In this insightful episode of The Innovators & Investors Podcast hosted by Kristian Marquez, we sit down with Greg Martin, CEO and co-founder of Ghost Security, to explore groundbreaking advancements in application security. Greg shares how Ghost Security’s innovative AI-driven agentic model is revolutionizing risk management by continuously identifying and remediating software vulnerabilities faster and more efficiently than traditional methods like penetration testing and legacy security tools.

The discussion dives deep into the evolving cybersecurity landscape, emphasizing the critical need to secure customer-facing applications in a rapidly changing threat environment where automation and AI are used by both defenders and attackers.

Greg also reflects on his entrepreneurial journey—from a hacker kid to a successful serial founder backed by top-tier investors—and sheds light on the challenges startups face today, including tougher fundraising climates, shifting investor expectations toward profitability, and new sales and marketing strategies in a post-pandemic world.

Listeners gain valuable perspective on building resilient companies, cultivating authentic relationships in sales, and fostering a strong startup culture that values adaptability and teamwork. Whether you’re an innovator, investor, or entrepreneur, this episode offers actionable insights on navigating today’s complex tech and investment ecosystems while leveraging AI to protect your business’s digital lifeblood.

Learn more about Greg's work at https://ghostsecurity.com/

Connect with Greg on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregcmartin/

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 insightful episode of The Innovators & Investors Podcast, host Kristian Marquez sits down with Dr. Matt Keener, co-founder of Blackbird Health, to explore innovative solutions in pediatric mental health care.

Dr. Keener discusses the fragmented and confusing landscape families face when seeking mental health support for their children, highlighting Blackbird Health’s hybrid virtual-first and in-person care model designed to bridge gaps between medical and therapeutic services.

With over a decade of experience and treatment of 10,000 patients, Blackbird Health leverages technology and developmental science to offer tailored, comprehensive care. Dr. Keener shares his unique journey from child psychiatry to entrepreneurship, lessons learned from prior startups, and the critical role of domain expertise and strong leadership teams in building successful health ventures.

The conversation also delves into neuroplasticity, the importance of early intervention, and the challenges and rewards of scaling a health tech company. Listeners gain valuable insights on the intersection of healthcare innovation, patient-centered technology, and the entrepreneurial mindset necessary to transform mental health services for children and adolescents.

Learn more about Matt's work at https://blackbirdhealth.com/

Connect with Matt on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattkeenermd/

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 insightful episode of The Innovators & Investors Podcast, host Kristian Marquez sits down with Alex Burch, partner at Veritas Equity Partners, to explore multifamily real estate investing in Washington state.

Alex shares the firm’s strategic focus on workforce housing in tertiary markets near Seattle, emphasizing direct ownership in specific, visible assets rather than blind funds or REITs. Dive deep into their investment thesis, including diversification benefits, cash flow expectations with 6-9% annual cash-on-cash returns, and long-term equity growth targeting 1.75 to 2x multiples on invested capital.

The episode covers critical topics such as conservative debt strategies using government-backed agency loans, tax advantages through cost segregation and depreciation, and effective operational management including property management selection and tenant engagement.

Alex also discusses practical lease strategies, the challenges and limited scalability of Airbnb models, and the importance of market knowledge and deal underwriting.

Listeners gain valuable lessons on starting early, trusting your gut, and the importance of mentorship in real estate investing. Whether you’re new to real estate or a seasoned investor, this episode provides a comprehensive look at building wealth through thoughtfully managed multifamily properties and navigating today’s complex market environment.

Learn more about Alex's work at https://veritasequitypartners.com/

Connect with Alex on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexburchveritas/

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 insightful episode of The Innovators & Investors Podcast, host Kristian Marquez sits down with Maggie Vo, Managing Partner and Chief Investment Officer at Fuel Venture Capital, to explore a groundbreaking approach to venture investing called “hedge venture.”

Maggie shares her unique journey from a global hedge fund manager to a venture capitalist who integrates sophisticated risk management and financial engineering into early-stage investing. They discuss Fuel VC’s global investment thesis focusing on FinTech, enterprise SaaS, consumer platforms, and disruptive AI startups across diverse markets from the U.S. to emerging economies. Maggie offers deep insights into evaluating founders’ qualities, the importance of building authentic networks, and how Fuel structures investments to actively manage downside risk while capturing upside potential.

The conversation also dives into the evolving role of AI as both a productivity co-pilot and an embedded tool in portfolio companies, underscoring the balance between human judgment and technology. Listeners will gain valuable perspectives on venture capital’s maturation, key performance metrics like unit economics and retention, and the necessity of operational involvement in portfolio companies.

Maggie concludes with reflections on cultural diversity’s competitive advantage in investing and shares her vision for democratizing access to venture capital for retail investors. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in innovative investment strategies, early-stage technology markets, and the future of venture capital.

Learn more about Maggie's work at https://fuelventurecapital.com/

Connect with Maggie on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/maggie-vo-cfa-78724754/

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 insightful episode of The Innovators & Investors Podcast, host Kristian Marquez sits down with Amit Patel, Managing Director at Owl Ventures, to explore the rapidly evolving landscape of education technology.

Amit shares Owl Ventures’ unique investment thesis focused exclusively on EdTech companies spanning early learning, K-12, higher education, and adult or corporate learning globally. The conversation delves deeply into how generative AI is revolutionizing personalized learning by tailoring content and curricula in real time, enhancing data analytics for educators, and creating innovative multimodal assessments that measure true student understanding.

Amit also reflects on his personal journey into education, inspired by his parents’ immigrant story, and discusses the critical need for lifelong learning in today’s fast-paced global economy. They examine emerging trends such as upskilling across blue-, gray-, and white-collar jobs using AR/VR and AI, the global demographic shifts driving demand for innovative education solutions—especially in Africa—and the importance of talent dedicated to transforming education.

The episode further covers how Owl Ventures supports its portfolio companies beyond capital, including go-to-market acceleration, talent recruitment, efficacy measurement, and global expansion. Amit closes with valuable advice for founders about leveraging experienced talent and insights to navigate risks and scale effectively.

A must-listen for investors, educators, and innovators eager to understand the future of learning and the powerful role technology will play in shaping it.

Learn more about Amit's work at https://www.owlvc.com/

Connect with Amit on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/amitashwinpatel/

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 insightful episode of The Innovators & Investors Podcast, host Kristian Marquez sits down with John Glushik, Managing Director at HG Ventures, the corporate venture capital arm of The Heritage Group.

John shares the unique investment thesis that blends the discipline of traditional venture capital with the strategic advantages of a 95-year-old family-owned enterprise. They explore how HG Ventures adds tangible value to startups—especially in hard tech and deep tech sectors—by leveraging industry expertise, technology insights, and market access. John dives deep into evaluating founders, emphasizing grit, adaptability, and perseverance as key traits for entrepreneurial success.

The conversation also covers how HG Ventures navigates the current challenging liquidity and fundraising environment while maintaining an agile decision-making process.

Additionally, John discusses the impact of culture, respect, and partnership both within his team and with entrepreneurs, underscoring the importance of trust and long-term relationships in venture investing.

This episode offers valuable wisdom for founders, investors, and anyone interested in the evolving landscape of corporate venture capital and startup growth.

Learn more about John's work at https://hgventures.com/

Connect with John on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnglushik/

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 insightful episode of The Innovators & Investors Podcast, host Kristian Marquez sits down with Jay Crone, Managing Director and Venture Capitalist at Deloitte Ventures, to explore the firm’s strategic approach to corporate venture capital.

Jay shares Deloitte Ventures’ investment thesis, focusing on supporting innovative Canadian startups at Series A and B stages across key sectors like cybersecurity, climate tech, fintech, future of work, health tech, and AI.

Listeners will gain an inside look at how Deloitte leverages its vast network of 1,500 partners and 15,000 employees to source deals and add value beyond capital by helping startups navigate Deloitte’s complex ecosystem and access enterprise clients.

Jay also discusses his diverse career journey—from government and investment banking to entrepreneurship and corporate VC—and how those experiences shape his investment philosophy.

The episode delves into Deloitte’s due diligence process, the importance of founder relationships, and the firm’s strategic role as a co-investor.

Jay highlights emerging trends, particularly the promise of vertical AI tailored to industry-specific needs, and shares his bullish outlook on fintech innovations like stablecoins and cross-border payments.

He offers candid advice for entrepreneurs on risk-taking and aligning business vision with funding goals.

This episode is a must-listen for founders, investors, and anyone interested in the evolving landscape of corporate venture capital and innovation in Canada.

Learn more about Jay's work at https://www.deloitte.com/ca/en/services/program/ventures.html

Connect with Jay on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaycrone/

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 insightful episode of The Innovators & Investors Podcast, host Kristian Marquez sits down with Sarah Applebaum, partner at Pangaea Ventures, a leading hard-tech-focused venture capital firm dedicated to investing in groundbreaking companies that advance planetary health. Sarah shares Pangaea’s unique investment thesis, emphasizing technologies in industrial decarbonization, energy transition, sustainable materials, food systems, and critical metals, all aimed at addressing some of the world’s most urgent environmental and human health challenges.

Listeners will gain a deep understanding of Pangaea’s rigorous due diligence process, which prioritizes companies that have moved beyond the lab with proven commercial traction and strong founding teams. The episode explores the evolution of Pangaea’s investment strategy over 25 years, its expansion into health sciences, and its recent efforts to engage with innovation hubs in Japan.

Sarah also discusses the complex cultural and geopolitical dynamics shaping sustainability investing worldwide, highlighting the importance of global scalability and the nuances of regional priorities. The conversation provides a compelling look at the intersection of hard tech, venture capital, and long-term impact investing, including emerging trends in semiconductor manufacturing, AI’s implications for planetary health, and sustainable metal recovery.

Finally, Sarah reflects on lessons learned throughout her career, offering advice about patience and growth for aspiring professionals and shares her dream guest for the podcast—Bill Gates, whose global philanthropic focus aligns with many of Pangaea’s core missions.

Essential listening for investors, entrepreneurs, and anyone passionate about leveraging technology to create a healthier, more sustainable future. Don’t miss the chance to hear practical insights and visionary perspectives on building the future of hard tech innovation.

Learn more about Sarah's work at https://www.pangaeaventures.com/ and read teh 2025 Hard Tech Report at https://static1.squarespace.com/static/66c7b645f1e53508cb7f78f4/t/6833c5c7e5649e5bdcfe5778/1748223481405/Pangaea-Ventures-the-Hard-Tech-Report_2025.pdf

Connect with Sarah on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahapplebaum/

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