Inside Startup Investing with Chris Lustrino

In this episode of Inside Startup Investing, Chris Lustrino interviews Sharon Samjitsingh, co-founder and CEO of Health Care Originals, a respiratory health startup using wearable technology and predictive AI to help asthma and COPD patients avoid flare-ups before they happen.

Sharon shares her personal journey as an asthma patient and how that experience — paired with her background managing $150M+ in innovation deployments — led her to build a platform now supported by independently validated clinical results, $5.8M in ARR contracts, and a waitlist of 12,000+ patients. Founders will learn how to productize deep tech, unlock B2B2C healthcare sale...

In this episode of Inside Startup Investing, Chris Lustrino sits down with Dr. Zwade Marshall, founder and CEO of Doc2Doc Lending, to explore how a physician-turned-founder built a fintech company by solving a deeply personal problem — the financial barriers doctors face early in their careers. Zwade shares how Doc2Doc raised $21M almost exclusively from fellow doctors, built a flexible underwriting model to beat SoFi’s default rates, and scaled to over $100M in originations while staying lean and mission-driven. For any founder tackling industry-specific pain points or looking to raise capital from within a community, this...

Brad Larschan, CEO of Avadain, joins Chris Lustrino to share how his company is transforming one of the world’s most promising materials—graphene—into a commercial product ready to reshape advanced manufacturing. Brad unpacks the science behind graphene’s extraordinary properties, how Avadain’s licensing model is unlocking large-scale industrial use, and why their patented production method positions them at the forefront of a materials revolution.

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In this episode of Inside Startup Investing, Chris Lustrino sits down with Ariane Valle and Turner Hoff, the founders of Vegetable + Butcher, a handcrafted meal delivery company redefining what it means to scale a food brand with integrity. From navigating conflicting diets at home to building a customer-first experience grounded in transparency and nutrition, Ariane and Turner share the operational choices, hard lessons, and go-to-market strategies behind their growing business.

Tune in to this episode of Inside Startup Investing as we explore the innovative world of agricultural drones with Arthur Erickson, founder and CEO of Hylio. Discover how a fascination with drones turned into a business that's transforming agriculture through technology. Key highlights include:

Origins and Evolution: Journey through Hylio's transition from a small startup experimenting with drones to becoming a leader in agricultural drone technology.

Agricultural Impact: Understand how Hylio's drones are making farming more efficient and sustainable by optimizing the delivery of agricultural inputs.

Future Visions: Hear about Hylio's plans for...

Join us on this episode of Inside Startup Investing as we dive into the fascinating journey of Shannon Edgar, founder and CEO of Stormalong Cider. Discover how a spontaneous move led to the birth of a unique cider brand that respects tradition while innovating for today's market. Key highlights include:

Unexpected Beginnings: Learn how Shannon transitioned from the music industry to founding a cider company after moving to an orchard.

Crafting Unique Ciders: Explore Stormalong's commitment to using rare apple varieties and whole ingredients to create distinctive ciders.

Future Aspirations: Hear about Stormalong's...

In this episode, we explore the innovative world of sustainable building materials with Mattie Mead, founder and CEO of Hempitecture. Discover how Hempitecture is harnessing the power of hemp to revolutionize the construction industry and combat carbon emissions. 

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In this episode, Chris dives into the rapidly evolving world of vegan fast food with Chris Treloar, CEO of PLNT Burger. 

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Join us on this episode of Inside Startup Investing as we explore the fascinating world of sports investment with Michael Smith, majority owner of Carrick Rangers Football Club. Learn about the club's rich history, strategic moves, and ambitious plans for the future, including their aim to enhance their academy and compete on European stages. Highlights include:

Join us on this episode of Inside Startup Investing as we explore how WeatherFlow-Tempest, led by CEO Buck Lyons, is transforming local weather forecasting. Discover how their unique combination of hardware and software provides precise weather data right from your front lawn, enhancing the accuracy of local weather predictions. Highlights include:

Join us on this episode of Inside Startup Investing as we dive into the innovative world of drone technology with Rob Cammack, CEO of SmartDrone. Discover how SmartDrone is revolutionizing the land surveying industry by drastically reducing the time and manpower required to survey large areas. 

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Tune in to this enlightening episode of Inside Startup Investing where we explore the future of energy storage with Michael Pratt, CEO of Qnetic. Discover how Qnetic is tackling the challenges of renewable energy integration with their innovative mechanical flywheel technology. 

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In this episode, we dive into the transformative world of hospital supply management with Roy Malkin, CEO of Assured Med Supply (AMS). Discover how AMS is leveraging AI to streamline hospital procurement processes, ensuring that hospitals can efficiently manage supplies and avoid costly shortages. 

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In this episode, Chris Lustrino talks to Dr. Arup Roy-Burman, founder of Elemeno Health. Discover how Elemeno Health tackles the urgent need for up-to-date training in healthcare settings with their innovative microlearning platform. Designed to provide immediate, actionable information, Elemeno Health aids healthcare professionals in making critical decisions swiftly and accurately. Dr. Roy-Burman shares his journey from an ICU physician to tech entrepreneur, emphasizing the impact of Elemeno on operational efficiency and patient care.

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In this episode, we speak with Luis Mata and Gabriel Llaurado, the co-founders of Meat N' Bone, an innovative retailer and direct-to-consumer provider of high-end proteins, including a variety of meats and fish. Discover how Meat N' Bone is filling a critical market gap by offering an extensive selection of quality meats, ranging from ribeyes to Wagyu, appealing to serious home chefs and food lovers. Learn about their unique omnichannel approach that combines online convenience with physical store experiences, significantly lowering customer acquisition costs and fostering high customer retention. 

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In this episode, we dive deep into the innovative world of Pivotal Health with its CEO, Sal Braico. Pivotal Health is revolutionizing the urgent care industry by bringing high-quality medical services directly to patients' homes. With 13,000+ visits and rave reviews, Pivotal Health addresses the inefficiencies of traditional healthcare by eliminating the need for waiting rooms and reducing administrative burdens. Sal discusses the strategic shift towards providing services through employer partnerships, enhancing accessibility while maintaining affordability through a subscription-based model.

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Sal Breakco's Background and Pivotal Health's Mission (2:35)

In this episode, Chris speaks with Justin Giuffrida, the co-founder and CEO of Citizens Coffee. With over $27 million in lifetime sales, Citizens Coffee is not just a café but a burgeoning lifestyle brand. Justin discusses the uniqueness of Australian coffee culture, which he is transplanting into the U.S. market with an emphasis on quality and community. Their rapid expansion in New York and Texas, coupled with a strategic approach to new markets, showcases their potential within the booming U.S. coffee scene. Justin also explores the future of Citizens Coffee, including plans for international licensing and a new v...

In this episode, host Chris interviews Erik DeGiorgi, the CEO of NetSpeek, a company evolving audiovisual (A/V) management in the workplace. NetSpeek is addressing the common and frustrating interoperability issues in modern offices by making all AV devices communicate seamlessly. Erik, who has nearly two decades of experience in the Pro A/V industry, shares insights on the inception of NetSpeek and how their innovative platform uses AI to simplify A/V operations, essentially allowing devices to be controlled through natural language commands.

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In this episode, Chris sits down with Dr. Cathy Key, the president and chief business officer of World Tree. Discover the unique and sustainable investment opportunities World Tree offers through the growth and harvest of the Empress tree. Learn about the environmental impact, the innovative profit-sharing model with farmers, and how these fast-growing trees can provide significant returns while offsetting carbon footprints. Dr. Key dives into the agricultural processes, the risks involved, and the promising future of this green investment. Whether you're an investor looking for eco-friendly opportunities or someone passionate about sustainability, this discussion sheds light on how...

In this episode of Inside Startup Investing, host Chris Lustrino speaks with Doron Kempel, founder and CEO of Our Bond, a company revolutionizing personal security. Our Bond provides a mobile security service that protects individuals rather than just physical spaces, offering real-time assistance and intervention in unsafe situations. Kempel shares his journey from founding companies sold to major corporations to creating Our Bond, driven by the mission to democratize personal security globally.

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In this episode of Inside Startup Investing, host Chris Lustrino welcomes back Jeff Annison, co-founder and President of Legion M, a pioneering fan-owned media company. Legion M leverages equity crowdfunding to unite a million fans in revolutionizing the media landscape. Annison discusses the company's journey, its significant milestones, and the future trajectory in democratizing media production.

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In this episode of Inside Startup Investing, host Chris Lustrino is joined by Jaeson Bang, CEO of Future Cardia, to explore the groundbreaking developments in heart monitoring technology. Future Cardia is pioneering a minimally invasive, implantable device designed for the continuous monitoring of heart arrhythmia, which represents a significant leap forward in patient care and medical data accuracy.

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In this episode of Inside Startup Investing, Chris Lustrino engages in a captivating conversation with David Phillips, CEO of Elf Labs. David shares the intriguing journey of how Elf Labs acquired the rights to a collection of beloved children’s book characters, transforming them into a massive intellectual property powerhouse capable of rivaling major franchises in the entertainment industry.

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In this episode of Inside Startup Investing, Chris Lustrino interviews Troy Helming, CEO of EarthGrid. Troy discusses EarthGrid's innovative approach to infrastructure with its plasma tunnel boring technology designed to streamline and accelerate underground construction. This groundbreaking method not only promises to revolutionize how utilities, data centers, and energy companies manage their infrastructural needs but also enhances the resilience and efficiency of power transmission.

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In this episode of Inside Startup Investing, Chris interviews Ronny Shmoel, the CEO of Circuit City. Ronny shares his journey as a serial entrepreneur with significant success in e-commerce, leading to the revival of Circuit City. He delves into his strategic approach to transforming this iconic brand through innovative e-commerce solutions and leveraging its well-established name to venture into new business avenues like B2B sales and integrated digital platforms.

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In this episode, Chris is joined by Joel Stanley, CEO of AJNA BioSciences. Joel discusses his transition from co-founding Charlotte’s Web, a pioneer in the CBD industry, to establishing AJNA BioSciences. He shares the powerful backstory of how his work with CBD began, notably with Charlotte Figi, a young girl whose severe seizures were dramatically reduced using a CBD-rich extract. This episode gets into AJNA BioSciences’ mission to integrate plant-based medicines with modern pharmaceutical practices, emphasizing their current focus on developing botanical drugs for conditions like autism spectrum disorder and anxiety through rigorous FDA-approved clinical trials.

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In this episode, Adam Salmen, Managing Director at Novastone Capital Advisors, joins Chris. Adam discusses the intricacies of their search fund model, a high-performing private equity strategy rooted in acquiring stable, cash-flowing businesses. He elaborates on their methodical approach to identifying a target company, codenamed "Project Buffalo", leveraging debt financing, and institutionalizing operations to enhance growth and profitability. The conversation also dives into the broader implications and opportunities within the steel industry, highlighting the growth potential through strategic acquisitions and operational efficiencies.

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In this episode, Chris speaks with Gary Skulnik, founder and CEO of Neighborhood Sun, a company innovating in the community solar power sector. Neighborhood Sun provides an accessible solar power solution for individuals who cannot install solar panels due to various constraints. Gary shares his journey from being a climate activist to pioneering community solar projects that allow consumers to benefit from solar energy without the need for personal installations, highlighting the company's growth and the increasing popularity of community solar.

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In this episode of Inside Startup Investing, Chris engages with Caroline Strzalka, Co-Founder and COO of Overplay, a company merging gaming, the creator economy, and AI innovation. Overplay's platform allows users to transform any video into an interactive mini-game, creating a new form of media engagement. Caroline, with her rich background from Sesame Street to investment banking (and a repeat founder), brings a unique perspective on media interaction, focusing on user-generated content and interactive experiences.

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In this episode,  Chris talks with Leigh Colby, founder and CEO of TriAgenics, a company on a mission to eliminate the pain and complications associated with wisdom teeth. Leigh, a seasoned dentist and entrepreneur, dives into how his new technology can prevent wisdom teeth from ever developing in children, which could transform dental care practices. Leigh's commitment to changing the standard dental procedure by 2030 is underscored by his decision to step down for a go-to-market CEO to ensure the technology reaches its full potential.

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In this episode of Inside Startup Investing, host Chris Lustrino engages with Conor Cullinane, the Founder and CEO of Pirouette Medical. Conor shares his unique journey from aerospace engineering to launching a medical device startup aimed at revolutionizing the way medications like epinephrine and naloxone are administered. The discussion delves into the human-centered design philosophy behind Pirouette Medical's innovative, disc-shaped auto-injector, designed for simplicity and ease of use, reflecting Conor's personal experiences and professional expertise in biomedical engineering.

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In this podcast episode of Inside Startup Investing, Chris Lustrino catches up with Jesse Randall, CEO of Sweater. Sweater is a platform that enables the launch of venture funds that are accessible to the general public without accreditation requirements. Jesse explains how the platform democratizes investment in private markets, traditionally reserved for the affluent, through professionally managed funds. The conversation goes into these funds' structure and regulatory landscape, providing insights into the future of accessible venture capital.
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Opening private markets to the general public through professionally managed funds. (0:04)
Interval funds, their structure, and ho...

In this episode of Inside Startup Investing, host Chris Lustrino engages with Annette Azan, the founder and CEO of Nuudii System, a company pioneering the "boobwear" category that offers an alternative to traditional bras and bralettes. Annette discusses her journey from the fashion industry to entrepreneurship, driven by her need for a comfortable yet supportive option under a wedding dress. She gets into how Nuudii System is designed to embrace the natural shape without reshaping, promoting body positivity and versatility in wear.
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Nuudii’s innovative bra-less design, adoption, and growth. (3:38)
Azan talks about the...

This episode into a fascinating discussion with Dutch Mendenhall, CEO of RAD Diversified, Co-Founder of RADD Companies, and author of "Money Shackles." Dutch shares his journey from a baseball coach to a real estate mogul, emphasizing the strategic acquisition of diverse real estate properties from homes to golf courses and farmlands. He elaborates on RAD Diversified's mission to democratize real estate investment, allowing everyday investors to participate in diversified real estate portfolios through innovative financial platforms.

This episode into a fascinating discussion with Dutch Mendenhall, CEO of RAD Diversified, Co-Founder of RADD Companies, and author of "Money Shackles." Dutch shares his journey from a baseball coach to a real estate mogul, emphasizing the strategic acquisition of diverse real estate properties from homes to golf courses and farmlands. He elaborates on RAD Diversified's mission to democratize real estate investment, allowing everyday investors to participate in diversified real estate portfolios through innovative financial platforms.

This week, Chris talks with Luca Zambello, founder and CEO of Jurny, a pioneering tech company augmenting the short-term rental and hospitality industry with AI automations. Born from Luca’s early forays into luxury home rentals, Jurny evolved from a property management firm to a sophisticated software provider, addressing the industry’s scalability challenges through innovative technology. Luca dives into Jurny’s development, focusing on its automation capabilities and AI-driven solutions that streamline operations and enhance guest experiences across dispersed rental properties.
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Automating hospitality industry operations, including property management and communication with guests. (4:33)
AI's pot...

Chris dives into the innovative world of Infinity Fuel Cell with founder and CEO William Smith. His company, rooted in aerospace and underwater fuel cell technology, has advanced the use of hydrogen fuel cells for various applications, including space and subsea missions. Smith discusses the company's journey from high-stakes government contracts to potential commercial use, highlighting their success in generating clean, efficient electricity and their transition towards green hydrogen systems.
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Hydrogen fuel cell technology for space and transportation applications. (6:14)
Green hydrogen generation and decarbonization. (9:52)
Funding, growth, and technology for Infinity. (14:43)
Space te...

Inside Startup Investing presents a deep dive into Epilog, a company revolutionizing the autonomous vehicle industry. CEO Michael Mojaver, with his extensive background in vision and physics, has created a device, SideCar, that enables regular cars to become autonomous. This episode covers the intriguing possibilities of transforming any car into a self-driving vehicle for $1,000, vastly more accessible than current market options. Michael details Epilog's journey from an intensive R&D phase to now focusing on commercialization, highlighting the company's potential rapid growth in the AI-powered automotive space.
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AI-powered vision technology for autonomous driving. (1:33)
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Chris speaks with Mark Holland, founder and CEO of Choose Your Horizon, a mental wellness company that offers at-home psychedelic therapy. Mark shares how the therapy works, using ketamine in controlled, low doses to aid in treating conditions like PTSD, anxiety, and depression. The episode illuminates how this therapy creates a dissociative experience, enabling patients to gain new perspectives on their mental health issues. Holland highlights the company’s growth trajectory, including its plan to expand to more states and possibly include more psychedelic compounds in treatment.
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Mental wellness company using psychedelic therapy. (0:03)
Keta...

Chris talks with Arthur Pierse, the founder of WeClimate, a groundbreaking climate equity crowdfunding platform. Arthur shares his vision of making climate tech investments accessible to a broader audience beyond the traditional realm of venture capitalists and high-net-worth individuals. He delves into the expansive scope of climate technology, touching upon various sectors, from renewable energy to electric vehicles, and the challenges and opportunities within. The conversation also covers the significant role of government incentives in advancing green technologies and Arthur's strategic approach to growing WeClimate.
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Climate tech investing and its growth potential. (1:33)
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