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المحتوى المقدم من Neal Bloom. يتم تحميل جميع محتويات البودكاست بما في ذلك الحلقات والرسومات وأوصاف البودكاست وتقديمها مباشرة بواسطة Neal Bloom أو شريك منصة البودكاست الخاص بهم. إذا كنت تعتقد أن شخصًا ما يستخدم عملك المحمي بحقوق الطبع والنشر دون إذنك، فيمكنك اتباع العملية الموضحة هنا https://ar.player.fm/legal.
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Love Is Blind UK: The Official Podcast


1 Katisha and Javen talk triangles and photobooths with Sam Prince and Liv Bentley 37:22
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Sarel is back to delve into all the drama from this week's drop of Love is Blind UK. Javen opens up about his time in the pods and responds to claims on social media that he was playing a game…. Meanwhile, Katisha reveals what she thought of Javen after the mixer. Expect emotional confessions and awkward confrontations with reality royalty Liv Bentley and Sam Prince. Subscribe now and buckle up for the ultimate Love Is Blind UK experience! Listen to more from Netflix Podcasts.…
Tacos and Tech Podcast
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المحتوى المقدم من Neal Bloom. يتم تحميل جميع محتويات البودكاست بما في ذلك الحلقات والرسومات وأوصاف البودكاست وتقديمها مباشرة بواسطة Neal Bloom أو شريك منصة البودكاست الخاص بهم. إذا كنت تعتقد أن شخصًا ما يستخدم عملك المحمي بحقوق الطبع والنشر دون إذنك، فيمكنك اتباع العملية الموضحة هنا https://ar.player.fm/legal.
The Tacos and Tech Podcast highlights the builders of companies, technologies, and the ecosystem of San Diego with a local flair for our lifestyle as well.
…
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351 حلقات
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المحتوى المقدم من Neal Bloom. يتم تحميل جميع محتويات البودكاست بما في ذلك الحلقات والرسومات وأوصاف البودكاست وتقديمها مباشرة بواسطة Neal Bloom أو شريك منصة البودكاست الخاص بهم. إذا كنت تعتقد أن شخصًا ما يستخدم عملك المحمي بحقوق الطبع والنشر دون إذنك، فيمكنك اتباع العملية الموضحة هنا https://ar.player.fm/legal.
The Tacos and Tech Podcast highlights the builders of companies, technologies, and the ecosystem of San Diego with a local flair for our lifestyle as well.
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1 This Week in San Diego Tech – Aug 22, 2025 28:45
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Listen & subscribe on Apple , Spotify , YouTube , and other platforms. Welcome everyone to the weekly San Diego Tech News! I’m Neal Bloom from Rising Tide Partners , building and investing in community. My co-host in this episode is Fred Grier , journalist and author of The Business of San Diego substack. He covers the ins-and-outs of the startup world including breaking news, IPOs, fundraising rounds, and M&A through his newsletter. Before we dive in, we wanted to thank and ask our listeners to help us grow the show, leave a review and share with one other person who should be more plugged in with the SD Tech Scene. Thank you for the support and for helping us build the San Diego Startup Community! Aug 22 Defense Tech Founders Event Recap of autonomous tech and military end-users New org leaders: Connect - James Z. Naturally San Diego - Renee Solares Techstars - Misti Cain BuyBack Ventures launches Funding Srt Therapeutics - $47M Ceresti $11M Ilundent - $4M Seed Round M&A GroGuru acquired by Goanna Ag Gatsby acquired Klayvio Curated Events List – For full list – check The Social Coyote Defense Tech Build Day - Aug 28 Gaming Gathering Build Day - Sept 2 SD Defense at SoCal Deep Tech - Sept 16…

1 Investing in the Freedom Stack with Larsen Jensen of Harpoon Ventures 30:02
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In this episode of the Tacos & Tech Podcast , Neal Bloom sits down with Larsen Jensen, former Olympian, Navy SEAL, and now Managing Partner of Harpoon Ventures, an early-stage venture firm backing founders building in the national interest. Larsen shares the journey from serving Team USA to launching a venture fund focused on what he calls the Freedom Stack - critical technologies like AI, autonomy, cybersecurity, and advanced manufacturing that shape not just industry, but national security and global stability. They explore how Harpoon was early to the intersection of tech and geopolitics, why San Diego is uniquely positioned to lead in hardtech and defense innovation, and how founders can better navigate the path to working with the U.S. government through Harpoon’s new initiative: Black Flag Incubator. Key Topics Covered: Larsen’s Olympic and Navy SEAL background, and how it shaped his service-driven mission in venture The original thesis behind Harpoon Ventures - and how the market caught up Defining the "Freedom Stack": AI, cyber, energy, compute, defense, and more The rise of government demand for critical technologies Black Flag Incubator: helping founders navigate government engagement Why San Diego is poised for hardtech and national security innovation Advice for early-stage founders working in dual-use or deep tech The importance of founder communities, ecosystem building, and paying it forward Larsen’s go-to taco spot (hint: it’s inside Petco Park) Links & Resources: Harpoon Ventures Black Flag Connect with Larsen & Neal: Larsen Jensen on LinkedIn Neal Bloom on LinkedIn Follow @NealBloom on X…

1 This Week in San Diego Tech – Aug 15, 2025 26:20
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Listen & subscribe on Apple , Spotify , YouTube , and other platforms. Welcome everyone to the weekly San Diego Tech News! I’m Neal Bloom from Rising Tide Partners and the Tacos and Tech Podcast . My co-host in this episode is Fred Grier , journalist and author of The Business of San Diego substack. He covers the ins-and-outs of the startup world including breaking news, IPOs, fundraising rounds, and M&A through his newsletter. Before we dive in, we wanted to thank and ask our listeners to help us grow the show, leave a review and share with one other person who should be more plugged in with the SD Tech Scene. Thank you for the support and for helping us build the San Diego Startup Community! Aug 15 SDEE event debrief Biotech layoffs: Thermo, Poseida Therapeutics Equillium raise Scale Bio acquired by 10X Genomics Plantible opens a 100-acre manufacturing module in Texas BAE Shipyard Gains Defense Build Contracts Prebys Foundation Donates $1M to support grant medical research Curated Events List – For full list – check The Social Coyote Defense Tech Build Day - Aug 28 Gaming Gathering Build Day - Sept 2 SD Defense at SoCal Deep Tech Week - Sept 16…

1 Why Gemist Is Betting Big on Customization, AI, and Scalable Design 43:51
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In this episode of the Tacos & Tech Podcast , Neal Bloom sits down with Madeline Fraser, the dynamic founder and CEO of Gemist, a B2B SaaS and AI company revolutionizing the jewelry industry. Madeline shares how a frustrating search for a custom engagement ring sparked the idea for Gemist, which now powers customization, stone sourcing, and hyper-realistic rendering for jewelry brands and retailers. With deep product insight and two previous startups under her belt - including an appearance on Shark Tank and an exit into the gaming space - Madeline unpacks how her creative background and startup experience led her to build scalable tech that’s reshaping a centuries-old industry. They talk about her time on The Pitch (where she met Neal and landed Gemist’s first investment round), her vision for modernizing the jewelry shopping experience, and why customization is no longer optional for today’s customers. Key Topics Covered: How Madeline turned a personal pain point into Gemist’s founding story Her Shark Tank experience - and why the deal didn’t go through What it’s really like to bootstrap vs. fundraise Why user testing came before writing a single line of code The tech stack behind Gemist’s jewelry customization engine Scaling B2B SaaS in a traditional industry The future of Gemist: watches, new verticals, and profitability Startup lessons from interior design to jewelry tech Why every founder needs grit, agility, and a chip on their shoulder Links & Resources: Gemist Connect with Madeline & Neal Madeline on LinkedIn Neal Bloom on LinkedIn @NealBloom on Twitter…

1 This Week in San Diego Tech – Aug 8, 2025 24:13
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Listen & subscribe on Apple , Spotify , YouTube , and other platforms. Welcome everyone to the weekly San Diego Tech News! I’m Neal Bloom from Rising Tide Partners and the Tacos and Tech Podcast . My co-host in this episode is Fred Grier , journalist and author of The Business of San Diego substack. He covers the ins-and-outs of the startup world including breaking news, IPOs, fundraising rounds, and M&A through his newsletter. Before we dive in, we wanted to thank and ask our listeners to help us grow the show, leave a review and share with one other person who should be more plugged in with the SD Tech Scene. Thank you for the support and for helping us build the San Diego Startup Community! August 8 Debrief Startup SD 1st Mondays event at KILN Rancho Bernardo New Connect CEO AI products: Seismic AI Metro MOIC Fundings: Equip Health $47M Trovata $9M Extension Series B Saronic moves into SD AgX Food Hub moves forward Curated Events List – For full list – check The Social Coyote SD Defense Build Day - Aug 28 Gaming Build Day - Sept 2 SD Defense at SoCal Deep Tech - Sept 16…

1 Live from the Innovation Stage: Burbank Startup Pitch Fest 2025 1:00:12
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In this special episode of the podcast, host Neal Bloom takes us inside the Burbank Startup Pitch Fest - an exciting evening of innovation, capital, and community hosted in partnership with the City of Burbank and Rising Tide Partners. We kick things off with a welcome from Burbank’s Economic Development team, highlighting why the city is fast becoming a tech and media hub. Neal then moderates a candid conversation with early-stage investors Amy Harmon (Innovent Capital) and Ben Kahan (Pegasus Angel Accelerator) about today’s venture landscape - from what they look for in a pre-seed deal to how AI and founder-market fit are shaping startup success. Then, five founders take the stage to pitch their startups: KATSHID : A frictionless, passwordless biometric identity platform Geri Gadgets : Sensory tools supporting cognitive wellness in dementia and neurodivergent populations Blip Industries : Drone-powered logistics, imaging, and defense systems Health-e-Habits : Digital wellness programming helping families build mindful relationships with tech Aspivix (Winner): A modern, non-traumatic alternative to the gynecological tenaculum, improving IUD and reproductive care From pitch insights to early-stage investing frameworks, this episode is packed with startup wisdom and a strong dose of real talk from the entrepreneurial front lines. Recorded live at Burbank Startup Pitch Fest 2025.…

1 How Puesto Built a Taco Empire by Blending Tradition, Tech, and Family Roots 28:57
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In this episode of the Tacos & Tech Podcast , host Neal Bloom sits down with Alex Adler, co-founder of Puesto, to talk about how a family with no restaurant background built one of the most beloved modern taco brands in the country. From its La Jolla beginnings to an expanding restaurant group that includes Marisi and Romana Norte, Puesto has grown through a mix of culinary authenticity, operational innovation, and cultural conviction. Alex shares the origin story of Puesto, early pivots that reshaped their entire concept, how Toast and DoorDash changed the game for their operations, and how they’ve kept taco trends and consumer tastes at the heart of their menu. Plus, we talk about non-alcoholic innovation, building culture at scale, and yes—his all-time favorite taco. Key Topics Covered The family roots of Puesto and why hospitality was a leap of faith How Puesto went from food stand concept to a multi-state operation The early pivot from fast-casual to full-service that changed everything Why crispy cheese and house-made tortillas are non-negotiables How Puesto adapted during COVID—and doubled down on delivery Tech tools that transformed operations (Toast, DoorDash integrations) Balancing menu staples with taco trend experimentation Why they built their own non-alcoholic tequila alternative Expansion news: new Puesto location, new concepts, and out-of-state growth Filet mignon taco, pistachio-serrano salsa, and why they still ring the bell Links & Resources Puesto Restaurants Marisi La Jolla Connect with Alex Adler LinkedIn: Alex Adler Connect with Neal Bloom LinkedIn Twitter: @NealBloom…

1 This Week in San Diego Tech – July 19, 2025 33:28
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Listen & subscribe on Apple , Spotify , YouTube , and other platforms. Welcome everyone to the weekly San Diego Tech News! I’m Neal Bloom from Rising Tide Partners and the Tacos and Tech Podcast . My co-host in this episode is Fred Grier , journalist and author of The Business of San Diego substack. He covers the ins-and-outs of the startup world including breaking news, IPOs, fundraising rounds, and M&A through his newsletter. Before we dive in, we wanted to thank and ask our listeners to help us grow the show, leave a review and share with one other person who should be more plugged in with the SD Tech Scene. Thank you for the support and for helping us build the San Diego Startup Community! July 11 Funding: Firestorm $47m Series A Field Medical raises again Tang Capital acquires SoftEye acquired AI Launches: Trust & Will launches new AI platform Wealth tech Copia AI new partnership Comma AI valued at $1B Clickup’s AI Agent gets top ranking by G2 Atrium Energy powering commercial properties Alexandria Signs 466k Lease with Big Pharma Oku launches into Sprouts Modal AI in the new U.S. Defense Department video Curated Events List – For full list – check The Social Coyote…

1 Friendraising: Angel Academy Conference Keynote by Cody Barbo 50:00
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In this special recorded event episode, Neal Bloom sits down with Trust & Will co-founder and CEO Cody Barbo in front of a live audience at SDSU’s Angel Academy. It’s an honest, behind-the-scenes conversation on what it really takes to back founders at the earliest of stages especially when they are bouncing back from tragedy. Cody and Neal reflect on startup missteps, co-founder breakups, raising from friends and angels, and how real trust (and real checks) get built over breakfast, not pitch decks. From being fired from his last venture to scaling Trust & Will to tens of millions in ARR, Cody shares a decade's worth of hard-won lessons with humor, humility, and insight. Whether you're a first-time founder, active angel, or just startup-curious, this candid session is packed with real talk about how relationships, not just revenue, power great companies. Key Topics Covered Cody’s path from SDSU student to three-time founder The co-founder breakup that led to Trust & Will Lessons from getting fired as a CEO Why Neal invested in Cody before a product even existed Raising from 26 angels with $10K–$40K checks What great investors do before they wire money The power of monthly updates and founder–investor trust Behind the scenes of Techstars, Series A/B, and scaling to tens of millions in ARR Advice for founders on protecting themselves and choosing aligned investors How angels can create value before, during, and after the check clears Links & Resources Trust & Will Rising Tide Partners San Diego Angel Conference Connect with Cody Cody Barbo on LinkedIn Connect with Neal Neal Bloom on LinkedIn…
In this episode of the Tacos & Tech Podcast, host Neal Bloom sits down with Arman and Andrew, of Podhaus, a full-service podcast production studio based in Burbank, CA. From launching just before COVID to building one of LA’s most sought-after recording spaces, the duo shares how they went from music engineering and tech backgrounds to building a creative business in the heart of the media capital, Burbank, CA. We dive into what makes a podcast studio succeed, how to think about production versus authenticity, and why audio always matters more than video. Plus, we get real about gear recommendations for on-location podcasting, changes in podtech like Substack and Spotify, and what it takes to attract the right clients - from beginners to corporate teams. Key Topics Covered The unexpected origins of Podhaus - and how it pivoted from a music studio to podcast-only The difference between polished production and authentic podcasting - and why authenticity wins Why good audio trumps everything else (yes, even video) Three studio setups Podhaus offers and how creators pick their aesthetic Who the ideal client is (hint: it’s not always beginners) Studio tips for on-location recording (gear, lighting, and sound) Tech trends: Substack’s clip editor, Spotify’s new comment features, and the race to own podcaster workflows Favorite LA taco spots from classic lengua to artisanal lamb Links & Resources Podhaus Connect with Arman & Andrew Arman Zeytounyan Andrew Zeytounyan Connect with Neal Bloom LinkedIn: Neal Bloom Twitter: @NealBloom…

1 This Week in San Diego Tech - July 7, 2025 29:14
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Listen & subscribe on Apple , Spotify , YouTube , and other platforms. Welcome everyone to the weekly San Diego Tech News! I’m Neal Bloom from Rising Tide Partners and the Tacos and Tech Podcast . My co-host in this episode is Fred Grier , journalist and author of The Business of San Diego substack. He covers the ins-and-outs of the startup world including breaking news, IPOs, fundraising rounds, and M&A through his newsletter. Before we dive in, we wanted to thank and ask our listeners to help us grow the show, leave a review and share with one other person who should be more plugged in with the SD Tech Scene. Thank you for the support and for helping us build the San Diego Startup Community! July 7 Events debrief - Andy Ballester/SD Tech Founders event Macro market is feeling positive Carlsmed files for IPO Capstan Thera acquired Aquacycl - International expansion through MetroConnect Blossomhill Therapuetics moves in new HQ Fundings: Gallant Therapeutics - $18M Arialys Therapeutics - $14M Kelly Slater moved his brand to SD Curated Events List – For full list – check The Social Coyote July 8 - Afternoon Founders Hike July 29 - Dev & Data x CTO Talks: Healthtech Night - link coming soon…
In this episode of the Tacos & Tech Podcast, host Neal Bloom chats with Jeremy Yamaguchi , Founder and CEO of Cabana. A longtime builder in the home services space, Jeremy is now focused on modernizing the pool care industry, one of the largest yet most overlooked service sectors in the U.S. Jeremy shares how his product and marketing background led him to build Cabana with a blend of operational efficiency, software tooling, and local team empowerment. He dives into his strategy around vertical SaaS, customer experience, and the importance of trust and taste when scaling service-based businesses. Key Topics Covered Why the pool industry is primed for tech-enabled reinvention Cabana’s approach to building a national brand through software and service How acquisitions, W-2 teams, and onboarding systems set Cabana apart Why founder psychology and team culture matter in field operations Applying tech tools (including ML) to streamline quoting and scheduling Lessons from going through Y Combinator What “slope over Y-intercept” really means in early team building Jeremy’s San Diego taco go-to and what makes a taco technically superior Links & Resources Cabana Pools Connect with Jeremy LinkedIn Connect with Neal Bloom LinkedIn: Neal Bloom Twitter: @NealBloom…

1 This Week in San Diego Tech - June 27, 2025 30:21
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Listen & subscribe on Apple , Spotify , YouTube , and other platforms. Welcome everyone to the weekly San Diego Tech News! I’m Neal Bloom from Rising Tide Partners and the Tacos and Tech Podcast . My co-host in this episode is Fred Grier , journalist and author of The Business of San Diego substack. He covers the ins-and-outs of the startup world including breaking news, IPOs, fundraising rounds, and M&A through his newsletter. Before we dive in, we wanted to thank and ask our listeners to help us grow the show, leave a review and share with one other person who should be more plugged in with the SD Tech Scene. Thank you for the support and for helping us build the San Diego Startup Community! June 27 Dr Squatch acq again, this time for $2B IPOs - Chime, Coreweave, eToro, Circle doing well and Wealthfront just filed. Quidel acquired LEX New Insulin results Fundings: Clearspeed series D Firestorm raised new funds, according to SEC filing Lilo of Carlsbad wins a Michelin Star Deloitte Fast 500 nominations open Curated Events List – For full list – check The Social Coyote June 27 - Pitch Night at Bermuda Club July 1 - SD Tech Founders with Andy Ballester, GoFundMe and Eyepop AI co-founder July 4 - Founders Hike July 8 - Afternoon Founders Hike July 29 - Dev & Data x CTO Talks: Healthtech Night - link coming soon…

1 Building Intentional Capital for B2B SaaS 45:08
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In this episode of the Tacos & Tech Podcast, host Neal Bloom chats with Andrew Albert , Co-Founder and Managing Partner at Channel Equity Partners . Andrew brings decades of investing experience - from public markets to private software equity - to the table. He shares how his journey from the East Coast to San Diego led to launching a new kind of early growth equity firm focused on bootstrapped or lightly funded B2B SaaS companies. Andrew unpacks his investment strategy, discusses founder-alignment, thesis-driven sourcing, and how Channel Equity delivers capital with intention. Plus, he reflects on the power of long-term partnerships, why market cycles don't shake his thesis, and of course, his favorite San Diego burrito spot. Key Topics Covered Channel Equity’s unique approach to early growth equity How Andrew’s public markets background shapes his private investing lens The “Ideal Founder Profile” and why alignment matters more than hype Examples of successful thesis-driven investments (e.g., CreatorIQ, restaurant CMS tools) The impact of AI on go-to-market efficiency and capital needs Fund I formation and raising capital in a challenging market Why IPOs aren’t the goal, and how $100M exits can be life-changing Breakfast burritos, New York pizza, and San Diego sunshine Links & Resources Channel Equity Partners Connect with Andrew LinkedIn Connect with Neal Bloom LinkedIn: Neal Bloom Twitter: @NealBloom…
Listen & subscribe on Apple , Spotify , YouTube , and other platforms. Welcome everyone to the weekly San Diego Tech News! I’m Neal Bloom from Fresh Brewed Tech , the Tacos and Tech Podcast , and Interlock Capital . My co-host in this episode is Fred Grier , journalist and author of The Business of San Diego substack. He covers the ins-and-outs of the startup world including breaking news, IPOs, fundraising rounds, and M&A through his newsletter. Before we dive in, we wanted to thank and ask our listeners to help us grow the show, leave a review and share with one other person who should be more plugged in with the SD Tech Scene. Thank you for the support and for helping us build the San Diego Startup Community! June 20 Recent events debrief: MedTech, AI, GP/LP BIO in Boston Startup activity in SD Recent Carta funding data in relation to San Diego and by stage Fundings Retrorate - podcast & Seaside Equity raises $723M for two funds Cadre AI coming out of stealth Qualcomm acquisition of AlphaWave Semi for $2.4B Curated Events List – For full list – check The Social Coyote July 1 - SD Tech Founders with Andy Ballester, GoFundMe and Eyepop AI co-founder July 4 - Founders Hike July 8 - Afternoon Founders Hike July 29 - Dev & Data x CTO Talks: Healthtech Night…
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Tacos and Tech Podcast

1 Building the Future of Sports + Entertainment, One Stadium at a Time 41:29
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What does it take to design a flawless fan experience for 75,000 people on game day, and millions more watching from home? In this episode, Neal Bloom sits down with Vikrant Bodalia, Vice President of Technology Operations at Allegiant Stadium, to unpack the strategy, innovation, and pressure behind the world's biggest live events. From Super Bowl infrastructure to facial-recognition ticketing, Vikrant shares how he reverse engineers every event from the fan perspective first. With a career that spans NBA, NHL, NFL, and the rapid rise of Las Vegas as a sports tech capital, Vikrant offers a front-row look at how venue technology is evolving and why immersive, secure, and seamless experiences are now the industry benchmark. Key Topics Covered: • Vikrant’s journey from IT help desk to VP of tech at world-class venues • Lessons from working behind the scenes in the NBA, NHL, and NFL • What it means to reverse engineer a Super Bowl or Stanley Cup experience • Why “infrastructure first” is the key to delivering at stadium scale • The evolution of venue tech: from 10GB to 100GB+ internet circuits • How ASM Global prepares for record-breaking digital demands • Cybersecurity as a culture, not just a checklist • The role of AI, facial recognition, and immersive media in the future of fan engagement • Las Vegas' emergence as a leading sports and entertainment tech city • How recognition from Top Tech Awards validates years of behind-the-scenes leadership Links & Resources: ASM Global Allegiant Stadium Las Vegas Top Tech Awards Connect with Vikrant: LinkedIn Connect with Neal: LinkedIn Twitter…
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Tacos and Tech Podcast

1 Rewiring Real Estate from the Inside Out 58:02
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In this episode of Tacos & Tech , Neal welcomes a longtime friend, Andy Taylor , Co-Founder and CEO of RetroRate . to talk about building a company around an idea few people even know exists: assumable loans. They dig deep into Andy’s journey from building software at Electronic Arts and Apple to leading product at Redfin, launching mortgage startup Approved, and now tackling a hidden opportunity in real estate finance: assumable loans. Andy shares his personal founder journey, lessons learned across big tech and startups, and why he's committed to building in San Diego. Key Topics: A walk through Andy’s product career—from EA to Apple to Redfin Why assumable loans are the key to unlocking a stuck real estate market The origin story behind RetroRate and solving a problem most people don’t know exists The impact of locked-in low rates on buyer power and seller mobility Lessons learned building, scaling, and selling a mortgage startup (Approved) Navigating startup life post-acquisition and deciding to build again The evolving San Diego startup landscape and why it’s a great place to build Real talk on balancing work, life, and entrepreneurship with family in tow Leveraging AI and design thinking in modern proptech Links & Resources: RetroRate Connect with Andy: LinkedIn: Andy Taylor Connect with Neal: LinkedIn: Neal Bloom Twitter: @NealBloom…
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1 This Week in San Diego Tech - June 6, 2025 44:11
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Listen & subscribe on Apple , Spotify , YouTube , and other platforms. Welcome everyone to the weekly San Diego Tech News! I’m Neal Bloom from Fresh Brewed Tech , the Tacos and Tech Podcast , and Rising Tide Partners . My co-hosts in this episode is Fred Grier , journalist and author of The Business of San Diego substack. He covers the ins-and-outs of the startup world including breaking news, IPOs, fundraising rounds, and M&A through his newsletter. June 6 Tech News We recorded this week’s pod live on LinkedIn here. What did you think? General Atomics Fusion Reactor Tour Funding Roundup – Q2 So Far Flock Freight raised $60M Series E RevenueCat raised $50M Series B (co-founder based in SD) BioLink: $100M Series C Hyatt Therapeutics: $65M Series A ClearPoint Neuro: $110M public offering Executive Moves Mark Fields named Chief Information & Innovation Officer at Illumina AI Spotlight Personal AI partners with NVIDIA and launches an AI receptionist tool Headquarters moving to SF, but SD office remains Still a top contender in SD’s AI ecosystem Qualcomm & NVDIA making big AI moves Microsoft x Activision Blizzard Global deal, local impact: High Moon Studios (Carlsbad) now under Microsoft Gaming community expanding: new meetups + co-working hub in the works Consumer Brand News Jack in the Box (HQ in SD) struggles with Del Taco; 200 stores closed Everbowl hits 100th location milestone Rapid growth since franchising Built-in construction arm WeBuild fueling national expansion Robotics on the Big Stage Local startup Psyonic featured by YouTuber Marques Brownlee (MKBHD) Two million+ views on their bionic hand demo Another big win for SD’s hardware + health tech community Events Roundup – June Highlights For full list, check out The Social Coyote newsletter June 6 - SD Founder Hike June 9 - Future In Review 2025 Conference June 10 - Carlsbad Sports Active Lifestyle Industry Exchange with Naturally San Diego and SDSI June 11 - SD Founders Afternoon Hike June 12 - Best Ideas Dinner…
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Tacos and Tech Podcast

1 Inside the rise of real-time diagnostics and the promise of proteomics 26:23
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In this episode of the Tacos & Tech Podcast, host Neal Bloom sits down with CEO of Pictor, a diagnostics company transforming healthcare through proteomics-the science of understanding what the body’s proteins are doing right now. They explore how this next-generation technology is shifting the medical world from slow, reactive testing to real-time, accessible diagnostics for both humans and animals. From Jamie’s early days at Quest Diagnostics to Pictor’s move from New Zealand to San Diego, this episode is a front-row seat to how health innovation really happens. Whether you’re building a biotech startup or just curious about how your body actually works, this conversation reveals what’s next for diagnostics-and why it matters now more than ever. Key Topics Covered What proteomics is-and why it matters more than ever The shift from DNA-based tests to real-time protein diagnostics Pictor’s expansion to Carlsbad and why San Diego is a healthtech hotspot How regulatory clarity is speeding up innovation Lessons in leadership and conviction from Jamie’s founder journey Making diagnostics faster, cheaper, and more personal Links & Resources Pictor Diagnostics Connect with Jamie LinkedIn Connect with Neal Bloom LinkedIn Twitter…
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Tacos and Tech Podcast

1 Exploring Identity, AI, and Leadership 39:57
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Episode Summary: In this episode of the, Neal Bloom chats with Jesse Taylor, Senior Manager of Identity and Middleware Services at UNLV. Jesse shares his journey from early exposure to technology with Atari and Apple II to becoming a technical leader in higher education. They discuss the evolution of technology, the role of AI in augmenting human capabilities, and Jesse’s approach to authentic leadership and team development. Jesse also highlights his work in identity management at UNLV, his involvement in the Las Vegas tech community, and his recognition as a Top Tech Vegas award recipient. Key Topics Discussed: The evolution of technology in education and hospitality sectors AI as a tool for enhancing human capabilities Leadership strategies for building and supporting high-performing teams The importance of workforce development and apprenticeships in tech The Las Vegas tech ecosystem and connections with San Diego Links & Resources: UNLV’s identity and middleware services Society for Information Management (SIM) Las Vegas Chapter Nominate a leader for the Top Tech Awards Connect with Jesse: LinkedIn Connect with Neal: LinkedIn: Neal Bloom Twitter: @NealBloom…
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Tacos and Tech Podcast

1 Building San Diego's Product Management Community 27:47
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Dive into San Diego's evolving product management landscape with Vidya Dinamani as she announces the inaugural Product Management Summit. Learn how the local tech ecosystem has matured and why bringing world-class product leadership to San Diego matters. Key Topics: • San Diego Product Management Summit (June 5-6) • Evolution from Intuit leadership to Product Rebels • Building Product Tank's 2,500+ member community • Customer-centric product development methodologies • San Diego's maturing tech ecosystem Links & Resources: Product Management Summit Product Rebeles Connect with Vidya: LinkedIn: Vidya Dinamani Connect with Neal: LinkedIn: Neal Bloom Twitter: @NealBloom…
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Tacos and Tech Podcast

1 Techstars San Diego Powered by San Diego State Year 3 with Misti Cain 34:54
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Applications are open for the next accelerator program! In this episode, Neal Bloom chats with Misti Cain , the new Managing Director of Techstars San Diego powered by SDSU. They discuss the upcoming Year 3 of the program, the application process, and what makes an ideal founder and company for the accelerator. Misty shares insights into the benefits of the SDSU partnership, the updated investment terms, and the importance of community and mentorship in the Techstars ecosystem. Key Topics: - Introduction of Misty Cain as the new Managing Director - Overview of Techstars San Diego powered by SDSU Year 3 - Application details: Open from April 8 to June 11, 2024 - Ideal founder and company profile - Benefits of the SDSU partnership - Updated investment terms: $220,000 total with $200,000 uncapped MFN safe - Importance of community and mentorship - Shoutout to Ryan Kuder for his contributions to Techstars in San Diego - Misty's favorite taco spot: Puesto in Del Mar Links and Resources: - Techstars San Diego powered by SDSU Information - Refer Founders Connect with Misty Cain: - LinkedIn: Misti Cain https://www.linkedin.com/in/misticain/ Connect with Neal Bloom: - LinkedIn: Neal Bloom https://www.linkedin.com/in/nealbbloom - Twitter: @NealBloom https://twitter.com/NealBloom…
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Tacos and Tech Podcast

1 🎙️ This Week in San Diego Tech (4/21/25 Edition) 37:20
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🔊Listen & Subscribe: Available now on Apple Podcasts , Spotify , YouTube , and other major platforms . 👋 Welcome! Welcome to This Week in San Diego Tech ! I’m Neal Bloom from Fresh Brewed Tech , the Tacos and Tech Podcast, and Interlock Capital . Joining me as always is Fred Grier, journalist and author of The Business of San Diego Substack , covering startups, funding, and M&A across the region. 🗞️Top Headlines This Week: 🎶 Music Tech Meets the Symphony - link Interlock Capital hosted 30+ tech leaders for a behind-the-scenes tour of the newly renovated Jacobs Music Center ($150M remodel!) The tech community showed up at the San Diego Symphony’s Discovery Night, featuring jazz, Mardi Gras flair, and remarks by ResMed CEO Mick Farrell The call to action: it’s time for the next generation of founders to support arts, science, and innovation in SD 🚀 Startup 101 & Founders Funnel Kickoff - link Neal and Tim Ryan launched Startup 101, a community event for early-stage builders to explore the “car, plane, or rocket ship” path of growth 10 attendees, curated cohort, high demand for more, filling a new cohort each quarter - and Founders Build Day now expanding to 3 monthly locations in May! 💰 Funding Rounds Symphonic Capital raises $13.5M for its debut fund, led by Sydney Thomas (ex-Precursor), focused on fintech and digital health Read Fred’s article » Bliss AI , an aesthetic-focused AR software platform, secures Series A funding (co-founder based in North County) Biolinq raises $90M for non-invasive glucose sensing — originally spun out of UCSD labs and now scaling hard SEC filing » 🧬 NIH Funding Shakeup & Market Headwinds - link UCSD sees $150M+ in NIH funding paused or cut, impacting researchers and early-stage startups Federal agency funding delays (FDA, DOD, SBIR) creating ripples in life sciences and defense tech Tariffs, market uncertainty, and reduced VC capital raise concerns for hardware and deep tech founders 🧱 Real Estate & Ecosystem Expansion Pfizer moves to new Torrey View campus Novartis to build a $1.1B San Diego R&D hub Prebys Foundation acquires Wells Fargo Plaza for $40M (previously $148M), signaling interest in downtown tech corridor GemPharmatech , Qpex , and BioLabs expanding presence in the region EvoNexus UTC set to open new space for medtech/life science founders in May 👟 SDSU Goes Jordan San Diego State men’s basketball team debuts custom Air Jordan 4 PEs — only 50 pairs made! See them here » 🗓️ Community Events & Ecosystem News One Million Cups is back! Every Wednesday at 8am @ Ansir Innovation in Convoy Two startup presentations + community feedback Event photo recap » Interlock Capital LP + Portfolio Founder Day LPs and founders will be connecting in curated roundtables to move the needle on growth The Social Coyote has your curated event list: Subscribe here » 💬 Final Shoutouts Thanks to Michael Robertson and other listeners for your feedback — we’re testing a shorter intro song this week! Follow Fred on Substack » and Neal on Fresh Brewed Tech »…
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Tacos and Tech Podcast

1 From Cables to Cloud: Floyd Auten’s Top Tech Journey of Innovation 36:46
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How a third-generation builder turned a storage-unit startup into a national infrastructure powerhouse—and what’s next for tech’s invisible backbone. Floyd Auten, COO and co-founder of TechNet Partners, joins Neal for an episode that digs deep into the literal and figurative foundations of tech. From punchdowns in high school to powering stadiums and data centers across the country, Floyd shares how his family legacy in electrical work turned into a career designing the infrastructure that keeps the digital world running. They talk about life safety systems, the rise of AI tools in design, the Padres’ Wi-Fi network, and how Floyd’s team at TechNet is scaling services across all 50 states. Floyd also shares what it meant to win the Top Tech Award in 2024—and why he’s excited to help spotlight other behind-the-scenes innovators this year. 🔑 Key Takeaways & Timestamps: [2:00] Floyd’s start: lessons from his grandfather’s Navy electrician days [5:30] How TechNet grew from a storage-unit office to 300+ employees [9:00] Life safety tech: upgrading USC’s 911 system and keeping infrastructure resilient [12:30] Data center growth + designing for sustainability [17:00] From Padres Wi-Fi to MLB partnerships and stadium-scale solutions [21:00] Floyd’s long-running partnership with Cox Business [26:30] Winning a Top Tech Award and inspiring the next wave of tech leaders [29:00] Advice for founders and future tech leaders: love the work, and find mentors [33:00] 🌮 Taco Talk: Floyd’s go-to spot is TJ Tacos in Escondido 🏆 Top Tech Awards: Floyd was recognized at the 2024 Top Tech Awards - and now he’s helping select the next generation of unsung tech heroes. 👉 Know someone making tech magic happen behind the scenes? Nominations are now open for the 2025 Top Tech Awards! Submit yours before May 2 at toptechawards.com 🔗 Links: Floyd Auten on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/floyd-auten-rcdd-364a4410 TechNet Partners: technetpartners.com Top Tech Awards Nomination: toptechawards.com TJ Tacos: Yelp link…
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Tacos and Tech Podcast

1 Living in Your Greatness: Building Empires Through Relationships with Jeff Fenster 55:20
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Meet Jeff Fenster , a serial entrepreneur, problem solver, and relationship builder who’s scaled multiple businesses by identifying problems worth solving - and assembling the right team to tackle them. Inspired early on by A Shark Never Sleeps , Jeff set out to become a sports agent, only to pivot right after law school and dive into entrepreneurship. His first venture began with a bold move - calling his employer’s bluff and walking out to start his own company, only to face a major hiccup when payroll checks were accidentally sent to clients. Through trial, error, and big wins, Jeff has honed his entrepreneurial philosophy: “If you can live in your greatness, success is guaranteed.” That philosophy was put to the test when he dreamed up what would become Everbowl . Despite critics pointing out he wasn’t a chef - and that most restaurants fail - Jeff saw the opportunity. Why? Because business owners, not chefs, build successful restaurant brands. From that insight, he coined: “Experience is the most overrated prerequisite to starting a company.” From the lessons of building Everbowl, Jeff launched his latest venture - WeBuild - a company that helps others bring their physical business ideas to life by streamlining construction and buildouts. Jeff also shares insights weekly on his podcast, The Jeff Fenster Show , where he interviews top performers, athletes, entrepreneurs, and creators about what makes them great. In this episode, we talk about: • How Jeff approaches building multiple businesses at once • The role of self-awareness in entrepreneurial success • His 5 core principles for life and business • His latest book, Relationship Capital , which dives into the power of networking, mentorship, and building value through people • Business relationships with names like Neil Patel, Drew Brees, Shaq, and the GoFundMe founders • Why he believes investing in people is the ultimate multiplier • His new venture, WeBuild, and what he’s solving next • And the power of storytelling through The Jeff Fenster Show Plus, we get into tacos (of course): Jeff’s favorite taco spot: Casero Taqueria His taco order: The al pastor, shrimp, and whatever the weekly special is.…
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Tacos and Tech Podcast

1 This Week in San Diego Tech Podcast - April 4, 2025 32:10
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Listen & subscribe on Apple , Spotify , YouTube , and other platforms. Welcome everyone to the weekly San Diego Tech News! I’m Neal Bloom from Fresh Brewed Tech , the Tacos and Tech Podcast , and Interlock Capital . My co-hosts in this episode is Fred Grier , journalist and author of The Business of San Diego substack. He covers the ins-and-outs of the startup world including breaking news, IPOs, fundraising rounds, and M&A through his newsletter. April 4, 2025 Padres 7-0, Dodgers 8-0 in their starts Fred’s Q1 report Class of 2025 Cool Companies Fundings: Thatch AI Global M&A data Red markets because of tariffs Qualcomm acquisition news: Acquires Gen AI company & rumored to be considering acquiring UK semiconductor company Cymbiotika ranks 10 fast-growing companies Leadership changes Blender CEO Steps up Shield AI New CEO Curated Events List – For full list – check The Social Coyote 1st Mondays SSD April 7 1 Million Cups April 16 Connect Summer Social June 3…
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Tacos and Tech Podcast

1 Building Together: Growing San Diego's Startup Scene Podcast 1:00:05
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Listen & subscribe on Apple , Spotify , YouTube , and other platforms. Join us for a roundtable with three longtime builders of San Diego’s startup scene: Jonah Peake of The Social Coyote and The Career Coyote Hussein Yahfoufi of Startup Beach Neal Bloom of Fresh Brewed Tech and Interlock Capital Designing Events That Actually Build Community In this episode, we dive into the elements that actually make an event meaningful—from location and check-in experience to dress code and follow-up community building. We also talk about the growing energy around co-working gatherings and the potential for turning pop-up events into permanent spaces that foster connection, creativity, and collisions. 🔥 Episode Highlights: • What it would look like to convene the region’s top CEOs—and lessons learned from the OC CEO Leadership Alliance • The evolution from North County Startup Mixer to San Diego County Startup Mixer • How events like March Mingle , Indie Hackers , Launchpad San Diego Founders & Investors , and 1 Million Cup s are shaping the ecosystem • Why details like venue vibe, entrance flow, and even what people wear can set the tone for true connection Whether you’re an event host, startup founder, or just love showing up to meet great people, this episode is packed with insights on how we can all keep building together.…
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Tacos and Tech Podcast

1 This Week in San Diego Tech - March 27, 2025 30:46
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Listen & subscribe on Apple , Spotify , YouTube , and other platforms. Welcome everyone to the weekly San Diego Tech News! I’m Neal Bloom from Fresh Brewed Tech , the Tacos and Tech Podcast , and Interlock Capital . My co-hosts in this episode is Fred Grier , journalist and author of The Business of San Diego substack. He covers the ins-and-outs of the startup world including breaking news, IPOs, fundraising rounds, and M&A through his newsletter. 3/27 We recorded this week’s pod live on LinkedIn Live here . What did you think? Neal speaking at Escondido City Council in support of the new AgX Hub NCAA update Pura Vida sold for $1m 23&Me bankruptcy Events.com buying spree Natalie Rocha leaving the UT for NYT Fellowship Entos Pharmaceuticals Expands in Canada Natilus 250,000 sq. ft. facility Curated Events List – For full list – check The Social Coyote Marching Mingle - March 26 StartupSD Co Working Day - March 28 Bootstrappers Event April 1…
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Tacos and Tech Podcast

1 This Week in San Diego Tech - March 20, 2025 26:07
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Listen & subscribe on Apple , Spotify , YouTube , and other platforms. Welcome everyone to the weekly San Diego Tech News! I’m Neal Bloom from Fresh Brewed Tech , the Tacos and Tech Podcast , and Interlock Capital . My co-hosts in this episode is Fred Grier , journalist and author of The Business of San Diego substack. He covers the ins-and-outs of the startup world including breaking news, IPOs, fundraising rounds, and M&A through his newsletter. Follow Fred on LinkedIn and X Follow Neal on LinkedIn and X On with the show! 3/20 UCSD/SDSU Basketball in the brackets! Exits: Gretel acquired by NVIDIA Wiz acquired by Google Poppi acquired by Pepsi ServiceNow - made an acquisition Fundings: Trust & Will Series C Occuspace Raises $6M Tiderock AI Curated Events List – For full list – check The Social Coyote Dev & Data Night x CTO Talks - March 20 SD Startup Mixer - March 24 SD Hardware Meetup - March 25 Marching Mingle - March 26…
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Tacos and Tech Podcast

1 This Week in San Diego - March 7, 2025 26:37
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Listen & subscribe on Apple , Spotify , YouTube , and other platforms. Welcome everyone to the weekly San Diego Tech News! I’m Neal Bloom from Fresh Brewed Tech , the Tacos and Tech Podcast , and Interlock Capital . My co-hosts in this episode is Fred Grier , journalist and author of The Business of San Diego substack. He covers the ins-and-outs of the startup world including breaking news, IPOs, fundraising rounds, and M&A through his newsletter. In this episode we talk about: Top Funding and Ecosystem News from Fred’s Business of San Diego newsletter San Diego publicly traded life science companies had a 86% increase performance in 2024 compared to 10-20% in SF & Boston - Fred’s post about this Recent fundraises First IPO in SD of 2025! Acquisitions New venture fund from the Prebys Foundation and leadership changes at Connect Curated Events List – For full list – check The Social Coyote Debrief - defense tech dinner & pre-sneak of San Diego Defense Day Founder Build Days on March 19 & 20 Dev & Data Night x CTO Talks on March 20…
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