The Pitch

Julia Dixon, founder of ESAI, discusses her AI platform that aims to make college admissions more accessible and affordable. She shares insights on innovative tools to streamline the application process, emphasizing personal statements and market strategies. Investors Jesse Middleton, Charles Hudson, Elizabeth Yin, and Mac Conwell provide feedback on funding and growth. Imad Akhund, CEO of Mercury, joins in to highlight banking solutions tailored for startups. Together, they explore the challenges of traditional education and the need for innovative approaches.

In this engaging discussion, Virginia Frischkorn, founder of Partytrick and seasoned event planner, shares her journey of pivoting from traditional event management to tech innovation. She highlights the $322 billion event planning industry's challenges and the need for detailed ROI tracking. Investors Ben Taft and Elizabeth Yin discuss the dynamics of startup banking and investment motivations. Personal stories reveal how entrepreneurial drives can stem from adversity, while insights on product design and market potential shed light on the future of event technology.

Dean Eberhardt, founder of ReCraft and former creator of Hoplark, pitches a revolutionary brewing technology that increases efficiency by 30%. Elizabeth Yin shares insights on startup banking trends and highlights the importance of community support. Mac Conwell expresses enthusiasm for ReCraft’s innovation, while Jesse Middleton critically evaluates the pitch. The conversation blends brewing passion with business strategy, emphasizing the transformative power of technology in the craft beer industry and the unique opportunities for investors.

Chad Wilson, Founder and CEO of Immersion Ed, aims to revolutionize history education through immersive video games, leveraging his experience as a high school history teacher. He discusses how integrating Unreal Engine 5 and generative AI can enhance learning by presenting multiple historical perspectives. Chad also shares his ambitious plans for a comprehensive historical series and explores the financial innovations supporting entrepreneurs. Challenges in EdTech, the undervaluation of history, and the potential of blockchain to safeguard narratives are also key highlights.

Jorge Rios, founder of Bridgefy, shares his journey from high school teacher to innovator in peer-to-peer networking technology. He details how his experience in Mexico inspired him to bridge the digital divide by enabling mobile apps to work offline during emergencies. The discussion covers the potential of his technology to transform communication in underserved communities, its applications in gaming and emergency responses, and the significance of partnerships with cities like Bogotá and Istanbul for enhancing connectivity.

Cyan Banister, Charles Hudson, Mac Conwell, and Jesse Middleton join Nyamitse-Calvin Mahinda, the founder of Vital Audio, a healthtech startup utilizing voice technology to monitor vitals. They discuss the revolutionary potential of this technology in improving healthcare accessibility. Key topics include FDA approval achievements, the shift towards telehealth, and market opportunities in cardiac rehabilitation. The conversation also covers investment trends in health tech and the impact of innovations on emergency response systems.

Devina Desai, CEO of Kinometrix, champions innovative solutions to prevent the staggering number of patient falls in hospitals. With over a million occurrences annually costing healthcare $35 billion, she discusses the development of a clinical decision support system powered by machine learning. Desai shares challenges in navigating the healthcare software landscape and the importance of data integration. Additionally, the conversation touches on investor expectations and Kinometrix’s future strategic direction, focusing on wellness in healthcare.

Christie Buck, founder of a groundbreaking potato chip startup, aims to redefine junk food with gourmet, plant-based options. Alongside investors Cyan Banister and Mac Conwell, they delve into the challenges and triumphs of launching Christie's Chips. The discussion includes innovative flavors like vegan sour cream, lean operations, and unique marketing strategies. Insights into navigating the competitive snack market and the vision for billion-dollar growth showcase the potential impact of this tasty venture in the health-conscious world.

Capella Kerst, the visionary founder of geCKo Materials, leads a discussion with investors Cyan Banister, Charles Hudson, Elizabeth Yin, and Mac Conwell. They dive into the fascinating world of biomimicry, specifically a revolutionary material that mimics a gecko's grip, with potential applications in robotics and aerospace. The group also explores the challenges in fundraising for startups, shifting investor expectations, and the exciting future prospects for innovative materials. Tune in for insights into how nature inspires technology and the entrepreneurial journey!

Cyan Banister, a savvy investor; Charles Hudson, a tech-focused venture capitalist; Elizabeth Yin, a driven entrepreneur; Mac Conwell, an advocate for underrepresented founders; and Jesse Middleton, a champion of financial innovation, dive deep into FutureMoney’s mission. They discuss the groundbreaking Junior Roth IRA aimed at building generational wealth for kids, tackle the importance of early financial education, and share strategies for effective investment in today's competitive landscape.