Enjoy this radically transparent conversation with Jennifer Dorian , CEO of WABE , a “76 year old startup.” Hosted by Lisa Calhoun , managing partner at Valor Ventures, these leaders drive into topics of truth and courage today, including: How public broadcasting shapes culture, community, and innovation, particularly in Atlanta How storytelling, and the perception of truth, is changing Research that reveals new deceptive tendencies in the most advanced AI Leadership lessons as CEOs, including k...
May 01, 2025•44 min
We tracked 123 new startups, uncovered key trends around revenues and financings, and broke it all down in an 11-page Valor Ventures report. Better news! You don’t even have to read it. Hit the highlights in this week’s special podcast, hosted by our favorite AI hosts. Get your copy of the AI IN THE SOUTH Q1 2025 report. Get a detailed, AI review of your deck, focusing on what it takes to be perfectly investor-ready . Check out Notebook LLM , which we used to generate this podcast. #AIintheSouth...
Apr 30, 2025•17 min•Season 1Ep. 225
What if the key to unlocking true autonomy isn’t just more real-world testing—but a perfect digital twin of reality? Meet Autonoma, the company revolutionizing AI and autonomy through ultra-high-fidelity simulation. From self-driving cars to smart cities, their tech is accelerating the future—faster than real time. 🔹 Why simulation? Because 11 billion miles of real-world driving is impossible—unless you can simulate it. 🔹 Beyond cars: Airports, warehouses, even entire digital cities are using ...
Apr 01, 2025•28 min•Season 1Ep. 224
Join Lisa Calhoun and Christy Johnson, Performance Engineering Leader at BIP Capital, for an inspiring and insightful conversation on what it takes to build, scale, and thrive in innovation today. From Christy’s unique journey—from rural Costa Rica to leading high-growth companies—to defining the milestones that matter, this episode is packed with actionable advice for founders and investors alike. Whether you're a founder navigating the challenges of scaling or an investor hunting exceptional v...
Mar 04, 2025•1 hr 1 min•Season 1Ep. 223
In this episode, Lisa Calhoun sits down with Atlanta visionary entrepreneur David Cummings to explore the transformative changes he’s instigated in the heart of Atlanta. David offers a deep dive into his mission to revitalize the city through the purchase of a sixteen acre lot of historic property–and urban blight. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about the past, present, and future of one of America’s most exciting cities. Don’t miss this chance to learn about the big ideas and investments...
Feb 04, 2025•25 min•Season 1Ep. 222
Get ready for an exciting episode of the Atlanta StartUp Podcast! Founders, ever wondered if you’ve raised too much or too little capital? Not sure how to lock in the best terms in today’s market? Or maybe you’re asking, "Is the South the next big hub for funding, or should I head to the coasts?" We’ve got you covered! This month, we’re joined by Peter Walker, Head of Insights at Carta, who brings his sharp expertise and a treasure trove of data-driven insights. Peter recently visited us in Atla...
Jan 24, 2025•32 min•Season 1Ep. 221
In this episode of the Atlanta Startup Podcast, we welcome Jillian Anderson, founder of HERide, the innovative ridesharing platform designed to provide safe, reliable, and inclusive transportation for women. HERide is reshaping the ridesharing industry by addressing the unique safety concerns faced by women while empowering women drivers. Jillian recently won the EmpowerHER award, presented by NCR Foundation, at the 28th Startup Runway showcase. Tune in to learn how HERide is making transportati...
Dec 16, 2024•20 min•Season 1Ep. 220
In this episode of the Atlanta Startup Podcast , we’re joined by Lauren Siff , Founder of SurgicalEd VR , the groundbreaking platform that won the first showcase in the Startup Runway Virginia program in Richmond. SurgicalEd VR is redefining how surgical training is approached, offering immersive VR simulations that make training more accessible and effective. Lauren shares her journey, her vision for improving medical education through technology, and the impact of winning the Startup Runway Vi...
Nov 11, 2024•29 min•Season 1Ep. 219
The Cleveland Clinic recently tapped an Atlanta entrepreneur to lead one of its cutting-edge healthcare innovation companies. In this episode, we dive into a conversation with Linda Li, Partner, at the Cleveland Clinic. Discover how they’re driving innovation, their investment strategies, and the key trends they’re tracking. Founders, this is your chance to learn how to connect with the Cleveland Clinic’s innovation team. They’re eager to meet with healthcare, AI, and patient care startups in pe...
Nov 05, 2024•40 min•Season 1Ep. 218
Lisa Calhoun, Founding General Partner of Valor VC, released a new podcast titled "AI Startups in the South: Highlights Q3 2024." In this episode, she breaks down key insights from Valor's latest report, exploring trends, opportunities, and actionable strategies for early-stage startups, alongside our AI host. Tune in now to catch all the insights! And don’t forget to download the full report here: https://valor.docsend.com/view/25sic3tauqpxikcg Let's take this conversation to real time. Join Va...
Oct 23, 2024•20 min•Season 1Ep. 217
In this special episode for Venture Atlanta Week, we're dropping a first-of-its-kind podcast--AI talking to AI, about AI. No kidding! Content is completely vetted, but no human voice boxes were abused in this podcast's creation. Listen in to hear about how Valor uses AI to help founders get discovered. You won't be disappointed, and we can't wait to hear your thoughts on this unique episode. Would you enjoy more episodes from our synthetic hosts? Let's take this conversation to real time. Join V...
Oct 07, 2024•13 min•Season 1Ep. 216
Join us on this episode of the Atlanta Startup Podcast as we sit down with Raha Saremi, founder of Ecoatex, a pioneering company in sustainable fashion and textiles. Ecoatex is dedicated to offering eco-friendly, non-toxic textiles and synthetic leather that significantly reduce environmental impact. Raha recently earned the Women’s Empowerment Award, presented by NCR Foundation, at the 26th Startup Runway Pitch Showcase. Tune in to learn how Ecoatex is changing the game in sustainable fashion a...
Sep 10, 2024•18 min•Season 1Ep. 215
In this episode of the Atlanta Startup Podcast, we dive into a conversation with Georgina Dukes-Harris, the visionary founder of Swishvo. Swishvo is transforming the healthcare landscape by providing a platform that connects individuals seeking holistic medicine with skilled healers, while also supporting holistic practitioners in building their businesses. Georgina shares her journey of launching Swishvo, her insights on the growing demand for holistic health options, and reflects on her recent...
Sep 03, 2024•26 min•Season 1Ep. 214
Join us on this episode of the Atlanta Startup Podcast as we welcome the innovative Brian Glover, Founder of Previewed. Tune in to our conversation about how Previewed is transforming the job interview process through immersive videos, gamification, and AI matching. We’ll also delve into Brian’s recent success, winning the Audience Choice Award at the 26th Edition of the Startup Runway pitch showcase. Discover how Previewed is reshaping hiring and creating a better experience for both job seeker...
Aug 20, 2024•22 min•Season 1Ep. 213
In this engaging episode of the Atlanta Startup Podcast, Lisa Calhoun sits down with Daniel Dorfman, co-founder of Roots Investment Community, to explore their groundbreaking real estate investment model. Roots uniquely allows renters to invest and build wealth alongside traditional investors, creating a mutually beneficial system. Daniel delves into their data-driven strategies, the importance of democratizing real estate investment, and how they achieve remarkable occupancy and renewal rates. ...
Aug 13, 2024•25 min•Season 1Ep. 212
In this episode of the Atlanta Startup Podcast, Lisa Calhoun interviews Chris Keller, a Kauffman Fellow and partner at Catalyst Partners. They discussed Chris's career journey and his work in seeding new private equity firms. Chris shared some insights from his research on emerging managers, highlighting their significant outperformance compared to established funds. He explains that first-time funds often deliver higher returns with relatively low additional risk. The conversation covers the im...
Aug 06, 2024•31 min•Season 1Ep. 211
Join us on this episode of the Atlanta Startup Podcast as we welcome the inspiring Janessa Ferrel, founder of QuestRead. Dive into our conversation about how QuestRead is dedicated to enhancing literacy by providing interactive reading experiences customized to match children's interests and learning levels. We'll also discuss Janessa's recent achievement of winning the Women’s Empowerment Award at the 25th Edition of the Startup Runway pitch showcase. Tune in to discover how QuestRead makes rea...
Jul 23, 2024•15 min•Season 1Ep. 210
In today’s episode of the Atlanta Startup Podcast, we sat down with Scott Lopano, newly promoted Partner at Tech Square Ventures in Atlanta. Scott opens up about his journey from Associate to Partner, sharing real reflections on his career ascension. We get into his top fundraising tips for early-stage founders navigating today's market and highlight the rise of VC platforms and how they're creating value for portfolio companies. Then, the conversation shifts gears to talk GTM strategy, as Willi...
Jul 16, 2024•42 min•Season 1Ep. 209
Explore how Dena Lewis transforms the running experience with Running Mate on this episode of the Atlanta Startup Podcast. Learn about her journey to create a safer runner environment through a real-time, on-demand app that pairs them with verified, safe mates. Dena's personal experiences and dedication to runner safety drive this innovative solution, making every run safer and more enjoyable. Don't miss this insightful conversation with one of the winners of the 25th Edition of the Startup Runw...
Jul 10, 2024•22 min•Season 1Ep. 208
Software founders, as you grow to millions in ARR, are you encountering bigger tax liabilities than you anticipate? Transaction tax law is evolving fast, and if you're not prepared, rather than sell your startup at the price you agreed to in the LOI, you can find after diligence you get significantly less if you don't prepare in advance. In this episode, join Lisa Calhoun, founder and managing partner at Valor Ventures, as she delves into the intricacies of transaction tax with Rob Piechota from...
Jul 02, 2024•37 min•Season 1Ep. 207
This episode of the Atlanta Startup Podcast is your golden ticket. ️ We're diving deep into the journeys of two successful founders at the Startup Runway's 25th Showcase, Damola Ogundipe, the mind behind the revolutionary AI platform for lobbyists - Plural, and Kristen Dunning, the creator of plant-based skincare magic - Gently Soap. Damola and Kristen shared their winning strategies, including Building trust with investors, Finding your funding soulmate, and Crafting a pitch that captivates. Do...
Jun 25, 2024•22 min•Season 1Ep. 206
Today on the Virginia startup podcast, we're joined by Gene Riechers, Venture Partner at Sands Capital Management & Seda Goff, Founder and General Partner at Flintlock Capital to unpack the momentum fueling the Virginia startup ecosystem. We broadly discuss the phases of growth the Virginia startup scene has traversed, contrary thoughts on the AI craze, tactical steps to keeping quality university talent in the state, how the federal government empowers an unfair advantage for VA startups an...
Jun 04, 2024•46 min•Season 1Ep. 205
In this captivating newest episode of the Atlanta Startup Podcast, Lisa Calhoun, Founding Managing Partner and Co-host, collaborates with Lynne Laube, Operating Partner at Valor Ventures, for an engaging dialogue. Together, they explore Lynne's transition from Fintech post-IPO Founder to Venture Capitalist, uncovering surprising insights along the way. Lynne sheds light on the qualities she values in today's Fintech founders and offers indispensable advice for those embarking on their initial fu...
May 07, 2024•25 min•Season 1Ep. 204
This week on the Atlanta Startup Podcast, we welcome Jason Caplain, General Partner at Bull City Venture Partners. This conversation with Jason and William works to unpack the frameworks behind the firm's founder-centric investment strategy and their successes from following this blueprint. We learn how the Bull City team builds conviction in diligence, how they think about balancing off-thesis investment risk, supporting founders across multiple companies, distinctive traits of the most success...
Apr 30, 2024•31 min•Season 1Ep. 203
In this episode, we're joined by Riean Knight, the innovative founder of Honey to Cocoa, a groundbreaking mobile app using AI to match makeup to diverse skin tones. Riean shares her journey and insights into building a platform that champions inclusivity and confidence in the beauty industry. Discover how technology empowers people of color to feel represented and confident in their makeup choices. Whether you're a beauty lover or advocate for diversity, this episode offers a glimpse into the fu...
Apr 23, 2024•21 min•Season 1Ep. 202
In this episode, we're joined by Joe Hamilton, the brilliant mind behind 4 Second Football, winner of the Audience Choice award at the 24th Startup Runway Showcase. Discover how Joe's innovative technology revolutionizes football with real-time feedback for players and coaches at every level. From its inception to its impact on the game, Joe shares insights into the world's smartest football and its potential to elevate performance and strategy. Whether you're a player, coach, or simply passiona...
Apr 15, 2024•26 min•Season 1Ep. 201
Embark on a transformative journey with Keith Chaney, the visionary behind Peadbo, winner of the Judge’s Prize at the 24th Startup Runway Showcase. In this episode, Keith reveals the game-changing power of cultivating a personal board of directors for college students and young professionals. Discover how strategic mentorship and regular engagement can drive remarkable career outcomes. Join us for an enlightening discussion that promises to revolutionize your approach to professional growth and ...
Apr 09, 2024•20 min•Season 1Ep. 200
Atlanta startup Aetos is on the journey of building software to digitize the multi-billion dollar industry of facilities management in the built environment. In this episode, we talk with Aetos CEO Connor Offut to unpack how their software transforms facilities mgmt for clients like Chick-fil-A, Pepsi, Hines, SL Green, and others. We also talk more tactically with Connor about finding your footing as CEO in the enterprise sales lifecycle, how to thoughtfully approach early-stage fundraising &...
Mar 19, 2024•28 min•Season 1Ep. 199
Two founders of London-based startups are setting their sights on Atlanta. In an exclusive interview, we spoke with Elizabeth Lukas, CEO Americas at AutogenAI, and Anna Brailsford, CEO at CodeFirstGirls, to better understand their motivations. Having successfully launched their startups in London, they are now targeting Atlanta, the Southeast's gem, for expansion. The conversation delved into the origins of their companies, why Atlanta is a no-brainer expansion target, their experiences navigati...
Mar 11, 2024•27 min•Season 1Ep. 198
On today's episode, we sit down with Kevin Moore to explore his journey from Limited Partner to General Partner and ultimately the inception of Serac Ventures. Kevin shares the strategic timing behind launching Serac in 2023, offering a glimpse into his unique perspective shaped by his LP experience and how it influences his role and decision-making as a GP. The episode then transitions to the topic of AI, where Kevin provides his take on the valuation frenzy and the impact of AI on VC fund ops....
Feb 20, 2024•31 min•Season 1Ep. 197
