Funded Founder Friday E1: Live @ The Innovation Studio

>> Welcome everybody. This is Funded >> Welcome everybody. This is Funded Founders Fridays. This is our very first Founders Fridays. This is our very first Founders Fridays. This is our very first episode. Um in this show where you want episode. Um in this show where you want episode. Um in this show where you want to talk about to talk about to talk about um the startup journey and have um the startup journey and have um the startup journey and have conversations with founders and conversations with founders and conversations with founders and investors and anybody in the ecosystem investors and anybody in the ecosystem investors and anybody in the ecosystem that's interested in learning about it. that's interested in learning about it. that's interested in learning about it. Um anything you want to say about Um anything you want to say about Um anything you want to say about >> Uh welcome everybody to first episode of >> Uh welcome everybody to first episode of >> Uh welcome everybody to first episode of the Funded Friday. Um the Funded Friday. Um the Funded Friday. Um And And And this is all about the startup journey. this is all about the startup journey. this is all about the startup journey. The journey can that can be really The journey can that can be really The journey can that can be really lonely lonely lonely and sometimes really sad. and sometimes really sad. and sometimes really sad. But we're going to we're going to talk But we're going to we're going to talk But we're going to we're going to talk about how we can about how we can about how we can together together together come together and make this is this come together and make this is this come together and make this is this journey more you know you know joyful journey more you know you know joyful journey more you know you know joyful and successful. and successful. and successful. >> Yes. And so each episode where every >> Yes. And so each episode where every >> Yes. And so each episode where every month is going to have a theme. The month is going to have a theme. The month is going to have a theme. The theme for this month is community theme for this month is community theme for this month is community building. And every episode is going to building. And every episode is going to building. And every episode is going to have a different uh topic that includes have a different uh topic that includes have a different uh topic that includes uh startups and today we'll be talking uh startups and today we'll be talking uh startups and today we'll be talking about the Valley of Death. Uh we'll go about the Valley of Death. Uh we'll go about the Valley of Death. Uh we'll go into it later. Um I'm Rosalia Banuelos.

into it later. Um I'm Rosalia Banuelos. into it later. Um I'm Rosalia Banuelos. Um the co-founder of Creatopia Inc. Um Um the co-founder of Creatopia Inc. Um Um the co-founder of Creatopia Inc. Um at at Creatopia Inc. we are building at at Creatopia Inc. we are building at at Creatopia Inc. we are building safe spaces so that we can come together safe spaces so that we can come together safe spaces so that we can come together and co-create and see the magic that and co-create and see the magic that and co-create and see the magic that happens in co-creation whether it's happens in co-creation whether it's happens in co-creation whether it's developing new products or new events or developing new products or new events or developing new products or new events or new ecosystems. Uh that's what Creatopia new ecosystems. Uh that's what Creatopia new ecosystems. Uh that's what Creatopia Inc. is really focusing on. Um and Ben, Inc. is really focusing on. Um and Ben, Inc. is really focusing on. Um and Ben, who are you? who are you? who are you? >> My name is Ben Kigozi. I am a >> My name is Ben Kigozi. I am a >> My name is Ben Kigozi. I am a technologist by heart. Uh you know, I I technologist by heart. Uh you know, I I technologist by heart. Uh you know, I I started as a technologist and then got started as a technologist and then got started as a technologist and then got into startup, built few startups, failed into startup, built few startups, failed into startup, built few startups, failed couple of times. couple of times. couple of times. And that's how you learn. And that's how you learn. And that's how you learn. And then learn how to become a VC. I was And then learn how to become a VC. I was And then learn how to become a VC. I was a VC a VC a VC uh and then I had a company Noble uh and then I had a company Noble uh and then I had a company Noble Innovative Solutions, which is a Innovative Solutions, which is a Innovative Solutions, which is a consulting company. And now we are consulting company. And now we are consulting company. And now we are building a fund and we're building this building a fund and we're building this building a fund and we're building this ecosystem. So, we're building Noble ecosystem. So, we're building Noble ecosystem. So, we're building Noble Founder, which is our ecosystem, and we Founder, which is our ecosystem, and we Founder, which is our ecosystem, and we have uh different programs for startups. have uh different programs for startups. have uh different programs for startups. We want to get to that later. And my, We want to get to that later. And my, We want to get to that later. And my, you know, passion, my why for life is to you know, passion, my why for life is to you know, passion, my why for life is to find and find impactful ideas find and find impactful ideas find and find impactful ideas and initiatives. Doesn't matter, it's and initiatives. Doesn't matter, it's and initiatives. Doesn't matter, it's just for-profit, nonprofit, uh where we just for-profit, nonprofit, uh where we just for-profit, nonprofit, uh where we can uh make a difference in people's can uh make a difference in people's can uh make a difference in people's life life life and have a better life for our children and have a better life for our children and have a better life for our children and grandchildren.

and grandchildren. and grandchildren. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. Take care of the things that matter and Take care of the things that matter and Take care of the things that matter and keep it sustainable, right? keep it sustainable, right? keep it sustainable, right? >> Yeah. Yeah. >> Yeah. Yeah. >> Yeah. Yeah. >> Yeah. So, welcome everybody. Welcome to >> Yeah. So, welcome everybody. Welcome to >> Yeah. So, welcome everybody. Welcome to anybody that's online. Uh we're on anybody that's online. Uh we're on anybody that's online. Uh we're on YouTube and Instagram. And then also YouTube and Instagram. And then also YouTube and Instagram. And then also welcome to our studio audience. Uh we'll welcome to our studio audience. Uh we'll welcome to our studio audience. Uh we'll pan to them in a little bit later. Um pan to them in a little bit later. Um pan to them in a little bit later. Um but welcome to our studio audience. You but welcome to our studio audience. You but welcome to our studio audience. You can be here in person if you're ever can be here in person if you're ever can be here in person if you're ever interested in being here in person. interested in being here in person. interested in being here in person. We're at 801 Travis uh on the 16th We're at 801 Travis uh on the 16th We're at 801 Travis uh on the 16th floor. You guys can say hi. floor. You guys can say hi. floor. You guys can say hi. >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> Thanks for coming. >> Thanks for coming. >> Thanks for coming. And [snorts] so, let's talk a little bit And [snorts] so, let's talk a little bit And [snorts] so, let's talk a little bit about how we met and how this even about how we met and how this even about how we met and how this even >> Yeah. Yeah, exactly. >> Yeah. Yeah, exactly. >> Yeah. Yeah, exactly. >> started happening. >> started happening. >> started happening. >> So, [laughter] >> So, [laughter] >> So, [laughter] you know, there was this uh you know, you know, there was this uh you know, you know, there was this uh you know, football soccer summit football soccer summit football soccer summit >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> uh which, you know, Rozalia was uh >> uh which, you know, Rozalia was uh >> uh which, you know, Rozalia was uh a participant in the in the summit and a participant in the in the summit and a participant in the in the summit and was presenting uh Creatopia. was presenting uh Creatopia. was presenting uh Creatopia. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> And then I asked her like, I wanted to >> And then I asked her like, I wanted to >> And then I asked her like, I wanted to see if you have any program for my son, see if you have any program for my son, see if you have any program for my son, which is really interested in uh video which is really interested in uh video which is really interested in uh video and media production.

and media production. and media production. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> And like, do you have any internship? Do >> And like, do you have any internship? Do >> And like, do you have any internship? Do you have anything? And you have anything? And you have anything? And everything is started from there. And everything is started from there. And everything is started from there. And then we had this conversation about like then we had this conversation about like then we had this conversation about like uh things like, you know, how we can uh things like, you know, how we can uh things like, you know, how we can make an impact, how we can solve local make an impact, how we can solve local make an impact, how we can solve local problems, big real problems like human problems, big real problems like human problems, big real problems like human trafficking, uh you know, housing, rare trafficking, uh you know, housing, rare trafficking, uh you know, housing, rare diseases, you know, like things that diseases, you know, like things that diseases, you know, like things that matters the most and also matters the most and also matters the most and also entrepreneurship because that's that's a entrepreneurship because that's that's a entrepreneurship because that's that's a big thing and building an ecosystem and big thing and building an ecosystem and big thing and building an ecosystem and we really clicked on co-creation, we really clicked on co-creation, we really clicked on co-creation, creating a safe environment and that creating a safe environment and that creating a safe environment and that evolved into a lot of collaboration and evolved into a lot of collaboration and evolved into a lot of collaboration and as a matter of fact, uh Ryan, my son, he as a matter of fact, uh Ryan, my son, he as a matter of fact, uh Ryan, my son, he just came here, he started working over just came here, he started working over just came here, he started working over at Creatopia and he felt really really at Creatopia and he felt really really at Creatopia and he felt really really safe here. safe here. safe here. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> So, now he's working here, I think and >> So, now he's working here, I think and >> So, now he's working here, I think and you know, everything about like you know, everything about like you know, everything about like workforce development, community workforce development, community workforce development, community development, that's how I I started and development, that's how I I started and development, that's how I I started and now it's becoming a big community of now it's becoming a big community of now it's becoming a big community of creators, thinkers, entrepreneurs, and creators, thinkers, entrepreneurs, and creators, thinkers, entrepreneurs, and people that are really building great people that are really building great people that are really building great stuff.

stuff. stuff. >> Yes. So, Creatopia and I've been sharing >> Yes. So, Creatopia and I've been sharing >> Yes. So, Creatopia and I've been sharing I've been sharing the story of how we I've been sharing the story of how we I've been sharing the story of how we got started a lot this week, which is got started a lot this week, which is got started a lot this week, which is >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> which has been really nice. Um at first >> which has been really nice. Um at first >> which has been really nice. Um at first I thought we were going to I was going I thought we were going to I was going I thought we were going to I was going to be building something specific for to be building something specific for to be building something specific for children. So, my background is in children. So, my background is in children. So, my background is in counseling, I was a mental health counseling, I was a mental health counseling, I was a mental health professional for about a decade uh with professional for about a decade uh with professional for about a decade uh with children and families. And and so you're children and families. And and so you're children and families. And and so you're like, "Well, what are you doing a media like, "Well, what are you doing a media like, "Well, what are you doing a media production company?" Uh but a lot of production company?" Uh but a lot of production company?" Uh but a lot of counseling is creating that safe space counseling is creating that safe space counseling is creating that safe space for people to be able to express. And if for people to be able to express. And if for people to be able to express. And if you think of what's the biggest fear, you think of what's the biggest fear, you think of what's the biggest fear, like public speaking, being in front of like public speaking, being in front of like public speaking, being in front of a camera, um people have a lot of fear a camera, um people have a lot of fear a camera, um people have a lot of fear around. So, I've I've really been able around. So, I've I've really been able around. So, I've I've really been able to transfer transfer those skills so to transfer transfer those skills so to transfer transfer those skills so that people feel safe in front of the that people feel safe in front of the that people feel safe in front of the camera um and just feel uh safe camera um and just feel uh safe camera um and just feel uh safe speaking. speaking. speaking. Um but how we started was because I went Um but how we started was because I went Um but how we started was because I went down a rabbit hole of human trafficking. down a rabbit hole of human trafficking. down a rabbit hole of human trafficking. I did my master's in social work um and I did my master's in social work um and I did my master's in social work um and I have a daughter who's 12 years old. Um I have a daughter who's 12 years old. Um I have a daughter who's 12 years old. Um so, for me to land in Houston and to and so, for me to land in Houston and to and so, for me to land in Houston and to and to realize that we are a major hub for to realize that we are a major hub for to realize that we are a major hub for human trafficking, as a mama bear, I was human trafficking, as a mama bear, I was human trafficking, as a mama bear, I was like, "What am I going to do how am I like, "What am I going to do how am I like, "What am I going to do how am I actually going to protect her actually going to protect her actually going to protect her so I researched so I researched so I researched human trafficking human trafficking human trafficking and ended up and ended up and ended up learning how technology learning how technology learning how technology is a part of it not only how is a part of it not only how is a part of it not only how perpetrators perpetrators perpetrators can find victims can find victims can find victims but also but also but also how technology how technology how technology as it's being as it's being as it's being implemented implemented implemented now and what it's it's doing to now and what it's it's doing to now and what it's it's doing to our youth I mean you hear about like the our youth I mean you hear about like the our youth I mean you hear about like the mental health that are happening because

mental health that are happening because mental health that are happening because of how they've of how they've of how they've they've actually trained their they've actually trained their they've actually trained their their algorithms their algorithms their algorithms to be addicting to be addicting to be addicting there's a lot of mental health issues there's a lot of mental health issues there's a lot of mental health issues that are happening but that are happening but that are happening but what happens what happens what happens for for youth for for youth for for youth if they see something before their if they see something before their if they see something before their prefrontal cortex prefrontal cortex prefrontal cortex develops which is around 13 years old develops which is around 13 years old develops which is around 13 years old something that's something that's something that's sexualized if they see something before it develops if they see something before it develops then their prefrontal cortex actually then their prefrontal cortex actually then their prefrontal cortex actually starts starts starts decaying decaying decaying and that's your and that's your and that's your that's your emotional regulation that's your emotional regulation that's your emotional regulation your ability to make decisions your ability to make decisions your ability to make decisions set goals set goals set goals it's your personality it's actually who it's your personality it's actually who it's your personality it's actually who you are you are you are and and and and I was seeing this and that's why I and I was seeing this and that's why I and I was seeing this and that's why I thought that at first I was going to be thought that at first I was going to be thought that at first I was going to be creating something creating something creating something around around around specific specific specific for youth like a toy or like a little AI for youth like a toy or like a little AI for youth like a toy or like a little AI buddy or AI companion or something buddy or AI companion or something buddy or AI companion or something but it turned out to be more of how how but it turned out to be more of how how but it turned out to be more of how how do we do we do we create spaces create spaces create spaces where we can continue to co-create and where we can continue to co-create and where we can continue to co-create and we continue to we continue to we continue to tap into our childlike tap into our childlike tap into our childlike joy and our childlike ability to play joy and our childlike ability to play joy and our childlike ability to play and bring play and fun into co-creation and bring play and fun into co-creation and bring play and fun into co-creation I I I really value really value really value play play play I think it's very beneficial I think it's very beneficial I think it's very beneficial for learning for learning for learning for for for for for for how we can build things together how we can build things together how we can build things together so so so so then it turned into so then it turned into so then it turned into how can we create spaces how can we create spaces how can we create spaces to be able to do that to be able to do that to be able to do that and a big part of what we are doing is and a big part of what we are doing is and a big part of what we are doing is bringing in youth bringing in youth bringing in youth we're going to we're going to have a lot we're going to we're going to have a lot we're going to we're going to have a lot of workforce development of workforce development of workforce development around that so So, when we around that so So, when we around that so So, when we met

met met um we were right we're right in that we um we were right we're right in that we um we were right we're right in that we >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> in that point where we're like we >> in that point where we're like we >> in that point where we're like we actually we need interns. actually we need interns. actually we need interns. We need to start bringing in people to We need to start bringing in people to We need to start bringing in people to to help us. Uh so, it's been such an to help us. Uh so, it's been such an to help us. Uh so, it's been such an alignment to have met you. alignment to have met you. alignment to have met you. Um and shout out to Ryan. He's the one Um and shout out to Ryan. He's the one Um and shout out to Ryan. He's the one that's on the camera that's on the camera that's on the camera uh that is going to be showing our uh that is going to be showing our uh that is going to be showing our studio audience. So, shout out to Ryan studio audience. So, shout out to Ryan studio audience. So, shout out to Ryan and the people behind the scenes who we and the people behind the scenes who we and the people behind the scenes who we could not do this without. Um but yeah, could not do this without. Um but yeah, could not do this without. Um but yeah, that's just a little bit of how we got that's just a little bit of how we got that's just a little bit of how we got started. started. started. Um Funded Funded Founder Fridays is Um Funded Funded Founder Fridays is Um Funded Funded Founder Fridays is going to be on every Friday at noon. And going to be on every Friday at noon. And going to be on every Friday at noon. And then on the last Friday of the month, then on the last Friday of the month, then on the last Friday of the month, we're going to have a conversation we're going to have a conversation we're going to have a conversation called Founder's Couch. called Founder's Couch. called Founder's Couch. Uh where actually where the audience is Uh where actually where the audience is Uh where actually where the audience is sitting now, we're going to sit with a sitting now, we're going to sit with a sitting now, we're going to sit with a couple of mentors in the ecosystem and couple of mentors in the ecosystem and couple of mentors in the ecosystem and then other founders as well. And the and then other founders as well. And the and then other founders as well. And the and the conversation is going to be around the conversation is going to be around the conversation is going to be around community building. So, for our shows at community building. So, for our shows at community building. So, for our shows at noon, we'll talk about community noon, we'll talk about community noon, we'll talk about community building in different aspects and then building in different aspects and then building in different aspects and then bring in um bring in um bring in um other things as well.

other things as well. other things as well. Um do you want to talk a little bit Um do you want to talk a little bit Um do you want to talk a little bit about community building? about community building? about community building? >> Yeah, absolutely. Because uh >> Yeah, absolutely. Because uh >> Yeah, absolutely. Because uh the biggest thing about uh the biggest thing about uh the biggest thing about uh entrepreneurship and building things and entrepreneurship and building things and entrepreneurship and building things and startup growth startup growth startup growth uh is just like exactly the the keys. uh is just like exactly the the keys. uh is just like exactly the the keys. And you know, when you want to build And you know, when you want to build And you know, when you want to build things, you want to to grow a startup, things, you want to to grow a startup, things, you want to to grow a startup, it's really hard you do it yourself. So, it's really hard you do it yourself. So, it's really hard you do it yourself. So, you need a community. You need an you need a community. You need an you need a community. You need an ecosystem. You need people around you. ecosystem. You need people around you. ecosystem. You need people around you. And we are on that mode, that creative And we are on that mode, that creative And we are on that mode, that creative mode, when you are working with others, mode, when you are working with others, mode, when you are working with others, when you have mentors around you, when when you have mentors around you, when when you have mentors around you, when you have people that you bounce ideas. you have people that you bounce ideas. you have people that you bounce ideas. That's where you are like the best. That's where you are like the best. That's where you are like the best. And more importantly, when you [snorts] And more importantly, when you [snorts] And more importantly, when you [snorts] have money. have money. have money. You know? You know? You know? So, you know, this is like what we are So, you know, this is like what we are So, you know, this is like what we are saying like saying like saying like there are many programs out there that there are many programs out there that there are many programs out there that people come and you know, get to those people come and you know, get to those people come and you know, get to those program. program. program. At the end of the day, if you are a At the end of the day, if you are a At the end of the day, if you are a startup, startup, startup, if you don't have a community around if you don't have a community around if you don't have a community around you, if you don't have customers, if you you, if you don't have customers, if you you, if you don't have customers, if you don't have somebody to look at your don't have somebody to look at your don't have somebody to look at your stuff and says, "Look, this opportunity stuff and says, "Look, this opportunity stuff and says, "Look, this opportunity like is 100 times bigger than what you like is 100 times bigger than what you like is 100 times bigger than what you think."

think." think." Right? And you get to that co-creation. Right? And you get to that co-creation. Right? And you get to that co-creation. You get to that safe place. And you're You get to that safe place. And you're You get to that safe place. And you're like, "Yeah, this is the This is like like, "Yeah, this is the This is like like, "Yeah, this is the This is like way bigger than what I thought." way bigger than what I thought." way bigger than what I thought." And then you get introduced to really And then you get introduced to really And then you get introduced to really right people. You get access to fund. right people. You get access to fund. right people. You get access to fund. This is where This is where This is where big big companies are born because you big big companies are born because you big big companies are born because you wanted to start with uh wanted to start with uh wanted to start with uh local companies and then see how we can local companies and then see how we can local companies and then see how we can help. We can find that big global help. We can find that big global help. We can find that big global unicorn unicorn unicorn uh potential and how we can work uh potential and how we can work uh potential and how we can work together to get to that point. together to get to that point. together to get to that point. And that's that's the This is the power And that's that's the This is the power And that's that's the This is the power of community, right? And you know, we of community, right? And you know, we of community, right? And you know, we we're seeing it like in in our journey, we're seeing it like in in our journey, we're seeing it like in in our journey, we can see how people are coming we can see how people are coming we can see how people are coming together. How people are willing to help together. How people are willing to help together. How people are willing to help each other. And that's the whole idea each other. And that's the whole idea each other. And that's the whole idea about it. And the the the founders' about it. And the the the founders' about it. And the the the founders' couch, we're going to have a couch, we're going to have a couch, we're going to have a conversation with founders that are now conversation with founders that are now conversation with founders that are now somewhere in their journey. somewhere in their journey. somewhere in their journey. And and there's we're going to create And and there's we're going to create And and there's we're going to create that safe space for everybody to come that safe space for everybody to come that safe space for everybody to come and have that conversation and have that conversation and have that conversation without the fear of judgment, without without the fear of judgment, without without the fear of judgment, without the fear of, "Oh, what happened? Are the fear of, "Oh, what happened? Are the fear of, "Oh, what happened? Are they going to, you know, steal my idea?"

they going to, you know, steal my idea?" they going to, you know, steal my idea?" So, that's the that's I think that's So, that's the that's I think that's So, that's the that's I think that's that's the biggest thing that's the biggest thing that's the biggest thing if we can achieve it together. if we can achieve it together. if we can achieve it together. >> And you know, just with the >> And you know, just with the >> And you know, just with the conversations that we've had, um cuz I conversations that we've had, um cuz I conversations that we've had, um cuz I do feel that you've been mentoring me in do feel that you've been mentoring me in do feel that you've been mentoring me in a lot of different ways. And there's a lot of different ways. And there's a lot of different ways. And there's just been some conversations that just been some conversations that just been some conversations that have brought so much clarity and have have brought so much clarity and have have brought so much clarity and have simplified things in such a perfect way simplified things in such a perfect way simplified things in such a perfect way for me to understand things that I've for me to understand things that I've for me to understand things that I've like read about and researched and like like read about and researched and like like read about and researched and like did different classes on. But just did different classes on. But just did different classes on. But just having a like 1-hour conversation and having a like 1-hour conversation and having a like 1-hour conversation and you walking through things, the clarity you walking through things, the clarity you walking through things, the clarity that that can happen. that that can happen. that that can happen. Um Um Um >> Absolutely. >> Absolutely. >> Absolutely. >> And so and so the topic that we want to >> And so and so the topic that we want to >> And so and so the topic that we want to discuss today is the valley of death. Um discuss today is the valley of death. Um discuss today is the valley of death. Um and for those of you that um don't know and for those of you that um don't know and for those of you that um don't know about the valley of death, we're going about the valley of death, we're going about the valley of death, we're going to show a graph here. Uh but it's to show a graph here. Uh but it's to show a graph here. Uh but it's essentially part of the startup journey. essentially part of the startup journey. essentially part of the startup journey. Um and it happens when you when you Um and it happens when you when you Um and it happens when you when you launch the product, but then when you're launch the product, but then when you're launch the product, but then when you're like in the in the midst of it, like in like in the in the midst of it, like in like in the in the midst of it, like in the the the Well, it's the it's the sleepless Well, it's the it's the sleepless Well, it's the it's the sleepless nights.

nights. nights. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> It's the It's like when you're when >> It's the It's like when you're when >> It's the It's like when you're when you've like bootstrapped as much as you you've like bootstrapped as much as you you've like bootstrapped as much as you can, you've run out of funds, can, you've run out of funds, can, you've run out of funds, um and you're like, "Should I even keep um and you're like, "Should I even keep um and you're like, "Should I even keep going? Like is it even worth it?" going? Like is it even worth it?" going? Like is it even worth it?" >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> And I think a lot of founders are in >> And I think a lot of founders are in >> And I think a lot of founders are in that space. that space. that space. Um and and so that's even more of the Um and and so that's even more of the Um and and so that's even more of the importance of building the ecosystem so importance of building the ecosystem so importance of building the ecosystem so that we can help each other out of it that we can help each other out of it that we can help each other out of it and and be constructive in in what in and and be constructive in in what in and and be constructive in in what in how we actually get out of the valley of how we actually get out of the valley of how we actually get out of the valley of death and not just get stuck there. death and not just get stuck there. death and not just get stuck there. >> Isn't You know, if you think about the >> Isn't You know, if you think about the >> Isn't You know, if you think about the value of death, is is not just for value of death, is is not just for value of death, is is not just for for-profit, is not just for startups. for-profit, is not just for startups. for-profit, is not just for startups. If you're a founder, right? If you if If you're a founder, right? If you if If you're a founder, right? If you if you have this passion to create you have this passion to create you have this passion to create something, to solve a big problem, to something, to solve a big problem, to something, to solve a big problem, to make impact in people's life, it's your make impact in people's life, it's your make impact in people's life, it's your baby, right? And you put everything that baby, right? And you put everything that baby, right? And you put everything that you have. You put your every dollar, you you have. You put your every dollar, you you have. You put your every dollar, you exhaust every credit card, every exhaust every credit card, every exhaust every credit card, every resource, every loan you can take, resource, every loan you can take, resource, every loan you can take, right? And now everything is like this right? And now everything is like this right? And now everything is like this goes to to flotation. Right? You know, goes to to flotation. Right? You know, goes to to flotation. Right? You know, you you like you think, "Oh, this is you you like you think, "Oh, this is you you like you think, "Oh, this is going to take off. You know, I have I going to take off. You know, I have I going to take off. You know, I have I have this conversation with many, you have this conversation with many, you have this conversation with many, you know, potential customers."

know, potential customers." know, potential customers." But the problem is when you're getting But the problem is when you're getting But the problem is when you're getting there, you don't even have money there, you don't even have money there, you don't even have money to maintain your domain, your website. to maintain your domain, your website. to maintain your domain, your website. You know, you don't have money to go out You know, you don't have money to go out You know, you don't have money to go out and advertise. And that's where a lot of and advertise. And that's where a lot of and advertise. And that's where a lot of really great ideas die. And because this really great ideas die. And because this really great ideas die. And because this is the value of death, no resources. The is the value of death, no resources. The is the value of death, no resources. The reason they're calling it is a value of reason they're calling it is a value of reason they're calling it is a value of death because the startups death because the startups death because the startups are exhausting everything that they get are exhausting everything that they get are exhausting everything that they get to get there, and now they can't even to get there, and now they can't even to get there, and now they can't even move. You can't even pay your rent. I I move. You can't even pay your rent. I I move. You can't even pay your rent. I I I'm I'm pretty sure a lot of people I'm I'm pretty sure a lot of people I'm I'm pretty sure a lot of people watching us, they've been like, "Yeah, watching us, they've been like, "Yeah, watching us, they've been like, "Yeah, yeah, you know, I can't remember, you yeah, you know, I can't remember, you yeah, you know, I can't remember, you know, I was not sleeping at the middle know, I was not sleeping at the middle know, I was not sleeping at the middle of the I just woke up and I'm like, 'Oh of the I just woke up and I'm like, 'Oh of the I just woke up and I'm like, 'Oh my god, I need to pay rent tomorrow. I my god, I need to pay rent tomorrow. I my god, I need to pay rent tomorrow. I need to pay for my GoDaddy account. I need to pay for my GoDaddy account. I need to pay for my GoDaddy account. I need to pay for my AWS, and I don't have need to pay for my AWS, and I don't have need to pay for my AWS, and I don't have even a dollar, even a dollar, even a dollar, >> God. >> God. >> God. >> right, you know, to pay >> right, you know, to pay >> right, you know, to pay for 10, you know, ads that I can run and for 10, you know, ads that I can run and for 10, you know, ads that I can run and I can get, I can get, I can get, >> Right. >> Right. >> Right. >> you know, customers." >> you know, customers." >> you know, customers." This is exactly what happening even in This is exactly what happening even in This is exactly what happening even in in in nonprofit world, right? You're in in nonprofit world, right? You're in in nonprofit world, right? You're just putting your heart and soul into just putting your heart and soul into just putting your heart and soul into something that you're building. You know something that you're building. You know something that you're building. You know it's going to change people's life.

it's going to change people's life. it's going to change people's life. There are like there are rare disease, There are like there are rare disease, There are like there are rare disease, there are cancer, there are things like there are cancer, there are things like there are cancer, there are things like there are people with disability that there are people with disability that there are people with disability that you're cheering for them, you're you're cheering for them, you're you're cheering for them, you're advocating for them, you're fighting for advocating for them, you're fighting for advocating for them, you're fighting for them. Now you get to this really really them. Now you get to this really really them. Now you get to this really really great um solution, great um solution, great um solution, but no one is donating, no one is giving but no one is donating, no one is giving but no one is donating, no one is giving you money. you money. you money. And you're like, "How?" And you are in And you're like, "How?" And you are in And you're like, "How?" And you are in the value of death the value of death the value of death >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> the same way. >> the same way. >> the same way. >> Yeah, I I keep hearing that startups >> Yeah, I I keep hearing that startups >> Yeah, I I keep hearing that startups stay alive as long as the founder can stay alive as long as the founder can stay alive as long as the founder can can keep going. can keep going. can keep going. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Like as long as you don't run out of >> Like as long as you don't run out of >> Like as long as you don't run out of money, as long as you can keep funding money, as long as you can keep funding money, as long as you can keep funding it, as long as as long as you have the it, as long as as long as you have the it, as long as as long as you have the energy and can like buy food and pay for energy and can like buy food and pay for energy and can like buy food and pay for >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> and not and not have your neck pop. >> and not and not have your neck pop. >> and not and not have your neck pop. >> Yeah. >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> Or whatever. I like I I I'd like to like >> Or whatever. I like I I I'd like to like >> Or whatever. I like I I I'd like to like >> are my hands shaking? >> are my hands shaking? >> are my hands shaking? >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> You know, I think this is this is >> You know, I think this is this is >> You know, I think this is this is This is what all of us have experienced This is what all of us have experienced This is what all of us have experienced at some point.

at some point. at some point. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> But there are ways to not to get to the >> But there are ways to not to get to the >> But there are ways to not to get to the valley of death. valley of death. valley of death. There are ways to get out of it pretty There are ways to get out of it pretty There are ways to get out of it pretty quick. quick. quick. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> So, um >> So, um >> So, um and that's the whole point of having a and that's the whole point of having a and that's the whole point of having a community, having an ecosystem, having community, having an ecosystem, having community, having an ecosystem, having uh uh uh funders that they can come and they can funders that they can come and they can funders that they can come and they can look at it and they say, "Oh, yeah, I look at it and they say, "Oh, yeah, I look at it and they say, "Oh, yeah, I can fund this company. I can provide uh can fund this company. I can provide uh can fund this company. I can provide uh resources. I can provide financial resources. I can provide financial resources. I can provide financial resources." But the biggest problem is resources." But the biggest problem is resources." But the biggest problem is when people don't know where they are in when people don't know where they are in when people don't know where they are in the journey and who to reach to. So, the journey and who to reach to. So, the journey and who to reach to. So, you are like going all acceleration you are like going all acceleration you are like going all acceleration programs, everything is butterflies and programs, everything is butterflies and programs, everything is butterflies and flowers. You are like the next big flowers. You are like the next big flowers. You are like the next big thing. And you're you're just emailing thing. And you're you're just emailing thing. And you're you're just emailing like two hundred VCs and you don't get like two hundred VCs and you don't get like two hundred VCs and you don't get like even one response. And you know, like even one response. And you know, like even one response. And you know, after like begging, after going and you after like begging, after going and you after like begging, after going and you know, know, know, asking for introduction, someone asking for introduction, someone asking for introduction, someone introduces to a VC. You get there introduces to a VC. You get there introduces to a VC. You get there excited, you know, I have my pitch deck excited, you know, I have my pitch deck excited, you know, I have my pitch deck and I'm going to get this funded. And and I'm going to get this funded. And and I'm going to get this funded. And you get there and they're like, "Huh.

you get there and they're like, "Huh. you get there and they're like, "Huh. You know what? Um You know what? Um You know what? Um I don't see opportunity here. I don't I don't see opportunity here. I don't I don't see opportunity here. I don't see your three statements. I don't see see your three statements. I don't see see your three statements. I don't see your financials. Is it a business?" And your financials. Is it a business?" And your financials. Is it a business?" And you are like, "Am I talking to banker?" you are like, "Am I talking to banker?" you are like, "Am I talking to banker?" >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> Oh, you know, like I'm like really >> Oh, you know, like I'm like really >> Oh, you know, like I'm like really passionate about it and the guy sitting passionate about it and the guy sitting passionate about it and the guy sitting there with, you know, like this this there with, you know, like this this there with, you know, like this this this poker face with no passion. Because this poker face with no passion. Because this poker face with no passion. Because VC is institutional money. It's like a VC is institutional money. It's like a VC is institutional money. It's like a banker. They need to banker. They need to banker. They need to be very cautious because they are they be very cautious because they are they be very cautious because they are they are not investing their own money. are not investing their own money. are not investing their own money. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> They're investing someone else's money. >> They're investing someone else's money. >> They're investing someone else's money. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> And that's where all the passion, >> And that's where all the passion, >> And that's where all the passion, everything goes out of the window. everything goes out of the window. everything goes out of the window. They don't look at it from a heart They don't look at it from a heart They don't look at it from a heart perspective. They look at it from a perspective. They look at it from a perspective. They look at it from a brain perspective. brain perspective. brain perspective. >> And and so and and so you have founders >> And and so and and so you have founders >> And and so and and so you have founders that are confused in the journey and that are confused in the journey and that are confused in the journey and what they need is a conversation. what they need is a conversation. what they need is a conversation. >> Exactly. >> Exactly. >> Exactly. >> With an investor or with somebody that's >> With an investor or with somebody that's >> With an investor or with somebody that's exited a company or or whoever, but exited a company or or whoever, but exited a company or or whoever, but because because because those people can see I feel like because those people can see I feel like because those people can see I feel like because people cuz you can tell where people are people cuz you can tell where people are people cuz you can tell where people are in the in the journey, I think, as an in the in the journey, I think, as an in the in the journey, I think, as an investor and as somebody that's been in investor and as somebody that's been in investor and as somebody that's been in the in the space.

the in the space. the in the space. And I think that when when certain And I think that when when certain And I think that when when certain people see that somebody's just not people see that somebody's just not people see that somebody's just not ready, they won't give them the time of ready, they won't give them the time of ready, they won't give them the time of day. day. day. >> No. >> No. >> No. >> Like they'll just be like >> Like they'll just be like >> Like they'll just be like not ever following up with the person not ever following up with the person not ever following up with the person again. And and how many things get lost again. And and how many things get lost again. And and how many things get lost in that, right? Like how many in that, right? Like how many in that, right? Like how many opportunities and how many uh different opportunities and how many uh different opportunities and how many uh different things. And that's really So so that's things. And that's really So so that's things. And that's really So so that's really what we want to integrate into really what we want to integrate into really what we want to integrate into the ecosystem here at the Innovation the ecosystem here at the Innovation the ecosystem here at the Innovation Studio. Um Studio. Um Studio. Um how we can continue those conversations how we can continue those conversations how we can continue those conversations and how we can actually get money to and how we can actually get money to and how we can actually get money to people. people. people. >> Oh, yeah. >> Oh, yeah. >> Oh, yeah. >> Right? >> Right? >> Right? >> You know, get the money from the right >> You know, get the money from the right >> You know, get the money from the right people, right? So you have friends and people, right? So you have friends and people, right? So you have friends and family, you have angel investors, you family, you have angel investors, you family, you have angel investors, you have early stage VCs, but you need to have early stage VCs, but you need to have early stage VCs, but you need to know where you are in the journey and know where you are in the journey and know where you are in the journey and who to reach to. I think that's the most who to reach to. I think that's the most who to reach to. I think that's the most important thing important thing important thing for people, right? If you are an early for people, right? If you are an early for people, right? If you are an early startup, you need to go to somebody startup, you need to go to somebody startup, you need to go to somebody that is passionate about the topic, the that is passionate about the topic, the that is passionate about the topic, the idea, the product as you are. idea, the product as you are. idea, the product as you are. You know, if that person is is as You know, if that person is is as You know, if that person is is as passionate as you, they're going to say, passionate as you, they're going to say, passionate as you, they're going to say, "Look, this is 50 grand, this is 100 "Look, this is 50 grand, this is 100 "Look, this is 50 grand, this is 100 grand that I'm going to throw at this grand that I'm going to throw at this grand that I'm going to throw at this project. If I lose it, I lose it.

project. If I lose it, I lose it. project. If I lose it, I lose it. But I'm going to like make a dent in But I'm going to like make a dent in But I'm going to like make a dent in this topic, which I'm really really this topic, which I'm really really this topic, which I'm really really interested." So if I'm a, you know, uh interested." So if I'm a, you know, uh interested." So if I'm a, you know, uh aviation nerd and you're building aviation nerd and you're building aviation nerd and you're building something in aviation, I'm like, "Okay, something in aviation, I'm like, "Okay, something in aviation, I'm like, "Okay, so that's my dream. I want to become a so that's my dream. I want to become a so that's my dream. I want to become a pilot since I was a child, so now I pilot since I was a child, so now I pilot since I was a child, so now I wanted to contribute." That's an angel wanted to contribute." That's an angel wanted to contribute." That's an angel investor, that's the friends and family. investor, that's the friends and family. investor, that's the friends and family. But even presenting to friends and But even presenting to friends and But even presenting to friends and family, even presenting to angel family, even presenting to angel family, even presenting to angel investors, if you don't know what you're investors, if you don't know what you're investors, if you don't know what you're doing, you're going to end up with doing, you're going to end up with doing, you're going to end up with uh a lot of bad blood in the family. uh a lot of bad blood in the family. uh a lot of bad blood in the family. >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> Losing people's money and that's a lot >> Losing people's money and that's a lot >> Losing people's money and that's a lot of things on your shoulder, you know. I of things on your shoulder, you know. I of things on your shoulder, you know. I have done it like and I've been like in have done it like and I've been like in have done it like and I've been like in all like both sides. I've been an all like both sides. I've been an all like both sides. I've been an investor, I've been in investment investor, I've been in investment investor, I've been in investment committees, seen people pitching and and committees, seen people pitching and and committees, seen people pitching and and you know the the VCs how they treat you know the the VCs how they treat you know the the VCs how they treat people and I raised money and I lost people and I raised money and I lost people and I raised money and I lost money and then and I think that's kind money and then and I think that's kind money and then and I think that's kind of like of like of like the aftermath the aftermath the aftermath is sometimes is sometimes is sometimes you know, soul-crushing. So you know, soul-crushing. So you know, soul-crushing. So that's where you know that's where you know that's where you know >> emotional the emotional like roller >> emotional the emotional like roller >> emotional the emotional like roller coaster that being a founder is. And coaster that being a founder is. And coaster that being a founder is. And then you know my so my background in then you know my so my background in then you know my so my background in mental health, that's why mental health, that's why mental health, that's why um I really value building community and um I really value building community and um I really value building community and I really love it. My name I was telling I really love it. My name I was telling I really love it. My name I was telling some people earlier I'm actually a some people earlier I'm actually a some people earlier I'm actually a Pokémon. Roselia is actually a Pokémon.

Pokémon. Roselia is actually a Pokémon. Pokémon. Roselia is actually a Pokémon. Um I Googled myself one time. Um I Googled myself one time. Um I Googled myself one time. Uh but she's apparently in the Uh but she's apparently in the Uh but she's apparently in the community-driven encyclopedia for community-driven encyclopedia for community-driven encyclopedia for Pokémons. Pokémons. Pokémons. >> [laughter] >> And ever since I was in the Peace Corps >> And ever since I was in the Peace Corps after college, after college, after college, um I did this project in undergrad um I did this project in undergrad um I did this project in undergrad called Community Funds of Knowledge. So called Community Funds of Knowledge. So called Community Funds of Knowledge. So building community building community building community has is some is what I've been doing ever has is some is what I've been doing ever has is some is what I've been doing ever since I I really started like got out of since I I really started like got out of since I I really started like got out of like high school. like high school. like high school. Um so finding that little Pokémon card Um so finding that little Pokémon card Um so finding that little Pokémon card was was just was was just was was just you know, like those little signs that you know, like those little signs that you know, like those little signs that you get from from whoever you get from from whoever you get from from whoever >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> that integrate everything that we're >> that integrate everything that we're >> that integrate everything that we're doing. Uh so that's a lot of what we're doing. Uh so that's a lot of what we're doing. Uh so that's a lot of what we're building. Uh we want to look at the building. Uh we want to look at the building. Uh we want to look at the website a little bit. Uh the website a little bit. Uh the website a little bit. Uh the noblefounder.com noblefounder.com noblefounder.com >> Yeah, yeah. >> Yeah, yeah. >> Yeah, yeah. Yeah, absolutely. So noblefounder.com. Yeah, absolutely. So noblefounder.com. Yeah, absolutely. So noblefounder.com. The idea is to build these programs and The idea is to build these programs and The idea is to build these programs and this community and ecosystem. So this community and ecosystem. So this community and ecosystem. So uh we are launching uh different uh we are launching uh different uh we are launching uh different programs which they're going to be programs which they're going to be programs which they're going to be uh our incubation, acceleration, build uh our incubation, acceleration, build uh our incubation, acceleration, build and hypergrowth program.

and hypergrowth program. and hypergrowth program. We are having uh some uh we are having We are having uh some uh we are having We are having uh some uh we are having programs programs programs for investors as well is coming up. for investors as well is coming up. for investors as well is coming up. And uh Roselia is going to help uh And uh Roselia is going to help uh And uh Roselia is going to help uh leading our Houston chapter. So, Roselia leading our Houston chapter. So, Roselia leading our Houston chapter. So, Roselia is the Houston chapter leader. is the Houston chapter leader. is the Houston chapter leader. And And if if you want to talk about the And And if if you want to talk about the And And if if you want to talk about the programs, uh programs, uh programs, uh incubation is all about the idea. So, incubation is all about the idea. So, incubation is all about the idea. So, what we're saying, we want you to go what we're saying, we want you to go what we're saying, we want you to go from an idea from an idea from an idea uh to a really fundable opportunity. So, uh to a really fundable opportunity. So, uh to a really fundable opportunity. So, a lot of people come and say, "Oh, you a lot of people come and say, "Oh, you a lot of people come and say, "Oh, you know, I have this great idea." Okay, so know, I have this great idea." Okay, so know, I have this great idea." Okay, so so so so you need to you need to you need to find certain signals find certain signals find certain signals to validate that this idea is a fundable to validate that this idea is a fundable to validate that this idea is a fundable opportunity. opportunity. opportunity. So, if you go in front of an investor, So, if you go in front of an investor, So, if you go in front of an investor, you're ready. You're going to tell them, you're ready. You're going to tell them, you're ready. You're going to tell them, "Oh, look, these are like the uh the the "Oh, look, these are like the uh the the "Oh, look, these are like the uh the the signals that I've validated, and I know signals that I've validated, and I know signals that I've validated, and I know this is a fundable idea because" And this is a fundable idea because" And this is a fundable idea because" And then when they ask you how, you have all then when they ask you how, you have all then when they ask you how, you have all your uh you know, your uh you know, your uh you know, supporting documents, everything that supporting documents, everything that supporting documents, everything that you have done.

you have done. you have done. So, we help people come there, and then So, we help people come there, and then So, we help people come there, and then we have this local fund, we have this local fund, we have this local fund, uh which, you know, I call it like a uh which, you know, I call it like a uh which, you know, I call it like a flywheel. The idea is flywheel. The idea is flywheel. The idea is uh uh uh local people are going to invest in our local people are going to invest in our local people are going to invest in our local fund. And And of course, you know, local fund. And And of course, you know, local fund. And And of course, you know, we are working I'm working with people we are working I'm working with people we are working I'm working with people outside of Houston to bring money uh as outside of Houston to bring money uh as outside of Houston to bring money uh as well, but uh they invest in the fund, well, but uh they invest in the fund, well, but uh they invest in the fund, and then we grow the companies. The and then we grow the companies. The and then we grow the companies. The companies will become successful, companies will become successful, companies will become successful, they're going to hire in Houston, they're going to hire in Houston, they're going to hire in Houston, they're going to lift the economy, they're going to lift the economy, they're going to lift the economy, they're going to make money, and then they're going to make money, and then they're going to make money, and then they're going to invest. they're going to invest. they're going to invest. So, they're going to invest in the fund, So, they're going to invest in the fund, So, they're going to invest in the fund, the fund is going to invest in the the fund is going to invest in the the fund is going to invest in the community, and and that's a flywheel. community, and and that's a flywheel. community, and and that's a flywheel. And when the companies are ready, then And when the companies are ready, then And when the companies are ready, then uh we're going to graduate them into a uh we're going to graduate them into a uh we're going to graduate them into a series A series A series A uh you know, institutional VC money. uh you know, institutional VC money. uh you know, institutional VC money. But the whole point of the program is But the whole point of the program is But the whole point of the program is when somebody has idea, we validated when somebody has idea, we validated when somebody has idea, we validated this is a fundable idea, this is a fundable idea, this is a fundable idea, then we help them with the money that then we help them with the money that then we help them with the money that they need to go and build a minimum they need to go and build a minimum they need to go and build a minimum viable product. viable product. viable product. To build that. And we have partners. We To build that. And we have partners. We To build that. And we have partners. We have people that they are really good at have people that they are really good at have people that they are really good at it.

it. it. So, we help them with our So, we help them with our So, we help them with our basically basically basically the next next the next next the next next program which is our build. So, they're program which is our build. So, they're program which is our build. So, they're going to build that and then they're going to build that and then they're going to build that and then they're going to graduate into the next phase going to graduate into the next phase going to graduate into the next phase which is finding and finding the which is finding and finding the which is finding and finding the customers. customers. customers. So, we're going to help them to So, we're going to help them to So, we're going to help them to accelerate. We're going to find pre-seed accelerate. We're going to find pre-seed accelerate. We're going to find pre-seed from angel from angel from angel investors and our fund investors and our fund investors and our fund and and again help them to now go find and and again help them to now go find and and again help them to now go find like a repeatable process. like a repeatable process. like a repeatable process. And then the next step when they find And then the next step when they find And then the next step when they find like a product market fit like a product market fit like a product market fit uh that's where they're ready. They can uh that's where they're ready. They can uh that's where they're ready. They can go out and they can raise VC money. And go out and they can raise VC money. And go out and they can raise VC money. And we have VC partners. We have people that we have VC partners. We have people that we have VC partners. We have people that we know we know we know uh they're they don't need to send like uh they're they don't need to send like uh they're they don't need to send like a thousand emails. a thousand emails. a thousand emails. >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> It's going to be warm warm >> It's going to be warm warm >> It's going to be warm warm introductions. introductions. introductions. Uh so, if you go to the website uh the Uh so, if you go to the website uh the Uh so, if you go to the website uh the whole thing is from idea to impact. whole thing is from idea to impact. whole thing is from idea to impact. We're not saying we are idea to a We're not saying we are idea to a We're not saying we are idea to a unicorn. We are not saying we are idea unicorn. We are not saying we are idea unicorn. We are not saying we are idea to a global company. We're saying we're to a global company. We're saying we're to a global company. We're saying we're an idea to impact.

an idea to impact. an idea to impact. We want to find local solutions We want to find local solutions We want to find local solutions that are really global that are really global that are really global uh problems. And we're going to help uh problems. And we're going to help uh problems. And we're going to help all the startups all the startups all the startups to look at those problems from a global to look at those problems from a global to look at those problems from a global lens. lens. lens. Find global Find global Find global solutions solutions solutions and help them. Help them to go all the and help them. Help them to go all the and help them. Help them to go all the way way way to become a unicorn. And to become a unicorn. And to become a unicorn. And and with the companies that we have been and with the companies that we have been and with the companies that we have been working with working with working with I can say there are I can say there are I can say there are a few really a few really a few really promising promising promising unicorns in formation. unicorns in formation. unicorns in formation. >> Yay! >> Yay! >> Yay! I love you I love you I love you >> Yeah. yeah. Unicorns and angels. >> Yeah. yeah. Unicorns and angels. >> Yeah. yeah. Unicorns and angels. >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> Unicorns and angels. >> Unicorns and angels. >> Unicorns and angels. >> When, you know, just for the people that >> When, you know, just for the people that >> When, you know, just for the people that they don't know, they don't know, they don't know, um unicorns are startups that are um unicorns are startups that are um unicorns are startups that are reaching more than a billion dollar in reaching more than a billion dollar in reaching more than a billion dollar in valuation. And I think Houston is very, valuation. And I think Houston is very, valuation. And I think Houston is very, very well capable of very well capable of very well capable of producing unicorns, but I think Houston producing unicorns, but I think Houston producing unicorns, but I think Houston is a bit shy is a bit shy is a bit shy to uh showcase what we do. There are to uh showcase what we do. There are to uh showcase what we do. There are many people here, greatest startups many people here, greatest startups many people here, greatest startups doing great things.

doing great things. doing great things. So, I think we should like promote them So, I think we should like promote them So, I think we should like promote them here. I think uh in our uh next episode here. I think uh in our uh next episode here. I think uh in our uh next episode we're going to promote them as well, we're going to promote them as well, we're going to promote them as well, because we need to showcase the great because we need to showcase the great because we need to showcase the great work that is being done here. work that is being done here. work that is being done here. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. Mhm. And so, and so here at the Mhm. And so, and so here at the Mhm. And so, and so here at the Innovation Studio, we're 801 Travis, and Innovation Studio, we're 801 Travis, and Innovation Studio, we're 801 Travis, and shout out to 801 Travis and the shout out to 801 Travis and the shout out to 801 Travis and the Innovation Hub for being sponsors of Innovation Hub for being sponsors of Innovation Hub for being sponsors of this amazing space. Um but the big this amazing space. Um but the big this amazing space. Um but the big vision with So, we're at the Innovation vision with So, we're at the Innovation vision with So, we're at the Innovation Studio, we're on the 16th floor. Studio, we're on the 16th floor. Studio, we're on the 16th floor. The combination of the 16th, 17th, and The combination of the 16th, 17th, and The combination of the 16th, 17th, and 18th floor is the Innovation Hub, and 18th floor is the Innovation Hub, and 18th floor is the Innovation Hub, and we're in collaboration with Jesse we're in collaboration with Jesse we're in collaboration with Jesse Martinez, who runs Invincible Spaces on Martinez, who runs Invincible Spaces on Martinez, who runs Invincible Spaces on the 18th floor with that. Uh but the the 18th floor with that. Uh but the the 18th floor with that. Uh but the vision is to turn this into the vision is to turn this into the vision is to turn this into the Innovation Tower, and then go into the Innovation Tower, and then go into the Innovation Tower, and then go into the Innovation District. We're in District Innovation District. We're in District Innovation District. We're in District I. I. I. Uh so, we like the play on words with Uh so, we like the play on words with Uh so, we like the play on words with District I and being the Innovation District I and being the Innovation District I and being the Innovation District. Uh it runs from City Hall to District. Uh it runs from City Hall to District. Uh it runs from City Hall to East Downtown. Uh but that is the big East Downtown. Uh but that is the big East Downtown. Uh but that is the big vision. And so, and integrating actual vision. And so, and integrating actual vision. And so, and integrating actual issues that are happening here in issues that are happening here in issues that are happening here in Houston. So, the the fact that we're Houston. So, the the fact that we're Houston. So, the the fact that we're three blocks from City Hall is very three blocks from City Hall is very three blocks from City Hall is very beneficial for that. Um and that we have beneficial for that. Um and that we have beneficial for that. Um and that we have connections with some council member and connections with some council member and connections with some council member and members in City Hall, and are in members in City Hall, and are in members in City Hall, and are in conversation of how do we actually build conversation of how do we actually build conversation of how do we actually build innovation and solutions for problems innovation and solutions for problems innovation and solutions for problems that are happening here in Houston. Uh that are happening here in Houston. Uh that are happening here in Houston. Uh so, that's a big part of what we want to so, that's a big part of what we want to so, that's a big part of what we want to do here as well, integrate what's do here as well, integrate what's do here as well, integrate what's happening here in Houston and make it happening here in Houston and make it happening here in Houston and make it for Houston, by Houston. That's a lot of

for Houston, by Houston. That's a lot of for Houston, by Houston. That's a lot of what our shows are about and what we're what our shows are about and what we're what our shows are about and what we're doing here in this space as well. doing here in this space as well. doing here in this space as well. >> Yeah. Um >> Yeah. Um >> Yeah. Um And you know, Rosalia and I attended an And you know, Rosalia and I attended an And you know, Rosalia and I attended an Ed Talk Ed Talk Ed Talk uh in City Hall. It was um uh in City Hall. It was um uh in City Hall. It was um four the teams from students that they four the teams from students that they four the teams from students that they came up with uh innovative ideas to came up with uh innovative ideas to came up with uh innovative ideas to solve local problems. And that's solve local problems. And that's solve local problems. And that's beautiful. beautiful. beautiful. And uh I think our one of our goals is And uh I think our one of our goals is And uh I think our one of our goals is to get those students, those to get those students, those to get those students, those winning teams to come here and we can winning teams to come here and we can winning teams to come here and we can incubate them. incubate them. incubate them. We can find funding for them and we get We can find funding for them and we get We can find funding for them and we get all those great ideas. So, all those great ideas. So, all those great ideas. So, innovation should be rooted in innovation should be rooted in innovation should be rooted in uh community. uh community. uh community. And uh now in Houston, cuz we don't want And uh now in Houston, cuz we don't want And uh now in Houston, cuz we don't want people like you have heard this a lot people like you have heard this a lot people like you have heard this a lot that the startups start here in Houston that the startups start here in Houston that the startups start here in Houston and then and then and then they unfortunately go to other cities they unfortunately go to other cities they unfortunately go to other cities because they don't find the resources because they don't find the resources because they don't find the resources and the money that they need. So, we and the money that they need. So, we and the money that they need. So, we want to work on that. We want to solve want to work on that. We want to solve want to work on that. We want to solve this problem and get them what they need this problem and get them what they need this problem and get them what they need so they can stay, they can create jobs, so they can stay, they can create jobs, so they can stay, they can create jobs, they can lift the economy, they can lift the economy, they can lift the economy, and we get more startups and more and we get more startups and more and we get more startups and more people.

people. people. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> So, this is how >> So, this is how >> So, this is how everything ties back together. You are everything ties back together. You are everything ties back together. You are not This is our message. We don't want not This is our message. We don't want not This is our message. We don't want We want you to think you're not alone in We want you to think you're not alone in We want you to think you're not alone in the valley of death the valley of death the valley of death um when you don't have any resources. um when you don't have any resources. um when you don't have any resources. Just come out instead of sitting, you Just come out instead of sitting, you Just come out instead of sitting, you know, behind the computer or, you know, know, behind the computer or, you know, know, behind the computer or, you know, in a dark room. in a dark room. in a dark room. Uh just come out, reach out to the Uh just come out, reach out to the Uh just come out, reach out to the community, and reach out reach to reach community, and reach out reach to reach community, and reach out reach to reach out to us. out to us. out to us. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> Cuz that's what we want to do. We want >> Cuz that's what we want to do. We want >> Cuz that's what we want to do. We want to help each other to get out of the to help each other to get out of the to help each other to get out of the valley of death valley of death valley of death and then thrive and strive together. and then thrive and strive together. and then thrive and strive together. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. Yes, we'll be having a lot of different Yes, we'll be having a lot of different Yes, we'll be having a lot of different events. Uh we'll have a calendar of events. Uh we'll have a calendar of events. Uh we'll have a calendar of events sometime soon. events sometime soon. events sometime soon. Uh but we will have open houses. We We Uh but we will have open houses. We We Uh but we will have open houses. We We want to do game nights for founders and want to do game nights for founders and want to do game nights for founders and other types of uh, fun events. We're other types of uh, fun events. We're other types of uh, fun events. We're actually going to launch a fun raiser actually going to launch a fun raiser actually going to launch a fun raiser uh, where we will be raising fun and uh, where we will be raising fun and uh, where we will be raising fun and funds at the same time. funds at the same time. funds at the same time. Uh, but with it we really again want to Uh, but with it we really again want to Uh, but with it we really again want to bring in the the spirit of creativity bring in the the spirit of creativity bring in the the spirit of creativity and fun and play and how all of that uh, and fun and play and how all of that uh, and fun and play and how all of that uh, integrates into innovation and how being integrates into innovation and how being integrates into innovation and how being able to play and co-create with other able to play and co-create with other able to play and co-create with other people uh, is really crucial to people uh, is really crucial to people uh, is really crucial to innovation. As Creatopia, we do believe innovation. As Creatopia, we do believe innovation. As Creatopia, we do believe that that that um, that um, that um, that 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 problems and there's always going to be problems and there's always going to be problems and there's always when a lot of people come there's always when a lot of people come there's always when a lot of people come together that's bound to happen. And so together that's bound to happen. And so together that's bound to happen. And so how how do we how do we maintain a how how do we how do we maintain a how how do we how do we maintain a mindset where we're playing and so we're mindset where we're playing and so we're mindset where we're playing and so we're not taking things offensively, we're not taking things offensively, we're not taking things offensively, we're we're able to shift like right like kids

we're able to shift like right like kids we're able to shift like right like kids when they're like they get mad at each when they're like they get mad at each when they're like they get mad at each other and then they're like 5 minutes other and then they're like 5 minutes other and then they're like 5 minutes later they're playing again. later they're playing again. later they're playing again. >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> And then they're like 5 minutes ago they >> And then they're like 5 minutes ago they >> And then they're like 5 minutes ago they hated each other. hated each other. hated each other. How do we do that, right? And how do we How do we do that, right? And how do we How do we do that, right? And how do we build actual solutions that can stay build actual solutions that can stay build actual solutions that can stay here in Houston? Um, so that's kind of here in Houston? Um, so that's kind of here in Houston? Um, so that's kind of all that we had for today. We do have all that we had for today. We do have all that we had for today. We do have our our in-studio audience. our our in-studio audience. our our in-studio audience. Um, this is when y'all get to Um, this is when y'all get to Um, this is when y'all get to participate for those who want to participate for those who want to participate for those who want to participate. participate. participate. There's a microphone on the table. Um, There's a microphone on the table. Um, There's a microphone on the table. Um, and we just want to and we just want to and we just want to uh, give them a moment to either if you uh, give them a moment to either if you uh, give them a moment to either if you have any questions. We do have a have any questions. We do have a have any questions. We do have a question of the day if you've ever been question of the day if you've ever been question of the day if you've ever been in the valley of death or have a comment in the valley of death or have a comment in the valley of death or have a comment or have a story around that or have or have a story around that or have or have a story around that or have anything you want to say, any clarifying anything you want to say, any clarifying anything you want to say, any clarifying questions that you want to ask, uh, this questions that you want to ask, uh, this questions that you want to ask, uh, this is the time to do that. Um, or if you is the time to do that. Um, or if you is the time to do that. Um, or if you just have a question about anything else just have a question about anything else just have a question about anything else um, this is the time. Welcome to our um, this is the time. Welcome to our um, this is the time. Welcome to our studio audience and for the first time studio audience and for the first time studio audience and for the first time that we're doing this this is great. that we're doing this this is great. that we're doing this this is great. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Um, I can't see that many people cuz the >> Um, I can't see that many people cuz the >> Um, I can't see that many people cuz the lights are in my eyes, but we have a lights are in my eyes, but we have a lights are in my eyes, but we have a great turnout. Thank you all for coming.

great turnout. Thank you all for coming. great turnout. Thank you all for coming. >> All right. So, I'm Deji. I'm the founder >> All right. So, I'm Deji. I'm the founder >> All right. So, I'm Deji. I'm the founder of Oya, a creator marketing platform for of Oya, a creator marketing platform for of Oya, a creator marketing platform for brands. And the challenge I have right brands. And the challenge I have right brands. And the challenge I have right now is finding uh brands as customers in now is finding uh brands as customers in now is finding uh brands as customers in the Austin ecosystem. So, how should I the Austin ecosystem. So, how should I the Austin ecosystem. So, how should I be going about that? Looking for B2C be going about that? Looking for B2C be going about that? Looking for B2C uh businesses that use influencer uh businesses that use influencer uh businesses that use influencer marketing that need help uh to manage marketing that need help uh to manage marketing that need help uh to manage their influencer programs, where we can their influencer programs, where we can their influencer programs, where we can either manage it for them or they can either manage it for them or they can either manage it for them or they can use our software to manage their use our software to manage their use our software to manage their their their their um um um their >> So, you you're looking for customers, is >> So, you you're looking for customers, is what I understand? what I understand? what I understand? >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Okay. >> Okay. >> Okay. >> So, what what does the ecosystem have in >> So, what what does the ecosystem have in >> So, what what does the ecosystem have in helping connect helping connect helping connect uh startups to businesses uh startups to businesses uh startups to businesses um for for those kind of opportunities? um for for those kind of opportunities? um for for those kind of opportunities? >> Well, that's what we're building here in >> Well, that's what we're building here in >> Well, that's what we're building here in the ecosystem. Um that's I I mean, this the ecosystem. Um that's I I mean, this the ecosystem. Um that's I I mean, this is our first show. We've been in this is our first show. We've been in this is our first show. We've been in this space for about 2 months. Um but that is space for about 2 months. Um but that is space for about 2 months. Um but that is why we want to build a list of startups why we want to build a list of startups why we want to build a list of startups and get as many founders and people here and get as many founders and people here and get as many founders and people here so that we can all connect and it our so that we can all connect and it our so that we can all connect and it our vision is to go viral.

vision is to go viral. vision is to go viral. >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> Uh we want to go viral so that we can >> Uh we want to go viral so that we can >> Uh we want to go viral so that we can really shift the market, right? Because really shift the market, right? Because really shift the market, right? Because when you're telling the story and when when you're telling the story and when when you're telling the story and when you're you're out there and you're going you're you're out there and you're going you're you're out there and you're going viral, that does something to the viral, that does something to the viral, that does something to the market. Uh so, that's why we really want market. Uh so, that's why we really want market. Uh so, that's why we really want to integrate media and technology and to integrate media and technology and to integrate media and technology and live shows live shows live shows um ongoing and always um so that we can um ongoing and always um so that we can um ongoing and always um so that we can so that we can tap into that narrative so that we can tap into that narrative so that we can tap into that narrative and and shift the market. and and shift the market. and and shift the market. >> And you know, like there are many >> And you know, like there are many >> And you know, like there are many companies here. So, there are actually, companies here. So, there are actually, companies here. So, there are actually, you know, when when we think about the you know, when when we think about the you know, when when we think about the ecosystem, we're working with media ecosystem, we're working with media ecosystem, we're working with media companies, we're working with small and companies, we're working with small and companies, we're working with small and big companies. And um we're going to big companies. And um we're going to big companies. And um we're going to launch our uh launch our uh launch our uh platform very soon. platform very soon. platform very soon. So, you can find those companies. So, we So, you can find those companies. So, we So, you can find those companies. So, we have companies that they actually have companies that they actually have companies that they actually working with working with working with the influencers. There are startups, the influencers. There are startups, the influencers. There are startups, there are bigger companies, there are there are bigger companies, there are there are bigger companies, there are brands that they are working with with brands that they are working with with brands that they are working with with the influencers. And this is their the influencers. And this is their the influencers. And this is their challenge because challenge because challenge because how do you measure that? Like how do you how do you measure that? Like how do you how do you measure that? Like how do you handle that? How do you really um handle that? How do you really um handle that? How do you really um manage your your talents and and manage your your talents and and manage your your talents and and influencers. So, influencers. So, influencers. So, uh when you join, then when we have uh when you join, then when we have uh when you join, then when we have those events, it could be a private those events, it could be a private those events, it could be a private events, it could be events, it could be events, it could be um some introductions. Uh that's where, um some introductions. Uh that's where, um some introductions. Uh that's where, you know, that's what we do. Basically, you know, that's what we do. Basically, you know, that's what we do. Basically, you are bringing a valuable you are bringing a valuable you are bringing a valuable uh benefit into the ecosystem. And now, uh benefit into the ecosystem. And now, uh benefit into the ecosystem. And now, we're going to introduce you to the

we're going to introduce you to the we're going to introduce you to the people that they really need that value people that they really need that value people that they really need that value that you're bringing. So, that's the that you're bringing. So, that's the that you're bringing. So, that's the power of ecosystem. So, just, you know, power of ecosystem. So, just, you know, power of ecosystem. So, just, you know, to answer your question, uh to answer your question, uh to answer your question, uh it's going to is today is our official it's going to is today is our official it's going to is today is our official launch. So, and you're going to join and launch. So, and you're going to join and launch. So, and you're going to join and then then then from next week, we're going to connect from next week, we're going to connect from next week, we're going to connect you you you to the people that they can help you to to the people that they can help you to to the people that they can help you to find your first customers. find your first customers. find your first customers. >> And build it together. And then and and >> And build it together. And then and and >> And build it together. And then and and hopefully, you can be part of somebody's hopefully, you can be part of somebody's hopefully, you can be part of somebody's tech stack, right? Like a company's tech tech stack, right? Like a company's tech tech stack, right? Like a company's tech stack where we've been talking about how stack where we've been talking about how stack where we've been talking about how we can how there's a lot of different we can how there's a lot of different we can how there's a lot of different companies already companies already companies already startups already in the ecosystem startups already in the ecosystem startups already in the ecosystem that can do fractional work for that can do fractional work for that can do fractional work for companies. And so, how can we put maybe companies. And so, how can we put maybe companies. And so, how can we put maybe there's like a like a fractional there's like a like a fractional there's like a like a fractional marketing officer and financial officer marketing officer and financial officer marketing officer and financial officer and technical officer that everybody and technical officer that everybody and technical officer that everybody needs, like all of these startups need. needs, like all of these startups need. needs, like all of these startups need. So, how do we package that together for So, how do we package that together for So, how do we package that together for people that need specific services? people that need specific services? people that need specific services? >> And that's, you know, what we call it >> And that's, you know, what we call it >> And that's, you know, what we call it like a white label menu. So, for the like a white label menu. So, for the like a white label menu. So, for the ecosystem, we are building a white label ecosystem, we are building a white label ecosystem, we are building a white label menu, which means so we are putting menu, which means so we are putting menu, which means so we are putting everybody's capabilities and and everybody's capabilities and and everybody's capabilities and and offering into one big giant menu. So, offering into one big giant menu. So, offering into one big giant menu. So, when we go to people, when we bring in a when we go to people, when we bring in a when we go to people, when we bring in a price here price here price here because we have we we are working with because we have we we are working with because we have we we are working with different groups.

different groups. different groups. Uh so, when we talk to enterprise, we Uh so, when we talk to enterprise, we Uh so, when we talk to enterprise, we offer them this big uh menu of white offer them this big uh menu of white offer them this big uh menu of white label services, fractional services, label services, fractional services, label services, fractional services, technologies that can be offered to them technologies that can be offered to them technologies that can be offered to them and they can say, "Oh yeah, you know um and they can say, "Oh yeah, you know um and they can say, "Oh yeah, you know um as as an enterprise, I need this uh this as as an enterprise, I need this uh this as as an enterprise, I need this uh this service and product." >> Thank you for the question. Hey Joseph. >> Thank you for the question. Hey Joseph. Joseph's Joseph's leading our Wait, hold Joseph's Joseph's leading our Wait, hold Joseph's Joseph's leading our Wait, hold on. Let me let us get you on camera. on. Let me let us get you on camera. on. Let me let us get you on camera. Right here. Right here. Right here. >> Can I uh should I >> Can I uh should I >> Can I uh should I Hey. Yeah, so I'm I'm leading the Hey. Yeah, so I'm I'm leading the Hey. Yeah, so I'm I'm leading the founders couch. founders couch. founders couch. >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> So, I'm leading the founders couch on on >> So, I'm leading the founders couch on on >> So, I'm leading the founders couch on on uh Friday and I enjoyed being here. I uh Friday and I enjoyed being here. I uh Friday and I enjoyed being here. I enjoyed listening uh to you guys. One of enjoyed listening uh to you guys. One of enjoyed listening uh to you guys. One of the questions I had, so so I have a the questions I had, so so I have a the questions I had, so so I have a startup called Next Shift IQ. Uh it's a startup called Next Shift IQ. Uh it's a startup called Next Shift IQ. Uh it's a career recruitment platform. career recruitment platform. career recruitment platform. Um the goal is um looking at the current Um the goal is um looking at the current Um the goal is um looking at the current job market uh and seeing how companies job market uh and seeing how companies job market uh and seeing how companies are a little hesitant to hire. are a little hesitant to hire. are a little hesitant to hire. I want to design a platform that plans I want to design a platform that plans I want to design a platform that plans ahead. So, we know when uh quantum ahead. So, we know when uh quantum ahead. So, we know when uh quantum uh quantum computer Sorry if my voice is uh quantum computer Sorry if my voice is uh quantum computer Sorry if my voice is shaky.

shaky. shaky. We know when quantum computer is coming We know when quantum computer is coming We know when quantum computer is coming out and how to plan for it. Um out and how to plan for it. Um out and how to plan for it. Um one of the difficult is I'm having is one of the difficult is I'm having is one of the difficult is I'm having is companies are not hiring and that's the companies are not hiring and that's the companies are not hiring and that's the biggest issue. For whatever reasons, biggest issue. For whatever reasons, biggest issue. For whatever reasons, either they're either they're either they're scared that their next hire does not scared that their next hire does not scared that their next hire does not understand AI understand AI understand AI or they're scared of the market. Um or they're scared of the market. Um or they're scared of the market. Um so so clearly I mean a uh valley of so so clearly I mean a uh valley of so so clearly I mean a uh valley of death. death. death. I don't know what I'm [laughter] I don't know what I'm [laughter] I don't know what I'm [laughter] Uh uh stage frights gets my my uh nerves Uh uh stage frights gets my my uh nerves Uh uh stage frights gets my my uh nerves shaking. But, what can I do to get out shaking. But, what can I do to get out shaking. But, what can I do to get out of the valley of death? What are some of the valley of death? What are some of the valley of death? What are some practical things that you think uh um a practical things that you think uh um a practical things that you think uh um a company like that could do to get out of company like that could do to get out of company like that could do to get out of the valley of death? the valley of death? the valley of death? Does that make sense? Does that make sense? Does that make sense? >> Something that I saw Can you pull up the >> Something that I saw Can you pull up the >> Something that I saw Can you pull up the graph again? graph again? graph again? Benjamin, please. Benjamin, please. Benjamin, please. Um Um Um You see so so where in where you see the You see so so where in where you see the You see so so where in where you see the valley of death, valley of death, valley of death, um where it says pivot and adjust, um where it says pivot and adjust, um where it says pivot and adjust, I think it's for us anyway, um it's been I think it's for us anyway, um it's been I think it's for us anyway, um it's been really important to know when we have to really important to know when we have to really important to know when we have to pivot and adjust because I I think what pivot and adjust because I I think what pivot and adjust because I I think what I see a lot is um that people have an I see a lot is um that people have an I see a lot is um that people have an idea and they're like, "I'm going to idea and they're like, "I'm going to idea and they're like, "I'm going to make this idea work no matter what." Um make this idea work no matter what." Um make this idea work no matter what." Um and and don't really take into account and and don't really take into account and and don't really take into account what's happening in the market or or what's happening in the market or or what's happening in the market or or like how things are shifting. So like like how things are shifting. So like like how things are shifting. So like you were saying, Joseph, that companies you were saying, Joseph, that companies you were saying, Joseph, that companies aren't hiring. Um aren't hiring. Um aren't hiring. Um So why are they not hiring? And and what So why are they not hiring? And and what So why are they not hiring? And and what else do you maybe need to look at and

else do you maybe need to look at and else do you maybe need to look at and pivot within within the company to pivot within within the company to pivot within within the company to restructure what your what your service restructure what your what your service restructure what your what your service is still is, um but taking into account is still is, um but taking into account is still is, um but taking into account the fact that companies aren't hiring. the fact that companies aren't hiring. the fact that companies aren't hiring. Um that's just something that from Um that's just something that from Um that's just something that from experience I know we've had to do. Um experience I know we've had to do. Um experience I know we've had to do. Um and we've had to pivot and adjust and we've had to pivot and adjust and we've had to pivot and adjust depending on the feedback that we're depending on the feedback that we're depending on the feedback that we're getting from our market. getting from our market. getting from our market. >> And you know, like there is a concept of >> And you know, like there is a concept of >> And you know, like there is a concept of zero to one customers, right? zero to one customers, right? zero to one customers, right? Um Um Um in your industry, in your startup, in your industry, in your startup, in your industry, in your startup, the biggest thing for you is to the biggest thing for you is to the biggest thing for you is to identify five people that you know identify five people that you know identify five people that you know or somebody in your network know that or somebody in your network know that or somebody in your network know that you can go to them, somebody that is uh you can go to them, somebody that is uh you can go to them, somebody that is uh safe to have this conversation. safe to have this conversation. safe to have this conversation. The problem with cold call is you're The problem with cold call is you're The problem with cold call is you're just sending an email to the person and just sending an email to the person and just sending an email to the person and that person doesn't know you and you are that person doesn't know you and you are that person doesn't know you and you are uh you are a small company. And for uh you are a small company. And for uh you are a small company. And for anybody that work for enterprise, I work anybody that work for enterprise, I work anybody that work for enterprise, I work for enterprise and you know, we were for enterprise and you know, we were for enterprise and you know, we were just like, "Hmm, yeah, you know, you're just like, "Hmm, yeah, you know, you're just like, "Hmm, yeah, you know, you're good company, but you're too small."

good company, but you're too small." good company, but you're too small." Right? Right? Right? So, it's just, you know, you need to So, it's just, you know, you need to So, it's just, you know, you need to start thinking about your the the the start thinking about your the the the start thinking about your the the the playing field that you wanted to enter, playing field that you wanted to enter, playing field that you wanted to enter, right? And when we were talking about right? And when we were talking about right? And when we were talking about zero to one, zero to one, zero to one, it means let's just list five people it means let's just list five people it means let's just list five people that you know, or let's just reach out that you know, or let's just reach out that you know, or let's just reach out to your community. So, people are to your community. So, people are to your community. So, people are hiring. It's not like the hiring has a hiring. It's not like the hiring has a hiring. It's not like the hiring has a stopped. stopped. stopped. But, the problem is the person that is But, the problem is the person that is But, the problem is the person that is hiring is going to trust you and your hiring is going to trust you and your hiring is going to trust you and your system. system. system. So, basically, if you can go and and So, basically, if you can go and and So, basically, if you can go and and show them, and I think you and I we had show them, and I think you and I we had show them, and I think you and I we had like this conversation before. If you like this conversation before. If you like this conversation before. If you can just go and and scrape like all the can just go and and scrape like all the can just go and and scrape like all the jobs and you just go to them and say, jobs and you just go to them and say, jobs and you just go to them and say, "Look, you have these jobs, I have "Look, you have these jobs, I have "Look, you have these jobs, I have these." And launch your product. Because these." And launch your product. Because these." And launch your product. Because what you're doing guys is more like a it what you're doing guys is more like a it what you're doing guys is more like a it could be a platform. could be a platform. could be a platform. And show them like this is how my And show them like this is how my And show them like this is how my product is better. But, just imagine if product is better. But, just imagine if product is better. But, just imagine if you are a part of an ecosystem, you are a part of an ecosystem, you are a part of an ecosystem, and you get to the person by warm and you get to the person by warm and you get to the person by warm introduction. So, you get to the five introduction. So, you get to the five introduction. So, you get to the five first customers by warm introduction first customers by warm introduction first customers by warm introduction instead of cold call.

instead of cold call. instead of cold call. Then, you know, people are saying, "Hey, Then, you know, people are saying, "Hey, Then, you know, people are saying, "Hey, you know, Mr. hiring manager, you know, you know, Mr. hiring manager, you know, you know, Mr. hiring manager, you know, I know Joseph. I think he's doing really I know Joseph. I think he's doing really I know Joseph. I think he's doing really cool. Do you want to take a look? Do you cool. Do you want to take a look? Do you cool. Do you want to take a look? Do you want to give him a shot?" And they're want to give him a shot?" And they're want to give him a shot?" And they're like, "Oh, you know, I don't know. Like like, "Oh, you know, I don't know. Like like, "Oh, you know, I don't know. Like this is a new company." No, no, we have this is a new company." No, no, we have this is a new company." No, no, we have been working with him like he's a part been working with him like he's a part been working with him like he's a part of the community. He's a part of the of the community. He's a part of the of the community. He's a part of the product and and this, you know, cohort, product and and this, you know, cohort, product and and this, you know, cohort, and he has been doing this for few other and he has been doing this for few other and he has been doing this for few other startups. The results have been really startups. The results have been really startups. The results have been really amazing. Do you want to just give it a amazing. Do you want to just give it a amazing. Do you want to just give it a shot?" shot?" shot?" This is the kind of like the idea of a This is the kind of like the idea of a This is the kind of like the idea of a lot of other places that they have like lot of other places that they have like lot of other places that they have like these strong ecosystems. You get your these strong ecosystems. You get your these strong ecosystems. You get your first customers either someone that you first customers either someone that you first customers either someone that you know, or someone that you can get warm know, or someone that you can get warm know, or someone that you can get warm introductions. introductions. introductions. >> Yeah, I think a lot of our >> Yeah, I think a lot of our >> Yeah, I think a lot of our of our first customers were referrals of our first customers were referrals of our first customers were referrals and a lot of word of mouth and a lot of and a lot of word of mouth and a lot of and a lot of word of mouth and a lot of Yeah, a lot of people vouching for you Yeah, a lot of people vouching for you Yeah, a lot of people vouching for you and and again that's and and again that's and and again that's when you when you think of like when you when you think of like when you when you think of like ecosystem building and community ecosystem building and community ecosystem building and community building, there is so much trust that is building, there is so much trust that is building, there is so much trust that is needed to build communities and and what needed to build communities and and what needed to build communities and and what does it take to really does it take to really does it take to really build trust, right?

build trust, right? build trust, right? And I I I love how like people say that And I I I love how like people say that And I I I love how like people say that it's it's it's it's not what you know, but who you know it's not what you know, but who you know it's not what you know, but who you know and and then how well you know them and and then how well you know them and and then how well you know them because that's how you build trust, because that's how you build trust, because that's how you build trust, right? And and so like really stepping right? And and so like really stepping right? And and so like really stepping into networking and and stepping into into networking and and stepping into into networking and and stepping into ecosystems and stepping and and speaking ecosystems and stepping and and speaking ecosystems and stepping and and speaking to people that to people that to people that that can that can put you in spaces is that can that can put you in spaces is that can that can put you in spaces is is really magical. is really magical. is really magical. >> Yeah, and you know, >> Yeah, and you know, >> Yeah, and you know, you see like here all these stories that you see like here all these stories that you see like here all these stories that person just like they went to these job person just like they went to these job person just like they went to these job boards and they just, you know, get the boards and they just, you know, get the boards and they just, you know, get the job description, put it on AI and they job description, put it on AI and they job description, put it on AI and they just tailor the the resume and even just tailor the the resume and even just tailor the the resume and even sometimes they are like on on different sometimes they are like on on different sometimes they are like on on different screens, you know, working with car to screens, you know, working with car to screens, you know, working with car to you know, answer the questions. So, what you know, answer the questions. So, what you know, answer the questions. So, what you're tackling is is a big problem you're tackling is is a big problem you're tackling is is a big problem becoming a big problem for many big becoming a big problem for many big becoming a big problem for many big enterprises, but the problem is you need enterprises, but the problem is you need enterprises, but the problem is you need to slowly get into the market, you start to slowly get into the market, you start to slowly get into the market, you start very slow and that's where you need to very slow and that's where you need to very slow and that's where you need to look at your what is my they call it look at your what is my they call it look at your what is my they call it like beach head market. like beach head market. like beach head market. The smallest market that you can go and The smallest market that you can go and The smallest market that you can go and it is starts with it is starts with it is starts with give me five people that you know, that give me five people that you know, that give me five people that you know, that you can personally go to them and tell you can personally go to them and tell you can personally go to them and tell them, "Hey, them, "Hey, them, "Hey, hey buddy, can you help me?" Or hey buddy, can you help me?" Or hey buddy, can you help me?" Or you have people that they know five you have people that they know five you have people that they know five people that they can say, "Hey buddy, people that they can say, "Hey buddy, people that they can say, "Hey buddy, can you work with Joseph?" That's I can you work with Joseph?" That's I can you work with Joseph?" That's I think where a lot of people think where a lot of people think where a lot of people you know, hang up because you know, I you know, hang up because you know, I you know, hang up because you know, I don't know anybody or I'm just trying to don't know anybody or I'm just trying to don't know anybody or I'm just trying to cold call and no one is picking up.

cold call and no one is picking up. cold call and no one is picking up. >> Right. >> Right. >> Right. Right. That's just exhausting. I've Right. That's just exhausting. I've Right. That's just exhausting. I've I hated the cold calling. I hated the cold calling. I hated the cold calling. Do you have any more questions or any Do you have any more questions or any Do you have any more questions or any more comments from the audience? >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> No. >> No. >> No. >> I don't know. >> I don't know. >> I don't know. >> Can we just Can we Can we just pan to >> Can we just Can we Can we just pan to >> Can we just Can we Can we just pan to the audience to see who's out here? the audience to see who's out here? the audience to see who's out here? Say hi. Who's out Who's in the back? Say hi. Who's out Who's in the back? Say hi. Who's out Who's in the back? >> Uh we got some people hiding back there. >> Uh we got some people hiding back there. >> Uh we got some people hiding back there. So, my name is Joseph Bankole. I'm going So, my name is Joseph Bankole. I'm going So, my name is Joseph Bankole. I'm going to be hosting uh to be hosting uh to be hosting uh leading not hosting but leading the the leading not hosting but leading the the leading not hosting but leading the the Founders Couch which is as dimension of Founders Couch which is as dimension of Founders Couch which is as dimension of the 31st of July is our first launch. the 31st of July is our first launch. the 31st of July is our first launch. So, it's good to have everybody. So, it's good to have everybody. So, it's good to have everybody. Yeah, thank you. So, it was good to see Yeah, thank you. So, it was good to see Yeah, thank you. So, it was good to see this. It was good to It was It was this. It was good to It was It was this. It was good to It was It was definitely enjoyable session as definitely enjoyable session as definitely enjoyable session as Rosalia and Ben were talking. I was at Rosalia and Ben were talking. I was at Rosalia and Ben were talking. I was at the back texting all my friends like, the back texting all my friends like, the back texting all my friends like, "You got to check this out." So, "You got to check this out." So, "You got to check this out." So, it's it's good to be here. it's it's good to be here. it's it's good to be here. >> It's live on the website, too. >> It's live on the website, too. >> It's live on the website, too. >> Is it live? >> Is it live? >> Is it live? >> Awesome.

>> Awesome. >> Awesome. >> Yeah, I'm Deji. >> Yeah, I'm Deji. >> Yeah, I'm Deji. I was CMO for a venture-backed startup I was CMO for a venture-backed startup I was CMO for a venture-backed startup for 4 years and prior to that I worked for 4 years and prior to that I worked for 4 years and prior to that I worked at Procter & Gamble launching products at Procter & Gamble launching products at Procter & Gamble launching products on Tide. So, and I have a platform for on Tide. So, and I have a platform for on Tide. So, and I have a platform for influencer marketing where influencer marketing where influencer marketing where we help businesses manage their we help businesses manage their we help businesses manage their influencers or give them the software to influencers or give them the software to influencers or give them the software to to to run their influencer program as to to run their influencer program as to to run their influencer program as well. And then as well. And then as well. And then as because of all my experience working because of all my experience working because of all my experience working with with with venture-backed startup, I also work with venture-backed startup, I also work with venture-backed startup, I also work with founders and startup teams on marketing founders and startup teams on marketing founders and startup teams on marketing and go-to-market and go-to-market and go-to-market as well. >> Awesome. Awesome. >> Awesome. Awesome. My name is Mason. My name is Mason. My name is Mason. Um Um Um last 7 years I was working on a project last 7 years I was working on a project last 7 years I was working on a project called FDM. FDM it stand for FT called FDM. FDM it stand for FT called FDM. FDM it stand for FT financial technology and mentorship. financial technology and mentorship. financial technology and mentorship. So, we mentoring people about financial So, we mentoring people about financial So, we mentoring people about financial services. People I believe um when I services. People I believe um when I services. People I believe um when I came to America I'll find out most of came to America I'll find out most of came to America I'll find out most of people they don't understand about people they don't understand about people they don't understand about financial. Why? Because I fell and I financial. Why? Because I fell and I financial. Why? Because I fell and I lost around $85,000 in business and I lost around $85,000 in business and I lost around $85,000 in business and I got uh homeless uh in the state of got uh homeless uh in the state of got uh homeless uh in the state of California. So, that's why uh everything California. So, that's why uh everything California. So, that's why uh everything is start from there.

is start from there. is start from there. Um Um Um and I'll find out people they need to and I'll find out people they need to and I'll find out people they need to learn about financial. They need to learn about financial. They need to learn about financial. They need to learn about uh how tax works, how social learn about uh how tax works, how social learn about uh how tax works, how social security works, how insurance how bank security works, how insurance how bank security works, how insurance how bank works, how real estate industry works, works, how real estate industry works, works, how real estate industry works, where people can put their money and where people can put their money and where people can put their money and grow up fast, and how people can save grow up fast, and how people can save grow up fast, and how people can save money. Nobody teach those things. money. Nobody teach those things. money. Nobody teach those things. Nobody. In the school they teach Nobody. In the school they teach Nobody. In the school they teach business money management, not personal business money management, not personal business money management, not personal money management. So, that's why that money management. So, that's why that money management. So, that's why that was the idea. So, last seven seven years was the idea. So, last seven seven years was the idea. So, last seven seven years I was working so hard on that. So, we I was working so hard on that. So, we I was working so hard on that. So, we are starting very hard. are starting very hard. are starting very hard. Uh Uh Uh we are getting up. We are growing we are getting up. We are growing we are getting up. We are growing company. company. company. >> And that would be FTM standing >> And that would be FTM standing >> And that would be FTM standing >> Yes. FTM is Financial Technology >> Yes. FTM is Financial Technology >> Yes. FTM is Financial Technology Mentorship. Mentorship. Mentorship. >> Okay. >> Okay. >> Okay. >> Yeah. So, we mentoring people about >> Yeah. So, we mentoring people about >> Yeah. So, we mentoring people about about what they need to do. It's a about what they need to do. It's a about what they need to do. It's a mentorship, business mentorship, mentorship, business mentorship, mentorship, business mentorship, entrepreneurship, you know, those stuff. entrepreneurship, you know, those stuff. entrepreneurship, you know, those stuff. >> You spent the last seven years building >> You spent the last seven years building >> You spent the last seven years building >> Yeah, last seven seven years. So, I take >> Yeah, last seven seven years. So, I take >> Yeah, last seven seven years. So, I take care of over 2,000 agents in the state care of over 2,000 agents in the state care of over 2,000 agents in the state of California, Florida, Texas. So, last of California, Florida, Texas. So, last of California, Florida, Texas. So, last year we did $22 million year we did $22 million year we did $22 million production.

production. production. Yeah. >> Uh hi everyone. This is Nafi and I'm a >> Uh hi everyone. This is Nafi and I'm a realtor and you know, uh I started like realtor and you know, uh I started like realtor and you know, uh I started like three years ago. And actually I'm new in three years ago. And actually I'm new in three years ago. And actually I'm new in the market, but I'm trying to find my the market, but I'm trying to find my the market, but I'm trying to find my market and working on that. Yeah, I'm market and working on that. Yeah, I'm market and working on that. Yeah, I'm really happy over here and see Ben. Um really happy over here and see Ben. Um really happy over here and see Ben. Um get out of you, you know, and get out of you, you know, and get out of you, you know, and I hope to see you next time again. I hope to see you next time again. I hope to see you next time again. >> Hello everyone. >> Hello everyone. >> Hello everyone. I'm Arzu. I do I'm Arzu. I do I'm Arzu. I do business services. >> My name is Larry and I am partnered with >> My name is Larry and I am partnered with Apollo and co-founder of a foundational Apollo and co-founder of a foundational Apollo and co-founder of a foundational AI platform. AI platform. AI platform. One of the most important things that One of the most important things that One of the most important things that has been touched on with this this has been touched on with this this has been touched on with this this meeting and and others is the education meeting and and others is the education meeting and and others is the education level.

level. level. People don't know enough about what's People don't know enough about what's People don't know enough about what's coming. They don't know enough about how coming. They don't know enough about how coming. They don't know enough about how they can be involved. they can be involved. they can be involved. And the market scares people. And the market scares people. And the market scares people. And and what we're trying to do is And and what we're trying to do is And and what we're trying to do is make it easier for everybody to get a make it easier for everybody to get a make it easier for everybody to get a benefit have a benefit from benefit have a benefit from benefit have a benefit from what AI can really truly bring. We have what AI can really truly bring. We have what AI can really truly bring. We have had a lot of products in the pipeline. had a lot of products in the pipeline. had a lot of products in the pipeline. We've had a lot of development. And We've had a lot of development. And We've had a lot of development. And without being too technical about it, without being too technical about it, without being too technical about it, we are still learning. we are still learning. we are still learning. And that's why we're here, learning to And that's why we're here, learning to And that's why we're here, learning to get help the way we need. get help the way we need. get help the way we need. >> Awesome. >> Okay. >> Okay. Too close to something. Too close to something. Too close to something. >> All right, I'll stand over here. >> All right, I'll stand over here. >> All right, I'll stand over here. So, hi. I'm Kenneth Benavides. I work So, hi. I'm Kenneth Benavides. I work So, hi. I'm Kenneth Benavides. I work with Ben and others part of the with Ben and others part of the with Ben and others part of the ecosystem. So, I work in a fractional ecosystem. So, I work in a fractional ecosystem. So, I work in a fractional capacity. So, I work with Iron Grove and capacity. So, I work with Iron Grove and capacity. So, I work with Iron Grove and others others others mainly on the technology and operations mainly on the technology and operations mainly on the technology and operations side and been doing that for I won't side and been doing that for I won't side and been doing that for I won't date myself. So, I'll just say I've been date myself. So, I'll just say I've been date myself. So, I'll just say I've been doing it for a while in various roles doing it for a while in various roles doing it for a while in various roles from executive and now moving into from executive and now moving into from executive and now moving into founder and startup role. So, founder and startup role. So, founder and startup role. So, if you need help, just give me a holler.

if you need help, just give me a holler. if you need help, just give me a holler. Things always free. Thanks. Things always free. Thanks. Things always free. Thanks. >> [snorts] >> All right, good afternoon. I'm Trent >> All right, good afternoon. I'm Trent Kirksey, the founder of Veil Kirksey, the founder of Veil Kirksey, the founder of Veil Technologies. Uh we developed the Veil Technologies. Uh we developed the Veil Technologies. Uh we developed the Veil app, which is a marketplace for app, which is a marketplace for app, which is a marketplace for nightlife, experiential travel, and uh nightlife, experiential travel, and uh nightlife, experiential travel, and uh luxury hospitality. And so, here in luxury hospitality. And so, here in luxury hospitality. And so, here in Houston, we know that there had been a Houston, we know that there had been a Houston, we know that there had been a season of becoming a major nightlife uh season of becoming a major nightlife uh season of becoming a major nightlife uh location, and our location, and our location, and our organizations and local restaurants kind organizations and local restaurants kind organizations and local restaurants kind of focused on nightlife. of focused on nightlife. of focused on nightlife. Uh then there became a gap between the Uh then there became a gap between the Uh then there became a gap between the consumer and the ownership because the consumer and the ownership because the consumer and the ownership because the promoters didn't have the infrastructure promoters didn't have the infrastructure promoters didn't have the infrastructure to manage the relationships with to manage the relationships with to manage the relationships with customers spending two and $10,000 for a customers spending two and $10,000 for a customers spending two and $10,000 for a weekend experience. Uh and then there weekend experience. Uh and then there weekend experience. Uh and then there just became an issue with uh fraud in just became an issue with uh fraud in just became an issue with uh fraud in the space. And so, we've built infrast the space. And so, we've built infrast the space. And so, we've built infrast uh uh uh infrastructure that is going to provide infrastructure that is going to provide infrastructure that is going to provide an operating system for the clubs and an operating system for the clubs and an operating system for the clubs and luxury experiential experiences luxury experiential experiences luxury experiential experiences uh uh uh for the management to operate, and for for the management to operate, and for for the management to operate, and for customers to be able to have a trust and customers to be able to have a trust and customers to be able to have a trust and safety layer in their uh ability to safety layer in their uh ability to safety layer in their uh ability to celebrate. You talked about education.

celebrate. You talked about education. celebrate. You talked about education. Uh we also have an education component, Uh we also have an education component, Uh we also have an education component, right? Uh it's called Consume the World. right? Uh it's called Consume the World. right? Uh it's called Consume the World. Uh at the beginning of the show, we Uh at the beginning of the show, we Uh at the beginning of the show, we there was uh there were notes about how there was uh there were notes about how there was uh there were notes about how digital media drives engagement, and so digital media drives engagement, and so digital media drives engagement, and so uh we thought about that same thing. And uh we thought about that same thing. And uh we thought about that same thing. And so, we've integrated uh so, we've integrated uh so, we've integrated uh a podcast series and a series of kind of a podcast series and a series of kind of a podcast series and a series of kind of informational um informational um informational um articles that could offer people articles that could offer people articles that could offer people understanding into things like what understanding into things like what understanding into things like what types of whiskey exist and history of types of whiskey exist and history of types of whiskey exist and history of jazz, or the history of different kinds jazz, or the history of different kinds jazz, or the history of different kinds of music in different places, and its of music in different places, and its of music in different places, and its influ- influence on nightlife and influ- influence on nightlife and influ- influence on nightlife and experiences uh in those regions. And so, experiences uh in those regions. And so, experiences uh in those regions. And so, super excited to be a part of this super excited to be a part of this super excited to be a part of this ecosystem. Uh we are marketplace for ecosystem. Uh we are marketplace for ecosystem. Uh we are marketplace for nightlife and hospitality, uh but that nightlife and hospitality, uh but that nightlife and hospitality, uh but that expands into everybody's everything, expands into everybody's everything, expands into everybody's everything, right? Because you all get on a plane or right? Because you all get on a plane or right? Because you all get on a plane or rent a car or stay in a hotel, so uh rent a car or stay in a hotel, so uh rent a car or stay in a hotel, so uh Vail looks forward to serving everybody Vail looks forward to serving everybody Vail looks forward to serving everybody in whatever way we can. in whatever way we can. in whatever way we can. >> That's great.

>> I need a little bit. >> I need a little bit. >> How's that uh How's the light looking on >> How's that uh How's the light looking on >> How's that uh How's the light looking on me? Okay, awesome. me? Okay, awesome. me? Okay, awesome. >> Hey everyone, I'm Shaka. I'm the founder >> Hey everyone, I'm Shaka. I'm the founder >> Hey everyone, I'm Shaka. I'm the founder of the Houston Board of Food Security. of the Houston Board of Food Security. of the Houston Board of Food Security. Uh what that is is an organization here Uh what that is is an organization here Uh what that is is an organization here in the city that works on localizing in the city that works on localizing in the city that works on localizing food production. Course we all know that food production. Course we all know that food production. Course we all know that Sysco is consumed about 95% of the Sysco is consumed about 95% of the Sysco is consumed about 95% of the overall um overall um overall um space in which um food is consumed at space in which um food is consumed at space in which um food is consumed at restaurants. And of course we have our restaurants. And of course we have our restaurants. And of course we have our issues with um store-bought um grocery issues with um store-bought um grocery issues with um store-bought um grocery chains. Uh we're looking at gathering chains. Uh we're looking at gathering chains. Uh we're looking at gathering our local resources, building up the our local resources, building up the our local resources, building up the infrastructure, and being able to offer infrastructure, and being able to offer infrastructure, and being able to offer more local foods. Uh one of the ways more local foods. Uh one of the ways more local foods. Uh one of the ways that we are building infrastructure in that we are building infrastructure in that we are building infrastructure in the city is through content marketing. the city is through content marketing. the city is through content marketing. We've recently partnered up with Behind We've recently partnered up with Behind We've recently partnered up with Behind the Tiger at TSU that allows us to the Tiger at TSU that allows us to the Tiger at TSU that allows us to actually um work with the academic actually um work with the academic actually um work with the academic department, the football team, the um department, the football team, the um department, the football team, the um soccer teams, etc. And being able to not soccer teams, etc. And being able to not soccer teams, etc. And being able to not only only only um give the students an outlet uh for um give the students an outlet uh for um give the students an outlet uh for their early D1 college careers, but also their early D1 college careers, but also their early D1 college careers, but also provide a platform in which small provide a platform in which small provide a platform in which small businesses, um farmers, value-added businesses, um farmers, value-added businesses, um farmers, value-added producers can um begin to have an easier producers can um begin to have an easier producers can um begin to have an easier way, a more local way of marketing their way, a more local way of marketing their way, a more local way of marketing their plat- marketing their products. Uh one plat- marketing their products. Uh one plat- marketing their products. Uh one such case is a drink company that we're such case is a drink company that we're such case is a drink company that we're working with that is um approaching working with that is um approaching working with that is um approaching those steps of actually being able to those steps of actually being able to those steps of actually being able to secure a uh a contract with a college in

secure a uh a contract with a college in secure a uh a contract with a college in order to produce a branded drink for order to produce a branded drink for order to produce a branded drink for that for TSU college. So, it's uh that for TSU college. So, it's uh that for TSU college. So, it's uh it's simple things like that that allows it's simple things like that that allows it's simple things like that that allows for locally grown foods to grab a for locally grown foods to grab a for locally grown foods to grab a foothold and be able to actually start foothold and be able to actually start foothold and be able to actually start competing again competing again competing again with the likes of big distributors like with the likes of big distributors like with the likes of big distributors like Cisco. >> Well, thank you everybody for >> Well, thank you everybody for introducing yourselves. For the first introducing yourselves. For the first introducing yourselves. For the first time that we did this this is a great time that we did this this is a great time that we did this this is a great turnout. We Thank you so much. Thank turnout. We Thank you so much. Thank turnout. We Thank you so much. Thank you. Shout out to Ken from Iron Grove. you. Shout out to Ken from Iron Grove. you. Shout out to Ken from Iron Grove. They They They are they're helping us with our website are they're helping us with our website are they're helping us with our website and all and all and all sorts of technical things sorts of technical things sorts of technical things and like Joseph said and like Joseph said and like Joseph said the Founders Couch is the last Friday of the Founders Couch is the last Friday of the Founders Couch is the last Friday of every month. It's going to be from 1:00 every month. It's going to be from 1:00 every month. It's going to be from 1:00 to 3:00. So right after we finish our to 3:00. So right after we finish our to 3:00. So right after we finish our Funded Founder Friday that last Friday Funded Founder Friday that last Friday Funded Founder Friday that last Friday of the month. Try [snorts] saying that of the month. Try [snorts] saying that of the month. Try [snorts] saying that three times fast. three times fast. three times fast. >> [laughter] >> And we just want to again shout out to >> And we just want to again shout out to 801 Travis and the Innovation Hub for 801 Travis and the Innovation Hub for 801 Travis and the Innovation Hub for being sponsors of the space being sponsors of the space being sponsors of the space and thank you all for coming.

and thank you all for coming. and thank you all for coming. >> Absolutely. You know our programs >> Absolutely. You know our programs >> Absolutely. You know our programs we're doing we're piloting programs with we're doing we're piloting programs with we're doing we're piloting programs with few startups right now and the few startups right now and the few startups right now and the application is not available on the application is not available on the application is not available on the website yet but you know we're working website yet but you know we're working website yet but you know we're working on getting the application on the on getting the application on the on getting the application on the website. The goal is to have the second website. The goal is to have the second website. The goal is to have the second cohort started by the end of the month. cohort started by the end of the month. cohort started by the end of the month. So the first cohort is already we have So the first cohort is already we have So the first cohort is already we have the startups. the startups. the startups. And we have a lot lot more exciting news And we have a lot lot more exciting news And we have a lot lot more exciting news coming and just keep in mind we're here coming and just keep in mind we're here coming and just keep in mind we're here we are our goal is to bring founders we are our goal is to bring founders we are our goal is to bring founders funders funders funders and other resources and the community and other resources and the community and other resources and the community together together together so you become a funded founder not only so you become a funded founder not only so you become a funded founder not only on Fridays every day all night. on Fridays every day all night. on Fridays every day all night. >> [laughter] >> All right. Well, thank you everybody >> All right. Well, thank you everybody again and we'll see you next Friday at again and we'll see you next Friday at again and we'll see you next Friday at noon. noon. noon. >> Awesome. Thank you. >> Awesome. Thank you. >> Awesome. Thank you. >> Bye.