Inside the 750,000-strong Indiana University alumni community is the IU Founders and Funders Network, a world-class startup community with IU "DNA." Each month, hear Hoosier founders and funders share the problems they're solving, advice for aspiring IU innovators, and most importantly, hard-hitting questions like Mother Bear's or Pizza Express? Little 500 or Homecoming? Sample Gates or Showalter Foundation? Hosted by Jon Barada, VP - Engagement at IU Ventures, and presented by nationally ranked Kelley Direct Programs. Go Hoosiers!
IU Ventures
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5.0(8 reviews)
36 episodes
Updated Bi-weekly
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Podcast Overview
Inside the 750,000-strong Indiana University alumni community is the IU Founders and Funders Network, a world-class startup community with IU "DNA." Each month, hear Hoosier founders and funders share the problems they're solving, advice for aspiring IU innovators, and most importantly, hard-hitting questions like Mother Bear's or Pizza Express? Little 500 or Homecoming? Sample Gates or Showalter Foundation? Hosted by Jon Barada, VP - Engagement at IU Ventures, and presented by nationally ranked Kelley Direct Programs. Go Hoosiers!
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Publishing Since
5/9/2023
1 verified contact email on file for IU Ventures
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Recent Episodes
June 9, 2026
Anna Dorris, IU Indy BS '22 – Founder & CEO, Everewear
<p>IU Indy alum Anna Dorris is the Founder & CEO of Everewear, an AI-powered shopping platform that helps people find the secondhand clothes they love in minutes instead of hours. She's also the Entrepreneurship Program Manager at IU Innovates Indianapolis, where she helps the next generation of entrepreneurs connect with the funding & mentorship resources necessary for them to succeed. Hear how she became the Indiana Honey Queen, what stands out from her time at IU Indy, how to pivot your business, the pros & cons of working in fast fashion, and the value IU Innovates Indianapolis brings to Hoosier Nation. Learn more about Anna at <a href= "https://indianapolis.iu.edu/academics/hands-on-learning/entrepreneurship/"> Indianapolis.IU.edu</a> and on <a href= "https://www.linkedin.com/in/annadorris/">LinkedIn</a>, and learn more about IU Ventures at <a href= "https://iuventures.com/">IUVentures.com</a>. This podcast is presented by Kelley Direct Programs. Learn more at <a href= "https://kelley.iu.edu/programs/online/why-kelley/index.html?utm_medium=streaming-audio&utm_source=podcast&utm_campaign=kd-fireside-chat&utm_term=gokelley-sponsorship"> Kelley.IU.edu</a></p>
April 30, 2026
Connor Hitchcock, BS '16 – Co-Founder & CEO, Homefield
<p dir="ltr">IU alum, lifelong IU fan, and Indiana native Connor Hitchcock founded Homefield in 2018 alongside his wife and co-founder Christa out of their Broad Ripple basement. What began as a passion project to create thoughtful collegiate apparel has grown into a premium collegiate apparel brand, with over 180 university licenses and distribution through 100+ retail locations. Today, the 30 members of the Homefield team operate out of their facility in Speedway, as they work to become the world's most thoughtful collegiate apparel brand. Hear the IU football moment that inspired him to start Homefield, why he would not exist without Kirkwood Avenue, how to scale your startup at a sustainable level, the value of Hoosier pride in the IU Angel Network & beyond, and how customer expectations have changed in the last 10 years. Learn more about Connor at <a href= "https://www.homefieldapparel.com/">HomefieldApparel.com</a> and on <a href= "https://www.linkedin.com/in/connorhitchcock/">LinkedIn</a>, and learn more about IU Ventures at <a href= "https://iuventures.com/">IUVentures.com</a>. This podcast is presented by Kelley Direct Programs. Learn more at <a href= "https://kelley.iu.edu/programs/online/why-kelley/index.html?utm_medium=streaming-audio&utm_source=podcast&utm_campaign=kd-fireside-chat&utm_term=gokelley-sponsorship"> Kelley.IU.edu</a></p>
April 1, 2026
Steve Simon, BGS '89 – Co-Owner, Indiana Pacers & Founder, Simon Equity Partners
<p dir="ltr">Stephen H. Simon is a Co-Owner and the Alternate Governor for the Indiana Pacers. He is also the Founder of Simon Equity Partners, LLC and has been a Managing Member since January 2007. From February 1997 to December 2006, Mr. Simon served as President & Chief Executive Officer of Melvin Simon & Associates, Inc., a privately held real estate and investment company. Hear his stories celebrating IU championships over the years, lessons from his career in investing, how to build a great culture as a leader, what separates leaders who scale their business, and his all-time favorite bands to see at The Bluebird. Learn more about Steve at <a href= "https://www.nba.com/pacers/">NBA.com/Pacers</a>, <a href= "https://www.simonequity.com/">SimonEquity.com</a>, and on <a href= "https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-simon-9bb18034/">LinkedIn</a>, and learn more about IU Ventures at <a href= "https://iuventures.com/">IUVentures.com</a>. This podcast is presented by Kelley Direct Programs. Learn more at <a href= "https://kelley.iu.edu/programs/online/why-kelley/index.html?utm_medium=streaming-audio&utm_source=podcast&utm_campaign=kd-fireside-chat&utm_term=gokelley-sponsorship"> Kelley.IU.edu</a></p>
36 total episodes available
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Frequently asked questions
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- What is IU Ventures?
- How often does this podcast release new episodes?
This podcast updates bi-weekly.
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This podcast is available on 8 platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and more. You can also use the RSS feed directly.
- Does this podcast accept guests?
Yes, this podcast regularly features guests.
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