Two to Twenty Podcast

Miki Reynolds on Creating an Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Through Community Building

Thu, 04 Jun 2026 21:02:32 +0000

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 Slauson & Co Claude AI AI Snack Club Willa AI Trailmates Miki Reynolds, LinkedIn

Bootstrapping, Resiliency and the Entrepreneurial Journey with Teal Cooper

Thu, 06 Nov 2025 17:03:03 +0000

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

Tue, 16 Sep 2025 17:21:56 +0000

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

Tue, 15 Jul 2025 15:34:32 +0000

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

Wed, 18 Jun 2025 15:23:05 +0000

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

Precision Psychiatry Through AI with Mariam Khayretdinova

Thu, 08 May 2025 15:06:54 +0000

In this episode Julia Belt interviews Mariam Khayretdinova, co-founder and CEO of Brainify AI, a startup focused on revolutionizing precision psychiatry through AI. Miriam shares her unique journey from a background in mathematics to the world of mental health, discussing the challenges of data collection in AI and the importance of personalized treatment. The conversation also touches on the difficulties female founders face in fundraising and the significance of resilience and support in entrepreneurship. Miriam emphasizes the need for a supportive network and the importance of data quality in developing effective mental health solutions.

[00:00:48] Intro [00:04:40] Retrieving Data [00:14:32] Startup Journey & Breaking Into Healthcare [00:19:09] Fundraising [00:27:16] Rapid Fire Questions Editor: Cory Jennings Music Production: Dustin Belt

The Future of Marketing and AI with Jenna Hannon

Fri, 25 Apr 2025 18:46:50 +0000

In this episode host Katie Vander Ark speaks with Jenna Hannon, CEO of Hatter AI, about her journey from a marketing expert to a founder. They discuss Jenna's experiences at Uber, the evolution of Hatter AI, and the importance of customer feedback in product development. Jenna shares insights on the future of marketing with AI, go-to-market strategies, and the significance of understanding customer profiles. The conversation highlights the necessity of adapting to market needs and the role of AI in enhancing business operations.

[00:01:13] Intro [00:05:00] Lessons and Feedback [00:13:45] Product Adoption [00:18:50] AI and Content [00:22:58] Customers and Demand [00:27:24] Value of AI Editor: Cory Jennings Music Production: Dustin Belt

Commercial Real Estate, AI and Building Community with Marilynn Joyner

Thu, 10 Apr 2025 17:40:09 +0000

In this conversation, Marilynn Joyner discusses the evolution of workplaces, the integration of technology and AI in networking, and her new venture, Canvas, which aims to support startups in navigating commercial real estate. She also shares insights on balancing her new role as a mother with her entrepreneurial journey, emphasizing the importance of community and support systems.

[00:01:05] Intro [00:05:50] Seeing Work Differently [00:17:33] Company Pivot [00:29:43] Network Online and In Person [00:34:44] Managing Business and Life Editor: Cory Jennings Music Production: Dustin Belt

Personal Development & Qualities Of Successful Founders Featuring Moonlan Zhang

Tue, 11 Mar 2025 17:49:32 +0000

In this episode, Katie Vander Ark speaks with Moonlan Zhang from Crossbeam Ventures about her journey into venture capital, the importance of personal development, and the qualities that make successful founders. They discuss the impact of AI on the industry, the significance of building a personal board of advisors, and provide valuable advice for early-stage founders and aspiring VCs. [00:00:58] Intro [00:02:24] Traditional To VC [00:06:09] Investment Thesis [00:08:30] Lessons Learned [00:11:50] Reasons To Back Founders [00:13:05] Founder Market Fit [00:14:17] AI [00:17:09] Development As A VC [00:20:05] Mentoring [00:23:49] Advice Editor: Cory Jennings Music Production: Dustin Belt

The Fintech Founder Journey With Shiv Patel

Fri, 28 Feb 2025 15:56:22 +0000

In this episode, Katie Vander Ark interviews Shiv Patel, CEO of Cratoflow, about her journey as a founder and the challenges she has faced. They discuss topics such as finding product-market fit, building relationships with customers, fundraising, and the importance of having investors who understand your business. They also touch on the experience of being a founder and a new parent, and the balancing act that comes with it.

[00:01:11] Early Stages [00:05:10] Initial MVP Of Product [00:07:02] Build One Thing [00:09:12] Market Strategy [00:12:47] Challenges Faced [00:16:24] Investor Qualities [00:21:13] Advice For Founders [00:25:23] Becoming A Mom Editor: Cory Jennings Music Production: Dustin Belt

Investing in Female Founders & Building Community Featuring Alex Chung

Wed, 05 Feb 2025 22:13:04 +0000

In this episode of the podcast, Julia Belt interviews Alex Chung from Chai Ventures, discussing her journey into venture capital, the day-to-day responsibilities of a VC, and the importance of supporting women founders. Alex shares insights on networking, the investment thesis of Chai Ventures, and the diligence process involved in evaluating startups. The conversation emphasizes the need for community building and the unique challenges faced by women in the entrepreneurial space.

[00:02:37] Day To Day Activities

[00:07:35] Networking

[00:11:20] Chai Ventures

[00:15:00] Chai Ventures Support Outside Of Capital

[00:18:08] Diligence

[00:25:46] Rapid Fire Questions Editor: Cory Jennings Music Production: Dustin Belt

Startup Legal Survival Kit: What Every Founder Needs to Know Featuring Caroline Cherkassky

Fri, 24 Jan 2025 21:57:24 +0000

In this episode, Katie Vander Ark speaks with Caroline Cherkassky, a partner at Orrick Law Firm, about the intersection of law and startups, particularly in the context of empowering women in tech. They discuss Caroline's journey into startup law, the growth of the LA tech ecosystem, and essential legal considerations for early-stage founders, including founder equity, intellectual property, and corporate structure. The conversation also touches on the importance of seeking legal advice and the role of equity incentives for employees. Caroline shares insights for aspiring tech lawyers and emphasizes the value of community engagement in the tech space.

[00:01:19] Early Stages [00:05:22] Founder Equity Split [00:09:00] Protecting Your IP [00:11:05] Company Registration [00:13:07] Equity For Employees [00:15:56] Seed Stage Round [00:18:37] Seeking A Lawyers [00:23:17] Recommendations Editor: Cory Jennings Music Production: Dustin Belt

The Los Angeles Wildfire Relief Episode Featuring Jesse Draper

Wed, 15 Jan 2025 20:41:54 +0000

In this episode, Katie Vander Ark and Jesse Draper discuss the devastating impact of recent wildfires in Los Angeles, sharing personal stories and the community's response. They highlight immediate relief efforts, including GoFundMe campaigns, and emphasize the importance of long-term recovery for families affected by the fires. The conversation also touches on mental health resources and the resilience of the community as they come together to support one another during this crisis.

[00:00] Personal Connection to the Wildfires [04:15] - Community Response and Support Initiatives [07:14] - Navigating Family Dynamics During Crisis [10:11] - The Role of Women in Rebuilding [13:21] - Final Thoughts and Call to Action [13:51] - Introduction to the Fire Relief Podcast [19:06] - Immediate Needs of Affected Families [27:03] - Mental Health Resources and Support Editor: Cory Jennings Music Production: Dustin Belt

From Corporate World To AI Startup Founder Featuring Angela Mascarenas

Fri, 13 Dec 2024 22:00:51 +0000

In this episode, Katie Vander Ark interviews Angela Mascarenas, the CEO of AI Furnace. They discuss Angela's background, her journey from the corporate world to startups, and the importance of supporting women in the AI space. They also touch on the ethics and security around AI, the AI Furnace community, and the skills and mindset needed for entrepreneurship. [00:01:25] Background Information

[00:07:05] Ethics And Security Of AI

[00:11:20] Compliance and Security

[00:12:48] What Is In The Works

[00:14:23] How Do People Get Involved [00:18:32] Starting A New Venture

[00:23:56] Personal Circle And Network [00:28:51] Skills And Advice

Editor: Cory Jennings Music Production: Dustin Belt

Building a Career in Finance, VC and Tech Featuring Jess Schultz

Tue, 26 Nov 2024 16:16:38 +0000

In this episode, Katie interviews Jess Schultz, CEO of Amplify Group, about her career journey and the challenges of being a founder. Jess shares her experience transitioning from finance to tech to VC to founder and the different skills required for each role. She emphasizes the importance of finding founder-market fit and setting clear metrics and timeframes for success. Jess also discusses the pros and cons of being a solo founder and the importance of mentorship in her entrepreneurial journey. She concludes by sharing her passion for helping startups with sales and marketing and her ideal client profile.

[00:01:00] Navigating Career Shifts [00:09:26] Suggestions For Getting Into VC [00:13:11] Angel Investing [00:18:12] Qualifications To Be A Founder [00:22:03] The Good And Bad [00:26:10] Mentorship Editor: Cory Jennings Music Production: Dustin Belt

How to Know When It’s Time to Pivot

Wed, 13 Nov 2024 21:00:05 +0000

Sam Pantazopoulos, CEO and co-founder of Vizor, shares her journey as an entrepreneur and the evolution of her company. She discusses the inspiration behind launching Vizor and how the mission has expanded over time. Sam also talks about the funding process and the challenges she faced in building the MVP. She emphasizes the importance of mindset and resilience in entrepreneurship and shares her favorite tools and quotes that have helped her along the way.

[00:01:25] Inspiration [00:04:50] Product Pitching [00:07:19] First Year In Business [00:09:24] Pivot To B2B [00:14:10] Product Market Fit [00:16:50] Rapid Fire Round Co-Hosts: Katie Vander Ark and Julia Belt Editor: Cory Jennings Music Production: Dustin Belt

From Oil to Early Stage Venture Capital

Wed, 06 Nov 2024 20:09:09 +0000

In this episode of the Two to Twenty podcast, Katie interviews Juliette Richard, an associate at the Artemis Fund. They discuss their collaboration on a female founders and funders event during LA Tech Week, the growth of the Two to Twenty event series, and Juliette's background in economics and social equity. They also delve into the founding story of the Artemis Fund and its focus on investing in female-founded startups. Juliette shares her insights on the importance of mentorship, advice for breaking into venture capital, and trends she's excited about in the tech space.

[00:03:23] Juliette's Background [00:09:06] Investing In Women [00:12:03] Fintech Solutions [00:13:07] Basic Founder Tips [00:18:07] AI [00:21:08] Education & Trends [00:23:06] Mentorship [00:25:00] Venture Co-hosts: Katie Vander Ark and Julia Belt Editor: Cory Jennings Music Production: Dustin Belt

The Two to Twenty Podcast: An Introduction

Sun, 20 Oct 2024 18:39:19 +0000

In the inaugural episode of the Two to Twenty podcast, hosts Katie Vander Ark and Julia Belt discuss their mission to empower women entrepreneurs and address the challenges faced by female founders in the startup ecosystem. They share the backstory of Two to Twenty podcast, emphasizing the importance of community and mental health in entrepreneurship. The hosts outline their plans for future episodes, including interviews with founders, funders, and experts, while also discussing essential tools and resources for startups. The episode concludes with a call for listener engagement and feedback.

[00:00:57] Start of Podcast [00:03:40] The Importance of Community [00:05:26] Falling into Entrepreneurship [00:09:19] Upcoming Podcast Topics [00:13:05] Fire round: Startup 101 [00:15:01] Helpful Tools [00:20:02] Closing Editor: Cory Jennings Music Production: Dustin Belt