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Episode #7 – Mark Vargas (The Importance of a Network)
Mark Vargas is a trusted adviser and close confidante to some of the most high profile political and business leaders in America. His work as a tech
entrepreneur in health care and political opinion writer and advisor have been
featured in the Chicago Sun-Times, Chicago Tribune, Daily Herald, Huffington Post, CNN, CBS, ABC , CNBC, and Fox News Channel.
In March 2019, Judson University’s World Leaders Forum announced “Conversations with Mark Vargas,” a new and exciting speakers series where Mr. Vargas invites some of the most
recognizable names in business and politics to join him for an informal, one-on-one conversation covering a wide range of topics. His inaugural guest to launch his new speaker series was
billionaire entrepreneur and Dallas Mavericks owner, Mark Cuban.
A dedicated writer, Mr. Vargas is also contributor for the Washington Examiner.
Episode #6 – JD Weinstein (Oracle for Startups North America)
JD Weinstein heads up Oracle for Startups North America. He helps startups scale through Oracle’s rich enterprise ecosystem, cloud solutions, & global customer network.
He previously served as Principal of WPP Ventures, the world’s largest marketing communications company. He focused on venture investments in tech-enabled companies in MarTech, big data & market intelligence, RetailTech, AdTech, and content.
Prior to WPP, JD worked with Capital Factory as a Venture Associate, where he was responsible for deal sourcing & due diligence for the Capital Factory Accelerator & venture fund. He also worked with the UT Horizon Fund, the strategic market-driven venture fund for the University of Texas System.
JD’s vast experience in entrepreneurship and investing gives him keen insight as to help early-stage companies grow with Oracle’s ecosystem backing.
Episode #5 – Dujon Smith (Accenture Ventures)
The Ecosystem Podcasts talks with the world’s most exceptional entrepreneurs, investors and emerging growth companies – who are making a difference in the world! The purpose is: to be educated…, spark a thought…, and understand how the ecosystem all work together.
Episode #4 – Vic Pascucci (Lightbank)
In this episode we talk with Vic Pascucci.
Vic is a former trial lawyer who found entrepreneurship & the VC landscape fascinating and after helping countless entrepreneurs, decided to become a professional fund manager & investor.
After advising, coaching and investing in thousands of companies, Vic talks about his experience in what he looks for in companies, how to properly build your board, geographical investing and what it takes to continue to build the best company.
We also explore “Investing in the Midwest” and Vic’s thoughts on his experience as a coastal to midwest VC.
#3 – Cayse Llorens, Brockhurst Capital Partners (Search Funds)
The Ecosystem Podcasts talks with the world’s most exceptional entrepreneurs, investors and emerging growth companies – who are making a difference in the world! The purpose is: to be educated…, spark a thought…, and understand how the ecosystem all work together.
Episode #2 – Desiree Vargas Wrigley (Pearachute)
In this episode we talk with a well known entrepreneur who is building her second company, Pearachute.
Desiree has been named Inc’s 30 Under 30, Crain’s 40 Under 40, one of Parents Magazine’s Most Inspiring Moms, one of Forbes Women to Watch, and has appeared on Shark Tank, closing one of the largest deals on the show to date.
Desiree has also previously participated in TechStars and raised money for both of her companies from multiple venture capital firms across the U.S.
In this episode, we explore her journey and how she went about starting, funding and growing her companies.
Episode #1 – Amos Schwartzfarb (Techstars, Sell More Faster)
In this episode, we talk with Amos Schwartzfarb, Managing Director of Techstars in Austin, TX.
Among the many things discussed in this interview are Amos’s investment strategy, what it takes to get product-market fit in your startup, what he looks for in his Techstars investments and his recently authored book, Sell More Faster.
On a personal note, Amos is big into fitness and mental health in entrepreneurship. He’s also determined to live to 150 years old and is on a mission to make it happen.
60 Sec Skinny with Brad Feld
The content for this interview was taken from our Kansas City show in October, where our Founder RJ Pahura led a fireside chat with Brad Feld. Get the skinny on how to build a successful startup community, celebrate your successes and failures, and maintaining your mental health in entrepreneurship.
Update to Miami Schedule
*Schedule Update* FUND continues to expand its footprint across the U.S. with the expansion of FUND Salon – Miami on December 3rd, 2019. This will be FUND’s 5th market expansion across the country and we are proud to now be serving Austin, Chicago, Denver, Kansas City & Miami.
60 Sec Skinny with John Fein
In this 60 Sec Skinny you’ll get the inside scoop from John Fein on how Firebrand Ventures and other organizations are driving the entrepreneurial community forward. Plus, you’ll never guess what John was working on before he started making waves in the venture ecosystem.