Funded Founder Fridays E14: Navigating Start-Up Growth. With guest Amy Tran.

Welcome to Funded Founder Fridays. Uh Welcome to Funded Founder Fridays. Uh this is episode 14 this is episode 14 this is episode 14 and today we are discussing from founder and today we are discussing from founder and today we are discussing from founder to fundable navigating startup growth to fundable navigating startup growth to fundable navigating startup growth with Amy Tran. We do have a special with Amy Tran. We do have a special with Amy Tran. We do have a special guest today. Um welcome. Funded founder guest today. Um welcome. Funded founder guest today. Um welcome. Funded founder Fridays is where we create the space for Fridays is where we create the space for Fridays is where we create the space for founders to ask honest questions about founders to ask honest questions about founders to ask honest questions about the startup journey. Every Friday, we the startup journey. Every Friday, we the startup journey. Every Friday, we explore a theme that impacts every explore a theme that impacts every explore a theme that impacts every founder, investor, mentor, and builder founder, investor, mentor, and builder founder, investor, mentor, and builder in the innovation ecosystem here in in the innovation ecosystem here in in the innovation ecosystem here in Houston. Uh today, we're going to uh Houston. Uh today, we're going to uh Houston. Uh today, we're going to uh chat with Amy and discuss what startup chat with Amy and discuss what startup chat with Amy and discuss what startup growth is like and get to know her a growth is like and get to know her a growth is like and get to know her a little bit and talk about her dreams and little bit and talk about her dreams and little bit and talk about her dreams and visions for our founders and our visions for our founders and our visions for our founders and our ecosystem. Um I'm Rosa Vanos, CEO and ecosystem. Um I'm Rosa Vanos, CEO and ecosystem. Um I'm Rosa Vanos, CEO and co-founder of Creattopia, Inc., where co-founder of Creattopia, Inc., where co-founder of Creattopia, Inc., where we're centered on exploring the we're centered on exploring the we're centered on exploring the relationship between safety, creativity, relationship between safety, creativity, relationship between safety, creativity, and innovation. And with me co-hosting and innovation. And with me co-hosting and innovation. And with me co-hosting is is is >> I'm Ben Kubati. [snorts] I'm the founder >> I'm Ben Kubati. [snorts] I'm the founder >> I'm Ben Kubati. [snorts] I'm the founder and CEO of Noble Innovative Solutions, and CEO of Noble Innovative Solutions, and CEO of Noble Innovative Solutions, Noble Founder, and Red Ruby Capital. Um, Noble Founder, and Red Ruby Capital. Um, Noble Founder, and Red Ruby Capital. Um, I'm blessed that, you know, we have our I'm blessed that, you know, we have our I'm blessed that, you know, we have our 14th episode. I'm really pumped up.

14th episode. I'm really pumped up. 14th episode. I'm really pumped up. >> 14th. It's been a minute. >> 14th. It's been a minute. >> 14th. It's been a minute. >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> So, a little bit about Amy. Uh, Amy Tran >> So, a little bit about Amy. Uh, Amy Tran >> So, a little bit about Amy. Uh, Amy Tran brings more than 20 years of global brings more than 20 years of global brings more than 20 years of global corporate R&D and technology leadership, corporate R&D and technology leadership, corporate R&D and technology leadership, having led multinational teams and having led multinational teams and having led multinational teams and multi-million dollar innovation multi-million dollar innovation multi-million dollar innovation programs. Today, as founder of Impeitus programs. Today, as founder of Impeitus programs. Today, as founder of Impeitus Venture Studio, did I say it correctly? Venture Studio, did I say it correctly? Venture Studio, did I say it correctly? >> Impeitas. >> Impeitas. >> Impeitas. >> Impeas. >> Impeas. >> Impeas. It's Latin for fearless. It's Latin for fearless. It's Latin for fearless. >> Oh, awesome. >> Oh, awesome. >> Oh, awesome. >> Impeas. I love that word now. Uh, >> Impeas. I love that word now. Uh, >> Impeas. I love that word now. Uh, venture studio managing director at the venture studio managing director at the venture studio managing director at the Houston Founder in Institute and an Houston Founder in Institute and an Houston Founder in Institute and an active technology investor. She is active technology investor. She is active technology investor. She is putting her experience, capital, and putting her experience, capital, and putting her experience, capital, and connections to work for Houston startup connections to work for Houston startup connections to work for Houston startup ecosystem. She's spe spe spe spe spe spe spe spe spe spe spe spe spe spe spe spe spe spe spe spe spe spe spe spe spe spe spe spe spe spe spe spe spe spe spe spe spe spe spe spe spearheading the Houston spe spe spe spe spearheading the Houston spe spe spe spe spearheading the Houston founder institute's agentic AI program founder institute's agentic AI program founder institute's agentic AI program helping early stage entrepreneurs across helping early stage entrepreneurs across helping early stage entrepreneurs across world access worldclass mentors, world access worldclass mentors, world access worldclass mentors, investors and customers while while investors and customers while while investors and customers while while positioning Houston as a growing hub for positioning Houston as a growing hub for positioning Houston as a growing hub for emerging technology. As an immigrant who emerging technology. As an immigrant who emerging technology. As an immigrant who believes in America's promise of believes in America's promise of believes in America's promise of opportunity, Amy is especially opportunity, Amy is especially opportunity, Amy is especially passionate about empowering recent passionate about empowering recent passionate about empowering recent graduates and professionals navigating graduates and professionals navigating graduates and professionals navigating career transitions to participate in the career transitions to participate in the career transitions to participate in the next wave of innovation. Her vision is next wave of innovation. Her vision is next wave of innovation. Her vision is simple. Turn Houston's talent into simple. Turn Houston's talent into simple. Turn Houston's talent into successful companies, create lasting successful companies, create lasting successful companies, create lasting economic opportunity, and make Houston a economic opportunity, and make Houston a economic opportunity, and make Houston a place where more entrepreneurs can build place where more entrepreneurs can build place where more entrepreneurs can build and thrive.

and thrive. and thrive. >> Welcome to our show, and thank you for >> Welcome to our show, and thank you for >> Welcome to our show, and thank you for being here. much. Yeah. being here. much. Yeah. being here. much. Yeah. >> Thank you. I feel I feel like with your >> Thank you. I feel I feel like with your >> Thank you. I feel I feel like with your with your bio, we're like that's all we with your bio, we're like that's all we with your bio, we're like that's all we need to know. need to know. need to know. >> Yeah, I know, right? [laughter] Short >> Yeah, I know, right? [laughter] Short >> Yeah, I know, right? [laughter] Short and simple. and simple. and simple. >> Oh, that's me. I'm short and simple. >> Oh, that's me. I'm short and simple. >> Oh, that's me. I'm short and simple. >> You know, all the the founders just, you >> You know, all the the founders just, you >> You know, all the the founders just, you know, it's just a learning opportunity, know, it's just a learning opportunity, know, it's just a learning opportunity, right? You know, how you just put right? You know, how you just put right? You know, how you just put yourself out and how you introduce yourself out and how you introduce yourself out and how you introduce yourself. I think that was great. yourself. I think that was great. yourself. I think that was great. Amazing. Thank you. Amazing. Thank you. Amazing. Thank you. >> Oh, thank you. Thank you. Let's just >> Oh, thank you. Thank you. Let's just >> Oh, thank you. Thank you. Let's just start um with with how you got started start um with with how you got started start um with with how you got started and everything like how your your a and everything like how your your a and everything like how your your a little bit of your background um and little bit of your background um and little bit of your background um and just how you ended up where you are, how just how you ended up where you are, how just how you ended up where you are, how you got started. you got started. you got started. >> Sure. Um so I have number one amazing >> Sure. Um so I have number one amazing >> Sure. Um so I have number one amazing role models um and my parents are my role models um and my parents are my role models um and my parents are my role models. um they had nothing, I mean role models. um they had nothing, I mean role models. um they had nothing, I mean zero. Um when they were married and by zero. Um when they were married and by zero. Um when they were married and by the time my brother and I came onto the the time my brother and I came onto the the time my brother and I came onto the scene, we had Cadillac, chauffeur, scene, we had Cadillac, chauffeur, scene, we had Cadillac, chauffeur, maids.

maids. maids. >> Um so they had all the trapment of >> Um so they had all the trapment of >> Um so they had all the trapment of success, right? And then the war came uh success, right? And then the war came uh success, right? And then the war came uh in my native country and they lost in my native country and they lost in my native country and they lost everything. We lost everything. So we everything. We lost everything. So we everything. We lost everything. So we came over here and you know was in a came over here and you know was in a came over here and you know was in a very small apartment that was honestly very small apartment that was honestly very small apartment that was honestly in a very very not so great in a very very not so great in a very very not so great neighborhood. Um and they started all neighborhood. Um and they started all neighborhood. Um and they started all over again because they lost everything over again because they lost everything over again because they lost everything and then from that they managed to be and then from that they managed to be and then from that they managed to be successful again. And so the rag to successful again. And so the rag to successful again. And so the rag to riches to and then rag to riches they riches to and then rag to riches they riches to and then rag to riches they were my amazing role models. So that's were my amazing role models. So that's were my amazing role models. So that's how I started. I know. I they they're how I started. I know. I they they're how I started. I know. I they they're very inspiring to me. Um I'm very family very inspiring to me. Um I'm very family very inspiring to me. Um I'm very family focused. I I I truly believe us is the focused. I I I truly believe us is the focused. I I I truly believe us is the land of opportunity despite all the land of opportunity despite all the land of opportunity despite all the craziness we hear on the news. I truly craziness we hear on the news. I truly craziness we hear on the news. I truly believe that in this case believe that in this case believe that in this case entrepreneurship entrepreneurship entrepreneurship is one of the many ways for success for is one of the many ways for success for is one of the many ways for success for everyone, not just you know only select everyone, not just you know only select everyone, not just you know only select few. Um I believe in accessibility of few. Um I believe in accessibility of few. Um I believe in accessibility of entrepreneurship for everyone. Um so uh entrepreneurship for everyone. Um so uh entrepreneurship for everyone. Um so uh I had my own startup. Uh I came from an I had my own startup. Uh I came from an I had my own startup. Uh I came from an incubator. I received um sponsorship incubator. I received um sponsorship incubator. I received um sponsorship from the Northern Virginia Tech Council from the Northern Virginia Tech Council from the Northern Virginia Tech Council where I was before. I I lived near DC where I was before. I I lived near DC where I was before. I I lived near DC before. Um and I also had sponsorship before. Um and I also had sponsorship before. Um and I also had sponsorship from NB NBC4.

from NB NBC4. from NB NBC4. Um, despite all of that, I still my Um, despite all of that, I still my Um, despite all of that, I still my venture failed and it was, you know, my venture failed and it was, you know, my venture failed and it was, you know, my first time out as a founder and so I first time out as a founder and so I first time out as a founder and so I learned a lot from the opportunity even learned a lot from the opportunity even learned a lot from the opportunity even though I had amazing support and so what though I had amazing support and so what though I had amazing support and so what I did was pivot into a corporate R&D I did was pivot into a corporate R&D I did was pivot into a corporate R&D environment. environment. environment. >> So still pitching, still funding, but >> So still pitching, still funding, but >> So still pitching, still funding, but it's into internal corporate. it's into internal corporate. it's into internal corporate. >> Um, and so that was my career for a >> Um, and so that was my career for a >> Um, and so that was my career for a period of time. Um so I have a very deep period of time. Um so I have a very deep period of time. Um so I have a very deep tech background uh in emerging tech. Uh tech background uh in emerging tech. Uh tech background uh in emerging tech. Uh I played with machine learning since I played with machine learning since I played with machine learning since college. Um my my MBA college. Um my my MBA college. Um my my MBA um the concentration was in um the concentration was in um the concentration was in communications. So telecom communications. So telecom communications. So telecom communications and data communications. communications and data communications. communications and data communications. So that was my concentration for my MBA. So that was my concentration for my MBA. So that was my concentration for my MBA. So all that is to say I'm a nerd. So So all that is to say I'm a nerd. So So all that is to say I'm a nerd. So [laughter] [laughter] [laughter] really I am I'm at heart. I am. That's really I am I'm at heart. I am. That's really I am I'm at heart. I am. That's why I have like all the alphabet after why I have like all the alphabet after why I have like all the alphabet after my name [laughter] because I'm a geek my name [laughter] because I'm a geek my name [laughter] because I'm a geek and I love to learn. Um, so I actually and I love to learn. Um, so I actually and I love to learn. Um, so I actually had to like drop a couple because like had to like drop a couple because like had to like drop a couple because like after so many it [laughter] becomes like after so many it [laughter] becomes like after so many it [laughter] becomes like pretentious, right? So I don't have all pretentious, right? So I don't have all pretentious, right? So I don't have all the acronyms after my name that I the acronyms after my name that I the acronyms after my name that I actually earn, believe it or not. But actually earn, believe it or not. But actually earn, believe it or not. But but all that means to say that I love to but all that means to say that I love to but all that means to say that I love to learn and I enjoyed learning. And so learn and I enjoyed learning. And so learn and I enjoyed learning. And so when I felt like, okay, I got to a point when I felt like, okay, I got to a point when I felt like, okay, I got to a point in my life where I was able to do in my life where I was able to do in my life where I was able to do whatever I want to do, which I am so whatever I want to do, which I am so whatever I want to do, which I am so grateful to be in a position of of of be grateful to be in a position of of of be grateful to be in a position of of of be able to say that. Um, this is my able to say that. Um, this is my able to say that. Um, this is my passion. This is my my my opportunity in

passion. This is my my my opportunity in passion. This is my my my opportunity in in some ways to give back, but in some in some ways to give back, but in some in some ways to give back, but in some way to really way to really way to really help everyone realize the success that I help everyone realize the success that I help everyone realize the success that I believe is available to all of us if believe is available to all of us if believe is available to all of us if we're looking and and and and willing to we're looking and and and and willing to we're looking and and and and willing to take that leap of faith. And that's why take that leap of faith. And that's why take that leap of faith. And that's why my venture studio is Latin for fearless my venture studio is Latin for fearless my venture studio is Latin for fearless because I encourage all founders to be because I encourage all founders to be because I encourage all founders to be fearless in their pursuit of their own fearless in their pursuit of their own fearless in their pursuit of their own venture. And so as an investor, I put, venture. And so as an investor, I put, venture. And so as an investor, I put, you know, I'm a mentor. I put guard you know, I'm a mentor. I put guard you know, I'm a mentor. I put guard rails in place to make sure, you know, rails in place to make sure, you know, rails in place to make sure, you know, follow your dream, but make sure that follow your dream, but make sure that follow your dream, but make sure that the market is there, the market is there, the market is there, >> right? to to be willing to pay you right >> right? to to be willing to pay you right >> right? to to be willing to pay you right >> for what you want to do. So it's not >> for what you want to do. So it's not >> for what you want to do. So it's not just about what your dreams are. I mean just about what your dreams are. I mean just about what your dreams are. I mean that's very critical. That's important. that's very critical. That's important. that's very critical. That's important. It's also what market will pay and what It's also what market will pay and what It's also what market will pay and what the demands are and and so it's a the demands are and and so it's a the demands are and and so it's a combination of factors. So all of that's combination of factors. So all of that's combination of factors. So all of that's to say entrepreneurship is a very real to say entrepreneurship is a very real to say entrepreneurship is a very real dream that you can have and be dream that you can have and be dream that you can have and be successful. You just have to follow your successful. You just have to follow your successful. You just have to follow your heart and just take that leap of faith heart and just take that leap of faith heart and just take that leap of faith and be fearless. Yes. Oh my gosh.

and be fearless. Yes. Oh my gosh. and be fearless. Yes. Oh my gosh. [laughter] So much. I think we're all [laughter] So much. I think we're all [laughter] So much. I think we're all immigrants, right? I was born in Mexico. immigrants, right? I was born in Mexico. immigrants, right? I was born in Mexico. Yes. Yes. Yes. >> Um, and Ben is also not from the US. >> Um, and Ben is also not from the US. >> Um, and Ben is also not from the US. >> No. No. You [laughter] know, born and >> No. No. You [laughter] know, born and >> No. No. You [laughter] know, born and raised in Iran. Um, raised in Iran. Um, raised in Iran. Um, >> then I came here when I was 28. It was >> then I came here when I was 28. It was >> then I came here when I was 28. It was just kind of like a a reborn like you just kind of like a a reborn like you just kind of like a a reborn like you know, don't know the language, you don't know, don't know the language, you don't know, don't know the language, you don't know the culture, you don't know know the culture, you don't know know the culture, you don't know anything. anything. anything. And then it's just like you're starting And then it's just like you're starting And then it's just like you're starting over. over. over. >> Yep. >> Yep. >> Yep. >> Yeah. Yeah. It's just a land of >> Yeah. Yeah. It's just a land of >> Yeah. Yeah. It's just a land of opportunity because opportunity because opportunity because >> uh sometimes even in your own country >> uh sometimes even in your own country >> uh sometimes even in your own country you don't get the opportunity that you you don't get the opportunity that you you don't get the opportunity that you get here. get here. get here. >> That's that's the interesting thing. >> That's that's the interesting thing. >> That's that's the interesting thing. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> And then you come here it's just a >> And then you come here it's just a >> And then you come here it's just a matter of just you have the drive and matter of just you have the drive and matter of just you have the drive and passion to do it. passion to do it. passion to do it. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> No nothing else is stopping you to >> No nothing else is stopping you to >> No nothing else is stopping you to become successful. become successful. become successful. >> Absolutely. Absolutely. >> Absolutely. Absolutely. >> Absolutely. Absolutely. >> And how much like I love how you say you >> And how much like I love how you say you >> And how much like I love how you say you you love learning. I do too. That's you love learning. I do too. That's you love learning. I do too. That's that's a big reason why we what why that's a big reason why we what why that's a big reason why we what why we're doing what we're doing at we're doing what we're doing at we're doing what we're doing at Creattopia because we want to build it Creattopia because we want to build it Creattopia because we want to build it out into a think tank and continue to out into a think tank and continue to out into a think tank and continue to learn and continue to do programming learn and continue to do programming learn and continue to do programming around that. But how much you need to around that. But how much you need to around that. But how much you need to stay in that learner mindset, right, as stay in that learner mindset, right, as stay in that learner mindset, right, as somebody that's not from the from this somebody that's not from the from this somebody that's not from the from this country and how that plays into country and how that plays into country and how that plays into entrepreneurship, right? like how I just entrepreneurship, right? like how I just entrepreneurship, right? like how I just love how that all connects and how we love how that all connects and how we love how that all connects and how we how I can see that in all of us and I how I can see that in all of us and I how I can see that in all of us and I can see that in a lot of the founders can see that in a lot of the founders can see that in a lot of the founders and it's just making me think of like and it's just making me think of like and it's just making me think of like when when did you first learn that you when when did you first learn that you when when did you first learn that you just need to always keep learning.

just need to always keep learning. just need to always keep learning. [laughter] [laughter] [laughter] >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> And and like applying what you learned, >> And and like applying what you learned, >> And and like applying what you learned, >> right? Right. I I think a lot of it is >> right? Right. I I think a lot of it is >> right? Right. I I think a lot of it is baptism by fire, right? Um so so you baptism by fire, right? Um so so you baptism by fire, right? Um so so you know when when you're talking about know when when you're talking about know when when you're talking about execution and delivery as much as you execution and delivery as much as you execution and delivery as much as you have like the contingency planning and have like the contingency planning and have like the contingency planning and milestones and all the wonderful things milestones and all the wonderful things milestones and all the wonderful things that we can do to put the proper that we can do to put the proper that we can do to put the proper [snorts] structure in place and make [snorts] structure in place and make [snorts] structure in place and make sure the delivery is on time on budget sure the delivery is on time on budget sure the delivery is on time on budget right I mean I it's believe it or not it right I mean I it's believe it or not it right I mean I it's believe it or not it is possible in an innovation world um is possible in an innovation world um is possible in an innovation world um while at the same time have that while at the same time have that while at the same time have that entrepreneurial drive to do something entrepreneurial drive to do something entrepreneurial drive to do something that most people think you can't, right? that most people think you can't, right? that most people think you can't, right? So, it's a balance between the two, So, it's a balance between the two, So, it's a balance between the two, right? right? right? >> Um, but but at the same time, it's like, >> Um, but but at the same time, it's like, >> Um, but but at the same time, it's like, you know, you have to like know. So, so you know, you have to like know. So, so you know, you have to like know. So, so that's the baptism by far. You you have that's the baptism by far. You you have that's the baptism by far. You you have to know a little bit about, you know, to know a little bit about, you know, to know a little bit about, you know, what could possibly go wrong and have what could possibly go wrong and have what could possibly go wrong and have contingency. But there's the part the contingency. But there's the part the contingency. But there's the part the learning part is making sure that you learning part is making sure that you learning part is making sure that you always stay humble and h and I guess I always stay humble and h and I guess I always stay humble and h and I guess I mean I think that's the best word to to mean I think that's the best word to to mean I think that's the best word to to describe it that you know you can't describe it that you know you can't describe it that you know you can't anticipate everything and you're not anticipate everything and you're not anticipate everything and you're not going to ever know everything and so my going to ever know everything and so my going to ever know everything and so my area because I invest in tech right AI area because I invest in tech right AI area because I invest in tech right AI blockchain cyber blockchain cyber blockchain cyber >> it's it's dynamic is changing on a >> it's it's dynamic is changing on a >> it's it's dynamic is changing on a weekly on usual cadence is monthly but weekly on usual cadence is monthly but weekly on usual cadence is monthly but sometime even weekly basis. So that's sometime even weekly basis. So that's sometime even weekly basis. So that's why I travel not only I learn everything why I travel not only I learn everything why I travel not only I learn everything I can but I travel to to keep learning

I can but I travel to to keep learning I can but I travel to to keep learning >> you know like they say it's kind of like >> you know like they say it's kind of like >> you know like they say it's kind of like a startup uh way of doing things right a startup uh way of doing things right a startup uh way of doing things right >> uh in a startup when people ask the >> uh in a startup when people ask the >> uh in a startup when people ask the question what is the solution question what is the solution question what is the solution >> the right answer there's no right or >> the right answer there's no right or >> the right answer there's no right or wrong answer but always a lot of really wrong answer but always a lot of really wrong answer but always a lot of really [snorts] successful entrepreneurs answer [snorts] successful entrepreneurs answer [snorts] successful entrepreneurs answer is I don't know the the solution this is is I don't know the the solution this is is I don't know the the solution this is what we're doing like we're finding the what we're doing like we're finding the what we're doing like we're finding the solution solution. We are uh we are uh solution solution. We are uh we are uh solution solution. We are uh we are uh sprinting to find the right uh solution. sprinting to find the right uh solution. sprinting to find the right uh solution. And that's really humbles you uh and And that's really humbles you uh and And that's really humbles you uh and grounds you into uh this is a journey. grounds you into uh this is a journey. grounds you into uh this is a journey. It's not about the destination. It's It's not about the destination. It's It's not about the destination. It's about how to get there. You know, how about how to get there. You know, how about how to get there. You know, how you uh start, you know, uh you uh start, you know, uh you uh start, you know, uh experimenting, learning from your experimenting, learning from your experimenting, learning from your experiments and limiting the the the experiments and limiting the the the experiments and limiting the the the blast radius. blast radius. blast radius. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yeah. You know, putting all the guard >> Yeah. You know, putting all the guard >> Yeah. You know, putting all the guard rails, everything together. Yes. Yes. rails, everything together. Yes. Yes. rails, everything together. Yes. Yes. And now you're just okay this is our our And now you're just okay this is our our And now you're just okay this is our our assumptions. Let's just go do it, assumptions. Let's just go do it, assumptions. Let's just go do it, experiment, learn from it and just experiment, learn from it and just experiment, learn from it and just repeat. repeat. repeat. >> That's how you get like you know a lot >> That's how you get like you know a lot >> That's how you get like you know a lot of startups successful startups when you of startups successful startups when you of startups successful startups when you talk to them they're very humble people.

talk to them they're very humble people. talk to them they're very humble people. They're always learning. They're always learning. They're always learning. >> Yes. And and and we're from an >> Yes. And and and we're from an >> Yes. And and and we're from an investment perspective we we ask a lot investment perspective we we ask a lot investment perspective we we ask a lot of our founders. I really believe that of our founders. I really believe that of our founders. I really believe that because on one hand you want our because on one hand you want our because on one hand you want our founders we want our founders to be very founders we want our founders to be very founders we want our founders to be very confident in what they do, right? I mean confident in what they do, right? I mean confident in what they do, right? I mean you you have to be confident and and you you have to be confident and and you you have to be confident and and have true commitment and belief and you have true commitment and belief and you have true commitment and belief and you know put your sweat equity and and take know put your sweat equity and and take know put your sweat equity and and take a lot of risks in doing that. But at the a lot of risks in doing that. But at the a lot of risks in doing that. But at the same time the investor expect founders same time the investor expect founders same time the investor expect founders to be coachable, to be coachable, to be coachable, >> right? And so you want to be humble >> right? And so you want to be humble >> right? And so you want to be humble enough to be able to be open to enough to be able to be open to enough to be able to be open to suggestions. Now, you don't have to take suggestions. Now, you don't have to take suggestions. Now, you don't have to take every suggestions that come your way, every suggestions that come your way, every suggestions that come your way, right? you have to do what's right for right? you have to do what's right for right? you have to do what's right for you. But but you you do want to be you. But but you you do want to be you. But but you you do want to be coachable because when you start coachable because when you start coachable because when you start attracting um investors, you know, they attracting um investors, you know, they attracting um investors, you know, they have a pretty extensive network as well have a pretty extensive network as well have a pretty extensive network as well as insights because you know this is as insights because you know this is as insights because you know this is their space in term of identifying their space in term of identifying their space in term of identifying opportunities and you know they have opportunities and you know they have opportunities and you know they have seen believe it or not [laughter] many seen believe it or not [laughter] many seen believe it or not [laughter] many versions of the same thing you have done versions of the same thing you have done versions of the same thing you have done you know and so just just be humble you know and so just just be humble you know and so just just be humble enough and be coachable so that way you enough and be coachable so that way you enough and be coachable so that way you know, if anything else, they can be an know, if anything else, they can be an know, if anything else, they can be an asset to investors or or advisor an asset to investors or or advisor an asset to investors or or advisor an asset to help you kind of, you know, asset to help you kind of, you know, asset to help you kind of, you know, navigate the the potential landmine navigate the the potential landmine navigate the the potential landmine that, you know, that can hurt you as as that, you know, that can hurt you as as that, you know, that can hurt you as as a founder.

a founder. a founder. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> You know, it it as a mom, it it like it >> You know, it it as a mom, it it like it >> You know, it it as a mom, it it like it like makes me think of [laughter] like makes me think of [laughter] like makes me think of [laughter] of like when when my daughter was like a of like when when my daughter was like a of like when when my daughter was like a toddler or when she I mean, she's better toddler or when she I mean, she's better toddler or when she I mean, she's better now. She's like she's 13 now, so now we now. She's like she's 13 now, so now we now. She's like she's 13 now, so now we have longer conversations. But when she have longer conversations. But when she have longer conversations. But when she was younger, like in those terrible was younger, like in those terrible was younger, like in those terrible threes, [laughter] I was like, "No, it's threes, [laughter] I was like, "No, it's threes, [laughter] I was like, "No, it's my way and I'm going to do it my way." my way and I'm going to do it my way." my way and I'm going to do it my way." And she just did it her way. And I was And she just did it her way. And I was And she just did it her way. And I was like, "Okay." [laughter] And then she like, "Okay." [laughter] And then she like, "Okay." [laughter] And then she fell over sometimes or she got her fell over sometimes or she got her fell over sometimes or she got her sometimes and then you're just watching. sometimes and then you're just watching. sometimes and then you're just watching. But I feel like it's the same. I mean, I But I feel like it's the same. I mean, I But I feel like it's the same. I mean, I assume from the investor perspective um assume from the investor perspective um assume from the investor perspective um just how that can just what you are just how that can just what you are just how that can just what you are aware of like all that you could observe aware of like all that you could observe aware of like all that you could observe from your perspective and from your from your perspective and from your from your perspective and from your experience. um and just how you can tell experience. um and just how you can tell experience. um and just how you can tell where founders are um and what they need where founders are um and what they need where founders are um and what they need and all that, and all that, and all that, >> right? And and that's why I I purposely >> right? And and that's why I I purposely >> right? And and that's why I I purposely choose the venture studio model versus choose the venture studio model versus choose the venture studio model versus the standard venture uh model or VC the standard venture uh model or VC the standard venture uh model or VC model. Um because you know I really model. Um because you know I really model. Um because you know I really believe in working handinhand and be in believe in working handinhand and be in believe in working handinhand and be in a trench with the founders and now you a trench with the founders and now you a trench with the founders and now you know do I really want to know what's know do I really want to know what's know do I really want to know what's going on day in day out? No, not really.

going on day in day out? No, not really. going on day in day out? No, not really. you know [laughter] you know [laughter] you know [laughter] no because you know you can't do that no because you know you can't do that no because you know you can't do that successfully with multiple you know successfully with multiple you know successfully with multiple you know companies right venture I mean that that companies right venture I mean that that companies right venture I mean that that doesn't make sense it doesn't scale doesn't make sense it doesn't scale doesn't make sense it doesn't scale >> but you want to get engaged enough that >> but you want to get engaged enough that >> but you want to get engaged enough that you can be there it's like their you can be there it's like their you can be there it's like their lifeline you know their support lifeline you know their support lifeline you know their support structure structure structure >> um you know because I I think there's a >> um you know because I I think there's a >> um you know because I I think there's a balance between the two so that's why balance between the two so that's why balance between the two so that's why for me venture studio is the right model for me venture studio is the right model for me venture studio is the right model for for what I do for for what I do for for what I do >> absolutely >> absolutely >> absolutely >> it does go ahead >> it does go ahead >> it does go ahead >> yeah no you know it's So like VCs that I >> yeah no you know it's So like VCs that I >> yeah no you know it's So like VCs that I work with and they they look at working work with and they they look at working work with and they they look at working with startups like it's a marriage you with startups like it's a marriage you with startups like it's a marriage you know like you don't want to go into know like you don't want to go into know like you don't want to go into relationship with somebody that you relationship with somebody that you relationship with somebody that you can't really stand you know if somebody can't really stand you know if somebody can't really stand you know if somebody is not coachable is not approachable the is not coachable is not approachable the is not coachable is not approachable the word I learned from Kitri word I learned from Kitri word I learned from Kitri >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> uh you know you don't want to get into >> uh you know you don't want to get into >> uh you know you don't want to get into the deal with them and it's just the deal with them and it's just the deal with them and it's just important for startups to understand important for startups to understand important for startups to understand that um investors they they seek for that um investors they they seek for that um investors they they seek for your best interest if they provide a your best interest if they provide a your best interest if they provide a feedback is not for criticism. It's just feedback is not for criticism. It's just feedback is not for criticism. It's just for, you know, helping you.

for, you know, helping you. for, you know, helping you. >> Well, and and I, you know, so I try my >> Well, and and I, you know, so I try my >> Well, and and I, you know, so I try my best. I'm I'm gonna say this. I'm gonna best. I'm I'm gonna say this. I'm gonna best. I'm I'm gonna say this. I'm gonna I'm gonna be real because that's just I'm gonna be real because that's just I'm gonna be real because that's just the way I am. So, the way I am. So, the way I am. So, >> um this may not be the popular, >> um this may not be the popular, >> um this may not be the popular, you know, kind of thing for me to say. you know, kind of thing for me to say. you know, kind of thing for me to say. But I think I I honestly think just like But I think I I honestly think just like But I think I I honestly think just like dating, back to your analogy, Ben, dating, back to your analogy, Ben, dating, back to your analogy, Ben, >> you know, there's, you know, you may see >> you know, there's, you know, you may see >> you know, there's, you know, you may see somebody really hot, but that doesn't somebody really hot, but that doesn't somebody really hot, but that doesn't mean you want to go after that person. mean you want to go after that person. mean you want to go after that person. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. >> So, [laughter] >> So, [laughter] >> So, [laughter] >> exactly. >> exactly. >> exactly. >> So, you know, there's some people that >> So, you know, there's some people that >> So, you know, there's some people that may offer you a nice size check, but may offer you a nice size check, but may offer you a nice size check, but that doesn't mean that they're the best that doesn't mean that they're the best that doesn't mean that they're the best fit for you. fit for you. fit for you. >> Yeah. What are what are your like red >> Yeah. What are what are your like red >> Yeah. What are what are your like red flags and green flags um when you're flags and green flags um when you're flags and green flags um when you're thinking of founders that you're working thinking of founders that you're working thinking of founders that you're working with or companies that you're looking with or companies that you're looking with or companies that you're looking at? at? at? >> Um, so >> Um, so >> Um, so there's no honest one fit all, right? I there's no honest one fit all, right? I there's no honest one fit all, right? I mean investors come in all shades and mean investors come in all shades and mean investors come in all shades and color and size and you know I mean we're color and size and you know I mean we're color and size and you know I mean we're people at the end of the day right um I people at the end of the day right um I people at the end of the day right um I think you know there there may be um think you know there there may be um think you know there there may be um syndicates of angels or or VC uh syndicates of angels or or VC uh syndicates of angels or or VC uh ventures that you know have very ventures that you know have very ventures that you know have very structure and methodical way of doing structure and methodical way of doing structure and methodical way of doing things most of them do you know the good things most of them do you know the good things most of them do you know the good ones most of them have some type of ones most of them have some type of ones most of them have some type of structure but um but for you know for me structure but um but for you know for me structure but um but for you know for me you know it's It's I do of course have you know it's It's I do of course have you know it's It's I do of course have that structure because you can't when that structure because you can't when that structure because you can't when you're trying to deliver and execute you're trying to deliver and execute you're trying to deliver and execute especially given my experience of a especially given my experience of a especially given my experience of a multinational type of level

multinational type of level multinational type of level >> um with multi-million dollars. >> um with multi-million dollars. >> um with multi-million dollars. >> Um so of course process and structure is >> Um so of course process and structure is >> Um so of course process and structure is important but at the same time I do important but at the same time I do important but at the same time I do believe there's always that little believe there's always that little believe there's always that little variation. So I met investors where you variation. So I met investors where you variation. So I met investors where you know they only invest in immigrant know they only invest in immigrant know they only invest in immigrant founders. founders. founders. >> Oh wow. >> Oh wow. >> Oh wow. >> I know that's a very niche thing. So, so >> I know that's a very niche thing. So, so >> I know that's a very niche thing. So, so there's my point is there's always like there's my point is there's always like there's my point is there's always like kind of like a niche preference and it's kind of like a niche preference and it's kind of like a niche preference and it's kind of that's part of my my my um you kind of that's part of my my my um you kind of that's part of my my my um you know kind of connector uh ability is I know kind of connector uh ability is I know kind of connector uh ability is I may not invest in this because it's not may not invest in this because it's not may not invest in this because it's not in my thesis but I'm happy if I think in my thesis but I'm happy if I think in my thesis but I'm happy if I think you're an amazing founder to to you're an amazing founder to to you're an amazing founder to to introduce you to someone else that you introduce you to someone else that you introduce you to someone else that you know based on their criteria right that know based on their criteria right that know based on their criteria right that are kind of not necessarily well are kind of not necessarily well are kind of not necessarily well publicized. publicized. publicized. um you know I I I would do that warm um you know I I I would do that warm um you know I I I would do that warm introduction. So for me, my niche focus introduction. So for me, my niche focus introduction. So for me, my niche focus would aside from my thesis ABC AI, would aside from my thesis ABC AI, would aside from my thesis ABC AI, blockchain and cyber, I tend to blockchain and cyber, I tend to blockchain and cyber, I tend to gravitate toward founders that treat gravitate toward founders that treat gravitate toward founders that treat security as not a checkbox, but more of security as not a checkbox, but more of security as not a checkbox, but more of like something because secure by design like something because secure by design like something because secure by design is really important when you're talking is really important when you're talking is really important when you're talking about AI and blockchain and and about AI and blockchain and and about AI and blockchain and and obviously cyber security. And so that's obviously cyber security. And so that's obviously cyber security. And so that's that's the type of founders that I that's the type of founders that I that's the type of founders that I gravitate toward. And then I and then gravitate toward. And then I and then gravitate toward. And then I and then truthfully because you know again I'm truthfully because you know again I'm truthfully because you know again I'm very blessed to be where I'm at. You very blessed to be where I'm at. You very blessed to be where I'm at. You know I I gravitate toward relationships know I I gravitate toward relationships know I I gravitate toward relationships that are real.

that are real. that are real. >> Yep. >> Yep. >> Yep. >> Right. Whether that's with founders or >> Right. Whether that's with founders or >> Right. Whether that's with founders or with other investors. with other investors. with other investors. >> Right. you know, like one of the things >> Right. you know, like one of the things >> Right. you know, like one of the things you mentioned and I think we had had you mentioned and I think we had had you mentioned and I think we had had conversations with you before is on, you conversations with you before is on, you conversations with you before is on, you know, you you're really uh vouching and know, you you're really uh vouching and know, you you're really uh vouching and you're really cheering cheering the you're really cheering cheering the you're really cheering cheering the startups and you want to get people uh startups and you want to get people uh startups and you want to get people uh introduced and one of the things you introduced and one of the things you introduced and one of the things you shared with us is you wanted to put our shared with us is you wanted to put our shared with us is you wanted to put our startups on a global map. startups on a global map. startups on a global map. >> Yes. you know, you wanted to get all >> Yes. you know, you wanted to get all >> Yes. you know, you wanted to get all these amazing people building really these amazing people building really these amazing people building really good stuffs in in Houston and Texas um u good stuffs in in Houston and Texas um u good stuffs in in Houston and Texas um u uh out there in the world and introduce uh out there in the world and introduce uh out there in the world and introduce them. So really would love to have more them. So really would love to have more them. So really would love to have more conversation on that. conversation on that. conversation on that. >> Absolutely. Absolutely. So I I believe >> Absolutely. Absolutely. So I I believe >> Absolutely. Absolutely. So I I believe that we have amazing amazing founders in that we have amazing amazing founders in that we have amazing amazing founders in Houston. I really believe that and it's Houston. I really believe that and it's Houston. I really believe that and it's just a matter of of shining the light just a matter of of shining the light just a matter of of shining the light and showcasing our founders at the and showcasing our founders at the and showcasing our founders at the national level. So that's one strategic national level. So that's one strategic national level. So that's one strategic approach, right? To make sure that our approach, right? To make sure that our approach, right? To make sure that our Houston founders have a way to connect Houston founders have a way to connect Houston founders have a way to connect with because their investors or their with because their investors or their with because their investors or their adviserss may be in another state. So if adviserss may be in another state. So if adviserss may be in another state. So if they're in the area of you know of they're in the area of you know of they're in the area of you know of medical you know it may be in Boston medical you know it may be in Boston medical you know it may be in Boston right as an example or San Diego um right as an example or San Diego um right as an example or San Diego um where the advisors their customers you where the advisors their customers you where the advisors their customers you know um so so Houston we need to do a know um so so Houston we need to do a know um so so Houston we need to do a better job of providing access and

better job of providing access and better job of providing access and resources to you know knowledge insights resources to you know knowledge insights resources to you know knowledge insights from critical advisors or customers or from critical advisors or customers or from critical advisors or customers or capital you know at a national level capital you know at a national level capital you know at a national level because in the not everyone in Houston because in the not everyone in Houston because in the not everyone in Houston is going to be interested in what is going to be interested in what is going to be interested in what they're doing and it's just not a in my they're doing and it's just not a in my they're doing and it's just not a in my opinion because of my global scale of opinion because of my global scale of opinion because of my global scale of view of the world. I don't think that by view of the world. I don't think that by view of the world. I don't think that by just tapping into the Houston network is just tapping into the Houston network is just tapping into the Houston network is enough. But with that said, I truly enough. But with that said, I truly enough. But with that said, I truly believe because as a as a member within believe because as a as a member within believe because as a as a member within the investment community in Houston as the investment community in Houston as the investment community in Houston as well as elsewhere, well as elsewhere, well as elsewhere, >> I truly believe we could do a better job >> I truly believe we could do a better job >> I truly believe we could do a better job as an investor in in populating our as an investor in in populating our as an investor in in populating our funnels with amazing qualified Houston funnels with amazing qualified Houston funnels with amazing qualified Houston founders. I think we can do a much founders. I think we can do a much founders. I think we can do a much better job in that because when I look better job in that because when I look better job in that because when I look at our funnel, right, and I'm not saying at our funnel, right, and I'm not saying at our funnel, right, and I'm not saying that this is not the case for for, you that this is not the case for for, you that this is not the case for for, you know, for everybody and I'm I'm just know, for everybody and I'm I'm just know, for everybody and I'm I'm just talking in general. I'm just saying I talking in general. I'm just saying I talking in general. I'm just saying I think we can do a better job in in think we can do a better job in in think we can do a better job in in making sure that we have qualified making sure that we have qualified making sure that we have qualified founders that we work through our founders that we work through our founders that we work through our funnel.

funnel. funnel. >> Very interesting. I was in Chicago and >> Very interesting. I was in Chicago and >> Very interesting. I was in Chicago and that was the same conversation. Do we that was the same conversation. Do we that was the same conversation. Do we have a good deal flow like in investment have a good deal flow like in investment have a good deal flow like in investment terms, right? Right. [clears throat] terms, right? Right. [clears throat] terms, right? Right. [clears throat] Everybody these days is just looking at Everybody these days is just looking at Everybody these days is just looking at like you know do we have a good deal like you know do we have a good deal like you know do we have a good deal flow and how we can really support that flow and how we can really support that flow and how we can really support that deal flow like you know how we can get deal flow like you know how we can get deal flow like you know how we can get to um invest in the companies that are to um invest in the companies that are to um invest in the companies that are not in our region in our thesis but not in our region in our thesis but not in our region in our thesis but working with some other you know groups working with some other you know groups working with some other you know groups and other people and other people and other people >> and I feel like you're >> and I feel like you're >> and I feel like you're >> you taking on the founder [snorts] >> you taking on the founder [snorts] >> you taking on the founder [snorts] institute is very aligned with that. institute is very aligned with that. institute is very aligned with that. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Right. you know, just going to give all >> Right. you know, just going to give all >> Right. you know, just going to give all the founders in in in Houston another the founders in in in Houston another the founders in in in Houston another chance, another avenue of of chance, another avenue of of chance, another avenue of of participating in your global vision. participating in your global vision. participating in your global vision. >> Absolutely. That's part of the reason >> Absolutely. That's part of the reason >> Absolutely. That's part of the reason why I accepted the invitation from James why I accepted the invitation from James why I accepted the invitation from James Felen. He, you know, been a long-term Felen. He, you know, been a long-term Felen. He, you know, been a long-term >> He's amazing. >> He's amazing. >> He's amazing. >> Oh, I know. He's a long-term uh founder >> Oh, I know. He's a long-term uh founder >> Oh, I know. He's a long-term uh founder institute uh managing director um as institute uh managing director um as institute uh managing director um as well as a you know really one of the a well as a you know really one of the a well as a you know really one of the a founding member you know way back when founding member you know way back when founding member you know way back when in Houston startup ecosystem.

in Houston startup ecosystem. in Houston startup ecosystem. >> Um and so I I was very honored when he >> Um and so I I was very honored when he >> Um and so I I was very honored when he asked me to take over the you know the asked me to take over the you know the asked me to take over the you know the leadership uh as a you know role as a leadership uh as a you know role as a leadership uh as a you know role as a leading director. Um and so what that leading director. Um and so what that leading director. Um and so what that mean is and and I guess it's one mean is and and I guess it's one mean is and and I guess it's one twofold. One is that participants in a twofold. One is that participants in a twofold. One is that participants in a founder institute network connect to 40 founder institute network connect to 40 founder institute network connect to 40 over 40,000 mentors and investors. over 40,000 mentors and investors. over 40,000 mentors and investors. >> So that's one thing and then Houston >> So that's one thing and then Houston >> So that's one thing and then Houston alone over half of our mentors are out alone over half of our mentors are out alone over half of our mentors are out of outside of Houston. of outside of Houston. of outside of Houston. >> So that's the other component. So, >> So that's the other component. So, >> So that's the other component. So, Founder Institute definitely is is a Founder Institute definitely is is a Founder Institute definitely is is a vehicle is one of my channel for vehicle is one of my channel for vehicle is one of my channel for showcasing showcasing showcasing um Houston founders, but but I am um Houston founders, but but I am um Houston founders, but but I am committed to all Houston founders. And committed to all Houston founders. And committed to all Houston founders. And so that's why the event that we're so that's why the event that we're so that's why the event that we're having at the end of the month on having at the end of the month on having at the end of the month on October 29th um at 5:30 over at the October 29th um at 5:30 over at the October 29th um at 5:30 over at the Esperson um specifically in the US space Esperson um specifically in the US space Esperson um specifically in the US space um with Lega um as our host for the US um with Lega um as our host for the US um with Lega um as our host for the US space um you know she it it's it's for space um you know she it it's it's for space um you know she it it's it's for all founders. So, I have been sending all founders. So, I have been sending all founders. So, I have been sending links for the registration to uh links for the registration to uh links for the registration to uh different universities around Houston as different universities around Houston as different universities around Houston as well as all of the different founders well as all of the different founders well as all of the different founders that I've been talking to. And that's that I've been talking to. And that's that I've been talking to. And that's part of the reason why I even showed up part of the reason why I even showed up part of the reason why I even showed up today at the at the startup circle at today at the at the startup circle at today at the at the startup circle at the ION for Cup and Joey because I want

the ION for Cup and Joey because I want the ION for Cup and Joey because I want all the founders regardless of where all the founders regardless of where all the founders regardless of where they are, they are, they are, >> you know, they're standing and sitting >> you know, they're standing and sitting >> you know, they're standing and sitting in Houston. I want them to be aware. in Houston. I want them to be aware. in Houston. I want them to be aware. They don't even have to pitch at the They don't even have to pitch at the They don't even have to pitch at the event on October 29th, but you know, event on October 29th, but you know, event on October 29th, but you know, they can just show up and listen to see, they can just show up and listen to see, they can just show up and listen to see, you know, okay, what type of, you know, you know, okay, what type of, you know, you know, okay, what type of, you know, what does that look like when you're what does that look like when you're what does that look like when you're pitching and what type of question gets pitching and what type of question gets pitching and what type of question gets asked and, you know, what type of advice asked and, you know, what type of advice asked and, you know, what type of advice do they get? So, it's a learning do they get? So, it's a learning do they get? So, it's a learning opportunity as well. opportunity as well. opportunity as well. >> There's just so much possibility. And I >> There's just so much possibility. And I >> There's just so much possibility. And I remember us talking about how Houston remember us talking about how Houston remember us talking about how Houston isn't really on the map like and like isn't really on the map like and like isn't really on the map like and like some investors are like, why would you some investors are like, why would you some investors are like, why would you why would you invest in Houston? Why why would you invest in Houston? Why why would you invest in Houston? Why would you go to Houston? Um, but it's so would you go to Houston? Um, but it's so would you go to Houston? Um, but it's so great that you're doing that and just great that you're doing that and just great that you're doing that and just some of the folks that we've met some of the folks that we've met some of the folks that we've met recently, like the high school students. recently, like the high school students. recently, like the high school students. There's high school students that are There's high school students that are There's high school students that are developing technology and and things developing technology and and things developing technology and and things that it like it's amazing. It just blows that it like it's amazing. It just blows that it like it's amazing. It just blows my mind. my mind. my mind. >> Absolutely. And and I think it's just >> Absolutely. And and I think it's just >> Absolutely. And and I think it's just one of those things where one of those things where one of those things where >> it's back to to what I truly believe in >> it's back to to what I truly believe in >> it's back to to what I truly believe in which is increasing accessibility. which is increasing accessibility. which is increasing accessibility. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Right. So So the accessibility to me is >> Right. So So the accessibility to me is >> Right. So So the accessibility to me is really important. And so I'm going to do really important. And so I'm going to do really important. And so I'm going to do what I can from a you know founder what I can from a you know founder what I can from a you know founder institute company building perspective institute company building perspective institute company building perspective to as well as as an investor in tech I to as well as as an investor in tech I to as well as as an investor in tech I want to open up that accessibility door want to open up that accessibility door want to open up that accessibility door to everyone to all founders to everyone to all founders to everyone to all founders >> I think that's very important even just >> I think that's very important even just >> I think that's very important even just if you imagine if you imagine if you imagine [clears throat] [clears throat] [clears throat] for us uh it's it's a big um component

for us uh it's it's a big um component for us uh it's it's a big um component of Even what we are building because I of Even what we are building because I of Even what we are building because I think founder institutes look focusing think founder institutes look focusing think founder institutes look focusing on zero to one. on zero to one. on zero to one. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Which is like for a lot of founders that >> Which is like for a lot of founders that >> Which is like for a lot of founders that they come to us. they come to us. they come to us. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Is a is a must uh step that they need to >> Is a is a must uh step that they need to >> Is a is a must uh step that they need to take. take. take. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Right. And then after that with the you >> Right. And then after that with the you >> Right. And then after that with the you know fund we're building. So if if know fund we're building. So if if know fund we're building. So if if somebody's graduating from the founder somebody's graduating from the founder somebody's graduating from the founder institute we can help them to fund the institute we can help them to fund the institute we can help them to fund the startups. startups. startups. >> Yes. And I think like you know the idea >> Yes. And I think like you know the idea >> Yes. And I think like you know the idea of just working together building of just working together building of just working together building something that we can put Houston on the something that we can put Houston on the something that we can put Houston on the map that's that's that's amazing. map that's that's that's amazing. map that's that's that's amazing. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> The flywheel. You imagine that flywheel. >> The flywheel. You imagine that flywheel. >> The flywheel. You imagine that flywheel. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. So so Foundry Institute have their >> Yeah. So so Foundry Institute have their >> Yeah. So so Foundry Institute have their own fund too by the way. Um so [snorts] own fund too by the way. Um so [snorts] own fund too by the way. Um so [snorts] you know as as a leading director you know as as a leading director you know as as a leading director um it I will commit to taking what we um it I will commit to taking what we um it I will commit to taking what we have at the end of the session call a have at the end of the session call a have at the end of the session call a pitch day event. Right. So, so it but to pitch day event. Right. So, so it but to pitch day event. Right. So, so it but to me it's not just Houston, it's going to me it's not just Houston, it's going to me it's not just Houston, it's going to be so I I have the privilege of be able be so I I have the privilege of be able be so I I have the privilege of be able to recommend to recommend to recommend um you know members within the Houston um you know members within the Houston um you know members within the Houston Founder Institute toward the whole you Founder Institute toward the whole you Founder Institute toward the whole you know national global network.

know national global network. know national global network. >> Wow. >> Wow. >> Wow. >> So I have the opportunity to do that and >> So I have the opportunity to do that and >> So I have the opportunity to do that and I'm also willing to contribute my own I'm also willing to contribute my own I'm also willing to contribute my own money as you know and my own fund into money as you know and my own fund into money as you know and my own fund into it as well. And so that's going to be it as well. And so that's going to be it as well. And so that's going to be the pot at the end of the rainbow um for the pot at the end of the rainbow um for the pot at the end of the rainbow um for the founder institute members. But the founder institute members. But the founder institute members. But obviously I also get deal flow as yes obviously I also get deal flow as yes obviously I also get deal flow as yes you call the term it is a deal flow from you call the term it is a deal flow from you call the term it is a deal flow from various sources as well. I mean I have various sources as well. I mean I have various sources as well. I mean I have because of my tech background and and because of my tech background and and because of my tech background and and specialty and in AI blockchain and cyber specialty and in AI blockchain and cyber specialty and in AI blockchain and cyber um I get you know questions um all the um I get you know questions um all the um I get you know questions um all the time from other investors. That's how I time from other investors. That's how I time from other investors. That's how I I even know who's who sometime because I even know who's who sometime because I even know who's who sometime because it's, you know, not like we're all it's, you know, not like we're all it's, you know, not like we're all standing out in the, you know, street standing out in the, you know, street standing out in the, you know, street advertising, [laughter] advertising, [laughter] advertising, [laughter] >> you know, >> you know, >> you know, >> right? I can I feel like they do the >> right? I can I feel like they do the >> right? I can I feel like they do the opposite. opposite. opposite. >> Yeah. I could write a check up to, you >> Yeah. I could write a check up to, you >> Yeah. I could write a check up to, you know, I mean, none of us are like doing know, I mean, none of us are like doing know, I mean, none of us are like doing that, right? We're kind of hidden. The that, right? We're kind of hidden. The that, right? We're kind of hidden. The one that actually write big check, we're one that actually write big check, we're one that actually write big check, we're kind of hidden. kind of hidden. kind of hidden. >> I mean, it's understandable. >> I mean, it's understandable. >> I mean, it's understandable. >> Yeah. Yeah. So, so, um, so I do get >> Yeah. Yeah. So, so, um, so I do get >> Yeah. Yeah. So, so, um, so I do get pulled in and and asked a lot about, oh, pulled in and and asked a lot about, oh, pulled in and and asked a lot about, oh, you know, I just sub, uh, I I paid, um, you know, I just sub, uh, I I paid, um, you know, I just sub, uh, I I paid, um, I I already, um, you know, invested I I already, um, you know, invested I I already, um, you know, invested $500,000, $500,000, $500,000, uh, into this one venture and I and uh, into this one venture and I and uh, into this one venture and I and they're going now for a bridge round they're going now for a bridge round they're going now for a bridge round asking for another $500,000, you know, asking for another $500,000, you know, asking for another $500,000, you know, from me. So, should I consider them? you from me. So, should I consider them? you from me. So, should I consider them? you know, so I get a lot of requests not know, so I get a lot of requests not know, so I get a lot of requests not only at the early stage but you know only at the early stage but you know only at the early stage but you know also I get involved in the in the later also I get involved in the in the later also I get involved in the in the later stage too because of the I guess because

stage too because of the I guess because stage too because of the I guess because of my background and and the the of my background and and the the of my background and and the the requests that I get. requests that I get. requests that I get. >> Speak a little more about um just your >> Speak a little more about um just your >> Speak a little more about um just your feedback to founders and how they can feedback to founders and how they can feedback to founders and how they can get funding. I mean with with all of get funding. I mean with with all of get funding. I mean with with all of your experience and what you're doing your experience and what you're doing your experience and what you're doing with Founders in Institute and your your with Founders in Institute and your your with Founders in Institute and your your vision with them. Um yeah. vision with them. Um yeah. vision with them. Um yeah. >> So I I would and and again I mean this >> So I I would and and again I mean this >> So I I would and and again I mean this is not anything magic. It's it's you is not anything magic. It's it's you is not anything magic. It's it's you know I'm I'm a pragmatic person. I would know I'm I'm a pragmatic person. I would know I'm I'm a pragmatic person. I would say the best way to attract investors say the best way to attract investors say the best way to attract investors and is to get customers, [snorts] right? and is to get customers, [snorts] right? and is to get customers, [snorts] right? That's not anything magical. Um, if That's not anything magical. Um, if That's not anything magical. Um, if anything else you want as a founder to anything else you want as a founder to anything else you want as a founder to get, don't focus on investors. Focus on get, don't focus on investors. Focus on get, don't focus on investors. Focus on getting customers in your door. The more getting customers in your door. The more getting customers in your door. The more traction you have, the more investors traction you have, the more investors traction you have, the more investors you'll attract, right? And also, it you'll attract, right? And also, it you'll attract, right? And also, it allows you to self-fund, right, with a allows you to self-fund, right, with a allows you to self-fund, right, with a customer. You you're self-funding customer. You you're self-funding customer. You you're self-funding yourself. So, you can choose to, if you yourself. So, you can choose to, if you yourself. So, you can choose to, if you ever want to, not ever take ever want to, not ever take ever want to, not ever take >> investors money, right? You want >> investors money, right? You want >> investors money, right? You want investor to chase after you and say investor to chase after you and say investor to chase after you and say please here's my check [laughter] please here's my check [laughter] please here's my check [laughter] right and so and and also it helps you right and so and and also it helps you right and so and and also it helps you whenever you decide your ass the most whenever you decide your ass the most whenever you decide your ass the most common mistake is asking too soon or common mistake is asking too soon or common mistake is asking too soon or play or or you know wasting a lot of play or or you know wasting a lot of play or or you know wasting a lot of time running after investors way too time running after investors way too time running after investors way too soon when you should focus on customer soon when you should focus on customer soon when you should focus on customer first making sure you have traction

first making sure you have traction first making sure you have traction making sure you have revenue coming in making sure you have revenue coming in making sure you have revenue coming in the door and then you know if you choose the door and then you know if you choose the door and then you know if you choose choose to get, you know, investment choose to get, you know, investment choose to get, you know, investment money, then, you know, okay, make sure money, then, you know, okay, make sure money, then, you know, okay, make sure your cap table is clean. Make sure that, your cap table is clean. Make sure that, your cap table is clean. Make sure that, you know, you do all the things that you you know, you do all the things that you you know, you do all the things that you yourself would want to kind of think yourself would want to kind of think yourself would want to kind of think about. You know, if you're going to put about. You know, if you're going to put about. You know, if you're going to put your hard-earned money into something your hard-earned money into something your hard-earned money into something because keep in mind, investors have so because keep in mind, investors have so because keep in mind, investors have so many options to invest, right? and many options to invest, right? and many options to invest, right? and they've seen so many different versions they've seen so many different versions they've seen so many different versions of what you you are proposing of what you you are proposing of what you you are proposing >> that you know you have to make sure you >> that you know you have to make sure you >> that you know you have to make sure you really stand out really stand out really stand out >> and you may want to make sure you have a >> and you may want to make sure you have a >> and you may want to make sure you have a wide moat right that that I mean you can wide moat right that that I mean you can wide moat right that that I mean you can defend your venture from being taken defend your venture from being taken defend your venture from being taken over by you know either a large over by you know either a large over by you know either a large incumbent in that space or a new incumbent in that space or a new incumbent in that space or a new incumbent right so the the defensibility incumbent right so the the defensibility incumbent right so the the defensibility is important um you know making sure you is important um you know making sure you is important um you know making sure you don't asks way too soon in the process don't asks way too soon in the process don't asks way too soon in the process to you know for money. Um because you to you know for money. Um because you to you know for money. Um because you know it you have to work so much harder know it you have to work so much harder know it you have to work so much harder at the beginning if you if you do it too at the beginning if you if you do it too at the beginning if you if you do it too soon than if you were focus on customer soon than if you were focus on customer soon than if you were focus on customer first.

first. first. >> Right. Right. Yeah. D we talk a lot >> Right. Right. Yeah. D we talk a lot >> Right. Right. Yeah. D we talk a lot about d-risking. about d-risking. about d-risking. >> Right. Yeah. [clears throat] Yeah. It >> Right. Yeah. [clears throat] Yeah. It >> Right. Yeah. [clears throat] Yeah. It just just just >> you know for ours um we always tell our >> you know for ours um we always tell our >> you know for ours um we always tell our founders that focus on the risking the founders that focus on the risking the founders that focus on the risking the investment for your investors and also investment for your investors and also investment for your investors and also show them what is the return on show them what is the return on show them what is the return on investment. investment. investment. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Right. What is what is the exit like if >> Right. What is what is the exit like if >> Right. What is what is the exit like if you like you said as an investor you you like you said as an investor you you like you said as an investor you have many options. Right. So if if have many options. Right. So if if have many options. Right. So if if founder A and founder B come to you uh founder A and founder B come to you uh founder A and founder B come to you uh and they show you this you know deals and they show you this you know deals and they show you this you know deals you're looking at like which one has you you're looking at like which one has you you're looking at like which one has you know uh less risk and and higher know uh less risk and and higher know uh less risk and and higher returns. returns. returns. >> Exactly. Exactly. And and the size of >> Exactly. Exactly. And and the size of >> Exactly. Exactly. And and the size of investors and you [laughter] know kind investors and you [laughter] know kind investors and you [laughter] know kind of and their expectations of return kind of and their expectations of return kind of and their expectations of return kind of correlate to the size of the check. of correlate to the size of the check. of correlate to the size of the check. Right. So, so the larger the check the Right. So, so the larger the check the Right. So, so the larger the check the you know the the higher the expectations you know the the higher the expectations you know the the higher the expectations right in in in a lot of way but even the right in in in a lot of way but even the right in in in a lot of way but even the earlier checks from you know the the earlier checks from you know the the earlier checks from you know the the angel community I would say you know angel community I would say you know angel community I would say you know keep in mind you know put yourself in keep in mind you know put yourself in keep in mind you know put yourself in the their shoes in that you know the S&P the their shoes in that you know the S&P the their shoes in that you know the S&P alone is like returning a 13% investment alone is like returning a 13% investment alone is like returning a 13% investment [laughter] you know I mean that's just [laughter] you know I mean that's just [laughter] you know I mean that's just like just just no risk you know I the like just just no risk you know I the like just just no risk you know I the middle, you [laughter] know, and or or middle, you [laughter] know, and or or middle, you [laughter] know, and or or or you know, other form of investment or you know, other form of investment or you know, other form of investment could be real estate, whatever. There's could be real estate, whatever. There's could be real estate, whatever. There's so many different ways even at the angel so many different ways even at the angel so many different ways even at the angel level to invest. You you really have to

level to invest. You you really have to level to invest. You you really have to stand out from the crowd in order to stand out from the crowd in order to stand out from the crowd in order to make it worthwhile for even at the angel make it worthwhile for even at the angel make it worthwhile for even at the angel level to be willing to put their level to be willing to put their level to be willing to put their hard-earned money, right? And and risk hard-earned money, right? And and risk hard-earned money, right? And and risk that opportunity cost with you versus that opportunity cost with you versus that opportunity cost with you versus investing elsewhere, investing elsewhere, investing elsewhere, >> right? So um there are many companies >> right? So um there are many companies >> right? So um there are many companies that they have um great ideas but they that they have um great ideas but they that they have um great ideas but they need a lot more money like you know need a lot more money like you know need a lot more money like you know there they need hardware they need u you there they need hardware they need u you there they need hardware they need u you know you know they're at the beginning know you know they're at the beginning know you know they're at the beginning right [laughter] >> I'm smiling >> I'm smiling >> yeah >> yeah >> yeah [laughter] so what is your [laughter] so what is your [laughter] so what is your >> toddlers it's the toddlers >> toddlers it's the toddlers >> toddlers it's the toddlers what's the question [laughter] Yes. [gasps] Yes. [gasps] >> So, you know, >> So, you know, >> So, you know, you know, if you see these companies you know, if you see these companies you know, if you see these companies that they need like, you know, there are that they need like, you know, there are that they need like, you know, there are like lots of people come to you and say, like lots of people come to you and say, like lots of people come to you and say, "Hey, look, I I have this great AI, but "Hey, look, I I have this great AI, but "Hey, look, I I have this great AI, but I need to buy [laughter] uh, you know, I need to buy [laughter] uh, you know, I need to buy [laughter] uh, you know, $5 million of GPUs and hardware to get $5 million of GPUs and hardware to get $5 million of GPUs and hardware to get it just to work." And, you know, our it just to work." And, you know, our it just to work." And, you know, our answer is just just do it like in the answer is just just do it like in the answer is just just do it like in the smallest scale and and grow it. Like, smallest scale and and grow it. Like, smallest scale and and grow it. Like, how do you advise them? you know what is how do you advise them? you know what is how do you advise them? you know what is your advice to them?

your advice to them? your advice to them? >> So, so my advice and I think this is >> So, so my advice and I think this is >> So, so my advice and I think this is good for the founders as well. So good for the founders as well. So good for the founders as well. So everything that I advise from a investor everything that I advise from a investor everything that I advise from a investor perspective, it is something that is perspective, it is something that is perspective, it is something that is also good for the founder to do anyway also good for the founder to do anyway also good for the founder to do anyway um is be scrappy. be be very scrappy and um is be scrappy. be be very scrappy and um is be scrappy. be be very scrappy and and I I want to say this in in the and I I want to say this in in the and I I want to say this in in the nicest way, but don't assume you're you nicest way, but don't assume you're you nicest way, but don't assume you're you know have unlimited resource or or know have unlimited resource or or know have unlimited resource or or expect unlimited resource you know like expect unlimited resource you know like expect unlimited resource you know like the the startup you know some of the the the startup you know some of the the the startup you know some of the startup over in the Bay Area which I startup over in the Bay Area which I startup over in the Bay Area which I travel to quite a bit right there's an travel to quite a bit right there's an travel to quite a bit right there's an assumption because the capital are there assumption because the capital are there assumption because the capital are there you know that they're going to get you know that they're going to get you know that they're going to get whatever and you know and then you know whatever and you know and then you know whatever and you know and then you know they'll be able to get to a certain they'll be able to get to a certain they'll be able to get to a certain point point point I would say pret, you know, not even I would say pret, you know, not even I would say pret, you know, not even pretend, be scrappy. Not not even pretend, be scrappy. Not not even pretend, be scrappy. Not not even pretend, be scrappy. The reason why it's pretend, be scrappy. The reason why it's pretend, be scrappy. The reason why it's good for you as a founder is because the good for you as a founder is because the good for you as a founder is because the scrappier you are, scrappier you are, scrappier you are, you cannot anticipate every possible you cannot anticipate every possible you cannot anticipate every possible downturn or or you know misevent. And so downturn or or you know misevent. And so downturn or or you know misevent. And so as a result, the more scrappy you are, as a result, the more scrappy you are, as a result, the more scrappy you are, the longer you can carry your venture the longer you can carry your venture the longer you can carry your venture despite all of the unknown and despite all of the unknown and despite all of the unknown and uncertainty. And then from an investment uncertainty. And then from an investment uncertainty. And then from an investment [snorts] perspective, investors want to [snorts] perspective, investors want to [snorts] perspective, investors want to know that if they give you that money to know that if they give you that money to know that if they give you that money to invest in that you will be good steward invest in that you will be good steward invest in that you will be good steward of that money and that you will be of that money and that you will be of that money and that you will be utilizing it and in every way possible utilizing it and in every way possible utilizing it and in every way possible toward the success of the venture. Not toward the success of the venture. Not toward the success of the venture. Not because you know you need a sevenperson

because you know you need a sevenperson because you know you need a sevenperson developer team, you know, not because developer team, you know, not because developer team, you know, not because you're, you know, trying to, you know, you're, you know, trying to, you know, you're, you know, trying to, you know, buy an ad on a Time magazine or whatever buy an ad on a Time magazine or whatever buy an ad on a Time magazine or whatever the case may be, right? So, I would say the case may be, right? So, I would say the case may be, right? So, I would say that's my feedback typically to your that's my feedback typically to your that's my feedback typically to your question, Ben. You know, why um what do question, Ben. You know, why um what do question, Ben. You know, why um what do I typically respond to, you know, I typically respond to, you know, I typically respond to, you know, founders like that is is, you know, why founders like that is is, you know, why founders like that is is, you know, why do you need it? And and you know, what do you need it? And and you know, what do you need it? And and you know, what is a scrappy version of it, is a scrappy version of it, is a scrappy version of it, >> right? The bootstrapping, right? And and >> right? The bootstrapping, right? And and >> right? The bootstrapping, right? And and as a founder, I I'm grateful because as a founder, I I'm grateful because as a founder, I I'm grateful because because we tried we we've tried multiple because we tried we we've tried multiple because we tried we we've tried multiple ways of of bringing in money early and ways of of bringing in money early and ways of of bringing in money early and I'm glad that we didn't get it. I'm glad that we didn't get it. I'm glad that we didn't get it. >> Yes. [laughter] >> Yes. [laughter] >> Yes. [laughter] >> Yes. It's a blessing in disguise >> Yes. It's a blessing in disguise >> Yes. It's a blessing in disguise >> because of that because we would not >> because of that because we would not >> because of that because we would not have have figured out like we would not have have figured out like we would not have have figured out like we would not have actually done the work that it have actually done the work that it have actually done the work that it takes for us to know exactly how to get takes for us to know exactly how to get takes for us to know exactly how to get to where we are. And and so yeah, like to where we are. And and so yeah, like to where we are. And and so yeah, like knowing knowing where the pitfalls are knowing knowing where the pitfalls are knowing knowing where the pitfalls are or knowing where like what it takes what or knowing where like what it takes what or knowing where like what it takes what it actually takes. It kind of reminds me it actually takes. It kind of reminds me it actually takes. It kind of reminds me of like [snorts] of like using AI to to of like [snorts] of like using AI to to of like [snorts] of like using AI to to write something for you as opposed to write something for you as opposed to write something for you as opposed to you actually going through the mental you actually going through the mental you actually going through the mental process of of writing stuff out and process of of writing stuff out and process of of writing stuff out and thinking through things.

thinking through things. thinking through things. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> And how and how much you lose. like you >> And how and how much you lose. like you >> And how and how much you lose. like you think like you think you're gaining by think like you think you're gaining by think like you think you're gaining by by having all this money come through by having all this money come through by having all this money come through come in, but if you don't have your come in, but if you don't have your come in, but if you don't have your systems in place, if you don't have all systems in place, if you don't have all systems in place, if you don't have all of your foundation in place and you're of your foundation in place and you're of your foundation in place and you're not already sustainable, not already sustainable, not already sustainable, >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> then it's going to fall apart. >> then it's going to fall apart. >> then it's going to fall apart. >> And and I would also add absolutely and >> And and I would also add absolutely and >> And and I would also add absolutely and I would also like to add because I I would also like to add because I I would also like to add because I travel globally and see so many amazing travel globally and see so many amazing travel globally and see so many amazing founders around the world with a lot founders around the world with a lot founders around the world with a lot less resource, right? less resource, right? less resource, right? Scrappiness is I you know I I don't want Scrappiness is I you know I I don't want Scrappiness is I you know I I don't want to paint a blanket stereotype but I feel to paint a blanket stereotype but I feel to paint a blanket stereotype but I feel like scrainess is a skill and a learned like scrainess is a skill and a learned like scrainess is a skill and a learned mindset that are more common for mindset that are more common for mindset that are more common for overseas overseas overseas founders. Um and I feel that you know founders. Um and I feel that you know founders. Um and I feel that you know because they have no choice, you know, because they have no choice, you know, because they have no choice, you know, they they just don't you know have a they they just don't you know have a they they just don't you know have a choice in the matter and so by default choice in the matter and so by default choice in the matter and so by default they had to be scrappy and and they are they had to be scrappy and and they are they had to be scrappy and and they are in such a better position to compete in such a better position to compete in such a better position to compete with us with a lot less because of that with us with a lot less because of that with us with a lot less because of that mindset and mentality, right? And so mindset and mentality, right? And so mindset and mentality, right? And so when I travel and when I see these when I travel and when I see these when I travel and when I see these amazing founders overseas and then see, amazing founders overseas and then see, amazing founders overseas and then see, you know, go to Bay Area, go to Miami, you know, go to Bay Area, go to Miami, you know, go to Bay Area, go to Miami, go to Boston, go to New York, wherever I go to Boston, go to New York, wherever I go to Boston, go to New York, wherever I go travel to um to look for go travel to um to look for go travel to um to look for opportunities and connect with other opportunities and connect with other opportunities and connect with other investors.

investors. investors. I see, okay, you know, here's what I see, okay, you know, here's what I see, okay, you know, here's what they're asking for and here's what they they're asking for and here's what they they're asking for and here's what they think that they can do. And then I think that they can do. And then I think that they can do. And then I compare it with other founders that compare it with other founders that compare it with other founders that >> are not asking anywhere near that, but >> are not asking anywhere near that, but >> are not asking anywhere near that, but yet they're they're able to get to this, yet they're they're able to get to this, yet they're they're able to get to this, you know, say like, you know, kind of you know, say like, you know, kind of you know, say like, you know, kind of similar milestone. Who do you think an similar milestone. Who do you think an similar milestone. Who do you think an investor is going to invest in? investor is going to invest in? investor is going to invest in? >> Right. So be scrappy. Be scrappy. >> Right. So be scrappy. Be scrappy. >> Right. So be scrappy. Be scrappy. [laughter] [laughter] [laughter] >> Get some growing figure anything out [laughter] figure anything out [laughter] >> because it's been scripted. So you gota >> because it's been scripted. So you gota >> because it's been scripted. So you gota you got like you got to have a good you got like you got to have a good you got like you got to have a good co-founder like you know we have co-founder like you know we have co-founder like you know we have [laughter] Benjamin you know he's just [laughter] Benjamin you know he's just [laughter] Benjamin you know he's just like you know just work it out man I like you know just work it out man I like you know just work it out man I don't know [laughter] don't know [laughter] don't know [laughter] >> just give him a couple of days and >> just give him a couple of days and >> just give him a couple of days and >> actually it's funny you say that Ben >> actually it's funny you say that Ben >> actually it's funny you say that Ben because the the there was a time when because the the there was a time when because the the there was a time when investors used to say oh you know you investors used to say oh you know you investors used to say oh you know you can't be a soloreneur there was a time can't be a soloreneur there was a time can't be a soloreneur there was a time where investors don't invest in you if where investors don't invest in you if where investors don't invest in you if you're a soloreneur but that has changed you're a soloreneur but that has changed you're a soloreneur but that has changed with AI. Yeah, with AI. Yeah, with AI. Yeah, >> cuz with AI and now it's not the you >> cuz with AI and now it's not the you >> cuz with AI and now it's not the you know end all be all like you know it is know end all be all like you know it is know end all be all like you know it is truly not but it is not uncommon now if truly not but it is not uncommon now if truly not but it is not uncommon now if you for whatever reason especially at you for whatever reason especially at you for whatever reason especially at the starting stage the starting stage the starting stage >> use AI to like do a lot of the things >> use AI to like do a lot of the things >> use AI to like do a lot of the things that you would require or ask a that you would require or ask a that you would require or ask a co-founder to do. So you get up to a co-founder to do. So you get up to a co-founder to do. So you get up to a stage where you can start attracting stage where you can start attracting stage where you can start attracting co-founding team and then at that point co-founding team and then at that point co-founding team and then at that point of time yes you may have a co-founder or

of time yes you may have a co-founder or of time yes you may have a co-founder or you just have an amazing co-founding you just have an amazing co-founding you just have an amazing co-founding team right but I personally now again team right but I personally now again team right but I personally now again this could be a nuance between different this could be a nuance between different this could be a nuance between different investors right but I personally don't investors right but I personally don't investors right but I personally don't believe you have to be a co-founder or believe you have to be a co-founder or believe you have to be a co-founder or you know you can be a soloreneur and you know you can be a soloreneur and you know you can be a soloreneur and still be amazingly successful still be amazingly successful still be amazingly successful >> yeah I mean you can have fractional >> yeah I mean you can have fractional >> yeah I mean you can have fractional people as your team your team And it's I people as your team your team And it's I people as your team your team And it's I think it's I mean just from what I would think it's I mean just from what I would think it's I mean just from what I would think that it's how you've built your think that it's how you've built your think that it's how you've built your team, right? Like how you've built team, right? Like how you've built team, right? Like how you've built >> the force behind putting whatever you're >> the force behind putting whatever you're >> the force behind putting whatever you're creating into the market creating into the market creating into the market >> and and the relationship that you have >> and and the relationship that you have >> and and the relationship that you have with your your team. That's really with your your team. That's really with your your team. That's really important because you're going to hit important because you're going to hit important because you're going to hit rough patches and it's those rough patches and it's those rough patches and it's those relationships that really are important relationships that really are important relationships that really are important when you end up in you know situation when you end up in you know situation when you end up in you know situation where you rather not be in. where you rather not be in. where you rather not be in. >> Right. Right. you know as a engine >> Right. Right. you know as a engine >> Right. Right. you know as a engine investor how do you feel about growing investor how do you feel about growing investor how do you feel about growing the companies right because if you look the companies right because if you look the companies right because if you look at it from a VC perspective it's just at it from a VC perspective it's just at it from a VC perspective it's just very different perspective right um it's very different perspective right um it's very different perspective right um it's just all numbers everything is just like just all numbers everything is just like just all numbers everything is just like um guard rails and and uh institutional um guard rails and and uh institutional um guard rails and and uh institutional frameworks so how do you look at it like frameworks so how do you look at it like frameworks so how do you look at it like when you look at a company that is now when you look at a company that is now when you look at a company that is now in the growth path and they wanted to in the growth path and they wanted to in the growth path and they wanted to raise more money. So do you participate raise more money. So do you participate raise more money. So do you participate in that rounds or you just leave it to in that rounds or you just leave it to in that rounds or you just leave it to like okay now is the time to go and seek like okay now is the time to go and seek like okay now is the time to go and seek for institutional money.

for institutional money. for institutional money. >> Uh so so >> Uh so so >> Uh so so let me make sure I answer your question let me make sure I answer your question let me make sure I answer your question Ben. So how you're asking how I would Ben. So how you're asking how I would Ben. So how you're asking how I would look at it from an angel investment look at it from an angel investment look at it from an angel investment perspective perspective perspective >> right because you know like when you >> right because you know like when you >> right because you know like when you when you think about like angels comes when you think about like angels comes when you think about like angels comes in more like earlier stages right? So if in more like earlier stages right? So if in more like earlier stages right? So if I'm like a company, I I raised my angel I'm like a company, I I raised my angel I'm like a company, I I raised my angel fund and I got my seed and now I'm just fund and I got my seed and now I'm just fund and I got my seed and now I'm just leaning towards like series A, you know, leaning towards like series A, you know, leaning towards like series A, you know, if somebody raised preed now I'm leaning if somebody raised preed now I'm leaning if somebody raised preed now I'm leaning towards like seed and especially after towards like seed and especially after towards like seed and especially after seed, if I'm there leaning towards seed, if I'm there leaning towards seed, if I'm there leaning towards series A, series A, series A, >> a lot of people are saying, oh, you >> a lot of people are saying, oh, you >> a lot of people are saying, oh, you know, I'm an angel investor. I don't know, I'm an angel investor. I don't know, I'm an angel investor. I don't invest in you because you're leaning invest in you because you're leaning invest in you because you're leaning towards series A. towards series A. towards series A. >> Oh gosh, no. Yeah, I I I I don't know. I >> Oh gosh, no. Yeah, I I I I don't know. I >> Oh gosh, no. Yeah, I I I I don't know. I I obviously can't speak for all um type I obviously can't speak for all um type I obviously can't speak for all um type of investors. Um I would say that anyone of investors. Um I would say that anyone of investors. Um I would say that anyone and and and and and and many of the VCs I know are also their many of the VCs I know are also their many of the VCs I know are also their own investors, right? So there's no like own investors, right? So there's no like own investors, right? So there's no like you know I only do one one thing.

you know I only do one one thing. you know I only do one one thing. >> Um so so VCs investors are also sometime >> Um so so VCs investors are also sometime >> Um so so VCs investors are also sometime their own angel investors. Um, you know, their own angel investors. Um, you know, their own angel investors. Um, you know, that is a very common thing out in the that is a very common thing out in the that is a very common thing out in the Bay Area. You know, they would just, you Bay Area. You know, they would just, you Bay Area. You know, they would just, you know, write a check right there and then know, write a check right there and then know, write a check right there and then with somebody they just met at the with somebody they just met at the with somebody they just met at the coffee, you know, shop. I mean, that coffee, you know, shop. I mean, that coffee, you know, shop. I mean, that that's what happened. That's great. Oh, that's what happened. That's great. Oh, that's what happened. That's great. Oh, yeah. So, so they're they're in that yeah. So, so they're they're in that yeah. So, so they're they're in that way, they're an angel investor, right? way, they're an angel investor, right? way, they're an angel investor, right? >> But, but back to your question, Ben, if >> But, but back to your question, Ben, if >> But, but back to your question, Ben, if I understand correctly. So, angel I understand correctly. So, angel I understand correctly. So, angel investors, I think, at least the one investors, I think, at least the one investors, I think, at least the one that I feel are the one that you want to that I feel are the one that you want to that I feel are the one that you want to attract, attract, attract, you know, want to see long-term success you know, want to see long-term success you know, want to see long-term success for your venture, right? They they want for your venture, right? They they want for your venture, right? They they want to because they they're rooting for you, to because they they're rooting for you, to because they they're rooting for you, not not only from an investment not not only from an investment not not only from an investment perspective, but they really really perspective, but they really really perspective, but they really really believe in what you're doing, right? And believe in what you're doing, right? And believe in what you're doing, right? And so I believe that as you know the way so I believe that as you know the way so I believe that as you know the way I'm I'm creating my venture studio and I'm I'm creating my venture studio and I'm I'm creating my venture studio and that's part of the reason why I travel that's part of the reason why I travel that's part of the reason why I travel aside from just keeping on top of all aside from just keeping on top of all aside from just keeping on top of all the trends what's going on the in the the trends what's going on the in the the trends what's going on the in the market but but to do the connection with market but but to do the connection with market but but to do the connection with the network of investors because I want the network of investors because I want the network of investors because I want to not for me go beyond just you know to not for me go beyond just you know to not for me go beyond just you know warm introduction. I want to actually warm introduction. I want to actually warm introduction. I want to actually field investors that I feel are friendly field investors that I feel are friendly field investors that I feel are friendly investors investors investors >> that will I I because I it's like it's >> that will I I because I it's like it's >> that will I I because I it's like it's like, you know, they're your your child like, you know, they're your your child like, you know, they're your your child in some way, right? The ventures are in some way, right? The ventures are in some way, right? The ventures are your your child coming out of your your your child coming out of your your your child coming out of your venture studio and you want to protect venture studio and you want to protect venture studio and you want to protect your child, you know, [snorts] and and

your child, you know, [snorts] and and your child, you know, [snorts] and and you want to make sure that they get you want to make sure that they get you want to make sure that they get friendly investors with reasonable friendly investors with reasonable friendly investors with reasonable terms, right? And you want them to be terms, right? And you want them to be terms, right? And you want them to be able to be successful and not end up in able to be successful and not end up in able to be successful and not end up in a situation where you know a situation where you know a situation where you know they they rather not be because there they they rather not be because there they they rather not be because there are again there's no right or wrong but are again there's no right or wrong but are again there's no right or wrong but there are investors that are truly just there are investors that are truly just there are investors that are truly just very bottom lineoriented number oriented very bottom lineoriented number oriented very bottom lineoriented number oriented >> and if they are ready to you know clear >> and if they are ready to you know clear >> and if they are ready to you know clear out a fund because they need capital for out a fund because they need capital for out a fund because they need capital for future funds you know it is not unheard future funds you know it is not unheard future funds you know it is not unheard of to you know for some larger of to you know for some larger of to you know for some larger institutional investors to force a sale institutional investors to force a sale institutional investors to force a sale or whatever whether if the founder's or whatever whether if the founder's or whatever whether if the founder's ready for it or not, right? So they can ready for it or not, right? So they can ready for it or not, right? So they can free up their capital for future funds. free up their capital for future funds. free up their capital for future funds. I mean that's just the way business I mean that's just the way business I mean that's just the way business work. work. work. >> True, >> True, >> True, >> right? >> right? >> right? >> And have you ever like cut a check for a >> And have you ever like cut a check for a >> And have you ever like cut a check for a series A raise like series A raise like series A raise like >> Oh yeah. >> Oh yeah. >> Oh yeah. >> Okay, cool. >> Okay, cool. >> Okay, cool. >> Oh yes. Oh yes. >> Oh yes. Oh yes. >> Oh yes. Oh yes. >> But where is the the limit like you know >> But where is the the limit like you know >> But where is the the limit like you know do you participate like in series B? So, do you participate like in series B? So, do you participate like in series B? So, so I can just say I write six figures.

so I can just say I write six figures. so I can just say I write six figures. [laughter] [laughter] [laughter] >> I I can say I write six figures, but >> I I can say I write six figures, but >> I I can say I write six figures, but again it just depends on the the invest again it just depends on the the invest again it just depends on the the invest you know the ventures and the you know the ventures and the you know the ventures and the investment. investment. investment. >> Is it like a very common thing or you >> Is it like a very common thing or you >> Is it like a very common thing or you you just depending on the investor like you just depending on the investor like you just depending on the investor like if because I'm asking because a lot of if because I'm asking because a lot of if because I'm asking because a lot of you know startups may ask so is it like you know startups may ask so is it like you know startups may ask so is it like a common thing you know angels are a common thing you know angels are a common thing you know angels are writing six figures or it's just writing six figures or it's just writing six figures or it's just depending the on the individual depending the on the individual depending the on the individual investor? I think it's just really I investor? I think it's just really I investor? I think it's just really I mean there's no one-size fit all. I mean there's no one-size fit all. I mean there's no one-size fit all. I really truly think it just depends. really truly think it just depends. really truly think it just depends. >> Yeah. I want to and I and this will be >> Yeah. I want to and I and this will be >> Yeah. I want to and I and this will be my last question. I don't know if we my last question. I don't know if we my last question. I don't know if we have any from the studio audience. So have any from the studio audience. So have any from the studio audience. So let me know if you do have questions let me know if you do have questions let me know if you do have questions studio audience. I see you. studio audience. I see you. studio audience. I see you. >> Uh but I just want to I'm wondering how >> Uh but I just want to I'm wondering how >> Uh but I just want to I'm wondering how you ended up with ABC. How did you land? you ended up with ABC. How did you land? you ended up with ABC. How did you land? [laughter] [laughter] [laughter] >> No question. >> No question. >> No question. >> Um so so uh let me see. I played around >> Um so so uh let me see. I played around >> Um so so uh let me see. I played around with machine learning since college, with machine learning since college, with machine learning since college, right? And so um you know I I you know I right? And so um you know I I you know I right? And so um you know I I you know I I just felt like it was a natural so I just felt like it was a natural so I just felt like it was a natural so this is what you enjoy doing, right? And this is what you enjoy doing, right? And this is what you enjoy doing, right? And thankfully the market pace [laughter] thankfully the market pace [laughter] thankfully the market pace [laughter] >> and have a demand for what I enjoy >> and have a demand for what I enjoy >> and have a demand for what I enjoy doing. Um so there's a lot of uh doing. Um so there's a lot of uh doing. Um so there's a lot of uh correlations and um connections between correlations and um connections between correlations and um connections between AI, blockchain and cyber. Um it's around AI, blockchain and cyber. Um it's around AI, blockchain and cyber. Um it's around data protection uh and data security data protection uh and data security data protection uh and data security which at the end of the day it's for me which at the end of the day it's for me which at the end of the day it's for me it's the foundational right um we all it's the foundational right um we all it's the foundational right um we all want privacy we all want security

want privacy we all want security want privacy we all want security regardless and these are just basically regardless and these are just basically regardless and these are just basically the tech mechanism to protect our data the tech mechanism to protect our data the tech mechanism to protect our data and so that's that's how I came up with and so that's that's how I came up with and so that's that's how I came up with okay this is my thesis and this is by okay this is my thesis and this is by okay this is my thesis and this is by the way happen to be something that I the way happen to be something that I the way happen to be something that I enjoy doing um so I'm constantly enjoy doing um so I'm constantly enjoy doing um so I'm constantly learning and there's a natural infinity learning and there's a natural infinity learning and there's a natural infinity of if anything else it's starting to of if anything else it's starting to of if anything else it's starting to merge right AI and cyber security AI and merge right AI and cyber security AI and merge right AI and cyber security AI and blockchain you know there's it's merging blockchain you know there's it's merging blockchain you know there's it's merging now and and it's not always just this or now and and it's not always just this or now and and it's not always just this or this or this so this or this so this or this so >> wow >> wow >> wow >> that's how I came up with ABC >> that's how I came up with ABC >> that's how I came up with ABC >> came with a package [laughter] it was >> came with a package [laughter] it was >> came with a package [laughter] it was like a package deal like a package deal like a package deal >> plus it's easy to remember everybody >> plus it's easy to remember everybody >> plus it's easy to remember everybody know you know my thesis is ABC know you know my thesis is ABC know you know my thesis is ABC [laughter] [laughter] [laughter] >> and I think this like this topic needs >> and I think this like this topic needs >> and I think this like this topic needs its own you its own you its own you conversation. It's just a very conversation. It's just a very conversation. It's just a very interesting topic. The ABC [laughter] interesting topic. The ABC [laughter] interesting topic. The ABC [laughter] those are like now are the frontier of those are like now are the frontier of those are like now are the frontier of you know uh technology and innovation. you know uh technology and innovation. you know uh technology and innovation. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> You know we had a conversation last time >> You know we had a conversation last time >> You know we had a conversation last time about how like people are you know uh about how like people are you know uh about how like people are you know uh putting even deposits on on on putting even deposits on on on putting even deposits on on on blockchain and you know you were just blockchain and you know you were just blockchain and you know you were just mentioning about like how people that mentioning about like how people that mentioning about like how people that they travel they can use that. These are they travel they can use that. These are they travel they can use that. These are things.

things. things. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. And and that's where in some way >> Yeah. And and that's where in some way >> Yeah. And and that's where in some way that again this is why I travel but like that again this is why I travel but like that again this is why I travel but like in the case of of blockchain the in the case of of blockchain the in the case of of blockchain the adoption of blockchain is so much more adoption of blockchain is so much more adoption of blockchain is so much more robust overseas because of the the you robust overseas because of the the you robust overseas because of the the you know u multi-border currency exchange know u multi-border currency exchange know u multi-border currency exchange issue that can easily be resolved with issue that can easily be resolved with issue that can easily be resolved with fintech fintech fintech >> um you know utilizing that u as a >> um you know utilizing that u as a >> um you know utilizing that u as a potential solutions just because right potential solutions just because right potential solutions just because right now the structure we have in place is now the structure we have in place is now the structure we have in place is very costly and it's very inefficient. very costly and it's very inefficient. very costly and it's very inefficient. Um and then you know slowly it is Um and then you know slowly it is Um and then you know slowly it is getting more adopted with you know getting more adopted with you know getting more adopted with you know between you know regulatory as well as between you know regulatory as well as between you know regulatory as well as just the mindset in general for um for just the mindset in general for um for just the mindset in general for um for all potential retail investors you know all potential retail investors you know all potential retail investors you know but with that said you know overseas is but with that said you know overseas is but with that said you know overseas is definitely the the higher the adoption definitely the the higher the adoption definitely the the higher the adoption rate is over there. rate is over there. rate is over there. >> Wow. >> Wow. >> Wow. >> Yeah. You know I learned something. We >> Yeah. You know I learned something. We >> Yeah. You know I learned something. We could talk about this all day. could talk about this all day. could talk about this all day. >> I know. I know. [laughter] >> I know. I know. [laughter] >> I know. I know. [laughter] >> You know we actually g together. We we >> You know we actually g together. We we >> You know we actually g together. We we Yes, this is why we do this because we Yes, this is why we do this because we Yes, this is why we do this because we love to learn.

love to learn. love to learn. >> I know. >> I know. >> I know. >> But we just had Latino entrepreneurship >> But we just had Latino entrepreneurship >> But we just had Latino entrepreneurship week and we did the Tuesday event here. week and we did the Tuesday event here. week and we did the Tuesday event here. Um it was the levitation experience but Um it was the levitation experience but Um it was the levitation experience but it was all about cyber security. Um, and it was all about cyber security. Um, and it was all about cyber security. Um, and it began because it began because it began because I like when we were first planning it, I like when we were first planning it, I like when we were first planning it, um, there was s cuz I'd had my my like um, there was s cuz I'd had my my like um, there was s cuz I'd had my my like my credit my cards broken into before my credit my cards broken into before my credit my cards broken into before that like I'd have to cancel them. But that like I'd have to cancel them. But that like I'd have to cancel them. But at around this time, somebody actually at around this time, somebody actually at around this time, somebody actually got into my bank account and was able to got into my bank account and was able to got into my bank account and was able to transfer money out of the account. I was transfer money out of the account. I was transfer money out of the account. I was like, I didn't even know that was like, I didn't even know that was like, I didn't even know that was possible. Um, and so just the possible. Um, and so just the possible. Um, and so just the conversation, right, of AI and how conversation, right, of AI and how conversation, right, of AI and how there's so many bots everywhere and how there's so many bots everywhere and how there's so many bots everywhere and how there's there's so much that we need to there's there's so much that we need to there's there's so much that we need to be aware of. Oh, and for us, um, like we be aware of. Oh, and for us, um, like we be aware of. Oh, and for us, um, like we always talk about technology, technology always talk about technology, technology always talk about technology, technology as a force for good. Um, and what we as a force for good. Um, and what we as a force for good. Um, and what we need to put in place in terms of cyber need to put in place in terms of cyber need to put in place in terms of cyber security or security in general and security or security in general and security or security in general and ethics too. Um, ethics too. Um, ethics too. Um, >> absolutely. And I truly now obviously >> absolutely. And I truly now obviously >> absolutely. And I truly now obviously I'm I'm I'm a little biased but I truly I'm I'm I'm a little biased but I truly I'm I'm I'm a little biased but I truly believe that if you know the fundamental believe that if you know the fundamental believe that if you know the fundamental data protection and security put around data protection and security put around data protection and security put around that can be a competitive right position that can be a competitive right position that can be a competitive right position for [clears throat] a founder to say hey for [clears throat] a founder to say hey for [clears throat] a founder to say hey I put security by design with and I have I put security by design with and I have I put security by design with and I have trusted AI in place trusted AI in place trusted AI in place >> and you know it just it I truly believe >> and you know it just it I truly believe >> and you know it just it I truly believe it's not something just a nice to do it it's not something just a nice to do it it's not something just a nice to do it can be a competitive advantage depend can be a competitive advantage depend can be a competitive advantage depend upon the area you're in.

upon the area you're in. upon the area you're in. >> Right. And why aren't you doing that? >> Right. And why aren't you doing that? >> Right. And why aren't you doing that? >> Right. [laughter] Right. Instead of >> Right. [laughter] Right. Instead of >> Right. [laughter] Right. Instead of having it be like a thing that's having it be like a thing that's having it be like a thing that's >> that's a forought like something that oh >> that's a forought like something that oh >> that's a forought like something that oh something happened now we have to put something happened now we have to put something happened now we have to put something something something >> I got to I got to ask by an investor to >> I got to I got to ask by an investor to >> I got to I got to ask by an investor to do this. Oh okay check. Let me go do do this. Oh okay check. Let me go do do this. Oh okay check. Let me go do that you know or I I don't want to like that you know or I I don't want to like that you know or I I don't want to like you know trip up on HIPPA because I'm you know trip up on HIPPA because I'm you know trip up on HIPPA because I'm doing a medical you know whatever you doing a medical you know whatever you doing a medical you know whatever you know you know check. Didn't OpenAI just know you know check. Didn't OpenAI just know you know check. Didn't OpenAI just do that with how they how like do that with how they how like do that with how they how like [laughter] [laughter] [laughter] >> with all of their their like things that >> with all of their their like things that >> with all of their their like things that AI is doing and these things happening. AI is doing and these things happening. AI is doing and these things happening. [laughter] So this is where I really [laughter] So this is where I really [laughter] So this is where I really find it interesting. I I love again back find it interesting. I I love again back find it interesting. I I love again back to learning. So one of the things that I to learning. So one of the things that I to learning. So one of the things that I love to do and this is just me in love to do and this is just me in love to do and this is just me in general but I love part of the reason general but I love part of the reason general but I love part of the reason why I travel also for many reason but I why I travel also for many reason but I why I travel also for many reason but I love to see regional differences not love to see regional differences not love to see regional differences not only [snorts] from a startup perspective only [snorts] from a startup perspective only [snorts] from a startup perspective but also from a investment perspective but also from a investment perspective but also from a investment perspective and there are truly regional cultural and there are truly regional cultural and there are truly regional cultural differences in term of why people invest differences in term of why people invest differences in term of why people invest the way they do and what they invest in the way they do and what they invest in the way they do and what they invest in but also what type of startup that gets but also what type of startup that gets but also what type of startup that gets you know um launched in different areas.

you know um launched in different areas. you know um launched in different areas. is so so the motto and the culture of is so so the motto and the culture of is so so the motto and the culture of Silicon Valley is is to run fast and Silicon Valley is is to run fast and Silicon Valley is is to run fast and break things, break things, break things, >> right? So, so that is their culture. >> right? So, so that is their culture. >> right? So, so that is their culture. That that is their culture and and That that is their culture and and That that is their culture and and there's nothing wrong with it because there's nothing wrong with it because there's nothing wrong with it because obviously you look at Silicon Valley and obviously you look at Silicon Valley and obviously you look at Silicon Valley and it's like oo you know everyone's it's like oo you know everyone's it's like oo you know everyone's >> um but it just it just when you're >> um but it just it just when you're >> um but it just it just when you're talking about AI it's like you know it talking about AI it's like you know it talking about AI it's like you know it just [laughter] just [laughter] just [laughter] >> they could build weapons or it could >> they could build weapons or it could >> they could build weapons or it could build weapons now. build weapons now. build weapons now. >> Yeah. If you don't have the proper >> Yeah. If you don't have the proper >> Yeah. If you don't have the proper security controls in place or guard security controls in place or guard security controls in place or guard rails. Yes. [laughter] rails. Yes. [laughter] rails. Yes. [laughter] >> Yes. Yeah. We could talk about this >> Yes. Yeah. We could talk about this >> Yes. Yeah. We could talk about this forever. I know, right? forever. I know, right? forever. I know, right? >> Let's just We are over 1:00, but I just >> Let's just We are over 1:00, but I just >> Let's just We are over 1:00, but I just want to see if we have any questions want to see if we have any questions want to see if we have any questions from the audience. Um, please step up to from the audience. Um, please step up to from the audience. Um, please step up to the purple circle. [laughter] the purple circle. [laughter] the purple circle. [laughter] >> Say your name and who you're here with. >> Say your name and who you're here with. >> Say your name and who you're here with. Stand on the circle. Stand on the circle. Stand on the circle. >> Right. >> Right. >> Right. >> Purple circle. [laughter] >> Purple circle. [laughter] >> Purple circle. [laughter] >> Um, yeah. I was I was just curious. Uh >> Um, yeah. I was I was just curious. Uh >> Um, yeah. I was I was just curious. Uh my name is Paul and I was just curious my name is Paul and I was just curious my name is Paul and I was just curious what are some hygiene checks that you what are some hygiene checks that you what are some hygiene checks that you might look for when you're assessing the might look for when you're assessing the might look for when you're assessing the cyber security of a potential partner.

cyber security of a potential partner. cyber security of a potential partner. >> Thank you Paul. >> Thank you Paul. >> Thank you Paul. >> So I would say first and foremost is >> So I would say first and foremost is >> So I would say first and foremost is access control. Access control not only access control. Access control not only access control. Access control not only for your customer but also for your own for your customer but also for your own for your customer but also for your own team, right? making sure you have the team, right? making sure you have the team, right? making sure you have the appropriate access control, which I it appropriate access control, which I it appropriate access control, which I it sounds like it's a lot to do um at the sounds like it's a lot to do um at the sounds like it's a lot to do um at the beginning. Um but I truly believe that, beginning. Um but I truly believe that, beginning. Um but I truly believe that, you know, you don't know if you ever get you know, you don't know if you ever get you know, you don't know if you ever get in a situation where your team member in a situation where your team member in a situation where your team member just kind of got pissed off. I mean, you just kind of got pissed off. I mean, you just kind of got pissed off. I mean, you know, for whatever reason, you know, and know, for whatever reason, you know, and know, for whatever reason, you know, and so the administration access needs to so the administration access needs to so the administration access needs to not be everything, right? it needs to be not be everything, right? it needs to be not be everything, right? it needs to be segregated enough so that you know it's segregated enough so that you know it's segregated enough so that you know it's only in the area that they work in or only in the area that they work in or only in the area that they work in or you somehow set some security you somehow set some security you somehow set some security boundaries. Right? So, so number one and boundaries. Right? So, so number one and boundaries. Right? So, so number one and foremost if you don't do anything else foremost if you don't do anything else foremost if you don't do anything else is access control. [snorts] [snorts] >> Any other questions from our audience?

>> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> going. >> going. >> going. >> We need a Jeopardy night for for our >> We need a Jeopardy night for for our >> We need a Jeopardy night for for our ecosystem ecosystem ecosystem >> going to [laughter] >> No. Okay. Um just just some last words >> No. Okay. Um just just some last words um from found to founders or or um from found to founders or or um from found to founders or or investors or anybody looking at Houston. investors or anybody looking at Houston. investors or anybody looking at Houston. >> So So I would say founders um be real >> So So I would say founders um be real >> So So I would say founders um be real and and be fearless um in what you want and and be fearless um in what you want and and be fearless um in what you want to achieve. um for investors I Houston to achieve. um for investors I Houston to achieve. um for investors I Houston you know we're here and we have amazing you know we're here and we have amazing you know we're here and we have amazing founders if uh if you uh you know want founders if uh if you uh you know want founders if uh if you uh you know want to see more of you know of the Houston to see more of you know of the Houston to see more of you know of the Houston founders you know please we have so many founders you know please we have so many founders you know please we have so many opportunity and venue here so this is a opportunity and venue here so this is a opportunity and venue here so this is a wonderful way because you also highlight wonderful way because you also highlight wonderful way because you also highlight founders too right founders too right founders too right >> absolutely >> absolutely >> absolutely >> so is that through Creattopia or so >> so is that through Creattopia or so >> so is that through Creattopia or so Creattopia in partnership with noble Creattopia in partnership with noble Creattopia in partnership with noble founder founder founder >> okay there you go okay So, this would be >> okay there you go okay So, this would be >> okay there you go okay So, this would be definitely a place I would highly definitely a place I would highly definitely a place I would highly recommend um and I will um for all of recommend um and I will um for all of recommend um and I will um for all of the investors that I, you know, happen the investors that I, you know, happen the investors that I, you know, happen to, you know, talk to or connect with, to, you know, talk to or connect with, to, you know, talk to or connect with, you know, like you want to know what's you know, like you want to know what's you know, like you want to know what's going on in Houston, check them out.

going on in Houston, check them out. going on in Houston, check them out. Yes, we we'll be updating our calendar Yes, we we'll be updating our calendar Yes, we we'll be updating our calendar of events and and for 2027, uh we have a of events and and for 2027, uh we have a of events and and for 2027, uh we have a lot of just ideas of events and lot of just ideas of events and lot of just ideas of events and showcases and I'm sure that we'll be showcases and I'm sure that we'll be showcases and I'm sure that we'll be partnering with all the different partnering with all the different partnering with all the different ecosystems in Houston and really ecosystems in Houston and really ecosystems in Houston and really bringing everybody together. You know, I bringing everybody together. You know, I bringing everybody together. You know, I think we're all from talking to all of think we're all from talking to all of think we're all from talking to all of the investors that we've been talking to the investors that we've been talking to the investors that we've been talking to in Houston, everybody's in alignment in Houston, everybody's in alignment in Houston, everybody's in alignment with that, how we can all come together with that, how we can all come together with that, how we can all come together >> and build a stronger force all together >> and build a stronger force all together >> and build a stronger force all together >> and put us all on a map, you know, but >> and put us all on a map, you know, but >> and put us all on a map, you know, but it's all Yeah, it's all Yeah, it's all Yeah, >> absolutely. Absolutely. >> absolutely. Absolutely. >> absolutely. Absolutely. >> Indeed, we would love to host Founder >> Indeed, we would love to host Founder >> Indeed, we would love to host Founder Institute members and you. Institute members and you. Institute members and you. >> Absolutely. >> Absolutely. >> Absolutely. >> We can do a lot do a lot of good stuff >> We can do a lot do a lot of good stuff >> We can do a lot do a lot of good stuff here. Now we have the studio. We can here. Now we have the studio. We can here. Now we have the studio. We can record peach record peach record peach >> uh you know practices and maybe you can >> uh you know practices and maybe you can >> uh you know practices and maybe you can do like a do like a do like a >> you know a a a snapshot of you know of a >> you know a a a snapshot of you know of a >> you know a a a snapshot of you know of a startup founder or you know or spotlight startup founder or you know or spotlight startup founder or you know or spotlight you know. you know. you know. >> Sure. Absolutely. >> Sure. Absolutely. >> Sure. Absolutely. >> That would be fantastic. >> That would be fantastic. >> That would be fantastic. >> Okay. >> Okay. >> Okay. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> As like a Houston scavenger hunt would >> As like a Houston scavenger hunt would >> As like a Houston scavenger hunt would be fun of like cuz Lena's literally be fun of like cuz Lena's literally be fun of like cuz Lena's literally across the street. The Ion is just down across the street. The Ion is just down across the street. The Ion is just down the street and Green's lab. Like if we the street and Green's lab. Like if we the street and Green's lab. Like if we [laughter] just did like a little [laughter] just did like a little [laughter] just did like a little scavenger hunt that would be great. We scavenger hunt that would be great. We scavenger hunt that would be great. We love playing like we we started talking love playing like we we started talking love playing like we we started talking about in the beginning.

about in the beginning. about in the beginning. >> Well, you have to have fun. Yeah. I >> Well, you have to have fun. Yeah. I >> Well, you have to have fun. Yeah. I mean, this is, you know, it's hard work mean, this is, you know, it's hard work mean, this is, you know, it's hard work to, you know, to start a new venture. to, you know, to start a new venture. to, you know, to start a new venture. It's very hard work. It's very hard work. It's very hard work. >> But you want to have fun in a process, >> But you want to have fun in a process, >> But you want to have fun in a process, dude. dude. dude. >> Yeah. Yeah. Because at the end of the >> Yeah. Yeah. Because at the end of the >> Yeah. Yeah. Because at the end of the day, we are enjoying it, you know, like day, we are enjoying it, you know, like day, we are enjoying it, you know, like it is it is it is it is it is it is >> it's a passion. >> it's a passion. >> it's a passion. >> Yeah. Right. >> Yeah. Right. >> Yeah. Right. >> Yeah. What was that what was that >> Yeah. What was that what was that >> Yeah. What was that what was that called? The power of the called? The power of the called? The power of the >> power of you. [laughter] >> power of you. [laughter] >> power of you. [laughter] >> Check it out. That's just super cool. >> Check it out. That's just super cool. >> Check it out. That's just super cool. That's super cool. coming coming next. That's super cool. coming coming next. That's super cool. coming coming next. [laughter] [laughter] [laughter] Amy's just going to start her own show Amy's just going to start her own show Amy's just going to start her own show on the power of Right. [laughter] [laughter] >> Okay. Well, I think that's all we have >> Okay. Well, I think that's all we have >> Okay. Well, I think that's all we have time for. Uh, thank you everybody that's time for. Uh, thank you everybody that's time for. Uh, thank you everybody that's here in person, anybody that tuned in here in person, anybody that tuned in here in person, anybody that tuned in online. Uh, this was our 14th episode. online. Uh, this was our 14th episode. online. Uh, this was our 14th episode. Um, what did we call it? Sorry. From Um, what did we call it? Sorry. From Um, what did we call it? Sorry. From founder to fundable, navigating startup founder to fundable, navigating startup founder to fundable, navigating startup growth with Amy Tran. Thank you so much growth with Amy Tran. Thank you so much growth with Amy Tran. Thank you so much for being with us. for being with us. for being with us. >> Thank you so much for having me [snorts] >> Thank you so much for having me [snorts] >> Thank you so much for having me [snorts] here. Yeah, and shout out to 801 Travis here. Yeah, and shout out to 801 Travis here. Yeah, and shout out to 801 Travis and the innovation hub for continuing to and the innovation hub for continuing to and the innovation hub for continuing to support us and Iron Grove who's out support us and Iron Grove who's out support us and Iron Grove who's out there in the audience. Um, and tune in there in the audience. Um, and tune in there in the audience. Um, and tune in next week, same time, uh, for funded next week, same time, uh, for funded next week, same time, uh, for funded founder Fridays.

founder Fridays. founder Fridays. >> Awesome. >> Awesome. >> Awesome. >> Bye. >> Bye. >> Bye. >> Bye. [laughter]