Funded Founder Fridays: E8 What is Noble Founder

and welcome to Funded Founder Fridays. and welcome to Funded Founder Fridays. This is our eighth episode. This is our This is our eighth episode. This is our This is our eighth episode. This is our eighth episode. eighth episode. eighth episode. >> Wow, >> Wow, >> Wow, >> it's pretty great. >> it's pretty great. >> it's pretty great. >> Can you imagine that? [laughter] >> Can you imagine that? [laughter] >> Can you imagine that? [laughter] >> Pretty cool. >> Pretty cool. >> Pretty cool. >> And today we'll be discussing what is >> And today we'll be discussing what is >> And today we'll be discussing what is Noble Founder. Um, here at Funded Noble Founder. Um, here at Funded Noble Founder. Um, here at Funded Founder Fridays, we create space for Founder Fridays, we create space for Founder Fridays, we create space for founders to ask the honest questions founders to ask the honest questions founders to ask the honest questions about building companies, raising about building companies, raising about building companies, raising capital, leading teams, and navigating capital, leading teams, and navigating capital, leading teams, and navigating the startup journey. I am Roselos, CEO the startup journey. I am Roselos, CEO the startup journey. I am Roselos, CEO and co-founder of Creattopia, Inc., and co-founder of Creattopia, Inc., and co-founder of Creattopia, Inc., where we are centered on exploring the where we are centered on exploring the where we are centered on exploring the relationship between safety and relationship between safety and relationship between safety and creativity. And I'm joined by Ben. creativity. And I'm joined by Ben. creativity. And I'm joined by Ben. >> Yeah, my name is Ben Kobati. >> Yeah, my name is Ben Kobati. >> Yeah, my name is Ben Kobati. >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> I am the uh founder of Red Ruby Capital >> I am the uh founder of Red Ruby Capital >> I am the uh founder of Red Ruby Capital and Noble Founder and and Noble Founder and and Noble Founder and um No Innovative Solutions, different um No Innovative Solutions, different um No Innovative Solutions, different companies, different purposes and companies, different purposes and companies, different purposes and different uh really different things, different uh really different things, different uh really different things, >> right? And today we'll be kind of >> right? And today we'll be kind of >> right? And today we'll be kind of discussing how they differentiate and discussing how they differentiate and discussing how they differentiate and really really really >> going into what Noble founder is um and >> going into what Noble founder is um and >> going into what Noble founder is um and how people can get um how people can get um how people can get um invited to or no how people can can be invited to or no how people can can be invited to or no how people can can be part of it part of our movement right part of it part of our movement right part of it part of our movement right >> yeah absolutely so noble founder is more >> yeah absolutely so noble founder is more >> yeah absolutely so noble founder is more than a company is a movement than a company is a movement than a company is a movement um and actually um and actually um and actually it started because it started because it started because the gap of uh having the gap of uh having the gap of uh having a founder centered a founder centered a founder centered um startup ecosystem

um startup ecosystem um startup ecosystem and and and the [snorts] lack of funding for early the [snorts] lack of funding for early the [snorts] lack of funding for early stage startups. So started for the stage startups. So started for the stage startups. So started for the purpose of helping startups uh access to purpose of helping startups uh access to purpose of helping startups uh access to resources and access to um funding more resources and access to um funding more resources and access to um funding more importantly. Uh importantly. Uh importantly. Uh the whole idea behind it is uh how about the whole idea behind it is uh how about the whole idea behind it is uh how about we come together as a community we come together as a community we come together as a community uh in startup ecosystem uh in startup ecosystem uh in startup ecosystem and we pull all the resources together and we pull all the resources together and we pull all the resources together and attract uh uh money to invest in and attract uh uh money to invest in and attract uh uh money to invest in non-traditional non-traditional non-traditional uh uh startups and and companies uh uh startups and and companies uh uh startups and and companies and Noble Founder is becoming the and Noble Founder is becoming the and Noble Founder is becoming the foundation ation of this movement. Um foundation ation of this movement. Um foundation ation of this movement. Um and like my good friend Kitri which is a and like my good friend Kitri which is a and like my good friend Kitri which is a part of noble founder u team and uh one part of noble founder u team and uh one part of noble founder u team and uh one of the most uh one of the influential of the most uh one of the influential of the most uh one of the influential people um uh uh phrase it is an people um uh uh phrase it is an people um uh uh phrase it is an operating system uh bridging the gap of operating system uh bridging the gap of operating system uh bridging the gap of uh the capabilities in uh a startup uh the capabilities in uh a startup uh the capabilities in uh a startup ecosystem.

ecosystem. ecosystem. >> Right. >> Right. >> Right. >> So yeah go ahead. No, I just love how >> So yeah go ahead. No, I just love how >> So yeah go ahead. No, I just love how much and being in the conversations. much and being in the conversations. much and being in the conversations. It's it's really fun to be around people It's it's really fun to be around people It's it's really fun to be around people with so much experience and to be and with so much experience and to be and with so much experience and to be and just to like sit in on the conversations just to like sit in on the conversations just to like sit in on the conversations as a founder. Like I'm a first-time as a founder. Like I'm a first-time as a founder. Like I'm a first-time founder, so there's so much that I'm founder, so there's so much that I'm founder, so there's so much that I'm learning and so much that I'm learning and so much that I'm learning and so much that I'm understanding and to just listen to the understanding and to just listen to the understanding and to just listen to the conversations that we've been having conversations that we've been having conversations that we've been having around the gaps and around what you guys around the gaps and around what you guys around the gaps and around what you guys have seen throughout the years. Right. have seen throughout the years. Right. have seen throughout the years. Right. because you started your companies. How because you started your companies. How because you started your companies. How long ago was that? long ago was that? long ago was that? >> So I started my my first startup. Uh it >> So I started my my first startup. Uh it >> So I started my my first startup. Uh it was two like I did couple of startups. was two like I did couple of startups. was two like I did couple of startups. Uh the one of the m like I started a SAS Uh the one of the m like I started a SAS Uh the one of the m like I started a SAS company a logistics company uh for company a logistics company uh for company a logistics company uh for furniture industry in 2009. furniture industry in 2009. furniture industry in 2009. So that company ma that that software So that company ma that that software So that company ma that that software was managing everything uh for furniture was managing everything uh for furniture was managing everything uh for furniture industry end to end. if you have a industry end to end. if you have a industry end to end. if you have a furniture store small or big would have furniture store small or big would have furniture store small or big would have used that software to manage your whole used that software to manage your whole used that software to manage your whole entire logistics inventory uh operation entire logistics inventory uh operation entire logistics inventory uh operation um and that was 2009 even we went to the um and that was 2009 even we went to the um and that was 2009 even we went to the Las Vegas show and we were just offering Las Vegas show and we were just offering Las Vegas show and we were just offering a lot of um uh really innovative ideas a lot of um uh really innovative ideas a lot of um uh really innovative ideas and and solutions.

and and solutions. and and solutions. It was it was really interesting to see It was it was really interesting to see It was it was really interesting to see when we started the show we were when we started the show we were when we started the show we were offering something that was not in the offering something that was not in the offering something that was not in the industry. We had the product. So the big industry. We had the product. So the big industry. We had the product. So the big uh companies they didn't have it by end uh companies they didn't have it by end uh companies they didn't have it by end of the show they were offering the same of the show they were offering the same of the show they were offering the same thing. They were promising thing. They were promising thing. They were promising >> the same thing. So that company uh the >> the same thing. So that company uh the >> the same thing. So that company uh the problem was we didn't have the uh uh the problem was we didn't have the uh uh the problem was we didn't have the uh uh the expertise in developing that as like we expertise in developing that as like we expertise in developing that as like we didn't know what gem we had in our didn't know what gem we had in our didn't know what gem we had in our hands. We didn't know we didn't hands. We didn't know we didn't hands. We didn't know we didn't understand understand understand >> the value of what we have developed. >> the value of what we have developed. >> the value of what we have developed. >> So we came back it it was recession time >> So we came back it it was recession time >> So we came back it it was recession time and everybody was just you know all the and everybody was just you know all the and everybody was just you know all the people were with like a team of people were with like a team of people were with like a team of salespeople going out. So they have like salespeople going out. So they have like salespeople going out. So they have like this conversation today and the company, this conversation today and the company, this conversation today and the company, the furniture company was out of the furniture company was out of the furniture company was out of business next week. business next week. business next week. >> Oh wow. >> Oh wow. >> Oh wow. >> So we pivoted into building a care >> So we pivoted into building a care >> So we pivoted into building a care coordination software because my cousin, coordination software because my cousin, coordination software because my cousin, she's a physical therapist and there was she's a physical therapist and there was she's a physical therapist and there was a need and still today there is the a need and still today there is the a need and still today there is the need.

need. need. >> Yes, I've been in care coordination and >> Yes, I've been in care coordination and >> Yes, I've been in care coordination and those platforms are those platforms are those platforms are >> so antiquated, right? >> so antiquated, right? >> so antiquated, right? >> Right. [laughter] >> Right. [laughter] >> Right. [laughter] >> So we built that and it was the need. >> So we built that and it was the need. >> So we built that and it was the need. The need was there. everything was there The need was there. everything was there The need was there. everything was there and even we raised money from friends and even we raised money from friends and even we raised money from friends and family. Um a good friend of mine uh and family. Um a good friend of mine uh and family. Um a good friend of mine uh and his family they invested money uh in and his family they invested money uh in and his family they invested money uh in the in the in the platform. But the the in the in the platform. But the the in the in the platform. But the problem was at that point there was no problem was at that point there was no problem was at that point there was no guidance there was no uh money available guidance there was no uh money available guidance there was no uh money available for the next round of funding and more for the next round of funding and more for the next round of funding and more importantly mentors and people and importantly mentors and people and importantly mentors and people and support that first introduced us to support that first introduced us to support that first introduced us to people second guide us through the people second guide us through the people second guide us through the journey like yes you build this you journey like yes you build this you journey like yes you build this you raised the money the [snorts] first raised the money the [snorts] first raised the money the [snorts] first round what what now now what round what what now now what round what what now now what >> what is the next step >> what is the next step >> what is the next step >> right >> right >> right >> what you're going to do what is your >> what you're going to do what is your >> what you're going to do what is your value proposition why you're different value proposition why you're different value proposition why you're different than others, why people are going to use than others, why people are going to use than others, why people are going to use your system. Just imagine that software your system. Just imagine that software your system. Just imagine that software 2011 we built the patient portal. 2011 2011 we built the patient portal. 2011 2011 we built the patient portal. 2011 even even even >> uh physicians didn't have EMR, >> uh physicians didn't have EMR, >> uh physicians didn't have EMR, electronic medical record software.

electronic medical record software. electronic medical record software. Everything was hand handwritten like pen Everything was hand handwritten like pen Everything was hand handwritten like pen and paper. and paper. and paper. >> So we had the patient portal that you're >> So we had the patient portal that you're >> So we had the patient portal that you're using today. We had it. using today. We had it. using today. We had it. >> Oh wow. >> Oh wow. >> Oh wow. >> We built a matchmaking that later like >> We built a matchmaking that later like >> We built a matchmaking that later like Zach do and other companies they become Zach do and other companies they become Zach do and other companies they become billion dollars. But we were just saying billion dollars. But we were just saying billion dollars. But we were just saying because of the the the [snorts] some uh you know uh because of the some uh you know uh because of the healthcare bill uh physicians are forced healthcare bill uh physicians are forced healthcare bill uh physicians are forced to use our software. That was the worst to use our software. That was the worst to use our software. That was the worst value proposition. value proposition. value proposition. >> And then uh [snorts] then some law >> And then uh [snorts] then some law >> And then uh [snorts] then some law passed and you know some news came out passed and you know some news came out passed and you know some news came out and they said no they don't need to and and they said no they don't need to and and they said no they don't need to and all the investors pulled the plug all the investors pulled the plug all the investors pulled the plug because our value proposition was wrong. because our value proposition was wrong. because our value proposition was wrong. >> Wow. >> Wow. >> Wow. So if you imagine that system would have So if you imagine that system would have So if you imagine that system would have been live today could have saved how been live today could have saved how been live today could have saved how many people how many parents how many many people how many parents how many many people how many parents how many how many uh really adult uh children how many uh really adult uh children how many uh really adult uh children they're taking care of their elder they're taking care of their elder they're taking care of their elder parents parents parents >> and if you look at it you know um I lost >> and if you look at it you know um I lost >> and if you look at it you know um I lost my dad to dementia my dad to dementia my dad to dementia >> and you were taking care of him and it >> and you were taking care of him and it >> and you were taking care of him and it was a nightmare it was an absolute was a nightmare it was an absolute was a nightmare it was an absolute nightmare nightmare nightmare >> uh the whole process so [snorts] that >> uh the whole process so [snorts] that >> uh the whole process so [snorts] that system doesn't exist today because no system doesn't exist today because no system doesn't exist today because no one really helped us. No one really no one really helped us. No one really no one really helped us. No one really no one really told us what are the next one really told us what are the next one really told us what are the next steps.

steps. steps. >> And people are asking why are we doing >> And people are asking why are we doing >> And people are asking why are we doing this? Because we don't want others to go this? Because we don't want others to go this? Because we don't want others to go through the same uh nightmare and the through the same uh nightmare and the through the same uh nightmare and the same uh uh painful process that we went. same uh uh painful process that we went. same uh uh painful process that we went. >> Maybe it's something we can build. >> Maybe it's something we can build. >> Maybe it's something we can build. >> Oh yeah. >> Oh yeah. >> Oh yeah. >> The noble founder operational system. >> The noble founder operational system. >> The noble founder operational system. [laughter] you know the code is still [laughter] you know the code is still [laughter] you know the code is still there and still there's no really good there and still there's no really good there and still there's no really good >> still needed. >> still needed. >> still needed. >> Yeah. [laughter] >> Yeah. [laughter] >> Yeah. [laughter] Yeah. But but what I'm saying is the the Yeah. But but what I'm saying is the the Yeah. But but what I'm saying is the the idea of noble founder comes from the idea of noble founder comes from the idea of noble founder comes from the urge to help each other lift each other urge to help each other lift each other urge to help each other lift each other and it gets to the the concept of and it gets to the the concept of and it gets to the the concept of flywheel which you know every time I use flywheel which you know every time I use flywheel which you know every time I use that word people just you know that word people just you know that word people just you know [laughter] [laughter] [laughter] counting on me. So it's kind of like counting on me. So it's kind of like counting on me. So it's kind of like we're coming together, experts, mentors, we're coming together, experts, mentors, we're coming together, experts, mentors, everybody that you can imagine that can everybody that you can imagine that can everybody that you can imagine that can support uh founders, we come together support uh founders, we come together support uh founders, we come together and then um we build successful and then um we build successful and then um we build successful companies that are solving uh real companies that are solving uh real companies that are solving uh real problems that are local problems. But problems that are local problems. But problems that are local problems. But that's a dual uh strategy. So we're that's a dual uh strategy. So we're that's a dual uh strategy. So we're solving local problem that can be uh you solving local problem that can be uh you solving local problem that can be uh you know that can [snorts] uh now extended know that can [snorts] uh now extended know that can [snorts] uh now extended to global uh reach basically the same to global uh reach basically the same to global uh reach basically the same problem that we have here in care problem that we have here in care problem that we have here in care coordination uh we have it nationwide coordination uh we have it nationwide coordination uh we have it nationwide and we have it globally right and we have it globally right and we have it globally right >> so if we solve that problem here working >> so if we solve that problem here working >> so if we solve that problem here working together and then we can solve it together and then we can solve it together and then we can solve it globally then make that impact.

globally then make that impact. globally then make that impact. >> Yeah. So we're coming together and the >> Yeah. So we're coming together and the >> Yeah. So we're coming together and the idea is just let's just bring money and idea is just let's just bring money and idea is just let's just bring money and and help startups to to raise money. But and help startups to to raise money. But and help startups to to raise money. But now on the money side we need to make now on the money side we need to make now on the money side we need to make the distinguish between a fund and an the distinguish between a fund and an the distinguish between a fund and an ecosystem. So these are two separate ecosystem. So these are two separate ecosystem. So these are two separate different things. different things. different things. >> Yeah. So when people hear a venture fund >> Yeah. So when people hear a venture fund >> Yeah. So when people hear a venture fund what are they what are they actually what are they what are they actually what are they what are they actually investing in? So the fenture fund like investing in? So the fenture fund like investing in? So the fenture fund like let me explain like so noble founder is let me explain like so noble founder is let me explain like so noble founder is a is a network is an ecosystem is uh a is a network is an ecosystem is uh a is a network is an ecosystem is uh this is our our thesis you can join our this is our our thesis you can join our this is our our thesis you can join our ecosystem join our events join you if ecosystem join our events join you if ecosystem join our events join you if you show up here if you show up in any you show up here if you show up in any you show up here if you show up in any of our um uh our events it's um you can of our um uh our events it's um you can of our um uh our events it's um you can use the uh resources that we have you use the uh resources that we have you use the uh resources that we have you can have mentors can have mentors can have mentors >> um >> um >> um >> and if if you contribute >> and if if you contribute >> and if if you contribute everything will be free uh from a everything will be free uh from a everything will be free uh from a mentorship perspective uh from you know mentorship perspective uh from you know mentorship perspective uh from you know introduction and connections introduction and connections introduction and connections but most likely uh we need to um have a but most likely uh we need to um have a but most likely uh we need to um have a you know small fee to be able to you know small fee to be able to you know small fee to be able to maintain maintain maintain >> right >> right >> right >> the ecosystem and then we need like like >> the ecosystem and then we need like like >> the ecosystem and then we need like like any other ecosystem right either you any other ecosystem right either you any other ecosystem right either you need to get uh support from uh from the need to get uh support from uh from the need to get uh support from uh from the local programs or you need to get local programs or you need to get local programs or you need to get support from sponsors or it's selfunded support from sponsors or it's selfunded support from sponsors or it's selfunded basically the members of the ecosystem basically the members of the ecosystem basically the members of the ecosystem at different levels they they you know

at different levels they they you know at different levels they they you know they pitch in and they they help each they pitch in and they they help each they pitch in and they they help each other other other >> right >> right >> right >> but uh a lot of people asking what is in >> but uh a lot of people asking what is in >> but uh a lot of people asking what is in it for you right the first thing is the it for you right the first thing is the it for you right the first thing is the the fact that at least I didn't have the fact that at least I didn't have the fact that at least I didn't have that support that support that support and I didn't you know have the people and I didn't you know have the people and I didn't you know have the people that you know guide me and my team to go that you know guide me and my team to go that you know guide me and my team to go through this startup journey through this startup journey through this startup journey I really don't one have anyone else I really don't one have anyone else I really don't one have anyone else experience it and trust me everybody on experience it and trust me everybody on experience it and trust me everybody on the core team of noble founder has the the core team of noble founder has the the core team of noble founder has the same experience same experience same experience >> I can speak to that yes [laughter] >> I can speak to that yes [laughter] >> I can speak to that yes [laughter] as a founder it's been as a founder it's been as a founder it's been um um um I think how I can best I think how I can best I think how I can best say this is that I've learned so much in say this is that I've learned so much in say this is that I've learned so much in just these past like three to four just these past like three to four just these past like three to four months since since we met and like months since since we met and like months since since we met and like really I mean I do see you as a mentor. really I mean I do see you as a mentor. really I mean I do see you as a mentor. I do see you as somebody that's like I do see you as somebody that's like I do see you as somebody that's like teaching both Benjamin, my co-founder, teaching both Benjamin, my co-founder, teaching both Benjamin, my co-founder, and I a lot of what we need to have in and I a lot of what we need to have in and I a lot of what we need to have in place to be funded, right, to be ready place to be funded, right, to be ready place to be funded, right, to be ready to receive funding. Um that I did not to receive funding. Um that I did not to receive funding. Um that I did not hear anywhere else. Um, and I haven't hear anywhere else. Um, and I haven't hear anywhere else. Um, and I haven't been through many uh like accelerators been through many uh like accelerators been through many uh like accelerators or cohorts or things like that, but um I or cohorts or things like that, but um I or cohorts or things like that, but um I feel like there's just so many um gates, feel like there's just so many um gates, feel like there's just so many um gates, right, that you have to that you have to right, that you have to that you have to right, that you have to that you have to get through to be able to get through to be able to get through to be able to actually have somebody that cares to sit

actually have somebody that cares to sit actually have somebody that cares to sit down with you and just be like, "Where down with you and just be like, "Where down with you and just be like, "Where are you? are you? are you? >> Where are you on the road map?" Mhm. >> Where are you on the road map?" Mhm. >> Where are you on the road map?" Mhm. >> Like I know you're probably not >> Like I know you're probably not >> Like I know you're probably not sleeping, [laughter] sleeping, [laughter] sleeping, [laughter] >> but just where are you? And and like >> but just where are you? And and like >> but just where are you? And and like that Snapchat, right, that Kendrick that Snapchat, right, that Kendrick that Snapchat, right, that Kendrick talks about, talks about, talks about, >> where are you? And and how can we as as >> where are you? And and how can we as as >> where are you? And and how can we as as a community, as an ecosystem, a community, as an ecosystem, a community, as an ecosystem, help you and and just be that mirror help you and and just be that mirror help you and and just be that mirror that can show you where you are and that can show you where you are and that can show you where you are and where you need to go. Um so that you can where you need to go. Um so that you can where you need to go. Um so that you can actually present something that is actually present something that is actually present something that is fundable, right? fundable, right? fundable, right? >> That I never had that conversation with >> That I never had that conversation with >> That I never had that conversation with anybody. Um Paul, some Paul O'Brien, anybody. Um Paul, some Paul O'Brien, anybody. Um Paul, some Paul O'Brien, shout out to Paul. Um he did teach a lot shout out to Paul. Um he did teach a lot shout out to Paul. Um he did teach a lot and we were very early on. So I'm also and we were very early on. So I'm also and we were very early on. So I'm also learning like right as a founder it learning like right as a founder it learning like right as a founder it takes a lot to be ready [laughter] there. It takes a lot. Um but yeah, do there. It takes a lot. Um but yeah, do you want to go through the website? Do you want to go through the website? Do you want to go through the website? Do you want to show you want to show you want to show >> absolutely yes or is there something >> absolutely yes or is there something >> absolutely yes or is there something else you wanted to say? else you wanted to say? else you wanted to say? Just one thing I wanted to uh point out Just one thing I wanted to uh point out Just one thing I wanted to uh point out is is is myself I'm wearing two hats. One hat is myself I'm wearing two hats. One hat is myself I'm wearing two hats. One hat is the VC hat from uh Red Ruby Capital and the VC hat from uh Red Ruby Capital and the VC hat from uh Red Ruby Capital and the other one is uh an advocate and and the other one is uh an advocate and and the other one is uh an advocate and and and [snorts] the head of the movement and [snorts] the head of the movement and [snorts] the head of the movement with Noble Founder because we have with Noble Founder because we have with Noble Founder because we have amazing people on our core team. um uh amazing people on our core team. um uh amazing people on our core team. um uh the people that they are really pushing the people that they are really pushing the people that they are really pushing this forward because they care about our this forward because they care about our this forward because they care about our ecosystem they because they really

ecosystem they because they really ecosystem they because they really wanted to make a difference. wanted to make a difference. wanted to make a difference. >> Yeah. Uh but on the fund side so Red >> Yeah. Uh but on the fund side so Red >> Yeah. Uh but on the fund side so Red Ruby Capital is an emerging fund and um Ruby Capital is an emerging fund and um Ruby Capital is an emerging fund and um we are raising our first fund and um and we are raising our first fund and um and we are raising our first fund and um and we are in the process of uh closing um we are in the process of uh closing um we are in the process of uh closing um [clears throat] [clears throat] [clears throat] and uh getting I'm you know getting and uh getting I'm you know getting and uh getting I'm you know getting closer to uh getting all the closer to uh getting all the closer to uh getting all the commitments. It has it involves a lot of commitments. It has it involves a lot of commitments. It has it involves a lot of legal and you know it's just it's just legal and you know it's just it's just legal and you know it's just it's just if you think raising $5 million is hard if you think raising $5 million is hard if you think raising $5 million is hard just think uh when you get to raise $50 just think uh when you get to raise $50 just think uh when you get to raise $50 million $200 million how hard is that? million $200 million how hard is that? million $200 million how hard is that? But raising a fund is a lot more on the But raising a fund is a lot more on the But raising a fund is a lot more on the legal side, on the structure side and legal side, on the structure side and legal side, on the structure side and convincing someone that hey there is a convincing someone that hey there is a convincing someone that hey there is a good amount of investment opportunity good amount of investment opportunity good amount of investment opportunity within this uh geographical area and within this uh geographical area and within this uh geographical area and region region region and is worth it to give it a shot. and is worth it to give it a shot. and is worth it to give it a shot. That's our whole thing especially on the That's our whole thing especially on the That's our whole thing especially on the uh you know uh uh early stages but there uh you know uh uh early stages but there uh you know uh uh early stages but there are other opportunities for us like are other opportunities for us like are other opportunities for us like there are other investment vehicles uh there are other investment vehicles uh there are other investment vehicles uh per se that we can use even right now per se that we can use even right now per se that we can use even right now right right right >> to invest and help uh you know we can do >> to invest and help uh you know we can do >> to invest and help uh you know we can do um special purpose uh vehicles SPVS we um special purpose uh vehicles SPVS we um special purpose uh vehicles SPVS we can uh we can coordinate with even angel can uh we can coordinate with even angel can uh we can coordinate with even angel investors we like as red ruby we do the investors we like as red ruby we do the investors we like as red ruby we do the due diligence due diligence due diligence We help angel investors. We can

We help angel investors. We can We help angel investors. We can co-invest and also co-invest and also co-invest and also there are a lot of VCs that you know there are a lot of VCs that you know there are a lot of VCs that you know we've built a really good relationship we've built a really good relationship we've built a really good relationship with them. Uh we can uh we can even work with them. Uh we can uh we can even work with them. Uh we can uh we can even work with them on the deal and introduce the with them on the deal and introduce the with them on the deal and introduce the startups uh uh do the introduction to startups uh uh do the introduction to startups uh uh do the introduction to them. So there are many different ways them. So there are many different ways them. So there are many different ways even today we can deploy money and we even today we can deploy money and we even today we can deploy money and we can um uh we can work with other people can um uh we can work with other people can um uh we can work with other people in funding ecosystem in funding ecosystem in funding ecosystem until our first fund is online and is uh until our first fund is online and is uh until our first fund is online and is uh is uh is deploying money. Uh I just is uh is deploying money. Uh I just is uh is deploying money. Uh I just wanted to make sure that people wanted to make sure that people wanted to make sure that people understand that uh even a fund is an understand that uh even a fund is an understand that uh even a fund is an emerging fund. you know, [snorts] we're emerging fund. you know, [snorts] we're emerging fund. you know, [snorts] we're we're having these conversations and we're having these conversations and we're having these conversations and >> um building a fund by itself is not um >> um building a fund by itself is not um >> um building a fund by itself is not um really really really uh the important thing. The fund uh the important thing. The fund uh the important thing. The fund returning money and uh providing the returning money and uh providing the returning money and uh providing the investors and LPS that are invested in investors and LPS that are invested in investors and LPS that are invested in those funds uh a good return of those funds uh a good return of those funds uh a good return of investment is important and everything investment is important and everything investment is important and everything that we do is is intentional. Mhm.

that we do is is intentional. Mhm. that we do is is intentional. Mhm. >> So we are showing we are showcasing >> So we are showing we are showcasing >> So we are showing we are showcasing through other vehicles that why big LPS through other vehicles that why big LPS through other vehicles that why big LPS should invest in Houston. Why big LPS should invest in Houston. Why big LPS should invest in Houston. Why big LPS should invest in people in this broader should invest in people in this broader should invest in people in this broader and bigger ecosystem. I'm not even and bigger ecosystem. I'm not even and bigger ecosystem. I'm not even talking about Noah founder. I'm talking talking about Noah founder. I'm talking talking about Noah founder. I'm talking about Houston as a big economy about Houston as a big economy about Houston as a big economy and this is what we're doing a step by and this is what we're doing a step by and this is what we're doing a step by step. uh and if anybody thinks it's easy step. uh and if anybody thinks it's easy step. uh and if anybody thinks it's easy to go and raise fund from LPS and you to go and raise fund from LPS and you to go and raise fund from LPS and you know convince somebody to invest like know convince somebody to invest like know convince somebody to invest like $100 million in uh in a city or in a $100 million in uh in a city or in a $100 million in uh in a city or in a region uh we will be more than happy to region uh we will be more than happy to region uh we will be more than happy to have them on board. They can go and if have them on board. They can go and if have them on board. They can go and if it's just a real simple thing they can it's just a real simple thing they can it's just a real simple thing they can go and pitch it. The reason I'm saying go and pitch it. The reason I'm saying go and pitch it. The reason I'm saying is it they say like it takes a village is it they say like it takes a village is it they say like it takes a village to do something. I say it takes a city to do something. I say it takes a city to do something. I say it takes a city to get us on the radar of big funds. to get us on the radar of big funds. to get us on the radar of big funds. >> $100 million in in VC investment is >> $100 million in in VC investment is >> $100 million in in VC investment is nothing. nothing. nothing. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> A billion dollar like people are so >> A billion dollar like people are so >> A billion dollar like people are so casual when you go like to either coast.

casual when you go like to either coast. casual when you go like to either coast. Oh yeah, I'm just working on my $1 Oh yeah, I'm just working on my $1 Oh yeah, I'm just working on my $1 billion billion billion VC fund. So casual. You just come here VC fund. So casual. You just come here VC fund. So casual. You just come here to Houston and say I'm working on a to Houston and say I'm working on a to Houston and say I'm working on a hundred million dollar fund. And people, hundred million dollar fund. And people, hundred million dollar fund. And people, oh my god, hundred million. like this is oh my god, hundred million. like this is oh my god, hundred million. like this is what we wanted to what we wanted to what we wanted to >> make a dent, >> make a dent, >> make a dent, >> right? We wanted to uh make sure that we >> right? We wanted to uh make sure that we >> right? We wanted to uh make sure that we are really presenting Houston as this are really presenting Houston as this are really presenting Houston as this big opportunity. It is. [snorts] big opportunity. It is. [snorts] big opportunity. It is. [snorts] >> Why hasn't it been seen as an >> Why hasn't it been seen as an >> Why hasn't it been seen as an opportunity? Like why has it been opportunity? Like why has it been opportunity? Like why has it been overlooked? Do you know? overlooked? Do you know? overlooked? Do you know? >> First, you know, I heard something in in >> First, you know, I heard something in in >> First, you know, I heard something in in tech radio was Houston is very shy about tech radio was Houston is very shy about tech radio was Houston is very shy about what we're doing. And I think that's what we're doing. And I think that's what we're doing. And I think that's that's a real um that's a real thing. uh that's a real um that's a real thing. uh that's a real um that's a real thing. uh a lot of great things are happening and a lot of great things are happening and a lot of great things are happening and and [snorts] people perceive Houston as and [snorts] people perceive Houston as and [snorts] people perceive Houston as met as you know space as real estate. So met as you know space as real estate. So met as you know space as real estate. So it's just a lot of more traditional it's just a lot of more traditional it's just a lot of more traditional money within Houston. So no everything money within Houston. So no everything money within Houston. So no everything is asset based everything is uh you know is asset based everything is uh you know is asset based everything is uh you know based on collateral you go to some of based on collateral you go to some of based on collateral you go to some of those investors and say hey look do you those investors and say hey look do you those investors and say hey look do you want to invest in a a startup oh what is want to invest in a a startup oh what is want to invest in a a startup oh what is the collateral startup is not collateral the collateral startup is not collateral the collateral startup is not collateral based right you don't we don't have any based right you don't we don't have any based right you don't we don't have any assets so we are working through a model assets so we are working through a model assets so we are working through a model that we can we can do that but that we can we can do that but that we can we can do that but >> um we wanted to show and you know a lot >> um we wanted to show and you know a lot >> um we wanted to show and you know a lot of people even within the ecosystem they of people even within the ecosystem they of people even within the ecosystem they believe we don't have good startups can believe we don't have good startups can believe we don't have good startups can you believe just like yeah you know you believe just like yeah you know you believe just like yeah you know doesn't have good startups.

doesn't have good startups. doesn't have good startups. >> No we do >> No we do >> No we do >> right >> right >> right >> you know like right now we get we see >> you know like right now we get we see >> you know like right now we get we see like all these amazing startups like all these amazing startups like all these amazing startups >> so >> so >> so just Yeah. No, I'm just thinking of of I just Yeah. No, I'm just thinking of of I just Yeah. No, I'm just thinking of of I mean us of Creattopia, but also um of mean us of Creattopia, but also um of mean us of Creattopia, but also um of the few startups that um we've been the few startups that um we've been the few startups that um we've been hearing about of what they're building, hearing about of what they're building, hearing about of what they're building, right? Of like the the plastic eating uh right? Of like the the plastic eating uh right? Of like the the plastic eating uh [snorts] product that Kendrick is [snorts] product that Kendrick is [snorts] product that Kendrick is talking about. I want to see that come talking about. I want to see that come talking about. I want to see that come to life. to life. to life. >> Yeah. [laughter] >> Yeah. [laughter] >> Yeah. [laughter] >> Um and just the like the things that >> Um and just the like the things that >> Um and just the like the things that because you are in Houston and I imagine because you are in Houston and I imagine because you are in Houston and I imagine that's the same with a lot of major that's the same with a lot of major that's the same with a lot of major cities, right? cities, right? cities, right? >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. Just the fact that you're a major city, Just the fact that you're a major city, Just the fact that you're a major city, there's got to be innovation there's got to be innovation there's got to be innovation that is happening already within the that is happening already within the that is happening already within the city. Yeah. Right. That is central to city. Yeah. Right. That is central to city. Yeah. Right. That is central to it. it. it. >> Let me let me tell you about Soma. S is >> Let me let me tell you about Soma. S is >> Let me let me tell you about Soma. S is a company that he built just a solo a company that he built just a solo a company that he built just a solo proner. He built proner. He built proner. He built an OS for cars for electric cars. It's an OS for cars for electric cars. It's an OS for cars for electric cars. It's going to be like a it's like a USB model going to be like a it's like a USB model going to be like a it's like a USB model for electric cars. It's amazing idea. So for electric cars. It's amazing idea. So for electric cars. It's amazing idea. So he was here in Houston. He was trying to he was here in Houston. He was trying to he was here in Houston. He was trying to get funded and get partners. It's just get funded and get partners. It's just get funded and get partners. It's just not always about funding, not always about funding, not always about funding, >> right?

>> right? >> right? >> So he was not able to find what he was >> So he was not able to find what he was >> So he was not able to find what he was looking for in Houston. He went to looking for in Houston. He went to looking for in Houston. He went to Austin. He was not able to find it in Austin. He was not able to find it in Austin. He was not able to find it in Austin. Now he's in San Francisco, Austin. Now he's in San Francisco, Austin. Now he's in San Francisco, >> right? >> right? >> right? >> So why a founder in Houston should go >> So why a founder in Houston should go >> So why a founder in Houston should go out of Houston to build one thing that out of Houston to build one thing that out of Houston to build one thing that he knows is going to be the next big he knows is going to be the next big he knows is going to be the next big thing? And all he asks is find me thing? And all he asks is find me thing? And all he asks is find me partners. partners. partners. He built the product. You know the He built the product. You know the He built the product. You know the product is ready. [snorts] product is ready. [snorts] product is ready. [snorts] >> The market is ready. He identified his >> The market is ready. He identified his >> The market is ready. He identified his go-to market strategy. He identified go-to market strategy. He identified go-to market strategy. He identified everything you can imagine. Everything everything you can imagine. Everything everything you can imagine. Everything is correct on paper. But no one here in is correct on paper. But no one here in is correct on paper. But no one here in Texas wanted to invest. And what he says Texas wanted to invest. And what he says Texas wanted to invest. And what he says and what people are [snorts] seeing is and what people are [snorts] seeing is and what people are [snorts] seeing is if you have a cap table and a decent if you have a cap table and a decent if you have a cap table and a decent idea and do some stuff, you can get a idea and do some stuff, you can get a idea and do some stuff, you can get a check in in in in San Francisco. check in in in in San Francisco. check in in in in San Francisco. But I see companies that they have done But I see companies that they have done But I see companies that they have done up to like a series A level and they up to like a series A level and they up to like a series A level and they haven't got like a $25,000 check. haven't got like a $25,000 check. haven't got like a $25,000 check. >> Wow. >> Wow. >> Wow. >> That's the problem here. This is the >> That's the problem here. This is the >> That's the problem here. This is the problem we're collectively trying to problem we're collectively trying to problem we're collectively trying to solve. And basically what we do we look solve. And basically what we do we look solve. And basically what we do we look at the startup journey and uh we've at the startup journey and uh we've at the startup journey and uh we've built a platform using AI and it uses built a platform using AI and it uses built a platform using AI and it uses you know I just baked in the the whole you know I just baked in the the whole you know I just baked in the the whole VC deal that a VC uses into this VC deal that a VC uses into this VC deal that a VC uses into this platform. So you can go and look at the platform. So you can go and look at the platform. So you can go and look at the company and and rate the create that a company and and rate the create that a company and and rate the create that a snapshot like a snapshot of a company.

snapshot like a snapshot of a company. snapshot like a snapshot of a company. Where is the company from a VC funding Where is the company from a VC funding Where is the company from a VC funding readiness? Where is the company uh from readiness? Where is the company uh from readiness? Where is the company uh from from the stage perspective and then from the stage perspective and then from the stage perspective and then create the road map. So we're looking at create the road map. So we're looking at create the road map. So we're looking at each company at the point they are and each company at the point they are and each company at the point they are and then we we tell them hey look this is then we we tell them hey look this is then we we tell them hey look this is this is the road map for you and these this is the road map for you and these this is the road map for you and these are the resources that we have in our uh are the resources that we have in our uh are the resources that we have in our uh community. Some of them are free some of community. Some of them are free some of community. Some of them are free some of them are paid some of them are sponsored them are paid some of them are sponsored them are paid some of them are sponsored >> uh some of them are not >> uh some of them are not >> uh some of them are not >> uh but all the programs everything is by >> uh but all the programs everything is by >> uh but all the programs everything is by invitation and approval. So people needs invitation and approval. So people needs invitation and approval. So people needs to come to our community needs to come to come to our community needs to come to come to our community needs to come to join our movement. Basically this is to join our movement. Basically this is to join our movement. Basically this is a movement. a movement. a movement. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> You come show up. You have to move. >> You come show up. You have to move. >> You come show up. You have to move. Yeah. People need to move. You need to Yeah. People need to move. You need to Yeah. People need to move. You need to come. You need to show up. You need to come. You need to show up. You need to come. You need to show up. You need to move the needle. You need to be move the needle. You need to be move the needle. You need to be collaborative. collaborative. collaborative. And believe me, people are going to help And believe me, people are going to help And believe me, people are going to help you. you. you. >> You don't need like someone come and >> You don't need like someone come and >> You don't need like someone come and say, "Look, I charge five grand to do say, "Look, I charge five grand to do say, "Look, I charge five grand to do XYZ, but because you're so awesome, I'm XYZ, but because you're so awesome, I'm XYZ, but because you're so awesome, I'm going to do it for you for free."

going to do it for you for free." going to do it for you for free." >> Right. Right. And you know, I' I've >> Right. Right. And you know, I' I've >> Right. Right. And you know, I' I've really with my psychology background, really with my psychology background, really with my psychology background, it's been fun to see that perspective of it's been fun to see that perspective of it's been fun to see that perspective of building this um and how the different building this um and how the different building this um and how the different personalities and just what happens, personalities and just what happens, personalities and just what happens, right, when people come together. right, when people come together. right, when people come together. >> When a lot of people come together, >> When a lot of people come together, >> When a lot of people come together, there's always going to be conflict and there's always going to be conflict and there's always going to be conflict and there's always going to be issues. Um there's always going to be issues. Um there's always going to be issues. Um but I like that we're also but I like that we're also but I like that we're also aware of that, right? Like we're also aware of that, right? Like we're also aware of that, right? Like we're also aware that we all have different aware that we all have different aware that we all have different personalities and some are more stubborn personalities and some are more stubborn personalities and some are more stubborn than others and some are like we're all than others and some are like we're all than others and some are like we're all different, right? Um but how does that different, right? Um but how does that different, right? Um but how does that play into a movement and how do we play into a movement and how do we play into a movement and how do we >> put that into perspective with what >> put that into perspective with what >> put that into perspective with what we're building and how does that make we're building and how does that make we're building and how does that make everything move, right? Because at the everything move, right? Because at the everything move, right? Because at the end of the day we are even though these end of the day we are even though these end of the day we are even though these are companies, are companies, are companies, >> there's people behind them, right? And >> there's people behind them, right? And >> there's people behind them, right? And and we need to and we need to and we need to >> to be aware of how to deal with people. >> to be aware of how to deal with people. >> to be aware of how to deal with people. So I love witnessing that and I love So I love witnessing that and I love So I love witnessing that and I love just watching all the different parts just watching all the different parts just watching all the different parts move and how [snorts] differently people move and how [snorts] differently people move and how [snorts] differently people move within the movement.

move within the movement. move within the movement. >> And you know if you think about the >> And you know if you think about the >> And you know if you think about the movement the movement is let's just feed movement the movement is let's just feed movement the movement is let's just feed our startups and Kitri has this really our startups and Kitri has this really our startups and Kitri has this really interesting um analogy of like a dance interesting um analogy of like a dance interesting um analogy of like a dance floor like on one side you have startups floor like on one side you have startups floor like on one side you have startups and the other side you have the and the other side you have the and the other side you have the resources and money but they're not resources and money but they're not resources and money but they're not dancing. There's no music here so they dancing. There's no music here so they dancing. There's no music here so they can dance together, right? And then no can dance together, right? And then no can dance together, right? And then no They don't even know how to dance. They don't even know how to dance. They don't even know how to dance. >> Yeah. And you know the noble founder is >> Yeah. And you know the noble founder is >> Yeah. And you know the noble founder is the foundation of [snorts] bringing the foundation of [snorts] bringing the foundation of [snorts] bringing these people together and dance. And these people together and dance. And these people together and dance. And then out of that is going to be then out of that is going to be then out of that is going to be something amazing. Then I as an emerging something amazing. Then I as an emerging something amazing. Then I as an emerging fund manager I can go to my LPS and tell fund manager I can go to my LPS and tell fund manager I can go to my LPS and tell them hey look we have all these great them hey look we have all these great them hey look we have all these great opportunities for you. This is why you opportunities for you. This is why you opportunities for you. This is why you need to believe in our startups and need to believe in our startups and need to believe in our startups and that's why you need to invest. that's why you need to invest. that's why you need to invest. >> Right? So every person that is uh coming >> Right? So every person that is uh coming >> Right? So every person that is uh coming here, engaging, showing up and here, engaging, showing up and here, engaging, showing up and contributing basically is contributing contributing basically is contributing contributing basically is contributing to get more money for Houston. We're not to get more money for Houston. We're not to get more money for Houston. We're not competing with anybody. You know, competing with anybody. You know, competing with anybody. You know, everybody is our ally. You know, we are everybody is our ally. You know, we are everybody is our ally. You know, we are compliment to any other compliment to any other compliment to any other acceleration accelerator incubation acceleration accelerator incubation acceleration accelerator incubation program.

program. program. >> Uh we welcome everybody. anything that >> Uh we welcome everybody. anything that >> Uh we welcome everybody. anything that we can help them, we we're willing to do we can help them, we we're willing to do we can help them, we we're willing to do it because it's again it takes a city to it because it's again it takes a city to it because it's again it takes a city to promote all the promote all the promote all the capabilities and awesomeness of the capabilities and awesomeness of the capabilities and awesomeness of the people and founders and startups. So we people and founders and startups. So we people and founders and startups. So we can get more even we can involve and can get more even we can involve and can get more even we can involve and engage the the conservative and engage the the conservative and engage the the conservative and tradition on money even within our city. tradition on money even within our city. tradition on money even within our city. >> Right? And interestingly, when we >> Right? And interestingly, when we >> Right? And interestingly, when we started this movement, my goal at least started this movement, my goal at least started this movement, my goal at least was to go out and get money from outside was to go out and get money from outside was to go out and get money from outside of Houston. But now we're seeing people of Houston. But now we're seeing people of Houston. But now we're seeing people even inside like in the CDR now really even inside like in the CDR now really even inside like in the CDR now really interested, interested, interested, >> right? >> right? >> right? >> So they wanted to get involved. They >> So they wanted to get involved. They >> So they wanted to get involved. They wanted to uh you know contribute which wanted to uh you know contribute which wanted to uh you know contribute which is great, is great, is great, >> right? >> right? >> right? >> So I think uh it's important to really >> So I think uh it's important to really >> So I think uh it's important to really distinguish between the ecosystem distinguish between the ecosystem distinguish between the ecosystem between what is free and what needs to between what is free and what needs to between what is free and what needs to be paid. and [snorts] be paid. and [snorts] be paid. and [snorts] >> uh you know supporting this this >> uh you know supporting this this >> uh you know supporting this this movement and I think we can go to the movement and I think we can go to the movement and I think we can go to the website now and you know we can look at website now and you know we can look at website now and you know we can look at it um so we can explain um it um so we can explain um it um so we can explain um >> I wanted to just say a tiny bit on um >> I wanted to just say a tiny bit on um >> I wanted to just say a tiny bit on um >> cuz because for us it's it's the idea of >> cuz because for us it's it's the idea of >> cuz because for us it's it's the idea of of safe spaces right to be able to of safe spaces right to be able to of safe spaces right to be able to create and express create and express create and express >> and and just what it >> and and just what it >> and and just what it >> the spaces that we're creating right >> the spaces that we're creating right >> the spaces that we're creating right just a note on that on how this movement just a note on that on how this movement just a note on that on how this movement is taking up space. It's taking up is taking up space. It's taking up is taking up space. It's taking up digital space and physical space

digital space and physical space digital space and physical space >> and and how we build that, right? Like >> and and how we build that, right? Like >> and and how we build that, right? Like how we continue to keep that safe for how we continue to keep that safe for how we continue to keep that safe for everybody so that everybody can can show everybody so that everybody can can show everybody so that everybody can can show up and not feel threatened or not feel up and not feel threatened or not feel up and not feel threatened or not feel whatever. Um, and I think that's just I whatever. Um, and I think that's just I whatever. Um, and I think that's just I I just want to reiterate how important I just want to reiterate how important I just want to reiterate how important it is for everybody that is part of the it is for everybody that is part of the it is for everybody that is part of the movement to just come back to that, to movement to just come back to that, to movement to just come back to that, to come back to to the mentality of like come back to to the mentality of like come back to to the mentality of like this is a space that we're all creating this is a space that we're all creating this is a space that we're all creating together. It's not me and you or me, together. It's not me and you or me, together. It's not me and you or me, you, Kitrich, and Ben and Ken. Um, but you, Kitrich, and Ben and Ken. Um, but you, Kitrich, and Ben and Ken. Um, but it's but everybody that participates in it's but everybody that participates in it's but everybody that participates in it has a responsibility to continue to it has a responsibility to continue to it has a responsibility to continue to keep the space safe. keep the space safe. keep the space safe. >> Correct. Um, and I just I wanted to say >> Correct. Um, and I just I wanted to say >> Correct. Um, and I just I wanted to say that for for us and for anybody who's that for for us and for anybody who's that for for us and for anybody who's listening and anybody that's interested listening and anybody that's interested listening and anybody that's interested in participating. Um, because I do think in participating. Um, because I do think in participating. Um, because I do think it's important, right? I mean, going it's important, right? I mean, going it's important, right? I mean, going back to Creattopia and what we do, um, back to Creattopia and what we do, um, back to Creattopia and what we do, um, it's the safety and the respect and just it's the safety and the respect and just it's the safety and the respect and just the the people's skills that are part of the the people's skills that are part of the the people's skills that are part of of the movement and part of creating of the movement and part of creating of the movement and part of creating space. Um, it's just something that I space. Um, it's just something that I space. Um, it's just something that I wanted to to make sure that we say.

wanted to to make sure that we say. wanted to to make sure that we say. [laughter] [laughter] [laughter] >> Absolutely. And I think that's one of >> Absolutely. And I think that's one of >> Absolutely. And I think that's one of one of the most important things one of the most important things one of the most important things requiring everybody's requiring everybody's requiring everybody's participation participation participation in creating a self uh self- sustaining in creating a self uh self- sustaining in creating a self uh self- sustaining and safe space. and safe space. and safe space. >> Being in a you know working and >> Being in a you know working and >> Being in a you know working and collaborating in a safe space is very collaborating in a safe space is very collaborating in a safe space is very important. important. important. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> We need to support each other. We need >> We need to support each other. We need >> We need to support each other. We need to have respect and we need to set to have respect and we need to set to have respect and we need to set boundaries. Right. boundaries. Right. boundaries. Right. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> That's very important. Yeah. >> That's very important. Yeah. >> That's very important. Yeah. >> Um we everybody in this ecosystem are >> Um we everybody in this ecosystem are >> Um we everybody in this ecosystem are very serious business people do really very serious business people do really very serious business people do really serious businesses but we are very kind. serious businesses but we are very kind. serious businesses but we are very kind. We wanted to be we want to exampleify We wanted to be we want to exampleify We wanted to be we want to exampleify that you can be a kind person and you that you can be a kind person and you that you can be a kind person and you can do serious business can do serious business can do serious business >> and have fun >> and have fun >> and have fun >> right and have fun. I think that's the >> right and have fun. I think that's the >> right and have fun. I think that's the most important [laughter] thing. Uh we most important [laughter] thing. Uh we most important [laughter] thing. Uh we have like really creative people here. have like really creative people here. have like really creative people here. we're gonna have like hangouts and you we're gonna have like hangouts and you we're gonna have like hangouts and you know have content parties. Uh know have content parties. Uh know have content parties. Uh we want [snorts] to be as creative as we we want [snorts] to be as creative as we we want [snorts] to be as creative as we can and we want to move the needle. So can and we want to move the needle. So can and we want to move the needle. So that's kind of like what we wanted to that's kind of like what we wanted to that's kind of like what we wanted to do.

do. do. >> And if you go to our website, I think uh >> And if you go to our website, I think uh >> And if you go to our website, I think uh people ask how we can get involved or people ask how we can get involved or people ask how we can get involved or you know what what what are the programs you know what what what are the programs you know what what what are the programs and uh what are the things that you know and uh what are the things that you know and uh what are the things that you know we can use. If you go to to our website we can use. If you go to to our website we can use. If you go to to our website and uh so the basic like uh u basically and uh so the basic like uh u basically and uh so the basic like uh u basically if you look at uh [snorts] if you look at uh [snorts] if you look at uh [snorts] if you look at our tagline kitric is if you look at our tagline kitric is if you look at our tagline kitric is going to help to refine it but it's from going to help to refine it but it's from going to help to refine it but it's from idea to impact and this is important idea to impact and this is important idea to impact and this is important because a lot of companies a lot of even because a lot of companies a lot of even because a lot of companies a lot of even VCs they're looking at from idea just to VCs they're looking at from idea just to VCs they're looking at from idea just to profit but for us it's just you know we profit but for us it's just you know we profit but for us it's just you know we wanted to go from idea to impact and you wanted to go from idea to impact and you wanted to go from idea to impact and you know Instead of having programs, we have know Instead of having programs, we have know Instead of having programs, we have pathways. So basically we're saying pathways. So basically we're saying pathways. So basically we're saying which track you are. And if you are which track you are. And if you are which track you are. And if you are joining our our you know programs and if joining our our you know programs and if joining our our you know programs and if you're joining our ecosystem when you're joining our ecosystem when you're joining our ecosystem when founders are you know having founders are you know having founders are you know having conversation we want them to ask oh conversation we want them to ask oh conversation we want them to ask oh which track you are like you know and which track you are like you know and which track you are like you know and you know the first track that we have is you know the first track that we have is you know the first track that we have is the launch track. So basically it's good the launch track. So basically it's good the launch track. So basically it's good for people that have just an idea or for people that have just an idea or for people that have just an idea or they're just starting their business they're just starting their business they're just starting their business like someone in you know some all the like someone in you know some all the like someone in you know some all the inventors the people that they have the inventors the people that they have the inventors the people that they have the ideas subject matter experts um and even ideas subject matter experts um and even ideas subject matter experts um and even like people that are building products like people that are building products like people that are building products do you see some people just build do you see some people just build do you see some people just build products you know I just get with code products you know I just get with code products you know I just get with code and I just you know build this really and I just you know build this really and I just you know build this really great app so this is for them and we great app so this is for them and we great app so this is for them and we have different uh different programs in have different uh different programs in have different uh different programs in this pathway which you know So the zero

this pathway which you know So the zero this pathway which you know So the zero to one agile launchpad is you want to to one agile launchpad is you want to to one agile launchpad is you want to get to your first customer. You know get to your first customer. You know get to your first customer. You know that's the whole thing. That's the point that's the whole thing. That's the point that's the whole thing. That's the point of it. And people are like how do I get of it. And people are like how do I get of it. And people are like how do I get to my first customer with only just an to my first customer with only just an to my first customer with only just an idea? And that's where we're talking idea? And that's where we're talking idea? And that's where we're talking about traction. Uh your first idea when about traction. Uh your first idea when about traction. Uh your first idea when you're with your first customer where you're with your first customer where you're with your first customer where you're just launching an idea could be you're just launching an idea could be you're just launching an idea could be your first uh you know early adapter. your first uh you know early adapter. your first uh you know early adapter. Someone that says look I like it. If you Someone that says look I like it. If you Someone that says look I like it. If you build it, I will come and buy it. build it, I will come and buy it. build it, I will come and buy it. >> Someone is telling you if you build it, >> Someone is telling you if you build it, >> Someone is telling you if you build it, I going to buy it. That's a question we I going to buy it. That's a question we I going to buy it. That's a question we see will ask. How do you know if you see will ask. How do you know if you see will ask. How do you know if you build it, they're going to buy it? build it, they're going to buy it? build it, they're going to buy it? >> This is going to answer it, right? So >> This is going to answer it, right? So >> This is going to answer it, right? So that's our zero to one. And then we have that's our zero to one. And then we have that's our zero to one. And then we have our our youth and community program, our our youth and community program, our our youth and community program, which you know, we love that program. We which you know, we love that program. We which you know, we love that program. We wanted to support our youth. wanted to support our youth. wanted to support our youth. >> We have uh entrepreneurs like even >> We have uh entrepreneurs like even >> We have uh entrepreneurs like even starting from high school starting from high school starting from high school >> or middle school. so brilliant. >> or middle school. so brilliant. >> or middle school. so brilliant. >> You're like so brilliant. You know, >> You're like so brilliant. You know, >> You're like so brilliant. You know, we've been in uh in uh one of the the we've been in uh in uh one of the the we've been in uh in uh one of the the head talks in in city hall and we we had head talks in in city hall and we we had head talks in in city hall and we we had [snorts] [snorts] [snorts] >> we are on boarding two of the teams and >> we are on boarding two of the teams and >> we are on boarding two of the teams and you know, it's just it's just amazing you know, it's just it's just amazing you know, it's just it's just amazing how bright all these young minds and how bright all these young minds and how bright all these young minds and there are communities there are people there are communities there are people there are communities there are people in communities that they don't have in communities that they don't have in communities that they don't have access to uh all the resources some of access to uh all the resources some of access to uh all the resources some of other people have. They don't know how other people have. They don't know how other people have. They don't know how to start. They don't know where to to start. They don't know where to to start. They don't know where to start. And there are people advocating start. And there are people advocating start. And there are people advocating for that for the people that they are in for that for the people that they are in for that for the people that they are in the communities.

the communities. the communities. >> Then we have the incubation. So >> Then we have the incubation. So >> Then we have the incubation. So basically incubation is when you have an basically incubation is when you have an basically incubation is when you have an idea but it's an idea you want to make idea but it's an idea you want to make idea but it's an idea you want to make it a fundable opportunity. it a fundable opportunity. it a fundable opportunity. What do I mean by that is any idea could What do I mean by that is any idea could What do I mean by that is any idea could be a good idea but it may not be be a good idea but it may not be be a good idea but it may not be fundable or when you look at it no one fundable or when you look at it no one fundable or when you look at it no one is going to invest any money to in that is going to invest any money to in that is going to invest any money to in that idea even just to build a simple you idea even just to build a simple you idea even just to build a simple you know prototype. We help companies to know prototype. We help companies to know prototype. We help companies to turn their ideas into a fundable turn their ideas into a fundable turn their ideas into a fundable uh opportunity so they can get some uh opportunity so they can get some uh opportunity so they can get some money from friends and family from uh money from friends and family from uh money from friends and family from uh angel investors early stage investors so angel investors early stage investors so angel investors early stage investors so they can build that idea and it's a lot they can build that idea and it's a lot they can build that idea and it's a lot of time we teach people that how to of time we teach people that how to of time we teach people that how to build the vision and how to get people build the vision and how to get people build the vision and how to get people to uh believe in your vision and become to uh believe in your vision and become to uh believe in your vision and become your biggest advocate. M your biggest advocate. M your biggest advocate. M >> people are investing in you and your >> people are investing in you and your >> people are investing in you and your idea, right? Champions, idea, right? Champions, idea, right? Champions, >> they're not This is just an idea because >> they're not This is just an idea because >> they're not This is just an idea because I know you and Benjamin and what uh I know you and Benjamin and what uh I know you and Benjamin and what uh great ideas you have. I'm going to give great ideas you have. I'm going to give great ideas you have. I'm going to give you a 25 grand check to go and just you a 25 grand check to go and just you a 25 grand check to go and just build a prototype just just you know build a prototype just just you know build a prototype just just you know start your your process, right?

start your your process, right? start your your process, right? >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> And then the noble build is like okay so >> And then the noble build is like okay so >> And then the noble build is like okay so I have this idea I got the 25 grand I have this idea I got the 25 grand I have this idea I got the 25 grand check is check. So let's just give me uh check is check. So let's just give me uh check is check. So let's just give me uh some funding so I can go ahead and some funding so I can go ahead and some funding so I can go ahead and [snorts] I can build this great thing at [snorts] I can build this great thing at [snorts] I can build this great thing at least build like a you know MVP least build like a you know MVP least build like a you know MVP >> and when I build that MVP we coach >> and when I build that MVP we coach >> and when I build that MVP we coach people we help people how to go and talk people we help people how to go and talk people we help people how to go and talk to people you know write the find the to people you know write the find the to people you know write the find the right market and you know how to do all right market and you know how to do all right market and you know how to do all the stuff. So now I built the I had this the stuff. So now I built the I had this the stuff. So now I built the I had this idea and then I I build it. Now I need idea and then I I build it. Now I need idea and then I I build it. Now I need to go and to go and to go and uh I need to go and and get my customers uh I need to go and and get my customers uh I need to go and and get my customers right where [snorts] we come to like now right where [snorts] we come to like now right where [snorts] we come to like now you got from zero to one now you need to you got from zero to one now you need to you got from zero to one now you need to go to one to 10 repeatable growth by go to one to 10 repeatable growth by go to one to 10 repeatable growth by that is you have like two ways of that is you have like two ways of that is you have like two ways of scaling and growing and acquiring scaling and growing and acquiring scaling and growing and acquiring customers. one is an uh unscalable u you customers. one is an uh unscalable u you customers. one is an uh unscalable u you know method that you go just go face to know method that you go just go face to know method that you go just go face to face doortodoor and sell it to people.

face doortodoor and sell it to people. face doortodoor and sell it to people. You apply that learning, you build a You apply that learning, you build a You apply that learning, you build a repeatable system, repeatable system, repeatable system, >> something that is not involving you or >> something that is not involving you or >> something that is not involving you or your sales team. your sales team. your sales team. >> Something, you know, most of the time is >> Something, you know, most of the time is >> Something, you know, most of the time is kind of quote unquote um your online uh kind of quote unquote um your online uh kind of quote unquote um your online uh um advertisement or any sort of um advertisement or any sort of um advertisement or any sort of advertisement or you're just having advertisement or you're just having advertisement or you're just having events, right? events, right? events, right? >> Uh so you can have events, you can have >> Uh so you can have events, you can have >> Uh so you can have events, you can have advertisement, all of that, right? So advertisement, all of that, right? So advertisement, all of that, right? So when you get that now you are you have a when you get that now you are you have a when you get that now you are you have a repeatable system you have a product now repeatable system you have a product now repeatable system you have a product now you need to be accelerated because when you need to be accelerated because when you need to be accelerated because when people get to this point most of the people get to this point most of the people get to this point most of the time they are in the valley of death time they are in the valley of death time they are in the valley of death >> you spend all your resources you have >> you spend all your resources you have >> you spend all your resources you have like oh my god I don't have anything like oh my god I don't have anything like oh my god I don't have anything else else else >> so now is the time we put gas into the >> so now is the time we put gas into the >> so now is the time we put gas into the tank so it gets the money from investors tank so it gets the money from investors tank so it gets the money from investors and then you just accelerate that and then you just accelerate that and then you just accelerate that process process process >> we get you out racing getting your >> we get you out racing getting your >> we get you out racing getting your product market fit getting your best you product market fit getting your best you product market fit getting your best you know performing ad to find where you can know performing ad to find where you can know performing ad to find where you can just now hit and that's your sweet spot just now hit and that's your sweet spot just now hit and that's your sweet spot that if I put a dollar in this system I that if I put a dollar in this system I that if I put a dollar in this system I get $10. So market loves this this get $10. So market loves this this get $10. So market loves this this market like you know entrepreneurs market like you know entrepreneurs market like you know entrepreneurs between 25 to 30 years old uh looking between 25 to 30 years old uh looking between 25 to 30 years old uh looking for loans love my financial product. I for loans love my financial product. I for loans love my financial product. I found that, you know, found that, you know, found that, you know, >> target niche and then I found this ma, >> target niche and then I found this ma, >> target niche and then I found this ma, you know, I I work on this branding that you know, I I work on this branding that you know, I I work on this branding that that now resonate to them and I have

that now resonate to them and I have that now resonate to them and I have this ad. this ad. this ad. >> When I put a dollar, it gives me 10. So >> When I put a dollar, it gives me 10. So >> When I put a dollar, it gives me 10. So now imagine I have an ad that if I put now imagine I have an ad that if I put now imagine I have an ad that if I put one, it gives me 10. How about if I put one, it gives me 10. How about if I put one, it gives me 10. How about if I put a million dollar a million dollar a million dollar >> then it gives me $10 million. >> then it gives me $10 million. >> then it gives me $10 million. >> Then you go to your to our >> Then you go to your to our >> Then you go to your to our commercialization. Now we want to commercialization. Now we want to commercialization. Now we want to commercialize. Then you go to VCs and commercialize. Then you go to VCs and commercialize. Then you go to VCs and say, "Look, I built my product. I found say, "Look, I built my product. I found say, "Look, I built my product. I found my niche. I have my ad. I just need you my niche. I have my ad. I just need you my niche. I have my ad. I just need you to give me million dollar to make it 10 to give me million dollar to make it 10 to give me million dollar to make it 10 million." million." million." >> Nice. >> Nice. >> Nice. >> That's kind of like the the >> That's kind of like the the >> That's kind of like the the commercialization. And the next path now commercialization. And the next path now commercialization. And the next path now you know you just uh you know you just uh you know you just uh you just uh commercialize it and then uh you just uh commercialize it and then uh you just uh commercialize it and then uh you become uh the you become uh the you become uh the you become the uh the the market uh you become the uh the the market uh you become the uh the the market uh you're in the market now you wanted to you're in the market now you wanted to you're in the market now you wanted to become a category leader right you want become a category leader right you want become a category leader right you want to become the dominant of that category to become the dominant of that category to become the dominant of that category in the market so a lot of companies in the market so a lot of companies in the market so a lot of companies become category leader But in in become category leader But in in become category leader But in in customerf facing a lot of uh companies customerf facing a lot of uh companies customerf facing a lot of uh companies become like the market leader. So he become like the market leader. So he become like the market leader. So he wanted to become a category leader and a wanted to become a category leader and a wanted to become a category leader and a market leader. So that's like the 10x market leader. So that's like the 10x market leader. So that's like the 10x growth. Like you're making 10 million, growth. Like you're making 10 million, growth. Like you're making 10 million, we want to make it 100. You're making we want to make it 100. You're making we want to make it 100. You're making 100, we want to make it 1 billion.

100, we want to make it 1 billion. 100, we want to make it 1 billion. Making 1 billion, we want to make it 10 Making 1 billion, we want to make it 10 Making 1 billion, we want to make it 10 billion. billion. billion. >> It gets harder and harder every time you >> It gets harder and harder every time you >> It gets harder and harder every time you 10x, 10x, 10x, >> right? you know, going from a,000 to >> right? you know, going from a,000 to >> right? you know, going from a,000 to 10,000, a thou, 10 to 100K, 100K to a 10,000, a thou, 10 to 100K, 100K to a 10,000, a thou, 10 to 100K, 100K to a million, million to 10 million, 100 million, million to 10 million, 100 million, million to 10 million, 100 million, billion, just see how it gets million, billion, just see how it gets million, billion, just see how it gets bigger and bigger, right? bigger and bigger, right? bigger and bigger, right? >> And then now you're entering that ramp, >> And then now you're entering that ramp, >> And then now you're entering that ramp, the [snorts] hockey stick. Uh, now you the [snorts] hockey stick. Uh, now you the [snorts] hockey stick. Uh, now you need a lot of money to just go and need a lot of money to just go and need a lot of money to just go and dominate the market, become that dominate the market, become that dominate the market, become that unicorn. The winner takes it all. Mhm. unicorn. The winner takes it all. Mhm. unicorn. The winner takes it all. Mhm. >> That's where you get your series B and >> That's where you get your series B and >> That's where you get your series B and you become the market dominant. You you become the market dominant. You you become the market dominant. You become uh you become Expedia. You buy become uh you become Expedia. You buy become uh you become Expedia. You buy everyone else. everyone else. everyone else. >> You become Uber. You become Airbnb. >> You become Uber. You become Airbnb. >> You become Uber. You become Airbnb. >> Um with that money now you are the >> Um with that money now you are the >> Um with that money now you are the dominant of the market which now you're dominant of the market which now you're dominant of the market which now you're ready to to do your exit, go public. ready to to do your exit, go public. ready to to do your exit, go public. [snorts] And that's if your [snorts] And that's if your [snorts] And that's if your market cap is I don't know $30 billion market cap is I don't know $30 billion market cap is I don't know $30 billion and then you are just an doing like an and then you are just an doing like an and then you are just an doing like an exit and and then you know you're saying exit and and then you know you're saying exit and and then you know you're saying hey my total addressable market is $30 hey my total addressable market is $30 hey my total addressable market is $30 billion I am taking only 10% which is $3 billion I am taking only 10% which is $3 billion I am taking only 10% which is $3 billion and that's my IPO billion and that's my IPO billion and that's my IPO and believe me like if somebody invests and believe me like if somebody invests and believe me like if somebody invests 500k 500k 500k uh at the beginning at IPO if you do uh at the beginning at IPO if you do uh at the beginning at IPO if you do like a good IPO maybe they take I don't like a good IPO maybe they take I don't like a good IPO maybe they take I don't know 40 $50 million which you know know 40 $50 million which you know know 40 $50 million which you know that's that's in in the water fund

that's that's in in the water fund that's that's in in the water fund analysis next time you know we will have analysis next time you know we will have analysis next time you know we will have that conversation that conversation that conversation >> so those are the different uh pathways >> so those are the different uh pathways >> so those are the different uh pathways that you can go those are the different that you can go those are the different that you can go those are the different things and we help people uh but again things and we help people uh but again things and we help people uh but again first we need to understand where you first we need to understand where you first we need to understand where you are in in your journey and even a are in in your journey and even a are in in your journey and even a company startup needs to understand when company startup needs to understand when company startup needs to understand when they are in the journey they are in the journey they are in the journey And then what is the path forward and And then what is the path forward and And then what is the path forward and which one of these programs going to which one of these programs going to which one of these programs going to help them right help them right help them right >> and and how we can support and and you >> and and how we can support and and you >> and and how we can support and and you know uh support and based on where the know uh support and based on where the know uh support and based on where the the company is based on the cost the company is based on the cost the company is based on the cost structure of the program um for some structure of the program um for some structure of the program um for some programs for some stages uh we may have programs for some stages uh we may have programs for some stages uh we may have sponsors for some stages for some sponsors for some stages for some sponsors for some stages for some companies they are free and again if companies they are free and again if companies they are free and again if somebody's joining the movement if somebody's joining the movement if somebody's joining the movement if somebody's contributing they can get a somebody's contributing they can get a somebody's contributing they can get a lot of free uh from others. lot of free uh from others. lot of free uh from others. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> Because if I'm a mentor, I'm see I see >> Because if I'm a mentor, I'm see I see >> Because if I'm a mentor, I'm see I see like oh my god look at this company. If like oh my god look at this company. If like oh my god look at this company. If we help this company becomes a unicorn we help this company becomes a unicorn we help this company becomes a unicorn and it will just lift all you know every and it will just lift all you know every and it will just lift all you know every all of us. Right.

all of us. Right. all of us. Right. >> Right. >> Right. >> Right. >> Uh again it's based on where you are and >> Uh again it's based on where you are and >> Uh again it's based on where you are and then we have the venture studio which is then we have the venture studio which is then we have the venture studio which is a different business model. So venture a different business model. So venture a different business model. So venture studio is for somebody that just have an studio is for somebody that just have an studio is for somebody that just have an idea but doesn't have the execution idea but doesn't have the execution idea but doesn't have the execution power. M power. M power. M >> so people with a venture studio model >> so people with a venture studio model >> so people with a venture studio model they come in the the the startups they they come in the the the startups they they come in the the the startups they come in they either you know with our come in they either you know with our come in they either you know with our model either we as a fund look at it and model either we as a fund look at it and model either we as a fund look at it and say hey look we think you are like have say hey look we think you are like have say hey look we think you are like have this high potential this high potential this high potential we give you the money go in the venture we give you the money go in the venture we give you the money go in the venture studio and do great and amazing thing studio and do great and amazing thing studio and do great and amazing thing that you do or the company says like I'm that you do or the company says like I'm that you do or the company says like I'm going to give up like 40% of my equity going to give up like 40% of my equity going to give up like 40% of my equity but the idea should be fundable is It but the idea should be fundable is It but the idea should be fundable is It should be amazing. It should be oh my should be amazing. It should be oh my should be amazing. It should be oh my god. So again it needs to be validated. god. So again it needs to be validated. god. So again it needs to be validated. It needs to go to our process. It's not It needs to go to our process. It's not It needs to go to our process. It's not like people are asking oh you know if I like people are asking oh you know if I like people are asking oh you know if I wanted to go to venture studio how much wanted to go to venture studio how much wanted to go to venture studio how much is the cost? No that's not the right is the cost? No that's not the right is the cost? No that's not the right question. question. question. >> Right? [snorts] >> Right? [snorts] >> Right? [snorts] >> Am I a good fit for venture studio? Are >> Am I a good fit for venture studio? Are >> Am I a good fit for venture studio? Are you going to accept me in the venture you going to accept me in the venture you going to accept me in the venture studio?

studio? studio? >> Because it's not like any startup is a >> Because it's not like any startup is a >> Because it's not like any startup is a good fit for venture studio. Maybe a good fit for venture studio. Maybe a good fit for venture studio. Maybe a startup even doesn't need to go to startup even doesn't need to go to startup even doesn't need to go to venture studio. venture studio. venture studio. >> You got like a go-getter, you know, >> You got like a go-getter, you know, >> You got like a go-getter, you know, someone that we can just guide them and someone that we can just guide them and someone that we can just guide them and they can just get it done. they can just get it done. they can just get it done. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> Uh but you know, the whole thing is now >> Uh but you know, the whole thing is now >> Uh but you know, the whole thing is now with this system, we're going to have with this system, we're going to have with this system, we're going to have great startups. [snorts] Uh we're going great startups. [snorts] Uh we're going great startups. [snorts] Uh we're going to have uh the flywheel of uh to have uh the flywheel of uh to have uh the flywheel of uh >> We got three flyways, >> We got three flyways, >> We got three flyways, >> right? Yeah, we have three. Uh so the >> right? Yeah, we have three. Uh so the >> right? Yeah, we have three. Uh so the fund becomes a support to all these uh fund becomes a support to all these uh fund becomes a support to all these uh ecosystem startups. The startup ecosystem startups. The startup ecosystem startups. The startup ecosystem becomes uh support to the fund ecosystem becomes uh support to the fund ecosystem becomes uh support to the fund and it makes our startups and our fund and it makes our startups and our fund and it makes our startups and our fund very attractive to LPs and investors and very attractive to LPs and investors and very attractive to LPs and investors and that's that's the essence of the that's that's the essence of the that's that's the essence of the movement. We want to bridge the gap movement. We want to bridge the gap movement. We want to bridge the gap between early stage startups and the between early stage startups and the between early stage startups and the institutional money and we want to institutional money and we want to institutional money and we want to provide a way for conservative and provide a way for conservative and provide a way for conservative and traditional investors to invest in the traditional investors to invest in the traditional investors to invest in the startups.

startups. startups. >> Right. >> Right. >> Right. >> So this these two flywheels >> So this these two flywheels >> So this these two flywheels >> right right to I want to double click on >> right right to I want to double click on >> right right to I want to double click on that to because it's it is founder that to because it's it is founder that to because it's it is founder centered. Right. what we're building is centered. Right. what we're building is centered. Right. what we're building is very founder centered very founder centered very founder centered >> but also we are inviting so many >> but also we are inviting so many >> but also we are inviting so many different types of investors into the different types of investors into the different types of investors into the ecosystem to to to participate right so ecosystem to to to participate right so ecosystem to to to participate right so so it's both founder centered but also so it's both founder centered but also so it's both founder centered but also investor aware I guess um investor aware I guess um investor aware I guess um >> yeah we want so one of the things you >> yeah we want so one of the things you >> yeah we want so one of the things you know we've seen in Houston especially in know we've seen in Houston especially in know we've seen in Houston especially in many cities [snorts] angel investors uh many cities [snorts] angel investors uh many cities [snorts] angel investors uh individual wealthy people are not individual wealthy people are not individual wealthy people are not promoted are not integrated in in in any promoted are not integrated in in in any promoted are not integrated in in in any way. So you go to these meetings, way. So you go to these meetings, way. So you go to these meetings, sometimes they invite VCs, but you don't sometimes they invite VCs, but you don't sometimes they invite VCs, but you don't see like a really uh strong presence of see like a really uh strong presence of see like a really uh strong presence of angel investors and wealthy people that angel investors and wealthy people that angel investors and wealthy people that they're open to invest. So one of the they're open to invest. So one of the they're open to invest. So one of the things we wanted to activate like the things we wanted to activate like the things we wanted to activate like the key word is activate key word is activate key word is activate >> to activate here in Houston is to engage >> to activate here in Houston is to engage >> to activate here in Houston is to engage and involve uh angel investors uh other and involve uh angel investors uh other and involve uh angel investors uh other type of investors with their latest type of investors with their latest type of investors with their latest stage startups and we take the lead. We stage startups and we take the lead. We stage startups and we take the lead. We do the due diligence from a VC do the due diligence from a VC do the due diligence from a VC perspective because we have the VC perspective because we have the VC perspective because we have the VC knowledge. We have all the knowledge. We have all the knowledge. We have all the infrastructure to help to u look at the infrastructure to help to u look at the infrastructure to help to u look at the deals uh do the due diligence qualify deals uh do the due diligence qualify deals uh do the due diligence qualify them and then you know and then put them them and then you know and then put them them and then you know and then put them in front of anybody that wants to in front of anybody that wants to in front of anybody that wants to invest. So that will you know remove the invest. So that will you know remove the invest. So that will you know remove the barrier of uh entry for angel investors

barrier of uh entry for angel investors barrier of uh entry for angel investors in the industries and businesses that in the industries and businesses that in the industries and businesses that they're not familiar with. If I'm a they're not familiar with. If I'm a they're not familiar with. If I'm a surgeon and I wanted to invest in AI, surgeon and I wanted to invest in AI, surgeon and I wanted to invest in AI, how do I do the due diligence for these how do I do the due diligence for these how do I do the due diligence for these companies? companies? companies? >> Right. >> Right. >> Right. >> Right. >> Right. >> Right. >> Right. >> Right. >> Right. >> If I'm an AI uh founder, I have like two >> If I'm an AI uh founder, I have like two >> If I'm an AI uh founder, I have like two exits. Now I have some extra money and exits. Now I have some extra money and exits. Now I have some extra money and there's this amazing opportunity with there's this amazing opportunity with there's this amazing opportunity with this uh uh with this medical device. How this uh uh with this medical device. How this uh uh with this medical device. How do I know is it a good investment do I know is it a good investment do I know is it a good investment opportunity? opportunity? opportunity? >> Right? Right. And we talked a bit about >> Right? Right. And we talked a bit about >> Right? Right. And we talked a bit about how investors miss opportunities because how investors miss opportunities because how investors miss opportunities because they're just not even aware of it. they're just not even aware of it. they're just not even aware of it. >> Um, so yeah, I I really like how we how >> Um, so yeah, I I really like how we how >> Um, so yeah, I I really like how we how we're just opening that up for them, we're just opening that up for them, we're just opening that up for them, right? Making sure that they are aware right? Making sure that they are aware right? Making sure that they are aware of of the deals that are available and of of the deals that are available and of of the deals that are available and and I don't I don't know how many times and I don't I don't know how many times and I don't I don't know how many times I've heard just in the past couple of I've heard just in the past couple of I've heard just in the past couple of weeks how so many people are like, "We weeks how so many people are like, "We weeks how so many people are like, "We have the money. We just don't know where have the money. We just don't know where have the money. We just don't know where to put it." to put it." to put it." >> Exactly. you know that that's that's >> Exactly. you know that that's that's >> Exactly. you know that that's that's like I know where you get like I know where you get like I know where you get >> that's the problem you know because a >> that's the problem you know because a >> that's the problem you know because a [snorts] lot of people a lot of things [snorts] lot of people a lot of things [snorts] lot of people a lot of things are happening here in Houston are happening here in Houston are happening here in Houston uh and no one really knows about it no uh and no one really knows about it no uh and no one really knows about it no one really promote those uh and you know one really promote those uh and you know one really promote those uh and you know uh uh uh we're just building this infrastructure we're just building this infrastructure we're just building this infrastructure this operating system for this operating system for this operating system for our community our startups our investors our community our startups our investors our community our startups our investors Everybody who cares to build a better Everybody who cares to build a better Everybody who cares to build a better future for for Houston, everybody who

future for for Houston, everybody who future for for Houston, everybody who cares to solve big problems here and cares to solve big problems here and cares to solve big problems here and solve it globally. solve it globally. solve it globally. >> Everybody who cares to lift the the >> Everybody who cares to lift the the >> Everybody who cares to lift the the economy together, right? economy together, right? economy together, right? >> Uh and everybody who cares about working >> Uh and everybody who cares about working >> Uh and everybody who cares about working together towards a bigger purpose than a together towards a bigger purpose than a together towards a bigger purpose than a person or an or an organization. person or an or an organization. person or an or an organization. >> Yeah. And like solving problems that are >> Yeah. And like solving problems that are >> Yeah. And like solving problems that are affecting all of us, right? It doesn't affecting all of us, right? It doesn't affecting all of us, right? It doesn't matter. Like I love that it doesn't matter. Like I love that it doesn't matter. Like I love that it doesn't matter where you're from, what what matter where you're from, what what matter where you're from, what what political party you're from, who like political party you're from, who like political party you're from, who like what religion you are. Like there's what religion you are. Like there's what religion you are. Like there's there's things that are impacting all of there's things that are impacting all of there's things that are impacting all of us as as a society and as humanity. And us as as a society and as humanity. And us as as a society and as humanity. And and how can we tackle those? And how can and how can we tackle those? And how can and how can we tackle those? And how can I think there's also a lot of people I think there's also a lot of people I think there's also a lot of people that we've come across that are already that we've come across that are already that we've come across that are already building solutions, but they're doing it building solutions, but they're doing it building solutions, but they're doing it in a very like just communitydriven in a very like just communitydriven in a very like just communitydriven grassroot. and they don't even know that grassroot. and they don't even know that grassroot. and they don't even know that they have a scalable product or a they have a scalable product or a they have a scalable product or a scalable business. Um, so that's been scalable business. Um, so that's been scalable business. Um, so that's been fun to also discover. fun to also discover. fun to also discover. >> Um, >> Um, >> Um, >> yeah, absolutely. >> yeah, absolutely. >> yeah, absolutely. >> We're at 12:54, so I don't know if we >> We're at 12:54, so I don't know if we >> We're at 12:54, so I don't know if we want to want to want to >> have some or let's let's see if we have >> have some or let's let's see if we have >> have some or let's let's see if we have any questions from our studio audience any questions from our studio audience any questions from our studio audience today, right?

today, right? today, right? >> Um, >> Um, >> Um, >> we kind of caught you guys off guard a >> we kind of caught you guys off guard a >> we kind of caught you guys off guard a little bit, but little bit, but little bit, but >> if not, that's okay. We can keep talking >> if not, that's okay. We can keep talking >> if not, that's okay. We can keep talking over here. Um, and just how Yeah, I over here. Um, and just how Yeah, I over here. Um, and just how Yeah, I think I I what I really love is think I I what I really love is think I I what I really love is is that we're we're we're changing how is that we're we're we're changing how is that we're we're we're changing how Houston is viewed, right? How Houston is Houston is viewed, right? How Houston is Houston is viewed, right? How Houston is presented and how how people see the presented and how how people see the presented and how how people see the value that is here. value that is here. value that is here. >> Yep. [clears throat] Absolutely. Um, one >> Yep. [clears throat] Absolutely. Um, one >> Yep. [clears throat] Absolutely. Um, one cool thing, I don't know if Kendrick and cool thing, I don't know if Kendrick and cool thing, I don't know if Kendrick and Ken are are around, uh, um, on bring Ken are are around, uh, um, on bring Ken are are around, uh, um, on bring them on, you know, them on, you know, them on, you know, >> call them out. [clears throat] >> call them out. [clears throat] >> call them out. [clears throat] [laughter] Yeah. Yeah. >> Ask what new things we had coming up >> Ask what new things we had coming up >> Ask what new things we had coming up that we're excited to be working on. I that we're excited to be working on. I that we're excited to be working on. I thought, you know, that's one of the thought, you know, that's one of the thought, you know, that's one of the questions. I just got there. questions. I just got there. questions. I just got there. >> Okay. >> Okay. >> Okay. >> So, I was gonna ask, >> So, I was gonna ask, >> So, I was gonna ask, >> do you have a question? Would you do you >> do you have a question? Would you do you >> do you have a question? Would you do you have a question, sir? have a question, sir? have a question, sir? >> So, so what >> So, so what >> So, so what >> do we need a camera on him? >> do we need a camera on him? >> do we need a camera on him? >> Let me find K real quick. >> Let me find K real quick. >> Let me find K real quick. >> Okay. [laughter] >> Okay. [laughter] >> Okay. [laughter] >> I'll be right there. >> I'll be right there. >> I'll be right there. >> Yeah. So um was WZ uh CEO of Iron Grove, >> Yeah. So um was WZ uh CEO of Iron Grove, >> Yeah. So um was WZ uh CEO of Iron Grove, one of our partners and and you know one of our partners and and you know one of our partners and and you know like we have like core partners. We have like we have like core partners. We have like we have like core partners. We have people that they're working with us and people that they're working with us and people that they're working with us and um helping to build this. It's just a um helping to build this. It's just a um helping to build this. It's just a lot of work and people really don't uh lot of work and people really don't uh lot of work and people really don't uh realize how much free work needs to realize how much free work needs to realize how much free work needs to [snorts] be put in before [snorts] be put in before [snorts] be put in before >> the sweat equity.

>> the sweat equity. >> the sweat equity. >> Yeah. You know, it's just like even it's >> Yeah. You know, it's just like even it's >> Yeah. You know, it's just like even it's not like build like you can we can do not like build like you can we can do not like build like you can we can do all this stuff and and still we don't all this stuff and and still we don't all this stuff and and still we don't get any money. We can do all this stuff get any money. We can do all this stuff get any money. We can do all this stuff and still this doesn't go anywhere if and still this doesn't go anywhere if and still this doesn't go anywhere if >> the city >> the city >> the city >> if every everyone all of us >> if every everyone all of us >> if every everyone all of us >> just you know um work together, you >> just you know um work together, you >> just you know um work together, you know. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Do we have [laughter] >> Do we have [laughter] >> Do we have [laughter] We're just checking in with some people. We're just checking in with some people. We're just checking in with some people. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. [laughter] [laughter] [laughter] Well, it's just always fun to have uh Well, it's just always fun to have uh Well, it's just always fun to have uh you know uh conversations around you know uh conversations around you know uh conversations around [snorts] uh how we can [snorts] uh how we can [snorts] uh how we can really make it happen and have fun. It's really make it happen and have fun. It's really make it happen and have fun. It's just really hard. just really hard. just really hard. Very hard. But Very hard. But Very hard. But >> innovation shouldn't be that difficult, >> innovation shouldn't be that difficult, >> innovation shouldn't be that difficult, right? [laughter] right? [laughter] right? [laughter] >> Like >> Like >> Like >> it shouldn't. Yeah. >> it shouldn't. Yeah. >> it shouldn't. Yeah. >> Innovating and building, right? We >> Innovating and building, right? We >> Innovating and building, right? We should we should want to we should want should we should want to we should want should we should want to we should want to support it. Yeah, you know, it's just to support it. Yeah, you know, it's just to support it. Yeah, you know, it's just the creative process should be very fun the creative process should be very fun the creative process should be very fun because when you are at like your best, because when you are at like your best, because when you are at like your best, you do the best, right? And when you you do the best, right? And when you you do the best, right? And when you collaborate is lots of frictions and collaborate is lots of frictions and collaborate is lots of frictions and conflict, but how you resolve that conflict, but how you resolve that conflict, but how you resolve that friction and conflict, I think is is the friction and conflict, I think is is the friction and conflict, I think is is the question, question, question, >> right? I think that's where like the >> right? I think that's where like the >> right? I think that's where like the magic happens, right? Where the magic happens, right? Where the magic happens, right? Where the solutions when the solutions are come up solutions when the solutions are come up solutions when the solutions are come up or come up.

or come up. or come up. >> Did you have a question once? >> Did you have a question once? >> Did you have a question once? >> Not really. I I well >> Not really. I I well >> Not really. I I well Hold on. Stand by the purple circle, Hold on. Stand by the purple circle, Hold on. Stand by the purple circle, please. We have a questions from from a please. We have a questions from from a please. We have a questions from from a member of our audience. [laughter] >> I I joined late, but I was wondering >> I I joined late, but I was wondering what new exciting things that we were what new exciting things that we were what new exciting things that we were doing with the community that maybe we doing with the community that maybe we doing with the community that maybe we could start talking about already could start talking about already could start talking about already >> to get excited about, you know, and >> to get excited about, you know, and >> to get excited about, you know, and start working on and what we'll hear start working on and what we'll hear start working on and what we'll hear more about shortly, maybe next week or, more about shortly, maybe next week or, more about shortly, maybe next week or, you know, any hints about what we're you know, any hints about what we're you know, any hints about what we're working on this week that we can maybe working on this week that we can maybe working on this week that we can maybe announce for next week. announce for next week. announce for next week. >> What's your name, sir? And could you >> What's your name, sir? And could you >> What's your name, sir? And could you please hold up the mic? My name is Gwen please hold up the mic? My name is Gwen please hold up the mic? My name is Gwen Cutter. I'm with Iron Grove. Cutter. I'm with Iron Grove. Cutter. I'm with Iron Grove. >> Oh, thanks. >> Oh, thanks. >> Oh, thanks. >> Um I and I was wondering what new >> Um I and I was wondering what new >> Um I and I was wondering what new [snorts] uh exciting community things [snorts] uh exciting community things [snorts] uh exciting community things that we had coming up that we might be that we had coming up that we might be that we had coming up that we might be seeing next week or next month, that seeing next week or next month, that seeing next week or next month, that sort of thing. Um sort of thing. Um sort of thing. Um >> I don't know what that's what I was >> I don't know what that's what I was >> I don't know what that's what I was wondering. wondering. wondering. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Awesome. >> Awesome. >> Awesome. >> Sure. Awesome. Thank you. >> Sure. Awesome. Thank you. >> Sure. Awesome. Thank you. >> So, we have just ongoing events. Uh I >> So, we have just ongoing events. Uh I >> So, we have just ongoing events. Uh I mean, we have all our all of our shows mean, we have all our all of our shows mean, we have all our all of our shows that we are continuing to build. Uh we that we are continuing to build. Uh we that we are continuing to build. Uh we have this every Friday, right? And our have this every Friday, right? And our have this every Friday, right? And our founders couch that's coming up soon at founders couch that's coming up soon at founders couch that's coming up soon at 1:30. Um and then we also are planning a 1:30. Um and then we also are planning a 1:30. Um and then we also are planning a car show, right? And we're planning some car show, right? And we're planning some car show, right? And we're planning some other uh fundraising events here at 801 other uh fundraising events here at 801 other uh fundraising events here at 801 Travis um just to keep continue to build Travis um just to keep continue to build Travis um just to keep continue to build the community.

the community. the community. >> Do you know who we're uh meeting next >> Do you know who we're uh meeting next >> Do you know who we're uh meeting next week here on the show yet? week here on the show yet? week here on the show yet? >> So for next week we are, you know, >> So for next week we are, you know, >> So for next week we are, you know, having conversation with u with couple having conversation with u with couple having conversation with u with couple of people. Um we wanted to bring uh few of people. Um we wanted to bring uh few of people. Um we wanted to bring uh few entrepreneurs and and few uh people that entrepreneurs and and few uh people that entrepreneurs and and few uh people that are really key to the work but still are really key to the work but still are really key to the work but still like because people are traveling and like because people are traveling and like because people are traveling and people are doing you know uh different people are doing you know uh different people are doing you know uh different things uh we haven't really uh picked things uh we haven't really uh picked things uh we haven't really uh picked the person [laughter] the person [laughter] the person [laughter] >> that is coming in but let me ask you >> that is coming in but let me ask you >> that is coming in but let me ask you this. Do you have any suggestion anyone this. Do you have any suggestion anyone this. Do you have any suggestion anyone that you wanted to see? Well, I hope you that you wanted to see? Well, I hope you that you wanted to see? Well, I hope you find a good guest for next week, but if find a good guest for next week, but if find a good guest for next week, but if not, you know, I know you've been asking not, you know, I know you've been asking not, you know, I know you've been asking me to come on the show, and maybe next me to come on the show, and maybe next me to come on the show, and maybe next week we'll uh we'll talk about week we'll uh we'll talk about week we'll uh we'll talk about something. something. something. >> Awesome. That's [laughter] just amazing. >> Awesome. That's [laughter] just amazing. >> Awesome. That's [laughter] just amazing. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. >> And this is like >> And this is like >> And this is like >> I really hope you find someone. >> I really hope you find someone. >> I really hope you find someone. [laughter] >> So, look, this is the spirit of what we >> So, look, this is the spirit of what we wanted to do, right? This is this is wanted to do, right? This is this is wanted to do, right? This is this is this is how you engage in a community this is how you engage in a community this is how you engage in a community and this is how you participate. you and this is how you participate. you and this is how you participate. you invest your time, you know, people they invest your time, you know, people they invest your time, you know, people they have jobs, you know, they have uh they have jobs, you know, they have uh they have jobs, you know, they have uh they have the companies that they need to run have the companies that they need to run have the companies that they need to run and they show up here, and they show up here, and they show up here, >> right? And that's that's I think the >> right? And that's that's I think the >> right? And that's that's I think the most amazing thing um that you have seen most amazing thing um that you have seen most amazing thing um that you have seen but I I you know it gave me an idea but I I you know it gave me an idea but I I you know it gave me an idea maybe we can like do a round table next maybe we can like do a round table next maybe we can like do a round table next week uh with the the noble founder team week uh with the the noble founder team week uh with the the noble founder team right the core team

right the core team right the core team >> and we would love to have Benjamin on >> and we would love to have Benjamin on >> and we would love to have Benjamin on the other the other the other >> side of the you know uh you know on the >> side of the you know uh you know on the >> side of the you know uh you know on the other side of the camera sit with us other side of the camera sit with us other side of the camera sit with us because he's a key person. We have Ken, because he's a key person. We have Ken, because he's a key person. We have Ken, we have uh we have Kitri and and you we have uh we have Kitri and and you we have uh we have Kitri and and you know yourself and and there there are know yourself and and there there are know yourself and and there there are many other people helping us. So maybe many other people helping us. So maybe many other people helping us. So maybe you know we can do like a round table you know we can do like a round table you know we can do like a round table next week with our team a different next week with our team a different next week with our team a different format you know format you know format you know >> uh but >> uh but >> uh but >> yeah um join us join the movement. >> yeah um join us join the movement. >> yeah um join us join the movement. uh it's not a competition, it's uh it's not a competition, it's uh it's not a competition, it's collaboration, it's compliment. collaboration, it's compliment. collaboration, it's compliment. We can be much stronger and do much more We can be much stronger and do much more We can be much stronger and do much more when we work together. when we work together. when we work together. >> Together we are always better. >> Together we are always better. >> Together we are always better. >> Yeah. So that's kind of [snorts] the >> Yeah. So that's kind of [snorts] the >> Yeah. So that's kind of [snorts] the message and let's just work and build message and let's just work and build message and let's just work and build something that solves our real problems something that solves our real problems something that solves our real problems in this city and show everybody in the in this city and show everybody in the in this city and show everybody in the world that Houston not only is a um is a world that Houston not only is a um is a world that Houston not only is a um is a very developed and growing city but also very developed and growing city but also very developed and growing city but also is a very advanced uh city in technology is a very advanced uh city in technology is a very advanced uh city in technology and innovation. We wanted to show the and innovation. We wanted to show the and innovation. We wanted to show the world the other side of Houston which is world the other side of Houston which is world the other side of Houston which is uh technology and innovation.

uh technology and innovation. uh technology and innovation. >> Yeah. And if you need to look at the >> Yeah. And if you need to look at the >> Yeah. And if you need to look at the website, website, website, >> if you need to look at the website, it's >> if you need to look at the website, it's >> if you need to look at the website, it's noblefounder.com, noblefounder.com, noblefounder.com, >> right? >> right? >> right? >> Uh so you can look where you can apply >> Uh so you can look where you can apply >> Uh so you can look where you can apply um and just see more of the information um and just see more of the information um and just see more of the information and the about us and look at and look at and the about us and look at and look at and the about us and look at and look at it in detail, right? Um but yeah, I it in detail, right? Um but yeah, I it in detail, right? Um but yeah, I think that that concludes our show think that that concludes our show think that that concludes our show today. Okay, we don't have any more today. Okay, we don't have any more today. Okay, we don't have any more audience. No more uh questions from the audience. No more uh questions from the audience. No more uh questions from the audience. I think we're all waiting for audience. I think we're all waiting for audience. I think we're all waiting for Founders Couch to start here at 1:30. Founders Couch to start here at 1:30. Founders Couch to start here at 1:30. So, so we'll finish. Everyone's eating So, so we'll finish. Everyone's eating So, so we'll finish. Everyone's eating snacks and things out there. Um we were snacks and things out there. Um we were snacks and things out there. Um we were going to do a raffle, but everybody's going to do a raffle, but everybody's going to do a raffle, but everybody's talking, so talking, so talking, so >> yeah, [laughter] >> yeah, [laughter] >> yeah, [laughter] >> maybe we'll wait. Um but yeah, that's >> maybe we'll wait. Um but yeah, that's >> maybe we'll wait. Um but yeah, that's all for today. Uh we just wanted to all for today. Uh we just wanted to all for today. Uh we just wanted to really discuss what Noble Founder is and really discuss what Noble Founder is and really discuss what Noble Founder is and where you can find us and what the where you can find us and what the where you can find us and what the website is. Um, we'll be here next website is. Um, we'll be here next website is. Um, we'll be here next Friday at noon. Um, as we continue to Friday at noon. Um, as we continue to Friday at noon. Um, as we continue to build our ecosystem, our noble founder build our ecosystem, our noble founder build our ecosystem, our noble founder ecosystem, one conversation at a time. ecosystem, one conversation at a time. ecosystem, one conversation at a time. Shout out to our sponsors, uh, 801 Shout out to our sponsors, uh, 801 Shout out to our sponsors, uh, 801 Travis and the innovation hub and Iron Travis and the innovation hub and Iron Travis and the innovation hub and Iron Grove. And thank you anybody that was Grove. And thank you anybody that was Grove. And thank you anybody that was here in person. Uh, thank you to the here in person. Uh, thank you to the here in person. Uh, thank you to the team. Um, and anybody that's online team. Um, and anybody that's online team. Um, and anybody that's online watching, come join us in the studio watching, come join us in the studio watching, come join us in the studio sometime soon.

sometime soon. sometime soon. >> Yeah. Thank you. Have a good one. >> Yeah. Thank you. Have a good one. >> Yeah. Thank you. Have a good one. Byebye.