Designing Successful Startups

SummaryBennett Maxwell, a multifaceted entrepreneur and the founder of Dirty Dough Cookies, shares his inspiring journey of overcoming challenges and innovating in the competitive cookie market. He discusses the unexpected lawsuit from Crumble, a billion-dollar company, which initially seemed like a setback but ultimately became a catalyst for his brand's growth. With a focus on joy and fulfillment, Bennett emphasizes the importance of maintaining a work-life balance, especially after realizing that monetary success does not equate to happiness. He reflects on his experiences growing up in a large family and how that instilled a sense of grit and determination. Through candid insights, Bennett highlights the significance of nurturing relationships and prioritizing personal well-being over purely financial goals.StoryBennett Maxwell’s entrepreneurial journey is a compelling tale of innovation, resilience, and the pursuit of fulfillment beyond financial success. From his early days of selling lemonade and cookies to navigating the challenges of running a national franchise, Bennett’s path is marked by both triumphs and tribulations. The conversation reveals the intense pressures of scaling a business, including facing a lawsuit from Crumble, a larger competitor. Bennett’s reaction to this legal challenge transformed it into an opportunity for growth, showcasing the power of a positive mindset in the face of adversity. His ability to pivot and leverage the situation for brand exposure not only solidified his company’s presence in the market but also highlighted the often unpredictable nature of the entrepreneurial landscape.Central to the discussion is Bennett’s personal evolution regarding the meaning of success. After achieving his goal of becoming a millionaire by the age of 30, he faced a profound realization: financial success does not equate to happiness. This awakening prompted him to reassess his priorities, placing a higher value on joy and fulfillment in his daily life. He candidly shares how he now approaches decision-making with an emphasis on family time and personal well-being, a practice that has enriched his life significantly. This shift not only transformed his perspective on work-life balance but also reinforced the idea that true success encompasses emotional and relational dimensions.Listeners will appreciate Bennett’s insights into the entrepreneurial mindset, particularly the importance of perseverance and adaptability when faced with setbacks. His journey serves as a reminder that success is not solely measured by monetary achievement but by the quality of relationships and experiences we cultivate along the way. This episode resonates with anyone navigating the tumultuous waters of entrepreneurship, offering valuable lessons on maintaining one’s values and prioritizing what truly matters in life.TakeawaysBennett Maxwell emphasizes the importance of work-life balance, especially after selling his solar company. He shares how legal challenges from Crumble Cookies turned into unexpected marketing opportunities for Dirty Dough. Maxwell highlights the role of mentorship and guidance in navigating business challenges and personal growth. He explains that true fulfillment comes from relationships and joy, not just financial success. The journey of growing Dirty Dough from a single store to 80 franchises showcases innovative business strategies. Maxwell discusses how personal experiences and family influence entrepreneurial grit and resilience. LinksDirty Doug site: https://dirtydoughcookies.comPlease leave us a review: https://podchaser.com/DesigningSuccessfulStartupsTech Startup Toolkit (book): https://www.amazon.com/Tech-Startup-Toolkit-launch-strong/dp/1633438422/Site with all podcasts: https://jothyrosenberg.com/podcastJothy’s non-profit: https://whosaysicant.orgJothy’s TEDx talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PNtOawXAx5A

Natalyn "Natty" LewisNatalyn O. Lewis, or Natty as everyone knows her, is a wife and mother of 4 beautiful children. As a former NCAA Division 1 athlete, she learned quickly the power of the mind on human achievement and has taken her drive and passion for sports and brought it into coaching and the business world. Natty has 25 years of business and entrepreneurial background. She's studied human behavior for years - why people start, but don't finish... what makes a high achieving person successful. What is the difference between someone that seems to have it all together and someone that can’t get out of their own way? After her own personal struggle with anxiety, she became a woman on a mission to understand thoughts, emotions, and their impact on the physical body and ultimately the impact on our lives.In 2020, Natty partnered with a nonprofit and combined her knowledge and experience and combined it with their 14 years of research, development, science and evidence of human behavior from working with over 10,000 people to create and implement a new approach to emotional intelligence. She's built companies, worked with professionals from every area including athletes, business owners and influencers. With each person she has worked with she discovered the power of raising your EQ. Everything else raises with it- increased revenue, productivity, purpose, better relationships, more intention and In short, a better life.SummaryNatalyn Lewis emphasizes the importance of having a crystal clear vision when starting a business, arguing that many entrepreneurs begin their journeys with half-baked ideas that lack direction. Drawing from her extensive experience in both the corporate world and entrepreneurship, she illustrates how self-doubt and imposter syndrome can derail founders if they don’t fully understand their passion and purpose. With a background as an NCAA Division 1 athlete and over 25 years in business, Natalyn combines insights from sports and personal challenges to guide startup founders in building successful ventures. She highlights that those who take the time to define their vision can avoid common pitfalls and make sound decisions that align with their ultimate goals. The conversation delves into her personal journey, including her struggles with anxiety and the pivotal moments that led her to become a coach for entrepreneurs seeking growth and clarity.Takeaways Entrepreneurs often start with half-baked ideas, leading to confusion and wasted resources. A clear vision is essential for guiding startup decisions and preventing aimless actions. Anxiety can severely impact decision-making, causing poor choices in business ventures. Imposter syndrome is common among first-time founders, affecting their confidence and performance. Identifying your passion and purpose is critical to building a successful startup. Instead of focusing on detailed business plans, prioritize understanding the core mission of your venture. LinksNatty's Ascend EQ: https://ascendeq.com/Please leave us a review: https://podchaser.com/DesigningSuccessfulStartupsTech Startup Toolkit (book): https://www.amazon.com/Tech-Startup-Toolkit-launch-strong/dp/1633438422/Site with all podcasts: https://jothyrosenberg.com/podcastJothy’s non-profit: https://whosaysicant.orgJothy’s TEDx talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PNtOawXAx5AChapters00:04 - Introduction to Natalyn Lewis00:10 - The Importance of Clarity in Entrepreneurship00:37 - The Journey of a Former NCAA Athlete04:58 - Building Successful Companies: Madeline's Experience18:25 - The Role of Anxiety in Entrepreneurship26:02 - Understanding Grit and Resilience in Startups31:19 - The Power of Vision for Entrepreneurs

Jonathan Lowenhar, a seasoned entrepreneur and CEO advisor with nearly three decades of experience, shares insights on guiding founders into effective CEOs. He discusses the unique pressures startup leaders face and emphasizes the importance of grit, resilience, and support systems. Jonathan reflects on personal journeys through challenges and the impact of COVID-19 on work dynamics. With anecdotes that blend humor and wisdom, he highlights how fostering personal growth and understanding can shape a founder's leadership journey.

BioAlicia Cramer is a renowned mindset expert, an author, coach, consultant, and a serial entrepreneur. Having worked with hundreds of private clients for well over a decade - from startups to owners of multi-million-dollar companies, Alicia has an intimate understanding of the mindset pitfalls that affect entrepreneurs. Her clients include successful business professionals, executives, and entrepreneurs who are driven to take their personal and professional success to the next level. SummaryImposter syndrome is a significant barrier for many startup founders, often preventing them from stepping into leadership roles, such as CEO. In this enlightening conversation, mindset expert Alicia Kramer shares her insights on how beliefs and self-image shape our capabilities and outcomes in business. She discusses the importance of understanding our subconscious programming and how it influences our actions, particularly for technically-oriented individuals who may struggle with leadership roles. Alicia emphasizes that true success stems from addressing these internal conflicts and cultivating grit, which can be developed through personal growth and determination. Through her own journey and experiences with clients, she illustrates the transformative power of mindset work in overcoming limitations and unlocking potential.The conversationThe dialogue between Jothy Rosenberg and Alicia Kramer in this episode of the Designing Successful Startups podcast is a profound exploration of the impact of mindset on entrepreneurial success. Alicia, a mindset expert and coach, passionately discusses the often-overlooked psychological barriers that hinder startup founders, particularly focusing on the widespread issue of imposter syndrome. This phenomenon is especially prevalent among technically skilled individuals who may not see themselves as suitable leaders, despite their qualifications and passion for their projects. Alicia's insights reveal that mindset transcends mere positive thinking; it is a complex web of beliefs and attitudes that shapes how entrepreneurs view themselves and their capacity for success.Further into the conversation, Alicia elaborates on her unique approach to coaching, which integrates her background in hypnotherapy with business strategy. She highlights the importance of addressing the subconscious beliefs that can sabotage success, advocating for a deeper, more introspective approach to personal and professional development. Entrepreneurs often face external challenges, but Alicia points out that the real transformation occurs when individuals confront and reshape their internal narratives. This episode provides invaluable takeaways for listeners, emphasizing the necessity of cultivating a resilient mindset to thrive in the fast-paced startup landscape.Alicia’s personal journey adds another layer of depth to the discussion, as she shares her own experiences overcoming adversity. Her story serves as a testament to the power of resilience and the importance of inner work in achieving outer success. The exchange culminates in a compelling call to action for entrepreneurs to invest in their mindset, as doing so is critical for navigating the complexities of startup life. This episode not only offers practical advice but also inspires listeners to harness their potential by reshaping their beliefs and attitudes toward success.Takeaways: Mindset is crucial for entrepreneurs, as it influences beliefs, behaviors, and outcomes in business. Imposter syndrome often hinders technically skilled founders from stepping into leadership roles like CEO. Deep self-reflection and personal growth are essential for overcoming limiting beliefs and achieving success. The subconscious mind operates like software, which can be reprogrammed to align with desired outcomes. Building grit can be developed through persistence and a willingness to face challenges head-on. Group dynamics within founding teams can create conflicts that require careful management and resolution. Sound Bites"Mindset determines our behaviors and results.""I help clients identify limiting beliefs.""Imposter syndrome is an umbrella term for insecurity."LinksAlicia’s website: www.aliciacramer.com Alicia on Facebook: www.facebook.com/aliciadcramerAlicia on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/aliciacramer Alicia on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@acintlAlicia on Twitter: www.twitter.com/aliciacramer Alicia on Instagram: www.instagram.com/acintl.us Please leave us a review: https://podchaser.com/DesigningSuccessfulStartupsTech Startup Toolkit (book): https://www.amazon.com/Tech-Startup-Toolkit-launch-strong/dp/1633438422/Site with all podcasts: https://jothyrosenberg.com/podcastJothy’s non-profit: https://whosaysicant.orgJothy’s TEDx talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PNtOawXAx5A

Andrea Stefani, co-founder of OnCoSwab, is revolutionizing lung cancer detection through innovative, non-invasive testing methods. With lung cancer being the leading cause of cancer death globally, Andrea's work aims to simplify and enhance early diagnosis, echoing the success factors of COVID testing. Her journey began at a young age, fueled by a vision to impact global health, and she has already made significant strides as a recognized scientist in Europe. Throughout the conversation, Andrea shares her experiences as a female entrepreneur in STEM, the challenges she faced, and her commitment to inspiring the next generation of women in science. Join Jothy Rosenberg as he delves into Andrea's inspiring story of grit, determination, and the pursuit of making a difference in the world of healthcare.Andrea's BioAndrea Stephany Díaz is a visionary entrepreneur and the Co-founder of OncoSwab. Selected as a top 100 young scientist in Europe, she stumbled upon a cancer screening idea that led her to start her first diagnostic company at the age of 24. Andrea pursued a Master’s degree in molecular biotechnology with a goal of making an impact in global health. Today, lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in the world, fueling Andrea's strategic vision for early detection with OncoSwab. Andrea brings a wealth of expertise and passion to these topics, making her an engaging and insightful guest for discussions on entrepreneurship, healthcare innovation, and the transformative potential of OncoSwab. Andrea is also committed to inspiring the next generation of young people, particularly women, in STEM through her YouTube channel, DNAndrea.Takeaways Andrea Stephany emphasizes the importance of early lung cancer detection for improving survival rates. The idea for OnCoSwab originated during a hackathon focused on cancer solutions. Andrea's diverse background and experiences shaped her entrepreneurial journey and resilience. She aims to destigmatize lung cancer, which is often associated with smoking-related shame. The company focuses on non-invasive testing methods, making lung cancer screening more accessible. Stephany's YouTube channel helped her develop essential science communication skills for her startup. Sound Bites"I was selected as in the top 100 young scientists.""I want to make sure that it's like, or find out if it's viable.""The survival rate for lung cancer is currently around 20%."LinksAndrea’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreastephanydiaz/Andrea’s OncoSwab site: https://oncoswab.com/Please leave us a review: https://podchaser.com/DesigningSuccessfulStartupsTech Startup Toolkit (book): https://www.amazon.com/Tech-Startup-Toolkit-launch-strong/dp/1633438422/Site with all podcasts: https://jothyrosenberg.com/podcastJothy’s non-profit: https://whosaysicant.orgJothy’s TEDx talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PNtOawXAx5AChapters00:00 Introduction and Background02:51 Recognition as a Young Scientist06:11 Startup Journey and Lung Cancer Diagnostics11:47 Understanding Lung Cancer and Its Causes15:12 The Vision for OncoSwap18:57 Navigating FDA Approval and Clinical Trials20:47 Empowering the Next Generation of Women in STEM25:02 The Role of Grit in Entrepreneurship39:13 Conclusion and Call to Action

BioSvetlana Kazantseva is a US-based entrepreneur and the founder of Strawberry Health, a women’s health startup empowering women to make proactive and data-driven health decisions.A mother of 2 and the founder of 2 FemTech companies, she lived and worked in diverse locations such as Siberia, New Delhi, London, and California, and brings a unique global perspective to her work.Svetlana is passionate about supporting women, she has established a thriving community of FemTech leaders in the San Francisco Bay Area. Additionally, she supports immigrant women facing language barriers through community initiatives.SummaryIn this conversation, Svetlana shares her remarkable journey from a small town in Siberia to becoming a founder and CEO in Silicon Valley. She discusses her passion for women's health, the transition from her first startup focused on environmental sustainability to her current venture, Strawberry Health, which aims to educate and support women regarding health conditions. Svetlana emphasizes the importance of community building in the FemTech industry and shares insights on balancing family life with entrepreneurship, highlighting how her diverse experiences have shaped her grit and determination.TakeawaysSvetlana's journey from Siberia to Silicon Valley showcases her diverse background.Her first startup focused on reducing plastic waste in feminine hygiene products.Strawberry Health was born from a need for education in women's health.Community building is crucial in the FemTech industry.Svetlana emphasizes the importance of in-person connections.Her experiences in different countries shaped her entrepreneurial approach.Balancing family life and work requires structure and discipline.Svetlana's grit comes from her international moves and challenges faced.The revenue model for Strawberry Health targets corporate partnerships.Svetlana believes that having children has made her more organized. Sound Bites"You're really adding to the diversity that I have going on.""I moved to India. I moved to a city close to New Delhi.""I started with the period products because it was a very personal problem for me."LinksStrawberry Health: https://thestrawberry.app/Please leave us a review: https://podchaser.com/DesigningSuccessfulStartupsTech Startup Toolkit (book): https://www.amazon.com/Tech-Startup-Toolkit-launch-strong/dp/1633438422/ https://www.manning.com/books/tech-startup-toolkit Site with all podcasts: https://jothyrosenberg.comJothy’s non-profit :  https://whosaysicant.orgJothy’s TEDx talk :  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PNtOawXAx5AChapters00:00 Journey from Siberia to Silicon Valley10:03 From Environmental Concerns to Women's Health20:09 Building a Community in FemTech30:07 Balancing Family Life and Entrepreneurship36:53 The Grit Behind the Journey

BioJulia Rivard Dexter is an impact tech entrepreneur, one of Canada’s top 50 Women in STEM she has been recognized as a leader in Global Growth and Innovation. Julia is CEO of Shoelace Learning, recognized in the top 20 innovative EdTEch platforms globally. Shoelace delivers learning through video games kids love and reaches over 6 million users in over 100 countries. She is an Olympian (2000) and mother of 4. Outside of Shoelace, she has been an associate for Creative Destruction Lab Atlantic and on the Prime Minister’s Economic Round Table for the Digital Industries. She is also a member of the Board of Directors of Nova Scotia Power.Summaryn this engaging conversation, Jothy Rosenberg reconnects with Julia, an accomplished entrepreneur and former Olympic athlete. They discuss Julia's journey from sports to startups, her experiences in building successful companies like Sheepdog and Shoelace Learning, and the importance of community and support in entrepreneurship. Julia shares insights on navigating the EdTech landscape, the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Nova Scotia, and the lessons learned from her Olympic journey. The conversation also touches on the challenges of work-life balance as a mother of four and the values instilled in her children through her entrepreneurial journey.TakeawaysReconnecting after COVID is vital for personal and professional growth.Transitioning from an athlete to an entrepreneur can be challenging.Building a community is essential for startup success.Understanding your customer is key to product development.Navigating the EdTech landscape requires adaptability and innovation.The entrepreneurial ecosystem in Nova Scotia is supportive and growing.Lessons from sports can translate into business success.Work-life balance is crucial for family and personal fulfillment.Guilt can hinder performance; letting go is important.Success is a journey, not just an outcome.Sound Bites"It's so great to be reconnected.""I couldn't get hired anywhere.""It was a financial disaster."LinksJulia’s Shoelace Learning: https://shoelacelearning.com/Please leave us a review: https://podchaser.com/DesigningSuccessfulStartupsTech Startup Toolkit (book): https://www.amazon.com/Tech-Startup-Toolkit-launch-strong/dp/1633438422/ https://www.manning.com/books/tech-startup-toolkitSite with all podcasts: https://jothyrosenberg.com/podcastJothy’s non-profit:  https://whosaysicant.org Jothy’s TEDx talk:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PNtOawXAx5AChapters00:00 Reconnecting After COVID01:58 Julia's Journey from Athlete to Entrepreneur06:06 Building Sheepdog and Early Successes07:59 The Birth of Shoelace Learning12:06 Navigating the EdTech Landscape18:05 The Entrepreneurial Ecosystem in Nova Scotia22:04 Lessons from the Olympics35:03 Work-Life Balance and Family Values

BioCaity Craver has spent nearly 30 years empowering nonprofit organizations through innovative software solutions that blend art, analytics, and artificial intelligence. Her career has been dedicated to amplifying the impact of nonprofits by centralizing marketing success and simplifying the fundraising process.As the founder of DonorTrends, a pioneering analytics company, Caity revolutionized how organizations target donors with precision. Now, with the launch of the Impact Hub, she is bringing together decades of expertise into one comprehensive platform. The Impact Hub integrates marketing campaign management, creative and asset management, analytics, and success showcasing, all tailored exclusively for nonprofit organizations and their supporting agencies and vendors. Caity's goal is to help nonprofits "Do Less, Better. Do More Good.”SummaryIn this conversation, Jothy and Caity discuss the 9 lessons learned from her first SAAS exit that are now shaping her approach to building a more resilient and impactful second SaaS venture. From embracing the power of just starting to understanding that you don't need to boil the ocean, these insights will provide aspiring founders with practical, hard-earned advice on navigating the complex world of SaaS development. Tune in to discover how these experiences can help you build better, smarter, and more successful startups.9 Lessons learnedJust StartYou don’t need to boil the ocean; you just need to warm the pond. You’re not aloneRetention over AcquisitionCustomer-Centric Development: Build What They Need, Not What You Think They WantSet your systems up to sellBuild a Strong Team: Surround Yourself with the Right PeopleEmbrace Failure: Learn Fast and Pivot When NecessaryBe Prepared for the Long HaulTakeawaysCaity Craver is a solo bootstrapped founder developing the Impact Hub software.Nonprofit marketing requires a unique approach to fundraising and donor engagement.Lessons learned from previous ventures are crucial for current success.Retention of customers is as important as acquisition, especially in the nonprofit sector.Building what customers need rather than what you think they want is essential.Setting up systems for potential exit is important for future success.Embracing failure as a learning opportunity is vital for growth.Grit and determination are key traits for entrepreneurs.The nonprofit sector faces unique challenges due to tight budgets and high demand.Collaboration and support from peers can help navigate the entrepreneurial journey.Sound Bites"It's a marathon, not a sprint.""Just start, just get it up.""You don't need to boil the ocean."Chapters00:00 Introduction and Background02:59 Nonprofit Marketing Insights06:00 Building and Selling Donor Trends10:06 Developing the Impact Hub Software18:53 Lessons Learned from Previous Ventures32:02 Retention Over Acquisition40:03 Embracing Failure and Grit

Kelly Bruno BioKelly Bruno is a Board certified physician in anesthesiology and pain medicine, currently practicing at Yale University. She's also an avid athlete, competing in abled body and para sports since she was 14 years old, in everything from track and field to ultramarathons and Ironmans. Currently she's chasing a record in the marathon. Combining her interest in medicine and sports, she previously co-founded a training company called Complete Human Performance and is now pivoting to longevity and performance medicine.IntroKelly, a woman who was born without a complete leg, shares her journey of overcoming challenges and achieving success. She grew up with a prosthetic leg and faced the realization of being different in middle school. Despite the internal struggles and traumatic experiences, Kelly developed a strong drive to prove herself and be as capable as anyone else. She excelled in sports, including running track and field, and went on to participate in Ironman races and even competed on Survivor Nicaragua. Kelly's determination and resilience have led her to pursue a career in medicine, specializing in anesthesiology and pain medicine. She is now focused on longevity medicine and building a company that promotes health and wellness.SummaryJothy Rosenberg interviews Kelly Bruno, a remarkable individual who has turned personal challenges into extraordinary achievements. Born without a complete leg, Kelly's journey began with a childhood marked by surgeries and a growing awareness of her differences. Yet, rather than succumb to adversity, she discovered the power of sports as an outlet for her determination. From participating in track and field to completing Ironman triathlons and ultramarathons, Kelly's grit shines through as she recounts her experiences of navigating life with a disability. Throughout the conversation, Kelly reflects on the internal conversations that fueled her drive—transforming moments of feeling different into an unwavering commitment to excel. The discussion delves into her motivations and how she carved out a unique space for herself in athletics, ultimately earning admiration and inspiration from peers and strangers alike. The episode also touches upon Kelly's professional life as a physician specializing in anesthesiology and pain medicine at Yale University. Her medical career is intertwined with her athletic pursuits, leading her to co-found Complete Human Performance, a training company focused on optimizing human capabilities. As she pivots toward longevity and performance medicine, Kelly shares her vision for a healthcare system that prioritizes prevention and wellness rather than merely addressing ailments. The conversation is rich with insights into the intersection of health, athleticism, and personal resilience, offering listeners a compelling narrative of empowerment and possibility.Takeaways Kelly Bruno's journey of overcoming challenges began when she was born without a complete leg, shaping her extraordinary resilience and determination. Her experiences with sports helped her to redefine her identity and inspire others, transitioning from feeling different to being seen as a role model. In medical school, her work with wounded veterans led to her decision to pursue a career in medicine, focusing on pain management and anesthesiology. Kelly emphasizes the importance of proving oneself, stating she wanted to be more than just average despite societal expectations. She co-founded Complete Human Performance, combining her passion for athletics and medicine to help others achieve their fitness goals. With her current focus on longevity and performance medicine, Kelly aims to shift healthcare from treating illness to promoting overall well-being and health. Sound Bites"You're like the queen of grit in my opinion.""I'll show me.""I hit that transition... I suddenly became... not the impaired one on the sideline."LinksKelly’s site: www.kellybrunomd.comKelly’s Instagram handle: kellybrunomdPlease leave us a review: https://podchaser.com/DesigningSuccessfulStartupsTech Startup Toolkit (book): https://www.amazon.com/Tech-Startup-Toolkit-launch-strong/dp/1633438422/ https://www.manning.com/books/tech-startup-toolkit Site with all podcasts: https://jothyrosenberg.comJothy’s non-profit that helps kids with disabilities get into high challenge sports:  https://whosaysicant.orgJothy’s TEDx talk about why people with disabilities tend to overachieve:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PNtOawXAx5AChapters00:03 - Introduction to Kelly Bruno00:10 - Early Life and Overcoming Challenges01:56 - Discovering Grit and Resilience07:09 - The Transition to Sports and Athletics10:11 - From Triathlons to Ironman and Beyond15:15 - Experiences from Survivor20:23 - Medical Journey and Career Path28:00 - Founding Complete Human Performance30:26 - Future Aspirations in Longevity Medicine

SummarySaul Orbach discusses his background and his experiences living in different places, including New Jersey, Manhattan, Queens, and Israel. He shares how he ended up working in Silicon Valley and Maryland before returning to Israel. Jothy Rosenberg and Saul Orbach then discuss their time at Angle Technologies, a British company that focused on investing in super early-stage technologies in universities and labs. They talk about the challenges of working with tech transfer officers and researchers, as well as the potential of the investment model. They also discuss the technology behind creating indistinguishable digital doubles for movies and the market potential for this technology. In this conversation, Saul Orbach discusses his experiences with CGI technology and his medical startup. He talks about the growth of CGI in various industries, including film, commercials, design, and architecture. Saul also explains the challenges his CGI company faced during the 2008 financial crisis and the Screen Actors Guild strike. He then shares his journey with his medical startup, which aimed to develop an artificial kidney. Unfortunately, the company faced legal issues that prevented further progress. Saul attributes his determination and grit to his mother, a Holocaust survivor.BioSaul Orbach is a highly accomplished Serial Entrepreneur, Venture Capitalist, Social Impact Investor, C-Suite Officer and Executive, Consultant, Lecturer, Thought Leader, Board Member, and Advisor, with over 35 years of extensive experience building and exiting startup and growth companies, turning around failing companies, as well as training the next generation of entrepreneurs. Saul was the Co-Founder and CEO of his 8th startup, NephFlo, Inc., a company developing artificial implantable and wearable kidneys. Formerly, he was the founder of the Elul Fund venture fund; Impact Jerusalem, a social impact organization focused on the underserved populations in Jerusalem. Prior to that, a Venture Partner at Starta Capital investing in East European technology startups. Saul shares his industry experience and knowledge in many outlets: as a Senior Adjunct Lecturer in the MBA programs at Tel Aviv University, the Technion, and Hebrew University; as a domain expert and mentor in a variety of Accelerator programs around the world; as a popular speaker and guest lecturer at conferences, universities, and other events; and, as a sought-after high-level advisor in both the private and public sectors.TakeawaysSaul Orbach has lived in various places, including New Jersey, Manhattan, Queens, and Israel.Angle Technologies focused on investing in super early-stage technologies in universities and labs.Working with tech transfer officers and researchers can be challenging in the investment process.Creating indistinguishable digital doubles for movies has the potential to revolutionize the film industry.The market potential for this technology is significant, especially with the increasing use of CGI in movies. CGI technology has become prevalent in various industries, including film, commercials, design, and architecture.The 2008 financial crisis and the Screen Actors Guild strike had a significant impact on Saul's Aguru startup.Saul Orbach's medical startup aimed to develop an artificial kidney to address the shortage of donor kidneys.Legal issues hindered the progress of Saul's medical startup, leading to its suspension.Saul's determination and grit stem from his mother, a Holocaust survivor.Sound Bites"Angle Technologies is the place where we met. I found that to be a very interesting investment model, except for one thing.""There's no car commercial today that's actually made with a real car anymore. That's all CGI.""The film industry was actually the smallest of the markets that we were looking at."LinksPlease leave us a review: https://podchaser.com/DesigningSuccessfulStartupsTech Startup Toolkit (book): https://www.amazon.com/Tech-Startup-Toolkit-launch-strong/dp/1633438422/ https://www.manning.com/books/tech-startup-toolkitSite with all podcasts: https://jothyrosenberg.comJothy’s non-profit that helps kids with disabilities get into high challenge sports:  https://whosaysicant.orgJothy’s TEDx talk about why people with disabilities (and lots of grit) tend to overachieve:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PNtOawXAx5AChapters00:00 Introduction and Background07:51 Investing in Super Early-Stage Technologies18:57 Challenges of Tech Transfer and Research27:53 Indistinguishable Digital Doubles for Movies31:04 Market Potential for CGI Technology in Movies33:18 Challenges Faced During the 2008 Financial Crisis and Screen Actors Guild Strike36:19 Developing an Artificial Kidney to Address the Donor Shortage49:18 The Influence of a Holocaust Survivor: Determination and Grit