Where startup meets government, academia, and global innovation
Let’s talk opportunities. Across countries, industries, and sectors. We’re here to breakdown the network siloes to uncover emerging opportunities and ventures across the global startup ecosystem.
This podcast is for founders, investors, academics, governments, and anyone who wants to nerd out with us on the creative ways startups can engage with various sectors and markets (and vice versa!).
The Funding Framework: How Founders Can Master Storytelling, Fundraising, and Market Strategy | Vijay Rajendran, gAI Ventures
Vijay Rajendran shares his funding framework, discussing storytelling, market strategy, and fundraising as a repeatable system for startup founders, in this interview episode.
7 Aug 2025
Breaking into Defense Tech: How Startups Can Sell to DoD and the U.S. Government | Rob Ganim, Ganim Strategic Advisors
Rob Ganim, defense innovation advisor, discusses how startups can successfully sell to the Department of Defense and the U.S. government, emphasizing transparent communication and strategic relationships in this interview with Meng Fei Shen.
9 Jul 2025
From Scientist to Startup Founder: Building the Virtual Cell for Drug Discovery | Natalie Ma, Deep Origin
Natalie Ma, Deep Origin co-founder, discusses her transition from environmental science to building a 'virtual cell' for drug discovery, highlighting the challenges of translating academic research into practical biotech applications in this interview.
26 Jun 2025
Driving Innovation in Health Tech: Strategies for Successful Research Commercialization
Deanna Angelo draws on her extensive pharmaceutical experience to explore successful research commercialization strategies in health tech and biotech, emphasizing leadership and patient-centric approaches in this interview.
10 Jun 2025
What I Learned from Building a Business in Japan for 20 Years | Tyson Batino, StartSmart Japan
Tyson Batino shares his experiences building businesses in Japan for 20 years, discussing bootstrapping, market fit, and creative problem-solving in an interview.
30 May 2025
Vietnam’s Startup Sprint: Growth, Young Talent, and Cross-Border Collaboration | Cong-Thang Huynh and Gaku Echizenya
Huynh Cong-Thang and Gaku Echizenya explore Vietnam's burgeoning startup ecosystem, discussing its rapid growth, infrastructure developments, and opportunities for foreign entrepreneurs in this interview.
19 May 2025
India’s Startup Ecosystem in 2025: Growth, Regulation & Rise of Deep Tech | Ashish Gupta, MFV Partners
In this episode of the Startup and Nation podcast, we sit down with Ashish Gupta, a veteran entrepreneur, investor, and advisor who has played an significant role in the tech sector in shaping how India’s tech sector interacts with the world. Ashish shares the evolution of India's startup ecosystem, and discuss key factors like government regulations, market penetration strategies, and the unique 'man and machine' advantage India holds. We also explore the rising opportunities in deep tech and defense tech in India, making this an insightful episode for anyone interested in cross-border tech ventures.
00:00 Introduction to Ashish Gupta
01:28 Ashish Gupta's Journey: From India to Silicon Valley
03:13 The Evolution of India's Startup Ecosystem
06:40 Government's Role in India's Tech Growth
12:23 Challenges and Opportunities in India's Market
17:15 Cross-Border Business Dynamics
23:21 Challenges of Serving the Indian Market from Abroad
28:04 Introduction to MFV Partners and Deep Tech Investments
28:55 The Intersection of AI and Services
31:35 India's Advantage in AI and Services
37:31 Deep Tech and Its Evolution
41:05 India's Defense Industry and Future Prospects
43:14 Advice for Startups Entering the Indian Market
29 Apr 2025
Bill Reichert: Building the Venture Capital System of Silicon Valley...and the World
In this episode of Startup Nation, I interview Bill Reichert, a pioneering figure in Silicon Valley's venture capital ecosystem. Bill shares his journey from founding a software company in the 1980s to establishing Garage Technology Ventures with Guy Kawasaki. Known for coining and popularizing fundamental investment concepts like seed and pre-seed funding, Bill has been instrumental in shaping the modern startup accelerator model and fostering global venture capital accessibility. We discuss the evolution of venture capital, the groundbreaking concept of global VCs, and the rise of seed and pre-seed funding. Now a partner at Pegasus Tech Ventures, Bill elaborates on the innovative 'venture as a service' model that bridges startups with global corporations. We also cover the challenges of corporate partnerships, the significance of open innovation, and the future trends in technology and defense sectors. Bill’s ability to simplify complex concepts is particularly highlighted, making this episode a must-watch for aspiring entrepreneurs and investors.00:00 Introduction to Bill Reichart and His Impact on Silicon Valley02:49 Bill's Early Days and First Startup Experience05:59 Founding Garage Technology Ventures08:09 The Pegasus Tech Ventures Model23:12 Startup World Cup: A Global Competition27:29 Impact of Government Policies on Venture Capital30:20 Emerging Trends in Defense and Space Tech
17 Apr 2025
Navigating Climate & Energy Policies with Dr. Jackson Ewing: Asia, US, & Startup Opportunities
Join us for an insightful conversation with Dr. Jackson Ewing, Director of Energy and Climate Policy at the Nicholas Institute for Energy, Environment, and Sustainability at Duke University. In this episode, Dr. Ewing discusses his career journey, starting with graduate studies in Australia and leading to impactful work throughout Asia, including China and Southeast Asia. He shares key differences between the U.S. and China's approach to climate commitments, opportunities for startups in Southeast Asia, and future trends in climate technology. Learn about the Nicholas Institute's initiatives and how startups can engage in meaningful partnerships to drive innovation in the climate space.
00:00 Dr. Ewing's Role at the Nicholas Institute
02:05 Career Journey, from Australia, Asia to Duke University
09:50 China vs. US: Climate and Sustainability Approaches
17:25 Opportunities for Startups in Southeast Asia
21:26 Climate Technology Trends in China
25:30 US Climate Policy and Startup Opportunities
31:13 Collaborating with the Nicholas Institute
35:50 Final Thoughts
13 Apr 2025
Using Policy Smarts to Navigate the Changing Climate Tech Politics | Serena Allen - AirVitalize
“The politics change, but policy does not change.”
In this episode of Startup and Nation, I chat with Serena Allen, founder & CEO of AirVitalize, who’s building a clean air tech company across two very different worlds: Fairbanks, Alaska’s public sector and Los Angeles’s athletic space.
Serena studied public policy at USC, and instead of going the nonprofit route, she found her path in climate tech - building a startup that tackles air pollution in some of the most affected areas in the U.S.
I was so impressed by how thoughtfully she navigates today’s political and funding landscape.
Serena shares:
- Why founders need to stop focusing on politics and start understanding policy
- How she’s raised over $200K in non-dilutive funding from grants and competitions
- What it takes to build trust with government stakeholders and local communities
- Why reframing your climate narrative for different audiences is important
- Tips for hardware founders breaking into climate resilience and B2G spaces
We also talk about what it means to build in a sector where exits are slow and the urgency is high - and why grit, clarity, and curiosity matter.
#ClimateTech #StartupFunding #NonDilutiveGrants #HardwareStartup #CleanAir #ClimateResilience #PublicPolicy #FounderStories #AirVitalize #StartupAndNation #B2G #SBIR #PolicyNotPolitics(Filmed on 3/14 so we also did a fun little pi day extravaganza! 🥧)
00:00 Serena's Background and Climate Tech Journey
02:08 Building Trust in Fairbanks, Alaska
04:22 Public Policy and Climate Innovation
05:57 Pi Day Break06:35 Funding and Grants for Startups
18:49 Navigating the Climate Tech Landscape
25:22 Understanding Policy and Law
28:37 Seeking the Right Partners
30:17 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
25 Mar 2025
Japan’s $5B Startup Boom: What You Need to Know
In Japan, corporate venture capital for startup investments grew from $140M in 2013 to $3.4B in 2024.
That’s a 24-fold increase.
And Kenneth Jeng is connecting Japan's startup boom with the world. As Global Platform Lead and Investor at Headline, Kenneth is building cross-border resources, advising founders, and connecting Japan to Silicon Valley.
In this episode of Startup and Nation, Kenneth shares his journey from Taiwan to Japan, discussing his roles in various startups and venture studios along the way. He offers detailed insights into Japan’s startup ecosystem, the significant rise in venture capital, and how the country is catching up with global tech trends.
We also delve into the challenges and opportunities for international startups looking to enter the Japanese market and investment trends and key drivers. Perfect for entrepreneurs and investors eyeing Japan, Kenneth provides practical advice and expert perspectives on navigating the complexities of one of Asia's largest startup ecosystems.
00:00 Introduction and Welcome
00:10 Kenneth's Background and Journey to Japan
01:15 First Experiences in Japan and Startup Involvement
02:05 Return to Japan and Venture Studio Experience
02:53 Changes in Japan's Startup Ecosystem
04:22 Investment Trends and Key Drivers in Japan
09:19 Kenneth's Role at Headline and Building Ecosystems
12:13 Challenges and Advantages for Foreign Startups in Japan
22:33 Comparing Asian Startup Ecosystems: Japan's Biggest Advantage
26:01 Japan's Defense Initiatives and Opportunities
30:03 Final Thoughts and Advice on Japan's Startup Ecosystem
Resources:
Venture in Japan Newsletter - https://ventureinjapan.substack.com/
Kenneth Jeng - https://www.linkedin.com/in/kennethjeng/
Headline Asia - https://www.linkedin.com/company/headline-asia/
18 Mar 2025
Build a Startup in South Korea: Government Resources for Foreign Entrepreneurs
The land of K-pop + K-beauty could also be the place to build your next startup 🇰🇷
In this episode of Startup and Nation (https://www.linkedin.com/feed/#), I chat with Clément Metharam (https://www.linkedin.com/feed/#), Chief Partner Officer at the Global Startup Center (GSC) (https://www.linkedin.com/feed/#).
Funded by the Ministry of SMEs and Startups, Republic of Korea (https://www.linkedin.com/feed/#) and KISED (Korea Institute of Startup & Entrepreneurship Development) (https://www.linkedin.com/feed/#), the GSC supports foreign entrepreneurs in South Korea in everything from patent and legal workshops, VC pitch-offs to visa assistance services.
Clement shares:
- K-Startup Grand Challenge (https://www.linkedin.com/feed/#) - annual program opened to foreigners to prospect the Korean market
- Similar to Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) (https://www.linkedin.com/feed/#) in the US, Korea has a startup agency within each ministry, including Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) (https://www.linkedin.com/feed/#), Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (https://www.linkedin.com/feed/#), 중소벤처기업진흥공단(Korea SMEs Startups Agency) (https://www.linkedin.com/feed/#).
- French - Korean startup collaborations, supported by organizations such as La French Tech Seoul (https://www.linkedin.com/feed/#), Business France Korea (https://www.linkedin.com/feed/#), and FKCCI French Korean Chamber of Commerce and Industry (https://www.linkedin.com/feed/#).
- Why the Korean market and how to succeed as a foreign entrepreneur in Seoul
⌚️Timestamp
00:00 Meet Clement: From France to Korea 03:06 Mission of the Global Startup Center04:04 Support Services for Foreigners 05:41 Korean Startup Ecosystem: Open Innovation and Key Industries11:55 Advice for Foreign Startups20:43 Building Bridges Between France and Korea24:34 Building Partnerships in Korea's Ecosystem29:09 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
11 Mar 2025
Designing the Future of Food: Inside Stanford's Innovation Lab
Have you ever heard of a food hackathon? 🍽️
Dr. Soh Kim, Executive Director of Stanford University's Food Design Lab, brings together students, chefs, tech innovators, and design thinkers to develop creative food solutions and encourage interdisciplinary collaboration. She’s partnered with companies like TCHO Chocolate to lead food hackathons everywhere from Barcelona to Silicon Valley.
In this episode of Startup and Nation, Dr. Soh Kim shares:
- How design, technology, and consumer intersect in the food world
- Stanford Center for Innovation and Design Research (SCIDR) role in supporting founders in the consumer space
- How Dr. Soh Kim's lab is helping Korean consumer products and K-beauty brands localize for the U.S. market
🔗 Resources Mentioned
Stanford Center for Innovation and Design Research (https://scidr.stanford.edu/)
Dr. Soh Kim (https://www.linkedin.com/in/sohyeong/), Executive Director of Food Design Lab
⌚️Timestamp
00:00 Introduction
00:54 Dr. Soh Kim's Journey into Food Innovation
02:21 Food Technology and Innovation at Stanford
03:13 Future of Food in Silicon Valley
06:04 Challenges in the Food Industry
06:40 Stanford's Food Design Lab
07:47 Consumer Trends and Research
11:25 Food Hackathons and Their Impact
14:54 Interdisciplinary Approach to Food Innovation
17:49 Korean and American Consumer Spaces
22:42 Getting Involved with Food Design Lab
23:35 Conclusion and Collaboration Opportunities
24:13 Reflection and K-Beauty Partnership
4 Mar 2025
How Georgetown is bringing Academic Research to the Startup Ecosystem
Aspiring founder but don't have an idea? 💡Christon Hill at Georgetown's Office of Technology Commercialization may have a solution for you.Universities across the country are creating tech commercialization offices to bring academic research into the business world. They’re actively looking for founders and VCs to help bring these technologies to market.In this episode of Startup and Nation, Christon shares the role Georgetown University is playing in the startup ecosystem and ways for founders to get involved with his office. Trivia question: What do Bombas socks, Spindrift Beverage Co, Inc., Allegra, and the HPV vaccine all have in common?🔗 Resources Mentioned Georgetown Office of Technology Innovation (https://otc.georgetown.edu/)Georgetown Tech Ventures (https://otc.georgetown.edu/inventors/supporting-entrepreneurship/georgetown-tech-ventures/)Christon Hill (https://www.linkedin.com/in/christon-hill/)
⌚️Timestamp
00:00 Preview
00:57 What is the Office of Tech Commercialization?
02:55 How Georgetown is bringing academic research to market
05:46 Challenges of translating academic research to startup
07:05 Opportunities for founders to collaborate with researchers
11:03 Georgetown’s role in the startup ecosystem
12:09 What to do amidst funding cuts in health, climate, and other sectors?
24 Feb 2025
How a Stanford Professor Is Connecting Startups Between Asia and Silicon Valley
Professor Richard Dasher from Stanford University is of the few who have worked across all sectors.
US Diplomat in Korea and Japan. Businessman in Tokyo. Linguistics academic. Advisor to the most prominent multinational corporations, governments, VC firms, incubators and startups across Asia and the U.S.
Last year, I took Professor Dasher’s course on “Entrepreneurship in Asian High Tech Industries” at Stanford University. His course kickstarted my founder journey and I continue to learn from his incredible breadth of knowledge and experiences. Professor Dasher also helped me see the power of interdisciplinary learning, even in the entrepreneurship world (to truly understand entrepreneurship, you have to understand all the different sectors and trends surrounding it!).
In this episode, Professor Dasher shares his perspectives on:
- How to bring academic frameworks to industry
- Optimizing startup and corporate collaborations given cultural + operational differences
- How Asian startups can successfully break into US market
- And US startups breaking into Asia - keys to success?
Professor Dasher is Director of The U.S.-Asia Technology Management Center (US-ATMC) at Stanford University, an education and research center that connects Silicon Valley with Asia, providing insights on international technology management, fostering industry-academic collaboration, and analyzing innovation trends across leading-edge technologies.
⌚️Timestamps:
(00:00) Preview
(00:55) Introductions
(02:43) Asia's growth over last 40 years
(06:57) B2C Trends in Southeast Asia
(07:59) Challenges for foreign startups breaking into Asia
(09:03) Government approaches to regulations
(13:20) How startups should navigate new regulations
(20:11) Academia in the age of rapid tech advancements
(26:00) Value of collaborating with big corporations for startups
(31:08) What is Stanford’s U.S.-Asia Technology Management Center (USATMC)?
Resources:
U.S.-.Asia Technology Management Center - Stanford University (https://asia.stanford.edu/ )
Professor Richard Dasher (https://www.linkedin.com/in/rdasher/)
17 Feb 2025
Build Your Startup in Taiwan: "Asia’s Best Kept Secret"
Ever thought of expanding or building your startup in Taiwan? If so, it might actually be the best time right now. In this episode, I sit down with Jonathan Liao, Managing Director at International Talent Taiwan Office and the Taiwan Employment Gold Card Office to chat about Taiwan’s business-friendly policies and why Taiwan could be a great destination for founders who are looking to build or expand internationally.
We cover:
The Gold Card - Taiwan’s 3 year visa for foreign talent
Opportunities, funding, and networks available for foreign founders
How the Taiwan government is support global startups
Growing industries in Taiwan
Why Taiwan is “Asia’s best kept secret”
🔗 Resources Mentioned:
- Gold Card Program (https://goldcard.nat.gov.tw/en/ )
- International Talent Taiwan Office (https://talent.nat.gov.tw/?lang=en)
- Startup Island Taiwan (https://www.startupislandtaiwan.info/ )
9 Feb 2025
From Brazil to San Francisco: building the right networks to scale your startup
Renan founded Good.inc, a personal hygiene company based in Brazil, raised $10M+ in Brazil, and recently moved to San Francisco.
In this episode, I chat with Renan about his experiencing building a startup in Brazil, how he leveraged partnerships with academia and government to build credibility, and his strategies for scaling internationally and building networks.
Startup and Nation is a podcast that connects startups with partnership opportunities in academia, government, NGOs, and global markets.
9 Feb 2025
Welcome to Startup and Nation!
I recently visited DC, Seoul, Tokyo, and Austin to host events and attend conferences. During my travels, I dove into the startup ecosystems within each of these cities, and I learned that across countries and sectors, there’s so much work that’s being done to encourage entrepreneurship, innovation, and cross-sector/country partnerships.
But many startups aren’t aware of these opportunities, or how to take advantage of them.
So I’m launchingStartup and Nation, a podcast where I’ll interview folks from startups, NGOs, government programs, academia, and ask them how they are partnering across the global startup ecosystem.I’m learning so much from these interviews and I’m sure you will find them valuable as well.
If you’re interested in sharing your insights or know someone who would be a great guest, let’s connect!
Stay tuned :)
Who has been a guest on Startup and Nation
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Vijay Rajendran
Rob Ganim
Natalie Ma
Deanna Angelo
Tyson Batino
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