Funded Founder Friday E2: Idea Validation

infrastructure that they developed. infrastructure that they developed. and welcome to our second episode of and welcome to our second episode of and welcome to our second episode of funded founder Fridays. This episode is funded founder Fridays. This episode is funded founder Fridays. This episode is what is it called? what is it called? what is it called? >> Validating and pitching your idea. >> Validating and pitching your idea. >> Validating and pitching your idea. >> Yes. So here we are making space for >> Yes. So here we are making space for >> Yes. So here we are making space for founders to ask questions about the founders to ask questions about the founders to ask questions about the startup journey. In each episode we'll startup journey. In each episode we'll startup journey. In each episode we'll discuss a topic of the month and this discuss a topic of the month and this discuss a topic of the month and this the this month it's community and the this month it's community and the this month it's community and community building. And then we have a community building. And then we have a community building. And then we have a specific uh subject that we discuss specific uh subject that we discuss specific uh subject that we discuss within uh the topic of the month for the within uh the topic of the month for the within uh the topic of the month for the episode and our episode today is episode and our episode today is episode and our episode today is branding and messaging and how this branding and messaging and how this branding and messaging and how this relates to pitching a startup. So the relates to pitching a startup. So the relates to pitching a startup. So the conversation is between founders and conversation is between founders and conversation is between founders and investors and those interested in investors and those interested in investors and those interested in getting involved in the startup journey. getting involved in the startup journey. getting involved in the startup journey. I'm Roselia Banos, the co-founder of I'm Roselia Banos, the co-founder of I'm Roselia Banos, the co-founder of Creattopia Inc. Uh here we are at at the Creattopia Inc. Uh here we are at at the Creattopia Inc. Uh here we are at at the innovation studio at 801 Travis. Um, and innovation studio at 801 Travis. Um, and innovation studio at 801 Travis. Um, and with Creattopia, we've really been with Creattopia, we've really been with Creattopia, we've really been centering on talking um on discovering centering on talking um on discovering centering on talking um on discovering uh how storytelling plays into um our uh how storytelling plays into um our uh how storytelling plays into um our messaging. Um, a lot of what we do is messaging. Um, a lot of what we do is messaging. Um, a lot of what we do is video production for entrepreneurs video production for entrepreneurs video production for entrepreneurs um as well as stream live shows like um as well as stream live shows like um as well as stream live shows like this one. Um, so we are very focused on this one. Um, so we are very focused on this one. Um, so we are very focused on figuring out what the what the figuring out what the what the figuring out what the what the storytelling journey is like for storytelling journey is like for storytelling journey is like for founders. Um, and it's been really fun.

founders. Um, and it's been really fun. founders. Um, and it's been really fun. to to start doing that because it's all to to start doing that because it's all to to start doing that because it's all it's all like video production and and it's all like video production and and it's all like video production and and video and media and media and marketing. video and media and media and marketing. video and media and media and marketing. It's all going into narrative It's all going into narrative It's all going into narrative storytelling. Um and that's just a lot storytelling. Um and that's just a lot storytelling. Um and that's just a lot of it's really fun with all the of it's really fun with all the of it's really fun with all the different things that you can do. Um different things that you can do. Um different things that you can do. Um like one of our clients, she wants to like one of our clients, she wants to like one of our clients, she wants to start doing like mini Mexican soap start doing like mini Mexican soap start doing like mini Mexican soap operas to discuss to discuss her her operas to discuss to discuss her her operas to discuss to discuss her her stories and how she's and and her uh stories and how she's and and her uh stories and how she's and and her uh journey um as well. Um do you want to journey um as well. Um do you want to journey um as well. Um do you want to say something about that? You know, I say something about that? You know, I say something about that? You know, I think the the story of the startup is think the the story of the startup is think the the story of the startup is now the most important thing, right? Uh now the most important thing, right? Uh now the most important thing, right? Uh when you build a startup, uh the way you when you build a startup, uh the way you when you build a startup, uh the way you tell the story, the way you cross your tell the story, the way you cross your tell the story, the way you cross your message, I think now is important. And message, I think now is important. And message, I think now is important. And it's just like you have this great idea, it's just like you have this great idea, it's just like you have this great idea, you have this great u baby that you're you have this great u baby that you're you have this great u baby that you're forming in your head. So now you wanted forming in your head. So now you wanted forming in your head. So now you wanted to share it with the world. So you want to share it with the world. So you want to share it with the world. So you want to tell everybody that uh you know this to tell everybody that uh you know this to tell everybody that uh you know this is what I'm building, this is what I'm is what I'm building, this is what I'm is what I'm building, this is what I'm doing because we are too attached to our doing because we are too attached to our doing because we are too attached to our ideas. We're too attached to our ideas. We're too attached to our ideas. We're too attached to our stories. Most of the time we tell the stories. Most of the time we tell the stories. Most of the time we tell the story about like how we see the world, story about like how we see the world, story about like how we see the world, how the product is and how cool we are how the product is and how cool we are how the product is and how cool we are and and you know a lot of people don't and and you know a lot of people don't and and you know a lot of people don't care about that. [laughter] care about that. [laughter] care about that. [laughter] So they wanted to uh they wanted to see So they wanted to uh they wanted to see So they wanted to uh they wanted to see how this product, this solution, this how this product, this solution, this how this product, this solution, this idea is going to help them. So that's idea is going to help them. So that's idea is going to help them. So that's why today we're going to talk about the why today we're going to talk about the why today we're going to talk about the idea like how people come up with the

idea like how people come up with the idea like how people come up with the idea what is the origin of the idea how idea what is the origin of the idea how idea what is the origin of the idea how do we validate the idea and more do we validate the idea and more do we validate the idea and more importantly how do we communicate and importantly how do we communicate and importantly how do we communicate and pitch the idea that's I think very pitch the idea that's I think very pitch the idea that's I think very important important important >> you know and in working with founders >> you know and in working with founders >> you know and in working with founders it's it's been fun and and for me as it's it's been fun and and for me as it's it's been fun and and for me as well right and how we started telling well right and how we started telling well right and how we started telling the story of Creattopia or just even the story of Creattopia or just even the story of Creattopia or just even starting starting starting >> to engage with the market right you have >> to engage with the market right you have >> to engage with the market right you have to you have to start storytelling from to you have to start storytelling from to you have to start storytelling from the beginning. Um, and so it's been it's the beginning. Um, and so it's been it's the beginning. Um, and so it's been it's been fun and and a struggle to to been fun and and a struggle to to been fun and and a struggle to to discover all of the overwhelm that that discover all of the overwhelm that that discover all of the overwhelm that that startup founders and CEOs and anybody startup founders and CEOs and anybody startup founders and CEOs and anybody that's an entrepreneur that's an entrepreneur that's an entrepreneur >> um that overwhelm that they experience >> um that overwhelm that they experience >> um that overwhelm that they experience um when they're trying to put um when they're trying to put um when they're trying to put >> all of these like because you because >> all of these like because you because >> all of these like because you because you've probably been thinking about your you've probably been thinking about your you've probably been thinking about your startup for years, right? Yeah. Maybe startup for years, right? Yeah. Maybe startup for years, right? Yeah. Maybe sometimes like a decade. And so how do sometimes like a decade. And so how do sometimes like a decade. And so how do you how do you put all of that into not you how do you put all of that into not you how do you put all of that into not only into writing but then into video only into writing but then into video only into writing but then into video productions into something that actually productions into something that actually productions into something that actually looks good when you're presenting it. Um looks good when you're presenting it. Um looks good when you're presenting it. Um and how all of that ties into your and how all of that ties into your and how all of that ties into your branding, right? And and your messaging.

branding, right? And and your messaging. branding, right? And and your messaging. >> Um so today we have two guests, two two >> Um so today we have two guests, two two >> Um so today we have two guests, two two different groups of guests with us. Um different groups of guests with us. Um different groups of guests with us. Um first is Kendrick Karns. Um and he'll be first is Kendrick Karns. Um and he'll be first is Kendrick Karns. Um and he'll be talking specifically about branding and talking specifically about branding and talking specifically about branding and messaging and all he does around that. messaging and all he does around that. messaging and all he does around that. And then we have a group of students who And then we have a group of students who And then we have a group of students who we met at an ed talk um at city hall and we met at an ed talk um at city hall and we met at an ed talk um at city hall and they'll be sharing their their app idea they'll be sharing their their app idea they'll be sharing their their app idea and their project and everything that and their project and everything that and their project and everything that they're doing around it. So we're very they're doing around it. So we're very they're doing around it. So we're very excited um and we can go into excited um and we can go into excited um and we can go into introducing Kendrick now um so we can introducing Kendrick now um so we can introducing Kendrick now um so we can just start that conversation with him. just start that conversation with him. just start that conversation with him. Um so Kedrick Karns after 25 years with Um so Kedrick Karns after 25 years with Um so Kedrick Karns after 25 years with brands like Disney, CNN and Exxon brands like Disney, CNN and Exxon brands like Disney, CNN and Exxon Mobile, uh he learned that great Mobile, uh he learned that great Mobile, uh he learned that great technology and products only succeed technology and products only succeed technology and products only succeed when people understand the why. As the when people understand the why. As the when people understand the why. As the founder of Approachable, Kendrick helped founder of Approachable, Kendrick helped founder of Approachable, Kendrick helped startups transform complex ideas into startups transform complex ideas into startups transform complex ideas into compelling narratives that build compelling narratives that build compelling narratives that build credibility, attract customers, and credibility, attract customers, and credibility, attract customers, and establish lasting industry leadership.

establish lasting industry leadership. establish lasting industry leadership. His approach combines storytelling, His approach combines storytelling, His approach combines storytelling, strategic storytelling, brand strategic storytelling, brand strategic storytelling, brand positioning, and tactical PR to help positioning, and tactical PR to help positioning, and tactical PR to help companies uncover their unique value and companies uncover their unique value and companies uncover their unique value and create legacies that outlive the create legacies that outlive the create legacies that outlive the headlines. So, thank you for being with headlines. So, thank you for being with headlines. So, thank you for being with us. us. us. >> That's a lot. That's a lot. [laughter] >> That's a lot. That's a lot. [laughter] >> That's a lot. That's a lot. [laughter] Thank you. Thanks for having me, guys. I Thank you. Thanks for having me, guys. I Thank you. Thanks for having me, guys. I appreciate it. [clears throat] appreciate it. [clears throat] appreciate it. [clears throat] >> Yeah. Well, I I guess I can jump in >> Yeah. Well, I I guess I can jump in >> Yeah. Well, I I guess I can jump in about almost a year ago, I popped back about almost a year ago, I popped back about almost a year ago, I popped back into the ecosystem, and I'm a former into the ecosystem, and I'm a former into the ecosystem, and I'm a former executive at different large brands. I executive at different large brands. I executive at different large brands. I thought I'd be helping startups with thought I'd be helping startups with thought I'd be helping startups with their products [clears throat] as a their products [clears throat] as a their products [clears throat] as a fractional product, you know, chief fractional product, you know, chief fractional product, you know, chief product officer. I found very quickly product officer. I found very quickly product officer. I found very quickly that with AI and all the in uh the way that with AI and all the in uh the way that with AI and all the in uh the way innovation is approached, no one needs innovation is approached, no one needs innovation is approached, no one needs help with their products until way later help with their products until way later help with their products until way later in the process. Um, but becoming a in the process. Um, but becoming a in the process. Um, but becoming a mentor at Rice Nexus and now at mentor at Rice Nexus and now at mentor at Rice Nexus and now at Greentown, I've learned quickly that Greentown, I've learned quickly that Greentown, I've learned quickly that almost every startup has a very hard almost every startup has a very hard almost every startup has a very hard time expressing their underlying magic. time expressing their underlying magic. time expressing their underlying magic. So what what really makes them great and So what what really makes them great and So what what really makes them great and why we should care. Uh I'm I've got a why we should care. Uh I'm I've got a why we should care. Uh I'm I've got a number of clients today, I'm proud to number of clients today, I'm proud to number of clients today, I'm proud to say. So um Approachable is doing really say. So um Approachable is doing really say. So um Approachable is doing really well and the overarching theme here is I well and the overarching theme here is I well and the overarching theme here is I I we've really sort of nailed how to I we've really sort of nailed how to I we've really sort of nailed how to help a founder through a very simple help a founder through a very simple help a founder through a very simple process express their underlying magic.

process express their underlying magic. process express their underlying magic. There's two traps that founders There's two traps that founders There's two traps that founders typically get into. We've talked about typically get into. We've talked about typically get into. We've talked about it, you alluded to it, Ben, in the it, you alluded to it, Ben, in the it, you alluded to it, Ben, in the intro. is there sort of two traps. One intro. is there sort of two traps. One intro. is there sort of two traps. One is relying on your authority. I've been is relying on your authority. I've been is relying on your authority. I've been in oil and gas for 30 years. I've got in oil and gas for 30 years. I've got in oil and gas for 30 years. I've got this new technology. Buy it. Like that's this new technology. Buy it. Like that's this new technology. Buy it. Like that's not really that engaging, right? And um not really that engaging, right? And um not really that engaging, right? And um the second is the feature set trap where the second is the feature set trap where the second is the feature set trap where it's look at all the features. We're it's look at all the features. We're it's look at all the features. We're very proud we built them all. Buy it. very proud we built them all. Buy it. very proud we built them all. Buy it. [clears throat] [clears throat] [clears throat] Well, to build fellowship of for your Well, to build fellowship of for your Well, to build fellowship of for your brand, you need to deliver equal parts brand, you need to deliver equal parts brand, you need to deliver equal parts authority and empathy. That empathy authority and empathy. That empathy authority and empathy. That empathy piece is missing from both of those. piece is missing from both of those. piece is missing from both of those. >> [clears throat] >> [clears throat] >> [clears throat] >> So using the sevenstep heroes journey >> So using the sevenstep heroes journey >> So using the sevenstep heroes journey made famous by Donald Miller from story made famous by Donald Miller from story made famous by Donald Miller from story brand and before that Joseph Campbell in brand and before that Joseph Campbell in brand and before that Joseph Campbell in the 1950s when he broke down the 1950s when he broke down the 1950s when he broke down storytelling. storytelling. storytelling. We really now can get to the gist very We really now can get to the gist very We really now can get to the gist very quickly of what the underlying magic is quickly of what the underlying magic is quickly of what the underlying magic is with the startup. But then you've got to with the startup. But then you've got to with the startup. But then you've got to take a moment and align it to uh the take a moment and align it to uh the take a moment and align it to uh the marketplace where they're going to go marketplace where they're going to go marketplace where they're going to go play. So uh with any company that's play. So uh with any company that's play. So uh with any company that's great. I love your story. I love what great. I love your story. I love what great. I love your story. I love what you do. who's in the market already and you do. who's in the market already and you do. who's in the market already and how are they talking about themselves how are they talking about themselves how are they talking about themselves and how are you going to go and how are you going to go and how are you going to go differentiate yourself amongst it. So, I differentiate yourself amongst it. So, I differentiate yourself amongst it. So, I know I kind of went far down the road.

know I kind of went far down the road. know I kind of went far down the road. You may have some questions for me, but You may have some questions for me, but You may have some questions for me, but the um the um the um >> that's all we needed to know. Thank you. >> that's all we needed to know. Thank you. >> that's all we needed to know. Thank you. >> Okay, [laughter] um I've got a I've got >> Okay, [laughter] um I've got a I've got >> Okay, [laughter] um I've got a I've got a seminar that's for free on July 30th. a seminar that's for free on July 30th. a seminar that's for free on July 30th. Um you can learn more about it either Um you can learn more about it either Um you can learn more about it either going to my LinkedIn profile um or to going to my LinkedIn profile um or to going to my LinkedIn profile um or to [clears throat] [clears throat] [clears throat] skyler.networkable network skyler.networkable network skyler.networkable network slashapproachable slashapproachable slashapproachable and we'll get it we'll get into how to and we'll get it we'll get into how to and we'll get it we'll get into how to get I call it the death of the elevator get I call it the death of the elevator get I call it the death of the elevator pitch because no one's got time for a pitch because no one's got time for a pitch because no one's got time for a lengthy elevator pitch anymore. We're lengthy elevator pitch anymore. We're lengthy elevator pitch anymore. We're all doom scrolling. That's changed all doom scrolling. That's changed all doom scrolling. That's changed humankind forever. You now have 10 humankind forever. You now have 10 humankind forever. You now have 10 seconds or one breath to communicate the seconds or one breath to communicate the seconds or one breath to communicate the value of your business and why I should value of your business and why I should value of your business and why I should care. So approach will help you do that care. So approach will help you do that care. So approach will help you do that and in that seminar we'll start the and in that seminar we'll start the and in that seminar we'll start the process to help you do that. So you know process to help you do that. So you know process to help you do that. So you know like you and I had a lot of like you and I had a lot of like you and I had a lot of conversations around the storytelling conversations around the storytelling conversations around the storytelling and the framework Donald Miller put out and the framework Donald Miller put out and the framework Donald Miller put out and it's just about like each story has and it's just about like each story has and it's just about like each story has uh different you know elements right and uh different you know elements right and uh different you know elements right and how those storytelling helps brands and how those storytelling helps brands and how those storytelling helps brands and companies to communicate with their uh companies to communicate with their uh companies to communicate with their uh you know vendors their customers their you know vendors their customers their you know vendors their customers their partners uh even investors for startups partners uh even investors for startups partners uh even investors for startups I think it's just very important and I I think it's just very important and I I think it's just very important and I know uh with all your heart you're know uh with all your heart you're know uh with all your heart you're helping the ecosystem. So Kitri is in helping the ecosystem. So Kitri is in helping the ecosystem. So Kitri is in the Houston ecosystem, startup ecosystem the Houston ecosystem, startup ecosystem the Houston ecosystem, startup ecosystem helping a lot of companies even um you helping a lot of companies even um you helping a lot of companies even um you know if the companies even they if they know if the companies even they if they know if the companies even they if they cannot afford it like he helped them cannot afford it like he helped them cannot afford it like he helped them because that's how we you build a because that's how we you build a because that's how we you build a community right people that they care community right people that they care community right people that they care about community come together the goal about community come together the goal about community come together the goal is to help each other and of course we

is to help each other and of course we is to help each other and of course we want to make money too like you know want to make money too like you know want to make money too like you know this is the this is the gist of business this is the this is the gist of business this is the this is the gist of business so if someone comes to you and say look so if someone comes to you and say look so if someone comes to you and say look uh why you are charging people you know uh why you are charging people you know uh why you are charging people you know this is a business the business should this is a business the business should this is a business the business should make money. But you know can you walk us make money. But you know can you walk us make money. But you know can you walk us through like the the the the through like the the the the through like the the the the storytelling framework you know what are storytelling framework you know what are storytelling framework you know what are the different actors you know and how the different actors you know and how the different actors you know and how startups can use that to pitch and to startups can use that to pitch and to startups can use that to pitch and to communicate because first time let me communicate because first time let me communicate because first time let me tell you a story. So I was in the ion tell you a story. So I was in the ion tell you a story. So I was in the ion with Kitri and I just explained to him with Kitri and I just explained to him with Kitri and I just explained to him what I do and then we went to someone what I do and then we went to someone what I do and then we went to someone and he just heard what I told him and he and he just heard what I told him and he and he just heard what I told him and he pitched my idea to someone else and I pitched my idea to someone else and I pitched my idea to someone else and I was like was like was like >> wow >> wow >> wow >> that's what I said. >> that's what I said. >> that's what I said. >> Yeah. So you know if you can you know >> Yeah. So you know if you can you know >> Yeah. So you know if you can you know walk people through like how what is the walk people through like how what is the walk people through like how what is the what is the framework how it applies and what is the framework how it applies and what is the framework how it applies and and how can people uh you know benefit and how can people uh you know benefit and how can people uh you know benefit from it. from it. from it. >> Yeah if it's okay let's take one half >> Yeah if it's okay let's take one half >> Yeah if it's okay let's take one half step back. The quality of startups in step back. The quality of startups in step back. The quality of startups in Houston has improved Houston has improved Houston has improved >> in a crazy amount of like just a crazy >> in a crazy amount of like just a crazy >> in a crazy amount of like just a crazy way.

way. way. >> I had a venture studio here that failed >> I had a venture studio here that failed >> I had a venture studio here that failed 10 years ago, maybe nine years ago. I 10 years ago, maybe nine years ago. I 10 years ago, maybe nine years ago. I keep I I need to do the math one day. keep I I need to do the math one day. keep I I need to do the math one day. It's it was painful so I'm trying to It's it was painful so I'm trying to It's it was painful so I'm trying to forget it. But it failed because no one forget it. But it failed because no one forget it. But it failed because no one was here to invest this. No one was was here to invest this. No one was was here to invest this. No one was investing outside of oil and gas or or investing outside of oil and gas or or investing outside of oil and gas or or healthcare. We had an amazing cohort of healthcare. We had an amazing cohort of healthcare. We had an amazing cohort of companies. We built out their go to companies. We built out their go to companies. We built out their go to market, their product road maps, their market, their product road maps, their market, their product road maps, their branding and we end up having one sort branding and we end up having one sort branding and we end up having one sort of one successful company out of that of one successful company out of that of one successful company out of that group. group. group. >> Now coming back I like I said I came >> Now coming back I like I said I came >> Now coming back I like I said I came back to this ecosystem last September back to this ecosystem last September back to this ecosystem last September and um the there's postrevenue startups and um the there's postrevenue startups and um the there's postrevenue startups in this ecosystem that are over a in this ecosystem that are over a in this ecosystem that are over a million dollars in post revenue million dollars in post revenue million dollars in post revenue >> especially at Rice Nexus. We've got a >> especially at Rice Nexus. We've got a >> especially at Rice Nexus. We've got a number of startups that are postrevenue number of startups that are postrevenue number of startups that are postrevenue that um that are on their second you that um that are on their second you that um that are on their second you know seed raise or what have you. Um so know seed raise or what have you. Um so know seed raise or what have you. Um so the quality of startups here are good. I the quality of startups here are good. I the quality of startups here are good. I feel it is necessary for me to help feel it is necessary for me to help feel it is necessary for me to help these companies be successful any way I these companies be successful any way I these companies be successful any way I can. So, as a marketing agency, branding can. So, as a marketing agency, branding can. So, as a marketing agency, branding and marketing agency, Approachable is and marketing agency, Approachable is and marketing agency, Approachable is here to help everybody. We'll figure it here to help everybody. We'll figure it here to help everybody. We'll figure it out. If you're preede, out. If you're preede, out. If you're preede, I'll probably help you for free. I'm I'll probably help you for free. I'm I'll probably help you for free. I'm just going to say it. I I you know, this just going to say it. I I you know, this just going to say it. I I you know, this that's we just we need this whole that's we just we need this whole that's we just we need this whole ecosystem to lift. So with that being ecosystem to lift. So with that being ecosystem to lift. So with that being said, um sort of alluding to my version said, um sort of alluding to my version said, um sort of alluding to my version of Donald Miller's story brand, but you of Donald Miller's story brand, but you of Donald Miller's story brand, but you know, taking bits and pieces of a bunch know, taking bits and pieces of a bunch know, taking bits and pieces of a bunch of things. At the at the end of the day, of things. At the at the end of the day, of things. At the at the end of the day, your brand is a guide to your customer.

your brand is a guide to your customer. your brand is a guide to your customer. So that means you're Obi-Wan Kenobi and So that means you're Obi-Wan Kenobi and So that means you're Obi-Wan Kenobi and your customer is Luke Skywalker. Used to your customer is Luke Skywalker. Used to your customer is Luke Skywalker. Used to say Yoda, but Obi-Wan Kenobi did more say Yoda, but Obi-Wan Kenobi did more say Yoda, but Obi-Wan Kenobi did more for for Luke than Yoda ever [laughter] for for Luke than Yoda ever [laughter] for for Luke than Yoda ever [laughter] did. Um, yeah, we can debate it, but at did. Um, yeah, we can debate it, but at did. Um, yeah, we can debate it, but at the end of the day, you're their guide the end of the day, you're their guide the end of the day, you're their guide and they've got a problem. And this is and they've got a problem. And this is and they've got a problem. And this is where I'm a design thinking uh where I'm a design thinking uh where I'm a design thinking uh practitioner. And this is where you've practitioner. And this is where you've practitioner. And this is where you've got to get to a consumer centric got to get to a consumer centric got to get to a consumer centric position in your brain when you're position in your brain when you're position in your brain when you're conceptualizing your branding. What does conceptualizing your branding. What does conceptualizing your branding. What does Luke Skywalker need? What does the Luke Skywalker need? What does the Luke Skywalker need? What does the character in your story need? He's the character in your story need? He's the character in your story need? He's the hero or she's the hero, whoever they hero or she's the hero, whoever they hero or she's the hero, whoever they are. That brand, by the way, can be a are. That brand, by the way, can be a are. That brand, by the way, can be a company or a product. So, you can brand company or a product. So, you can brand company or a product. So, you can brand a product the same you can brand a a product the same you can brand a a product the same you can brand a company, but they've got three problems. company, but they've got three problems. company, but they've got three problems. An internal problem, an external An internal problem, an external An internal problem, an external problem, and a philos philosophical problem, and a philos philosophical problem, and a philos philosophical problem. And there's probably a villain problem. And there's probably a villain problem. And there's probably a villain out there. out there. out there. >> And that's where you've got to really >> And that's where you've got to really >> And that's where you've got to really kind of dive deep into that and kind of dive deep into that and kind of dive deep into that and determine how you're going to be their determine how you're going to be their determine how you're going to be their guide and help them understand what the guide and help them understand what the guide and help them understand what the stakes, what is success look like, and stakes, what is success look like, and stakes, what is success look like, and what would failure look like. Then from what would failure look like. Then from what would failure look like. Then from there, we can kind of get to how do we there, we can kind of get to how do we there, we can kind of get to how do we talk about the thing that I've I've talk about the thing that I've I've talk about the thing that I've I've worked on for 15 years. I've second worked on for 15 years. I've second worked on for 15 years. I've second mortgaged my home. My wife was going to mortgaged my home. My wife was going to mortgaged my home. My wife was going to murder me. What do we do? I'm murder me. What do we do? I'm murder me. What do we do? I'm [clears throat] hearing laughter because [clears throat] hearing laughter because [clears throat] hearing laughter because it sounds like there's some truth in the it sounds like there's some truth in the it sounds like there's some truth in the green room. [laughter] green room. [laughter] green room. [laughter] That is a real thing. And it you've got That is a real thing. And it you've got That is a real thing. And it you've got to kind of get out of yourself, get the to kind of get out of yourself, get the to kind of get out of yourself, get the story done on paper. It's called a a story done on paper. It's called a a story done on paper. It's called a a brand script. And and really kind of brand script. And and really kind of brand script. And and really kind of nail that down. And then from there, nail that down. And then from there, nail that down. And then from there, folks like me um can help you articulate folks like me um can help you articulate folks like me um can help you articulate it. And then the last thing is once you it. And then the last thing is once you it. And then the last thing is once you get your messaging done, it's not done.

get your messaging done, it's not done. get your messaging done, it's not done. Like it's got to it's got to be tuned Like it's got to it's got to be tuned Like it's got to it's got to be tuned and maintained all the time. I'm and maintained all the time. I'm and maintained all the time. I'm currently readressing my agency's currently readressing my agency's currently readressing my agency's branding right now. I've got three that branding right now. I've got three that branding right now. I've got three that I like and I'm not gonna say them today I like and I'm not gonna say them today I like and I'm not gonna say them today because I because I like I'm trying to because I because I like I'm trying to because I because I like I'm trying to figure out how to merge all three right figure out how to merge all three right figure out how to merge all three right now and it it's because my agency is now now and it it's because my agency is now now and it it's because my agency is now offering more services. We're full offering more services. We're full offering more services. We're full service marketing, not just branding service marketing, not just branding service marketing, not just branding because I found and the last thing I'll because I found and the last thing I'll because I found and the last thing I'll say after you figured out how to talk say after you figured out how to talk say after you figured out how to talk about yourself, you need to go tell about yourself, you need to go tell about yourself, you need to go tell Agentic Search and GEO SEO your Agentic Search and GEO SEO your Agentic Search and GEO SEO your messaging. You need to go establish it. messaging. You need to go establish it. messaging. You need to go establish it. And the fastest way to do that stuff And the fastest way to do that stuff And the fastest way to do that stuff that we do, we can create a a a PR that we do, we can create a a a PR that we do, we can create a a a PR narrative and issue press releases, get narrative and issue press releases, get narrative and issue press releases, get your JSON schema going on your website, your JSON schema going on your website, your JSON schema going on your website, and then we can start telling folks who and then we can start telling folks who and then we can start telling folks who you are so that when you're getting you are so that when you're getting you are so that when you're getting shopped, you're being represented the shopped, you're being represented the shopped, you're being represented the right way. I have a number of clients right way. I have a number of clients right way. I have a number of clients that were not getting represented by AI that were not getting represented by AI that were not getting represented by AI by AI the right way. And we've remedied by AI the right way. And we've remedied by AI the right way. And we've remedied it remedied that with two press releases it remedied that with two press releases it remedied that with two press releases and a couple messaging updates on their and a couple messaging updates on their and a couple messaging updates on their website. website. website. >> This is all that we bring. So, we want >> This is all that we bring. So, we want >> This is all that we bring. So, we want to we want to help startups the best we to we want to help startups the best we to we want to help startups the best we possibly can. possibly can. possibly can. How how do startup founders um kind of How how do startup founders um kind of How how do startup founders um kind of react to the whole process?

react to the whole process? react to the whole process? >> I have not met a founder that doesn't >> I have not met a founder that doesn't >> I have not met a founder that doesn't need my help yet. need my help yet. need my help yet. >> I bet. >> I bet. >> I bet. >> And I I um it makes me so happy because >> And I I um it makes me so happy because >> And I I um it makes me so happy because I could not pick a better job getting to I could not pick a better job getting to I could not pick a better job getting to sit down in front of passionate people sit down in front of passionate people sit down in front of passionate people and hear about a different thing all the and hear about a different thing all the and hear about a different thing all the time. I'm not a a good babysitter. I time. I'm not a a good babysitter. I time. I'm not a a good babysitter. I like new things. I want to build things like new things. I want to build things like new things. I want to build things all the time. all the time. all the time. >> Um I've got I've got one founder >> Um I've got I've got one founder >> Um I've got I've got one founder founding company I'm in love with, Rick founding company I'm in love with, Rick founding company I'm in love with, Rick and Alyssa. I'm going to be introducing and Alyssa. I'm going to be introducing and Alyssa. I'm going to be introducing them to Ben in person hopefully week them to Ben in person hopefully week them to Ben in person hopefully week after next. They're called Kerio. The after next. They're called Kerio. The after next. They're called Kerio. The founder is a MB MBA from the 1970s from founder is a MB MBA from the 1970s from founder is a MB MBA from the 1970s from Rice. He's had two exits. And no Rice. He's had two exits. And no Rice. He's had two exits. And no offense, Rick, if you're watching this, offense, Rick, if you're watching this, offense, Rick, if you're watching this, it took him a very long time to express it took him a very long time to express it took him a very long time to express to me the beauty of what he's built. His to me the beauty of what he's built. His to me the beauty of what he's built. His product is going to save 2,000 lives a product is going to save 2,000 lives a product is going to save 2,000 lives a year once it gets to market. It's a year once it gets to market. It's a year once it gets to market. It's a medical device. medical device. medical device. >> It's amazing. um just you place it on a >> It's amazing. um just you place it on a >> It's amazing. um just you place it on a child's chest, you can you can figure child's chest, you can you can figure child's chest, you can you can figure out whether a murmur is abnormal or not. out whether a murmur is abnormal or not. out whether a murmur is abnormal or not. So the the the again these startups are So the the the again these startups are So the the the again these startups are it's tough to talk about them when it's tough to talk about them when it's tough to talk about them when you're so close to it. Um and it's easy you're so close to it. Um and it's easy you're so close to it. Um and it's easy to remedy and sort of everyone needs the to remedy and sort of everyone needs the to remedy and sort of everyone needs the help in different various ways.

help in different various ways. help in different various ways. So you know like if if like for the So you know like if if like for the So you know like if if like for the people that are watching for the startup people that are watching for the startup people that are watching for the startup u uh founders if they want to take like u uh founders if they want to take like u uh founders if they want to take like three tips from like this discussion three tips from like this discussion three tips from like this discussion what do you uh give them in practice what do you uh give them in practice what do you uh give them in practice like what is your practical advice like like what is your practical advice like like what is your practical advice like if I'm trying to get that because you if I'm trying to get that because you if I'm trying to get that because you know just just to be very honest and know just just to be very honest and know just just to be very honest and transparent I'm working with Kit to uh transparent I'm working with Kit to uh transparent I'm working with Kit to uh build our messaging around like the work build our messaging around like the work build our messaging around like the work that we do. It's really easy to say that we do. It's really easy to say that we do. It's really easy to say that, but it's really hard when you that, but it's really hard when you that, but it's really hard when you start doing it. It's is really hard even start doing it. It's is really hard even start doing it. It's is really hard even for someone that knows like the for someone that knows like the for someone that knows like the framework. So, what is like like three framework. So, what is like like three framework. So, what is like like three things that people can take away from things that people can take away from things that people can take away from this conversation uh to get started? I this conversation uh to get started? I this conversation uh to get started? I know this is this is not a a simple know this is this is not a a simple know this is this is not a a simple process, but just three things if they process, but just three things if they process, but just three things if they wanted to uh get away from this uh this wanted to uh get away from this uh this wanted to uh get away from this uh this conversation. conversation. conversation. >> Yeah, you're putting me on the spot, but >> Yeah, you're putting me on the spot, but >> Yeah, you're putting me on the spot, but I think I got it. Um, I think I got it I think I got it. Um, I think I got it I think I got it. Um, I think I got it there. There's a there's a few things. there. There's a there's a few things. there. There's a there's a few things. One is really focus on who your customer One is really focus on who your customer One is really focus on who your customer is, the hero of your story. Um, again, is, the hero of your story. Um, again, is, the hero of your story. Um, again, I'll pick on Rick, the the founder from I'll pick on Rick, the the founder from I'll pick on Rick, the the founder from Rice that I'm I'm mentioning. Company is Rice that I'm I'm mentioning. Company is Rice that I'm I'm mentioning. Company is Kerio, c a r dio.com.

Kerio, c a r dio.com. Kerio, c a r dio.com. Um, Um, Um, he has a product that there will be he has a product that there will be he has a product that there will be variations of the product and different variations of the product and different variations of the product and different customers. So, it fits on your chest. customers. So, it fits on your chest. customers. So, it fits on your chest. So, adults have different landscapes on So, adults have different landscapes on So, adults have different landscapes on their chest versus children. So there's their chest versus children. So there's their chest versus children. So there's even different size for different sized even different size for different sized even different size for different sized children. So who's the customer? That's children. So who's the customer? That's children. So who's the customer? That's a tough decision to make. a tough decision to make. a tough decision to make. >> We're going to get to market first with >> We're going to get to market first with >> We're going to get to market first with pediatrics. So that's the customer right pediatrics. So that's the customer right pediatrics. So that's the customer right now. We'll work on adults later. So now. We'll work on adults later. So now. We'll work on adults later. So really nail down get specific with your really nail down get specific with your really nail down get specific with your customer is the second thing. Remember I customer is the second thing. Remember I customer is the second thing. Remember I mentioned the traps of you know really mentioned the traps of you know really mentioned the traps of you know really focusing on your authority or your focusing on your authority or your focusing on your authority or your feature set. You need to figure out the feature set. You need to figure out the feature set. You need to figure out the empathy. That's kind of weird to say, empathy. That's kind of weird to say, empathy. That's kind of weird to say, but how do you how and and figure out but how do you how and and figure out but how do you how and and figure out how to talk about your empathy and how to talk about your empathy and how to talk about your empathy and that's uh you know, you're starting that's uh you know, you're starting that's uh you know, you're starting Noble Founder because you've been there Noble Founder because you've been there Noble Founder because you've been there before. before. before. >> Well, express that. How did it feel >> Well, express that. How did it feel >> Well, express that. How did it feel worrying late at night and working all worrying late at night and working all worrying late at night and working all day and not being able to pay yourself day and not being able to pay yourself day and not being able to pay yourself and like all those all those things and like all those all those things and like all those all those things that's your empathy depending on your that's your empathy depending on your that's your empathy depending on your product and your category. Then the product and your category. Then the product and your category. Then the third thing is really pay attention to third thing is really pay attention to third thing is really pay attention to your value proposition and how how you your value proposition and how how you your value proposition and how how you should be different. um that again there should be different. um that again there should be different. um that again there are not a lot of unique ideas out in are not a lot of unique ideas out in are not a lot of unique ideas out in this world right now and now you're this world right now and now you're this world right now and now you're starting to see ideas that are sort of starting to see ideas that are sort of starting to see ideas that are sort of subsets of other ideas.

subsets of other ideas. subsets of other ideas. I heard a few at Cupa Joey today at the I heard a few at Cupa Joey today at the I heard a few at Cupa Joey today at the ions like okay that's a your idea is a ions like okay that's a your idea is a ions like okay that's a your idea is a feature of something I'm already using feature of something I'm already using feature of something I'm already using so why why do I need to care about this so why why do I need to care about this so why why do I need to care about this and they may they may have an angle like and they may they may have an angle like and they may they may have an angle like that has happened I mean there's that has happened I mean there's that has happened I mean there's >> hell yellowpages.com used to exist like >> hell yellowpages.com used to exist like >> hell yellowpages.com used to exist like that so that so that so um really re nail those three down and um really re nail those three down and um really re nail those three down and you'll be half the way there. you'll be half the way there. you'll be half the way there. Reach out to me. I'm happy to help any Reach out to me. I'm happy to help any Reach out to me. I'm happy to help any way I can. Oh, way I can. Oh, way I can. Oh, >> absolutely. Thank you so much. >> absolutely. Thank you so much. >> absolutely. Thank you so much. >> Sure. >> Sure. >> Sure. >> And I think you know that's the biggest >> And I think you know that's the biggest >> And I think you know that's the biggest thing. If you are looking for funding, thing. If you are looking for funding, thing. If you are looking for funding, right? The first thing they're going to right? The first thing they're going to right? The first thing they're going to ask you who's your customer, right? ask you who's your customer, right? ask you who's your customer, right? >> You know, who's your and then they're >> You know, who's your and then they're >> You know, who's your and then they're going to use terms like what is your going to use terms like what is your going to use terms like what is your ICP? I'm like what is ICP? ICP? I'm like what is ICP? ICP? I'm like what is ICP? who is your, you know, ideal customer who is your, you know, ideal customer who is your, you know, ideal customer profile and is this idea solving a profile and is this idea solving a profile and is this idea solving a problem or you're just a genius coming problem or you're just a genius coming problem or you're just a genius coming up with this idea and you know like I am up with this idea and you know like I am up with this idea and you know like I am the hero like I'm the hero of the story the hero like I'm the hero of the story the hero like I'm the hero of the story uh so you know I came with this idea and uh so you know I came with this idea and uh so you know I came with this idea and everybody should buy it and how do you everybody should buy it and how do you everybody should buy it and how do you differentiate like when you go pitch differentiate like when you go pitch differentiate like when you go pitch this to any investor they're going to this to any investor they're going to this to any investor they're going to ask the same question like who's your ask the same question like who's your ask the same question like who's your customer right and you know what are you customer right and you know what are you customer right and you know what are you offering that is different from others offering that is different from others offering that is different from others and you how you are positioning yourself and you how you are positioning yourself and you how you are positioning yourself in the market in the market in the market >> in 10 seconds or one breath you need to >> in 10 seconds or one breath you need to >> in 10 seconds or one breath you need to engage someone uh and then hopefully engage someone uh and then hopefully engage someone uh and then hopefully inspire them to go home and tell their inspire them to go home and tell their inspire them to go home and tell their family about you family about you family about you >> and if you can do that you win

>> and if you can do that you win >> and if you can do that you win >> and I think that's why you have this >> and I think that's why you have this >> and I think that's why you have this this seminar like it's just all about this seminar like it's just all about this seminar like it's just all about the pitching right the pitching right the pitching right >> you know just just think you are in in >> you know just just think you are in in >> you know just just think you are in in you know in a situation with your ideal you know in a situation with your ideal you know in a situation with your ideal uh investor and you have just five 10 uh investor and you have just five 10 uh investor and you have just five 10 seconds Right. Either you just tell them seconds Right. Either you just tell them seconds Right. Either you just tell them and and they they remember you, they and and they they remember you, they and and they they remember you, they want to have a, you know, second want to have a, you know, second want to have a, you know, second conversation or they're like, "Oh, conversation or they're like, "Oh, conversation or they're like, "Oh, yeah." Like you said, I I you think I I yeah." Like you said, I I you think I I yeah." Like you said, I I you think I I heard about it before somewhere somehow. heard about it before somewhere somehow. heard about it before somewhere somehow. >> Yeah. I have one more one more question. >> Yeah. I have one more one more question. >> Yeah. I have one more one more question. Um, how do how would you recommend a Um, how do how would you recommend a Um, how do how would you recommend a founder prepares founder prepares founder prepares like emotionally like emotionally like emotionally to to process because I think because I to to process because I think because I to to process because I think because I think what they process with you is is think what they process with you is is think what they process with you is is like a very emotional process or just like a very emotional process or just like a very emotional process or just like creative creatively. I know you like creative creatively. I know you like creative creatively. I know you gave them like three points. Um, but gave them like three points. Um, but gave them like three points. Um, but like in terms of like if somebody were like in terms of like if somebody were like in terms of like if somebody were to come see you tomorrow, to come see you tomorrow, to come see you tomorrow, >> sure. >> sure. >> sure. >> Uh, what do you recommend like as like a >> Uh, what do you recommend like as like a >> Uh, what do you recommend like as like a homework for them? like it. homework for them? like it. homework for them? like it. >> Uh the the process moves faster if you >> Uh the the process moves faster if you >> Uh the the process moves faster if you can give me your anything that talks can give me your anything that talks can give me your anything that talks about your company to me ahead of time.

about your company to me ahead of time. about your company to me ahead of time. Uh I no idea is a bad idea. I'm not here Uh I no idea is a bad idea. I'm not here Uh I no idea is a bad idea. I'm not here to judge the quality of a startup or to judge the quality of a startup or to judge the quality of a startup or even the idea. I want to help you talk even the idea. I want to help you talk even the idea. I want to help you talk about your idea. So if I can see how about your idea. So if I can see how about your idea. So if I can see how you've talked about it already, then I you've talked about it already, then I you've talked about it already, then I can do some preliminary work before I can do some preliminary work before I can do some preliminary work before I sit down with you. Um I can see, oh, sit down with you. Um I can see, oh, sit down with you. Um I can see, oh, they're leading with their feature set they're leading with their feature set they're leading with their feature set because they're an engineer and they're because they're an engineer and they're because they're an engineer and they're really proud of the 25 things that they really proud of the 25 things that they really proud of the 25 things that they built from their backlog. Okay, that's built from their backlog. Okay, that's built from their backlog. Okay, that's great. But why is it important that I great. But why is it important that I great. But why is it important that I know this is here? Sometimes a pitch know this is here? Sometimes a pitch know this is here? Sometimes a pitch deck will tell it to me. But um you I deck will tell it to me. But um you I deck will tell it to me. But um you I met with a company last week. They sent met with a company last week. They sent met with a company last week. They sent me their pitch deck, but the messaging me their pitch deck, but the messaging me their pitch deck, but the messaging was all toward the investor. I think was all toward the investor. I think was all toward the investor. I think that's a crucial point to make. Your that's a crucial point to make. Your that's a crucial point to make. Your messaging to an investor is different messaging to an investor is different messaging to an investor is different than your messaging to your hero of your than your messaging to your hero of your than your messaging to your hero of your story. So I I was able to see how they story. So I I was able to see how they story. So I I was able to see how they talk about their me how they talk to talk about their me how they talk to talk about their me how they talk to their um to their investor people that their um to their investor people that their um to their investor people that they're speaking with, but um they they're speaking with, but um they they're speaking with, but um they really didn't have the rest figured out. really didn't have the rest figured out. really didn't have the rest figured out. And we'll be nailing that down probably And we'll be nailing that down probably And we'll be nailing that down probably next week. Awesome. next week. Awesome. next week. Awesome. >> Well, tell us one more time when your >> Well, tell us one more time when your >> Well, tell us one more time when your workshop is and where people can find workshop is and where people can find workshop is and where people can find you. you. you. >> Yeah, so July 30th at noon, hourlong >> Yeah, so July 30th at noon, hourlong >> Yeah, so July 30th at noon, hourlong free seminar called the death of the free seminar called the death of the free seminar called the death of the elevator pitch and the one breath test.

elevator pitch and the one breath test. elevator pitch and the one breath test. I'm going to put a few founders uh um to I'm going to put a few founders uh um to I'm going to put a few founders uh um to the test to the test literally. Um I am the test to the test literally. Um I am the test to the test literally. Um I am embracing one of my one of my clients, embracing one of my one of my clients, embracing one of my one of my clients, Skyler.network. So go to Skyler if Skyler.network. So go to Skyler if Skyler.network. So go to Skyler if you've been to Cup of Joey the last few you've been to Cup of Joey the last few you've been to Cup of Joey the last few weeks. Uh, we're working through the weeks. Uh, we're working through the weeks. Uh, we're working through the process of helping Joey collect his process of helping Joey collect his process of helping Joey collect his audience into that into that community. audience into that into that community. audience into that into that community. I'm embracing it. I've been I've been um I'm embracing it. I've been I've been um I'm embracing it. I've been I've been um I'm going to be meeting with him and Ben I'm going to be meeting with him and Ben I'm going to be meeting with him and Ben here later today and uh that's where here later today and uh that's where here later today and uh that's where we're going to have the seminar. So, we're going to have the seminar. So, we're going to have the seminar. So, skyler.networkable. skyler.networkable. skyler.networkable. >> Awesome. Well, thank you so much. >> Awesome. Well, thank you so much. >> Awesome. Well, thank you so much. >> Thank you so much. Really appreciate >> Thank you so much. Really appreciate >> Thank you so much. Really appreciate that. that. that. >> Yeah, absolutely. >> Yeah, absolutely. >> Yeah, absolutely. >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> It's all about storytelling, right? It's >> It's all about storytelling, right? It's >> It's all about storytelling, right? It's all about how we tell stories and how we all about how we tell stories and how we all about how we tell stories and how we really um really um really um get our message out get our message out get our message out because it's important for people to because it's important for people to because it's important for people to understand and learn about us understand and learn about us understand and learn about us uh in a way that is important to them, uh in a way that is important to them, uh in a way that is important to them, >> right? And and I think even as a >> right? And and I think even as a >> right? And and I think even as a founder, you know, how how you start founder, you know, how how you start founder, you know, how how you start how you deliver your message with how you deliver your message with how you deliver your message with clarity.

clarity. clarity. >> You know, I think I think when you start >> You know, I think I think when you start >> You know, I think I think when you start telling the story and you have all these telling the story and you have all these telling the story and you have all these things that you've been working on for things that you've been working on for things that you've been working on for decades, [laughter] decades, [laughter] decades, [laughter] it makes it hard to put things into it makes it hard to put things into it makes it hard to put things into words. So, so it's great that we have words. So, so it's great that we have words. So, so it's great that we have people in the ecosystem that can help uh people in the ecosystem that can help uh people in the ecosystem that can help uh reach that clarity um and yeah and and reach that clarity um and yeah and and reach that clarity um and yeah and and just help us move along and help us tell just help us move along and help us tell just help us move along and help us tell our narratives and our pitches and our narratives and our pitches and our narratives and our pitches and everything. So I think that will help everything. So I think that will help everything. So I think that will help you to validate the the idea. So the you to validate the the idea. So the you to validate the the idea. So the startup idea people come with the idea startup idea people come with the idea startup idea people come with the idea and and what Kendrick just explained and and what Kendrick just explained and and what Kendrick just explained here we have this idea you need to here we have this idea you need to here we have this idea you need to understand who is the hero of your story understand who is the hero of your story understand who is the hero of your story who is your customer who is your customer who is your customer is this customer in a really insane pain is this customer in a really insane pain is this customer in a really insane pain is there a problem that you are solving is there a problem that you are solving is there a problem that you are solving and is this solution addressing that and is this solution addressing that and is this solution addressing that pain and problem in a way that customer pain and problem in a way that customer pain and problem in a way that customer is willing to pay for that so there is a is willing to pay for that so there is a is willing to pay for that so there is a difference like there is this um uh difference like there is this um uh difference like there is this um uh there's this notion of uh there are there's this notion of uh there are there's this notion of uh there are people uh that are building u solutions people uh that are building u solutions people uh that are building u solutions that they are like vitamins. So in the that they are like vitamins. So in the that they are like vitamins. So in the middle of night you're not going to go middle of night you're not going to go middle of night you're not going to go out and buy vitamins but in the middle out and buy vitamins but in the middle out and buy vitamins but in the middle of night you're going to go out and buy of night you're going to go out and buy of night you're going to go out and buy you know painkiller if you have like you know painkiller if you have like you know painkiller if you have like really bad pain. This is exactly really bad pain. This is exactly really bad pain. This is exactly uh true for everything that you build as uh true for everything that you build as uh true for everything that you build as a startup a startup a startup >> because if you want to validate your >> because if you want to validate your >> because if you want to validate your your idea just go to market and start your idea just go to market and start your idea just go to market and start asking people is this a good idea? Yes.

asking people is this a good idea? Yes. asking people is this a good idea? Yes. No. Do you need this idea? Yes. No. Is No. Do you need this idea? Yes. No. Is No. Do you need this idea? Yes. No. Is your pain u you know hard enough to pay your pain u you know hard enough to pay your pain u you know hard enough to pay for this idea? like do you have this bad for this idea? like do you have this bad for this idea? like do you have this bad pain that you're willing to pay for this pain that you're willing to pay for this pain that you're willing to pay for this idea? If the answer is no, you need to idea? If the answer is no, you need to idea? If the answer is no, you need to refine the idea. You need to refine the refine the idea. You need to refine the refine the idea. You need to refine the solution and you need to have more solution and you need to have more solution and you need to have more conversations with people. So now you conversations with people. So now you conversations with people. So now you know what is the exact problem that we know what is the exact problem that we know what is the exact problem that we are solving. are solving. are solving. So this is kind of like the the So this is kind of like the the So this is kind of like the the validation part which now is even more validation part which now is even more validation part which now is even more important uh important uh important uh because you need to know what exactly because you need to know what exactly because you need to know what exactly the customer is looking for. You need to the customer is looking for. You need to the customer is looking for. You need to get into their head, get into their head, get into their head, >> right? And and what we're building here >> right? And and what we're building here >> right? And and what we're building here at the innovation studio, we really want at the innovation studio, we really want at the innovation studio, we really want to focus on local solutions um and to focus on local solutions um and to focus on local solutions um and identifying identifying identifying um um um local problems. I mean really really local problems. I mean really really local problems. I mean really really focus on on discovering what those local focus on on discovering what those local focus on on discovering what those local problems are within Houston and and how problems are within Houston and and how problems are within Houston and and how we can develop solutions around that. Um we can develop solutions around that. Um we can develop solutions around that. Um and somebody that's actually already and somebody that's actually already and somebody that's actually already doing that right down the street is the doing that right down the street is the doing that right down the street is the mayor's office of education um at city mayor's office of education um at city mayor's office of education um at city hall.

hall. hall. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Um and a couple when was that? Maybe >> Um and a couple when was that? Maybe >> Um and a couple when was that? Maybe maybe like a month ago now um they held maybe like a month ago now um they held maybe like a month ago now um they held something called the ET talk um ET talk something called the ET talk um ET talk something called the ET talk um ET talk competition. Um, we'll have we we have competition. Um, we'll have we we have competition. Um, we'll have we we have our guests and they can talk about it a our guests and they can talk about it a our guests and they can talk about it a little more in a second. Uh, but we have little more in a second. Uh, but we have little more in a second. Uh, but we have Hansita Hansita Hansita G. Sorry girls, I don't want to mess up G. Sorry girls, I don't want to mess up G. Sorry girls, I don't want to mess up your names. Jigasa and Raa. Well, we'll your names. Jigasa and Raa. Well, we'll your names. Jigasa and Raa. Well, we'll have them introduce themselves in a have them introduce themselves in a have them introduce themselves in a second. Um, and we So, it was three second. Um, and we So, it was three second. Um, and we So, it was three different groups of students that were different groups of students that were different groups of students that were able to pitch their ideas. uh and we able to pitch their ideas. uh and we able to pitch their ideas. uh and we have invited them today to tell us a have invited them today to tell us a have invited them today to tell us a little bit more about what they're doing little bit more about what they're doing little bit more about what they're doing um and how all of it is centered around um and how all of it is centered around um and how all of it is centered around discovering actual solutions that can be discovering actual solutions that can be discovering actual solutions that can be implemented into Houston. Um and so how implemented into Houston. Um and so how implemented into Houston. Um and so how how can we bring them into the how can we bring them into the how can we bring them into the ecosystem? How can we help startups like ecosystem? How can we help startups like ecosystem? How can we help startups like them and and um small projects? We think them and and um small projects? We think them and and um small projects? We think they're small projects, but what they they're small projects, but what they they're small projects, but what they put together is really amazing. put together is really amazing. put together is really amazing. >> Yeah, absolutely. And you know the most >> Yeah, absolutely. And you know the most >> Yeah, absolutely. And you know the most uh really impressive thing about them is uh really impressive thing about them is uh really impressive thing about them is uh when you look at those projects they uh when you look at those projects they uh when you look at those projects they are addressing real problems and what are addressing real problems and what are addressing real problems and what really caught our attention is some of really caught our attention is some of really caught our attention is some of those solutions they have global those solutions they have global those solutions they have global potential like if you're fighting things potential like if you're fighting things potential like if you're fighting things that are you know u really a big problem that are you know u really a big problem that are you know u really a big problem for Houston if you put enough uh synergy for Houston if you put enough uh synergy for Houston if you put enough uh synergy behind it it could become a global behind it it could become a global behind it it could become a global solution that can fight that problem

solution that can fight that problem solution that can fight that problem globally. So, um globally. So, um globally. So, um >> yeah, so we asked them three different >> yeah, so we asked them three different >> yeah, so we asked them three different things and we'll we'll put up their things and we'll we'll put up their things and we'll we'll put up their their presentation because they're going their presentation because they're going their presentation because they're going to go through their presentation, but we to go through their presentation, but we to go through their presentation, but we asked them three different things also. asked them three different things also. asked them three different things also. Um just how they identified the problem. Um just how they identified the problem. Um just how they identified the problem. Uh why rooted together has the potential Uh why rooted together has the potential Uh why rooted together has the potential to solve it. That's their app that to solve it. That's their app that to solve it. That's their app that they're putting together. And then we've they're putting together. And then we've they're putting together. And then we've asked them to pitch their their idea in asked them to pitch their their idea in asked them to pitch their their idea in two to three minutes. two to three minutes. two to three minutes. So we can put up their their So we can put up their their So we can put up their their presentation and they'll come join us presentation and they'll come join us presentation and they'll come join us over here in a second.

Every single year, millions of Every single year, millions of immigrants immigrate to one of the most immigrants immigrate to one of the most immigrants immigrate to one of the most diverse cities in the entirety of the diverse cities in the entirety of the diverse cities in the entirety of the United States, Houston. But the problem United States, Houston. But the problem United States, Houston. But the problem arises when they can't take a lot of arises when they can't take a lot of arises when they can't take a lot of their opportunities back home and their opportunities back home and their opportunities back home and actually translate it into success in actually translate it into success in actually translate it into success in the United States. That's why we're the United States. That's why we're the United States. That's why we're bridgeuilders here to find a solution to bridgeuilders here to find a solution to bridgeuilders here to find a solution to root immigrants together. So I'm Raa. root immigrants together. So I'm Raa. root immigrants together. So I'm Raa. >> I'm Hun. >> I'm Hun. >> I'm Hun. >> And I'm Jigasa. Now, the reason that we >> And I'm Jigasa. Now, the reason that we >> And I'm Jigasa. Now, the reason that we came up with this idea and we started came up with this idea and we started came up with this idea and we started researching it is because um we wanted researching it is because um we wanted researching it is because um we wanted to enter a partic enter a competition to enter a partic enter a competition to enter a partic enter a competition called Ed Talks, which I found out about called Ed Talks, which I found out about called Ed Talks, which I found out about because I'm a City of Houston youth because I'm a City of Houston youth because I'm a City of Houston youth ambassador. And when we were researching ambassador. And when we were researching ambassador. And when we were researching different problems that are in Houston, different problems that are in Houston, different problems that are in Houston, there's definitely a lot. Um, but I came there's definitely a lot. Um, but I came there's definitely a lot. Um, but I came across an article that was talking about across an article that was talking about across an article that was talking about brain waste with immigrants that came to brain waste with immigrants that came to brain waste with immigrants that came to the US that had certifications and they the US that had certifications and they the US that had certifications and they had all their diplomas and everything, had all their diplomas and everything, had all their diplomas and everything, but they couldn't put it into use but they couldn't put it into use but they couldn't put it into use because of how companies weren't because of how companies weren't because of how companies weren't accepting it and many other problems. accepting it and many other problems. accepting it and many other problems. Now, we decided that as the children of Now, we decided that as the children of Now, we decided that as the children of immigrants, there's a lot of uh problems immigrants, there's a lot of uh problems immigrants, there's a lot of uh problems that immigrants face. It's hard to that immigrants face. It's hard to that immigrants face. It's hard to integrate into the community here. And integrate into the community here. And integrate into the community here. And we wanted to help them and we wanted to we wanted to help them and we wanted to we wanted to help them and we wanted to ease that integration. And so that's why ease that integration. And so that's why ease that integration. And so that's why we came up with read together.

>> Um um and we're confident that our app >> Um um and we're confident that our app can solve these problems because in our can solve these problems because in our can solve these problems because in our app, we'll go into our features a bit app, we'll go into our features a bit app, we'll go into our features a bit more later during our pitch, but our more later during our pitch, but our more later during our pitch, but our features when they come together, they features when they come together, they features when they come together, they allow immigrants to have the resources allow immigrants to have the resources allow immigrants to have the resources they need to find jobs, education, and they need to find jobs, education, and they need to find jobs, education, and opportunities in cities that are need opportunities in cities that are need opportunities in cities that are need and they're not familiar with. And and they're not familiar with. And and they're not familiar with. And that's exactly why we think Rooted that's exactly why we think Rooted that's exactly why we think Rooted Together will succeed. And we have Together will succeed. And we have Together will succeed. And we have plenty of partnerships that we've plenty of partnerships that we've plenty of partnerships that we've already been in discussion with and we already been in discussion with and we already been in discussion with and we plan on using those resources combined plan on using those resources combined plan on using those resources combined with the resources we plan on creating with the resources we plan on creating with the resources we plan on creating along with our green AI that we um plan along with our green AI that we um plan along with our green AI that we um plan on integrating into our app to come on integrating into our app to come on integrating into our app to come together and create an app for everyone. together and create an app for everyone. together and create an app for everyone. Um yeah so through our marketing we Um yeah so through our marketing we Um yeah so through our marketing we mainly plan to use a lot of social media mainly plan to use a lot of social media mainly plan to use a lot of social media but we also plan to go to different but we also plan to go to different but we also plan to go to different community workshops in different areas community workshops in different areas community workshops in different areas that are already kind of hosting that are already kind of hosting that are already kind of hosting community events so it's easier to have community events so it's easier to have community events so it's easier to have greater amounts of outreach and through greater amounts of outreach and through greater amounts of outreach and through that we also plan to do financing that we also plan to do financing that we also plan to do financing through different inind partnerships through different inind partnerships through different inind partnerships right so we're really reliant on the right so we're really reliant on the right so we're really reliant on the city of Houston and a lot of our city of Houston and a lot of our city of Houston and a lot of our different partners to essentially fund different partners to essentially fund different partners to essentially fund this project but our project is going to this project but our project is going to this project but our project is going to be relatively be relatively be relatively on a smaller scale in terms of financing on a smaller scale in terms of financing on a smaller scale in terms of financing and then we hope to scale it through and then we hope to scale it through and then we hope to scale it through different marketing initiatives in the different marketing initiatives in the different marketing initiatives in the long term. Along with our financing, long term. Along with our financing, long term. Along with our financing, we're also going to be looking at we're also going to be looking at we're also going to be looking at different grants we can look at and then different grants we can look at and then different grants we can look at and then obviously like different venture capital obviously like different venture capital obviously like different venture capital firms like the one we're here today. And firms like the one we're here today. And firms like the one we're here today. And yeah, yeah, yeah, I think we can get into our pitch now.

Okay, so again, we're rooted together. Okay, so again, we're rooted together. Our team name is Bridgebuilders. Oh, there's a Oh, there's a >> Oh, okay. Yeah. So, just a little bit of okay. Yeah. So, just a little bit of opportunity contextualization. opportunity contextualization. opportunity contextualization. Almost one in three individuals in Almost one in three individuals in Almost one in three individuals in Houston are foreignb born residents and Houston are foreignb born residents and Houston are foreignb born residents and they're really important to our they're really important to our they're really important to our workforce. They contribute almost 31.8% workforce. They contribute almost 31.8% workforce. They contribute almost 31.8% 8% every single year and they contribute 8% every single year and they contribute 8% every single year and they contribute almost 66.5 billion into our economy. almost 66.5 billion into our economy. almost 66.5 billion into our economy. The problem is a lot of them don't have The problem is a lot of them don't have The problem is a lot of them don't have a high school equivalency degree and a high school equivalency degree and a high school equivalency degree and those that do aren't able to utilize it those that do aren't able to utilize it those that do aren't able to utilize it in the United States in the United States in the United States and that's why we built um rooted and that's why we built um rooted and that's why we built um rooted together. So this is our app in action. together. So this is our app in action. together. So this is our app in action. We actually created a mockup using Figma We actually created a mockup using Figma We actually created a mockup using Figma where we could kind of see how our app where we could kind of see how our app where we could kind of see how our app would actually function. So to begin, would actually function. So to begin, would actually function. So to begin, our app starts off with personalized our app starts off with personalized our app starts off with personalized onboarding where users can choose from onboarding where users can choose from onboarding where users can choose from over 120 plus languages. And our app is over 120 plus languages. And our app is over 120 plus languages. And our app is extremely userfriendly, meaning that extremely userfriendly, meaning that extremely userfriendly, meaning that even immigrants who have barely any even immigrants who have barely any even immigrants who have barely any exposure to apps have a good familiarity exposure to apps have a good familiarity exposure to apps have a good familiarity with how to use our app.

with how to use our app. with how to use our app. Okay. And one of the things that we Okay. And one of the things that we Okay. And one of the things that we offer is education. As I was talking offer is education. As I was talking offer is education. As I was talking about Brainways, we have an easy to about Brainways, we have an easy to about Brainways, we have an easy to access dashboard. We have progress access dashboard. We have progress access dashboard. We have progress tracking. And the biggest thing that we tracking. And the biggest thing that we tracking. And the biggest thing that we have is over 120 courses we plan to have is over 120 courses we plan to have is over 120 courses we plan to integrate into our app. uh such as ESL integrate into our app. uh such as ESL integrate into our app. uh such as ESL courses, GED prep, which helps for high courses, GED prep, which helps for high courses, GED prep, which helps for high school certifications, and career school certifications, and career school certifications, and career certifications. certifications. certifications. Now, moving on, after education, we also Now, moving on, after education, we also Now, moving on, after education, we also think it's really important that users think it's really important that users think it's really important that users are able to find jobs that are actually are able to find jobs that are actually are able to find jobs that are actually legitimate and um are connected to local legitimate and um are connected to local legitimate and um are connected to local employers. So that's exactly why in root employers. So that's exactly why in root employers. So that's exactly why in root it together we have verified job it together we have verified job it together we have verified job opportunities along with our green AI opportunities along with our green AI opportunities along with our green AI that we use to assist with um certain that we use to assist with um certain that we use to assist with um certain skills that immigrants are familiar with skills that immigrants are familiar with skills that immigrants are familiar with to find the perfect job for them along to find the perfect job for them along to find the perfect job for them along with mock interviews and resume and with mock interviews and resume and with mock interviews and resume and career tips career tips career tips >> now. Okay. >> now. Okay. >> now. Okay. >> Yeah. So looking into like the different >> Yeah. So looking into like the different >> Yeah. So looking into like the different resources and services that we have. resources and services that we have. resources and services that we have. We're going to have different legal We're going to have different legal We're going to have different legal resources. So essentially if they're resources. So essentially if they're resources. So essentially if they're immigrating here and they need to get immigrating here and they need to get immigrating here and they need to get like legal legal citizenship or they like legal legal citizenship or they like legal legal citizenship or they need to translate their job they can use need to translate their job they can use need to translate their job they can use that. Um there's also immigration that. Um there's also immigration that. Um there's also immigration guidance through our trusted community guidance through our trusted community guidance through our trusted community partners. Of course we have service partners. Of course we have service partners. Of course we have service referrals through that. So if our referrals through that. So if our referrals through that. So if our partners are actually hosting a partners are actually hosting a partners are actually hosting a different service we're going to different service we're going to different service we're going to directly refer to them to that. And then directly refer to them to that. And then directly refer to them to that. And then finally we have healthcare access and finally we have healthcare access and finally we have healthcare access and housing resources so they're be able to housing resources so they're be able to housing resources so they're be able to integrate better. And then finally, integrate better. And then finally, integrate better. And then finally, we're going to have transportation we're going to have transportation we're going to have transportation information and local services, so information and local services, so information and local services, so they're going to be able to get around they're going to be able to get around they're going to be able to get around the city easier.

the city easier. the city easier. Um, additionally, we also think culture Um, additionally, we also think culture Um, additionally, we also think culture is a really important part of is a really important part of is a really important part of integrating into a new place. It's integrating into a new place. It's integrating into a new place. It's important that we have aspects of our important that we have aspects of our important that we have aspects of our culture and that's exactly why we also culture and that's exactly why we also culture and that's exactly why we also have a culture section where immigrants have a culture section where immigrants have a culture section where immigrants can learn a bit more about the US can learn a bit more about the US can learn a bit more about the US workplace culture, familiarize workplace culture, familiarize workplace culture, familiarize themselves with traditions here, while themselves with traditions here, while themselves with traditions here, while also building a support and social also building a support and social also building a support and social network that they can rely on. network that they can rely on. network that they can rely on. Yeah. And then looking into our Yeah. And then looking into our Yeah. And then looking into our partnerships. So we've already reached partnerships. So we've already reached partnerships. So we've already reached out to a lot of different centers and out to a lot of different centers and out to a lot of different centers and agencies and a lot of them have actually agencies and a lot of them have actually agencies and a lot of them have actually responded. We have the local public responded. We have the local public responded. We have the local public libraries in Houston. We have Baker libraries in Houston. We have Baker libraries in Houston. We have Baker Ripley which is going to help us with Ripley which is going to help us with Ripley which is going to help us with our legal services as well as like our legal services as well as like our legal services as well as like different healthcare services. And then different healthcare services. And then different healthcare services. And then finally, we have YMCA with our cultural finally, we have YMCA with our cultural finally, we have YMCA with our cultural centers and religious centers ranging centers and religious centers ranging centers and religious centers ranging from all groups and the Houston from all groups and the Houston from all groups and the Houston Immigrant Legal Services Collaborative, Immigrant Legal Services Collaborative, Immigrant Legal Services Collaborative, which is also going to help with legal which is also going to help with legal which is also going to help with legal services. So, with our app, we're services. So, with our app, we're services. So, with our app, we're essentially going to have a one-stop essentially going to have a one-stop essentially going to have a one-stop shop, so they don't have to refer to all shop, so they don't have to refer to all shop, so they don't have to refer to all these different websites that may not be these different websites that may not be these different websites that may not be user friendly, and they have to really user friendly, and they have to really user friendly, and they have to really scout out for that. So instead, with our scout out for that. So instead, with our scout out for that. So instead, with our marketing and our one-stop shop, we're marketing and our one-stop shop, we're marketing and our one-stop shop, we're going to have more audiences and they're going to have more audiences and they're going to have more audiences and they're going to be able to easily access where going to be able to easily access where going to be able to easily access where they are and when they need it.

they are and when they need it. they are and when they need it. Okay. And this is a bit more about how Okay. And this is a bit more about how Okay. And this is a bit more about how we're going to market our app. So we we're going to market our app. So we we're going to market our app. So we plan to find immigrants exactly where plan to find immigrants exactly where plan to find immigrants exactly where they are. And this includes airports, they are. And this includes airports, they are. And this includes airports, immigration approval packets, immigration approval packets, immigration approval packets, apartments, schools, just different apartments, schools, just different apartments, schools, just different public places where we can meet public places where we can meet public places where we can meet immigrants and our audience that our app immigrants and our audience that our app immigrants and our audience that our app can really help. And we also plan on can really help. And we also plan on can really help. And we also plan on having awareness campaigns and referrals having awareness campaigns and referrals having awareness campaigns and referrals where friends, family or like we are where friends, family or like we are where friends, family or like we are city of Houston ambassadors can help um city of Houston ambassadors can help um city of Houston ambassadors can help um refer our app. And yeah, refer our app. And yeah, refer our app. And yeah, >> thank you for listening. >> thank you for listening. >> thank you for listening. >> We have like all our in-depth app >> We have like all our in-depth app >> We have like all our in-depth app mockup, financials, and flyers. And mockup, financials, and flyers. And mockup, financials, and flyers. And we're hoping to look forward to working we're hoping to look forward to working we're hoping to look forward to working with everyone. So, thank you everybody for listening. So, thank you everybody for listening. Um, does anybody have any questions? Um, does anybody have any questions? Um, does anybody have any questions? This is So, we want to just open it up This is So, we want to just open it up This is So, we want to just open it up to a Q&A real quick uh for y'all, but to a Q&A real quick uh for y'all, but to a Q&A real quick uh for y'all, but then also just a Q&A um for anybody then also just a Q&A um for anybody then also just a Q&A um for anybody else. So you know one more thing we else. So you know one more thing we else. So you know one more thing we wanted to u announce is uh so we're wanted to u announce is uh so we're wanted to u announce is uh so we're gonna you know the noble founder gonna you know the noble founder gonna you know the noble founder innovation studio we're going to uh innovation studio we're going to uh innovation studio we're going to uh incubate uh the the project we're going incubate uh the the project we're going incubate uh the the project we're going to like there are um partners in our uh to like there are um partners in our uh to like there are um partners in our uh ecosystem that they are offering you uh ecosystem that they are offering you uh ecosystem that they are offering you uh the services that you can uh you know the services that you can uh you know the services that you can uh you know you can accelerate building and you can accelerate building and you can accelerate building and launching your uh idea and we have like

launching your uh idea and we have like launching your uh idea and we have like here we have marketing we have all here we have marketing we have all here we have marketing we have all different expertise uh Creattopia, you different expertise uh Creattopia, you different expertise uh Creattopia, you know, uh my company, Noble and Iron know, uh my company, Noble and Iron know, uh my company, Noble and Iron Grove, uh there are other companies that Grove, uh there are other companies that Grove, uh there are other companies that they are willing to uh help you to uh they are willing to uh help you to uh they are willing to uh help you to uh launch your idea and and solve this big launch your idea and and solve this big launch your idea and and solve this big problem which is which is like the problem which is which is like the problem which is which is like the problem that we we are just seeing problem that we we are just seeing problem that we we are just seeing globally. It's not just a Google globally. It's not just a Google globally. It's not just a Google problem. But thank you for your problem. But thank you for your problem. But thank you for your presentation. Really appreciate presentation. Really appreciate presentation. Really appreciate >> you. Thank you so much for hosting us. >> you. Thank you so much for hosting us. >> you. Thank you so much for hosting us. >> Of course. and and we'll come back to so >> Of course. and and we'll come back to so >> Of course. and and we'll come back to so we we you can you can go sit down um but we we you can you can go sit down um but we we you can you can go sit down um but we'll go to our studio audience part of we'll go to our studio audience part of we'll go to our studio audience part of it so y'all will be there and we can it so y'all will be there and we can it so y'all will be there and we can hear more from you there as well um hear more from you there as well um hear more from you there as well um thank you Kri and thank you girls for thank you Kri and thank you girls for thank you Kri and thank you girls for for being part of our show today um and for being part of our show today um and for being part of our show today um and sharing and pitching and like really sharing and pitching and like really sharing and pitching and like really enlightening us about storytelling and enlightening us about storytelling and enlightening us about storytelling and all that goes into that right all that goes into that right all that goes into that right >> um so we can just open up open it to the >> um so we can just open up open it to the >> um so we can just open up open it to the audience now. Uh we do have a camera audience now. Uh we do have a camera audience now. Uh we do have a camera that'll go over there and I think that'll go over there and I think that'll go over there and I think there's a mic somewhere over there that there's a mic somewhere over there that there's a mic somewhere over there that they can ask questions with. Uh so if they can ask questions with. Uh so if they can ask questions with. Uh so if anybody from the audience wants to just anybody from the audience wants to just anybody from the audience wants to just introduce who you are and maybe even introduce who you are and maybe even introduce who you are and maybe even give your little pitch, if you want to give your little pitch, if you want to give your little pitch, if you want to do a little pitch about what you do and do a little pitch about what you do and do a little pitch about what you do and how you're part of the ecosystem, we'd how you're part of the ecosystem, we'd how you're part of the ecosystem, we'd love to hear from you.

>> Hello. Uh hi, I'm uh Kenneth Benvdas and >> Hello. Uh hi, I'm uh Kenneth Benvdas and I am uh working as an advisory uh with I am uh working as an advisory uh with I am uh working as an advisory uh with Iron Grove and we're an infrastructure Iron Grove and we're an infrastructure Iron Grove and we're an infrastructure and uh AI and web development company. and uh AI and web development company. and uh AI and web development company. >> Hi, I'm Joseph Bank. Uh I'm going to be >> Hi, I'm Joseph Bank. Uh I'm going to be >> Hi, I'm Joseph Bank. Uh I'm going to be leading the uh founders couch starting leading the uh founders couch starting leading the uh founders couch starting on July 31st. I'm also a founder of Next on July 31st. I'm also a founder of Next on July 31st. I'm also a founder of Next Shift IQ uh career intelligence Shift IQ uh career intelligence Shift IQ uh career intelligence platform. Um still working on it. platform. Um still working on it. platform. Um still working on it. >> Yeah. So, my name is Greg Msik. Uh, I >> Yeah. So, my name is Greg Msik. Uh, I >> Yeah. So, my name is Greg Msik. Uh, I founded two inventor groups. I founded founded two inventor groups. I founded founded two inventor groups. I founded the Houston Inventors Association in the Houston Inventors Association in the Houston Inventors Association in 1983, the Young Inventor Showcase in 1983, the Young Inventor Showcase in 1983, the Young Inventor Showcase in 1988. Girls, if you go to young 1988. Girls, if you go to young 1988. Girls, if you go to young inventorshowcase.org, inventorshowcase.org, inventorshowcase.org, I've got an 8-week course on the website I've got an 8-week course on the website I've got an 8-week course on the website where your your community, the kids can where your your community, the kids can where your your community, the kids can invent. invent. invent. Um, and so I'm launching a uh Um, and so I'm launching a uh Um, and so I'm launching a uh crowdfunding campaign on crowdfunding campaign on crowdfunding campaign on givebuter.comyia where I am launching a 100 where I am launching a 100 [clears throat] innovation pods around [clears throat] innovation pods around [clears throat] innovation pods around the country. So Rosilia, that's why I'm the country. So Rosilia, that's why I'm the country. So Rosilia, that's why I'm here.

here. here. >> I know. >> I know. >> I know. [laughter] [laughter] [laughter] >> Good to see you. >> Good to see you. >> Good to see you. >> You want to introduce yourselves? >> You want to introduce yourselves? >> You want to introduce yourselves? >> I'm sure. Um, >> I'm sure. Um, >> I'm sure. Um, >> my name is Raga. I'm from Rooted >> my name is Raga. I'm from Rooted >> my name is Raga. I'm from Rooted Together Bridgebuilders. Together Bridgebuilders. Together Bridgebuilders. >> Um, I'm Hansita and I'm also from Rooted >> Um, I'm Hansita and I'm also from Rooted >> Um, I'm Hansita and I'm also from Rooted Together. Together. Together. and I'm Jigos. I'm also from Rather. and I'm Jigos. I'm also from Rather. and I'm Jigos. I'm also from Rather. >> Thank you. >> Here, I'm going to pass it on. I've had >> Here, I'm going to pass it on. I've had enough time on here today. [laughter] enough time on here today. [laughter] enough time on here today. [laughter] Here you go. Here you go. Here you go. >> Thanks so much, Trent. I'm the founder >> Thanks so much, Trent. I'm the founder >> Thanks so much, Trent. I'm the founder of Veil. And veil is the operating of Veil. And veil is the operating of Veil. And veil is the operating system for pre life where there's system for pre life where there's system for pre life where there's payments, promoter attribution, payroll payments, promoter attribution, payroll payments, promoter attribution, payroll access, uh every entrance access, uh every entrance access, uh every entrance and uh every transa >> wonderful >> wonderful um I have a question. Oh, sorry. Go um I have a question. Oh, sorry. Go um I have a question. Oh, sorry. Go ahead. Keep going. Sorry. ahead. Keep going. Sorry. ahead. Keep going. Sorry. Pro. I'm the founder.

Can you hear me? Yeah. I'm Roland Fu. Can you hear me? Yeah. I'm Roland Fu. I'm the founder of uh Vil. So Vili helps I'm the founder of uh Vil. So Vili helps I'm the founder of uh Vil. So Vili helps you turn your daily signals into uh like you turn your daily signals into uh like you turn your daily signals into uh like practical habits that can help you stay practical habits that can help you stay practical habits that can help you stay healthy. Uh so uh I heard a lot uh from healthy. Uh so uh I heard a lot uh from healthy. Uh so uh I heard a lot uh from the guest speakers the guest speakers the guest speakers and one of the the questions that I and one of the the questions that I and one of the the questions that I wanted to ask the the guests is like wanted to ask the the guests is like wanted to ask the the guests is like what made you want to do that? It's a what made you want to do that? It's a what made you want to do that? It's a beautiful idea and I think a lot of beautiful idea and I think a lot of beautiful idea and I think a lot of immigrants will really find a lot of immigrants will really find a lot of immigrants will really find a lot of value in that. What what made you guys value in that. What what made you guys value in that. What what made you guys get into doing this? So yeah, obviously like we are daughters So yeah, obviously like we are daughters of immigrants and we saw how much effort of immigrants and we saw how much effort of immigrants and we saw how much effort a lot of our communities put in to a lot of our communities put in to a lot of our communities put in to actually give us all these opportunities actually give us all these opportunities actually give us all these opportunities and even to be here today. So we and even to be here today. So we and even to be here today. So we definitely wanted to give back to that definitely wanted to give back to that definitely wanted to give back to that community and especially in times of community and especially in times of community and especially in times of like political polarization and lack of like political polarization and lack of like political polarization and lack of opportunity that's really arising today.

opportunity that's really arising today. opportunity that's really arising today. We really wanted to bridge that gap. And We really wanted to bridge that gap. And We really wanted to bridge that gap. And in a city that's so diverse like this, in a city that's so diverse like this, in a city that's so diverse like this, there's obviously a need for it. So there's obviously a need for it. So there's obviously a need for it. So yeah, that's exactly why we decided to yeah, that's exactly why we decided to yeah, that's exactly why we decided to develop. >> I got a question and I think it's >> I got a question and I think it's probably is a question for Kenneth uh probably is a question for Kenneth uh probably is a question for Kenneth uh Ketrick too. Uh it's how do you so you Ketrick too. Uh it's how do you so you Ketrick too. Uh it's how do you so you build a great app. It's a great idea. build a great app. It's a great idea. build a great app. It's a great idea. But what do you say to naysayers who are But what do you say to naysayers who are But what do you say to naysayers who are like why should I join your app if uh like why should I join your app if uh like why should I join your app if uh it's it's a SAS product anyone can build it's it's a SAS product anyone can build it's it's a SAS product anyone can build another SAS product in a matter of five another SAS product in a matter of five another SAS product in a matter of five seconds just copy your page and and have seconds just copy your page and and have seconds just copy your page and and have like how what sets you apart and then like how what sets you apart and then like how what sets you apart and then the question I asked for critic I I'll the question I asked for critic I I'll the question I asked for critic I I'll save that question because it's similar save that question because it's similar save that question because it's similar it's on it's also as a startup I'm I'm it's on it's also as a startup I'm I'm it's on it's also as a startup I'm I'm also struggling with figuring with also struggling with figuring with also struggling with figuring with communicating I think you mentioned communicating I think you mentioned communicating I think you mentioned earlier uh communicating why your earlier uh communicating why your earlier uh communicating why your startup is different is one of the startup is different is one of the startup is different is one of the harder part. harder part. harder part. >> Okay. Sure. So, you can obviously like >> Okay. Sure. So, you can obviously like >> Okay. Sure. So, you can obviously like look online and see all these look online and see all these look online and see all these opportunities, but the thing that opportunities, but the thing that opportunities, but the thing that differentiates us is trust. Because of differentiates us is trust. Because of differentiates us is trust. Because of with the political landscape today, a with the political landscape today, a with the political landscape today, a lot of immigrants are hesitant to trust lot of immigrants are hesitant to trust lot of immigrants are hesitant to trust different services because we already different services because we already different services because we already have our established partners that have have our established partners that have have our established partners that have been credible and running their been credible and running their been credible and running their businesses for over a century. Whenever businesses for over a century. Whenever businesses for over a century. Whenever we have that, they're more likely to be we have that, they're more likely to be we have that, they're more likely to be inclined to use our app. Additionally, inclined to use our app. Additionally, inclined to use our app. Additionally, we're going to have a cyber security we're going to have a cyber security we're going to have a cyber security promise to make sure that any of their promise to make sure that any of their promise to make sure that any of their personal data doesn't actually get personal data doesn't actually get personal data doesn't actually get tracked. We're not going to sell it to

tracked. We're not going to sell it to tracked. We're not going to sell it to third parties, which a lot of different third parties, which a lot of different third parties, which a lot of different apps actually do today. And also with apps actually do today. And also with apps actually do today. And also with our app, we prefer to use it as an app our app, we prefer to use it as an app our app, we prefer to use it as an app because it's more user friendly for because it's more user friendly for because it's more user friendly for immigrants compared to a website where immigrants compared to a website where immigrants compared to a website where anyone can copy and paste, but an app's anyone can copy and paste, but an app's anyone can copy and paste, but an app's going to be more user friendly so going to be more user friendly so going to be more user friendly so they're more inclined to use it overall. they're more inclined to use it overall. they're more inclined to use it overall. >> Thank you so much. That was excellent. >> Thank you so much. That was excellent. >> Thank you so much. That was excellent. And then yeah, And then yeah, And then yeah, >> so the question was around you I think >> so the question was around you I think >> so the question was around you I think you framed it perfectly. The hardest you framed it perfectly. The hardest you framed it perfectly. The hardest thing for me to communicate is what thing for me to communicate is what thing for me to communicate is what differentiate my app from a different differentiate my app from a different differentiate my app from a different app and you mentioned empathy. I app and you mentioned empathy. I app and you mentioned empathy. I understand uh you know it's part of the understand uh you know it's part of the understand uh you know it's part of the story you went through to start up. So story you went through to start up. So story you went through to start up. So uh ladies you communicate your uh uh ladies you communicate your uh uh ladies you communicate your uh daughters of immigrants but then what daughters of immigrants but then what daughters of immigrants but then what else like how do you how do you else like how do you how do you else like how do you how do you differentiate yourself? Are there are differentiate yourself? Are there are differentiate yourself? Are there are there like formulas you use to there like formulas you use to there like formulas you use to differentiate yourself outside of differentiate yourself outside of differentiate yourself outside of >> formula is an interesting question. Um I >> formula is an interesting question. Um I >> formula is an interesting question. Um I don't know if anyone has a formula. Look don't know if anyone has a formula. Look don't know if anyone has a formula. Look look I I think there's some fundamental look I I think there's some fundamental look I I think there's some fundamental blocking and tackling that startups do blocking and tackling that startups do blocking and tackling that startups do that's sort of off to the side that's that's sort of off to the side that's that's sort of off to the side that's not branding. You know the these ladies not branding. You know the these ladies not branding. You know the these ladies have done a great job pulling together a have done a great job pulling together a have done a great job pulling together a concept. But then you have these uh concept. But then you have these uh concept. But then you have these uh other considerations. Who's already in other considerations. Who's already in other considerations. Who's already in the market? What are they doing? How the market? What are they doing? How the market? What are they doing? How long have they been there? what kind of long have they been there? what kind of long have they been there? what kind of uh uptake do they have? You know, what uh uptake do they have? You know, what uh uptake do they have? You know, what kind of engagement do they already have kind of engagement do they already have kind of engagement do they already have with an audience? And you have to ask with an audience? And you have to ask with an audience? And you have to ask yourself some hard questions like that yourself some hard questions like that yourself some hard questions like that that's a hard place to go play. I'm not that's a hard place to go play. I'm not that's a hard place to go play. I'm not sure I can do it. And then a lot of sure I can do it. And then a lot of sure I can do it. And then a lot of people you've heard people like they're

people you've heard people like they're people you've heard people like they're in quiet mode and they're not going to in quiet mode and they're not going to in quiet mode and they're not going to market yet because they they're maybe market yet because they they're maybe market yet because they they're maybe their idea is really easy to copy and their idea is really easy to copy and their idea is really easy to copy and paste. So, um you know, I I think it paste. So, um you know, I I think it paste. So, um you know, I I think it comes down to differentiation. Be really comes down to differentiation. Be really comes down to differentiation. Be really honest with yourself about looking at honest with yourself about looking at honest with yourself about looking at the competition that's out there the competition that's out there the competition that's out there already. Look at their value set, you already. Look at their value set, you already. Look at their value set, you know, their value proposition, their know, their value proposition, their know, their value proposition, their value, their feature set, sorry. Look at value, their feature set, sorry. Look at value, their feature set, sorry. Look at your value proposition and your feature your value proposition and your feature your value proposition and your feature set and do some math. Like that's not a set and do some math. Like that's not a set and do some math. Like that's not a formula. Definitely use AI, you know, formula. Definitely use AI, you know, formula. Definitely use AI, you know, that's that's clawed, perplexity, what that's that's clawed, perplexity, what that's that's clawed, perplexity, what have you, is like lined up to do that have you, is like lined up to do that have you, is like lined up to do that research for you. And then once you kind research for you. And then once you kind research for you. And then once you kind of see how you're differentiated, we can of see how you're differentiated, we can of see how you're differentiated, we can talk about how to talk about you. Like I talk about how to talk about you. Like I talk about how to talk about you. Like I I I love what you ladies are doing. I I I I love what you ladies are doing. I I I I love what you ladies are doing. I I hope you get all the help you can and I hope you get all the help you can and I hope you get all the help you can and I hope you do it here. Um just you didn't hope you do it here. Um just you didn't hope you do it here. Um just you didn't ask for my opinion but but I think um ask for my opinion but but I think um ask for my opinion but but I think um you mentioned the political climate. I you mentioned the political climate. I you mentioned the political climate. I hope you you think about leading with hope you you think about leading with hope you you think about leading with security and trust. Um especially with security and trust. Um especially with security and trust. Um especially with the partners and the businesses and the the partners and the businesses and the the partners and the businesses and the folks that are going to be putting maybe folks that are going to be putting maybe folks that are going to be putting maybe uh job postings in into your platform. uh job postings in into your platform. uh job postings in into your platform. Um there's a lot of funky stuff going on Um there's a lot of funky stuff going on Um there's a lot of funky stuff going on with in in that world politically and I with in in that world politically and I with in in that world politically and I hope that everyone's protected and safe.

hope that everyone's protected and safe. hope that everyone's protected and safe. Safe is really the key. Um but does that Safe is really the key. Um but does that Safe is really the key. Um but does that help you help you help you >> a little bit? >> a little bit? >> a little bit? >> Okay. >> Okay. >> Okay. Yeah, I really like when you Yeah, I really like when you Yeah, I really like when you I I really like when you mention about I I really like when you mention about I I really like when you mention about uh going even though it's basics, you uh going even though it's basics, you uh going even though it's basics, you going through your competitors, seeing going through your competitors, seeing going through your competitors, seeing what they have uh and use AI, of course, what they have uh and use AI, of course, what they have uh and use AI, of course, and comparing them to what you have to and comparing them to what you have to and comparing them to what you have to offer. Uh I think that was very helpful. offer. Uh I think that was very helpful. offer. Uh I think that was very helpful. >> Yeah. Thank you. >> Yeah. Thank you. >> Yeah. Thank you. >> I've got a client, I'm not going to name >> I've got a client, I'm not going to name >> I've got a client, I'm not going to name them, they're going to be a unicorn out them, they're going to be a unicorn out them, they're going to be a unicorn out of Houston. They're they're about to of Houston. They're they're about to of Houston. They're they're about to close a round of funding. close a round of funding. close a round of funding. back to that brand authority thing that back to that brand authority thing that back to that brand authority thing that I mentioned. Remember, you're you're I mentioned. Remember, you're you're I mentioned. Remember, you're you're you're looking at your competition's you're looking at your competition's you're looking at your competition's value proposition value proposition value proposition because they've some they've done some because they've some they've done some because they've some they've done some work establishing their narrative in the work establishing their narrative in the work establishing their narrative in the marketplace. It's very easy for you to marketplace. It's very easy for you to marketplace. It's very easy for you to establish your narrative, but you got to establish your narrative, but you got to establish your narrative, but you got to kind of keep an eye on where there's an kind of keep an eye on where there's an kind of keep an eye on where there's an opportunity for you to have a voice. I opportunity for you to have a voice. I opportunity for you to have a voice. I love that for the startups that I'm love that for the startups that I'm love that for the startups that I'm helping these guys. I've got actually helping these guys. I've got actually helping these guys. I've got actually two clients that Agentic Search was not two clients that Agentic Search was not two clients that Agentic Search was not representing them properly. Uh, one is I representing them properly. Uh, one is I representing them properly. Uh, one is I can name them Texas Bakery Supply.

can name them Texas Bakery Supply. can name them Texas Bakery Supply. They're one of the leading suppliers. I They're one of the leading suppliers. I They're one of the leading suppliers. I mean, if you're eating donuts, you've mean, if you're eating donuts, you've mean, if you're eating donuts, you've the doughnuts been made with their the doughnuts been made with their the doughnuts been made with their ingredients. Like, and they're ingredients. Like, and they're ingredients. Like, and they're family-owned, multiple generation family-owned, multiple generation family-owned, multiple generation business. AI and Google search would business. AI and Google search would business. AI and Google search would tell you uh if if you search like I'm tell you uh if if you search like I'm tell you uh if if you search like I'm opening a bakery, I'm looking for a opening a bakery, I'm looking for a opening a bakery, I'm looking for a supplier who's great. They don't even supplier who's great. They don't even supplier who's great. They don't even come up. And if anything, they were come up. And if anything, they were come up. And if anything, they were considered a lastm minute supplier. you considered a lastm minute supplier. you considered a lastm minute supplier. you can go to the their back door and buy can go to the their back door and buy can go to the their back door and buy something with a credit card and go keep something with a credit card and go keep something with a credit card and go keep making the donuts. That's not what their making the donuts. That's not what their making the donuts. That's not what their business is. They can fully supply business is. They can fully supply business is. They can fully supply anyone any day and now they're extending anyone any day and now they're extending anyone any day and now they're extending into Mexican bakeries and they're and into Mexican bakeries and they're and into Mexican bakeries and they're and they're doing things. They go to the AI they're doing things. They go to the AI they're doing things. They go to the AI unicorn company I mentioned uh a big unicorn company I mentioned uh a big unicorn company I mentioned uh a big part of their business which made me part of their business which made me part of their business which made me think about trust with you ladies was think about trust with you ladies was think about trust with you ladies was trust. It was not mentioned in anything trust. It was not mentioned in anything trust. It was not mentioned in anything when when you're doing a compare and when when you're doing a compare and when when you're doing a compare and contrast using claude or whatever AI contrast using claude or whatever AI contrast using claude or whatever AI tool like show me the companies in their tool like show me the companies in their tool like show me the companies in their competitive set. They were not being competitive set. They were not being competitive set. They were not being represented properly. So, I think it's represented properly. So, I think it's represented properly. So, I think it's on you as a business owner to make sure on you as a business owner to make sure on you as a business owner to make sure that that's happening. And it's it's, that that's happening. And it's it's, that that's happening. And it's it's, you know, brand authority, press release you know, brand authority, press release you know, brand authority, press release campaigns, really staying on top of your campaigns, really staying on top of your campaigns, really staying on top of your Google reviews, things like that.

Google reviews, things like that. Google reviews, things like that. There's tactics that you can you can There's tactics that you can you can There's tactics that you can you can find. Okay. >> Oh, well, there's >> Oh, well, there's my my differentiation is I haven't seen my my differentiation is I haven't seen my my differentiation is I haven't seen an approachable marketing services an approachable marketing services an approachable marketing services business. that's willing to go the extra business. that's willing to go the extra business. that's willing to go the extra mile to help startups in in this I'm mile to help startups in in this I'm mile to help startups in in this I'm focused on startups. I do I I uh um my focused on startups. I do I I uh um my focused on startups. I do I I uh um my past is pretty broad. I've got a big past is pretty broad. I've got a big past is pretty broad. I've got a big network so I help anybody but at the end network so I help anybody but at the end network so I help anybody but at the end of the day the startup scene here needs of the day the startup scene here needs of the day the startup scene here needs um the work that my company does the um the work that my company does the um the work that my company does the best best best and we try. >> Someone said last week at Capa Joey that >> Someone said last week at Capa Joey that they hoped that it would become Silicon they hoped that it would become Silicon they hoped that it would become Silicon Valley here. Valley here. Valley here. on that. on that. on that. >> No. And I don't want it to be. >> No. And I don't want it to be. >> No. And I don't want it to be. >> No, I don't want it to be because we're >> No, I don't want it to be because we're >> No, I don't want it to be because we're different. We um my very good friend Ian different. We um my very good friend Ian different. We um my very good friend Ian Yuriarte, who's a one of the founding Yuriarte, who's a one of the founding Yuriarte, who's a one of the founding members of this ecosystem, mentioned members of this ecosystem, mentioned members of this ecosystem, mentioned that we build very big things that drill that we build very big things that drill that we build very big things that drill very deeply into the ground and deeply very deeply into the ground and deeply very deeply into the ground and deeply into the ocean. We know how to deliver into the ocean. We know how to deliver into the ocean. We know how to deliver big things in Silicon Valley. We could big things in Silicon Valley. We could big things in Silicon Valley. We could dream up a startup and maybe sell it to dream up a startup and maybe sell it to dream up a startup and maybe sell it to one of the big established businesses one of the big established businesses one of the big established businesses there. I'm not seeing a lot of that there. I'm not seeing a lot of that there. I'm not seeing a lot of that happening here. Um I think we need to happening here. Um I think we need to happening here. Um I think we need to figure out what we do uniquely and just figure out what we do uniquely and just figure out what we do uniquely and just in the last 10 years I mentioned it the in the last 10 years I mentioned it the in the last 10 years I mentioned it the quality of startups has changed the way quality of startups has changed the way quality of startups has changed the way Rice has really leaned in and embraced Rice has really leaned in and embraced Rice has really leaned in and embraced it. The alumni that are coming out of it. The alumni that are coming out of it. The alumni that are coming out of the universities the company Kio I the universities the company Kio I the universities the company Kio I mentioned earlier their product is going mentioned earlier their product is going mentioned earlier their product is going to save the lives of children built by

to save the lives of children built by to save the lives of children built by capstone projects from University of capstone projects from University of capstone projects from University of Houston and Rice. So it starts with I Houston and Rice. So it starts with I Houston and Rice. So it starts with I think the universities and then the think the universities and then the think the universities and then the folks like Ben and Roselia and others folks like Ben and Roselia and others folks like Ben and Roselia and others that are coming to help nurture and f that are coming to help nurture and f that are coming to help nurture and f and and and help lift all the um the and and and help lift all the um the and and and help lift all the um the startups here that are trying to make a startups here that are trying to make a startups here that are trying to make a difference. difference. difference. Okay, this is not our show, dude. Okay, this is not our show, dude. Okay, this is not our show, dude. [laughter] >> Thank you, Kendrick. Um does anybody >> Thank you, Kendrick. Um does anybody else have any questions else have any questions else have any questions um for anybody? Yeah, I just want to make one comment. Yeah, I just want to make one comment. You you said something that I thought You you said something that I thought You you said something that I thought was really critical. You said that as a was really critical. You said that as a was really critical. You said that as a basically a newcomer in the community, basically a newcomer in the community, basically a newcomer in the community, you've reached out to established you've reached out to established you've reached out to established institutions that have been around for institutions that have been around for institutions that have been around for many, many years to give yourself um many, many years to give yourself um many, many years to give yourself um credibility. I think that's really credibility. I think that's really credibility. I think that's really smart. So I'm just giving you an anagram smart. So I'm just giving you an anagram smart. So I'm just giving you an anagram girl. girl. girl. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. Thank you.

Thank you. Thank you. >> Yeah, for sure. We definitely want to >> Yeah, for sure. We definitely want to >> Yeah, for sure. We definitely want to rely on those that are already rely on those that are already rely on those that are already experienced. Obviously, us being youth, experienced. Obviously, us being youth, experienced. Obviously, us being youth, we don't have that many experience um we don't have that many experience um we don't have that many experience um years of experience in the industry. So years of experience in the industry. So years of experience in the industry. So really being able to rely on that and really being able to rely on that and really being able to rely on that and help also market their services as well help also market their services as well help also market their services as well would be a pleasure. I think the other thing is initially I think the other thing is initially because this was a city of Houston um because this was a city of Houston um because this was a city of Houston um competition uh the majority of our trust competition uh the majority of our trust competition uh the majority of our trust was built on the fact that um not only was built on the fact that um not only was built on the fact that um not only just the partnerships but also the fact just the partnerships but also the fact just the partnerships but also the fact that the city would be rolling out um that the city would be rolling out um that the city would be rolling out um our product. So if it's coming directly our product. So if it's coming directly our product. So if it's coming directly from the city, you know that the from the city, you know that the from the city, you know that the immigrants can trust it. Um and yeah. >> Yeah. Thank you so much. >> Yeah. Thank you so much. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Yeah. Thank you. >> Yeah. Thank you. >> Yeah. Thank you. And that's really a core of of what we And that's really a core of of what we And that's really a core of of what we want to do here at the innovation studio want to do here at the innovation studio want to do here at the innovation studio is really invest in our future is really invest in our future is really invest in our future generation. Um we do think that they are generation. Um we do think that they are generation. Um we do think that they are going to save us all. [laughter] going to save us all. [laughter] going to save us all. [laughter] >> Yeah. You know um >> Yeah. You know um >> Yeah. You know um >> so thank you for being here.

>> so thank you for being here. >> so thank you for being here. >> What we are building uh the ecosystem >> What we are building uh the ecosystem >> What we are building uh the ecosystem innovation studio uh noble founder and innovation studio uh noble founder and innovation studio uh noble founder and I'm part of another group uh called I'm part of another group uh called I'm part of another group uh called something global. Uh the idea is let's something global. Uh the idea is let's something global. Uh the idea is let's just build something for our children just build something for our children just build something for our children and grandchildren. Uh something that is and grandchildren. Uh something that is and grandchildren. Uh something that is humanity first. It's important to um to humanity first. It's important to um to humanity first. It's important to um to consider that money will come like you consider that money will come like you consider that money will come like you know when you build if you do it right know when you build if you do it right know when you build if you do it right if you build a startup correctly you're if you build a startup correctly you're if you build a startup correctly you're going to get to money uh eventually but going to get to money uh eventually but going to get to money uh eventually but what is the impact that you are going to what is the impact that you are going to what is the impact that you are going to make on the future of humanity future of make on the future of humanity future of make on the future of humanity future of our children and grandchildren. So thank our children and grandchildren. So thank our children and grandchildren. So thank you for being a part of uh a greater and you for being a part of uh a greater and you for being a part of uh a greater and bigger uh uh impactful solution bigger uh uh impactful solution bigger uh uh impactful solution globally. All of you I think everybody globally. All of you I think everybody globally. All of you I think everybody in this room uh you know we can say in this room uh you know we can say in this room uh you know we can say you're building something amazing you're building something amazing you're building something amazing something great and we are here to help. something great and we are here to help. something great and we are here to help. We're here to support. We're here to support. We're here to support. >> Yeah I think we're all aligned in the >> Yeah I think we're all aligned in the >> Yeah I think we're all aligned in the vision and and really that that's saying vision and and really that that's saying vision and and really that that's saying that if you build it they'll come.

that if you build it they'll come. that if you build it they'll come. >> Yeah. [laughter] >> Yeah. [laughter] >> Yeah. [laughter] >> And I think we are showing up. So, thank >> And I think we are showing up. So, thank >> And I think we are showing up. So, thank you all for showing up today. Um, a you all for showing up today. Um, a you all for showing up today. Um, a shout out to our sponsors and our shout out to our sponsors and our shout out to our sponsors and our motivators. Uh, we have 77 stash with motivators. Uh, we have 77 stash with motivators. Uh, we have 77 stash with Alkaline Drinks. Uh, they'll be Alkaline Drinks. Uh, they'll be Alkaline Drinks. Uh, they'll be integrating into the ecosystem more and integrating into the ecosystem more and integrating into the ecosystem more and more. Uh, we also have Ken Benevas with more. Uh, we also have Ken Benevas with more. Uh, we also have Ken Benevas with Iron Grove in the audience today. Thank Iron Grove in the audience today. Thank Iron Grove in the audience today. Thank you, Ken, for your support in so many you, Ken, for your support in so many you, Ken, for your support in so many ways. Um and then here at the innovation ways. Um and then here at the innovation ways. Um and then here at the innovation studio uh we are sponsored by 801 treas studio uh we are sponsored by 801 treas studio uh we are sponsored by 801 treas and the innovation hub uh which will and the innovation hub uh which will and the innovation hub uh which will which has a grand vision of which has a grand vision of which has a grand vision of turning district eye into the innovation turning district eye into the innovation turning district eye into the innovation district. So stay tuned for that and be district. So stay tuned for that and be district. So stay tuned for that and be part of all of it as much as you want. part of all of it as much as you want. part of all of it as much as you want. Um so shout out to our sponsors 801 Um so shout out to our sponsors 801 Um so shout out to our sponsors 801 Travis and the innovation hub as well Travis and the innovation hub as well Travis and the innovation hub as well and and and >> and you know uh those are the people >> and you know uh those are the people >> and you know uh those are the people that they are uh participating by doing that they are uh participating by doing that they are uh participating by doing 801 Travis innovation hub uh uh they 801 Travis innovation hub uh uh they 801 Travis innovation hub uh uh they wanted to build to make this innovation wanted to build to make this innovation wanted to build to make this innovation tower like 801 Travis become innovation tower like 801 Travis become innovation tower like 801 Travis become innovation tower and and you know when people uh tower and and you know when people uh tower and and you know when people uh just talk about like oh yeah we're just talk about like oh yeah we're just talk about like oh yeah we're supporting the ecosystem they're just supporting the ecosystem they're just supporting the ecosystem they're just you know just talking about but people you know just talking about but people you know just talking about but people in 801 Travis uh innovation hub in 801 Travis uh innovation hub in 801 Travis uh innovation hub other people that are really really other people that are really really other people that are really really supporting this by doing this stuff by supporting this by doing this stuff by supporting this by doing this stuff by providing the opportunity for us to providing the opportunity for us to providing the opportunity for us to build this studio to to bring people build this studio to to bring people build this studio to to bring people together. So thank you so much for

together. So thank you so much for together. So thank you so much for actually doing it for actually putting actually doing it for actually putting actually doing it for actually putting this effort together to build this this effort together to build this this effort together to build this ecosystem. Yes, there's a lot of of um ecosystem. Yes, there's a lot of of um ecosystem. Yes, there's a lot of of um things that um a lot of of little things that um a lot of of little things that um a lot of of little details that are part of putting details that are part of putting details that are part of putting something as big as as we are putting something as big as as we are putting something as big as as we are putting together um that have to come together. together um that have to come together. together um that have to come together. Uh so we're very we're very grateful and Uh so we're very we're very grateful and Uh so we're very we're very grateful and if anybody wants to be a sponsor uh or if anybody wants to be a sponsor uh or if anybody wants to be a sponsor uh or wants to be involved in other ways, wants to be involved in other ways, wants to be involved in other ways, please reach out to us. Uh we are going please reach out to us. Uh we are going please reach out to us. Uh we are going to be starting a fundraiser to be starting a fundraiser to be starting a fundraiser uh soon on August 1st uh for the uh soon on August 1st uh for the uh soon on August 1st uh for the innovation studio and for all of our innovation studio and for all of our innovation studio and for all of our shows. We have other live shows and we shows. We have other live shows and we shows. We have other live shows and we have a lot of different startups and a have a lot of different startups and a have a lot of different startups and a lot of different mentors and investors lot of different mentors and investors lot of different mentors and investors and people who are aligned with the and people who are aligned with the and people who are aligned with the vision. Um, and we want you to be vision. Um, and we want you to be vision. Um, and we want you to be involved too. So, reach out and let us involved too. So, reach out and let us involved too. So, reach out and let us know how you want to participate. know how you want to participate. know how you want to participate. >> Awesome. Thank you so much. I appreciate >> Awesome. Thank you so much. I appreciate >> Awesome. Thank you so much. I appreciate your attention and I appreciate your attention and I appreciate your attention and I appreciate all the audience for being here. Thank all the audience for being here. Thank all the audience for being here. Thank you. you. you. >> Thank you. Have a great Friday. >> Thank you. Have a great Friday. >> Thank you. Have a great Friday. >> Take care. [laughter]