spirit, driven by passion and purpose, can achieve great heights.

In this episode, Greg sits down with Victorio Pellicano, a modern phoenix who overcame homelessness and loss to become a leading tech entrepreneur. After growing his compassion-driven software company Verenia and selling it to Oracle, Pellicano now leads Avianna, merging AI and robotics to transform the world. Beyond his triumphs, Pellicano finds balance as a devoted family man and through Tao spiritualism. His winding journey reveals the power of human resilience and using technology to create a better future. Pellicano shows that with passion and conviction, an entrepreneurial spirit can overcome any odds to achieve greatness. Greg and Vic will dive into this incredible story of adversity and triumph on this episode of the Startup Science Podcast. Join them for an inspiring profile of a true tech visionary.

About Victorio Pellicano: Victorio is a testament to human resilience and the transformative power of a visionary mind. Having journeyed from humble beginnings as the son of a truck driver, and overcoming life-altering setbacks, he carved out his niche in the tech world, breaking barriers and inspiring change.The first in his family to complete high school and venture into college, Victorio's journey has been anything but smooth. After the untimely loss of his parents and subsequent financial hardships that led to homelessness and an unfinished law degree, he rose from adversity like a phoenix from the ashes.Victorio's entrepreneurial journey began with Verenia, a software company that personified his people-first ethos. After a decade of growth and nurturing a culture of compassion, Verenia was acquired by Oracle in 2022. The company's success story echoes Victorio's unwavering belief in the strength of community and the human spirit.However, Victorio's story doesn't stop at Verenia. He has now turned his gaze towards the future of AI and Robotics. He is at the helm of Avianna, a trailblazing venture that aims to merge these technologies and transform our world. In his private life, Victorio is a doting father of four, soon to be five, and a loving husband. He follows the principles of Tao spiritualism, finding balance in the face of life's unpredictability.Victorio Pellicano is not just a tech entrepreneur; he's a visionary guiding us towards a future where AI and Robotics are the cornerstone of innovation. His journey serves as an enduring reminder that no matter the odds, the human spirit, driven by passion and purpose, can achieve great heights.