What if the key to advancing brain health and neuroscience lies in harnessing neurodata in ways never thought possible? On today’s episode of Founder Shares , Robert S. Cooley Jr., founder and CEO of Nuream, discusses how his company is revolutionizing the way we capture and analyze brain activity. With cutting-edge smart-sensing materials, Nuream is creating new possibilities for early intervention in conditions like dementia, improving sleep health, and expanding our understanding of cognitive...
Feb 28, 2025•35 min•Ep. 55
How do you turn a passion for problem-solving into a thriving business that benefits millions? In this episode of Founder Shares, Brandon Kashani, founder and CEO of TRAKID, offers listeners a masterclass in resilience, adaptability, and strategic thinking. Brandon’s journey from a chemical engineering student to the leader of a tech company revolutionizing guest experiences is filled with invaluable lessons for anyone looking to navigate the complexities of entrepreneurship. Brandon delves into...
Jan 31, 2025•51 min•Ep. 54
What if AI could transform your frustrating interactions with local government into seamless, efficient experiences? In this episode of Founder Shares , Chip Kennedy, founder and CEO of CivicReach, shares how his voice AI platform is revolutionizing government customer service by acting as a “well-trained intern” for local agencies. Chip discusses how CivicReach addresses common frustrations like long hold times and bureaucratic inefficiencies, all while ensuring responsible AI practices that pr...
Dec 27, 2024•50 min•Ep. 53
Could the future of electric vehicle adoption hinge on our ability to accurately assess the health of EV batteries? On today’s episode of Founder Shares, Davide Giacobbe, CEO of ScoutIt, shares his journey from automotive engineer at Lamborghini to founder of a startup tackling one of the biggest challenges in the electric vehicle market—battery health transparency. Davide explains why accurate battery health assessments are essential for the used EV market and how Scout It is enabling dealershi...
Oct 31, 2024•47 min•Ep. 52
Have you ever wondered how scientific research can be translated into tangible products and services that benefit patients, clients, or customers? Or how an academic idea can transform into a successful healthcare business? In this episode, John Bamforth, executive director of UNC Chapel Hill's Eshelman Innovation, shares his work in developing therapeutics and digital health companies in North Carolina. With a background in neuropharmacology and experience at Eli Lilly, John discusses the chall...
Sep 27, 2024•55 min•Ep. 51
What if the key to unlocking true autonomy and advancing artificial intelligence lies in the development of more efficient and intelligent visual sensors? On today's episode of Founder Shares, Charbel Rizk, the visionary founder and CEO of Oculi, discusses the need for a shift towards advanced visual sensors over traditional motion sensors, and shares their potential to revolutionize automation and AI capabilities. What are the limitations of traditional motion sensors and how do advanced visual...
Aug 30, 2024•48 min•Ep. 50
How integral are networking and community-building to becoming a successful entrepreneur? Pablo Casilimas and Justis Mendez of OneSixOne Ventures join Founder Shares to discuss how they harnessed the power of these strategies to jumpstart their venture capital firm and connect founders and funders. Listen as they share some of the most useful insights they gained from hosting highly curated programs and events in different cities across the country and hosting a virtual accelerator program that ...
Jul 31, 2024•48 min•Ep. 49
How can a founder transition from a successful entrepreneur, to empowering other entrepreneurs by becoming a key figure in building startup communities? Join host Trevor Schmidt as he talks to Chris Heivly, Co-Founder of MapQuest and The Startup Factory and author of the book “Build the Fort”, about the importance of self-awareness, curiosity, and customer understanding for startup success--and how that success can, in turn, lead to building successful communities. What are some of the many ways...
Jun 28, 2024•47 min•Ep. 48
At the end of every Founder Shares episode, host Trevor Schmidt poses the question, “If there's one piece of advice that you would share with somebody who's thinking about starting a company or who's currently running their company, what would that advice be?” In this "Best Of" episode of Founder Shares, that question is answered with a collection of insightful advice from various founders and professionals who have graced the show throughout the season. Covering topics from taking the first ste...
May 31, 2024•22 min•Ep. 47
Have you ever wondered about the myriad of ways your personal data can be utilized by artificial intelligence? What important legal considerations should you make when using AI professionally? On today's episode of Founder Shares, we talk to attorney Lucas Beal and dive deep into the legal implications of AI on data privacy, copyright, and patents. Can you legally copyright AI output for your business? And is it possible to own content created by artificial intelligence? Find out about individua...
Apr 30, 2024•45 min•Ep. 46
Ever wondered how successful entrepreneurs navigate through challenges and achieve groundbreaking success? In our latest podcast episode, we dig into the remarkable journey of Scot Wingo . From founding companies like Stingray and ChannelAdvisor to revolutionizing traditional business models with Spiffy , Scot embodies the spirit of innovation. But what sets him apart? Join us as we uncover Scot's secret sauce – mentorship, seizing opportunities, and strategic decision-making. Looking to carve y...
Mar 29, 2024•53 min•Ep. 45
Have you ever wondered what it takes to navigate the labyrinth of venture capital and emerge as a true industry luminary? Join host Trevor as he takes us into the dynamic world of venture capital with industry titan Jason Caplain , Co-Founder and General Partner of Bull City Venture Partners. With a career spanning over twenty years, Jason's investments have catalyzed the success of renowned companies like Channel Advisor, Wedding Wire, Spiffy, and Spoonflower. Find out as Trevor and Jason embar...
Feb 29, 2024•46 min•Ep. 44
Ever wondered how startups in the pharmaceutical and biotech sectors navigate the maze of university licensing agreements? Join us as we sit down with Dan O'Korn , a seasoned attorney specializing in life sciences. Dan sheds light on the critical role of legal counsel in securing fair agreements and avoiding potential pitfalls early in the licensing process. From dissecting license fees to understanding royalty rates and milestone payments, Dan offers practical advice for startups diving into th...
Jan 31, 2024•43 min•Ep. 43
Ever wondered what it takes to navigate the dynamic landscape of technology ecosystems? How about fostering a workplace revolution or leaving an indelible mark on the entrepreneurial scene? Well, today's guest, Bill Spruil , has the answers. Welcome into the mind of a true entrepreneurial icon, someone who not only sold a company for hundreds of millions but also orchestrated a windfall that created 25 new millionaires in the Triangle area. Bill shares his insights on shaping a legacy, spearhead...
Dec 27, 2023•53 min•Ep. 42
Hey, fellow dreamers and doers, welcome to Founder Shares! Today's rooftop rendezvous at the American Underground has us pondering a crucial question: Where does the magic of entrepreneurship truly begin? We've dissected founders' journeys and investors' insights, but today, we're turning our gaze to the spaces where ideas incubate and collaborations bloom—coworking spaces. As we soak in the Durham skyline, we're joined by Alison, Carl, and Tim, each a maestro orchestrating innovation in their u...
Nov 29, 2023•48 min•Ep. 41
Today's Founders Shares podcast episode presents a unique perspective that I'm sure will resonate with many of you. We typically delve into the stories of seasoned entrepreneurs and their businesses. However, this time, we're flipping the script. In this episode, we're going to embark on a journey with someone who's at the starting line, someone who's young, and full of potential, but hasn't yet launched a full-fledged business. We're exploring the nascent stages of entrepreneurship, and it's a ...
Oct 30, 2023•48 min•Ep. 40
In the world of radiation oncology, precision is paramount. Every millimeter matters when it comes to treating cancer patients with radiation therapy. But what happens when the very technology designed to save lives becomes a source of potential errors and inefficiency? Today, we're delving into the fascinating world of radiation oncology and the critical role technology plays in patient care. Our guest, Kurt Sysock , co-founder and CEO of Radformation , has a solution that not only saves valuab...
Sep 27, 2023•36 min•Ep. 39
Today we welcome our guest Neal Shah , who is the CEO at CareYaya Health Technologies Inc. Are you frustrated with the challenges of finding reliable and affordable home care for your elderly loved ones or medically vulnerable children? The current system might leave you overwhelmed and underwhelmed. Tune in to this episode to discover how Neal Shah's extraordinary journey led to the creation of CareYaya, a visionary health-tech startup. And if you’re a founder, you’ll learn some valuable lesson...
Aug 30, 2023•46 min•Ep. 38
Ever wondered what the UK startup scene looks like compared to the US? Today we welcome Henry Humphreys, the managing partner of Humphreys Law , a London-based law firm specializing in technology, media, and startups. The episode delves into the differences between the UK and US startup scenes, highlighting London's emergence as a leading European hub for venture investment. Henry discusses the challenges and opportunities faced by UK startups, including the importance of successful exits and th...
Jul 24, 2023•46 min•Ep. 37
Tina Tang has made a lot of noise recently in the Triangle (Raleigh / Durham NC) startup community, having secured funding from well-known local investors NC IDEA , the Triangle Tweener Fund , and Primordial . Here's how she did it. --- Tina Tang is is the co-founder and CEO of Bristles , a startup that’s developed a mobile app to help design home DIY projects. Hosted by Trevor Schmidt , Founder Shares is brought to you by Hutchison PLLC and is edited and produced by Earfluence ....
Jun 21, 2023•38 min•Ep. 36
As a poor kid, Geraud Staton became an entrepreneur out of necessity, initially selling Blow Pops to the rich kids at school. He's hustled and he's seen how to grow a business, and he wanted to give back. So he started Helius (now Echo) because he wanted to level the playing field when it came to minority and women owned businesses. According to Geraud, "There are too many knowledgeable business people in our community for anyone to not have the skills they need to survive as hard working entrep...
May 22, 2023•52 min•Ep. 35
In the startup world, you're moving 100 miles an hour at all times, and data privacy rules aren't exactly high on the daily to-do list. But what happens if you're not compliant? And more importantly, what happens if that non-compliance leads to negative consequences to your clients, partners, and the company as a whole? Lucas Beal is an attorney at Hutchison PLLC who specializes in privacy and security, employment law, contract negotiation, and corporate law. Hosted by Trevor Schmidt , Founder S...
Apr 24, 2023•49 min•Ep. 34
At NC State's Entrepreneurship Clinic through the Poole College of Management , Haley Huie helps train the next generation of founders by both teaching entrepreneurship and having students gain real life experience. Hosted by Trevor Schmidt , Founder Shares is brought to you by Hutchison PLLC and is edited and produced by Earfluence ....
Mar 22, 2023•45 min•Ep. 33
Melissa Katrincic is the President and CEO of Durham Distillery , home of Conniption Gin and Corpse Reviver Cocktail Bar and Lounge . She’s the first female distiller inducted into the Gin Guild (founded in 1638), and today she shares her story of how she and her husband Lee decided to become gin distillers, the challenges of getting liquor onto shelves, the trademark headaches they went through, and what's next in spirits. Hosted by Trevor Schmidt , Founder Shares is brought to you by Hutchison...
Feb 28, 2023•47 min•Ep. 32
Hannah Weisberg is the founder and CEO of The Women’s Social Club , a women supporting women platform and community that has expanded from 1 location in Raleigh to 10 locations in 2 years. It’s a movement that’s spreading throughout the southeast and throughout the country. But The Women’s Social Club is not Hannah’s first venture - it all started with a dream that turned into a pandemic nightmare. Hosted by Trevor Schmidt , Founder Shares is brought to you by Hutchison PLLC and is edited and pr...
Jan 25, 2023•46 min•Ep. 31
As a structural engineer and PhD student at NC State University, Nehemiah Mabry was asked to put together a video for the Stay With It Campaign , which would encourage students to stick with their engineering passion. The video was a smash hit and was even played on MTV, and all of a sudden people started asking Nee to produce videos. So he did, and he had a business. But how could he take that business from side hustle to scalable? Dr. Nehemiah Mabry is the Founder and CEO of STEMedia and host ...
Dec 21, 2022•41 min•Ep. 30
Keith Daniel and Tom Droege saw a problem in the startup and investment community - Black founders are not on equal ground when trying to build a business. They saw it in their interactions with founders and investors, but they also looked at it from a historical context. The oppression of the Black community in America starting with slavery, then barriers to owning land, and barriers to vote. That takes decades to overcome - but Keith and Tom are trying to accelerate that process. Keith Daniel ...
Nov 17, 2022•45 min•Ep. 29
At Hutchison PLLC, we specialize in working with startups, so we completely understand that when you’re trying to build a business from nothing, legal isn’t always your top priority. You need to quickly figure out product market fit, cash flow, finding investors, and about a hundred other tasks. But there are some things, like how you work with employees and contractors, that if you don’t get it right initially, it can have huge tax and equity implications down the road. We are always happy to c...
Oct 19, 2022•54 min•Ep. 28
Today's guest Joe Colopy is the co-founder at Jurassic Capital and the Godfather of Grepbeat , which covers all things tech in North Carolina. But before all of that, he bootstrapped Durham-based email marketing software firm Bronto and led it to a $200M exit. Tune in to hear how it all happened. Hosted by Trevor Schmidt , Founder Shares is brought to you by Hutchison PLLC and is edited and produced by Earfluence ....
Sep 14, 2022•42 min•Ep. 27
Josh Owen never looked at himself as an entrepreneur. He formed his first company Tryon Solutions to do some consulting work, and before he knew it, the company had grown to the point where it had about 100 employees. For Josh, it was time to try another idea, which required funding. Even after a $2.5M raise to start his new company Cycle Labs , he still doesn't think of himself as an entrepreneur - he's simply someone who likes to solve problems. Hosted by Trevor Schmidt , Founder Shares is bro...
Aug 17, 2022•35 min•Ep. 26
