Keep Going

Startup Show: This company is going to make your next electric truck

California-based electric vehicle (EV) technology company Voltu is gearing up to revolutionize the commercial EV market. Founded by Argentinian bioengineer George Gebhart, the company plans to introduce its first Class 3 pickup truck, a “work truck,” by 2025. Gebhart sat down with Grit Daily Startup Show host John Biggs to share insights into Voltu’s strategy, challenges, and future plans.A Different Approach to EV Development“We’re essentially an innovative electric vehicle technology company,” Gebhart explained. “What we do is focus on the powertrain technology — from batteries to motors, drive units, and all the power electronics. We develop, test, and validate that technology.”Unlike traditional automakers, Voltu doesn’t manufacture entire vehicles from scratch. Instead, the company purchases pre-validated chassis from established original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and integrates its proprietary powertrain technology. This approach allows Voltu to concentrate on its core expertise. They build the battery packs, battery modules, and drive units. Essentially, the electric motors and power electronics. It’s an integrated system they deploy over those chassis.A Focus on Commercial EVsWhile many EV startups target passenger vehicles, Voltu is carving out its niche in commercial vehicles. They are focused on mid-size trucks, ones tough enough to do whatever they need to do on the field. The company’s upcoming pickup work truck will feature a 350-mile range thanks to its patented immersed cooling technology that significantly boosts energy density. “We have a battery technology that essentially doubles the energy density of most competition,” he added.Voltu is also addressing the functional demands of commercial users. Having enough power to haul and tow the same pounds as the original vehicle is a challenge, but it’s something they have solved.Challenges in the EV SpaceGebhart acknowledged the difficulties of building a hardware-focused business. Deploying hardware is hard. You need to manufacture that hardware and control the quality of the products. You’ve seen companies raising a lot of money and still going out of business. Electric vehicles are not easy — you need to dominate the technology.The company has also considered retrofitting gas-powered vehicles with electric systems but remains focused on producing new EVs. “The truth of the transition is going to happen with new vehicles,” Gebhart stated.The Road AheadVoltu’s immediate goal is to produce 20,000 vehicles over the next three years, with plans to expand into lighter trucks and commercial vehicles after that. According to Gebhart, there’s a gap in the market that allows them to have this rapid expansion in the U.S.As for the broader adoption of EVs, Gebhart predicts significant progress within the next decade. “Most of the segments that can be electrified are going to be electrified in the next 10 years. At least the majority of that. And you have a lot of those segments, especially in the commercial vehicles, that you don’t have options to purchase right now.” This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit startupstrats.substack.com

Keep Going: Know when to kiss and when to kick

In this episode of Keep Going, we sit down with Zina Jarrahi Cinker, the mind behind XPANSE. What began as a science and tech event has evolved into something much larger—a convergence of creativity, cutting-edge research, and interdisciplinary dialogue. From Nobel laureates to artists, XPANSE brings together some of the most intriguing minds to explore ideas that challenge the status quo.What is XPANSE?Described by Zina as a mix between *Cirque du Soleil*, TED, and a dash of WEF, XPANSE is not your typical conference. It's a curated experience—an event that Zina envisions as a dinner party where scientists, philosophers, technologists, and artists gather to exchange ideas. The event’s vibrant atmosphere, described as "Alice in Wonderland" by Zina, pushes the boundaries of how science and creativity coexist.Keep Going is a labor of love and your support helps us grow. Please consider subscribing or gifting a subscription this year.“I wanted to create an environment that would feel good, that would encourage dialogue and creativity without constraint,” she said.The event's impact speaks for itself. With attendees describing it as *life-changing*, XPANSE has managed to carve out a space that combines cutting-edge science and technology with human expression.Building Without a BlueprintZina’s journey toward creating XPANSE reflects a deep commitment to following what feels right—without overthinking or over-planning.“There’s no blueprint for a peacock,” Zina said. “It just happens. It evolves. I think XPANSE was born in the same way. A culmination of my experiences and ideas that felt right to pursue.”Coming from a background that uniquely bridges the arts and sciences—Zina has a PhD in physics—her ability to think in two seemingly separate worlds has been a driving force.The Challenges of Claiming SpaceFor Zina, embracing her creative side while being taken seriously as a scientist was not always easy. In the early stages of her career, Zina led regulatory work for nanomaterials and graphene, where creativity was not always welcomed.“I had to hide my artistic side to be taken seriously,” she said. “It wasn’t easy to express myself this way, but over time, I built my own path. And I tell people, you will pay a price for being unique. But if you stick to it, something good will come out of it.”Zina’s approach to earning respect was not about confrontation. Instead, she allowed her work to speak for itself. A powerful anecdote during the podcast highlighted how someone who once dismissed her as “not important enough” later described her event as a life-changing experience. For Zina, patience, persistence, and focusing on the work were key.Zina also touched on representation in science and events. While she supports initiatives that aim to bring diversity into traditionally underrepresented spaces, her approach is different.“I’ve never gender-balanced my panels or events. I curate based on excellence and authenticity,” she said. Remarkably, this approach has naturally led to 40% women participation at XPANSE—a statistic that speaks to the power of creating spaces where everyone feels they belong, not because they are a token, but because they are valued.For those wondering what’s cutting edge, Zina offered a glimpse into exotic computing, a space that goes beyond AI to explore biological systems for computation. One highlight at XPANSE was a demonstration where brain cells in a Petri dish played Pong in real time—a glimpse into what biological intelligence might look like in the future.Zina’s Advice for Creators and LeadersFor those looking to build something unique, Zina’s advice is simple:- Follow what feels right: Creativity often comes from trusting your instincts and evolving without a rigid plan.- Be prepared to pay the price: Building something unique often means facing skepticism, but persistence pays off.- Focus on the work, not validation: “If they don’t take you seriously now, let them go. They might come back later.”Zina Cinker’s story is a powerful reminder that success doesn’t always come from playing by the rules. By embracing the intersection of science, creativity, and persistence, she has created something extraordinary with XPANSE—a space where ideas can flow, evolve, and inspire. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit startupstrats.substack.com

Startup Show: VR isn’t dead thanks to this unique immersive tech

In this episode of the Startup Show I sit down with Catherine Seys, Director of Excurio, to discuss how her company is transforming the way we experience history and culture. Excurio specializes in creating immersive expeditions, leveraging VR to transport users to different times and places in a deeply engaging and interactive way.What is Excurio?Excurio’s immersive expeditions are 45-minute virtual reality (VR) adventures set in large, dedicated spaces. Unlike traditional VR setups, these experiences allow users to physically roam freely without worrying about running into walls or other obstacles. This is made possible by advanced tracking technologies that map users’ movements and ensure a smooth, collision-free experience.Current venues offer experiences such as:* Traveling to ancient Egypt during the Pharaohs' era.* Exploring Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris.* Witnessing the evolution of life on Earth, in collaboration with the Museum of Natural History in Paris.* Re-living the first Impressionist exhibition in 1874 Paris.The Technology Behind the MagicExcurio’s innovative platform incorporates black-and-white markers on walls, enabling headsets to pinpoint user locations in real time. This system allows for a highly interactive and natural VR experience. Users see each other as avatars, ensuring seamless social interactions during the experience.A Focus on Cultural AccessibilityA standout feature of Excurio’s expeditions is their commitment to blending scholarly accuracy with engaging storytelling. For instance:* The Horizon of Khufu project involved collaboration with Harvard Egyptologist Peter D’Armanuelle Lyon to accurately reconstruct the Great Pyramid, even including restricted areas and recreating scenes from ancient funerals.* Their Life Chronicles experience worked closely with paleontologists to build authentic paleo landscapes.* Tonight with the Impressionists brings art history to life, allowing users to interact with Impressionist painters before they achieved fame.This approach makes cultural and historical knowledge more accessible and exciting to a broad audience.The Business Model and GrowthExcurio has demonstrated that VR can be both impactful and profitable. With venues operating successfully worldwide, the company is setting a benchmark for VR-based location-based entertainment (LBE). They’ve also achieved a significant technical milestone: hosting more than 100 simultaneous VR users in a single space.Looking ahead, Excurio plans to:* Enhance technology, improving interactivity within their experiences.* Open their platform to allow other creators to develop immersive expeditions.* Expand their catalog, with a new title expected in April 2025.Challenges and OpportunitiesCreating immersive experiences isn’t without its difficulties. Excurio balances technological innovation with historical and cultural accuracy, working with experts to ensure authenticity. For example, recreating historical characters involves capturing their beliefs, emotions, and interactions without misrepresenting them.To learn more about Excurio, visit their website at excurio.com. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit startupstrats.substack.com

Keep Going: Why this entrepreneur shut everything down and lived to regret it

In this week's episode of Keep Going we dive into a riveting conversation with Mitch Goldstone, CEO of ScanMyPhotos. Mitch shares an honest and compelling story of navigating adversity, highlighting the resilience and reinvention required to transform challenges into opportunities.The Story of a Missed OpportunityMitch recounts a pivotal moment when his business was featured in a three-minute segment on the CBS Evening News. Anticipating a surge in traffic and orders, Mitch and his team halted all other marketing efforts, banking on this exposure to bring monumental growth. However, the segment aired without directly mentioning Scan My Photos, leaving viewers unaware of the company's role in the stories highlighted. The result? A crushing silence on the website's end, far from the bustling response they expected.Recalibrating After a SetbackFacing this disappointment head-on, Mitch emphasizes the importance of adaptability. Rather than dwelling on the loss, he and his team pivoted, redesigning their website and introducing innovations such as same-day express scanning. These changes not only addressed customer concerns but also differentiated Scan My Photos from competitors.Building Resilience Through ExperienceThe conversation also delves into Mitch’s early days in photography. He shares how the decline of traditional film photography forced his company to evolve, transitioning from retail photo centers to high-speed digital scanning. This shift wasn't easy, but it set the stage for Scan My Photos to become a leader in photo digitization.The Power of Community and StorytellingMitch underscores the value of customer engagement. Many of their clients, once thrilled by the service, become informal ambassadors, sharing their digitized memories and driving word-of-mouth marketing. This community-driven approach has proven far more effective than traditional media coverage.Looking to the FutureWith advancements in AI and virtual reality, Mitch envisions an immersive experience for customers. Imagine revisiting your family vacation to Disneyland, not just through photos but within a virtual environment enriched by music and news clippings from that time. For Mitch, it’s about making memories more dynamic and meaningful.Lessons for EntrepreneursThis episode serves as a reminder that failure is an inevitable part of the journey. As Mitch puts it, "You must recalibrate and keep going." His story offers a valuable blueprint for entrepreneurs:* Diversify your marketing efforts.* Be ready to adapt and innovate.* Engage with your community to build authentic connections.Mitch’s story is a testament to resilience, creativity, and the enduring power of learning from setbacks. Tune into this episode of Keep Going to hear more about how he transformed challenges into opportunities and continues to reinvent his business in a rapidly changing world.Support the PodcastIf you enjoyed this episode, consider supporting Keep Going by subscribing for as little as $5 a month at keepgoingpod.com. Your support helps bring more inspiring stories to light.What are your takeaways from Mitch's story? Let us know in the comments or share your thoughts on social media using #KeepGoingPodcast. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit startupstrats.substack.com

Startup Show: Rivery creates data pipelines for any app

Data pipelines may sound like something out of a tech engineer’s playbook, but their importance is hard to overstate in a data-driven world where companies need to gather, transform, and utilize data efficiently or risk falling behind. That’s where Rivery, a platform helping businesses streamline this process, is focusing its efforts.In the latest episode of Grit Daily Startup Show, host John Biggs sat down with Rivery’s co-founder and CEO, Itamar Ben Hemo, to unpack what makes their approach to data movement unique and to delve into how AI is reshaping the game.What Does Rivery Do?If the term “data pipelines” sounds complex, don’t worry — you’re not alone. “What we are doing is basically data movement,” Ben Hemo explained, “helping customers to get the maximum value of basically democratized data.”In plain terms, Rivery enables companies to pull data from a dizzying array of sources — databases, APIs, applications — and consolidate it into data warehouses like Google BigQuery or Snowflake. From there, businesses can transform this data for their needs using tools like Python or SQL.Why is this important? Imagine trying to sift through mountains of marketing data from hundreds of sources, or replicating databases as your enterprise moves to the cloud. For many companies, this is a barrier to growth. Rivery simplifies the process, making once laborious tasks seamless.The AI Revolution in Data ConnectivityOne of the most exciting shifts in Rivery’s strategy is its embrace of AI. Traditionally, creating new data connectors required significant manual effort. Engineers had to decode documentation, map out APIs, and build connectors line by line. Ben Hemo admitted that this model created bottlenecks: “I told to my team, listen, we cannot wait one month to develop connector because we have a list of 100 for next month.” This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit startupstrats.substack.com

Keep Going: How failure turned a developer into a successful CEO

Can failure be a foundation for success? Want to hear a few hard truths from the CEO of a huge media company? Meet Medium CEO Tony Stubblebine.Keep Going - A Guide to Unlocking Success is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.Tony shares his journey through entrepreneurship, detailing the challenges and failures he faced before finding success. He discusses the importance of leadership, team dynamics, and the strategies he implemented to turn around Medium's fortunes. Stubblebine emphasizes the need for entrepreneurs to focus on distribution and finding unique opportunities in a crowded market, as well as the transition from programmer to CEO.Tony Stubblebine’s career is a testament to persistence, adaptability, and the lessons learned through trial and error. Starting as a programmer in the 1990s, Tony initially pursued a traditional career path, earning a computer science degree and working on projects he describes as “meaningless code.” While he appreciated the stability of a salaried position, he eventually sought a greater purpose and transitioned into leadership roles, ultimately leading him into the world of startups.His first significant foray into entrepreneurship was with the podcasting startup Odeo, which famously spun off into Twitter. Though he worked on the podcasting side of the business—only to see much of his work discarded—it was a pivotal moment that sparked his desire to control the direction of his work. This led to the launch of his first company, a social networking platform. Despite lacking a clear revenue model or funding, Tony’s determination helped the company achieve break-even status, albeit without significant success. He used this experience as a foundation to grow, learning what worked and, more importantly, what didn’t.Tony’s next venture, Lyft (not the rideshare company but a habit-tracking app), was far more aligned with his personal interests in self-improvement and productivity. This focus on passion helped him sustain the company through challenges, including a shift into what he calls "aggressively zombie mode" when funding dried up. Even during this period of survival, the app had a lasting impact, influencing the design of modern habit trackers.Today, Tony is the CEO of Medium, where he’s applied the hard-won lessons from his entrepreneurial journey to revitalize the platform. When he took the helm, Medium was in financial trouble, losing both money and subscribers. By cutting inefficiencies, focusing on growth, and being upfront about the company’s challenges, Tony led Medium to profitability for the first time, achieving over a million paying subscribers. His career illustrates not only the importance of perseverance but also the value of learning from failures to achieve meaningful success.Key Takeaways:* Failure as a Foundation: Tony reflects on his 15 years as a CEO, marked by trial, error, and persistence. From building a social network to creating a habit-tracking app, his journey taught him resilience and focus.* Medium’s Revival: Tony took over Medium when it was burning millions and losing subscribers. Through clear priorities—cutting inefficiencies, focusing on growth, and direct communication—Medium turned a corner to profitability with over a million paying subscribers.* Counter-Narratives in Business: Tony advocates exploring overlooked opportunities. Medium’s success is built on avoiding ad-driven models and embracing subscription-based growth—an approach that aligns with its audience’s values.* Entrepreneurial Insight: From programming roots to CEO, Tony emphasizes the importance of distribution over product perfection and finding allies when fixing broken systems.Why Listen? Tony doesn’t sugarcoat the challenges of leadership or entrepreneurship. If you’re looking to understand the reality behind building and reviving businesses—or you want a glimpse into Medium’s evolution—this episode is a must-listen. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit startupstrats.substack.com

Keep Going: Why your startup needs a storyteller

In this episode of Keep Going, host I interview Michal Habdank-Kolaczkowski, CEO of Rally Call and former PR expert for various tech startups. Michal shares his journey from working with climate startups to his experiences with Bee Hero and Waze. Throughout his career in strategic startup communications and branding, he has played a pivotal role in launching and supporting transformative initiatives. His contributions include the launch of Moth Belly Gallery in the Tenderloin, designing the San Francisco Mayor’s Office Startup-in-Residence Program, and producing impactful events such as TEDxFiDiWomen, TEDxAlcatraz, and TEDxAlcatrazChange. She was instrumental in reopening The Grand Theater as the new home of Gray Area, hosting San Francisco’s first Urban Prototyping Festival, and reactivating Pier 17 as the new home for Swissnex. Each project reflects his dedication to fostering innovation, creativity, and community engagement.He discusses the challenges of marketing in niche industries, the importance of storytelling in pitch decks, and the lessons learned from crisis management. Michal emphasizes the need for effective communication and the role of a storyteller in a startup's success. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit startupstrats.substack.com

Keep Going: How to juggle a relationship and your startup

In this conversation, I talk to Dr. Abby Medcalf about the challenges entrepreneurs face in maintaining relationships while pursuing their business goals. We explore the importance of connection, the impact of personality traits on relationships, and practical strategies for fostering engagement with partners and family.Dr. Medcalf emphasizes the need f… This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit startupstrats.substack.com

Keep Going: How to do the impossible

How do you jump careers? How do you go from selling ideas to selling a physical product? And how do you do it while potentially skirting the law?That’s what Ben Kennedy, founder of Fable, had to figure out when he flipped from being a behind-the-scenes marketing professional into a cannabis drinks mogul.In this episode of Keep Going, I interview Kennedy, about the unique aspects of Fable's products, the legal landscape surrounding THC beverages, and the marketing challenges faced in this emerging industry. Basically, he had to create a new brand, a new product, and even a new space because, interestingly, his products are technically legal nationally.Ben shares insights into the vision behind Fable, the importance of building a strong brand, and the future of THC drinks as an alternative to traditional alcohol. The conversation highlights the growing demand for cannabis beverages and the innovative approaches being taken to reach consumers.Ben is a really gregarious guy and his advice on starting a food and beverage business - especially with a THC twist - is timeless. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit startupstrats.substack.com

Startup Show: This scanner protects your privacy while keeping you safe

In this conversation, Edouard Leeuwenburg, COO of Husense, discusses the innovative use of radar technology combined with AI to monitor human behavior while ensuring privacy compliance. Husense provides real-time human activity monitoring solutions for indoor and outdoor spaces using radar technology. Unlike camera-based systems, their sensors detect movement through walls and operate independently of lighting or visibility conditions, ensuring privacy and compliance with GDPR. Husense’s technology supports applications in areas like smart buildings, cities, and retail by offering data on space usage, occupancy, and movement patterns without capturing personal details.He explains the challenges of building the technology, securing funding, and the potential applications in various industries, including retail and public safety. The discussion highlights the importance of privacy regulations in Europe and how Huesense aims to provide a solution that respects individual privacy while offering valuable insights to businesses and governments. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit startupstrats.substack.com