
Philly Tech Connect by Philadelphia Tech Entrepreneurs
Whether you’re a CEO, developer, non-technical co-founder, designer, or you just have an idea... Philly Tech Entrepreneurs is a group meant to bring together the tech startup community of Philadelphia.
Our mission is to strengthen and expand the Philadelphia Entrepreneurial scene by hosting monthly meetups and workshops featuring experts in tech-related fields such as business growth, digital marketing, SEO, design, development, and more!
Latest episodes

Jun 20, 2024 • 18min
From IKEA to Innovation
Stefanie Smith has a storied career, most notably with famed furniture retailer IKEA. But she has a new mission now: helping every idea see the light of day.
📌 Timestamps:
00:00:00 - Introducing Stefanie Smith
00:01:10 - Journey with IKEA
00:03:03 - Scandinavian corporate culture
00:04:36 - Unveiling the core process
00:06:19 - Simplifying business planning
00:07:43 - Identifying market competition
00:09:50 - Engaging financial planning
00:11:14 - Ideal candidates for the core process
00:13:07 - Impactful high school project
00:15:41 - Future plans and community involvement
🔸 Connect with the guests:
Stefanie’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stefaniesmith7/
🔹 Join Our Community:
Philly Tech Connect is more than just a podcast. It's a hub for innovation and connection. Join us for monthly meetups and workshops to engage with like-minded tech enthusiasts and expand your network. 🤝
Meetup: https://www.meetup.com/philadelphia-e...
Slack: https://join.slack.com/t/phillytechen...
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/philadelphia-tech-entrepreneurs/
👍 Like, Share, and Subscribe for more insightful stories and expert advice straight from the heart of Philadelphia's tech scene.
🎬 This content was produced and edited by Lifetime Value Media.
Learn more at: https://www.lifetimevaluemedia.com
#PhillyTechConnect #StartupChallenges #EntrepreneurialJourney #TechInnovation #Philadelphia

Jun 13, 2024 • 22min
Is a Partnership Right for You?
Tim Garrity is an accomplished Realtor serving the Greater Philadelphia area and having spent the past decade running a very successful independent brokerage. After disbanding that brokerage earlier this year, Tim joins the pod to discuss the pros and cons of partnerships and going into business with others.
📌 Timestamps:
00:00:00 - Is a Partnership Right for You?
00:01:09 - From Corporate America to Real Estate
00:02:13 - Founding Your Own Business
00:05:30 - Building a Business
00:07:19 - Defining a Partnership
00:10:23 - Ending the Partnership
00:17:20 - What’s Next
00:19:55 - Like, comment, and subscribe!
🔸 Connect with the guests:
Tim’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/timothygarrity/
🔹 Join Our Community:
Philly Tech Connect is more than just a podcast. It's a hub for innovation and connection. Join us for monthly meetups and workshops to engage with like-minded tech enthusiasts and expand your network. 🤝
Meetup: https://www.meetup.com/philadelphia-e...
Slack: https://join.slack.com/t/phillytechen...
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/philadelphia-tech-entrepreneurs/
👍 Like, Share, and Subscribe for more insightful stories and expert advice straight from the heart of Philadelphia's tech scene.
🎬 This content was produced and edited by Lifetime Value Media.
Learn more at: https://www.lifetimevaluemedia.com
#PhillyTechConnect #StartupChallenges #EntrepreneurialJourney #TechInnovation #Philadelphia

Jun 6, 2024 • 19min
The Polymath’s Journey
Mike Martin climbed the ranks of the corporate world for 30 years before striking out on his own with Top Down Strategies Consulting. In preparing for this moment, Mike became a TEDx speaker, wrote a book, and started his own podcast. He joins Dave to discuss it all.
📌 Timestamps:
00:02:07 - The self-fulfilling prophecy
00:04:08 - Mental fitness
00:06:10 - Positive self-talk
00:08:14 - Mastering self-command
00:10:13 - The key to successful writing
00:14:15 - Economies of language
00:18:25 - Like, comment, and subscribe!
🔸 Connect with the guests:
Mike’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikemartin/
🔹 Join Our Community:
Philly Tech Connect is more than just a podcast. It's a hub for innovation and connection. Join us for monthly meetups and workshops to engage with like-minded tech enthusiasts and expand your network. 🤝
Meetup: https://www.meetup.com/philadelphia-e...
Slack: https://join.slack.com/t/phillytechen...
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/philadelphia-tech-entrepreneurs/
👍 Like, Share, and Subscribe for more insightful stories and expert advice straight from the heart of Philadelphia's tech scene.
🎬 This content was produced and edited by Lifetime Value Media.
Learn more at: https://www.lifetimevaluemedia.com
#PhillyTechConnect #StartupChallenges #EntrepreneurialJourney #TechInnovation #Philadelphia

May 30, 2024 • 17min
Death to the Powerpoint
Rachel Winchester is a serial freelancer with more than a little entrepreneurial streak. She chats with Dave about her many irons in the fire, and how she once won a pitch competition against all odds.
📌 Timestamps:
00:00:00 - The Grim Reaper
00:01:44 - Better web presentations
00:03:42 - Death to slide decks and killing powerpoints
00:05:43 - Common mistakes in making presentations
00:07:35 - Introducing Focus Assistants
00:09:26 - The power of accountability partners
00:11:25 - The fundraising phase
00:13:21 - Winning a pitch against all odds
00:15:09 - Rachel’s contact info
00:17:06 - Like, comment, and subscribe!
🔸 Connect with the guests:
Rachel’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/winchesterachel/
🔹 Join Our Community:
Philly Tech Connect is more than just a podcast. It's a hub for innovation and connection. Join us for monthly meetups and workshops to engage with like-minded tech enthusiasts and expand your network. 🤝
Meetup: https://www.meetup.com/philadelphia-e...
Slack: https://join.slack.com/t/phillytechen...
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/philadelphia-tech-entrepreneurs/
👍 Like, Share, and Subscribe for more insightful stories and expert advice straight from the heart of Philadelphia's tech scene.
🎬 This content was produced and edited by Lifetime Value Media.
Learn more at: https://www.lifetimevaluemedia.com
#PhillyTechConnect #StartupChallenges #EntrepreneurialJourney #TechInnovation #Philadelphia

May 23, 2024 • 18min
Lessons from a Lifelong CEO
Brian Fitzpatrick has been around the block, having served as a CEO for several different Philadelphia-area technology companies and leading all but one to a successful exit. He joins Dave to share his most valuable lessons.
📌 Timestamps:
00:00:00 - The evolution of the Philadelphia tech scene
00:01:53 - The Philly scene, then and now
00:03:41 - Seek wisdom
00:05:38 - Effective leadership
00:07:36 - The role of authenticity in leadership
00:09:22 - Embracing failure
00:11:26 - The candyman
00:13:31 - Learning from all facets
00:15:40 - Understanding others
00:17:47 - Like, comment, and subscribe!
🔸 Connect with the guests:
Brian’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/briankfitzpatrick
🔹 Join Our Community:
Philly Tech Connect is more than just a podcast. It's a hub for innovation and connection. Join us for monthly meetups and workshops to engage with like-minded tech enthusiasts and expand your network. 🤝
Meetup: https://www.meetup.com/philadelphia-e...
Slack: https://join.slack.com/t/phillytechen...
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/philadelphia-tech-entrepreneurs/
👍 Like, Share, and Subscribe for more insightful stories and expert advice straight from the heart of Philadelphia's tech scene.
🎬 This content was produced and edited by Lifetime Value Media.
Learn more at: https://www.lifetimevaluemedia.com
#PhillyTechConnect #StartupChallenges #EntrepreneurialJourney #TechInnovation #Philadelphia

May 16, 2024 • 14min
Consistent Income Hitting Singles & Doubles
Craig Eppler, founder of his eponymous investment firm, joins Dave to discuss running his firm from vibrant downtown Philadelphia, and his strategy for generating consistent returns for his clients.
📌 Timestamps:
00:00:00 - Introduction
00:01:33 - Transition to Real Estate Investment
00:03:11 - The Nightmare of the First Rental Property
00:04:44 - What is a Portfolio in Real Estate Investing?
00:06:16 - Investing in Other Ventures
00:07:48 - Secret unlocked: Aircraft Parts Business
00:09:15 - Due Diligence and Asset Backing
00:10:45 - Providing Stable Income During Retirement
00:12:14 - Diversifying your Investment Portfolio
00:13:45 - Like, comment, and subscribe!
🔸 Connect with the guests:
Craig’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ceppler
🔹 Join Our Community:
Philly Tech Connect is more than just a podcast. It's a hub for innovation and connection. Join us for monthly meetups and workshops to engage with like-minded tech enthusiasts and expand your network. 🤝
Meetup: https://www.meetup.com/philadelphia-e...
Slack: https://join.slack.com/t/phillytechen...
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/philadelphia-tech-entrepreneurs/
👍 Like, Share, and Subscribe for more insightful stories and expert advice straight from the heart of Philadelphia's tech scene.
🎬 This content was produced and edited by Lifetime Value Media.
Learn more at: https://www.lifetimevaluemedia.com
#PhillyTechConnect #StartupChallenges #EntrepreneurialJourney #TechInnovation #Philadelphia

May 9, 2024 • 25min
Raising Capital in Philadelphia
Josh Devon, an accomplished tech founder and advisor, along with seasoned investor David Luk, hop on with Dave to chat raising capital in Philadelphia, dispelling a few myths along the way.
📌 Timestamps:
00:00:00 - Nobody’s giving you money
00:02:44 - Giving up Autonomy and Equity in Fundraising
00:05:21 - Raising Institutional Capital and the Venture Market Cycle
00:08:11 - The Fundraising Cycle
00:10:59 - The Philadelphia Tech Ecosystem
00:13:31 - Building a Virtuous Cycle in the Startup Community
00:16:09 - Bridging the Gap between Capital and Tech Startups
00:18:59 - Creating a Commercially Viable Company
00:21:45 - The Unsexy Middleware Company
00:24:31 - Like, comment, and subscribe!
🔸 Connect with the guests:
Josh’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josh-devon/
David’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidsluk/
🔹 Join Our Community:
Philly Tech Connect is more than just a podcast. It's a hub for innovation and connection. Join us for monthly meetups and workshops to engage with like-minded tech enthusiasts and expand your network. 🤝
Meetup: https://www.meetup.com/philadelphia-e...
Slack: https://join.slack.com/t/phillytechen...
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/philadelphia-tech-entrepreneurs/
👍 Like, Share, and Subscribe for more insightful stories and expert advice straight from the heart of Philadelphia's tech scene.
🎬 This content was produced and edited by Lifetime Value Media.
Learn more at: https://www.lifetimevaluemedia.com
#PhillyTechConnect #StartupChallenges #EntrepreneurialJourney #TechInnovation #Philadelphia

May 2, 2024 • 13min
Make Your Funding Go Further in Your Early Stages
Morgan Doyle, Associate Director of Business Development at Corporate Tax Incentives, discusses how startups can benefit from Research and Development Tax Credits, including qualification behaviors, expenses, revenue exclusions, and payroll tax benefits. The podcast dives into the process and flexibility of filing for these credits, while highlighting the exclusions and criteria for startups to maximize financial outcomes.

Apr 25, 2024 • 11min
Fostering Human Connections using Intelligent Assistance
Abu Kamara discusses creating human connections through AI, addressing startup failure, AI challenges, and narrowing focus. Exploring barter economy, networking, and future plans in tech space.

Apr 18, 2024 • 20min
Navigating Startup Challenges with Daniele Dellavalle EP 31
Former aerospace engineer turned CPO and co-founder of Tach Ignite, Daniele Dellavalle, shares insights on overcoming startup challenges. Topics include transitioning from aerospace to startups, running a tech-driven accelerator, and practical tips for success in the startup world.
Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts
Save insights instantly, chat with episodes, and build lasting knowledge - all powered by AI.