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4 minute read
December 14, 2023
4 minute read
At Venture Best, we work alongside innovative founders, support emerging companies, and connect capital allocators to business opportunities nationwide. Through this work, we’ve heard countless stories of how individuals beat the odds to establish the company of their dreams, support the businesses of the future, or revitalize their local startup ecosystem. Their heart and passion motivate us, and we figured you would find their stories just as captivating and energizing as we do.
That’s why we launched the Venture Best Spotlight.
On our podcast, we catch up with inspiring founders, learn key insights from investors, and gain a deeper understanding of the startup ecosystem. Our mission is to connect our listeners to thought leaders in the industry who are revolutionizing the definition of entrepreneurship. Happy listening!
Season Three (2026)
Episode One
Behind the Firewall: CyberSweep on Due Diligence
Cybersecurity is often treated as a technical checklist—but in high-stakes transactions, the real risk goes far beyond compliance. From hidden vulnerabilities to overlooked financial exposure, gaps in traditional diligence can have lasting consequences for investors and founders alike.
Season Two (2025)
Episode One
Meeting in the Middle: How Nebraska Angels Invests in the Midwest
When the businesses of the future are ready to take the next step in their growth, they often turn to venture capitalists or angel investors. On the coasts, eager investors may be just around the corner. For startups located in the Midwest, it can often be a little trickier to find support.
Episode Two
Not Wasting Time: A Shep Boys Story
Deciding to retire from professional sports often comes with the question, “What’s next?” When Russell Shepard hung up his NFL jersey in 2020, his coach asked him about his plans. Shepard responded, “I’m about to go drive around a porta-potty truck.”
Episode Three
Addressing the Healthcare Elephant in the Room: Koda Health's Proactive Approach
When Dr. Fofanova transitioned from clinical research to entrepreneurship, she brought with her a personal understanding of the challenges faced by medical professionals and patients alike. Driven by her desire to solve those pain points, she and her co-founders started Koda Health, a platform that empowers individuals to clearly express their healthcare wishes.
Episode Four
Simplifying the Startup Grind with Forecastr
What do you do after helping grow a startup to 2,000 employees? For Jeff Erickson, Director of Strategic Partnerships at Forecastr, the answer was simple: help other founders do it better. He’s bringing that same mindset to Forecastr—a platform helping founders ditch clunky spreadsheets in favor of clean, customizable financial models that drive smarter business decisions.
Episode Five
Founder’s Grit: Surviving the Startup Rollercoaster
When Matt Howard co-founded EatStreet, online food ordering was still in its infancy—and restaurants were receiving orders via fax. Over the next decade, Matt led the company through explosive growth, a strategic acquisition, and a bold move to classify delivery drivers as employees—long before the rest of the gig economy caught on.
Season One (2024)
In season one, we sat down with exceptionally talented changemakers and investors working to bring their passions to life. From a startup brain food company, and a business seeking to turn waste into energy, to the integral finacial supporters empowering these ideas. Explore our episdoe list below, or start listening on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube.
Episode One
Hyfe: Transformation Impact in Biomanufacturing with Andrea Schoen and Michelle Ruiz
Formidable co-founders of Hyfe, Andrea and Michelle are at the forefront of building an extraordinary company that sees waste as the untapped fuel of the biomanufacturing revolution.
Episode Two
The Premiere Venture Firm with Shawn Stigler and Galen Mason
Venture Best Co-Chairs, Shawn Stigler and Galen Mason share their journey into venture capital, experiences as founders, and insights into building a legal venture practice arm.
Episode Three
Building an Ecosystem, Building in Venture, and the New Builders with Seth Levine
Dive into the dynamic world of venture capital and entrepreneurship with our special guest, Seth Levine! Join us in this thrilling episode as we explore the fascinating journey of Seth Levine, a seasoned venture capitalist and author based in the heart of Colorado.
Episode Four
IQBAR: Building a Better Bar for Brain Health with Will Nitze
Join venture attorneys Jordan Koss and Evan Lonergan as they chat with Will Nitze, the founder of IQ Bar, a company specializing in brain and body food products.
Episode Five
Uncovering Hidden Gems: Investing in Wisconsin Startups
Explore Wisconsin's up and coming startup scene with Richelle Martin, the managing director and founder of the Winnow Fund. In this episode, Richelle unveils her strategy behind the Winnow Fund's innovative approach of empowering early-stage Wisconsin-based companies through a combination of capital and mentorship.
Episode Six
From Vision to Venture: Resilient Ventures' Mission to Close the Wealth Gap
Venture attorneys David Morris and Evan Lonergan have an insightful dialogue with Keith Daniel and Tom Droege , founders of Resilient Ventures, a pioneering venture capital fund based in North Carolina, whom is dedicated to disrupting systemic economic injustice.
Episode Seven
Sowing the Seeds of Innovation: AgTech Insights with Serra Ventures and CamoAg
Rob Schultz and Corbett Kull share their unique perspectives as investor and startup founder respectively. Rob shares his journey in venture capital and the inspiration behind founding Serra Ventures, and Corbett discusses the genesis of CamoAg and his drive to innovate within the AgTech landscape. Together, they explore the latest trends in AgTech, highlighting the significance of this rapidly growing sector.
Episode Eight
Discover how Mbiyimoh Ghogomu's passion for sneakers led to the creation of Tradeblock, a revolutionary platform that allows collectors to trade their prized footwear and bond over collections, and to meeting Chip. Learn about the vision-turned-reality that makes Tradeblock a game-changer in the sneaker community.
