Middle Tech

In this episode, we explore the entrepreneurial journey of Destin George Bell, the founder behind the Card.io app, a gamified fitness platform that combines elements of Capture the Flag with fitness tracking. From his roots in Louisville to establishing his startup in Austin, Destin shares the challenges and triumphs of launching a business during the pandemic and his experience pitching on Shark Tank. We dive into how Destin started down the path of entrepreneurship while at UK, the role that self-taught hustle and community support played along the way, and what he hopes to accomplish with Card.io in the near future. Be the first to see new episodes, along with a summary, key takeaways, and upcoming events, by subscribing to Middle Tech's Spotlight Series Newsletter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://middletech.beehiiv.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Get in touch in the comments below, or reach out to us on social media: Twitter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.twitter.com/middletechpod⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.in

In this episode recorded live at the 2024 SOAR Summit, we talk with Cindy Sparks from Complete3D and Dr. Elijah Jensen from Black Box Energy Systems - two former winners of the Appalachia startup pitch competition. We discuss how Black Box Energy Systems is innovating in the energy sector with lightweight, efficient power solutions, and how Complete3D is making 3D printing accessible through maintenance and education. Learn about the challenges they faced, the entrepreneurial spirit that drives them, and the unique opportunities Kentucky offers for startups. Be the first to see new episodes, along with a summary, key takeaways, and upcoming events, by subscribing to Middle Tech's Spotlight Series Newsletter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://middletech.beehiiv.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Get in touch in the comments below, or reach out to us on social media:Twitter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.twitter.com/middletechpod⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/middletechpod/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠h

In this episode, Logan sits down with Gaylord VanGuilder, CEO and co-founder of Buddle Skincare, an e-commerce brand set on solving diaper rash. The discussion traverses the importance of prevention in skincare, and Gaylord's extensive background in pharmaceuticals and consumer goods, including his experience with Blue Lizard Australian Sunscreen. The episode delves into the challenges of the baby skincare market, underlining the lack of R&D investment and the high costs of customer acquisition. Gaylord discusses partnerships with major retailers like Walmart, leveraging AI for business growth, and the fundraising grind for startups. Learn about Buddle's innovative approach, the impact of influencers, and insights on thriving in the competitive CPG market. Be the first to see new episodes, along with a summary, key takeaways, and upcoming events, by subscribing to Middle Tech's Spotlight Series Newsletter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://middletech.beehiiv.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Get in touch in the comments below, or re

In this episode, Logan Jones and Evan Knowles sat down with Sam Razor, the former co-founder and CEO of Hippo Manager. They discuss Sam's journey building software in the veterinary space, ultimately leading to the acquisition of the business by a private equity firm. Be the first to see new episodes, along with a summary, key takeaways, and upcoming events, by subscribing to Middle Tech's Spotlight Series Newsletter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://middletech.beehiiv.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Get in touch in the comments below, or reach out to us on social media:Twitter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.twitter.com/middletechpod⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/middletechpod/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/middletech/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@middletechpod?lang=en⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/middletechpod⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Logan Jones’ SocialsX: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://x.com/lojo_ky⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.c

In this episode, Logan Jones conducts an experimental podcast featuring an AI guest named Cove, a voice from ChatGPT's advanced voice mode. The discussion covers the impressive conversational capabilities of this feature, showcasing its human-like interactions and potential applications in education, brainstorming, and content creation. Logan explores various scenarios, such as using AI for personalized learning and the possibility of integrating AI as a podcast co-host. The conversation also touches on ethical concerns, technology's rapid advancement, and the increasing demand for sustainable energy to power AI operations. Be the first to see new episodes, along with a summary, key takeaways, and upcoming events, by subscribing to Middle Tech's Spotlight Series Newsletter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://middletech.beehiiv.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Get in touch in the comments below, or reach out to us on social media:Twitter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.twitter.com/middletechpod⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com

In this episode, Logan, Evan, and TJ celebrate reaching the 300th episode of Middle Tech, diving into behind-the-scenes insights and reflecting on major developments in 2024. They share personal updates, discuss their founder-focused approach to storytelling, and explore significant trends in the tech industry, speculating on the biggest stories to watch in the future. Be the first to see new episodes, along with a summary, key takeaways, and upcoming events, by subscribing to Middle Tech's Spotlight Series Newsletter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://middletech.beehiiv.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Get in touch in the comments below, or reach out to us on social media:Twitter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.twitter.com/middletechpod⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/middletechpod/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/middletech/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@middletechpod?lang=en⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/middletechpod⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Logan Jones’ Social

In this episode, Evan sits down with Julia Regan discusses the inception and growth of RxLightning, a healthcare technology company focused on improving access to specialty medications. She shares her journey from identifying a significant problem in the healthcare system to launching a drug-agnostic platform that connects various stakeholders. Julia emphasizes the importance of strategic fundraising, building a flexible company culture, and leveraging networks like Endeavor to support growth. She also reflects on the challenges of scaling a startup and the critical role of hiring the right team to navigate these challenges effectively. Be the first to see new episodes, along with a summary, key takeaways, and upcoming events, by subscribing to Middle Tech's Spotlight Series Newsletter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://middletech.beehiiv.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Get in touch in the comments below, or reach out to us on social media:Twitter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.twitter.com/middletechpod⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.in

In this episode, Logan Jones and Evan Knowles sit down with Travis Stanfield, co-founder and CEO of Stacklet. They discuss how Stacklet helps organizations save money and enhance security in the public cloud. Travis shares insights into the rapid growth of Stacklet, achieving their first million in revenue just seven months after launching their product. He also discusses the challenges and dynamics of running a fully remote company, timing their business inception during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the unique lifestyle of managing a tech company from a horse farm in Kentucky. Travis talks about his career journey from Microsoft to Capital One, the inspiration behind Stacklet, and the future potential of the company. Don't miss this fascinating conversation about technology, innovation, and the startup ecosystem in Kentucky. Be the first to see new episodes, along with a summary, key takeaways, and upcoming events, by subscribing to Middle Tech's Spotlight Series Newsletter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://middletec

In this episode, Evan Knowles explores the latest developments in AI infrastructure buildout, focusing on data centers, energy consumption, and sustainability. The expansion of AI and data centers has led to supply chain issues, power challenges, and environmental concerns. NVIDIA's GPUs have become a major player in powering AI, with significant revenue growth. Countries like China and the UK are investing heavily in AI as an arms race for economic power. The power consumption of AI is unsustainable, leading to the need for innovation in data center design and energy sources. Liquid cooling and AI optimization are being explored to improve efficiency. The future of AI and energy lies in nuclear power, with fusion technology being safer and more efficient. The US needs to invest in nuclear power to stay competitive with countries like China. The AI boom will drive changes in energy and sustainability. Be the first to see new episodes, along with a summary, key takeaways, and upcoming events, by subscribin

In this episode, Logan Jones sits down with Ian Gerard, the founder and CEO of The Cloud Minders, a GPU-as-a-service company. They discuss the high demand for GPUs and the innovative approach The Cloud Minders is taking to provide AI infrastructure affordably. The conversation delves into technical details about how AI and GPU work, the energy consumption challenges, and the future of nuclear energy. They also explore the broader implications of AI, including potential existential threats, and discuss the startup ecosystem in Kentucky. Be the first to see new episodes, along with a summary, key takeaways, and upcoming events, by subscribing to Middle Tech's Spotlight Series Newsletter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://middletech.beehiiv.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Get in touch in the comments below, or reach out to us on social media:Twitter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.twitter.com/middletechpod⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/middletechpod/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/middletech/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https:

In this episode, Evan Knowles sits down with Scott Koloms, the founder of Canopy Kentucky, to discuss the importance of businesses embracing social responsibility. The conversation covers the role of businesses in improving employee welfare, community development, and environmental preservation. Scott shares insights on how Canopy Kentucky is bringing B Corp certification to the state to promote social enterprise and stakeholder capitalism. They delve into the origins of Canopy, the benefits of being a responsible business, and how to integrate social impact into business operations. The episode highlights the growth of Scott's janitorial service, FMS, into a socially responsible enterprise and discusses the process and significance of Canopy certification. Be the first to see new episodes, along with a summary, key takeaways, and upcoming events, by subscribing to Middle Tech's Spotlight Series Newsletter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://middletech.beehiiv.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Get in touch in the comments below, or reach out t

In this episode of the Middle Tech Podcast, Logan Jones sits down with Chris Goode, CEO of Climavision, along with Ben Toms, VP of AI Weather, and Peter Childs, Chief Scientist. They discuss the advancements and unique approaches Climavision is taking in the weather and climate industry, particularly through the integration of generative AI and traditional physics-based modeling. The conversation covers the importance of improved weather forecasting for sectors like energy and insurance, the recent acquisition of Ben's company Intersphere, and the deployment of Climavision's radar network. They also highlight the role of AI in extending weather forecasting accuracy and how Climavision is positioning itself strategically in the evolving marketplace. Be the first to see new episodes, along with a summary, key takeaways, and upcoming events, by subscribing to Middle Tech's Spotlight Series Newsletter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://middletech.beehiiv.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠ Get in touch in the comments below, or reach out to us on

In this episode, Logan Jones sits down with Scott Massey, co-founder and CEO of Anu, and Kirk Taylor, co-founder and president of Land Betterment. They discuss their partnership to develop and sell autonomous fresh produce growing systems using Eco Solutions' upcycled shipping containers. We explore the technology behind Anu's self-nurturing pods, the scalable solutions for food security, and the journey Scott Massey took from his days at Purdue University to creating a product aimed at fighting food insecurity. The episode also covers the business aspects, the impact on local communities, and the future aspirations of this pioneering project. Learn more about Anu at https://www.growanu.com/ Learn more about Eko Solutions at https://www.ekosolutionsllc.com/ Be the first to see new episodes, along with a summary, key takeaways, and upcoming events, by subscribing to Middle Tech's Spotlight Series Newsletter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://middletech.beehiiv.com/⁠⁠⁠ Get in touch in the comments below, or reach out

In this episode, Logan Jones and Evan Knowles sit down with Larry Horn, CEO of Amplify Startups (formerly Amplify Louisville), to discuss the dynamics of the startup ecosystem in Kentucky. They explore themes like the distinction between entrepreneurship and innovation, the challenges and opportunities in Louisville, and the importance of collaboration with corporates and other organizations. Larry shares insights on Amplify's initiatives, the role of the state in supporting startups, and the future outlook for Kentucky's innovation hubs. The conversation also touches on how Amplify navigates the balance between urban and rural support and the need for affordable startup spaces in Louisville. Be the first to see new episodes, along with a summary, key takeaways, and upcoming events, by subscribing to Middle Tech's Spotlight Series Newsletter: ⁠⁠⁠https://middletech.beehiiv.com/⁠⁠ Get in touch in the comments below, or reach out to us on social media:Twitter: ⁠⁠https://www.twitter.com/middletechpo

In this episode, Logan and Evan sit down with Hannah Went and Varun Dwaraka of TruDiagnostic to discuss the cutting-edge science and technology behind biological age testing and longevity research. TruDiagnostic aims to offer biological age testing to healthcare providers, focusing on how understanding epigenetics can lead to preventative medicine. They delve into the importance of personalized medicine, share user experiences, such as those of Brian Johnson, and discuss the future potential of epigenetic testing in healthcare systems. Be the first to see new episodes, along with a summary, key takeaways, and upcoming events, by subscribing to Middle Tech's Spotlight Series Newsletter: ⁠⁠https://middletech.beehiiv.com/⁠ Get in touch in the comments below, or reach out to us on social media:Twitter: ⁠https://www.twitter.com/middletechpod⁠Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/middletechpod/⁠LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/middletech/⁠TikTok: ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@middletechpod?lang=en⁠Faceb

In this episode, Evan provides an overview of artificial intelligence (AI), its origins, and its various types. He discusses the potential impact of AI on society, including economic transformation, healthcare advances, scientific progress, ethical and societal considerations, and global governance. Evan also shares practical applications of AI, such as food label analysis and customer support automation. He delves into the components of AI, including large language models, prompts, context windows, vector databases, retrieval augmented generation, and AI agents. Finally, Evan shares his personal experience building an AI company and offers insights on the evolving AI landscape. Be the first to see new episodes by subscribing to Middle Tech's Spotlight Series Newsletter: ⁠⁠⁠https://middletech.beehiiv.com/⁠⁠ Get in touch by reaching out to us on social media: Twitter: ⁠⁠https://www.twitter.com/middletechpod⁠⁠ Instagram: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/middletechpod/⁠⁠ LinkedIn: ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.co

Logan Jones breaks down recent news coming out of the nuclear energy space, how AI is accelerating the growth of energy demand, and what the near future could hold for nuclear technology. Be the first to see new episodes by subscribing to Middle Tech's Spotlight Series Newsletter: ⁠⁠https://middletech.beehiiv.com/⁠ Get in touch by reaching out to us on social media: Twitter: ⁠https://www.twitter.com/middletechpod⁠ Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/middletechpod/⁠ LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/middletech/ TikTok: ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@middletechpod?lang=en⁠ Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/middletechpod⁠ Logan Jones’ Socials X: ⁠https://x.com/lojo_ky⁠ Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/lojo_ky/⁠ LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/lojo/⁠ Evan Knowles’ Socials X: ⁠https://x.com/EvanKnowles_⁠ LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/evanmknowles/⁠ Middle Tech is proud to be supported by: KY Innovation: ⁠https://www.kyinnovation.com/⁠ Bolt Marketing: ⁠https://www.buildwithbolt

Brian Raney is the CEO and Co-Founder of Awesome Inc - a company that exists to create and grow high tech startups through a variety of initiatives, such as hosting community events, leading technology education courses, and offering a shared workspace environment.This episode was part of a live recording event in collaboration with Awesome Inc and Chase Bank. Brian shared stories from the early days of Awesome Inc, how permission to fail was the advice that encouraged him to start the company, and how they’ve built the startup community that we know today. Be the first to see new episodes, along with a summary, key takeaways, and upcoming events, by subscribing to Middle Tech's Spotlight Series Newsletter: ⁠https://middletech.beehiiv.com/ Get in touch in the comments below, or reach out to us on social media:Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/middletechpodInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/middletechpod/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/middletech/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@middletechpod?

Darrien Murriner and Kirsten Moorefield are the co-founders of Cloverleaf - a platform that enhances team performance through personalized coaching and behavioral insights. By integrating tools like strength-based assessments and continuous, automated coaching, Cloverleaf helps teams improve communication, collaboration, and overall effectiveness. Cloverleaf was first featured on Middle Tech for episode 179 back in January of 2022. They've returned to share how generative AI has impacted the business, how they've tripled their revenue since 2022, and their plans for the $7.3m they just raised in a series A at the end of March. Be the first to see new episodes, along with a summary, key takeaways, and upcoming events, by subscribing to Middle Tech's Spotlight Series Newsletter: https://middletech.beehiiv.com/ - 00:00 Welcome to Middle Tech Podcast 01:07 Meet Darren Mariner and Kirsten Moore of Cloverleaf 04:52 Cloverleaf's Journey and Vision 11:29 How Teams Use Cloverleaf 17:15 Focusing on E

In this episode of Middle Tech Podcast, Logan Jones and Evan Knowles welcome back Raffi Kayat, founder of borderless, a global payments platform. Rafi discusses the challenges and surprises of fundraising in Kentucky compared to the coastal tech hubs, emphasizing the need for determination and grit in the entrepreneurial journey. He also shares updates on Borderless, including new product offerings, significant partnerships, and the company's evolution over the past four years. The conversation highlights the unique benefits and challenges of building a tech company in Kentucky, focusing on community support and the need for better fundraising education. Learn more about borderless at getborderless.com Visit us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠MiddleTech.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  Follow Us ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Twitter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠