Two to Twenty Podcast

Miki Reynolds on Creating an Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Through Community Building

In this episode, Julia and Katie sit down with Miki Reynolds, a passionate advocate for inclusive startup ecosystems and a leader in LA's tech community. They explore Miki's journey from startups to non-profits, her insights into the evolving funding landscape, and her pioneering work with AI tools for entrepreneurs.   Main Topics: - Miki's background: From sociology to tech activism in LA - The founding and impact of Grid 110: Community building and founder support - Transitioning from non-profit to venture capital at Slauson and Co. - The rise of AI tools in startup workflows and democratizing tech - Trends in LA's startup funding environment: Growth, IPOs, and the shift to service-based businesses - The importance of community-led growth and in-person connections for founders - Resources for entrepreneurs: Navigating local ecosystems and leveraging AI - The future of inclusive investing and AI-driven service businesses   Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction: Empowering women in startup ecosystems 00:22 - Meet Miki Reynolds: From LA roots to tech leader 01:46 - Connecting through JP Morgan partnerships and early startups 02:35 - From Grid 110 to community impact: Building LA's tech hub 03:40 - The power of founder cohorts and pitch showcases 04:32 - Miki's journey: From sociology to tech entrepreneurship 05:58 - Navigating Hollywood and software development early in her career 06:24 - Breaking barriers: Women and POC in tech leadership 08:09 - The growth of LA's tech community and startup support systems 09:38 - The evolution of Grid 110 and its role in startup success 11:25 - The significance of community bonding and shared founder experiences 12:17 - Highlights from Miki’s program and lessons learned 13:07 - LA as a prime hub for founders outside Silicon Valley 14:01 - Collaboration, partnerships, and the importance of networks 16:23 - The impact of tech programs on gender and racial equity in startups 17:02 - Investment trends: Capital flows and VC activity in LA 18:24 - Building relationships with venture capital and investor insight 19:21 - The changing funding environment fueled by AI innovations 20:45 - Slauson and Co: Investing in founders to ensure inclusivity 22:58 - The dynamics of fundraising, business validation, and product-market fit 24:05 - What makes an effective accelerator program? 25:31 - The role of AI in startup development and scale 26:00 - Community-led growth: Online, IRL, and hybrid models 27:23 - AI adoption among cohort companies and their tech stack 28:25 - Non-technical founders building with AI tools 29:55 - Rethinking service-based businesses in the AI era 31:09 - Practical AI integration: Collaboration and skill-building 32:36 - Empowering women in AI communities and online learning groups 33:13 - Resources for AI experimentation and skill development 34:41 - The importance of community and shared learning in AI 36:52 - Meeting founders where they are: In-person and virtual opportunities 38:50 - Insights on LA’s funding environment and upcoming IPOs 39:19 - Automating funding news with AI for strategic insights 41:16 - The surge of liquidity and opportunities in AI and tech markets 43:25 - The shift toward service-based startups and VC interests 44:44 - Scaling service businesses with AI automation 47:13 - Mental health tech insights: Combining service and technology 49:42 - Building LA’s inclusive startup ecosystem 50:12 - Appreciation for Mickey Reynolds and closing remarks   Resources & Links:  Grid 110 [https://www.grid110.org/%20Slauson%20&%20Co:%20https://www.slauson.co/] Slauson & Co [https://www.slauson.co/] Claude AI [https://claude.ai]  AI Snack Club [https://aisnackclub.com/]  Willa [https://www.joinwilla.com]  AI Trailmates [http://] Miki Reynolds, LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikireynolds/]

Bootstrapping, Resiliency and the Entrepreneurial Journey with Teal Cooper

In this episode of the Two to Twenty podcast, hosts Katie Vander Ark and Julia Bell welcome Teal Cooper, co-founder and president of VendiBean, a beverage tech company. Teal shares her entrepreneurial journey, including the challenges of bootstrapping a business, navigating the impact of COVID-19, and the importance of partnerships in an archaic industry. The conversation also delves into mindset, resilience, and practical advice for aspiring founders.   [00:00] Introduction to VendiBean and Teal's Journey [02:57] Bootstrapping Success: The Funding Journey [05:34] The Inspiration Behind VendiBean [08:45] Navigating the Challenges of Family Business [11:35] Overcoming COVID-19: A Personal and Business Transformation [14:26] Innovative Sales Strategies and Building in Public [17:25] Partnerships in an Archaic Industry [20:16] Mindset and Resilience in Entrepreneurship [23:13] Advice for Aspiring Founders   Music production: Dustin Belt

On Category Building, Consumer Brands and Founder Life with Scout Brisson

In this episode, Katie Vander Ark and Julia Belt interview Scout Brisson, CEO of De Soi, a non-alcoholic sparkling aperitif company. Scout shares her journey from MIT to the beverage industry, discussing the lessons learned from her corporate background and how they apply to her role as a founder. The conversation delves into the importance of building a strong team, navigating the emotional challenges of entrepreneurship, and the growing trend of non-alcoholic beverages. Scout also highlights the significance of collaboration with her co-founders and the future of the consumer packaged goods (CPG) market.   [00:00] Introduction to Scout Prasan and DeSois [02:22] Scout's Journey: From MIT to Beverage Industry [05:10] Lessons from Corporate to Startup: McKinsey and VC Insights [07:25] Building a Team: Hiring for Drive and Curiosity [10:23] The Emotional Rollercoaster of Founding a Company [13:17] Balancing Work and Personal Identity [15:54] The Rise of Non-Alcoholic Beverages [18:44] Consumer Trends and Market Insights [21:16] Navigating the CPG Landscape [23:54] Time Management as a CEO [26:37] Collaborating with Celebrity Co-Founders   Music production: Dustin Belt

From Consulting to Venture Capital and Early Stage Startups with Naseem Sayani

In this episode of the Two to Twenty podcast, Katie Vander Ark and Julia Belt engage with Naseem Sayani, a seasoned venture investor and angel investor. They explore Naseem's journey from consulting to venture capital, her focus on supporting female founders, and the importance of building relationships within the startup ecosystem. The conversation delves into the attributes that make a successful founder, the role of angel investors beyond just funding, and the current market conditions affecting fundraising strategies. Naseem shares insights on evaluating risk in disruptive ideas and the evolving landscape of venture capital and IPOs.   [00:00] Introduction to Venture Capital and Personal Journeys [02:42] Transitioning from Consulting to Venture Capital [05:57] Focus Areas in Angel Investing [08:31] The Importance of Founders and Their Attributes [11:33] Building Relationships in the Startup Ecosystem [14:27] The Role of Angel Investors Beyond Funding [17:30] Evaluating Female Founders and Their Vision [20:21] Navigating Confidence and Coachability in Founders [23:01] Assessing Risk in Disruptive Ideas [25:51] Market Conditions and Fundraising Strategies [28:37] The Future of Venture Capital and IPOs   Music Production: Dustin Belt

From Casper and Bala to Building Nelle Atelier with Madeleine Cohen

In this episode of the Two to Twenty podcast, host Katie Vander Ark interviews Madeleine Cohen, founder of Nelle Atelier, a denim brand reinventing the petite category for the modern shopper. They discuss launching a fashion label, navigating early growth, and what it really takes to build brand credibility in the consumer sector. Madeleine shares her insights on marketing strategies, the significance of brand credibility, and her future growth plans for Nelle Atelier. She also offers valuable advice for aspiring founders about the realities of entrepreneurship and the importance of pursuing one's vision despite challenges.   [00:00] Introduction to Nell Atelier and Its Founder [02:59] The Market for Petite Fashion [05:45] Challenges in Product Development [08:59] Navigating Funding and Investor Relationships [11:57] Building a Brand and Customer Engagement [14:54] Pre-Launch Strategies and Market Research [17:55] Go-To-Market Strategy and Influencer Marketing [20:47] Future Growth Plans and Advice for Founders [23:54] The Reality of Entrepreneurship   Music Production: Dustin Belt