In this episode of The Innovators & Investors Podcast, host Kristian Marquez sits down with David Brem, Managing Director of the University of Michigan’s Zell Lurie Commercialization Fund. David offers a rare glimpse into the inner workings of a student-led endowment fund focused on early-stage, sector-agnostic investments primarily in the Michigan ecosystem. He shares insights on their unique, founder-first investment approach, how they navigate pre-seed to Series A venture opportunities, and the rigorous due diligence process involving qualitative analysis over pure numbers. David also discusses his roles with global VC networks including Electro Ventures, the London Venture Capital Network, and Level Up Ventures, illustrating how he bridges U.S., European, and Australian venture ecosystems with a special focus on mobility and transportation tech. Highlights include deep dives into emerging trends like eVTOLs (electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft), smart city infrastructure, and safety innovations in aviation technology. Listeners will gain valuable perspectives on how diverse expertise—from military intelligence and management consulting to academic ventures—shapes David’s investment thesis and community-building efforts. The episode also explores the importance of networking, adding value in the startup ecosystem, and practical advice for aspiring investors or entrepreneurs navigating the venture capital world. With stories of successes, challenges, and future outlooks, this episode is a must-listen for innovators, founders, and investors aiming to understand the intersection of academia, technology, and venture capital in today’s dynamic landscape. Learn more about David's work at https://zli.umich.edu/zell-lurie-commercialization-fund/ Connect with David on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-lowell-brem/ Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply at https://finstratmgmt.com/innovators-investors-podcast/ Want to learn more about Kristian Marquez's work? Check out his website at https://finstratmgmt.com…
Conversational Currency is Baltimore, Maryland's leading small business talk show that focuses on the value of social skills for business in a digital era shared through the stories of today's business and thought leaders. The ability to communicate your ideas clearly is the highest leveraged skill that leaders can develop. Each episode delivers a powerful lesson on how communication strengthens powerful long term business relationships. Leading experts, coaches, authors, and speakers will gain deeper insight into the entrepreneurial spirit with each teachable business lesson delivered within each episode. Junior leaders will leave each episode with a clear understanding of the sacrifices and setbacks that it takes to be successful as an entrepreneur. Conversational Currency is hosted by Maryland's leading Small Business Advisor Shadeed Eleazer. Shadeed helps high performance entrepreneurs solve imposter syndrome by building online systems that increases their revenue to match their impact and reputation. He is a global leader on reputation management and founder of an innovative approach to business networking known as the Reputational Currency system.
Conversational Currency is Baltimore, Maryland's leading small business talk show that focuses on the value of social skills for business in a digital era shared through the stories of today's business and thought leaders. The ability to communicate your ideas clearly is the highest leveraged skill that leaders can develop. Each episode delivers a powerful lesson on how communication strengthens powerful long term business relationships. Leading experts, coaches, authors, and speakers will gain deeper insight into the entrepreneurial spirit with each teachable business lesson delivered within each episode. Junior leaders will leave each episode with a clear understanding of the sacrifices and setbacks that it takes to be successful as an entrepreneur. Conversational Currency is hosted by Maryland's leading Small Business Advisor Shadeed Eleazer. Shadeed helps high performance entrepreneurs solve imposter syndrome by building online systems that increases their revenue to match their impact and reputation. He is a global leader on reputation management and founder of an innovative approach to business networking known as the Reputational Currency system.
يقوم برنامج مشغل أف أم بمسح الويب للحصول على بودكاست عالية الجودة لتستمتع بها الآن. إنه أفضل تطبيق بودكاست ويعمل على أجهزة اندرويد والأيفون والويب. قم بالتسجيل لمزامنة الاشتراكات عبر الأجهزة.