Funded Founder Fridays: E4

[laughter] [laughter] Hello. Welcome to another episode of Hello. Welcome to another episode of Hello. Welcome to another episode of Funded Founder Fridays. Uh this is Funded Founder Fridays. Uh this is Funded Founder Fridays. Uh this is episode four. Uh it's the last one of episode four. Uh it's the last one of episode four. Uh it's the last one of the month and today we're going to be the month and today we're going to be the month and today we're going to be talking about trust which is the talking about trust which is the talking about trust which is the currency of every startup ecosystem. currency of every startup ecosystem. currency of every startup ecosystem. >> Yeah. Um >> Yeah. Um >> Yeah. Um welcome and that's our la last show this welcome and that's our la last show this welcome and that's our la last show this month and trust is what is building any month and trust is what is building any month and trust is what is building any relationship and any ecosystem. So uh relationship and any ecosystem. So uh relationship and any ecosystem. So uh it's not just a currency is everything. it's not just a currency is everything. it's not just a currency is everything. >> Yes. So on founded founder Fridays we >> Yes. So on founded founder Fridays we >> Yes. So on founded founder Fridays we want to create a space for founders to want to create a space for founders to want to create a space for founders to ask honest questions about the startup ask honest questions about the startup ask honest questions about the startup journey. Uh so we create the space to journey. Uh so we create the space to journey. Uh so we create the space to have conversations with investors with have conversations with investors with have conversations with investors with mentors um that can help guide that mentors um that can help guide that mentors um that can help guide that journey. Uh this week this month's theme journey. Uh this week this month's theme journey. Uh this week this month's theme has been community building. Um and we has been community building. Um and we has been community building. Um and we discussed all sorts of things. So we discussed all sorts of things. So we discussed all sorts of things. So we talked on the first episode we talked talked on the first episode we talked talked on the first episode we talked about the valley of death um and how it about the valley of death um and how it about the valley of death um and how it can be very difficult to navigate the can be very difficult to navigate the can be very difficult to navigate the valley of death and what that is and how valley of death and what that is and how valley of death and what that is and how it's it's a space where it's it's a space where it's it's a space where um startups are and founders are um startups are and founders are um startups are and founders are struggling questioning the journey struggling questioning the journey struggling questioning the journey questioning everything about it questioning everything about it questioning everything about it >> um and what were some of the lessons >> um and what were some of the lessons >> um and what were some of the lessons that we learned. Yeah. So the value of that we learned. Yeah. So the value of that we learned. Yeah. So the value of death is where um you are running out of death is where um you are running out of death is where um you are running out of um uh resources. So basically if um uh resources. So basically if um uh resources. So basically if somebody has raised money, this is where

somebody has raised money, this is where somebody has raised money, this is where uh they are running out of money. The uh they are running out of money. The uh they are running out of money. The resources are low. If somebody hasn't resources are low. If somebody hasn't resources are low. If somebody hasn't hasn't raised any money uh is where you hasn't raised any money uh is where you hasn't raised any money uh is where you know you're just running out of your know you're just running out of your know you're just running out of your personal and you know friends and family personal and you know friends and family personal and you know friends and family resources. You know all the credit cards resources. You know all the credit cards resources. You know all the credit cards are maxed out. Um all the bank accounts are maxed out. Um all the bank accounts are maxed out. Um all the bank accounts are empty. are empty. are empty. and you don't have any other resources, and you don't have any other resources, and you don't have any other resources, you cannot get a loan. No one really you cannot get a loan. No one really you cannot get a loan. No one really gives you any money. Uh so this is where gives you any money. Uh so this is where gives you any money. Uh so this is where you are at the the value of the death you are at the the value of the death you are at the the value of the death and we discuss how we can get out of it, and we discuss how we can get out of it, and we discuss how we can get out of it, >> right? And how community is often how >> right? And how community is often how >> right? And how community is often how founders can get out of it and and why founders can get out of it and and why founders can get out of it and and why that's important in community, right? that's important in community, right? that's important in community, right? >> Yeah. Because you know the biggest thing >> Yeah. Because you know the biggest thing >> Yeah. Because you know the biggest thing with the value of death is if you with the value of death is if you with the value of death is if you surround yourself with people in your surround yourself with people in your surround yourself with people in your ecosystem and the community they can ecosystem and the community they can ecosystem and the community they can help you with the resources. Like for help you with the resources. Like for help you with the resources. Like for example, if you have a product and you example, if you have a product and you example, if you have a product and you get your you know uh first rounding of get your you know uh first rounding of get your you know uh first rounding of funding then um you you're going to get funding then um you you're going to get funding then um you you're going to get help to find clients more clients more help to find clients more clients more help to find clients more clients more revenue and introductions. That's kind revenue and introductions. That's kind revenue and introductions. That's kind of like and then a lot of people will of like and then a lot of people will of like and then a lot of people will help you to uh find more resources in help you to uh find more resources in help you to uh find more resources in the community and the ecosystem, the community and the ecosystem, the community and the ecosystem, >> right? So no [snorts] founder gets out >> right? So no [snorts] founder gets out >> right? So no [snorts] founder gets out of the valley of dust alone today.

of the valley of dust alone today. of the valley of dust alone today. >> They need the community. On the second >> They need the community. On the second >> They need the community. On the second episode, we talked about branding and episode, we talked about branding and episode, we talked about branding and messaging and we had uh Kendrick Karns messaging and we had uh Kendrick Karns messaging and we had uh Kendrick Karns and some student founders uh that put and some student founders uh that put and some student founders uh that put together together together um an organized um an organized um an organized together. I don't think they're licensed together. I don't think they're licensed together. I don't think they're licensed or like official yet. Um, but we had a or like official yet. Um, but we had a or like official yet. Um, but we had a couple of guests on our second episode couple of guests on our second episode couple of guests on our second episode discussing the importance of branding discussing the importance of branding discussing the importance of branding and messaging and how that ties into and messaging and how that ties into and messaging and how that ties into pitching and just pitching your startup pitching and just pitching your startup pitching and just pitching your startup to investors and communicating what to investors and communicating what to investors and communicating what you're doing. you're doing. you're doing. The biggest uh lesson from uh from that The biggest uh lesson from uh from that The biggest uh lesson from uh from that episode is when you have a great idea, episode is when you have a great idea, episode is when you have a great idea, how you uh communicate that to to your how you uh communicate that to to your how you uh communicate that to to your um most important uh people in your um most important uh people in your um most important uh people in your startup journey. Your first your startup journey. Your first your startup journey. Your first your customers, right? Uh second your customers, right? Uh second your customers, right? Uh second your partners, people around you and third partners, people around you and third partners, people around you and third investors. People think like oh yeah the investors. People think like oh yeah the investors. People think like oh yeah the most important person in this journey is most important person in this journey is most important person in this journey is investor. In any startup journey the investor. In any startup journey the investor. In any startup journey the most important uh group of people are most important uh group of people are most important uh group of people are customers. You need to have customers customers. You need to have customers customers. You need to have customers and you need to communicate this great and you need to communicate this great and you need to communicate this great idea to your customers in a way that it idea to your customers in a way that it idea to your customers in a way that it resonates with them. They wanted to resonates with them. They wanted to resonates with them. They wanted to learn more about it. They want to pay learn more about it. They want to pay learn more about it. They want to pay for it.

for it. for it. >> So that's that's the whole thing. They >> So that's that's the whole thing. They >> So that's that's the whole thing. They need to learn about it [laughter] and need to learn about it [laughter] and need to learn about it [laughter] and then they pay for it. then they pay for it. then they pay for it. >> Right. And and I remember Kendrick >> Right. And and I remember Kendrick >> Right. And and I remember Kendrick really uh speaking to the importance of really uh speaking to the importance of really uh speaking to the importance of storytelling in this and how and how storytelling in this and how and how storytelling in this and how and how important it is for you to learn to tell important it is for you to learn to tell important it is for you to learn to tell your story in an impactful way. Yeah. your story in an impactful way. Yeah. your story in an impactful way. Yeah. >> Right. And each story has a hero and >> Right. And each story has a hero and >> Right. And each story has a hero and most of the time the customer is the most of the time the customer is the most of the time the customer is the hero and we are just a guide and this is hero and we are just a guide and this is hero and we are just a guide and this is the uh the framework by Donald Miller the uh the framework by Donald Miller the uh the framework by Donald Miller that kitrich masters that framework help that kitrich masters that framework help that kitrich masters that framework help a lot of startups uh including us to a lot of startups uh including us to a lot of startups uh including us to craft our messages based on we are the craft our messages based on we are the craft our messages based on we are the guide and the hero is the customer. So guide and the hero is the customer. So guide and the hero is the customer. So we are here to guide them. We are not we are here to guide them. We are not we are here to guide them. We are not the hero because if the story has two the hero because if the story has two the hero because if the story has two heroes, you know, heroes will clash. heroes, you know, heroes will clash. heroes, you know, heroes will clash. >> So when you talk to customers, you >> So when you talk to customers, you >> So when you talk to customers, you shouldn't talk about how awesome you shouldn't talk about how awesome you shouldn't talk about how awesome you are. You should talk about uh how you are. You should talk about uh how you are. You should talk about uh how you can help them to be awesome. can help them to be awesome. can help them to be awesome. >> Yeah, that was a great show.

>> Yeah, that was a great show. >> Yeah, that was a great show. >> Yeah, >> Yeah, >> Yeah, >> got a lot of people here. I love that >> got a lot of people here. I love that >> got a lot of people here. I love that was that was the first show that we had was that was the first show that we had was that was the first show that we had guests at. guests at. guests at. >> Yeah. Yeah. Um, [snorts] on the third >> Yeah. Yeah. Um, [snorts] on the third >> Yeah. Yeah. Um, [snorts] on the third episode we talked about investing like a episode we talked about investing like a episode we talked about investing like a VC and asked Ben all sorts of questions VC and asked Ben all sorts of questions VC and asked Ben all sorts of questions on [laughter] on [laughter] on [laughter] that is a great episode of just that is a great episode of just that is a great episode of just >> really breaking it down to what >> really breaking it down to what >> really breaking it down to what investors are looking for, what exactly investors are looking for, what exactly investors are looking for, what exactly startups need to prepare startups need to prepare startups need to prepare >> um so that they are investable >> um so that they are investable >> um so that they are investable >> um and just kind of like the due >> um and just kind of like the due >> um and just kind of like the due diligence that has to happen in that diligence that has to happen in that diligence that has to happen in that process. You know it's important you process. You know it's important you process. You know it's important you understand where you are if you're a understand where you are if you're a understand where you are if you're a startup is important to understand where startup is important to understand where startup is important to understand where you are in your journey right uh and are you are in your journey right uh and are you are in your journey right uh and are you ready for funding you ready for funding you ready for funding >> are you an investible startup and when >> are you an investible startup and when >> are you an investible startup and when you look at uh from an institutional you look at uh from an institutional you look at uh from an institutional investor like VCs they are looking for investor like VCs they are looking for investor like VCs they are looking for certain uh signals so basically the certain uh signals so basically the certain uh signals so basically the first step you need to understand where first step you need to understand where first step you need to understand where you are in the journey who is the right you are in the journey who is the right you are in the journey who is the right investor for you is it friends family is investor for you is it friends family is investor for you is it friends family is angel investors is um um institutional angel investors is um um institutional angel investors is um um institutional investors. Second, investors. Second, investors. Second, >> are you checking all the uh boxes, >> are you checking all the uh boxes, >> are you checking all the uh boxes, right? Because friends and family, they right? Because friends and family, they right? Because friends and family, they want to see uh some signals. Engine want to see uh some signals. Engine want to see uh some signals. Engine investor, they're looking for another investor, they're looking for another investor, they're looking for another like another sets of signals and VCs like another sets of signals and VCs like another sets of signals and VCs most definitely they're looking for most definitely they're looking for most definitely they're looking for another sets of uh requirements to be another sets of uh requirements to be another sets of uh requirements to be checked so they can invest on you. So checked so they can invest on you. So checked so they can invest on you. So you need to understand where you are,

you need to understand where you are, you need to understand where you are, how ready ready you are to uh uh look how ready ready you are to uh uh look how ready ready you are to uh uh look for investment and then uh going through for investment and then uh going through for investment and then uh going through the checklist and see if everything is the checklist and see if everything is the checklist and see if everything is checked. checked. checked. >> And for investors is important you have >> And for investors is important you have >> And for investors is important you have access to a good deal flow, right? access to a good deal flow, right? access to a good deal flow, right? >> That is that is the that is the word of >> That is that is the that is the word of >> That is that is the that is the word of the month, the month, the month, >> right? The deal flow like every startup >> right? The deal flow like every startup >> right? The deal flow like every startup in the investor eyes is a deal. So you in the investor eyes is a deal. So you in the investor eyes is a deal. So you if you not have access to good deal then if you not have access to good deal then if you not have access to good deal then you can have access to good startups and you can have access to good startups and you can have access to good startups and you have a you should have a process for you have a you should have a process for you have a you should have a process for outreach intake due diligence and making outreach intake due diligence and making outreach intake due diligence and making the decision. the decision. the decision. >> So can you break down exactly what deal >> So can you break down exactly what deal >> So can you break down exactly what deal flow means? deal for is yeah it's just a flow means? deal for is yeah it's just a flow means? deal for is yeah it's just a process of process of process of >> uh uh finding performing the due >> uh uh finding performing the due >> uh uh finding performing the due diligence uh looking at all the diligence uh looking at all the diligence uh looking at all the requirements and making the decision of requirements and making the decision of requirements and making the decision of the investment the investment the investment uh on on any any companies. So when you uh on on any any companies. So when you uh on on any any companies. So when you look at the the deal for it starts with look at the the deal for it starts with look at the the deal for it starts with outreach and some VCs they don't have a outreach and some VCs they don't have a outreach and some VCs they don't have a DFO out there they just you know rely on DFO out there they just you know rely on DFO out there they just you know rely on introductions and warm um referrals some introductions and warm um referrals some introductions and warm um referrals some of them they have a website you can go of them they have a website you can go of them they have a website you can go to the website there is a contact us to the website there is a contact us to the website there is a contact us section there is an email there is a section there is an email there is a section there is an email there is a LinkedIn page you can just message them LinkedIn page you can just message them LinkedIn page you can just message them but most of the time if you don't really but most of the time if you don't really but most of the time if you don't really uh know what is the deal for and what is uh know what is the deal for and what is uh know what is the deal for and what is the investment thesis and how they the investment thesis and how they the investment thesis and how they invest a lot of times you're messaging invest a lot of times you're messaging invest a lot of times you're messaging the right the wrong VCs [laughter] the right the wrong VCs [laughter] the right the wrong VCs [laughter] and you're not going to get any any

and you're not going to get any any and you're not going to get any any response from them. They get like 500 response from them. They get like 500 response from them. They get like 500 like a thousand requests sometimes, like a thousand requests sometimes, like a thousand requests sometimes, >> right? So, it's important both for >> right? So, it's important both for >> right? So, it's important both for investors and founders just to I mean investors and founders just to I mean investors and founders just to I mean obviously to to know their their um obviously to to know their their um obviously to to know their their um their ethic um their ethics and their their ethic um their ethics and their their ethic um their ethics and their >> um and what they're looking for. >> um and what they're looking for. >> um and what they're looking for. Uh so bringing it all together to the Uh so bringing it all together to the Uh so bringing it all together to the theme or the topic of today uh where theme or the topic of today uh where theme or the topic of today uh where we're talking about trust um we're we're talking about trust um we're we're talking about trust um we're realizing that all of these different realizing that all of these different realizing that all of these different things that happen within the valley of things that happen within the valley of things that happen within the valley of death and branding and pitching and death and branding and pitching and death and branding and pitching and investing all depend on this invisible investing all depend on this invisible investing all depend on this invisible invisible form that kind of runs through invisible form that kind of runs through invisible form that kind of runs through ecosystems and communities um which is ecosystems and communities um which is ecosystems and communities um which is trust and which is what we're talking trust and which is what we're talking trust and which is what we're talking about today. Um it's something that just about today. Um it's something that just about today. Um it's something that just as I've been in conversation this week as I've been in conversation this week as I've been in conversation this week with other people um has come up and with other people um has come up and with other people um has come up and just how you even build trust, right? just how you even build trust, right? just how you even build trust, right? how you build trust on a personal like how you build trust on a personal like how you build trust on a personal like just on a on a personal level with with just on a on a personal level with with just on a on a personal level with with like humanto human but then also how you like humanto human but then also how you like humanto human but then also how you build trust as a startup with an build trust as a startup with an build trust as a startup with an investor or with some or with a mentor investor or with some or with a mentor investor or with some or with a mentor or with somebody that's looking to be or with somebody that's looking to be or with somebody that's looking to be involved in what you're doing and what involved in what you're doing and what involved in what you're doing and what they're actually looking for there they're actually looking for there they're actually looking for there actually we so we were at STEM go proday actually we so we were at STEM go proday actually we so we were at STEM go proday yesterday at the show energy stadium and yesterday at the show energy stadium and yesterday at the show energy stadium and I and I was able to talk to Anna Machado I and I was able to talk to Anna Machado I and I was able to talk to Anna Machado from uh Latinas and tech and she brought from uh Latinas and tech and she brought from uh Latinas and tech and she brought this up of how as a Latina she's had to

this up of how as a Latina she's had to this up of how as a Latina she's had to move through move through move through maledominated spaces where she's often maledominated spaces where she's often maledominated spaces where she's often been the only female and the only been the only female and the only been the only female and the only Latina. Um, and what it has taken for Latina. Um, and what it has taken for Latina. Um, and what it has taken for her to build trust on a personal level. her to build trust on a personal level. her to build trust on a personal level. >> Um, and she's like, I just had to get >> Um, and she's like, I just had to get >> Um, and she's like, I just had to get really good at numbers. I had to I had really good at numbers. I had to I had really good at numbers. I had to I had to make sure that my data and like and to make sure that my data and like and to make sure that my data and like and every and all my all my tees were every and all my all my tees were every and all my all my tees were crossed and all my eyes were dotted and crossed and all my eyes were dotted and crossed and all my eyes were dotted and everything was perfectly everything was perfectly everything was perfectly uh reported on and presented right and uh reported on and presented right and uh reported on and presented right and you think that that's that's like a you think that that's that's like a you think that that's that's like a no-brainer but but she was like I had to no-brainer but but she was like I had to no-brainer but but she was like I had to be like really I had to master it. I had be like really I had to master it. I had be like really I had to master it. I had to get really good at it. Um and now to get really good at it. Um and now to get really good at it. Um and now that's what she does for Amazon. that's what she does for Amazon. that's what she does for Amazon. >> Yeah. [laughter] >> Yeah. [laughter] >> Yeah. [laughter] You know, so they say uh people do You know, so they say uh people do You know, so they say uh people do business with the people that they business with the people that they business with the people that they trust, trust, trust, >> right? Trust is like the basic of any >> right? Trust is like the basic of any >> right? Trust is like the basic of any relationship or any business. relationship or any business. relationship or any business. >> So if you don't trust if you don't trust >> So if you don't trust if you don't trust >> So if you don't trust if you don't trust a brand or a founder or a business, you a brand or a founder or a business, you a brand or a founder or a business, you don't really uh do business with them.

don't really uh do business with them. don't really uh do business with them. That's just like the simplest uh uh you That's just like the simplest uh uh you That's just like the simplest uh uh you know concept, know concept, know concept, >> right? But what is important here is any >> right? But what is important here is any >> right? But what is important here is any relationship relationship relationship starts with trust and then it evolves to starts with trust and then it evolves to starts with trust and then it evolves to um [snorts] evolves to more relationship um [snorts] evolves to more relationship um [snorts] evolves to more relationship evolves to more interaction more evolves to more interaction more evolves to more interaction more engagement and then becomes a permanent engagement and then becomes a permanent engagement and then becomes a permanent and you know uh relationship between a and you know uh relationship between a and you know uh relationship between a brand a company uh and customers brand a company uh and customers brand a company uh and customers brand or company and investors partners brand or company and investors partners brand or company and investors partners anyone else and a company, a person or a anyone else and a company, a person or a anyone else and a company, a person or a brand with the ecosystem. brand with the ecosystem. brand with the ecosystem. >> Yeah. And and so for us with Creattopia, >> Yeah. And and so for us with Creattopia, >> Yeah. And and so for us with Creattopia, um a lot of a lot our motto or why why um a lot of a lot our motto or why why um a lot of a lot our motto or why why we center so much on creativity. Um is we center so much on creativity. Um is we center so much on creativity. Um is because in my mental health background, because in my mental health background, because in my mental health background, um I realized how how much safety is um I realized how how much safety is um I realized how how much safety is needed in order to be able to be needed in order to be able to be needed in order to be able to be creative. Um and how play really creative. Um and how play really creative. Um and how play really functions as a kind of like social functions as a kind of like social functions as a kind of like social lubricant. um when when you're building lubricant. um when when you're building lubricant. um when when you're building trust and you're building community. Uh trust and you're building community. Uh trust and you're building community. Uh so with safety, but but first you need so with safety, but but first you need so with safety, but but first you need safety and and like mental safety and safety and and like mental safety and safety and and like mental safety and and we can and we can and we can >> talk forever on what like actual safety >> talk forever on what like actual safety >> talk forever on what like actual safety means. [laughter] means. [laughter] means. [laughter] >> Um but if you're in a state of fight or >> Um but if you're in a state of fight or >> Um but if you're in a state of fight or flight, you cannot create, you cannot flight, you cannot create, you cannot flight, you cannot create, you cannot have original thought. [snorts]

have original thought. [snorts] have original thought. [snorts] >> Um so how can you and if you're in a >> Um so how can you and if you're in a >> Um so how can you and if you're in a state of fight or flight, how can you state of fight or flight, how can you state of fight or flight, how can you trust somebody, right? like you're trust somebody, right? like you're trust somebody, right? like you're you're you're you're probably hypervigilant. You're you're probably hypervigilant. You're you're probably hypervigilant. You're you're actually like your brain like your actually like your brain like your actually like your brain like your amygdala is which which is what amygdala is which which is what amygdala is which which is what registers fight or flight is more active registers fight or flight is more active registers fight or flight is more active because you are in that in that survival because you are in that in that survival because you are in that in that survival state. state. state. >> So even how you're engaging in >> So even how you're engaging in >> So even how you're engaging in conversations or how you're engaging in conversations or how you're engaging in conversations or how you're engaging in the ecosystem itself is kind of through the ecosystem itself is kind of through the ecosystem itself is kind of through that filter of of you're not relaxed. So that filter of of you're not relaxed. So that filter of of you're not relaxed. So that's why why play is important, why that's why why play is important, why that's why why play is important, why why play is important to creativity and why play is important to creativity and why play is important to creativity and and it's just so great to see there's and it's just so great to see there's and it's just so great to see there's been a lot of research of how like play been a lot of research of how like play been a lot of research of how like play in youth just white kids play a lot when in youth just white kids play a lot when in youth just white kids play a lot when they're when they're younger and how they're when they're younger and how they're when they're younger and how much that builds social bonds and how much that builds social bonds and how much that builds social bonds and how much that builds like that's how they much that builds like that's how they much that builds like that's how they learn to lie. That's how they learn to learn to lie. That's how they learn to learn to lie. That's how they learn to imaginate. That's how you learn to imaginate. That's how you learn to imaginate. That's how you learn to create. um it's in those those create. um it's in those those create. um it's in those those environments where you're just naturally environments where you're just naturally environments where you're just naturally um socializing without really having to um socializing without really having to um socializing without really having to think about it.

think about it. think about it. >> I think that's the basics for innovation >> I think that's the basics for innovation >> I think that's the basics for innovation and creation, right? and creation, right? and creation, right? >> Uh so can you tell us more about you >> Uh so can you tell us more about you >> Uh so can you tell us more about you know from your experience in uh you know know from your experience in uh you know know from your experience in uh you know in psychology? How do you see uh in psychology? How do you see uh in psychology? How do you see uh creating a safe space can help people creating a safe space can help people creating a safe space can help people first to innovate better and then first to innovate better and then first to innovate better and then collaborate better? right? collaborate better? right? collaborate better? right? >> You know, like these two important >> You know, like these two important >> You know, like these two important things, innovation and collaboration. things, innovation and collaboration. things, innovation and collaboration. >> Um, again, it's if it's that state of >> Um, again, it's if it's that state of >> Um, again, it's if it's that state of mind. It's it's that relaxed state of mind. It's it's that relaxed state of mind. It's it's that relaxed state of mind that really allows you to have a mind that really allows you to have a mind that really allows you to have a clear clear state of mind to be able to clear clear state of mind to be able to clear clear state of mind to be able to think um to be able to think logically, think um to be able to think logically, think um to be able to think logically, to be able to process things. Um, so to be able to process things. Um, so to be able to process things. Um, so when you're so when you're innovating, when you're so when you're innovating, when you're so when you're innovating, right, like you're you're you need right, like you're you're you need right, like you're you're you need original thought. You need to to push original thought. You need to to push original thought. You need to to push the boundaries. You need to think the boundaries. You need to think the boundaries. You need to think outside of the box. Um, and with outside of the box. Um, and with outside of the box. Um, and with collaboration, collaboration, collaboration, um, you need to to continue to be able um, you need to to continue to be able um, you need to to continue to be able to trust.

to trust. to trust. >> And, you know, that's that's very >> And, you know, that's that's very >> And, you know, that's that's very important because the in innovation important because the in innovation important because the in innovation ecosystems and the startup ecosystem, ecosystems and the startup ecosystem, ecosystems and the startup ecosystem, when you are a founder, this is your when you are a founder, this is your when you are a founder, this is your baby. This is your idea, baby. This is your idea, baby. This is your idea, >> right? and you're going out in the >> right? and you're going out in the >> right? and you're going out in the ecosystem and you're sharing your ecosystem and you're sharing your ecosystem and you're sharing your thoughts and your ideas and your secret thoughts and your ideas and your secret thoughts and your ideas and your secret sauce with others. sauce with others. sauce with others. So just feeling safe to share the ideas So just feeling safe to share the ideas So just feeling safe to share the ideas with others with others with others uh is important for somebody to be able uh is important for somebody to be able uh is important for somebody to be able to communicate and share that idea with to communicate and share that idea with to communicate and share that idea with the ecosystem. the ecosystem. the ecosystem. And and I think the second thing is uh And and I think the second thing is uh And and I think the second thing is uh how uh people are going to receive that how uh people are going to receive that how uh people are going to receive that idea. You know if somebody goes to uh to idea. You know if somebody goes to uh to idea. You know if somebody goes to uh to this ecosystem and share my share the this ecosystem and share my share the this ecosystem and share my share the idea and people starting uh you know idea and people starting uh you know idea and people starting uh you know criticizing and just providing uh you criticizing and just providing uh you criticizing and just providing uh you know really criticism and destructive know really criticism and destructive know really criticism and destructive criticism criticism criticism the person will not feel safe to go the person will not feel safe to go the person will not feel safe to go again and seek for help.

again and seek for help. again and seek for help. >> Right. Right. Because sometimes you have >> Right. Right. Because sometimes you have >> Right. Right. Because sometimes you have ideas that are ideas that are ideas that are >> you probably think they're out of the >> you probably think they're out of the >> you probably think they're out of the box. Right. You're probably like this is box. Right. You're probably like this is box. Right. You're probably like this is a crazy idea. Nobody could would ever. a crazy idea. Nobody could would ever. a crazy idea. Nobody could would ever. So you so if you're already doubting it So you so if you're already doubting it So you so if you're already doubting it and you don't have that space where you and you don't have that space where you and you don't have that space where you can come and like experiment with it, can come and like experiment with it, can come and like experiment with it, come and play with the idea, right? come and play with the idea, right? come and play with the idea, right? Because that's that's what innovation Because that's that's what innovation Because that's that's what innovation and iteration is. Uh really like and iteration is. Uh really like and iteration is. Uh really like experimenting with the idea and breaking experimenting with the idea and breaking experimenting with the idea and breaking it apart and having other people it apart and having other people it apart and having other people criticize it. But if you don't have that criticize it. But if you don't have that criticize it. But if you don't have that foundation of trust, then how can you go foundation of trust, then how can you go foundation of trust, then how can you go through that experimental process, through that experimental process, through that experimental process, right? which is what a lot of like early right? which is what a lot of like early right? which is what a lot of like early stage startup life is, right? Like stage startup life is, right? Like stage startup life is, right? Like you're you're iterating and you're like, you're you're iterating and you're like, you're you're iterating and you're like, I have this idea, but where's my market? I have this idea, but where's my market? I have this idea, but where's my market? Like what does it actually look like? Like what does it actually look like? Like what does it actually look like? Like is it actually a good idea? Like is it actually a good idea? Like is it actually a good idea? [laughter] Right. So how do you Yeah. [laughter] Right. So how do you Yeah. [laughter] Right. So how do you Yeah. Right. So, so the importance of being Right. So, so the importance of being Right. So, so the importance of being able to be in a community and and but able to be in a community and and but able to be in a community and and but that at the same time what what do you that at the same time what what do you that at the same time what what do you need uh like what what kind of NDAs or need uh like what what kind of NDAs or need uh like what what kind of NDAs or what kind of like things do you need in what kind of like things do you need in what kind of like things do you need in place because that is also a thing right place because that is also a thing right place because that is also a thing right people people can steal ideas and I have people people can steal ideas and I have people people can steal ideas and I have heard of like horror stories of people heard of like horror stories of people heard of like horror stories of people sharing their ideas and then they see sharing their ideas and then they see sharing their ideas and then they see somebody do it or they're part they're somebody do it or they're part they're somebody do it or they're part they're even like part of cohorts or they're even like part of cohorts or they're even like part of cohorts or they're part of part of part of >> some other type of program where >> some other type of program where >> some other type of program where >> where shared the idea and then the idea >> where shared the idea and then the idea >> where shared the idea and then the idea was pretty much stolen from them.

was pretty much stolen from them. was pretty much stolen from them. [laughter] [laughter] [laughter] >> Right? It should be like both ways like >> Right? It should be like both ways like >> Right? It should be like both ways like >> and I think uh even when you have the >> and I think uh even when you have the >> and I think uh even when you have the idea you need to understand what level idea you need to understand what level idea you need to understand what level of trust you're putting into people and of trust you're putting into people and of trust you're putting into people and communities right and um lot of time communities right and um lot of time communities right and um lot of time this is what I you know tell every this is what I you know tell every this is what I you know tell every founder founder founder um look at your secret sauce and define um look at your secret sauce and define um look at your secret sauce and define it it it >> and think about how much of that you >> and think about how much of that you >> and think about how much of that you wanted to share with others because when wanted to share with others because when wanted to share with others because when you're in a pitch competition ition when you're in a pitch competition ition when you're in a pitch competition ition when you are in a cohort. You cannot go you are in a cohort. You cannot go you are in a cohort. You cannot go around and sign NDAs with everybody. around and sign NDAs with everybody. around and sign NDAs with everybody. Right. Right. Right. >> Right. >> Right. >> Right. >> But what you can do you can just you >> But what you can do you can just you >> But what you can do you can just you know identify this is my core secret know identify this is my core secret know identify this is my core secret sauce. sauce. sauce. I don't want to give this uh away. I I don't want to give this uh away. I I don't want to give this uh away. I don't want to talk about this. don't want to talk about this. don't want to talk about this. >> Uh I just wanted to communicate my idea >> Uh I just wanted to communicate my idea >> Uh I just wanted to communicate my idea without giving away my core secret without giving away my core secret without giving away my core secret sauce. That way you're protecting your sauce. That way you're protecting your sauce. That way you're protecting your idea. But now if there is a due idea. But now if there is a due idea. But now if there is a due diligence someone says hey you know I diligence someone says hey you know I diligence someone says hey you know I wanted to learn more about it then you wanted to learn more about it then you wanted to learn more about it then you can sign a NDA with that person with can sign a NDA with that person with can sign a NDA with that person with that group that group that group >> so they can come and they learn more >> so they can come and they learn more >> so they can come and they learn more about the idea because now they are about the idea because now they are about the idea because now they are serious about it serious about it serious about it >> right >> right >> right >> that way you're protecting the idea but >> that way you're protecting the idea but >> that way you're protecting the idea but again all these uh important things again all these uh important things again all these uh important things should be consulted with a legal counsel should be consulted with a legal counsel should be consulted with a legal counsel and every time you want to do something and every time you want to do something and every time you want to do something every time you wanted to disclose those every time you wanted to disclose those every time you wanted to disclose those for sure consult a legal counsel on what

for sure consult a legal counsel on what for sure consult a legal counsel on what are uh what are the steps that you need are uh what are the steps that you need are uh what are the steps that you need to take to protect your idea to take to protect your idea to take to protect your idea >> and when would you say like a patent >> and when would you say like a patent >> and when would you say like a patent should be put into place. Um should be put into place. Um should be put into place. Um >> even the patents, right? Those are again >> even the patents, right? Those are again >> even the patents, right? Those are again things that there are attorneys, there things that there are attorneys, there things that there are attorneys, there are legal councils that they are are legal councils that they are are legal councils that they are >> um very uh um advanced in in in filing >> um very uh um advanced in in in filing >> um very uh um advanced in in in filing and defining those patterns. But you and defining those patterns. But you and defining those patterns. But you need to think about need to think about need to think about everything that you think, everything everything that you think, everything everything that you think, everything that you do, every idea is not that you do, every idea is not that you do, every idea is not patentable. patentable. patentable. It's not like you can patent anything It's not like you can patent anything It's not like you can patent anything that you can think of. So again is the that you can think of. So again is the that you can think of. So again is the matter of uh um protecting your matter of uh um protecting your matter of uh um protecting your intellectual property the right way. intellectual property the right way. intellectual property the right way. [snorts] So cons consult with somebody [snorts] So cons consult with somebody [snorts] So cons consult with somebody that is expert in this area. They will that is expert in this area. They will that is expert in this area. They will tell you what are your options tell you what are your options tell you what are your options and just don't like from the day one and just don't like from the day one and just don't like from the day one don't don't go chasing the patent or don't don't go chasing the patent or don't don't go chasing the patent or NDAs or any of that because you think NDAs or any of that because you think NDAs or any of that because you think the only way of protecting this idea is the only way of protecting this idea is the only way of protecting this idea is just fighting for patent. go consult just fighting for patent. go consult just fighting for patent. go consult with somebody that knows how you can with somebody that knows how you can with somebody that knows how you can protect your idea the best protect your idea the best protect your idea the best >> and you should at least have your market >> and you should at least have your market >> and you should at least have your market product fit before you do that, right?

product fit before you do that, right? product fit before you do that, right? >> You know there like sometimes even in >> You know there like sometimes even in >> You know there like sometimes even in ideation you need to do it. You know it ideation you need to do it. You know it ideation you need to do it. You know it just just just >> it like it's really important if you >> it like it's really important if you >> it like it's really important if you think this is a secret sauce that think this is a secret sauce that think this is a secret sauce that somebody can easily copy it. somebody can easily copy it. somebody can easily copy it. If you ask an investor if I put my If you ask an investor if I put my If you ask an investor if I put my investor hat I will tell you this is not investor hat I will tell you this is not investor hat I will tell you this is not a good idea. [laughter] If somebody can a good idea. [laughter] If somebody can a good idea. [laughter] If somebody can easily copy your idea but easily copy your idea but easily copy your idea but >> if it's a noble idea, it's a noble >> if it's a noble idea, it's a noble >> if it's a noble idea, it's a noble innovation innovation innovation and uh if you go after patent uh at the and uh if you go after patent uh at the and uh if you go after patent uh at the beginning then you can block any other beginning then you can block any other beginning then you can block any other competitors just do it. So it's just competitors just do it. So it's just competitors just do it. So it's just important you understand like where you important you understand like where you important you understand like where you are and and console somebody that can are and and console somebody that can are and and console somebody that can help you and there are like again like help you and there are like again like help you and there are like again like the the the importance of ecosystem the the the importance of ecosystem the the the importance of ecosystem here. You can go and talk to people in here. You can go and talk to people in here. You can go and talk to people in the ecosystem and ask for help. Yeah, the ecosystem and ask for help. Yeah, the ecosystem and ask for help. Yeah, you know, I have this great idea. What you know, I have this great idea. What you know, I have this great idea. What do you think? They're like product, you do you think? They're like product, you do you think? They're like product, you know, experts that they can tell you. know, experts that they can tell you. know, experts that they can tell you. Yeah, you can go and this person has Yeah, you can go and this person has Yeah, you can go and this person has helped others for, you know, filing pen helped others for, you know, filing pen helped others for, you know, filing pen protecting the IP uh and they can help protecting the IP uh and they can help protecting the IP uh and they can help you.

you. you. >> Yeah. Yeah. Do we have a question from >> Yeah. Yeah. Do we have a question from >> Yeah. Yeah. Do we have a question from the audience? I see. Um I don't think the audience? I see. Um I don't think the audience? I see. Um I don't think our our cameraman is here yet. Um yes. our our cameraman is here yet. Um yes. our our cameraman is here yet. Um yes. So, thank you. This is a great So, thank you. This is a great So, thank you. This is a great conversation. Let me just say a fact conversation. Let me just say a fact conversation. Let me just say a fact real quick while we switch while we get real quick while we switch while we get real quick while we switch while we get our studio camera ready. Um apparent so our studio camera ready. Um apparent so our studio camera ready. Um apparent so there one of the facts that I found was there one of the facts that I found was there one of the facts that I found was that high trust communities exchange that high trust communities exchange that high trust communities exchange knowledge significantly more often than knowledge significantly more often than knowledge significantly more often than low trust communities. low trust communities. low trust communities. >> Isn't that interesting? >> Isn't that interesting? >> Isn't that interesting? >> Wow. >> Wow. >> Wow. [laughter] [laughter] [laughter] And just and again what what how much And just and again what what how much And just and again what what how much more in when you have more diversity more in when you have more diversity more in when you have more diversity just how much more can be exchanged and just how much more can be exchanged and just how much more can be exchanged and how much more can grow um like quantumly how much more can grow um like quantumly how much more can grow um like quantumly almost when you have that trust and when almost when you have that trust and when almost when you have that trust and when you're able to to break down silos and you're able to to break down silos and you're able to to break down silos and break down things that or or bring break down things that or or bring break down things that or or bring things together bring ecosystems that things together bring ecosystems that things together bring ecosystems that are doing similar things bring them are doing similar things bring them are doing similar things bring them together and innovate together. So, so together and innovate together. So, so together and innovate together. So, so how much more how trust can how much more how trust can how much more how trust can significantly impact the knowledge significantly impact the knowledge significantly impact the knowledge that's shared within ecosystems. I think that's shared within ecosystems. I think that's shared within ecosystems. I think that's great.

that's great. that's great. >> Yeah. And I think knowledge is one of >> Yeah. And I think knowledge is one of >> Yeah. And I think knowledge is one of the biggest assets that we have and any the biggest assets that we have and any the biggest assets that we have and any [clears throat] company, any ecosystem, [clears throat] company, any ecosystem, [clears throat] company, any ecosystem, any startup can uh can use. any startup can uh can use. any startup can uh can use. >> Yeah. So, we have a question here from >> Yeah. So, we have a question here from >> Yeah. So, we have a question here from the audience. Uh we do want to take a the audience. Uh we do want to take a the audience. Uh we do want to take a little break and just say hi to little break and just say hi to little break and just say hi to everybody that's here. Uh hi to people everybody that's here. Uh hi to people everybody that's here. Uh hi to people online. And I see some people on online. And I see some people on online. And I see some people on Instagram. Um, hi everybody. Uh, thank Instagram. Um, hi everybody. Uh, thank Instagram. Um, hi everybody. Uh, thank you for joining. Thank you for tuning you for joining. Thank you for tuning you for joining. Thank you for tuning in. Um, just say your name and let us in. Um, just say your name and let us in. Um, just say your name and let us know what you what you want to know. know what you what you want to know. know what you what you want to know. >> Hi, I'm Trent Kirxy. I'm the CEO founder >> Hi, I'm Trent Kirxy. I'm the CEO founder >> Hi, I'm Trent Kirxy. I'm the CEO founder of Veil Technologies and the Gateway of Veil Technologies and the Gateway of Veil Technologies and the Gateway Center here in Houston. And on the Center here in Houston. And on the Center here in Houston. And on the conversation regarding ideiation and conversation regarding ideiation and conversation regarding ideiation and sharing of those ideas, um, it's as sharing of those ideas, um, it's as sharing of those ideas, um, it's as simple as an email to oneself, right? So simple as an email to oneself, right? So simple as an email to oneself, right? So I I have an idea and it's conceptual at I I have an idea and it's conceptual at I I have an idea and it's conceptual at first. I can pay for it and then I email first. I can pay for it and then I email first. I can pay for it and then I email myself to start a layer of protection.

myself to start a layer of protection. myself to start a layer of protection. Um step two can be registering that um Um step two can be registering that um Um step two can be registering that um in one way or another and I'm I'm in one way or another and I'm I'm in one way or another and I'm I'm currently holding three provisional currently holding three provisional currently holding three provisional patents on like 27 different claims and patents on like 27 different claims and patents on like 27 different claims and it started with that idea, right? Just it started with that idea, right? Just it started with that idea, right? Just one conceptual idea that I emailed one conceptual idea that I emailed one conceptual idea that I emailed myself. So my question for you is how do myself. So my question for you is how do myself. So my question for you is how do we get uh systemic organization we get uh systemic organization we get uh systemic organization so that ideation can live right we are so that ideation can live right we are so that ideation can live right we are hampered by the reality of distrust hampered by the reality of distrust hampered by the reality of distrust and my nightlife and hospitality and my nightlife and hospitality and my nightlife and hospitality platform veil uh who's in live beta now platform veil uh who's in live beta now platform veil uh who's in live beta now I say who because you know these things I say who because you know these things I say who because you know these things live these days right [laughter] but live these days right [laughter] but live these days right [laughter] but Veil is in live beta now but it's my Veil is in live beta now but it's my Veil is in live beta now but it's my lantern product that is in conversation lantern product that is in conversation lantern product that is in conversation with governments about solving their with governments about solving their with governments about solving their problems most immediately, right? The problems most immediately, right? The problems most immediately, right? The the best customer anyone could ask for. the best customer anyone could ask for. the best customer anyone could ask for. Uh and and we're talking state Uh and and we're talking state Uh and and we're talking state governments. So so 30 or 40 or 50 of governments. So so 30 or 40 or 50 of governments. So so 30 or 40 or 50 of them. But the reality is when you talk them. But the reality is when you talk them. But the reality is when you talk about ideiation from um its base format, about ideiation from um its base format, about ideiation from um its base format, it is hampered by the reality that we it is hampered by the reality that we it is hampered by the reality that we can't all come to the table and say I've can't all come to the table and say I've can't all come to the table and say I've been thinking or guess what I created or been thinking or guess what I created or been thinking or guess what I created or I did five prior hard art searches uh I did five prior hard art searches uh I did five prior hard art searches uh five hard prior art searches on these five hard prior art searches on these five hard prior art searches on these ideas and there's nothing nothing close, ideas and there's nothing nothing close, ideas and there's nothing nothing close, nothing that you could reasonably nothing that you could reasonably nothing that you could reasonably expect. Um, and I think I might have

expect. Um, and I think I might have expect. Um, and I think I might have something novel. I wrote a provisional something novel. I wrote a provisional something novel. I wrote a provisional patent application and I submitted it. patent application and I submitted it. patent application and I submitted it. It's on this. How can you use this? How It's on this. How can you use this? How It's on this. How can you use this? How can you use this? And these these ideas can you use this? And these these ideas can you use this? And these these ideas that are novel can be used a 100red that are novel can be used a 100red that are novel can be used a 100red million different ways and be monetized million different ways and be monetized million different ways and be monetized and we could all make billions and and we could all make billions and and we could all make billions and trillions of dollars if we could be more trillions of dollars if we could be more trillions of dollars if we could be more communal. So, how do we get past what's communal. So, how do we get past what's communal. So, how do we get past what's the infrastructure answer? Right? Is the infrastructure answer? Right? Is the infrastructure answer? Right? Is that an idea that I just handed out for that an idea that I just handed out for that an idea that I just handed out for free? uh that what is the path to to free? uh that what is the path to to free? uh that what is the path to to ideiation being something that we can ideiation being something that we can ideiation being something that we can share with each other because I have a share with each other because I have a share with each other because I have a hundred ideas only eight of them I've hundred ideas only eight of them I've hundred ideas only eight of them I've monetized right I've been self-employed monetized right I've been self-employed monetized right I've been self-employed since 2014 what year is it 20 26 um I since 2014 what year is it 20 26 um I since 2014 what year is it 20 26 um I just know wake up get money and so I just know wake up get money and so I just know wake up get money and so I think that I think that what we do is think that I think that what we do is think that I think that what we do is predicated on our access to safety and predicated on our access to safety and predicated on our access to safety and trust um in combination So what is the trust um in combination So what is the trust um in combination So what is the answer to that? Right? It might be a answer to that? Right? It might be a answer to that? Right? It might be a hundred answers [clears throat] by this hundred answers [clears throat] by this hundred answers [clears throat] by this point.

point. point. >> That is a great question. Thank you so >> That is a great question. Thank you so >> That is a great question. Thank you so much. Um that's exactly what we're doing much. Um that's exactly what we're doing much. Um that's exactly what we're doing uh here at the innovation studio and uh here at the innovation studio and uh here at the innovation studio and establishing a noble founder within the establishing a noble founder within the establishing a noble founder within the ecosystem. Um that's and and yes, thank ecosystem. Um that's and and yes, thank ecosystem. Um that's and and yes, thank you for the idea and we'd love to have you for the idea and we'd love to have you for the idea and we'd love to have you help us develop that and develop you help us develop that and develop you help us develop that and develop that system and really for you to be that system and really for you to be that system and really for you to be integrated in what that looks like. uh integrated in what that looks like. uh integrated in what that looks like. uh because we want everybody to participate because we want everybody to participate because we want everybody to participate in the development. We don't want it to in the development. We don't want it to in the development. We don't want it to just be a Ben and Roselia thing. Um we just be a Ben and Roselia thing. Um we just be a Ben and Roselia thing. Um we are not the ecosystem, right? I think are not the ecosystem, right? I think are not the ecosystem, right? I think that we share that with our founders that we share that with our founders that we share that with our founders couch that's coming up. Just we if if couch that's coming up. Just we if if couch that's coming up. Just we if if you if you have just the thing depend on you if you have just the thing depend on you if you have just the thing depend on one person to lead it or two people to one person to lead it or two people to one person to lead it or two people to lead it, it's not going to be lead it, it's not going to be lead it, it's not going to be sustainable. Um so we welcome that. But sustainable. Um so we welcome that. But sustainable. Um so we welcome that. But that is what we want to build in this that is what we want to build in this that is what we want to build in this space. uh we we want to make it so that space. uh we we want to make it so that space. uh we we want to make it so that we figure out what trust looks like. We we figure out what trust looks like. We we figure out what trust looks like. We figure out how we bring people uh safely figure out how we bring people uh safely figure out how we bring people uh safely into the ecosystem so that they know into the ecosystem so that they know into the ecosystem so that they know we're not going to steal ideas so that we're not going to steal ideas so that we're not going to steal ideas so that they know that we're here to help them they know that we're here to help them they know that we're here to help them grow. so that we're here to help them in grow. so that we're here to help them in grow. so that we're here to help them in any way that we can any way that we can any way that we can >> and you know I think this is our you >> and you know I think this is our you >> and you know I think this is our you know principles and thank you so much know principles and thank you so much know principles and thank you so much for participating and Trent is doing a for participating and Trent is doing a for participating and Trent is doing a lot of great great work and he's lot of great great work and he's lot of great great work and he's [clears throat] one of the founders that [clears throat] one of the founders that [clears throat] one of the founders that is doing the job of a founder someone is doing the job of a founder someone is doing the job of a founder someone that goes out someone that really uh get that goes out someone that really uh get that goes out someone that really uh get things done I think in in the in the things done I think in in the in the things done I think in in the in the ecosystem building a startup the most ecosystem building a startup the most ecosystem building a startup the most important thing for a founder is going

important thing for a founder is going important thing for a founder is going out making prog progress every day out making prog progress every day out making prog progress every day getting things done and and you know uh getting things done and and you know uh getting things done and and you know uh showcasing that this this is not just an showcasing that this this is not just an showcasing that this this is not just an idea this is a product that now he's idea this is a product that now he's idea this is a product that now he's able to uh uh push it to the finish line able to uh uh push it to the finish line able to uh uh push it to the finish line but from an ideation perspective you but from an ideation perspective you but from an ideation perspective you know we have been uh talking about uh an know we have been uh talking about uh an know we have been uh talking about uh an idea of tokenizing ideas so one of the idea of tokenizing ideas so one of the idea of tokenizing ideas so one of the things I've learned when when I was things I've learned when when I was things I've learned when when I was >> uh sharing sharing my idea with other uh >> uh sharing sharing my idea with other uh >> uh sharing sharing my idea with other uh investors. They said, "Hey, go and and investors. They said, "Hey, go and and investors. They said, "Hey, go and and mail like just print out your idea, mail mail like just print out your idea, mail mail like just print out your idea, mail it, and then receive it. Don't open the it, and then receive it. Don't open the it, and then receive it. Don't open the mail." So that shows like you put like a mail." So that shows like you put like a mail." So that shows like you put like a stamp stamp stamp >> on your idea like on the date. >> on your idea like on the date. >> on your idea like on the date. >> Um just emailing to yourself is another >> Um just emailing to yourself is another >> Um just emailing to yourself is another great way of uh you know showing that great way of uh you know showing that great way of uh you know showing that the idea was uh you know created the idea was uh you know created the idea was uh you know created generated day that day by you. But right generated day that day by you. But right generated day that day by you. But right now uh beside NDAs, beside the trust and now uh beside NDAs, beside the trust and now uh beside NDAs, beside the trust and beside the community that you can trust, beside the community that you can trust, beside the community that you can trust, uh you need just to have you know legal uh you need just to have you know legal uh you need just to have you know legal councils and and all the legal councils and and all the legal councils and and all the legal protections in place uh to protect your protections in place uh to protect your protections in place uh to protect your idea and then from that you can build idea and then from that you can build idea and then from that you can build it. So uh to answer your question, it. So uh to answer your question, it. So uh to answer your question, we are exploring how we can help um we are exploring how we can help um we are exploring how we can help um building the trusted network, building

building the trusted network, building building the trusted network, building the trusted uh and safe u ecosystem that the trusted uh and safe u ecosystem that the trusted uh and safe u ecosystem that people can come and share ideas and then people can come and share ideas and then people can come and share ideas and then having partners, having people that we having partners, having people that we having partners, having people that we can build together, can build together, can build together, >> we can help each other >> we can help each other >> we can help each other >> and with that someone can help with >> and with that someone can help with >> and with that someone can help with building the idea. idea. Someone can building the idea. idea. Someone can building the idea. idea. Someone can help with promoting the idea. Someone help with promoting the idea. Someone help with promoting the idea. Someone can help with validating the idea. Uh can help with validating the idea. Uh can help with validating the idea. Uh and we can get one idea from zero an and we can get one idea from zero an and we can get one idea from zero an ideation stage to fully launch ideation stage to fully launch ideation stage to fully launch commercial product. commercial product. commercial product. >> But this is in creation. So the whole >> But this is in creation. So the whole >> But this is in creation. So the whole you know innovation studio and noble you know innovation studio and noble you know innovation studio and noble founder working together is about founder working together is about founder working together is about creating this safe and trusted creating this safe and trusted creating this safe and trusted environment. environment. environment. Uh but I just want to put it out there. Uh but I just want to put it out there. Uh but I just want to put it out there. Um you cannot really prevent people try you you cannot really prevent people try you know to steal your idea or copy your know to steal your idea or copy your know to steal your idea or copy your idea unless you have legal protection in idea unless you have legal protection in idea unless you have legal protection in place. That's that's the state of uh place. That's that's the state of uh place. That's that's the state of uh ideiation and working on ideas today ideiation and working on ideas today ideiation and working on ideas today unless you know the group of people that unless you know the group of people that unless you know the group of people that you're working are fully trusted. Mhm.

you're working are fully trusted. Mhm. you're working are fully trusted. Mhm. >> That's that's something that should >> That's that's something that should >> That's that's something that should establish, should be practiced, should establish, should be practiced, should establish, should be practiced, should be proved. And this is what what we are be proved. And this is what what we are be proved. And this is what what we are practicing here, we're establishing practicing here, we're establishing practicing here, we're establishing here. here. here. >> And and you and I mean this is just like >> And and you and I mean this is just like >> And and you and I mean this is just like people skills, right? Like how do you people skills, right? Like how do you people skills, right? Like how do you how do you trust how does how does how do you trust how does how does how do you trust how does how does somebody become a friend, somebody become a friend, somebody become a friend, >> right? How do you how do you trust >> right? How do you how do you trust >> right? How do you how do you trust anybody in your life, right? That's anybody in your life, right? That's anybody in your life, right? That's that's just like something to also that's just like something to also that's just like something to also reflect on as we grow the ecosystem, reflect on as we grow the ecosystem, reflect on as we grow the ecosystem, right? It's you usually if people lie right? It's you usually if people lie right? It's you usually if people lie like if you catch people lying you're like if you catch people lying you're like if you catch people lying you're not going to trust them. not going to trust them. not going to trust them. >> If if people say something and do >> If if people say something and do >> If if people say something and do something else like they they say that something else like they they say that something else like they they say that they stand behind particular values or they stand behind particular values or they stand behind particular values or morals and then you see them acting in a morals and then you see them acting in a morals and then you see them acting in a different way. At least for me like different way. At least for me like different way. At least for me like these are the things that in my years of these are the things that in my years of these are the things that in my years of life I have and in like different life I have and in like different life I have and in like different relationships right you have to learn to relationships right you have to learn to relationships right you have to learn to trust and you have to learn to vet trust and you have to learn to vet trust and you have to learn to vet people. I think you do. And and that's people. I think you do. And and that's people. I think you do. And and that's not a bad thing because before I used to not a bad thing because before I used to not a bad thing because before I used to trust. trust. trust. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> And then and then until they gave me >> And then and then until they gave me >> And then and then until they gave me like a a reason to not trust, I'd be we like a a reason to not trust, I'd be we like a a reason to not trust, I'd be we I would not trust. But now I'm a lot I would not trust. But now I'm a lot I would not trust. But now I'm a lot more careful and I'm a lot more more careful and I'm a lot more more careful and I'm a lot more observant and a lot more just aware observant and a lot more just aware observant and a lot more just aware because you do have to be. And I think because you do have to be. And I think because you do have to be. And I think that's just something that I mean those that's just something that I mean those that's just something that I mean those are conversations that we can keep are conversations that we can keep are conversations that we can keep having and we can keep bringing up having and we can keep bringing up having and we can keep bringing up because there is and in and especially because there is and in and especially because there is and in and especially in tech innovation, right? like where in tech innovation, right? like where in tech innovation, right? like where it's very technical. It's very numbers.

it's very technical. It's very numbers. it's very technical. It's very numbers. It's very and if you're if you're It's very and if you're if you're It's very and if you're if you're growing a startup, it's there's a lot of growing a startup, it's there's a lot of growing a startup, it's there's a lot of numbers and a lot of like technical numbers and a lot of like technical numbers and a lot of like technical things, but there's also a lot of those things, but there's also a lot of those things, but there's also a lot of those social dynamics and like the social social dynamics and like the social social dynamics and like the social psychology that moves through spaces, psychology that moves through spaces, psychology that moves through spaces, right? I love some my bachelor's in right? I love some my bachelor's in right? I love some my bachelor's in psychology and that's why I love psychology and that's why I love psychology and that's why I love building ecosystems because you get to building ecosystems because you get to building ecosystems because you get to see that. you get to see all of these see that. you get to see all of these see that. you get to see all of these social constructs come into play and and social constructs come into play and and social constructs come into play and and how creating spaces really how creating spaces really how creating spaces really how creating spaces with intention, what how creating spaces with intention, what how creating spaces with intention, what that does like how how you can really that does like how how you can really that does like how how you can really build a space and it really depends on build a space and it really depends on build a space and it really depends on the leaders and the people putting it the leaders and the people putting it the leaders and the people putting it together to be intentional to create together to be intentional to create together to be intentional to create spaces that are safe and and so what is spaces that are safe and and so what is spaces that are safe and and so what is that what does that mean? that what does that mean? that what does that mean? >> I go ahead. So I think my particular >> I go ahead. So I think my particular >> I go ahead. So I think my particular assertion when it came to trust was more assertion when it came to trust was more assertion when it came to trust was more about an administrative system that about an administrative system that about an administrative system that allowed that allowed free flowing and allowed that allowed free flowing and allowed that allowed free flowing and and when I say trust I don't necessarily and when I say trust I don't necessarily and when I say trust I don't necessarily mean in an individual but I mean mean in an individual but I mean mean in an individual but I mean functionally right I see functionally right I see functionally right I see >> when we provide an idea um the idea >> when we provide an idea um the idea >> when we provide an idea um the idea itself is a contribution that's why it's itself is a contribution that's why it's itself is a contribution that's why it's token tokenizable right uh we we um have token tokenizable right uh we we um have token tokenizable right uh we we um have all these new terms that we have to get all these new terms that we have to get all these new terms that we have to get used to. That's why it's tokenizable used to. That's why it's tokenizable used to. That's why it's tokenizable because [laughter] because [laughter] because [laughter] because the idea lives outside of the because the idea lives outside of the because the idea lives outside of the individual.

individual. individual. >> And so for commerce sake at the speed >> And so for commerce sake at the speed >> And so for commerce sake at the speed with of AI, we don't have the time to do with of AI, we don't have the time to do with of AI, we don't have the time to do the vetting it takes, the vetting it takes, the vetting it takes, right? So we have to move from right? So we have to move from right? So we have to move from individual to idea only. individual to idea only. individual to idea only. I think our responsibility to create an I think our responsibility to create an I think our responsibility to create an equitable equitable equitable world because that's what we talk about world because that's what we talk about world because that's what we talk about when we talk about ideas. The world when we talk about ideas. The world when we talk about ideas. The world >> to create an equitable world we must >> to create an equitable world we must >> to create an equitable world we must move beyond our personable our personal move beyond our personable our personal move beyond our personable our personal ability to trust the individual. ability to trust the individual. ability to trust the individual. Especially when constructs are fed to us Especially when constructs are fed to us Especially when constructs are fed to us daily in a hundred different mediums daily in a hundred different mediums daily in a hundred different mediums about what we can and cannot trust. about what we can and cannot trust. about what we can and cannot trust. >> And so in this space, the tech space, >> And so in this space, the tech space, >> And so in this space, the tech space, the founders space, the ecosystem space, the founders space, the ecosystem space, the founders space, the ecosystem space, I don't have time to get to know player. I don't have time to get to know player. I don't have time to get to know player. That's why it's an ecosystem because That's why it's an ecosystem because That's why it's an ecosystem because every player is trusted to provide its every player is trusted to provide its every player is trusted to provide its responsible contribution responsible contribution responsible contribution and only its responsible contribution.

and only its responsible contribution. and only its responsible contribution. It goes back to the the the George It goes back to the the the George It goes back to the the the George Washington approach. you have one job Washington approach. you have one job Washington approach. you have one job and that's what this nation is founded and that's what this nation is founded and that's what this nation is founded on trusting one's ability to show up in on trusting one's ability to show up in on trusting one's ability to show up in their one capacity. And so as as a their one capacity. And so as as a their one capacity. And so as as a person who ideiates in a hundred person who ideiates in a hundred person who ideiates in a hundred different ways at one time, I'll say different ways at one time, I'll say different ways at one time, I'll say when you pass out responsibilities in an when you pass out responsibilities in an when you pass out responsibilities in an ecosystem, ideiation can be that ecosystem, ideiation can be that ecosystem, ideiation can be that responsibility for me, right? But then responsibility for me, right? But then responsibility for me, right? But then you've got Ken who's going to run you've got Ken who's going to run you've got Ken who's going to run operations and you've got Ben who can operations and you've got Ben who can operations and you've got Ben who can get you connected to the ecosystem of get you connected to the ecosystem of get you connected to the ecosystem of funding funding funding >> and then you've got PR folks and you've >> and then you've got PR folks and you've >> and then you've got PR folks and you've got media folks. All of these things are got media folks. All of these things are got media folks. All of these things are part of what you need to move anything part of what you need to move anything part of what you need to move anything stage to stage. But I think our stage to stage. But I think our stage to stage. But I think our responsibility as an ecosystem in 2026 responsibility as an ecosystem in 2026 responsibility as an ecosystem in 2026 in Houston, Texas, which is which is the in Houston, Texas, which is which is the in Houston, Texas, which is which is the world, right? We've we've somehow built world, right? We've we've somehow built world, right? We've we've somehow built the world in a city in Houston. And so the world in a city in Houston. And so the world in a city in Houston. And so our responsibility is to think beyond our responsibility is to think beyond our responsibility is to think beyond validation of an individual to validation of an individual to validation of an individual to validation of the idea and its validation of the idea and its validation of the idea and its contribution to these shared goals.

contribution to these shared goals. contribution to these shared goals. >> Mic drop. >> Mic drop. >> Mic drop. [laughter] [laughter] [laughter] >> That was great. That was great. Yeah. >> That was great. That was great. Yeah. >> That was great. That was great. Yeah. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. >> Can you come a little closer to or can >> Can you come a little closer to or can >> Can you come a little closer to or can we move the camera? Somebody else has a we move the camera? Somebody else has a we move the camera? Somebody else has a question over here. Gavin has a question over here. Gavin has a question over here. Gavin has a question. All right, I'mma add on to what he said All right, I'mma add on to what he said because he he said he he said a because he he said he he said a because he he said he he said a mouthful. So, I'm just gonna I'm just mouthful. So, I'm just gonna I'm just mouthful. So, I'm just gonna I'm just gonna say point blank. gonna say point blank. gonna say point blank. We can't really just worry about We can't really just worry about We can't really just worry about trusting people because at the end of trusting people because at the end of trusting people because at the end of the day, especially in our uh especially the day, especially in our uh especially the day, especially in our uh especially what we're doing in tech, what we're doing in tech, what we're doing in tech, you can create something and the only you can create something and the only you can create something and the only thing that stops somebody from copying thing that stops somebody from copying thing that stops somebody from copying your stuff if is if you're really uh if your stuff if is if you're really uh if your stuff if is if you're really uh if it's really legal up. And the problem is it's really legal up. And the problem is it's really legal up. And the problem is you can have a slight variation in you can have a slight variation in you can have a slight variation in something and put it out and it's something and put it out and it's something and put it out and it's totally legal and there's nothing you totally legal and there's nothing you totally legal and there's nothing you can do about it. go in the uh go in the can do about it. go in the uh go in the can do about it. go in the uh go in the app store. You know how many exercise app store. You know how many exercise app store. You know how many exercise apps there are and how many nutrition apps there are and how many nutrition apps there are and how many nutrition apps there are. They all do basically apps there are. They all do basically apps there are. They all do basically the same thing, but they they put a the same thing, but they they put a the same thing, but they they put a little tweak into it and be done. So the little tweak into it and be done. So the little tweak into it and be done. So the thing is we need to work on just thing is we need to work on just thing is we need to work on just execution and uh having some kind of execution and uh having some kind of execution and uh having some kind of different some kind some type of diff different some kind some type of diff different some kind some type of diff different differentiator or some type of different differentiator or some type of different differentiator or some type of factor that uh actually captures the factor that uh actually captures the factor that uh actually captures the audience and actually captures the audience and actually captures the audience and actually captures the individuals that we're trying to uh individuals that we're trying to uh individuals that we're trying to uh market to. So if we have something market to. So if we have something market to. So if we have something that'll hit then hey that that's it. And

that'll hit then hey that that's it. And that'll hit then hey that that's it. And uh we can't really uh we can't really uh we can't really uh we can't really uh we can't really uh we can't really worry about protection of people uh worry about protection of people uh worry about protection of people uh people trying to steal our stuff because people trying to steal our stuff because people trying to steal our stuff because people will steal your stuff. It's just people will steal your stuff. It's just people will steal your stuff. It's just hey if you have something that's hey if you have something that's hey if you have something that's innovative and something that'll expand innovative and something that'll expand innovative and something that'll expand beyond what the what the original idea beyond what the what the original idea beyond what the what the original idea was or the function of the app or was or the function of the app or was or the function of the app or whatnot then hey you go for it and then whatnot then hey you go for it and then whatnot then hey you go for it and then hey you spin it off later. hey you spin it off later. hey you spin it off later. >> Let me put a brand up. >> Let me put a brand up. >> Let me put a brand up. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. The entire concept must be deidentified The entire concept must be deidentified The entire concept must be deidentified outcomes. outcomes. outcomes. My name is Trenton Kirksy. I'm the I'm My name is Trenton Kirksy. I'm the I'm My name is Trenton Kirksy. I'm the I'm the founder of Veil Technologies and I the founder of Veil Technologies and I the founder of Veil Technologies and I just coined for you deidentified just coined for you deidentified just coined for you deidentified outcomes. It's our shared goal where a outcomes. It's our shared goal where a outcomes. It's our shared goal where a contributor must not be identified. Ben contributor must not be identified. Ben contributor must not be identified. Ben said earlier, we must tokenize ideas. We said earlier, we must tokenize ideas. We said earlier, we must tokenize ideas. We must get to deidentified outcomes. It is must get to deidentified outcomes. It is must get to deidentified outcomes. It is the true path to equity. the true path to equity. the true path to equity. Thank you both for sharing. Thank you both for sharing. Thank you both for sharing. >> Hi. Um I think I have a a slightly I >> Hi. Um I think I have a a slightly I >> Hi. Um I think I have a a slightly I guess different perspective on things.

guess different perspective on things. guess different perspective on things. Uh I'm in the civic tech space and Uh I'm in the civic tech space and Uh I'm in the civic tech space and building citizen infrastructure and I building citizen infrastructure and I building citizen infrastructure and I guess for me when I think about the guess for me when I think about the guess for me when I think about the future um and the technologies that future um and the technologies that future um and the technologies that could exist, could exist, could exist, what does that future look like? We're what does that future look like? We're what does that future look like? We're describing one that doesn't have describing one that doesn't have describing one that doesn't have competition, competition, competition, right? So, how do we create the right? So, how do we create the right? So, how do we create the conditions for us to be able to conditions for us to be able to conditions for us to be able to collaborate like this? The business collaborate like this? The business collaborate like this? The business models that we're currently operating models that we're currently operating models that we're currently operating with, they breed competition, right? with, they breed competition, right? with, they breed competition, right? Like, please don't steal my idea. Please Like, please don't steal my idea. Please Like, please don't steal my idea. Please don't monetize it because I need to don't monetize it because I need to don't monetize it because I need to monetize it. So, what is for me my my monetize it. So, what is for me my my monetize it. So, what is for me my my mindset is like what does that business mindset is like what does that business mindset is like what does that business look like that gets past that and that look like that gets past that and that look like that gets past that and that enables co-creation. And for me, um it's enables co-creation. And for me, um it's enables co-creation. And for me, um it's not a solution or like a objective. So I not a solution or like a objective. So I not a solution or like a objective. So I think that like what we need to be think that like what we need to be think that like what we need to be infrastructure solve problems infrastructure solve problems infrastructure solve problems and we don't need to be building a solid and we don't need to be building a solid and we don't need to be building a solid like this is one solution because once like this is one solution because once like this is one solution because once you do that it can't be broken down you you do that it can't be broken down you you do that it can't be broken down you know it becomes this fragile thing that know it becomes this fragile thing that know it becomes this fragile thing that once the systems or the conditions once the systems or the conditions once the systems or the conditions change you know we're going to have to change you know we're going to have to change you know we're going to have to reidate and so this if we can just reidate and so this if we can just reidate and so this if we can just continuously emerge with what are the continuously emerge with what are the continuously emerge with what are the solutions and then tackle them together.

solutions and then tackle them together. solutions and then tackle them together. Um, and then the other piece of this is Um, and then the other piece of this is Um, and then the other piece of this is understanding what it is and what are understanding what it is and what are understanding what it is and what are the problems that are out there to be the problems that are out there to be the problems that are out there to be tackled. Because if the problem is we tackled. Because if the problem is we tackled. Because if the problem is we need to make money, we're going to need to make money, we're going to need to make money, we're going to perpetuate the exact same system that we perpetuate the exact same system that we perpetuate the exact same system that we have today. But if we're working locally have today. But if we're working locally have today. But if we're working locally with local communities, um, you like with local communities, um, you like with local communities, um, you like what are those problems that need to what are those problems that need to what are those problems that need to have solutions look like? Um, and so have solutions look like? Um, and so have solutions look like? Um, and so like creating the spaces like this to like creating the spaces like this to like creating the spaces like this to start talking about I think is great. start talking about I think is great. start talking about I think is great. Um, but I do think that's a big barrier. Um, but I do think that's a big barrier. Um, but I do think that's a big barrier. Like when we keep about, you know, uh, Like when we keep about, you know, uh, Like when we keep about, you know, uh, tokenizing or monetizing ideas, I don't tokenizing or monetizing ideas, I don't tokenizing or monetizing ideas, I don't have the answers. That's why like I'm have the answers. That's why like I'm have the answers. That's why like I'm glad I'm in the room with business glad I'm in the room with business glad I'm in the room with business people because I'm just bringing this people because I'm just bringing this people because I'm just bringing this kind of like wild brainy idea of kind of like wild brainy idea of kind of like wild brainy idea of decentralization. But yeah, that's my decentralization. But yeah, that's my decentralization. But yeah, that's my thoughts. thoughts. thoughts. >> Okay. >> Okay. >> Okay. >> Thank you, Megan. >> Um, yeah, quick and fast. I just say as >> Um, yeah, quick and fast. I just say as far as worrying about uh worry about far as worrying about uh worry about far as worrying about uh worry about your ideas and monetizing it. Um in this your ideas and monetizing it. Um in this your ideas and monetizing it. Um in this day you got to be fast and you got to be day you got to be fast and you got to be day you got to be fast and you got to be quick. So if you want to monetize your quick. So if you want to monetize your quick. So if you want to monetize your idea, put it out. The automakers are idea, put it out. The automakers are idea, put it out. The automakers are even doing it. They're putting features even doing it. They're putting features even doing it. They're putting features in cars that not even complete yet. So in cars that not even complete yet. So in cars that not even complete yet. So app creators, they're creating apps with app creators, they're creating apps with app creators, they're creating apps with features that are not complete yet.

features that are not complete yet. features that are not complete yet. Anything uh was it? You get updates and Anything uh was it? You get updates and Anything uh was it? You get updates and constant updates with your thing. So, constant updates with your thing. So, constant updates with your thing. So, you just put it out. As long as you got you just put it out. As long as you got you just put it out. As long as you got a product that is, I'm going to say like a product that is, I'm going to say like a product that is, I'm going to say like about 60% complete, you put it out and about 60% complete, you put it out and about 60% complete, you put it out and then you make improvements. And that's then you make improvements. And that's then you make improvements. And that's the thing, like don't try to be in a the thing, like don't try to be in a the thing, like don't try to be in a rush to don't be trying to be rush to don't be trying to be rush to don't be trying to be conservative or whatever and just try to conservative or whatever and just try to conservative or whatever and just try to have the perfect product. Now, now have the perfect product. Now, now have the perfect product. Now, now today, you just got to put it out. And today, you just got to put it out. And today, you just got to put it out. And that's the thing, people, that's the thing, people, that's the thing, people, and I don't know with my mindset at and I don't know with my mindset at and I don't know with my mindset at first, I was like, "Hey, it got to be first, I was like, "Hey, it got to be first, I was like, "Hey, it got to be perfect." But I learned no, you put it perfect." But I learned no, you put it perfect." But I learned no, you put it out, people like it, then cool, you out, people like it, then cool, you out, people like it, then cool, you improve upon it. If people don't like improve upon it. If people don't like improve upon it. If people don't like it, hey, you scrap it and you move on. it, hey, you scrap it and you move on. it, hey, you scrap it and you move on. So that's the thing. You were to uh like So that's the thing. You were to uh like So that's the thing. You were to uh like you said, fail fast, you fall fall early you said, fail fast, you fall fall early you said, fail fast, you fall fall early and you know you can dump it or if and you know you can dump it or if and you know you can dump it or if people pick it up, then hey, people pick people pick it up, then hey, people pick people pick it up, then hey, people pick it up, then hey, you building, you build it up, then hey, you building, you build it up, then hey, you building, you build and you improve. Yeah. Just don't be and you improve. Yeah. Just don't be and you improve. Yeah. Just don't be stagnant or whatever. But that's how you stagnant or whatever. But that's how you stagnant or whatever. But that's how you that's really how you can tokenize and that's really how you can tokenize and that's really how you can tokenize and monetize your idea is just put it out.

monetize your idea is just put it out. monetize your idea is just put it out. That's it. Let me pass the mic on. That's it. Let me pass the mic on. That's it. Let me pass the mic on. >> Okay. Um let me we'll come back here for >> Okay. Um let me we'll come back here for >> Okay. Um let me we'll come back here for a second. Um just want to say a couple a second. Um just want to say a couple a second. Um just want to say a couple of points. Um thank you both. Thank you of points. Um thank you both. Thank you of points. Um thank you both. Thank you all for sharing. Gavin, Trent, and all for sharing. Gavin, Trent, and all for sharing. Gavin, Trent, and Megan. Um just a thing on what Megan was Megan. Um just a thing on what Megan was Megan. Um just a thing on what Megan was saying um around sticking to the saying um around sticking to the saying um around sticking to the solutions. And this is something that we solutions. And this is something that we solutions. And this is something that we talked about and how and [clears throat] talked about and how and [clears throat] talked about and how and [clears throat] how we're really focusing on integrating how we're really focusing on integrating how we're really focusing on integrating local problems into the innovation local problems into the innovation local problems into the innovation studio and the noble founder ecosystem. studio and the noble founder ecosystem. studio and the noble founder ecosystem. um and how we'll be in conversation with um and how we'll be in conversation with um and how we'll be in conversation with with city hall and with the city of with city hall and with the city of with city hall and with the city of Houston and our local council members uh Houston and our local council members uh Houston and our local council members uh to really hone in on like issues that to really hone in on like issues that to really hone in on like issues that are very very localized, right? They're are very very localized, right? They're are very very localized, right? They're very central to Houston, right? We have very central to Houston, right? We have very central to Houston, right? We have water issues, we have air issues, we water issues, we have air issues, we water issues, we have air issues, we have homelessness, we have human have homelessness, we have human have homelessness, we have human trafficking, we have things that are trafficking, we have things that are trafficking, we have things that are very much Houston, right? And very much Houston, right? And very much Houston, right? And >> flood issue, you know, >> flood issue, you know, >> flood issue, you know, And so and and so we've and and so how And so and and so we've and and so how And so and and so we've and and so how do we when to your point Megan how do we do we when to your point Megan how do we do we when to your point Megan how do we continue to to focus on that and and continue to to focus on that and and continue to to focus on that and and create solutions together? That's really create solutions together? That's really create solutions together? That's really a lot of what we want to integrate into a lot of what we want to integrate into a lot of what we want to integrate into the ecosystem or tap into the the the the ecosystem or tap into the the the the ecosystem or tap into the the the companies and organizations and people companies and organizations and people companies and organizations and people that are already doing so much about that are already doing so much about that are already doing so much about these things but haven't really even these things but haven't really even these things but haven't really even thought about scaling it as a business

thought about scaling it as a business thought about scaling it as a business or even integrate or even even like or even integrate or even even like or even integrate or even even like making it a business, right? Maybe they making it a business, right? Maybe they making it a business, right? Maybe they even they don't even have an LLC, much even they don't even have an LLC, much even they don't even have an LLC, much less realize that they have they already less realize that they have they already less realize that they have they already probably have the traction and the probably have the traction and the probably have the traction and the playbook and the things that they need playbook and the things that they need playbook and the things that they need to be able to scale what they're doing to be able to scale what they're doing to be able to scale what they're doing into into a very into a company into a into into a very into a company into a into into a very into a company into a startup. startup. startup. >> Um, go ahead. Yeah, you know, I think uh >> Um, go ahead. Yeah, you know, I think uh >> Um, go ahead. Yeah, you know, I think uh really great um uh conversations and really great um uh conversations and really great um uh conversations and great uh uh inputs. great uh uh inputs. great uh uh inputs. An ecosystem An ecosystem An ecosystem provides a baseline for trust and provides a baseline for trust and provides a baseline for trust and governance. governance. governance. You know, there is a baseline here. So You know, there is a baseline here. So You know, there is a baseline here. So when we talk to people, uh we just we when we talk to people, uh we just we when we talk to people, uh we just we have like this vetting pro process, we have like this vetting pro process, we have like this vetting pro process, we have this due diligence pro process, have this due diligence pro process, have this due diligence pro process, we're having conversation with people, we're having conversation with people, we're having conversation with people, right? and we're going to get to know right? and we're going to get to know right? and we're going to get to know each other and we're going to get to each other and we're going to get to each other and we're going to get to know how we are responsible know how we are responsible know how we are responsible uh to the um ecosystem to other people uh to the um ecosystem to other people uh to the um ecosystem to other people and how we are interacting with each and how we are interacting with each and how we are interacting with each other. So if somebody comes and say you other. So if somebody comes and say you other. So if somebody comes and say you know I promise to help you with this um know I promise to help you with this um know I promise to help you with this um project and they don't so you know that project and they don't so you know that project and they don't so you know that person doesn't deliver right person doesn't deliver right person doesn't deliver right >> but from a trust uh perspective most of >> but from a trust uh perspective most of >> but from a trust uh perspective most of us uh ecosystems they provide this us uh ecosystems they provide this us uh ecosystems they provide this baseline right so you need to um uh baseline right so you need to um uh baseline right so you need to um uh really uh uh be at that baseline so be really uh uh be at that baseline so be really uh uh be at that baseline so be can a part of an ecosystem

can a part of an ecosystem can a part of an ecosystem so there are things that you can do so there are things that you can do so there are things that you can do there are things that you cannot do there are things that you cannot do there are things that you cannot do inside an ecosystem based on the inside an ecosystem based on the inside an ecosystem based on the guidelines, right? So, we have guidelines, right? So, we have guidelines, right? So, we have guidelines, we have requirements that guidelines, we have requirements that guidelines, we have requirements that people should adhere and they should people should adhere and they should people should adhere and they should like really interact with each each like really interact with each each like really interact with each each other and engage based on those other and engage based on those other and engage based on those baselines. But again, baselines. But again, baselines. But again, um you cannot uh really um you cannot uh really um you cannot uh really uh stop anybody from copying you unless uh stop anybody from copying you unless uh stop anybody from copying you unless you have a legal protection in place. you have a legal protection in place. you have a legal protection in place. That's that's number one. So you have a That's that's number one. So you have a That's that's number one. So you have a patent, you have a you know uh something patent, you have a you know uh something patent, you have a you know uh something that you need stops other to from that you need stops other to from that you need stops other to from copying you or you have built a brand, copying you or you have built a brand, copying you or you have built a brand, you have built a business, you have you have built a business, you have you have built a business, you have partnerships, you have built a strong partnerships, you have built a strong partnerships, you have built a strong company that the company together company that the company together company that the company together is not copyable like people cannot copy is not copyable like people cannot copy is not copyable like people cannot copy a full company, people cannot copy a a full company, people cannot copy a a full company, people cannot copy a brand, brand, brand, >> people cannot copy your 10 years of good >> people cannot copy your 10 years of good >> people cannot copy your 10 years of good service to others, service to others, service to others, >> right? you have this history but there >> right? you have this history but there >> right? you have this history but there are ways. So now we're working on are ways. So now we're working on are ways. So now we're working on building tokenization for startups for building tokenization for startups for building tokenization for startups for ideas. So we can to tokenize we can we ideas. So we can to tokenize we can we ideas. So we can to tokenize we can we can convert an idea into an asset and we can convert an idea into an asset and we can convert an idea into an asset and we can uh use that asset can uh use that asset can uh use that asset um because this is something that is out um because this is something that is out um because this is something that is out there. And then you can prove that there. And then you can prove that there. And then you can prove that somebody copied you. But still if somebody copied you. But still if somebody copied you. But still if there's no contract, if there's no there's no contract, if there's no there's no contract, if there's no protection in place, there's no remedy, protection in place, there's no remedy, protection in place, there's no remedy, >> right?

>> right? >> right? >> Uh everybody like in this conversation >> Uh everybody like in this conversation >> Uh everybody like in this conversation were right. But just keep in mind the were right. But just keep in mind the were right. But just keep in mind the our goal in the ecosystem is to uh our goal in the ecosystem is to uh our goal in the ecosystem is to uh create the baseline of the governance create the baseline of the governance create the baseline of the governance and trust. and trust. and trust. But is everybody's responsibility But is everybody's responsibility But is everybody's responsibility to uh act at that baseline level and to uh act at that baseline level and to uh act at that baseline level and also be really cautious about uh also be really cautious about uh also be really cautious about uh protecting their ideas, protecting their protecting their ideas, protecting their protecting their ideas, protecting their IPs and protecting their secret sauce. IPs and protecting their secret sauce. IPs and protecting their secret sauce. >> Because that is your secret sauce. >> Because that is your secret sauce. >> Because that is your secret sauce. [laughter] [laughter] [laughter] >> Um we have like eight minutes left. I >> Um we have like eight minutes left. I >> Um we have like eight minutes left. I want to say one more fact that I I just want to say one more fact that I I just want to say one more fact that I I just love. Um, trust compounds. Just like love. Um, trust compounds. Just like love. Um, trust compounds. Just like financial capital compounds through financial capital compounds through financial capital compounds through investment, social capital compounds investment, social capital compounds investment, social capital compounds through repeated positive interactions. through repeated positive interactions. through repeated positive interactions. One helpful introduction becomes two. One helpful introduction becomes two. One helpful introduction becomes two. Two become partnerships, partnerships Two become partnerships, partnerships Two become partnerships, partnerships become companies, and companies become become companies, and companies become become companies, and companies become ecosystems.

ecosystems. ecosystems. Um, and that's what we are really Um, and that's what we are really Um, and that's what we are really looking forward to building here. Um I looking forward to building here. Um I looking forward to building here. Um I see Joseph, do you have one more see Joseph, do you have one more see Joseph, do you have one more question? question? question? >> Yeah. So two things stuck out in some of >> Yeah. So two things stuck out in some of >> Yeah. So two things stuck out in some of the conversations that we're going here. the conversations that we're going here. the conversations that we're going here. I wanted to touch on one was um uh I wanted to touch on one was um uh I wanted to touch on one was um uh start trying to create a startup around start trying to create a startup around start trying to create a startup around um oh the idea of stealing an idea. And um oh the idea of stealing an idea. And um oh the idea of stealing an idea. And then the other was um trying to create a then the other was um trying to create a then the other was um trying to create a uh moving from ideiation to what what is uh moving from ideiation to what what is uh moving from ideiation to what what is considered a bad idea or when do you do considered a bad idea or when do you do considered a bad idea or when do you do drop an idea kind of speaks into the drop an idea kind of speaks into the drop an idea kind of speaks into the tokenization of ideas. tokenization of ideas. tokenization of ideas. Um for the first I personally my Um for the first I personally my Um for the first I personally my personal belief is there is no way personal belief is there is no way personal belief is there is no way anyone can steal your idea and that's we anyone can steal your idea and that's we anyone can steal your idea and that's we the way I see it. So I believe in more the way I see it. So I believe in more the way I see it. So I believe in more the blue ocean strategy. um one of the the blue ocean strategy. um one of the the blue ocean strategy. um one of the uh uh the mentors who's going to Joe uh uh the mentors who's going to Joe uh uh the mentors who's going to Joe Alipart who's going to be on the Alipart who's going to be on the Alipart who's going to be on the founders couch uh he brought up the blue founders couch uh he brought up the blue founders couch uh he brought up the blue oceans idea and the idea being is as oceans idea and the idea being is as oceans idea and the idea being is as long as you're focusing on the problem long as you're focusing on the problem long as you're focusing on the problem not the solution if you're uh you raise not the solution if you're uh you raise not the solution if you're uh you raise any two kids and they will never be the any two kids and they will never be the any two kids and they will never be the same despite having the same parents and same despite having the same parents and same despite having the same parents and the same concept applies to finding a uh the same concept applies to finding a uh the same concept applies to finding a uh a startup is you you have this you focus a startup is you you have this you focus a startup is you you have this you focus on the problem You have this problem.

on the problem You have this problem. on the problem You have this problem. You innately understand the problem and You innately understand the problem and You innately understand the problem and you go about drafting a solution that's you go about drafting a solution that's you go about drafting a solution that's from your own personal experience. from your own personal experience. from your own personal experience. Anyone that wants to steal that idea has Anyone that wants to steal that idea has Anyone that wants to steal that idea has to go through your lenses to see the to go through your lenses to see the to go through your lenses to see the solution to that problem the same way. solution to that problem the same way. solution to that problem the same way. You can't never replicate that same You can't never replicate that same You can't never replicate that same solution. So the idea being let it hang solution. So the idea being let it hang solution. So the idea being let it hang loose. those who steal your ideas will loose. those who steal your ideas will loose. those who steal your ideas will eventually give it back to you because eventually give it back to you because eventually give it back to you because it's like you know what I don't want to it's like you know what I don't want to it's like you know what I don't want to have to sit in two hour or 24hour have to sit in two hour or 24hour have to sit in two hour or 24hour classes for a lecture because it's I classes for a lecture because it's I classes for a lecture because it's I don't have a passion to drive it through don't have a passion to drive it through don't have a passion to drive it through >> [clears throat] >> [clears throat] >> [clears throat] >> um and then the other would been um when >> um and then the other would been um when >> um and then the other would been um when is an idea how do you take an ideation is an idea how do you take an ideation is an idea how do you take an ideation into an idea the reason why that stuck into an idea the reason why that stuck into an idea the reason why that stuck out is that actually I thought about out is that actually I thought about out is that actually I thought about this a few days ago which is As long as this a few days ago which is As long as this a few days ago which is As long as you have one or two companies, it's one you have one or two companies, it's one you have one or two companies, it's one thing to have a vision you would be the thing to have a vision you would be the thing to have a vision you would be the next Elon Musk or the next Facebook next Elon Musk or the next Facebook next Elon Musk or the next Facebook which is taking an idea that's blowing which is taking an idea that's blowing which is taking an idea that's blowing up. It's another thing to say even a up. It's another thing to say even a up. It's another thing to say even a even a startup which startup essentially even a startup which startup essentially even a startup which startup essentially from recollections is is a a a small from recollections is is a a a small from recollections is is a a a small business that has uh innovation in business that has uh innovation in business that has uh innovation in included to it. So even a startup idea included to it. So even a startup idea included to it. So even a startup idea can turn into a a small business being can turn into a a small business being can turn into a a small business being meaning you don't it doesn't have to be meaning you don't it doesn't have to be meaning you don't it doesn't have to be the next Facebook it doesn't have to be the next Facebook it doesn't have to be the next Facebook it doesn't have to be the next Elon Musk as long as you're the next Elon Musk as long as you're the next Elon Musk as long as you're comfortable with two customers and

comfortable with two customers and comfortable with two customers and making money for the rest of your life making money for the rest of your life making money for the rest of your life technically most startup must have exit technically most startup must have exit technically most startup must have exit strategy but that the idea being an strategy but that the idea being an strategy but that the idea being an ideation as long as you could have ideation as long as you could have ideation as long as you could have enough customers to support the idea is enough customers to support the idea is enough customers to support the idea is a startup really ever dead or is it just a startup really ever dead or is it just a startup really ever dead or is it just that it never materialized to the level that it never materialized to the level that it never materialized to the level that the founder wanted it and and that the founder wanted it and and that the founder wanted it and and that's changes the mindset behind does a that's changes the mindset behind does a that's changes the mindset behind does a startup die or does a startup live. Um startup die or does a startup live. Um startup die or does a startup live. Um yeah, >> thank you. >> thank you. >> Thank you Joseph. >> Thank you Joseph. >> Thank you Joseph. >> Thank you. [laughter] >> Um we are coming close to the end of >> Um we are coming close to the end of Funded Founder Fridays, our fourth Funded Founder Fridays, our fourth Funded Founder Fridays, our fourth episode on trust. Um and this is closing episode on trust. Um and this is closing episode on trust. Um and this is closing out our month on community building. Um out our month on community building. Um out our month on community building. Um we have the founders couch uh who Joseph we have the founders couch uh who Joseph we have the founders couch uh who Joseph who just spoke uh is leading. Um but we who just spoke uh is leading. Um but we who just spoke uh is leading. Um but we have the founders couch coming up uh have the founders couch coming up uh have the founders couch coming up uh next uh in about 30 minutes while we 15 next uh in about 30 minutes while we 15 next uh in about 30 minutes while we 15 to 30 minutes while we get set up. Um to 30 minutes while we get set up. Um to 30 minutes while we get set up. Um but we just want to close out. Um thank but we just want to close out. Um thank but we just want to close out. Um thank you everybody for coming. We could be you everybody for coming. We could be you everybody for coming. We could be talking about this forever. I don't want talking about this forever. I don't want talking about this forever. I don't want to just cut you off Joseph. Uh but we to just cut you off Joseph. Uh but we to just cut you off Joseph. Uh but we [laughter] but we can continue to talk [laughter] but we can continue to talk [laughter] but we can continue to talk about trust and we want and we hope to about trust and we want and we hope to about trust and we want and we hope to right we hope to continue to build on right we hope to continue to build on right we hope to continue to build on these conversations and let's develop these conversations and let's develop these conversations and let's develop the systems together. Let's develop what the systems together. Let's develop what the systems together. Let's develop what it actually looks like in paper and what it actually looks like in paper and what it actually looks like in paper and what it actually looks like in action. Right?

it actually looks like in action. Right? it actually looks like in action. Right? And that's and we do that together. We And that's and we do that together. We And that's and we do that together. We don't we don't do that just Ben and I or don't we don't do that just Ben and I or don't we don't do that just Ben and I or just me or just whoever's in this space. just me or just whoever's in this space. just me or just whoever's in this space. like we really want to build that like we really want to build that like we really want to build that together so we all own it and we can all together so we all own it and we can all together so we all own it and we can all grow it and and we can all make it grow it and and we can all make it grow it and and we can all make it amazing because the more we the more amazing because the more we the more amazing because the more we the more diversity there is, the more innovation diversity there is, the more innovation diversity there is, the more innovation there is and the more creativity and the there is and the more creativity and the there is and the more creativity and the more that we can quantumly create, more that we can quantumly create, more that we can quantumly create, right? That's that's my hope. Um on our right? That's that's my hope. Um on our right? That's that's my hope. Um on our next episode, uh we'll be having Julie next episode, uh we'll be having Julie next episode, uh we'll be having Julie Rocky um uh join us as a guest. Um, and Rocky um uh join us as a guest. Um, and Rocky um uh join us as a guest. Um, and I'll read her her bio and then Ben can I'll read her her bio and then Ben can I'll read her her bio and then Ben can say a tiny bit about her. say a tiny bit about her. say a tiny bit about her. >> Absolutely. >> Absolutely. >> Absolutely. >> Um, so Julie has spent her career >> Um, so Julie has spent her career >> Um, so Julie has spent her career [snorts] helping companies launch, grow, [snorts] helping companies launch, grow, [snorts] helping companies launch, grow, and when needed, successfully navigate and when needed, successfully navigate and when needed, successfully navigate turnarounds from early stage startups to turnarounds from early stage startups to turnarounds from early stage startups to rapidly scaling technology and service rapidly scaling technology and service rapidly scaling technology and service businesses. She brings a unique blend of businesses. She brings a unique blend of businesses. She brings a unique blend of strategic vision and hands-on strategic vision and hands-on strategic vision and hands-on operational leadership while partnering operational leadership while partnering operational leadership while partnering with founders and their teams to turn with founders and their teams to turn with founders and their teams to turn great ideas into sustainable companies great ideas into sustainable companies great ideas into sustainable companies with deep experience in venture and with deep experience in venture and with deep experience in venture and private equitybacked businesses, private equitybacked businesses, private equitybacked businesses, mergers, and acquisitions as well as mergers, and acquisitions as well as mergers, and acquisitions as well as organic growth models. She's helped organic growth models. She's helped organic growth models. She's helped guide organizations through some of guide organizations through some of guide organizations through some of their most pivotal moments. She's built their most pivotal moments. She's built their most pivotal moments. She's built the systems, assembled the teams, and the systems, assembled the teams, and the systems, assembled the teams, and created the operational infrastructure created the operational infrastructure created the operational infrastructure that allows companies to grow with that allows companies to grow with that allows companies to grow with confidence. Known for turning strategy confidence. Known for turning strategy confidence. Known for turning strategy into execution, Julie is passionate into execution, Julie is passionate into execution, Julie is passionate about helping founders build about helping founders build about helping founders build intentionally from the start in order

intentionally from the start in order intentionally from the start in order that they can create businesses that are that they can create businesses that are that they can create businesses that are attractive to investors and positioned attractive to investors and positioned attractive to investors and positioned for long-term success. for long-term success. for long-term success. >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> If you're an entrepreneur wondering what >> If you're an entrepreneur wondering what >> If you're an entrepreneur wondering what investors look for look for beyond a investors look for look for beyond a investors look for look for beyond a great idea or how to build a company great idea or how to build a company great idea or how to build a company that's truly ready to scale, you won't that's truly ready to scale, you won't that's truly ready to scale, you won't want to miss this conversation. Uh want to miss this conversation. Uh want to miss this conversation. Uh that'll be next Friday at noon with that'll be next Friday at noon with that'll be next Friday at noon with Julie. Julie. Julie. >> Yeah, absolutely. Julie coming uh from >> Yeah, absolutely. Julie coming uh from >> Yeah, absolutely. Julie coming uh from Austin and she's an expert in building Austin and she's an expert in building Austin and she's an expert in building operating scaling business and she has operating scaling business and she has operating scaling business and she has extensive uh experience in uh private extensive uh experience in uh private extensive uh experience in uh private equity and and VC. So basically she can equity and and VC. So basically she can equity and and VC. So basically she can tell you how you just build, operate and tell you how you just build, operate and tell you how you just build, operate and scale a company that is attractive to scale a company that is attractive to scale a company that is attractive to investors and how go out and find you investors and how go out and find you investors and how go out and find you know and fund uh your company find know and fund uh your company find know and fund uh your company find investors and fund their company. And investors and fund their company. And investors and fund their company. And we're going to have a lot of uh uh great we're going to have a lot of uh uh great we're going to have a lot of uh uh great guest uh next week. And uh our plan is guest uh next week. And uh our plan is guest uh next week. And uh our plan is to do our first, you know, founder to do our first, you know, founder to do our first, you know, founder hangout after the show uh which is uh hangout after the show uh which is uh hangout after the show uh which is uh we're going to have people from we're going to have people from we're going to have people from different backgrounds here, people that different backgrounds here, people that different backgrounds here, people that really can help uh founders to uh fund really can help uh founders to uh fund really can help uh founders to uh fund and grow their companies. So we're and grow their companies. So we're and grow their companies. So we're really excited about next week. uh really excited about next week. uh really excited about next week. uh having great conversation, looking having great conversation, looking having great conversation, looking forward to a great conversation with forward to a great conversation with forward to a great conversation with Julie and then hanging out with Julie and then hanging out with Julie and then hanging out with founders. I think we're going to have founders. I think we're going to have founders. I think we're going to have more of those hangouts. Uh but this is

more of those hangouts. Uh but this is more of those hangouts. Uh but this is how we want to do things. We wanted to how we want to do things. We wanted to how we want to do things. We wanted to have fun, be creative, build trust, and have fun, be creative, build trust, and have fun, be creative, build trust, and have serious conversations in a safe have serious conversations in a safe have serious conversations in a safe environment. environment. environment. >> Yes, I'm already thinking of ice >> Yes, I'm already thinking of ice >> Yes, I'm already thinking of ice breakers that that we can do. breakers that that we can do. breakers that that we can do. >> Yeah. [laughter] >> Yeah. [laughter] >> Yeah. [laughter] If anybody has ideas for ice breakers or If anybody has ideas for ice breakers or If anybody has ideas for ice breakers or games, we welcome them. Um, so we closed games, we welcome them. Um, so we closed games, we welcome them. Um, so we closed out this month with uh community out this month with uh community out this month with uh community building. Um, I just want to throw back building. Um, I just want to throw back building. Um, I just want to throw back to the audience real quick. Um, if you to the audience real quick. Um, if you to the audience real quick. Um, if you have an idea, um, what kind of topics have an idea, um, what kind of topics have an idea, um, what kind of topics would you like us to discuss? We talked would you like us to discuss? We talked would you like us to discuss? We talked about community building this entire about community building this entire about community building this entire month. If you don't have an idea right month. If you don't have an idea right month. If you don't have an idea right now, that's okay. We are we can bring it now, that's okay. We are we can bring it now, that's okay. We are we can bring it up on Founders Couch, which is coming up up on Founders Couch, which is coming up up on Founders Couch, which is coming up soon. Um, but if you do ever have ideas soon. Um, but if you do ever have ideas soon. Um, but if you do ever have ideas of the types of things that you'd like of the types of things that you'd like of the types of things that you'd like us to discuss, uh, please let me know. >> Incremental >> Incremental strategies strategies strategies >> for early stage startup. Um, >> for early stage startup. Um, >> for early stage startup. Um, yeah, incremental funding strategies for yeah, incremental funding strategies for yeah, incremental funding strategies for early stage start startups.

early stage start startups. early stage start startups. >> Okay. Anybody else? >> Okay. Anybody else? >> Okay. Anybody else? Um I would say um how personal branding Um I would say um how personal branding Um I would say um how personal branding impacts community building maybe at the impacts community building maybe at the impacts community building maybe at the intersection and uh how to go about that intersection and uh how to go about that intersection and uh how to go about that when you're just getting started um when you're just getting started um when you're just getting started um because you are a living representation because you are a living representation because you are a living representation of this budding brand and so I think of this budding brand and so I think of this budding brand and so I think that would be interesting. >> Awesome. >> Awesome. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. You know, one of the topics for um for You know, one of the topics for um for You know, one of the topics for um for the next month uh we wanted to propose the next month uh we wanted to propose the next month uh we wanted to propose is how to raise fund and how to deploy is how to raise fund and how to deploy is how to raise fund and how to deploy fund right you know uh getting into um fund right you know uh getting into um fund right you know uh getting into um how to effectively for uh founders how to effectively for uh founders how to effectively for uh founders raising fund and how effectively for raising fund and how effectively for raising fund and how effectively for investors deploying fund. Mhm. investors deploying fund. Mhm. investors deploying fund. Mhm. >> This is a topic that I think a lot of >> This is a topic that I think a lot of >> This is a topic that I think a lot of people are interested in, people are interested in, people are interested in, >> but then it gets into community >> but then it gets into community >> but then it gets into community branding.

branding. branding. >> Uh it has like a whole lot of like >> Uh it has like a whole lot of like >> Uh it has like a whole lot of like different topics that we can uh you know different topics that we can uh you know different topics that we can uh you know cover on the fundraising and deploying cover on the fundraising and deploying cover on the fundraising and deploying the fund, the fund, the fund, >> right? Yeah. I think a whole month of >> right? Yeah. I think a whole month of >> right? Yeah. I think a whole month of branding would be great. branding would be great. branding would be great. >> Yeah. [laughter] >> Yeah. [laughter] >> Yeah. [laughter] >> Um and we have so many ideas. So at any >> Um and we have so many ideas. So at any >> Um and we have so many ideas. So at any point just let us know your ideas. Um point just let us know your ideas. Um point just let us know your ideas. Um thank you so much again to our audience thank you so much again to our audience thank you so much again to our audience that's here. Thank you to everybody on that's here. Thank you to everybody on that's here. Thank you to everybody on Instagram. Uh Sandra, uh Elias, Jessa, Instagram. Uh Sandra, uh Elias, Jessa, Instagram. Uh Sandra, uh Elias, Jessa, uh Jesse, uh just some of the people uh Jesse, uh just some of the people uh Jesse, uh just some of the people that I see online. Thanks for joining us that I see online. Thanks for joining us that I see online. Thanks for joining us online. Um this is funded founder online. Um this is funded founder online. Um this is funded founder Fridays. We also like to thank our Fridays. We also like to thank our Fridays. We also like to thank our sponsors, uh 801 Travis and the sponsors, uh 801 Travis and the sponsors, uh 801 Travis and the Innovation Hub and Iron Grove. Think Innovation Hub and Iron Grove. Think Innovation Hub and Iron Grove. Think Kent's out there. Thanks so much for Kent's out there. Thanks so much for Kent's out there. Thanks so much for your support. Um, and we'll see you next your support. Um, and we'll see you next your support. Um, and we'll see you next Friday as we continue to build um, our Friday as we continue to build um, our Friday as we continue to build um, our Houston's innovation ecosystem, one Houston's innovation ecosystem, one Houston's innovation ecosystem, one conversation at a time. conversation at a time. conversation at a time. >> Yeah. See you next time. >> Yeah. See you next time. >> Yeah. See you next time. >> Bye.