Iowa Tech Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Navigating the Entrepreneurial Landscape: An Insightful Journey with Micah Walker Jan 14, 2025

Show notes

In the latest episode of the Iowa Tech podcast, host Kaylee Williams engages in a compelling conversation with Micah Walker, an analyst at the InnoVenture Iowa Fund. The episode dives deep into Micah's fascinating journey from his entrepreneurial aspirations as a child to becoming a pivotal figure in venture capital. Micah vividly recounts how his early experiences with flat feet and an interest in footwear design sparked a lifelong passion for entrepreneurship. As he navigated through his academic journey at Iowa State, where he pursued dual majors in entrepreneurship and apparel merchandising, Micah discovered his knack for innovation and business acumen. His story unfolds with serendipitous events, including a chance encounter with a representative from Bloomrise, a company that inspired his venture into eco-friendly footwear design. These experiences have shaped Micah's approach to startups, emphasizing the importance of overcoming challenges and the value of demonstrating a product's viability early in the entrepreneurial journey.

The episode also explores Micah's dual role as both a founder and an emerging venture capitalist, highlighting his insights into the Iowa entrepreneurial ecosystem. Micah shares his observations on the predominant focuses within Iowa, such as AgTech and MedTech, and contrasts these with his experiences in the dynamic Silicon Valley startup scene. His unique perspective as a founder turned analyst provides valuable advice for entrepreneurs seeking funding from venture capitalists. Micah stresses the significance of having a robust product demo and a clear path to market as key factors in securing investment. The discussion underscores the importance of resilience and adaptability in entrepreneurship, as evidenced by the successful founders Micah admires. The podcast closes with a candid look into Micah's personal routine and aspirations, offering listeners a glimpse into the life of a young, driven professional balancing multiple passions in the world of business and venture capital.

Hear the full show: https://iowapodcast.com/micah-walker-entrepreneurs-and-venture-capitalists-in-iowa

Navigating Tech and Innovation in Iowa: A Conversation with Kelley McManus Dec 17, 2024

Show notes

In the Iowa Tech podcast episode, Kaylee Williams interviews Kelley McManus, the Managing Director of P3 + Uplift. Kelley shares her journey from growing up in Iowa to becoming a leader in the tech industry, despite initially resisting a career in technology. She talks about her non-traditional path to college and how tech eventually became a passion. Kelley discusses P3 Plus Uplift, a company focused on software development and project management, and explains the significance of the "+" in their name, which denotes their expansion into offering additional services like experience design and working with startups. The company aims to help startups by offering services such as road mapping and tech development, often at reduced rates or even for free, to ensure they build sustainable and repeatable technology.

The conversation also highlights Kelley's involvement in the Innoventure Challenge and her experiences with various startups, including Pig Eazy, a company that innovated in hog farming technology. Kelley emphasizes the importance of continuous learning for entrepreneurs and the significance of community and relationships in the startup ecosystem. She shares some personal insights, such as her morning routine and book recommendations, which reflect her focus on maintaining joy and mental wellness.

Hear the full show: https://iowapodcast.com/kelley-mcmanus-tech-and-innovation-in-iowa

Zero to Acquired: the PicklePlay Story with Blake Renaud Dec 10, 2024

Show notes

In the lively realm of entrepreneurship, Blake Renaud stands as a testament to the power of vision and perseverance. Based in Cedar Falls, Iowa, Blake embarked on a journey with her husband to transform a shared love for pickleball into a thriving startup. Their company, PicklePlay, was born out of a personal passion for the sport and a keen awareness of its burgeoning popularity. Blake's story is one of balancing family life with entrepreneurial zeal, as she managed not only to navigate the startup world with five children but also to successfully address a gap in the pickleball community. Identifying the need for a platform that connects players, courts, and clubs, PicklePlay has become an essential tool for enthusiasts worldwide, boasting a user base across 100 countries and revolutionizing how the game is played and enjoyed.

The journey to success was not without its challenges, as Blake candidly shares her experiences of development hurdles and the constant quest for funding. Yet, her unyielding dedication bore fruit with the recent acquisition of PicklePlay by UTR Sports, a move that promises to propel the platform to new heights. This acquisition not only marks a significant milestone for Blake but also exemplifies her strategic foresight in building sustainable relationships within the industry. Through her candid reflections, Blake offers invaluable insights into the acquisition process, emphasizing the importance of trust and networking. Her story is a powerful inspiration for budding entrepreneurs, demonstrating that with passion, resilience, and a supportive community, the path to success is always within reach.

Hear the full show: https://iowapodcast.com/blake-renaud-pickleball

Building the World's Biggest Company with Brad Dwyer, CTO and Co-Founder of Roboflow Nov 26, 2024

Show notes

In the latest episode of the Iowa Tech Podcast, host Kaylee sits down with Brad Dwyer, the Co-Founder and CTO of Roboflow, to delve into the exciting world of computer vision technology. Roboflow, a company dedicated to giving computers the sense of sight through AI models, has already garnered over one million users, spanning from hobbyists to Fortune 100 companies. The discussion highlights Roboflow's journey from a hackathon project to a key player in the AI industry, underscoring the transformative potential of computer vision technology in various sectors, from augmented reality apps to advanced security systems. Brad shares insights into how Roboflow empowers developers—even redefines the term "developer"—to harness AI for diverse applications, reflecting on how the company pivoted from creating augmented reality apps to focusing on developer tools.

As the conversation progresses, Brad reveals the strategic moves that have propelled Roboflow's growth, including its recent $40 million Series B round led by Google Ventures (GV). The dialogue touches on the company's innovative hiring practices and its efforts to democratize computer vision through platforms like Roboflow Universe, which allows users to share and utilize open-source datasets and models. Brad's narrative is not only a testament to Roboflow's success but also a broader reflection on the evolving AI landscape. The episode concludes with Brad offering valuable advice to aspiring entrepreneurs on the importance of thinking big and aligning with the right partners to achieve ambitious goals, while also emphasizing the role of community and continuous learning in his entrepreneurial journey.

Hear the full show: https://iowapodcast.com/brad-dwyer-roboflow

Navigating Innovation and Talent in the Iowa InsurTech Landscape Nov 19, 2024

Show notes

The Iowa Tech Podcast episode featuring Jim Lewis, the Executive Director of the Vaughan Institute for Risk Management and Insurance at the University of Iowa, provides an insightful exploration into the evolving landscape of InsurTech and education in Iowa. Jim shares his journey from a finance graduate who faced a market crash just before graduation to becoming a key player in the InsurTech space, co-founding companies, and contributing to the development of the Global Insurance Accelerator. His experiences underscore the complexity of the insurance industry's distribution ecosystem and highlight the importance of customer discovery and product-market fit. Jim's narrative reflects a deep commitment to fostering innovation and preparing the next generation of leaders through strategic partnerships and real-world experiences.

The podcast further delves into the efforts of the Vaughan Institute to expand its influence and relevance by integrating academic excellence with practical industry engagement. With the introduction of a major in risk management and insurance, the institute has seen a significant increase in students, underscoring the growing interest and need for talent in this field. Jim emphasizes the institute's goal to inspire and equip students to become future leaders by providing hands-on projects with startups and established companies, and by creating an environment where students can tackle real-world challenges. The podcast highlights the strategic importance of Iowa as a hub for InsurTech innovation and the opportunities that lie ahead for students and the industry alike.

Hear the full show: https://iowapodcast.com/jim-lewis-insurtech-in-iowa

Empowering Iowa: Katie Patterson's Journey in Tech and Entrepreneurship Nov 12, 2024

Show notes

The Iowa Tech Podcast, hosted by Kaylee, featured Katie Patterson, the founder and CEO of Happy Medium, a strategic business agency that she started in 2011. Katie shared her journey from aspiring to be a news anchor to founding her own company after realizing the challenges of her initial career path. She emphasized the importance of adapting and evolving within the tech and media landscape, particularly highlighting her agency's transition to a flexible gig economy model during COVID-19. This shift allowed them to leverage expert talent across the country while maintaining a core full-time team, which has significantly contributed to the agency's success and her personal contentment as a leader.

Katie also discussed her new venture, Project Homecoming, a collaboration with the Iowa Finance Authority to develop a tool supporting first-time homebuyers. This initiative has garnered attention from other states, positioning Happy Medium as a leader in housing finance solutions. Katie expressed her enthusiasm for scaling this project and changing housing accessibility nationwide. She also shared insights on media evolution and the role of AI, stressing that while technology advances, the expertise and strategy provided by professionals remain irreplaceable. Katie concluded by encouraging entrepreneurs to build strong, resilient teams and to embrace a balance of confidence and caution as they scale their ventures.

Hear the full show: https://iowapodcast.com/katie-patterson-technology-and-innovation-in-iowa

Whitney Warne: Using the Enneagram to Lead Your Business Nov 05, 2024

Show notes

In this episode of the Iowa Tech Podcast, host Kaylee Williams interviews Whitney Warne about her journey in entrepreneurship and her innovative work in personal development through the Enneagram. Whitney shares her experience of founding Ivory House Photography and her decision to return to Des Moines to build her business. She emphasizes the importance of building a supportive team and effectively filling talent gaps to run a successful business. Whitney also discusses her second business, Evoke EQ, which emerged during the pandemic. Through Evoke EQ, she offers consulting and coaching services using the Enneagram to enhance emotional intelligence and collaboration within teams. She highlights the value of understanding individual motivations and fears to improve both personal and professional development.

Whitney elaborates on how the Enneagram serves as a tool for personal growth and better team dynamics in the workplace, particularly for leaders and entrepreneurs. She explains the significance of recognizing different personality types and the role they play in managing teams more effectively. By utilizing the Enneagram, leaders can identify their strengths and weaknesses, enabling them to foster a culture of collaboration rather than mere management. Whitney shares stories of working with global teams and how the Enneagram helps bridge cultural and communication gaps. She emphasizes the importance of personal development in a professional setting and encourages leaders to ask for support, which can lead to greater autonomy and efficiency within teams.

Hear the full show: https://iowapodcast.com/whitney-warne-enneagram-and-business

The State of Innovation in Iowa: A Conversation with Brian Waller, President of TAI Oct 29, 2024

Show notes

In this episode of the Iowa Tech Podcast, host Kaylee interviews Brian Waller, CEO of the Technology Association of Iowa (TAI). Brian shares his journey from initially working in political campaigns to leading TAI, underscoring the vital role of individuals like Debbie Durham in shaping his career. They discuss the unique collaborative spirit in Iowa, which fosters an ecosystem where technology and entrepreneurship thrive. Over the past decade, TAI has grown significantly, expanding its membership and initiatives to include large enterprises and startups alike. Brian emphasizes the importance of technology in every industry, noting shifts in how businesses view themselves as technology companies, and highlights the critical role TAI plays in connecting corporate and startup innovators.

The conversation also delves into future trends in Iowa's tech landscape, with a focus on the impact of artificial intelligence and automation. Brian expresses concerns about data center resources and cybersecurity, acknowledging these as significant challenges. He outlines TAI's role in legislative advocacy, emphasizing the need for technology professionals to be involved in policy-making to address future-proofing technology investments. The discussion touches on the importance of nurturing a diverse tech ecosystem and fostering an inclusive environment for all Iowans. Brian concludes by expressing his vision for Iowa to become the leading state for technology and innovation in the Midwest, highlighting TAI's commitment to supporting startups and bridging connections within the tech community.

Hear the full show: https://iowapodcast.com/brian-waller-technology-association-of-iowa

Joel Harris: CEO and Co-Founder of Genvax Technologies Oct 22, 2024

Show notes

In this episode of the Iowa Tech Podcast, host Kaylee welcomes Joel Harris, CEO and co-founder of Genvax Technologies. Joel shares his journey from growing up as the son of veterinarians and studying economics to joining his father's vaccine startup, Harrisvaccines, after the 2008 financial crisis. He discusses the challenges and experiences he faced, including the eventual sale of Harrisvaccines to Merck Animal Health. Joel also explains his transition into venture capital with the Ag Startup Engine, where he invested in over 40 companies, and his decision to return to entrepreneurship with Genvax Technologies. Genvax focuses on utilizing advanced RNA technology to address infectious diseases in livestock and the broader food supply chain, aiming to bring innovative, accessible solutions to the market.

Joel also reflects on his venture capital experience and offers advice for entrepreneurs navigating the current funding landscape. He emphasizes the importance of understanding investor motivations and maintaining constant communication with stakeholders. Joel highlights the role of mentorship in his career, particularly the influence of his father, and discusses his commitment to supporting innovation in the Midwest. He encourages founders to focus on solving real-world problems and to be mindful of the balance between pursuing grant funding and achieving commercialization goals. Joel concludes by expressing his willingness to mentor others.

Hear the full show: https://iowapodcast.com/joel-harris-bioscience-and-ag-startups

Are accelerators dead? Oct 15, 2024

Show notes

In this episode of the Iowa Tech Podcast, host Kaylee interviews Dan Israel from the Global Insurance Accelerator (GIA) about his work in supporting early-stage startups within the insurance industry. Dan discusses the unique value proposition of the GIA, which focuses on providing mentorship and support to startups with innovative ideas in insurance and financial services. The GIA operates a 100-day program annually, designed to help startups refine their business models and connect with industry leaders.

Dan also reflects on the broader ecosystem in Iowa and the role the GIA plays in fostering innovation and collaboration. He emphasizes the collaborative nature of Iowa's tech and startup ecosystem, which supports various players, including accelerators, investors, and government entities, in working together to nurture startups. Dan also shares his vision for the future of the GIA, focusing on securing financial stability, expanding its network of investors, and continuing to evolve its value proposition for startups and sponsors.

Hear the full show: https://iowapodcast.com/dan-israel-insurtech-accelerators

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