In this episode of The Innovators & Investors Podcast, Kristian Marquez sits down with Antoni Kaniowski, COO of GoodFutures, a Carnegie Mellon-affiliated venture builder focused on the future of work and AI-driven transformations.

They explore how GoodFutures develops startups by quickly validating and launching AI-native solutions that address evolving workforce challenges, particularly in the hire-train-deploy model. Antoni shares his unique perspective stemming from technical and operational experience across Europe and the U.S., emphasizing the importance of focusing on business transactions rather than just product development in B2B SaaS environments.

The conversation highlights the nuances of market entry strategies, especially the comparative advantages of the U.S. market for startups, and the strategic approach to founder selection—targeting early-career individuals with product-building talent who benefit from mentorship.

Additionally, the discussion delves into the complexities of raising capital via different investment structures and the evolving role of AI in augmenting business services.

Anthony also reflects on the shifting valuation landscape for SaaS companies amid AI disruption and underscores the ongoing necessity of building trust through human connection in technology-driven solutions. This episode offers a comprehensive look at venture building as a scalable discipline that integrates operational rigor with financial strategy to foster innovation in workforce technologies.

Learn more about GoodFutures' work at: https://www.goodfutures.co/

Connect with Antoni on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/antoni-kaniowski/

Think you'd be a great guest on the show?

Apply at https://finstratmgmt.com/innovators-investors-podcast/

Want to learn more about Kristian Marquez's work?

Check out his website at https://finstratmgmt.com

In this episode of the Innovators and Investors Podcast, host Kristian Marquez interviews Melissa Kozak, founder of Citus Health. Melissa shares her journey from being a nurse to launching a successful healthcare startup. She discusses the challenges of raising capital, the importance of aligning with investors, and the value of her nursing background in identifying and solving industry problems. Melissa emphasizes the significance of humility, teamwork, and continuous learning in entrepreneurship.

Learn more about Melissa's work: https://www.resmed.com/en-us/

Connect with Melissa on LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-kozak-rn-bsn-91272aaa.

Think you'd be a great guest on the show?

Apply Here: https://finstratmgmt.com/be-a-podcast-guest/

Want to learn more about Kristian Marquez's work?

Check out his website at Finstrat Management: https://finstratmgmt.com/

In this episode of The Innovators & Investors Podcast, host Kristian Marquez sits down with Ari Newman, co-founder and managing director of Massive VC, a Boulder-based venture firm specializing in deep tech investments.

They explore Massive’s unique investment thesis focused on early commercial inflection points across four critical domains: the new space economy, energy transformation, 10x data connectivity, and cybersecurity. Ari shares the rationale behind starting Massive using special purpose vehicles (SPVs) instead of a traditional fund structure, highlighting the flexibility and strategic advantages SPVs offer for capturing early-stage opportunities in capital-intensive industries.

The conversation delves into the challenges and nuances of deep tech investing, including how Massive evaluates commercialization milestones, mitigates multiple vectors of risk, and constructs a concentrated portfolio with significant reserves for follow-on investments. Ari also discusses the dynamics of working alongside corporate venture partners, the importance of building trusted relationships with founders, and how their combined operator and investing experience shapes their approach to selecting resilient entrepreneurial teams.

The episode concludes with reflections on legacy, leadership lessons, and the value of authentic partnerships in building both startups and venture firms. Listeners gain a comprehensive understanding of how Massive VC is carving out a differentiated path in the crowded venture landscape while backing transformative technologies with long-term societal impact.

Learn more about Massive VC's work at: https://massive.vc/

Connect with Ari Newman on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arinewman/

Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply at https://finstratmgmt.com/innovators-investors-podcast/

Want to learn more about Kristian Marquez's work? Check out his website at https://finstratmgmt.com