Two to Twenty Podcast

From Casper and Bala to Building Nelle Atelier with Madeleine Cohen

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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