Royi Metser, Founder and CEO of Avelo, introduces the world’s first smart running shoe, aimed at preventing injuries while enhancing performance. He shares his personal running journey and discusses the unique tracking technology that sets his shoes apart. The conversation dives into market potential, addressing consumer skepticism about subscription models and costs. Royi highlights the balance between innovation and traditional comfort, emphasizing how Avelo could transition from niche to lifestyle brand, capturing the running community's heart.

Whitman Kwok, founder and CEO of KAV Sports, brings a fascinating twist to bike safety with his 3D-printed custom helmets. He discusses the urgent need for better protection in cycling, driven by alarming concussion rates. Venture capitalist Rohit Gupta chimes in on investment strategies in innovative manufacturing, while highlighting the potential for high returns. The conversation also dives into balancing sustainability, business growth, and the heartfelt stories of customers who trust these helmets to keep them safe during outdoor adventures.

Michele Callegari has grown Barberino's to the #1 luxury men's grooming brand in Italy. Can he replicate the same success in the US – and if he does, will the Italian investors want their cut?This is The Pitch for Barberino’s. Featuring investors Charles Hudson, Elizabeth Yin,  Jesse Middleton, and two new investors to the show, Ben Zises and Kate McAndrew....Watch Michele pitch his startup on YouTube (@thepitchshow) and Patreon (@ThePitch)Join our private investor community on Substack at thepitch.fundSubscribe to our public email newsletter insider.thepitch.showRegister for the Season 13 Finale Watch Party at pitch.show/party*Disclaimer: No offer to invest in Barberino’s is being made to or solicited from the listening audience on today’s show. The information provided on this show is not intended to be investment advice and should not be relied upon as such. The investors on today’s episode are providing their opinions based on their own assessment of the business presented. Those opinions should not be considered professional investment advice. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Cathy Huang, Founder and CEO of FolioWorks, is on a mission to revolutionize internships by connecting companies with government subsidies to reduce hiring costs. She shares her personal journey into the tech world and the significance of making internships accessible to all. The conversation dives into unique pricing strategies for startups versus large enterprises and the startup's challenges in attracting enterprise customers. Cathy also highlights the evolving landscape of internships, emphasizing talent development and the importance of innovative solutions in a changing market.

Mike Burton wants to help every city turn drivers to riders with his smart bike lock. But will his “no checks under $100k” approach leave him backpedalling?This is The Pitch for Lockstop. Featuring investors Jesse Middleton, Mark Phillips, Paige Finn Doherty and Will Weisman....Watch Mike pitch his urban mobility startup on YouTube (@thepitchshow) and Patreon (@ThePitch)Join our private investor community on Substack at thepitch.fundSubscribe to our public email newsletter insider.thepitch.showRegister for the Season 13 Finale Watch Party at pitch.show/party*Disclaimer: No offer to invest in Lockstop is being made to or solicited from the listening audience on today’s show. The information provided on this show is not intended to be investment advice and should not be relied upon as such. The investors on today’s episode are providing their opinions based on their own assessment of the business presented. Those opinions should not be considered professional investment advice. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A Johns Hopkins ER doctor, a Formula 1 engineer, and an artist walk into The Pitch Room... meet this season's extraordinary founders! We screened 2,000 companies, and 12 made the cut. But with negotiations turned up to 11, will they be ready to face off with the sharpest VCs in the game? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Capella Kirst, founder of Gecko Materials, specializes in biomimicry-based adhesives, while Julia Dixon leads SAI, an AI platform aimed at democratizing college admissions. They discuss the fascinating intersection of innovation and nature, revealing how Gecko Materials harnesses gecko-inspired technology. The conversation also highlights the pivotal shifts in venture capital dynamics, reflecting on a robust funding journey and the emotional highs and lows of startup pitching. Listeners gain insights into educational reform and the role of technology in enhancing college access.

Khaylah Epps, CEO of Oma Health, passionately addresses the healthcare disparities faced by Black women in the South and advocates for nurse practitioners' vital roles in bridging these gaps. She details her innovative strategies to simplify healthcare access and tackle high costs. Investor Cyan Banister provides insightful feedback on the challenges of securing funding and the intricacies of pitching to investors. Their conversation highlights both the conviction required in making systemic change and the realities of navigating the complex healthcare landscape.

Chinar Movsisyan, founder of Feedback Intelligence, shares her innovative take on leveraging user feedback to enhance AI performance. She dives into the challenges of AI hallucinations and how her startup aims to convert insights into actionable strategies. The conversation also highlights the complexities of fundraising, with Chinar seeking $2 million for equity while discussing negotiation tactics and cybersecurity needs for startups. Listeners gain fascinating perspectives on transforming customer feedback into valuable data in the ever-evolving world of AI.

Gwyneth Borden, Founder and CEO of Remint, aims to revolutionize debt recovery, focusing on social impact and helping consumers, especially Gen Z and low-income individuals, manage debts. She shares her innovative approach to easing the stress of traditional debt collection. Investors Cyan Banister, Mac Conwell, Ben Taft, and Elizabeth Yin discuss the strategic challenges startups face in securing funding and effectively pitching to venture capitalists. They emphasize the need for authenticity and resilience in navigating the financial landscape.