Iowa Tech Podcast
Welcome to the Iowa Tech Podcast, your gateway to the vibrant world of technology and innovation right here in Iowa. Each week, we dive into the dynamic landscape of Iowa’s tech industry, showcasing the brilliant minds, groundbreaking startups, and transformative ideas that are shaping the future. Join our host, Kaylee Williams, as we sit down with tech entrepreneurs, industry experts, and thought leaders who are driving change and pushing boundaries in fields ranging from artificial intelligence and cybersecurity to agtech and clean energy. Whether you’re a seasoned professional, a budding innovator, or simply tech-curious, the Iowa Tech Podcast offers insider insights, inspiring stories, and practical advice to keep you at the forefront of the digital revolution. Tune in to explore how Iowa is making waves on the global tech stage and discover how you can be a part of this exciting journey.
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Poking Holes in Tradition: ReEnvision Ag’s Seed Spike and the Future of Precision Planting
12/23/2025
Poking Holes in Tradition: ReEnvision Ag’s Seed Spike and the Future of Precision Planting
Jayson Ryner, founder and CEO of ReEnvision Ag and entrepreneurship professor at NIACC, explains the Seed Spike planter—the first ultra–low soil disturbance planter built for the soil-health era. 🗞️ Be first to get new interviews: 🐖 Get a free $30 gift card from Jethro's BBQ: 💡 Find this show on your favorite player: Chapters: 01:42 - Reenvision Ag: Revolutionizing Planting 08:50 - Challenges and Innovations in Agriculture 20:26 - Challenges and Opportunities in Market Gardening 23:46 - Innovations in Agricultural Technology 28:55 - Future Vision and Business Strategy More Details: Jayson explains how the simple “poke-and-place” mechanism lets farmers plant earlier with less power, improves emergence and spacing, and thrives in no-till and plasticulture conditions where traditional double-disk openers struggle. He shares why ReEnvision Ag is wedging into market gardens and commercial vegetables first—where labor is scarce and time savings are quantifiable—while building toward broader row-crop adoption. The company has first paying customers, defensible IP (an issued U.S. utility patent on the two-pin spike mechanism), third-party validation from an Iowa State study showing more even emergence, and is raising $1M to commercialize. Jayson also paints a vision for precision ag: because Seed Spike geo-locates every seed, future AI tools can “know” cash crop positions, reduce compute for see-and-spray, cut herbicide and fertilizer use, and enable early robotic weeding—even pre-emergence. With dramatically lower horsepower needs, small electric robots or sub-100HP tractors can plant 12-row units without compacting soil, protecting Iowa’s most valuable resource: its topsoil. Long-term, Jayson sees licensing or an OEM exit once product-market fit and sales are proven via paid trials, leases, and a dealer network. Want to see it in action or connect as an investor or grower? Visit reinvisionag.com and follow ReEnvision Ag on Facebook and YouTube.
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Building an Entrepreneurial Culture at Drake University with Chase Spencer
12/16/2025
Building an Entrepreneurial Culture at Drake University with Chase Spencer
Host Kaylee welcomes Drake University’s Chase Spencer to the Iowa Tech Podcast from the Jethro’s Barbecue Studio for a lively conversation about cultivating entrepreneurs in Iowa. Chase shares his path from Monroe, Iowa to Drake—pivoting during 2020 from a dream of theme park design to politics, and ultimately to entrepreneurship after a formative class sparked his venture “Chasing Cars,” a QR-code storytelling tool for classic car owners now used by hundreds across the country. He explains his evolution at Drake from contractor to program manager overseeing entrepreneurship initiatives that bridge students and the community—spanning student-focused support and community outreach, the Drake Business Clinic, and a new student accelerator launching this spring with awards ranging from $500 up to $300,000 to help founders launch, learn, and iterate. Together, Kaylee and Chase dig into the “why now” for ideas (QR codes, anyone?), the complementary strengths and gaps between arts and sciences and business students (big vision vs. execution), and how a culture shift in the Midwest can empower more builders to tackle big, hairy problems. Chase details the Drake Business Clinic’s Demo Day—think speed-dating for founders and advisors—centered on “three goals, five things” to drive real progress beyond pitch decks. He makes a simple ask of the ecosystem: answer those .edu emails, show up as mentors, and invest time, relationships, and resources in students while they have a supportive safety net to experiment. To get involved with Drake’s entrepreneurship programs, reach Chase at chase.spencer@drake.edu. Full show notes:
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Mental Health, AI and Turning Tragedy into Purpose with Jeff Johnston of Brightn
12/09/2025
Mental Health, AI and Turning Tragedy into Purpose with Jeff Johnston of Brightn
In this episode of the Iowa Tech Podcast, host Kaylee welcomes back Jeff Johnston, founder and CEO of Brighton, for a candid conversation about loss, purpose, and building a mental wellness company. Jeff shares the deeply personal journey that led him from a successful 32-year wealth management career to advocacy after losing his son to fentanyl and, later, his wife—ultimately inspiring Brighton, named in honor of his granddaughter. He explains Brighton’s unique approach to “mental wellness planning,” translating principles from financial planning into a human portfolio of health, wealth, and purpose. With AI embedded from day one, Brighton focuses on prevention and engagement, not diagnosis or treatment, positioning the app as a bridge between therapy sessions—offering mood check-ins, journaling, tailored micro-learning, and gamified routines. Kaylee and Jeff also unpack founder mental health, fresh off a major LinkedIn livestream that Jeff kicked off following Techstars’ David Cohen, benefitting free therapy for founders. They discuss InnoVenture’s new investment in Brighton, the responsible use of AI in mental wellness, and how Brighton’s sentiment analysis and personalized content drive real engagement (with session time doubling year over year). Jeff talks roadmap, their pivot from schools to employer benefits, and the grit it takes to build a startup—embracing resilience, mission over ego, and constant iteration. If you’re a founder, investor, or someone passionate about mental health innovation, this conversation blends raw humanity with practical insights. To learn more or reach Jeff directly: jeff@brightnapp.com (Brightn spelled B-R-I-G-H-T-N). Full show notes:
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Angels in the Krause (House) with Diana Wright
11/25/2025
Angels in the Krause (House) with Diana Wright
Host Kaylee welcomes back guest Diana Wright, Startup Community Builder at the Greater Des Moines Partnership, to recap the Iowa Angel Investor Summit. They cover what angel investing is, when founders should seek it (typically very early), and why Iowa’s investor base is broader than many realize—even if many stay humble and private. Diana shares how this year’s Summit expanded to a full-day program with a fundamentals workshop the night before, drawing about 50 attendees. The event balanced investor education with founder energy: a keynote from Billy Asmus of Repaint Tray (fresh off Shark Tank), rapid-fire 15-minute lightning talks on topics like tax credits, VC math, agtech outlooks, and “lessons from 50 investments,” plus a standout founder panel with leaders from RoboFlow, The Hummingbird, and Bound. They also highlight the “Best of the Midwest” session—a live, pooled-investment opportunity where attendees can collectively back seven pitching startups via a single LLC, simplifying cap tables and encouraging action. Kaylee and Diana discuss why angel networks matter for sharing diligence and industry expertise, how portfolio strategy fits into high-risk early-stage bets, and the importance of visible “oak tree” founders inspiring the next generation of “seedlings.” This year’s elevated venue—the glass-filled Krause Gateway Center—matched the ambition, supported by sponsorships that kept tickets to $50 and the room accessible to founders, aspiring investors, universities, and civic leaders. For ongoing deal flow and ecosystem updates, Diana points listeners to her Substack, Startup Iowa Hotlist, and the Iowa Startup Collective. Full show notes:
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Inside the Digital Transformation of Community Banking with Tara Seible
11/18/2025
Inside the Digital Transformation of Community Banking with Tara Seible
Tara Seible, founder of In the Green Marketing, joins the Iowa Tech Podcast to share how she transitioned from the traditional media world to launching a fast-growing digital agency serving community banks. She reveals how burnout from corporate life became the catalyst for entrepreneurship, and why community banking—despite its conservative roots—is ripe for digital transformation. In this episode, Tara outlines the power of combining sales expertise with strategic problem-solving, offers insight into her agency's hybrid team model, and teases her next big move: a software platform designed to help banks harness their data more effectively. With a clear two-year roadmap and potential VC backing, Tara is building more than an agency—she’s reshaping how banks think about marketing. Full show notes:
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The Midwest Startup Taking on Billion-Dollar FMCs with Donuts and AI
09/30/2025
The Midwest Startup Taking on Billion-Dollar FMCs with Donuts and AI
On this episode of the Iowa Tech podcast, host Kaylee Williams welcomes Proaction CEO and co-founder Drake Bauer to unpack the startup’s rebrand (formerly Flete) and its mission to modernize fleet management. Drake shares how Proaction streamlines asset operations - inspections, maintenance, compliance, and reporting - into a single pane of glass, replacing a tangle of spreadsheets, sticky notes, and legacy tools. He credits early traction to obsessive customer service and “doing things that don’t scale,” from overnight fixes to mapping clients’ workflows on-site. The team’s Midwestern roots and hands-on approach underpin an October roadshow in a black Sprinter van across Middle America to shake hands, share donuts, and turn relationships into long-term partnerships. Drake also zooms out on industry dynamics: companies are increasingly bringing fleet management in-house, opening space for platforms like Proaction to compete with traditional FMCs by delivering modern, integrated, AI-powered software at a fraction of the cost. He spotlights AI use cases already live - auto-processing any fleet paperwork via a document center and instant answers to KPI queries - and explains why Proaction hired a Director of Innovation early to keep them on the cutting edge. The conversation wraps with rapid-fire personal notes, from a newfound olive-oil-and-espresso morning ritual to a love of timeless books and Christopher Nolan films. Find this show on your favorite app:
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Taking a Beat - Re-Envisioning the Iowa Tech Podcast
09/16/2025
Taking a Beat - Re-Envisioning the Iowa Tech Podcast
The Iowa Tech Podcast is hitting pause as host Kaylee Williams takes a step back to reflect on the journey so far and reimagine the future of the show. After many conversations with founders, innovators, and community builders across Iowa, it’s clear there’s no shortage of compelling stories to tell. This moment of reassessment is a chance to ensure those stories continue to be told with the depth, creativity, and clarity they deserve. As the landscape of Iowa’s startup ecosystem evolves, so too will the way we share it. During this hiatus, Kaylee will be exploring new formats, perspectives, and more meaningful ways to spotlight the entrepreneurs shaping the state’s tech future. Stay subscribed to be the first to hear what’s next — the best stories are still ahead. Find this show on your favorite app:
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An Interview with Paul MacDonald, the Cofounder & Managing Director of Bio Innovations Midwest
09/09/2025
An Interview with Paul MacDonald, the Cofounder & Managing Director of Bio Innovations Midwest
In this episode of the Iowa Tech podcast, host Kaylee Williams dives into an insightful conversation with Paul MacDonald, co-founder and managing director of the Bio Innovations Midwest conference. Paul shares the origin story of the conference, which initially began in Europe as World Bio Markets before transitioning to Bio Innovations Europe. He discusses how the Nebraska Department of Economic Development played a crucial role in bringing the event to the Midwest. The podcast explores the unique format of Bio Innovations Midwest, emphasizing pre-arranged one-to-one meetings that facilitate meaningful connections between scientists, potential customers, partners, and investors, rather than the traditional lecture-heavy conference setup. Paul and Kaylee further discuss the importance of commercializing bio-based innovations to achieve price parity with fossil-derived products and the potential for these innovations to solve global sustainability challenges. As the conversation unfolds, Paul outlines the strategic expansion of Bio Innovations conferences to different parts of the world, including plans to rebrand Bio Innovations Midwest to Bio Innovations North America in 2026, and launch Bio Innovations APAC in Singapore. He highlights Singapore's role as a business hub in Asia and the partnership with Synergy, Singapore's synthetic biology department, as key reasons for this new endeavor. Throughout the episode, Paul emphasizes the importance of simplifying the bioeconomy for broader understanding and investment, categorizing the market into five groups: biodevelopers, community enablers, investors, brands and buyers, and suppliers. The podcast encourages listeners to attend the upcoming Bio Innovations Midwest conference, offering a platform for innovators to connect and advance their bio-based solutions from the lab to the marketplace. Kaylee and Paul share their shared belief in technology's potential to address pressing global issues and inspire listeners to engage with the bioeconomy to drive change. Find this show on your favorite app:
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Unlocking Academic Success: How Coltie Bridges the Graduate Education Gap with Innovative AI Solutions
09/02/2025
Unlocking Academic Success: How Coltie Bridges the Graduate Education Gap with Innovative AI Solutions
The Iowa Tech podcast recently featured an insightful discussion with Anuj Sharma, the founder of Coltie, a tech company operating out of Ames, Iowa. Coltie aims to enhance the academic experience for students by bridging the gap between them and their potential faculty advisors. Anuj, a professor at Iowa State University, shared his personal journey and motivation for founding Coltie, highlighting his own experiences in academia where matching with the right mentor was crucial for success. Coltie is designed as an integrated platform that connects various stakeholders in academia—students, faculty, and administrators—using an app to provide timely and accurate information. The platform seeks to address the common challenges faced by students, such as finding the right advisor, understanding the resources available to them, and ultimately, reducing the stress and anxiety prevalent in graduate education. During the podcast, Anuj also elaborated on the innovative use of AI in Coltie's matchmaking process. The platform utilizes natural language processing to create a comprehensive database of faculty and their research areas, allowing students to easily find potential advisors who align with their academic interests. Beyond just matching students with faculty, Coltie also provides tools for departments and local businesses to engage with students through platforms like Coltie Hive and Coltie Local, enhancing both academic and social experiences. With a focus on strategic partnerships and an expanding user base, Coltie is poised to become a significant player in transforming global academic collaboration by making the process of academic matchmaking more efficient and stress-free. Find this show on your favorite app:
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Triumph Over Tragedy: How a Cedar Rapids Startup is Revolutionizing Mental Wellness
08/26/2025
Triumph Over Tragedy: How a Cedar Rapids Startup is Revolutionizing Mental Wellness
The latest episode of the Iowa Tech podcast, hosted by Micah Walker, features a heartfelt and inspirational conversation with Jeffrey Johnson, the founder of Brightn—a mental wellness startup. The episode delves into Jeffrey's personal journey, which led to the creation of Brightn. It all began with a tragic turn of events when Jeffrey lost his son to an overdose and subsequently, his wife to grief and substance abuse. These painful experiences propelled him to start a nonprofit, Living Undeterred Project, and eventually Brightn, an app aimed at shifting the focus from crisis intervention to mental wellness prevention and planning. Jeffrey emphasizes that while Brighton is not anti-medication, it seeks to explore alternatives before medication becomes the first line of treatment. Brightn aims to revolutionize mental wellness by focusing on the pre-treatment and prevention realm. The app offers a unique approach by using a nine-question Brightn Zone assessment to identify user strengths and deficiencies in health, wealth, and purpose. This information, along with AI-driven personalized content, helps users engage in self-improvement. The episode also highlights Brightn's impressive growth, both in B2B and B2C markets, with partnerships like Med-One and Choice Charter Schools. Jeffrey shares the app's successful engagement strategies, which have resulted in higher retention and lower churn rates compared to industry averages. With strategic partnerships and a focus on prevention, Brightn is poised to make a significant impact in the mental wellness space, all while honoring the legacy of Jeffrey's late son and granddaughter, after whom the app is named. Find this show on your favorite app:
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Navigating the Legislative Maze: How Legible AI is Revolutionizing Policy Engagement with Cutting-Edge Technology
08/19/2025
Navigating the Legislative Maze: How Legible AI is Revolutionizing Policy Engagement with Cutting-Edge Technology
The recent episode of the Iowa Tech podcast, hosted by Micah Walker, features an engaging conversation with Zach Krawiec from Legible AI. The podcast, recorded at the Jethro's Barbecue Studio, delves into the origin and mission of Legible AI, a company co-founded by Zach and Casey, who met as legislative interns at the Iowa State House. The duo leveraged their deep understanding of the legislative process to develop an AI-native policy intelligence platform designed to assist statehouse professionals. The platform addresses challenges such as policy discovery, tracking, research, analysis, and reporting, making it easier for users to navigate and understand the intricacies of state legislation. Throughout the discussion, Zach emphasizes the platform's standout features, including BillChat, a tool for AI-powered bill summaries and Q&A, and policy chaining, which helps users track related bills that might otherwise be missed. These innovations are designed to streamline the policy management cycle, offering comprehensive solutions rather than focusing on a single aspect. Zach also shares insights into the challenges the company faces, such as hiring and scaling, and highlights the importance of building relationships in the government affairs sector. The episode concludes with a look at the future of Legible AI and its potential impact on policy engagement, aiming to democratize access to legislative information and foster a more informed policy creation ecosystem. Find this show on your favorite app:
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Turning Pollution Into Profit: How PaniClean is Revolutionizing Water Treatment and Empowering Communities
08/12/2025
Turning Pollution Into Profit: How PaniClean is Revolutionizing Water Treatment and Empowering Communities
In the latest episode of the Iowa Tech podcast, host Micah Walker sits down with Joun Lee, the founder of PaniClean, a woman-owned company that originated from the University of Iowa's Chemical Engineering Department. PaniClean is tackling the pressing issue of nitrate pollution, particularly in North America, by developing innovative, economically viable solutions for water purification. The company's roots trace back to Lee's profound experience in India, where she witnessed children playing in visibly polluted water, sparking her commitment to addressing global water crises. With a strong background in electrochemical sciences, Lee and her team have developed a technology that removes nitrates from water and converts them into useful byproducts like ammonia, turning liabilities into assets for local communities and industries. Throughout the podcast, Lee discusses the challenges and triumphs of scaling PaniClean, including the impact of stringent environmental regulations and the importance of customer discovery in shaping their business model. Currently, the company is piloting their technology in Iowa City and plans to expand by targeting industries with significant nitrate waste, such as semiconductors and chemical manufacturing. As PaniClean seeks to raise $2 million to hire a CEO and expand their team, Lee emphasizes the importance of having a complementary leadership structure that allows her to focus on technological development. In closing, Lee expresses gratitude to her supporters at the University of Iowa and her dedicated team, reflecting a strong community spirit and commitment to making a positive environmental impact. Find this show on your favorite app:
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From Dorm Rooms to Zoos: The Rise of Spock Sanctuary and the Revolutionary Nutri Cubes
08/05/2025
From Dorm Rooms to Zoos: The Rise of Spock Sanctuary and the Revolutionary Nutri Cubes
The Iowa Tech Podcast, hosted by Micah Walker, recently featured an engaging episode with Cole and Cam from Spock Sanctuary, an exotic animal rescue startup. Originating as a project during their time at Iowa State University, Spock Sanctuary has grown into the largest reptile rescue in Iowa. The duo shared their journey from a college apartment operation to a full-fledged sanctuary, highlighting the challenges of space and resources they faced as they expanded. Their mission to combat misinformation in the pet trade and provide the best care for exotic animals has driven their growth and innovation. Their story is not only about rescuing animals but also about navigating the entrepreneurial landscape as university students, adapting and learning from each challenge they encountered. A significant part of their discussion centered around Nutri Cubes, an innovative product developed by Cam to meet the dietary needs of reptiles. Nutri Cubes are unique because they are species-specific, formulated based on what these animals would naturally consume in the wild. This innovation came from a personal need to address the picky eating habits of their own reptiles, leading to a product that now serves a broader market. With the help of pitch competitions and the support of entrepreneurial ecosystems like Cystarters, Spock Sanctuary and Nutri Cubes have gained traction, allowing them to expand their offerings and separate into distinct entities to better serve their missions. Looking ahead, Cole and Cam aim to expand Spock Sanctuary’s physical space and continue to build relationships within the community, all while fostering a greater love and understanding for exotic pets. Find this show on your favorite app:
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Joe Sweeney on Revolutionizing Ag Tech with BioAxis
07/29/2025
Joe Sweeney on Revolutionizing Ag Tech with BioAxis
In the latest episode of the Iowa Tech podcast, hosted by Micah Walker, listeners are introduced to Joe Sweeney, a fractional leader from Jennings Kallen Advisory, currently associated with BioAxis. Sweeney, who grew up on a family farm in North Central Iowa and attended Iowa State for ag business, shares his journey into fractional leadership, highlighting the influence of his entrepreneurial parents. His career trajectory included starting companies in the aquaculture space, with varying degrees of success, which eventually led him to help friends with their businesses. This snowballed into a career as a consultant and fractional CFO, where he now supports multiple startups, particularly in the Midwest, by providing financial guidance and helping them scale operations. Jennings Kallen Advisors, where Sweeney is a venture strategic advisor, plays a crucial role in helping innovative companies find resources, manage growth, and develop market strategies. Sweeney's expertise and passion for entrepreneurship shine through as he discusses his work with various startups, including BioAxis, a company addressing biosecurity challenges in the protein industry. He emphasizes the advantages Iowa offers in scaling ag bio companies, highlighting the region's productive land and efficient operators. The discussion also touches on the fundraising landscape in Iowa, with Sweeney providing insights into the challenges and opportunities within the venture capital ecosystem. He underscores the importance of building relationships and fostering creativity while maintaining focus. The episode concludes with resources and shoutouts to various organizations supporting Iowa's entrepreneurial ecosystem, encouraging founders and stakeholders to engage and connect for growth and innovation. Find this show on your favorite app:
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Revolutionizing Agriculture Insurance: How Layer One AG is Using AI to Transform Farm Risk Assessment
07/22/2025
Revolutionizing Agriculture Insurance: How Layer One AG is Using AI to Transform Farm Risk Assessment
In a recent episode of the Iowa Tech podcast, host Micah Walker welcomed Roberta from Layer One Ag, a promising startup in the agricultural insurance space, to discuss their innovative approach to managing crop risk. Recorded from the Jethro's Barbecue Studio, the episode delved into how Layer One Ag is leveraging AI to reimagine risk assessment at the farm and field level, enabling precision underwriting for farms that have traditionally been priced out of the market. Roberta, whose background ties deeply with Brazil's rich history in sugar and ethanol production, shared insights into how her experiences in bioenergy and agriculture informed the development of Layer One Ag’s risk assessment methodologies. She emphasized the limitations of traditional risk assessments that focus heavily on historical yield data, which can often miss the nuances of farm resilience to pests, disease, and climate shocks. Layer One Ag is navigating the complex landscape of agricultural insurance by using a wealth of agricultural data, including inputs from IoT devices and satellite data, to create a new dimension of risk evaluation. Their platform, L1A Risk, provides predictive risk scoring akin to a FICO score for farms, assessing risk across multiple dimensions such as crop practices, location-based vulnerabilities, and resilience strategies. This approach allows for the creation of more tailored crop insurance products that better serve the needs of diverse agricultural operations, beyond the conventional row crop insurance. The podcast also highlighted the strategic advantages of building such a company in Iowa, a hub for insurance and ag-tech innovation, which has provided Layer One Ag with invaluable connections and resources. As Layer One Ag looks to expand its reach, the company is also eyeing the Brazilian market, where regulatory landscapes and data availability present both challenges and opportunities for growth. Find this show on your favorite app:
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Unlocking Innovation: How Zymosense is Revolutionizing Enzyme Measurement with Cutting-Edge Technology
07/15/2025
Unlocking Innovation: How Zymosense is Revolutionizing Enzyme Measurement with Cutting-Edge Technology
In a recent episode of the Iowa Tech podcast, host Micah Walker engaged in a compelling conversation with Nigel Reuel, the founder of Zymosense, a pioneering company emerging from Iowa State University. Nigel, an innovator and entrepreneur at heart, shared his journey of establishing Zymosense to revolutionize enzyme activity measurement. With a robust background in chemical and biological engineering, Nigel explained how his experience with global enzyme development leaders inspired him to tackle the challenges of enzyme activity measurement. Zymosense's cutting-edge sensors provide a sustainable, efficient solution for various industries, enhancing material research and development. The company has rapidly evolved since its inception in 2021, securing intellectual property and initial funding through strategic partnerships and federal grants. Throughout the podcast, Nigel emphasized the supportive ecosystem at Iowa State University that fosters innovation and venture creation. He credited the university's resources and collaborative culture for facilitating his entrepreneurial endeavors. Nigel also highlighted the importance of assembling a dedicated team, including his collaboration with students and industry experts like CEO Scott, to drive Zymosense's growth. The conversation further delved into the intricacies of transitioning from research to commercialization, underscoring the critical role of customer feedback and strategic partnerships. Nigel's insights not only illuminate the potential of enzyme technology but also serve as a testament to the vibrant startup landscape in Iowa, paving the way for future breakthroughs in biotech and beyond. Find this show on your favorite app:
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How Iowa's APEX Program is Shaping Young Entrepreneurs
07/08/2025
How Iowa's APEX Program is Shaping Young Entrepreneurs
The Iowa Tech podcast episode features an engaging conversation between host Micah Walker and guest Russell Goerend, a key figure in the Waukee APEX program, which stands for Aspiring Professional Experience. Broadcasting from the Jethro’s Barbecue Digital Studio, the episode dives into the innovative educational model at Waukee, designed to provide high school juniors and seniors with authentic career experiences. Russell explains how Waukee's approach, inspired by the CAPS program in Kansas, allows students to immerse themselves in real-world professions like graphic design, construction leadership, and web-based technology development. By offering hands-on, client-centered projects, the program aims to help students discern their career interests before they graduate, equipping them with practical skills and insights that traditional classroom learning often misses. The discussion also highlights the collaborative efforts with InnoVenture Iowa, through which students gain exposure to venture capital concepts and entrepreneurship. Venture Tuesdays and Thursdays are specially designed sessions where students and local entrepreneurs learn about the intricacies of venture capital, enhancing their understanding of the startup ecosystem. The program's open-door policy extends beyond Waukee, inviting students from neighboring districts to partake in this transformative educational experience. Russell emphasizes the program's commitment to creating a value exchange between students and businesses, ensuring that students leave not just with knowledge, but with a clearer vision of their future paths. This episode of the Iowa Tech podcast not only showcases the innovative spirit of the Waukee APEX program but also underscores the importance of experiential learning in shaping future entrepreneurs and professionals. Find this show on your favorite app:
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A Fellows Perspective of the Iowa Entrepreneurial Ecosystem with Gabe Howard
07/01/2025
A Fellows Perspective of the Iowa Entrepreneurial Ecosystem with Gabe Howard
In this episode of the Iowa Tech podcast, host Micah Walker welcomes Gabe Howard, the third fellow of the InnoVenture Iowa Fund, to discuss his experiences and insights into the Iowa entrepreneurial ecosystem. Gabe, a finance major at Drake University, shares how his background in a small town and family business sparked his interest in venture capital. He recounts his journey from a high school student dabbling in the industry to becoming a fellow, emphasizing the importance of personal interactions and mentorship from influential figures like Kaylee Williams. Gabe highlights the role of Iowa's educational institutions in fostering entrepreneurship and describes how diverse faculty members at Drake helped ignite his passion for the field. Micah and Gabe delve into the intricacies of the fellowship experience, discussing the challenges of reaching out to founders and navigating the entrepreneurial landscape. Gabe reflects on the valuable lessons learned from interacting with founders, including the importance of respecting their stories and the entrepreneurial spirit required to succeed. The conversation also touches on the significance of effective communication and pitching skills for early-stage startups. They emphasize that while having a solid business idea is crucial, the ability to convey that idea convincingly to investors is equally important. Gabe concludes by expressing his desire to continue his career in venture capital, inspired by his fellowship experience, and Michael extends his gratitude for Gabe's contributions to the program. Find this show on your favorite app:
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From Dorm Room Dreams to Startup Success: Unleashing Entrepreneurial Spirit at Iowa State with Megan Grettinger
06/24/2025
From Dorm Room Dreams to Startup Success: Unleashing Entrepreneurial Spirit at Iowa State with Megan Grettinger
The Iowa Tech Podcast, hosted by Micah Walker, recently featured an insightful discussion with Megan Grettinger, the Program Director of the Cystarters Business Accelerator at Iowa State University. In this episode, they explored the intricacies of the Cystarters program, which is designed to support student entrepreneurs in developing their business ideas. Megan shared her journey from being an undergraduate at Iowa State to becoming a key figure in the entrepreneurial ecosystem there. Her firsthand experience as a former Cystarter herself offers a unique perspective on how the program has evolved. The Cystarters program, which spans 11 weeks during the summer, provides funding, mentorship, and educational resources to students, allowing them to forgo traditional internships and instead work on their own startups. This initiative is part of the broader efforts by the Papa John Center to foster innovation and entrepreneurship across the university, emphasizing real-world experiences and customer-focused development. Throughout the conversation, Megan and Micah highlighted the diverse student ecosystem at Iowa State, where students from various colleges come together to collaborate and innovate. The Papa John Center plays a crucial role in this by offering a range of extracurricular activities, including pitch competitions and workshops, to engage students year-round. Megan underscored the importance of customer discovery in the entrepreneurial process, sharing her own experiences and advising students to thoroughly understand their target market. The podcast also touched on Megan's current entrepreneurial venture, a flower farm, demonstrating her continued passion for entrepreneurship. Both Micah and Megan emphasized the value of taking advantage of the resources available at Iowa State, encouraging students to get involved with the Papa John Center early in their college careers to maximize their entrepreneurial potential. Find this show on your favorite app:
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Casmium: High School Innovators Revolutionizing Baseball Analytics
06/17/2025
Casmium: High School Innovators Revolutionizing Baseball Analytics
In a recent episode of the Iowa Tech podcast, hosted by Micah Walker, the spotlight was on Henry and Nikhil, co-founders of Casmium, a baseball analytics app created by a group of high school students. The app originated from a school project aimed at transforming paper-based statistics into a digital format, prompted by their high school varsity baseball coach. Initially, the project was just a means to secure a good grade, but as the pandemic hit and the students had more time, they realized its potential beyond the classroom. By January 2021, they recognized the app’s promise and decided to pursue it as a business endeavor. Despite the challenges of maintaining a business while attending different colleges, the founders utilized digital tools like Zoom and Discord to continue collaborating effectively. The journey of Casmium emphasizes the importance of understanding customer needs and iterative design. Even as technical students, the team learned to prioritize user feedback over their own technical aspirations. The business side of their venture was significantly bolstered by support from programs like JPEC at both Iowa and Iowa State, which provided mentorship and funding through pitching competitions. This support enabled them to grow Casmium without incurring personal expenses. As they look to the future, Casmium plans to expand its reach by attending trade shows and partnering with various baseball and softball teams across the country, aiming to enhance its impact and continue its growth. Find this show on your favorite app:
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From Des Moines to Seattle: The Journey of Julio Delgadillo and BuoyClub
06/10/2025
From Des Moines to Seattle: The Journey of Julio Delgadillo and BuoyClub
In this episode of the Iowa Tech podcast, Micah Walker takes over as host while Kaylee Williams is on maternity leave. Micah introduces Julio Delgadillo, an entrepreneur born in Des Moines, Iowa, who has a passion for creativity and design. Julio shares his journey from growing up in Iowa, developing his artistic skills in school, to eventually founding Buoyclub, a clothing brand he started during the COVID-19 pandemic. Julio explains how his time in Des Moines and his experiences in spoken word poetry influenced his creative spirit and entrepreneurial drive, eventually leading him to study industrial design at Iowa State University. Julio discusses the challenges he faced in balancing school, work, and his business, highlighting how his involvement with Iowa State's entrepreneurial resources and pitch competitions helped him grow Buoyclub. Despite initial struggles, Julio's brand gained recognition through various competitions and pop-up shops, even catching the attention of Paxton for a T-shirt design competition. After graduating, Julio moved to Seattle to work as a designer at Costco, applying the skills he learned from Buoyclub to his new role. Though Buoyclub now faces new challenges in a larger market, Julio remains passionate about his brand and motivated to continue its growth. Find this show on your favorite app:
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SwineTech: Revolutionizing Pig Production with Matthew Rooda
06/03/2025
SwineTech: Revolutionizing Pig Production with Matthew Rooda
In this episode of the Iowa Tech podcast, host Kaylee Williams converses with Matthew Rooda, CEO and co-founder of SwineTech, about his entrepreneurial journey and the evolution of his company. Matthew shares his background in pig production, emphasizing the challenges he encountered, such as labor shortages and piglet crushing, a significant issue leading to billions in losses annually. SwineTech originally tackled piglet crushing using voice recognition technology to alert sows to stand up, preventing piglet suffocation. However, during COVID-19, the company pivoted to a broader approach, focusing on workforce management and human-centered automation in pig barns to enhance consistency and care in pig production. Matthew also discusses the company's growth and adaptation to global markets, including expansion into Australia and Canada, and plans to enter Mexico and other international markets. Despite recent economic challenges in the swine industry, SwineTech has thrived by providing solutions that enhance profitability, animal welfare, and sustainability. Throughout the episode, Matthew shares insights into the entrepreneurial process, emphasizing the importance of passion, authenticity, and industry engagement. He also highlights lessons learned about company culture, managing finances, and the value of mentorship and networking in both entrepreneurial and industry contexts. Find this show on your favorite app:
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Embracing Cycles: Harnessing Female Empowerment and Entrepreneurship with Alyx Coble-Frakes
05/27/2025
Embracing Cycles: Harnessing Female Empowerment and Entrepreneurship with Alyx Coble-Frakes
In this episode of The Iowa Tech Podcast, host Kaylee Williams engages with Alyx Coble-Frakes, the founder and CEO of The Agenda, at the Jethro's Barbecue Studio. Alyx shares her unexpected path from aspiring educator to businesswoman, highlighting her early experiences with the Girl Scouts and her educational background in social entrepreneurship. Her pivotal moment came from an observation about her sales conversions peaking during the ovulation phase of her menstrual cycle, which led to the formation of The Agenda Period. This discovery fueled her mission to create tools for women to harness their hormonal cycles for productivity, leading to the development of a planner and eventually an app with features like Google calendar integration and a symptom tracker. As the conversation progresses, Alyx elaborates on the features of her product and the insights gained from user feedback, which guided the development of an app tailored to women’s health needs. She discusses the transition to serving women experiencing perimenopause, defining it as a significant yet under-discussed phase akin to puberty in reverse, with numerous symptoms affecting women’s lives and careers. Alyx emphasizes the importance of breaking the stigma around these topics and creating supportive tools and communities for women. The episode concludes with Alyx’s vision for The Agenda, aiming to become a global leader in perimenopause support and offering practical advice for women to track and understand their cycles. Her dedication to addressing these issues is evident, reflecting a passion for empowering women through knowledge and innovative solutions. Find this show on your favorite app:
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How AI is driving the future of healthcare with Dr. John Cromwell and Buddy Lyons of ENTAC Medical
05/20/2025
How AI is driving the future of healthcare with Dr. John Cromwell and Buddy Lyons of ENTAC Medical
In this episode of the Iowa Tech Podcast, host Kaylee engages in an insightful conversation with Buddy Lyons and Dr. John Cromwell, the co-founders of ENTAC Medical. The discussion delves into the innovative journey of ENTAC Medical, a company that has pioneered the use of acoustic biomarkers and artificial intelligence to predict adverse medical events. Buddy and John share the fascinating origin story of their company, which began with the development of a predictive medical device aimed at addressing postoperative ileus. With a strong commitment to transforming healthcare from a reactive to a predictive model, the duo highlights the challenges and triumphs they've faced, including the financial hurdles and technological breakthroughs that have shaped their path. As the conversation unfolds, listeners gain valuable insights into the potential of ENTAC Medical's groundbreaking technology, which extends beyond gastrointestinal applications to broader medical conditions such as asthma and congestive heart failure. The episode showcases the strategic partnerships and academic collaborations that have fueled the company's growth, emphasizing the pivotal role of Iowa's burgeoning med-tech ecosystem. Buddy and John candidly discuss the lessons learned and the importance of persistence and adaptability in the entrepreneurial journey. With plans to expand their innovative platform and a vision for the future of healthcare, ENTAC Medical is a testament to the power of innovation and collaboration in driving transformative change in the medical field. Find this show on your favorite app:
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From Venture Capitalist to Startup Founder of Pitchly with Ryan Gerhardy
05/13/2025
From Venture Capitalist to Startup Founder of Pitchly with Ryan Gerhardy
In the latest episode of the Iowa Tech podcast, host Kaylee Williams sits down with Ryan Gerhardy, the co-founder and CEO of Pitchly, a company revolutionizing the way content is created from data. Recorded in the vibrant Jethro's Barbecue Studio, the conversation explores the exciting new developments at Pitchly, including the introduction of a freemium model that allows users to experience the power of Pitchly's autonomous content agents. Ryan shares his journey from investment banking and venture capital to co-founding a startup, highlighting the strategic decisions and lessons learned along the way. Listeners gain insight into the challenges and triumphs of building a tech company in Iowa, as Ryan discusses the importance of playing to one's strengths, the evolving landscape of venture capital, and the value of building strong relationships within the ecosystem. Emphasizing the need for a strategic approach to hiring and scaling, Ryan outlines Pitchly's future plans and the transformative potential of their content agent model. The episode offers a compelling narrative of innovation and growth, providing valuable advice for entrepreneurs navigating the dynamic tech landscape. Find this show on your favorite app:
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Building real customer relationships with Lana Fox, CEO & Co-Founder of ClinicNote
05/06/2025
Building real customer relationships with Lana Fox, CEO & Co-Founder of ClinicNote
In this episode of the Iowa Tech podcast, host Kaylee Williams welcomes Lana Fox, co-founder and CEO of ClinicNote, to discuss her entrepreneurial journey. Lana shares her story of how she became involved with ClinicNote, initially starting as an unpaid girlfriend helping her now-husband Tyler Fox with the business. She talks about her initial experience managing an exterior painting business and how those skills translated into her role at ClinicNote. The conversation delves into the challenges of taking over as CEO during a financially tough period for the company and how she navigated those challenges by focusing on customer discovery and identifying a specific product-market fit. Her efforts led to a pivot towards university teaching clinics, which has since become the primary focus of the company, serving over 230 universities across various therapy disciplines. The discussion also highlights the growth and development of ClinicNote, including raising venture capital to hire a strong team and expand into new markets like private practice. Lana talks about the importance of building a culture and team that aligns with the company's mission and the challenges of managing a small, high-contributing team. She shares insights into her fundraising experience, emphasizing the importance of finding investors who support both the business goals and personal values. Lana also touches on the learning curve of managing financials and building relationships with investors and a board of directors. The episode concludes with Lana emphasizing the importance of surrounding oneself with supportive people, acknowledging that entrepreneurship is a long-term endeavor akin to an extreme sport, and offering advice to aspiring entrepreneurs on the significance of building relationships and learning from others. Find this show on your favorite app:
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From ultra-marathons to urban farming: how to build a resilient startup with Clayton Mooney
04/29/2025
From ultra-marathons to urban farming: how to build a resilient startup with Clayton Mooney
In this episode of the Iowa Tech podcast, host Kaylee Williams interviews Clayton Mooney, the Co-Founder and Chief Farmer at Clayton Farms, discussing his journey from a small family farm in Iowa to creating a successful indoor farming business. Clayton shares his experience with ultra-marathon training and compares the perseverance required in athletics to that of entrepreneurship, emphasizing the importance of tenacity and grit. He details his career path, including his initial reluctance to return to agriculture and his subsequent ventures like Kinosol, which developed solar food dehydrators for farmers in developing regions. This experience led him to explore the potential of indoor farming as a solution to food security challenges, ultimately resulting in the establishment of Clayton Farms with Co-Founder Danen Pool. Clayton explains the evolution of Clayton Farms from a hydroponic equipment manufacturer and home delivery service to its current model: restaurants with integrated indoor farms, providing fresh salads, wraps, and smoothies. This business pivot not only increased profitability but also expanded their reach, serving over 100,000 people. The conversation delves into the company's future plans, including potential franchising and expansion beyond Iowa, as well as Clayton's personal commitment to mentoring young entrepreneurs and contributing to Iowa's startup ecosystem. Clayton's insights on perseverance, customer obsession, and the importance of mentorship provide valuable lessons for aspiring entrepreneurs navigating their own journeys. Find this show on your favorite app:
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The impact of global tariffs on one Iowa startup with Russel Karim
04/22/2025
The impact of global tariffs on one Iowa startup with Russel Karim
In this episode of the Iowa Tech Podcast, host Kaylee Williams interviews Russel Karim, CEO and Founder of SourceEazy, about his entrepreneurial journey and the evolution of his company. Originally from Bangladesh, Russel has been part of the Iowa startup ecosystem for 14 years, beginning with his first venture, Solver Iowa, during his time at the University of Northern Iowa. Russel's background in the clothing manufacturing industry in Bangladesh inspired him to create SourceEazy, a company that connects fashion design with global manufacturing, particularly focusing on the promotional and uniform product industry. The company, originally named Dhakai (after the capital city of Bangladesh), aimed to bring visibility to the origins of fashion production and has since evolved to SourceEazy, reflecting its broader global reach and supply chain solutions. The podcast delves into the challenges and opportunities faced by SourceEazy amidst recent trade tariffs and shifts in global supply chains. Russel explains how the company has strategically positioned itself by offering non-China supply chain options, which has become increasingly attractive to clients seeking alternatives due to the tariffs. SourceEazy's technology streamlines the process of designing and sourcing promotional products, providing significant savings and efficiency by cutting out middlemen. The company leverages its AI-powered platform to offer a seamless experience for distributors and suppliers, enhancing competitiveness in a $173 billion market. Despite the volatility in trade policies, Russel remains optimistic about SourceEazy's growth and potential to scale, emphasizing the importance of adaptability and technological innovation in navigating the current economic landscape. Find this show on your favorite app:
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Building Iowa startups with Curt Nelson and Ben Clark of the Entrepreneurial Development Center
04/15/2025
Building Iowa startups with Curt Nelson and Ben Clark of the Entrepreneurial Development Center
In the latest episode of the Iowa Tech podcast, host Kaylee interviews Curt Nelson, President and CEO of the Entrepreneurial Development Center (EDC), and Ben Clark, Entrepreneur in Residence at EDC. The discussion focuses on the role of EDC in supporting Iowa's entrepreneurial ecosystem. Curt, who founded EDC 22 years ago, explains the organization's mission to accelerate the formation and success of new companies, thereby generating economic impact in Iowa. He shares his passion for entrepreneurship, which stems from his lifelong desire to create and innovate. Curt also discusses his book, "Recipe for Business Success," which offers insights for aspiring entrepreneurs. The conversation highlights the importance of balancing talent and funding to ensure successful business ventures. Ben Clark shares his role at EDC, which involves working with clients across various stages of development, from early-stage startups to established companies facing growth challenges. He emphasizes the significance of transferring accumulated knowledge from EDC's 1,500 business interactions to sustain and support the community. The podcast delves into the pressing needs of founders, particularly the necessity of financial resources and skilled talent. Both Curt and Ben stress the importance of professional investment and strategic planning in overcoming challenges. They discuss the unique entrepreneurial environment in Iowa, highlighting the state's supportive community and work ethic, while also acknowledging the current challenges in accessing sufficient capital to sustain business growth. Find this show on your favorite app:
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An Interview with Clair Williams-Vavra, Winner of Startup Weekend DSM
04/08/2025
An Interview with Clair Williams-Vavra, Winner of Startup Weekend DSM
The latest episode of the Iowa Tech podcast, hosted by Kaylee Williams, comes to life from the Jethro's Barbecue Studio in the East Village, where Kaylee chats with Clair Williams-Vavra, the Chief Operating Officer at SI Delivery Consulting. Clair, the recent winner of this year's Des Moines' Startup Weekend, shares her eclectic journey from hospitality to technology and entrepreneurship. She reflects on her past ventures, like the B2B mason jar salad company, Green Mason, and her deep-seated entrepreneurial spirit that traces back to childhood endeavors. The discussion takes a heartfelt turn as Clair opens up about her experiences with postpartum depression, which inspired her latest project pitched at Startup Weekend. Throughout the weekend, Clair and her team delved into extensive customer discovery, uncovering the critical need for better support systems for postpartum mothers. This led to the conceptualization of 'Held,' an app designed to offer both clinical and community support for those experiencing perinatal mood and anxiety disorders. The podcast highlights the challenges faced by Clair and her team, the emotional journey of creating Held, and the powerful validation they received from peers and judges. Clair's story is a testament to the strength of sharing vulnerable experiences and the potential for innovation to address deeply personal and widespread issues. As Clair continues to build Held, she remains committed to listening to the needs of her community, reinforcing the importance of empathy-driven entrepreneurship. If you, or a birthing mother you know, has experienced ANY symptoms typically associated with Postpartum Depression or Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorder, please consider taking the anonymous survey here: Hear the full show:
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