In this episode of "The Next Big Thing," Brendan and Connor sit down with seasoned venture capitalist Martin Tobias for the first episode of our investor series, where we aim to extract the lessons, principles, and frameworks of the top venture capitalists so that crowdfunding investors can be better prepared to find a great deal.

With an impressive portfolio of startups and an incredibly high unicorn rate, Martin offers a wealth of knowledge on what it takes to succeed in the high-risk world of early-stage investing.

Topics Covered:

• Equity Crowdfunding: Martin outlines the opportunities and pitfalls of this modern funding landscape. He warns founders about the risk of mispricing their rounds and the potential impact on future investments. On the flip side, he also discusses the unique marketing power of equity crowdfunding, particularly for direct-to-consumer brands.

• Risk and Portfolio Management: According to Martin, venture capital should only make up a small portion of one's investment portfolio due to its high-risk nature. He provides practical advice on how to approach early-stage tech investing, stressing the importance of diversifying investments.

• Follow-On Financing: Martin shares his strategy for scoring unicorns and explains how follow-on financing is crucial for startups aiming to reach sky-high valuations.

• Investing in Marketplaces: A deep dive into Martin's investment in OpenSea, one of his unicorn successes. He unpacks his marketplace-driven approach to this bet and why he saw potential in the platform beyond the buzz of crypto and NFTs.

• The Seven Meta-Themes: Martin discusses the seven meta-themes he uses to guide his investment decisions. These themes serve as a lens for evaluating market trends and startup potential, allowing him to spot game-changing innovations before they hit the mainstream.

• Thesis on Reducing Friction at Scale: Martin elaborates on his investment thesis centered around reducing friction at scale. He explains how startups that focus on this can exponentially increase efficiency and profitability, ultimately leading to game-changing innovations in their respective industries.

• Career Advice: Whether you're a young professional or considering a mid-career switch to venture capital, Martin recommends becoming a Limited Partner (LP) in a venture fund as a valuable learning step.

• The Future of Frictionless Business: As we look to the future, Martin believes AI will play an enormous role in reducing business friction at scale and revolutionizing various industries in the process.

Subscribe today to stay ahead of the curve and witness the future unfold. Perfect for aspiring venture capitalists, startup enthusiasts, and anyone intrigued by the innovations shaping our world.

LINKS

Incisive Ventures (https://incisive.vc)

Martin’s Blog (https://incisive.vc/insight)

Pitch Your Startup to Martin (https://airtable.com/appAMCFupamv6Euf8/shrKq915ChZNzweep)

Martin on Twitter/X (https://twitter.com/MartinGTobias)

Martin on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/martintobias)

In this episode of The Next Big Thing, we are honored to host Katie Thomson, the innovative co-founder and CEO of Square Baby.

The infancy stage is crucial for a child's cognitive and physical development, and nutrition plays an indispensable role in this period. Square Baby, under Katie's guidance, is revolutionizing baby food by offering balanced and nutritious meals, challenging the fruit-heavy, sugar-laden norms of the industry. Their mission? To ensure every baby has a fighting chance at optimal development through their pioneering Square Meal System™, which offers 100% of a baby’s daily nutritional needs.

One of the standout moments in our discussion is Katie's focus on science-based allergen introduction in baby food. This approach aligns with recent studies and could potentially save lives by preventing food allergies. As we dive deeper, Katie provides invaluable insights into how Square Baby isn't just a business but a platform for setting new health standards for our youngest generation.

Katie’s extensive experience in nutritional science, as a registered dietitian and a former nutritionist for Starbucks, comes to the fore as she articulates the rigorous measures Square Baby takes to test for heavy metals and other contaminants. Her commitment to quality and safety is a recurring theme that shapes both her brand and our enlightening conversation.

This episode is essential listening for anyone interested in child development, nutritional science, and the future of food. Whether you're a parent, a healthcare provider, or simply someone passionate about wellness and sustainability, Katie’s evidence-based insights will significantly broaden your understanding of what it takes to nourish the next generation effectively.

LINKS

Website (https://squarebaby.com)

Invest in Square Baby (wefunder.com/squarebaby)

Katie Thomson LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/katie-thomson-ms-rd-102808a/)

In this episode of The Next Big Thing, we're excited to welcome Dr. Harry Kloor, the visionary co-founder and CEO of Beyond Imagination.

In a world that faces an unprecedented workforce shortage, the role of AI-powered humanoid robotics emerges as a crucial solution. Dr. Kloor, along with his team at Beyond Imagination, has blazed a trail in this space, creating robots capable of not only performing physical tasks but also learning and adapting. At the heart of their innovation is the BEOMNI™ AI Brain, which integrates sight, sound, touch, language, motion, and spatial data without human intervention.

In our engaging conversation, we delve into his vision of robots as collaborative companions in healthcare, leveraging their AI to enhance surgical efficiency and reduce labor costs. But beyond that, the conversation extends to Beyond Imagination's broader mission to transform various industries and the potential consumer market. Dr. Kloor's insights extend beyond mere technological innovation, touching on a future where humanoid robots controlled by Expert Minds become part of everyday life. From an initial goal of producing 10,000 robots in the next five years to a future where billions of humanoids assist mankind, Dr. Kloor's passion for this revolutionary field resonates throughout our discussion.

This episode is a must-listen for those fascinated by the convergence of AI, robotics, and human potential, and how innovation can drive change across industries, redefine labor, and create a promising new frontier in human-robot collaboration.

LINKS

Website (https://www.beomni.ai/)

Invest in Beyond Imagination (https://wefunder.com/beomni)

Beyond Imagination Twitter (https://twitter.com/BeomniRobot)

Beyond Imagination Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/beyondimaginationinc)

Beyond Imagination Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/beyondimaginationinc)

Beyond Imagination LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/beyond-imagination-inc/)

Dr. Harry Kloor Wikipedia (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harry_Kloor)

Dr. Harry Kloor LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/harry-kloor-0677491a/)

Dr. Harry Kloor Twitter (https://twitter.com/HarryDocKloor)

In this captivating episode of The Next Big Thing, we are honored to dive deep into the world of tequila with Jon Bullinger, the innovative mind behind Yéyo Tequila.

Embarking on a journey through the picturesque Highlands of Arandas, Jalisco, Mexcio, Jon stumbled upon the essence of perfection in blue agave, leading him to establish Yéyo Tequila. Guided by three generations of tequila producers and refined by the expertise of the legendary Master Distiller, Sergio Cruz, Yéyo Tequila stands as a testament to passion, innovation, and the relentless pursuit of flavor.

A standout moment in our conversation revolves around Jon's initial attempt at building a tequila brand, and the lessons he has learned during his professional career in e-commerce. Leveraging these lessons, Jon emphasized the importance of connecting with consumers on a personal level and understanding market dynamics. Reflecting on the challenges faced during his initial tequila journey, he provided a vivid narrative of how those experiences shaped his approach with Yéyo. Armed with these invaluable insights, Jon was determined to ensure that every step taken with Yéyo Tequila was meticulously crafted, from the initial agave selection to the final sip. He is determined to build a brand that connects with its customers deeply, creating not just a customer base, but a community.

For aficionados of spirits, entrepreneurs, or anyone intrigued by the blend of passion, risk, and craftsmanship, this episode offers a refreshing perspective. Dive into the story behind every sip of Yéyo Tequila, understand the dedication that goes into producing a drink as intended, and get inspired by the vision of a man who turned a simple quest for flavor into a legacy.

LINKS

Website (https://www.yeyotequila.com)

Invest in Yeyo Tequila (https://www.startengine.com/offering/yeyotequila)

Yeyo Tequila Twitter (https://twitter.com/yeyotequila)

Yeyo Tequila Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/yeyotequila/)

Yeyo Tequila LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/yeyotequila/)

Jon Bullinger Twitter (https://twitter.com/jonbullinger)

Jon Bullinger LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonbullinger/)

In this enlightening episode of The Next Big Thing, we are honored to host Ross Franklin, the dynamic founder and CEO of Pure Green.

In an era where well-being and nutrition are at the forefront of global discourse, the importance of superfoods cannot be overstated. Ross Franklin, with his deep-rooted passion for health and nutrition, founded Pure Green in 2014, aiming to "create healthier communities around the world by connecting people with superfoods." Pure Green’s ascent in the industry, with over 50 locations in the U.S. and Canada, is a testament to the company's unwavering commitment to this vision.

Throughout our conversation, Ross delves into the genesis story of Pure Green, revealing how a personal commitment to health transformed into a thriving business empire. A major takeaway is Ross’s emphasis on the holistic benefits of superfoods, not just for the individual, but for entire communities. His insights into recognizing market gaps, creating an authentic brand story, and maintaining a relentless focus on product quality are particularly illuminating for budding entrepreneurs. As the discussion unfolds, Ross shares his aspirations for the future of Pure Green, pointing towards a larger goal of creating a global health movement. His deep conviction in the power of nutrition, a theme reiterated throughout our conversation, has been pivotal in shaping his entrepreneurial narrative. For those fascinated by the confluence of health, entrepreneurship, and community impact, Ross's profound insights offer an inspirational blueprint.

This episode is an essential listen for those keen on exploring the intricacies of the health food industry, the transformative potential of superfoods, and the essence of visionary leadership in the world of business.

LINKS

Website (https://puregreenfranchise.com)

Invest in Pure Green (https://republic.com/pure-green-franchise)

Ross Franklin LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/rossfranklin/)

Pure Green LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/puregreenfranchise/)