Episodes

  • First Flight Venture Center: Launching Startups Successfully

    First Flight Venture Center: Launching Startups Successfully
    Nov 29 2024
    What does it take for deep tech startups to move from idea to impact? How can innovation hubs like First Flight Venture Center provide the tools, mentorship, and support founders need to thrive? In this episode of Siemens for Startups, host Jim Gernatt welcomes Krista Covey and Ben Provan from First Flight Venture Center, North Carolina’s leading business innovation hub. Krista, President of First Flight, and Ben, Director of Hangar 6, provide an in-depth look at how their organization fosters early-stage startups with mentorship, cutting-edge prototyping services, and a thriving ecosystem of support. Discover how First Flight bridges the gap between groundbreaking science and market-ready solutions, and learn how their collaboration with Siemens empowers deep tech entrepreneurs to accelerate their innovation cycles. Gain insights into their unique programs, such as Hangar 6’s rapid prototyping resources, and hear inspiring success stories of startups that turned ambitious ideas into real-world impact. Listeners will walk away with actionable takeaways for navigating the startup journey, including strategies for overcoming funding challenges, building strong teams, and creating scalable business models. Whether you’re a startup founder, an investor looking to better understand deep tech, or an innovation enthusiast, this episode offers valuable lessons for transforming bold visions into sustainable success. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: History and role of First Flight Venture Center and Hangar6 (01:00) Examples of company journeys in the Research Triangle Park (RTP) ecosystem (03:55) How can founders stay focused and motivated when faced with challenges or setbacks? (6:50) Why is it a good time now to start a start-up or invest in one? (25:10) How do the investment community and Siemens’ tools support deep tech? (29:00) Vital questions that founders should ask to improve long-term success (39:35) Siemens’ special packaging and pricing for startups through First Flight Venture Center (43:40) Connect with Jim Gernatt LinkedIn Website Connect with Ben Provan Website LinkedIn Connect with Krista Covey Website LinkedIn
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    45 mins
  • Transforming Startup Potential into Success with Siemens and Big Red Jelly’s Strategic Approach

    Transforming Startup Potential into Success with Siemens and Big Red Jelly’s Strategic Approach
    Oct 31 2024
    What are the foundational issues that often hold back growth, and how can they be resolved? How can startups achieve the brand clarity they need to scale successfully? In this episode of Pioneers, the Siemens Startup Podcast, host Jim Gernatt sits down with Josh and Zach Webber, the dynamic brother duo behind Big Red Jelly, an award-winning marketing agency. Josh and Zach share their expertise in helping startups unlock growth through a meticulously crafted process they call “Brand, Build, Grow.” They discuss their journey, their unique approach to branding, and how they assist startups in addressing foundational issues that hinder their growth. Listeners will gain valuable insights into the challenges startups face, the importance of understanding product-market fit, and how strategic branding can be the key to unlocking accelerated growth. From deep-tech startups to scalable service businesses, this episode offers practical advice for founders looking to refine their messaging, engage their ideal customers effectively, and improve the customer journey. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: How Big Red Jelly identifies and addresses growth barriers for startups (09:10) The connection between Siemens, Keiretsu and Big Red Jelly (16:30) What are the symptoms of brand issues for start-ups? (19:45) Practical branding exercises for deep tech startup founders (30:30) How to improve self-awareness for your brand (32:35) How Siemens and Big Red Jelly help tech start-ups succeed (41:50) Connect with Jim Gernatt LinkedIn Website Connect with Josh Webber LinkedIn Website Connect with Zach Webber LinkedIn Website
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    44 mins
  • Affordable Space Tourism

    Affordable Space Tourism
    Aug 20 2024
    Space travel is no longer reserved for astronauts only; it's on the verge of becoming an extraordinary experience within reach for everyone. As the boundaries of exploration expand, today's episode dives into innovations that are making space travel more accessible than ever. In this captivating episode of Pioneers, the Siemens Startup Podcast, host Kevin Blevins sits down with Michael Savage, COO of Space Perspective. In this episode, you'll explore the latest innovations from Space Perspective, including their unique space balloon and advanced spaceship, Neptune. You'll also discover their significant achievements with the new capsule and cutting-edge marine spaceport, Voyager. Kevin Blevins provides insights into the growing space tourism industry and how companies like Space Perspective are working to make space travel more accessible and affordable for everyone. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Michael Savage’s journey from being a business owner to becoming a partner at a venture capital firm, Space Perspective. (01:54) Space travel technology with a focus on a new capsule design and upcoming launch. (14:21) Space tourism industry growth and cost reduction. (16:40) The development of a commercial spacecraft. (21:56) Partnership with Siemens for space technology development. (36:56) Space tourism and innovation with Space Perspective. (42:59) Connect with Michael Savage: LinkedIn Website Connect with Kevin Blevins: LinkedIn
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    47 mins
  • A Deep Dive into Berkeley SkyDeck

    A Deep Dive into Berkeley SkyDeck
    Jul 30 2024
    Incubators and accelerators serve as vital support systems, fostering early-stage ventures by offering essential resources, mentorship, and invaluable networking opportunities. In this insightful episode of Pioneers, the Siemens Startup Podcast, host Kevin Blevins engages in a conversation with Caroline Winnett, Executive Director of Berkeley SkyDeck, and Craig Conlee, growth strategist at Siemens Digital Industries Software and key advisor at SkyDeck. Caroline shares her fascinating journey from a professional violinist to a successful entrepreneur and executive director, highlighting her experiences with startups and her pivotal role at SkyDeck. Craig discusses his transition from a political science major and a sales professional to a startup founder and advisor. In this episode, you will gain valuable insights into the unique structure and mission of Berkeley SkyDeck, its impressive network of advisors, and its innovative partnership with Siemens. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Berkeley SkyDeck and UC Berkeley. (15:46) SkyDeck's role in accelerating startups at UC Berkeley. (18:19) Berkeley SkyDeck's global presence, investor network, and successful alumni. (23:59) Entrepreneurship, incubators, and partnerships between Berkeley Skydeck and Siemens. (34:47) Connect with Caroline Winnett: LinkedIn Website Connect with Craig Conlee: LinkedIn Connect with Kevin Blevins: LinkedIn
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    39 mins
  • Revolutionizing Drug Development in Space

    Revolutionizing Drug Development in Space
    Jun 28 2024
    Manufacturing in space leverages the unique conditions of microgravity to enhance processes that are challenging or impossible on Earth. In this exciting episode of Pioneers, the Siemens StartUp Podcast, host Kevin Blevins sits down with Will Bruey, CEO and co-founder of Varda Space Industries. Varda is not just any space company; they are pioneering the manufacturing of products in space and bringing them back to Earth for terrestrial use. In this episode, you will gain insights into Varda Space Industries' unique business model, including their focus on pharmaceuticals and the benefits of microgravity in drug development. You will also get to hear details about their successful first mission and the future potential of space manufacturing. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Will Bruey's background and journey to founding Varda Space Industries (01:29) How Varda manufactures drugs in orbit for unique formulations. (06:20) Space manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, and entrepreneurship. (16:35) The future of space manufacturing and its potential impact on various industries (19:22) The importance of clear communication and team building for startup success (21:44) Why Varda Space Industries chose Siemens for their aerospace manufacturing (22:31) Connect with Will Bruey: LinkedIn Website Connect with Kevin Blevins: LinkedIn
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    28 mins
  • MedTech Innovator: Accelerating Healthcare Innovation (Part 2)

    MedTech Innovator: Accelerating Healthcare Innovation (Part 2)
    May 29 2024
    As a startup venturing into the dynamic landscape of medical technology innovation, the road ahead may seem riddled with obstacles. From fierce competition to ever-evolving regulatory landscapes, the journey to success can be fraught with uncertainty. I'm your host, Kevin Blevins. In the last episode, Jim Gernatt and I were speaking with Paul Grand founder and CEO of Med Tech Innovatory. We left off discussing Paul's background, the remarkable journey of Med Tech Innovator, and its pivotal role in shaping the future of healthcare. Today, we continue this conversation with Paul diving into innovative initiatives driving this transformative organization. In this part, you will gain insights into the pivotal role of organizations like MedTech Innovator in guiding companies through the complexities of commercialization, including navigating investment challenges and addressing payment and coverage issues. By the end of this episode, you'll have a comprehensive understanding of the MedTech Innovator landscape and actionable advice for making a significant impact in healthcare. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Challenges faced by MedTech startups, including lack of guidance and funding. (04:16) MedTech Innovation ecosystem, including peers, key opinion leaders, investors, strategic partners, and payers. (07:02) The value of working with a partner like Siemens. (14:05) The importance of getting out of echo chambers and seeing different perspectives. (20:20) The importance of fixing investment and payment systems in the medical technology industry. (31:49) Connect with Paul Grand: LinkedIn Website  Connect with Jim Gernatt: LinkedIn Connect with Kevin Blevins: LinkedIn
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    34 mins
  • MedTech Innovator: Accelerating Healthcare Innovation

    MedTech Innovator: Accelerating Healthcare Innovation
    Apr 29 2024
    Accelerators provide essential coaching, resources, mentorship, and networking opportunities to startups, enabling them to navigate challenges and scale effectively in the competitive landscape. I'm your host, Kevin Blevins, and I have a co-host, Jim Gernatt. He leads the Innovation Partnership ecosystem for Siemens, working with incubators and accelerators. Today, we're speaking with Paul Grand, founder and CEO of MedTech Innovator, one of the foremost MedTech accelerators globally, dedicated to fostering innovation in digital health, medical devices, and diagnostics. In this part one of a two-part episode, you will gain valuable insights into the unique challenges and opportunities faced by startups in the MedTech space. From understanding the funding dynamics and investor sentiments to the genesis of MedTech Innovator as a platform to support and guide healthcare startups, this episode offers a deep dive into the world of medical technology entrepreneurship. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: MedTech industry funding challenges and exit opportunities. (2:28) Entrepreneurship, resilience, and persistence in the MedTech industry. (7:29) The evolution of a venture capitalist in the MedTech industry. (13:17) The challenges faced by MedTech startups in gaining visibility (16:27) MedTech innovation and its impact on healthcare. (21:35) Connect with Paul Grand: LinkedIn Website Connect with Jim Gernatt: LinkedIn Connect with Kevin Blevins: LinkedIn
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    26 mins
  • Navigating Angel Investment with Sandy Wollman

    Navigating Angel Investment with Sandy Wollman
    Mar 25 2024
    Often, entrepreneurs embark on their journey with a brilliant idea they believe addresses a pressing market need. But turning that idea into reality requires more than just ingenuity; it demands funding. Today, we'll delve into the world of startup funding, exploring the strategies and challenges entrepreneurs face as they seek the financial support necessary to bring their innovations to life. I'm your host, Kevin Blevins, and joining us today is Sanford Wollman, or Sandy, an ACA (Angel Capital Association) board member, Director of the Syndication Committee, and the co-founder and Managing Director of Westchester Angels. In this episode, Sandy provides valuable insights into what startups need to know from the initial stages of pitching to navigating due diligence to attract angel investment. We will also explore the collaborative nature of the angel investing ecosystem, the importance of finding the right angel group, and the role of organizations like the ACA in facilitating connections and providing educational resources for entrepreneurs. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Sandy’s entrepreneurship, business failures, and personal growth. (6:03) The dynamics and characteristics of the angel investing ecosystem (22:36) How the ACA works with angel groups to help startups raise money easier (28:33) How the ACA streamlines the investment process for angel groups (35:43) The "pizza lunch test" and its significance in the angel group. (41:14) Siemens partnership with the ACA (44:26) Advice for entrepreneurs. (47:28) Connect with Sanford Wollman: LinkedIn E-mail ACA Website Westchester Angels Website Connect with Kevin Blevins: LinkedIn
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    59 mins