Podcast
The SoCal Edge
Hosted by Art Dicker and Alessandro Rinaldi · EN
Southern California has a stereotype that people play in the sun and surf all day. This podcast showcases what drives entrepreneurs in SoCal and gives them an edge from living here in LA, San Diego, and everywhere in between. From consumer lifestyle to AI, from biotech to enterprise SaaS, we choose to interview people in different fields with compelling stories to share.
21episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Why Founders Leave Millions on the Table When Selling Their Company
3w ago00:30:01Tap to summarizeIn this episode of SoCal Edge, we sit down with technology and business transformation leaders Elisa Henry and Allen Kim to explore what founders should really be doing 18–24 months before trying to sell their company.Drawing on decades of experience in technology, AI, product management, and operational scaling, Elisa and Allen explain why many founders leave millions on the table during an acquisition process — often because the business is too dependent on the founder, lacks scalable systems, or has hidden technical and operational debt.The conversation dives into what sophisticated buyers and private equity firms are actually looking for during due diligence, including:Why “service businesses disguised as product companies” often receive dramatically lower valuationsHow recurring revenue and customer stickiness can significantly increase multiplesThe role of technical debt, legacy systems, and AI in modern M&A preparationWhy documenting processes and building a strong data room early can make or break a dealHow founders can reduce dependency on themselves before an exitThe importance of leadership development and aligning employee incentives during a sale processHow AI tools are accelerating due diligence and exposing operational weaknesses faster than ever beforeCommon mistakes founders make when trying to prepare for an acquisition too lateElisa and Allen also share practical insights from working alongside founders through emotionally difficult transitions, helping companies move from founder-led organizations into scalable, acquisition-ready businesses.If you’re a founder, executive, investor, or advisor thinking about growth, scalability, or eventual exit planning, this episode offers a highly practical look inside the realities of preparing a company for sale.#podcast #business #startup #AI #MandA #founders #technology #privateequity #entrepreneurship #SoCalEdgeConnect with Elisa and Allen:https://www.linkedin.com/in/henryelisa/https://www.linkedin.com/in/allenwkim/
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Rethinking Breast Cancer Treatment, with MeCo Diagnostics CEO Adam Watson
4w ago00:25:44Tap to summarizeIn this episode of SoCal Edge, we sit down with Adam Watson, co-founder and CEO of MeCo Diagnostics, a San Diego-based biotech startup developing the only clinically validated biomarker test designed to match breast cancer patients with anti-fibrotic therapy. Adam shares the remarkable journey from cancer biology PhD student to startup founder, explaining how his dissertation research evolved into a venture-backed company aiming to unlock what he describes as a “seventh modality” of breast cancer treatment. The conversation explores how MeCo Diagnostics is taking an unconventional approach to oncology by repurposing existing anti-fibrotic drugs rather than developing entirely new therapies — with the potential to dramatically reduce both cancer recurrence and treatment costs. We also dive into:Why the economics of cancer treatment are becoming unsustainableThe challenges of fundraising as a diagnostics companyHow biotech founders tailor pitches differently for VCs, angels, and family officesThe realities of leaving academia and becoming a first-time CEOLessons learned from building a biotech startup with limited capitalThe role EvoNexus and the San Diego biotech ecosystem played in the company’s growthFounder loneliness, impostor syndrome, and the pressures of startup lifeWhy Adam believes many people underestimate how difficult entrepreneurship really isThis episode offers a candid look at the intersection of biotech innovation, healthcare economics, and startup building — from someone trying to fundamentally rethink how cancer care is delivered. Reach out to Adam: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adam-watson-phd/
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Healthcare AI Beyond the Demo: Trust, Workflow, and the Future of Digital Health
Apr 900:31:31Tap to summarizeIn this episode of SoCal Edge, we sit down with Sunny Webb, a veteran AI product leader with more than 30 patents and deep experience across Apple, Pager Health, and healthcare AI standards, alongside Wei Li Tan, partner at Informed Ventures focused on early-stage digital health.Together, we unpack one of the biggest questions inhealthcare today: what actually happens after the AI demo ends?From clinical workflows and trust frameworks to investorexpectations, data moats, go-to-market strategy, and the future of payer and pharma AI, this conversation goes beyond the hype and gets into what it really takes to build scalable AI products in healthcare.Whether you’re a founder, investor, operator, or simply interested in where healthcare technology is headed, this episode offers a sharp look at the opportunities and risks shaping the next wave of digital health innovation.
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Investing in Large San Diego Real Estate Deals | Sumeet Parekh
Mar 3000:23:42Tap to summarizeIn this episode of The SoCal Edge, Art Dicker and co-host Alessandro Rinaldi sit down with Sumeet Parekh, founder and managing partner of HP Investors, to discuss the current state of the San Diego commercial real estate market.Sumeet shares insights from his background in investment banking and private equity, including how those experiences shaped his approach to real estate investing. The conversation dives into how data drives investment decisions, how market trends are shifting across San Diego, and why location-focused strategies can outperform broader approaches.They also explore the impact of interest rates, the challenges facing commercial real estate post-COVID, the role of AI in the industry, and what’s really happening in downtown San Diego today — including why now may be the time to start leaning back in.00:00 – Introduction to Sumeet Parekh and HP Investors02:00 – Lessons from investment banking and private equity04:00 – How data drives real estate investment decisions07:00 – Balancing risk, diversification, and local market focus10:00 – The current impact of AI on real estate12:00 – How real estate deals are sourced and executed15:00 – The state of commercial real estate and capital markets18:00 – What’s happening in downtown San Diego today20:00 – The future of San Diego real estate and development strategyAbout the PodcastThe SoCal Edge features conversations with founders, investors, and operators shaping the business and technology landscape across Southern California.
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Inside EvoNexus: How Top Startups Get Built, Funded, and Exit (with Gene Dantsker)
Mar 2400:44:47Tap to summarizeHow do top startups actually succeed—and why do most fail?In this episode, Gene Dantsker of EvoNexus breaks down the real mechanics behind startup success: from founder mindset to fundraising strategy to product-market fit.With nearly $6B in startup impact, EvoNexus offers a rare inside look at what works—and what doesn’t—in building high-growth companies.Gene shares how EvoNexus has helped launch nearly 300 startups, drive billions in funding and exits, and build one of the strongest innovation ecosystems in San Diego and Orange County.They go deep on what separates successful founders from the rest, how startups really get funded, and why most startups fail. Gene also breaks down EvoNexus’ unique model—free office space, world-class mentorship, and a “pay-it-forward” equity structure—and how it dramatically improves a startup’s odds.You’ll also hear real case studies—from medtech IPOs to billion-dollar acquisitions—and practical advice for founders looking to raise capital or join an incubator.If you're a founder, investor, or just interested in how startups actually succeed, this is a must-listen.
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How Startup Founders Can Save Millions in Taxes with QSBS Trusts | Brian Lamb, Promissory
Mar 1700:26:34Tap to summarizeIn this episode of The SoCal Edge, Art Dicker and co-host Alessandro Rinaldi speak with Brian Lamb, founder and CEO of Promissory, a company helping startup founders maximize the tax benefits of Qualified Small Business Stock (QSBS) through specialized trusts.Brian previously co-founded Trust & Will, one of the leading venture-backed estate planning platforms, and after partiallyexiting the company began exploring how founders could better plan for liquidity events. That journey led him to discover how complex and expensive QSBS trust planning can be — and inspired him to build Promissory to simplify the process.The conversation covers how QSBS works, why founders can potentially save millions in taxes, when in a startup’s lifecycle this planning should happen, and how software-driven legal solutions are transforming areas traditionally dominated by expensive law firm processes.What You'll Learn• What QSBS (Qualified Small Business Stock) is and why it can eliminate millions in taxes• How QSBS trust “stacking” can multiply tax exemptions for founders• When founders should start planning for pre-liquidity tax strategy• How software is transforming complex legal processes• Key lessons Brian learned as a second-time founderKey Timestamps00:00 – Introduction to Brian Lamb and Promissory02:00 – Leaving Trust & Will and discovering QSBS trusts04:00 – Turning a complex legal process into a software platform08:00 – What QSBS is and why it matters for founders11:00 – How QSBS trust “stacking” works14:00 – When founders should set up a QSBS trust18:00 – Lessons learned from building Trust & Will23:00 – The future of pre-liquidity planning for startup foundersAbout the PodcastThe SoCal Edge features conversations with founders,investors, and innovators shaping the startup and technology ecosystem across Southern California.
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Building an AI Executive Assistant for Families | Bill Lennon, CEO of Ollie AI
Mar 1200:27:22Tap to summarizeIn this episode of The SoCal Edge, Art Dicker and co-host Alessandro Rinaldi sit down with Bill Lennon, founder and CEO of Ollie AI, to explore how artificial intelligence is beginning to solve one of the most overlooked problems in modern life — the “mental load” of running a household.Bill shares his journey from studying neural networks under AI pioneer Robert Hecht-Nielsen, to founding multiple startups, and ultimately building Ollie AI, an AI-powered assistant designed to help families manage calendars, reminders, shopping, meals, and the countless invisible tasks of everyday life.The conversation also dives into the realities of building an AI startup today: navigating rapidly evolving technology, consumer go-to-market challenges, advice from legendary investor Vinod Khosla, and why San Diego may be an underrated place to build world-class AI companies.00:00 – The idea behind Ollie AI and solving the “mental load” problem03:00 – Bill Lennon’s early exposure to AI and neural networks06:45 – Building and exiting a startup before returning to AI08:30 – Launching Ollie AI and pivoting toward family assistants13:00 – The challenges of acquiring users for consumer AI products18:00 – The risk of AI startups becoming features instead of companies22:00 – Advice from investor Vinod Khosla24:00 – Building a startup in San Diego
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Strategic Exits and Venture Success in Deep-Tech: Insights from Jack Bell
Oct 2900:37:09Tap to summarizeStrategic Exits and Venture Success in Deep-Tech: Insights from Jack BellWelcome to another insightful episode of the SoCal Edge podcast. In this episode, hosted by Art Dicker, we explore the intricate world of strategic investment in the deep tech sector. Our guest, Jack Bell, founder and managing director of Pantek Partners, takes us on a journey through the complexities of international investments and cross-border technology transactions.Introducing Jack BellConnect with JackPantek Partners Jack Bell is at the forefront of strategic investments in the deep tech industry as the founder of Pantek Partners. This boutique investment banking firm specializes in aiding growth-stage companies in raising significant capital and preparing for successful exits. With a global network spanning North America, Europe, and Asia, Jack's expertise provides invaluable insights into the challenges and opportunities in the deep tech sector.Pantek Partners: Navigating the Global Investment LandscapePantek Partners, founded in 2007, serves as a beacon for growth-stage hard tech companies looking to expand their international footprint. The firm was established to help companies maneuver through the "valley of death," a critical phase where securing financial backing is paramount. Jack's experience from Wall Street to international markets has been instrumental in helping companies bridge the gap between local operations and global opportunities.Success Through Strategic PartnershipsOne of the key strengths of Pantek Partners lies in its ability to forge strategic partnerships with international investors. By bringing together innovative tech companies with potential strategic partners, Pantek facilitates the growth and market entry of its clients. This approach not only provides financial support but also strategic advantages that can lead to successful exits.The Overseas Expansion: Challenges and OpportunitiesJack delves into the evolution of international investments, highlighting the shift in focus from countries like China to other Asian markets such as Japan and South Korea. With changing geopolitical landscapes and regulatory environments, Pantek Partners navigates these challenges by ensuring compliance and leveraging international expertise to expedite processes for its clients.Planning for a Strategic ExitArt Dicker and Jack discuss the importance of planning for an exit from the inception of a company. While many companies focus on engineering and technological innovation, strategic planning for an exit can provide significant advantages. Understanding the value of intellectual property and maintaining a proactive approach can lead to successful acquisition scenarios.The Current Investment LandscapeThe podcast concludes with a discussion on the current trends and investment climates across various tech sectors. While areas like AI and semiconductor technology are flourishing, sectors such as biotech face unique challenges due to constrained capital markets. Despite these challenges, Pantek Partners continues to provide strategic guidance and adapt to the evolving macroeconomic landscape.Connect with Pantek PartnersFor startups and businesses interested in exploring international investment opportunities or seeking guidance on strategic exits, Jack Bell's Pantek Partners stands as a resourceful ally. With a presence on LinkedIn and their website, Pantekpartners.com, the firm remains accessible for those looking to tap into their deep well of experience and global connections.Timestamps00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome00:56 Overview of Pantek Partners03:33 Pantek's Global Reach and Strategy06:59 Success Stories and Case Studies12:30 Challenges and Shifts in the Market18:58 Strategic Investors and Exit Planning24:22 Current Trends in Tech Sectors29:43 San Diego's Tech Ecosystem35:01 Conclusion and Contact Information
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Revolutionizing DNA Sequencing: Insights from SWAN Genomics
Sep 1600:45:15Tap to summarizeRevolutionizing DNA Sequencing: Insights from SWAN GenomicsWelcome to our latest exploration into the world of pioneering companies at the forefront of technology. Today, we're delving into the innovative endeavors of SWAN Genomics, a company making significant strides in the field of DNA sequencing. Join us as we explore how SWAN Genomics is transforming the genomics industry, featuring insights from co-founders Lawrence Lee and Bill Hyun, as well as Morassa Mohseni, who leads product development and commercial strategy.Introducing SWAN Genomics SWAN Genomics on LinkedInSWAN Genomics is an ambitious startup positioned as a trailblazer in the realm of DNA sequencing. As an early-stage multidisciplinary startup, SWAN Genomics focuses on making genomics more accessible through innovative approaches. With their tagline, "Genomics without compromise," the company aims to revolutionize the field by overcoming the limitations of current DNA sequencing technologies.Genomics Without Compromise: A New EraAccording to Lawrence Lee, co-founder of SWAN Genomics, the company's mission is about eliminating the compromises often associated with DNA sequencing. Traditional methods, such as Sanger sequencing and Next Generation Sequencing (NGS), have made significant contributions to understanding genomics, but both come with trade-offs. While Sanger sequencing offers high accuracy, it lacks scalability and cost-effectiveness. NGS, on the other hand, addresses scalability but compromises on completeness and accuracy due to short-read sequences.SWAN Genomics introduces a disruptive approach that leverages long-read sequencing technology without the inherent compromises on cost and scalability. At the heart of SWAN’s innovation is the use of nano antennas, a breakthrough that allows their technology to be read-length agnostic, supporting any type of sequencing without compromising on quality or cost.The Challenge of Biotech StartupsStarting a biotech company involves navigating a unique set of challenges. Lawrence Lee explains how SWAN Genomics has amassed a team of talented, adaptable, and humble individuals, primarily from academic backgrounds. To complement this, they have enlisted industry veterans like Morassa Mohseni, who brings valuable experience in translating scientific discoveries into commercial successes. SWAN Genomics maintains a connection with academic institutions, enabling them to leverage non-dilutive funding and collaborative opportunities that facilitate rapid progress in research and development.The Role of Commercial Strategy and DevelopmentTransitioning from academia to a startup environment, Morassa Mohseni underscores the importance of not just scientific excellence, but also of practical application. Her career, which began at John Hopkins University, was marked by a focus on making science applicable and impactful. Moving forward, Morassa's experience in the commercial field enables SWAN Genomics to strategically position themselves amidst a heavily saturated market, highlighting their unique advantages in technology and approach.Innovation and Legacy in GenomicsBill Hyun, a veteran of numerous startups, emphasizes the symbiotic relationship between academic inquiry and commercial application. He highlights the potential of SWAN's core technology to revolutionize genomics. By building strategic relationships with key opinion leaders and potential partners, the company is setting the stage to validate and scale their technology effectively.San Diego: A Hub of InnovationWith a presence in San Diego, SWAN Genomics taps into a vibrant biotech ecosystem brimming with expertise and resources. San Diego's dense concentration of biotech firms, coupled with collaborative environments, makes it an ideal location for the company’s growth. The geographical and professional community provides the support and inspiration necessary for pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in genomics.Conclusion and Contact InformationSWAN Genomics is poised to redefine the standards of DNA sequencing by eliminating traditional compromises, making pivotal strides towards transforming the field of genomics. If you're interested in learning more, exploring potential collaborations, or investing in SWAN Genomics, the team is accessible via LinkedIn or through their website, swangenomics.com.Timestamps 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome00:13 Overview of SWAN Genomics01:09 The Evolution of DNA Sequencing04:57 Challenges and Innovations in Genomics08:46 Building a Startup in Biotech12:47 Commercialization and Market Strategy18:30 Startup Culture vs. Academia22:37 Exploring Academia and Industry23:09 High Impact Publications and Commercial Products23:45 Australia's Innovation Landscape24:20 The Role of Universities in Commercial Impact25:28 Balancing Speed and Rigor in Startups26:26 Navigating the Capital Journey30:58 The Importance of Core Competencies32:44 Building B2B Relationships39:10 San Diego: A Hub for Biotech Innovation43:42 Conclusion and Contact Information
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AI Made Simple with Rajeev Kapur
Sep 800:34:17Tap to summarizeAI Made Simple with Rajeev KapurIn this episode of the SoCal Edge, we are thrilled to host Rajeev Kapur, President and CEO of 1105 Media, and acclaimed author of "AI Made Simple" and "Prompting Made Simple." Together, we explore the transformative power of AI and its implications across various sectors.Introducing Rajeev Kapur Connect with Rajeev1105 MediaRajeev Kapur stands at the forefront of the AI evolution as an influential thought leader. An alumnus of the prestigious USC GEMBA program, Rajeev marries executive leadership with his deep understanding of artificial intelligence, offering profound insights into how AI is reshaping our everyday lives.The Timelessness of AIAI is not a nascent phenomenon—it has been subtly weaving itself into our daily experiences for years. Rajeev emphasizes that while machine learning powers platforms like Netflix, Amazon, and Spotify, the real game-changer is generative AI's advent. This technology does not merely learn from data; it generates solutions, acting more as an answer agent than a search engine.The Transformative Power of Generative AIRajeev foresees generative AI as a key driver of efficiency and innovation. By automating mundane tasks, AI frees up valuable time across multiple domains, from educational administration to personal daily routines. This democratization of technology empowers even those in remote areas with access to unprecedented learning and development opportunities.Bridging Critical Thinking and AIDespite the efficiencies AI offers, Rajeev warns against the over-reliance on such technologies, cautioning that neglecting critical thinking could lead to intellectual stagnation. Success lies in integrating AI's capabilities with human ingenuity to create compelling solutions that transcend what either could achieve alone.Mastering the Art of PromptingWith "Prompting Made Simple," Rajeev highlights the importance of effective prompting in utilizing AI tools. By crafting precise and thoughtful prompts, users can harness generative AI to its fullest potential, whether they're novices seeking guidance or experienced storytellers exploring new creative avenues.Practical AI ApplicationsRajeev illustrates AI's versatility through unconventional applications, from planning vacations to meal prep and even devising sports strategies. These examples underscore AI's potential to infiltrate numerous aspects of our lives, offering innovative solutions to age-old challenges.Envisioning the AI-Driven FutureAs we look to the future, Rajeev envisions a world deeply integrated with AI, transforming how we interact with technology and daily environments. AI's integration into everyday tools, potentially becoming the backbone of agent-driven systems, is set to revolutionize personal and professional landscapes.Embracing AI EducationEducation is key to maximizing AI's benefits. Rajeev advocates for incorporating AI training in early education, akin to global leaders like China, to equip future generations with the skills needed to thrive in an AI-empowered world.Rajeev Kapur's insights offer a glimpse into an AI-driven future, where technology and human intellect synergize for innovation and efficiency. As we embrace these changes, thoughtful integration and critical engagement with AI will be crucial in leveraging its full potential.Timestamps00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction00:40 AI in Everyday Life02:44 Generative AI and Its Impact03:54 Efficiency and Productivity with AI06:52 Thoughtful Use of Generative AI07:54 Prompting Techniques for AI09:44 Real-Life Applications of AI12:43 Unconventional Uses of AI17:18 AI's Expanding Capabilities17:52 Advanced AI in Sports20:06 ChatGPT-5: Improvements and Features21:37 Future Integration of AI in Daily Life30:09 AI's Impact on Education
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