In each episode of the Chicago Techies Podcast, we will explore the captivating stories and journeys of the brilliant minds driving the technological landscape of Chicago. From seasoned entrepreneurs and industry leaders to rising stars and innovative thinkers, we will uncover the triumphs, challenges, and unique experiences that have shaped their paths.
Episode 63 Bruce Ross- Co-Founder & CEO of Arqaios, Inc
In the latest episode of Chicago Techies Podcast, we sat down with Bruce Ross, CEO of Arqaios, Inc., to talk about how the company is developing AI-enabled smart spaces using embedded millimeter-wave radar technology.
We explored Arqaios’ privacy-first smart-space fall detection for seniors, how its integrated sensors can detect falls and recognize movement patterns without indoor cameras, and how its patented devices aim to enable proactive responses and intelligent automation. We also discussed how the technology can scale across homes, hotels, and multifamily buildings.
We also talked about the Chicago tech ecosystem and the role innovation and entrepreneurship play in bringing new technologies to market. Our conversation touched on the challenges of building technology that balances safety, privacy, and automation while creating real-world impact.
Connect with Bruce:
Bruce’s Linkedin: (https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanlafler/) https://www.linkedin.com/in/akhil-kumar-2779192a5/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/akhil-kumar-2779192a5/)
Arqaios’ website: https://arqaios.com/ (https://arqaios.com/)
Arqaios’ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/arqaios/ (https://www.linkedin.com/company/arqaios/)
Connect with Chicago Techies Podcast:
Website: (https://chicagotechiespodcast.com/)https://chicagotechiespodcast.com (https://chicagotechiespodcast.com/)
LinkedIn: (https://www.linkedin.com/company/chicago-techies-podcast)https://www.linkedin.com/company/chicago-techies-podcast (https://www.linkedin.com/company/chicago-techies-podcast)
Instagram: (https://www.instagram.com/chicagotechies)https://www.instagram.com/chicagotechies (https://www.instagram.com/chicagotechies)
Connect with Ceci:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cbenitez87/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/cbenitez87/)
Instagram: (https://www.instagram.com/cbenitez_87)https://www.instagram.com/cbenitez_87 (https://www.instagram.com/cbenitez_87)
3 Sept 2026
Episode 62 Akhil Kumar- Co-Founder & CEO of Movorra
Episode 62 - Akhil Kumar- Co-Founder & CEO of Movorra
In this episode of the Chicago Techies Podcast, I sat down with Akhil Kumar, co-founder and CEO of Mavorra, to talk about his journey from college student to entrepreneur and how he’s using AI to improve the transportation industry.
We explored how Akhil’s internship at a transportation company exposed him to inefficiencies in the quoting process, inspiring him to build Mavorra, an AI-powered solution designed to help transportation companies streamline their operations.
We also talked about the challenges of building a startup while balancing college, including time management, mental health, and the importance of having a strong support system. Akhil shared how Chicago’s startup community has helped shape his entrepreneurial journey and why mentorship and community are so valuable for young founders.
This episode is about entrepreneurship, AI, and solving real-world problems with technology. If you're interested in startups, transportation tech, or hearing from young founders building innovative solutions, this conversation is definitely worth a listen.
Connect with Akhil:
Akhil’s Linkedin: (https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanlafler/) https://www.linkedin.com/in/akhil-kumar-2779192a5/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/akhil-kumar-2779192a5/)
Movorra website: https://www.movorra.ai/ (https://www.movorra.ai/)
Movorra LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/movorra/ (https://www.linkedin.com/company/movorra/)
Connect with Chicago Techies Podcast:
Website: (https://chicagotechiespodcast.com/)https://chicagotechiespodcast.com (https://chicagotechiespodcast.com/)
LinkedIn: (https://www.linkedin.com/company/chicago-techies-podcast)https://www.linkedin.com/company/chicago-techies-podcast (https://www.linkedin.com/company/chicago-techies-podcast)
Instagram: (https://www.instagram.com/chicagotechies)https://www.instagram.com/chicagotechies (https://www.instagram.com/chicagotechies)
Connect with Ceci:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cbenitez87/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/cbenitez87/)
Instagram: (https://www.instagram.com/cbenitez_87)https://www.instagram.com/cbenitez_87 (https://www.instagram.com/cbenitez_87)
6 Aug 2026
Episode 61- Rocio Aldana - Co Founder & COO of Pholeo
In this episode of Chicago Techies Podcast, I sat down with Rocio Aldana, co-founder and Chief Operations Officer of Pholeo, to talk about how she's bringing technology to the event planning industry.
We explored Rocio’s journey from corporate finance to entrepreneurship and discussed how Pholeo is helping event planners better manage budgets, vendors, and logistics through an all-in-one operating system. We also talked about the growing role of AI and how technology is changing the future of event management.
Another theme that came up throughout our conversation was the importance of community. Rocio shared how Chicago’s startup ecosystem has supported her entrepreneurial journey and why building strong founder networks is so valuable.
This episode is about innovation, entrepreneurship, and solving real-world problems with technology. If you're interested in startups, event tech, or hearing from founders building meaningful solutions, this conversation will definitely resonate.
Connect with Rocio:
Rocio’s Linkedin: (https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanlafler/) https://www.linkedin.com/in/rocio-aldana-414765b5/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/rocio-aldana-414765b5/)
Pholeo website: https://www.pholeo.io/ (https://www.pholeo.io/)
Pholeo LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/getpholeo/ (https://www.linkedin.com/company/getpholeo/)
Pholeo’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/getpholeo/ (https://www.instagram.com/getpholeo/)
Connect with Chicago Techies Podcast:
Website: (https://chicagotechiespodcast.com/)https://chicagotechiespodcast.com (https://chicagotechiespodcast.com/)
LinkedIn: (https://www.linkedin.com/company/chicago-techies-podcast)https://www.linkedin.com/company/chicago-techies-podcast (https://www.linkedin.com/company/chicago-techies-podcast)
Instagram: (https://www.instagram.com/chicagotechies)https://www.instagram.com/chicagotechies (https://www.instagram.com/chicagotechies)
Connect with Ceci:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cbenitez87/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/cbenitez87/)
Instagram: (https://www.instagram.com/cbenitez_87)https://www.instagram.com/cbenitez_87 (https://www.instagram.com/cbenitez_87)
Inside a recent episode
Episode 49 - Manuela Zoninsein - Founder & CEO of Kadeya
Published 14 Aug 2025 · Transcript excerpt
[…] And it forces you to do things in a way that people who maybe didn't take an idea far enough. It pushes you into a new category and now actually today is creating a new category. And for anyone to try to compete against us, we'll take them months if not years. And it creates a lot of entrenched interests where incumbents want to participate in the cadet ecosystem. And so I just again, I'll encourage any listener out there put sustainability as a design constraint. It will make your product better. It will make your business better. It will make it more entrenched, more competitive, more compelling. […]
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