Startup Science Podcast

The Startup Science Podcast, hosted by Gregory Shepard, and produced by ForbesBooks, focuses on conversations in the cross-section of foundership and investing and features best-selling authors like Oren Klaff (Pitch Anything & Flip the Script), David Allen (Getting Things Done), and David Covey COO of FranklinCovey and author of Trap Tales: Outsmarting the 7 Hidden Obstacles to Success. Investing giants like Tim Draper, Leaders like NBA Coach Phill Weber, and newly exited founders like you.

With a focus on the common mistakes founders make, perspectives from investors, and founder’s tools, tips, and tactics. Conversations are real, honest, and unfiltered to expose the realities of early-stage while encouraging entrepreneurship with motivational stories and optimistic viewpoints.
Hosted by:
Gregory Shepard

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January 11, 2024
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1624

Paving the Way in Canadian Tech: A Chat with Owen Matthews (Part Two)

In part two of their talk, Owen provides background on the Canadian Fulbright Entrepreneur Initiative, which enables Canadian entrepreneurs to study approaches to innovation and entrepreneurship in leading ecosystems. Owen also touches on his aim to serve as a "humble thought leader" seeking to make meaningful contributions rather than pursue status or fame. He discusses the responsibility he feels to give back by helping develop future generations of entrepreneurs and technology talent capable of driving continued innovation.About Owen Matthews: Owen helps lead the vision and direction of the Alacrity Foundation and is a major contributor to the local technology community in Victoria. He donates his time and resources to multiple groups within and outside of the Alacrity portfolio.Owen is also a General Partner at Wesley Clover International, responsible for managing their technology portfolio. Wesley Clover is a private investment firm with active portfolios in technology, hospitality and commercial real estate.Prior to his move to Wesley Clover in 2007, Owen was the founder and CEO of NewHeights Software. NewHeights was a pioneer in enterprise unified communication products and was acquired by CounterPath Corporation. Owen is an active member on the Board of Directors for Counterpath Corporation, EchoSec Systems, Encepta Corp., Pretio Interactive, Referral SaaSquatch, and Tutela Technologies.On the community engagement side Owen is a Governor on the Board of Power to Be, a non-profit organization that empowers people to explore their limitless abilities through inclusive adventures rooted in nature. He has been active on the board of advisors for the Peter B. Gustavson School of Business at the University of Victoria, Children’s Health Foundation of Vancouver Island and St. Margaret’s School.He is also on the board of directors for the Victoria Innovation, Advanced Technology and Entrepreneurship Council, Victoria’s one-stop hub connecting people, knowledge, and resources to grow and promote the local technology sector.
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January 4, 2024
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1118

Paving the Way in Canadian Tech: A Chat with Owen Matthews (Part One)

This week on The Startup Science Podcast, Greg is joined by pioneering technology entrepreneur and investor Owen Matthews. As Chairman of Alacrity Canada, Owen has made major contributions to Western Canada's tech ecosystem through his ventures and his work with Alacrity. As Chairman, Owen has helped bring over $225 million into Western Canada's tech ecosystem and employed 300+ people. He is a true community builder, supporting technology education initiatives, serving on numerous boards, and giving back through philanthropic organizations. On the show, Greg and Owen discuss his varied career, lessons learned along the way, advice for aspiring entrepreneurs, the future of the Canadian tech scene, and more. Tune in to hear insights from this pioneer, who has dedicated his career to building technology companies and giving back.About Owen Matthews: Owen helps lead the vision and direction of the Alacrity Foundation and is a major contributor to the local technology community in Victoria. He donates his time and resources to multiple groups within and outside of the Alacrity portfolio.Owen is also a General Partner at Wesley Clover International, responsible for managing their technology portfolio. Wesley Clover is a private investment firm with active portfolios in technology, hospitality and commercial real estate.Prior to his move to Wesley Clover in 2007, Owen was the founder and CEO of NewHeights Software. NewHeights was a pioneer in enterprise unified communication products and was acquired by CounterPath Corporation.Owen is an active member on the Board of Directors for Counterpath Corporation, EchoSec Systems, Encepta Corp., Pretio Interactive, Referral SaaSquatch, and Tutela Technologies.On the community engagement side Owen is a Governor on the Board of Power to Be, a non-profit organization that empowers people to explore their limitless abilities through inclusive adventures rooted in nature. He has been active on the board of advisors for the Peter B. Gustavson School of Business at the University of Victoria, Children’s Health Foundation of Vancouver Island and St. Margaret’s School.He is also on the board of directors for the Victoria Innovation, Advanced Technology and Entrepreneurship Council, Victoria’s one-stop hub connecting people, knowledge, and resources to grow and promote the local technology sector.
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November 22, 2023
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1438

Rising from Adversity to Trailblaze the Future: The Incredible Journey of Tech Visionary Victorio Pellicano (Part Two)

In Part 2 of Victorio Pellicano's conversation on the Startup Science podcast, Greg and Vic go deeper into the mindset and motivation of this tech pioneer. They discuss how Vic stays focused when facing life's turbulence and keeps moving forward with resilience. He shares how he fights adversity and uncertainty as an entrepreneur while maintaining balance as a father and husband. Vic reveals how he handles the constant juggle of managing a startup while being present for his family. He opens up about his techniques for minimizing stress, practicing mindfulness, and achieving work-life harmony. Through stories and insights, Vic paints a picture of how he navigates the ups and downs of entrepreneurship. He offers advice for founders on how to cultivate equanimity and keep sight of their vision during difficult times. Join Greg and Vic for an inside look at the mindset and motivation fueling this inspiring tech leader. Discover how he confronts challenges with courage and purpose on the journey to make a positive impact through innovation.About Victorio Pellicano: Victorio is a testament to human resilience and the transformative power of a visionary mind. Having journeyed from humble beginnings as the son of a truck driver, and overcoming life-altering setbacks, he carved out his niche in the tech world, breaking barriers and inspiring change.The first in his family to complete high school and venture into college, Victorio's journey has been anything but smooth. After the untimely loss of his parents and subsequent financial hardships that led to homelessness and an unfinished law degree, he rose from adversity like a phoenix from the ashes.Victorio's entrepreneurial journey began with Verenia, a software company that personified his people-first ethos. After a decade of growth and nurturing a culture of compassion, Verenia was acquired by Oracle in 2022. The company's success story echoes Victorio's unwavering belief in the strength of community and the human spirit.However, Victorio's story doesn't stop at Verenia. He has now turned his gaze towards the future of AI and Robotics. He is at the helm of Avianna, a trailblazing venture that aims to merge these technologies and transform our world. In his private life, Victorio is a doting father of four, soon to be five, and a loving husband. He follows the principles of Tao spiritualism, finding balance in the face of life's unpredictability.Victorio Pellicano is not just a tech entrepreneur; he's a visionary guiding us towards a future where AI and Robotics are the cornerstone of innovation. His journey serves as an enduring reminder that no matter the odds, the human spirit, driven by passion and purpose, can achieve great heights.
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November 15, 2023
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1744

Rising from Adversity to Trailblaze the Future: The Incredible Journey of Tech Visionary Victorio Pellicano (Part One)

In this episode, Greg sits down with Victorio Pellicano, a modern phoenix who overcame homelessness and loss to become a leading tech entrepreneur. After growing his compassion-driven software company Verenia and selling it to Oracle, Pellicano now leads Avianna, merging AI and robotics to transform the world. Beyond his triumphs, Pellicano finds balance as a devoted family man and through Tao spiritualism. His winding journey reveals the power of human resilience and using technology to create a better future. Pellicano shows that with passion and conviction, an entrepreneurial spirit can overcome any odds to achieve greatness. Greg and Vic will dive into this incredible story of adversity and triumph on this episode of the Startup Science Podcast. Join them for an inspiring profile of a true tech visionary.About Victorio Pellicano: Victorio is a testament to human resilience and the transformative power of a visionary mind. Having journeyed from humble beginnings as the son of a truck driver, and overcoming life-altering setbacks, he carved out his niche in the tech world, breaking barriers and inspiring change.The first in his family to complete high school and venture into college, Victorio's journey has been anything but smooth. After the untimely loss of his parents and subsequent financial hardships that led to homelessness and an unfinished law degree, he rose from adversity like a phoenix from the ashes.Victorio's entrepreneurial journey began with Verenia, a software company that personified his people-first ethos. After a decade of growth and nurturing a culture of compassion, Verenia was acquired by Oracle in 2022. The company's success story echoes Victorio's unwavering belief in the strength of community and the human spirit.However, Victorio's story doesn't stop at Verenia. He has now turned his gaze towards the future of AI and Robotics. He is at the helm of Avianna, a trailblazing venture that aims to merge these technologies and transform our world. In his private life, Victorio is a doting father of four, soon to be five, and a loving husband. He follows the principles of Tao spiritualism, finding balance in the face of life's unpredictability.Victorio Pellicano is not just a tech entrepreneur; he's a visionary guiding us towards a future where AI and Robotics are the cornerstone of innovation. His journey serves as an enduring reminder that no matter the odds, the human spirit, driven by passion and purpose, can achieve great heights.
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