Innovation is about creation, but it's also about finding new spaces where those creations can be used. Today's guest has applied a centuries-old scientific process to solve a global industry problems. Today's guest is Dr. Jennifer Holmgren, CEO of LanzaTech. Under Jennifer’s guidance, LanzaTech is developing a variety of platform chemicals and fuels, including the world’s first alternative jet fuel derived from industrial waste gases. She is also the Director and Chair of the LanzaJet Board of Directors. Prior to LanzaTech, Jennifer was VP and General Manager of the Renewable Energy and Chemicals business unit at UOP LLC, a Honeywell Company. While there, she was a key driver of their leadership in low carbon aviation biofuels. Jennifer has authored or co-authored 50 U.S. patents and more than 30 scientific publications and is a member of the National Academy of Engineering. Jennifer sits on multiple boards and advisory councils, including  the Governing Council for the Bio Energy Research Institute in India, the Board of Directors of the U.S.- India Strategic Partnership Forum, the Advisory Council for the Andlinger Center for Energy and the Environment at Princeton University, the National Academies' Board on Energy and Environmental Systems and the Founder Advisory for The Engine, a venture capital fund built by MIT that invests in early-stage science and engineering companies. Jennifer holds a B.Sc. from Harvey Mudd College, a Ph.D. from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and an MBA from the University of Chicago.Highlights:How LanzaTech's biorefinery systems work (3:23)LanzaTech's background, and how their investment process has grown over time'(5:02)How Jennifer was introduced to LanzaTech, and her work history before joining the company (5:45)The science and technology behind LanzaTech, and its protection status (7:35)What products LanzaTech produces, and some of their product partners (8:39)LanzaTech's addressable market (10:17)How LanzaTech's technology differs from other direct air capture technologies (11:00)Jennifer describes who LanzaTech's customers are, and where their technology is currently being deployed (12:32)Jennifer breaks down how the company's business model works (13:53)LanzaTech's expansion plan (17:21)Jennifer explains LanzaTech's LanzaJet project, and where the idea came from (18:20)LanzaTech's plan to grow their product offerings and develop new systems for different chemical compounds (22:39)How the company is managing the fluctuating economy and stock market as a public company (25:44)Additional resources for listeners (28:48)Links:Jennifer Holmgren on LinkedInLanzaTech on LinkedInLanzaTech WebsiteICR LinkedInICR TwitterICR WebsiteFeedback:If you have questions about the show, or have a topic in mind you'd like discussed in future episodes, email our producer, marion@lowerstreet.co.

When you're a founder, you need creative ways to grow your business. Today's guest recognized that need, and built her company on it.We're sitting down with Keri Findley, Founder and CEO of Tacora Capital. Keri has two decades of experience in structured credit investing at leading firms, and as a private investor. She founded Tacora in 2022, securing a $250 million investment from renowned venture capitalist Peter Thiel.From 2009 to 2017, Kerry ran the structured credit portfolio for Third Point, the multi-billion dollar hedge fund founded by Dan Loeb. She was the first woman and the youngest person to be made partner at Third Point. Prior to that, she held a similar position at D.B. Zwirn, and began her career at Morgan Stanley.Keri currently serves as an advisor to Firework Ventures and 8VC, and is on the boards of Hearth, Karus, Point Digital, and Architect.Highlights:Keri summarizes her introduction to finance (2:51)Falling into the industry, and growing up as a 'math person'(3:22)Keri describes what it was like to begin in the finance industry in the late 2000's (4:28)Types of assets in the payment processing platform (6:10)Leaving her job, and how Keri came to found Tacora Capital (7:21)Working with Peter Thiel, and more about their partnership (9:14)Keri describes the audience, and kinds of investors that are attracted to Tacora Capital (10:10)Tacora's unique approach and structure in venture capital (11:14)Keri discusses whether she would rather Tacora be at a later-stage (12:50)Tacora's reason for focusing on Fintech and Insuretech fields (14:37)Keri gives an example of the opportunities Tacora has provided to one of their portfolio companies (16:00)Where Tacora's pipeline for new deals is sourced from (16:52)How the current financial and economic climate effects the work done at Tacora (18:22)How Tacora avoids risky situations and maintains discipline in their work (20:16)Keri predicts the future of the venture capital market based on recent history (21:37)'Non-dilutive capital' and Tacora's approach to companies facing down-rounds (25:15)Why Keri decided to settle the company in Austin, Texas (27:07)Keri predicts how the banking model will change in the near future (30:04)Tacora's short-term goals and plans (31:22)Links:Keri Findley on LinkedInTacora Capital WebsiteICR LinkedInICR TwitterICR WebsiteFeedback:If you have questions about the show, or have a topic in mind you'd like discussed in future episodes, email our producer, marion@lowerstreet.co.

As the economy shifts, and interest rates rise, there's an extraordinary opportunity right now for lenders who pay attention and lean in.Today we get to sit down with Warren de Haan, Founder, Managing Partner, and CEO at ACORE Capital. ACORE is one of the largest credit managers focused on commercial real estate lending, with approximately $20 billion of assets under management for the past three years.ACORE originates, acquires and manages first mortgages, bnot, mezzanine, debt, and preferred equity throughout the us. They are ranked in the top 20 of the Real Estate Debt 50, according to private equity real estate, the leading industry trade publication for real estate fund and investment managers. Since its inception in 2015, ACORE has closed almost 500 transactions worth almost $40 billion. Prior to ACORE, Warren held C-Suite leadership positions in the commercial real estate finance industry, and capital markets, including Starwood Property Trust, Countrywide Commercial Real Estate Finance, and Coastal Capital Partners.For the past 6 years, The Commercial Observer has ranked Warren in the top 15 of their annual listing of the 50 most important figures of commercial real estate finance.Highlights:Warren describes his path to the hospitality industry, and what drew him to it (3:16)Warren discusses how the economic climate influenced the buildup to founding ACORE (3:57)The commercial real estate debt market and its current addressable market (6:44)How ACORE scales their business while assuring 'white glove service' to their customers (8:15)Warren describes how the company handles ever-changing regulations and political interference (15:22)How Warren approaches and resolves the complexity, and risk factors in the field (18:22)Warren describes where the opportunity lies in different parts of the real estate market (22:13)The change in capital spending and loan status over time, and the state of the current market (25:18)Warren gives his theory on why businesses should pinpoint their focus on credit (28:11)ACORE's short-term and long-term goals for the future (30:50)Links:ICR LinkedInICR TwitterICR WebsiteWarren de Haan on LinkedInACORE Capital on LinkedInACORE Capital WebsiteFeedback:If you have questions about the show, or have a topic in mind you'd like discussed in future episodes, email our producer, marion@lowerstreet.co.

Sleep apnea affects a billion people worldwide and can cause serious medical problems, and yet its most widely prescribed therapy can be intolerable for many sufferers. My guest today has identified and jumped on a huge need for an alternative therapy.We're sitting down with Len Liptak, founder and CEO of ProSomnus Sleep Technology, which trades under the symbol O S A. He's a board member and the co-inventor of the company's flagship product. Prior to starting ProSomnus, Len was President of MicroDental Laboratories, where he led the commercialization of multiple award-winning products and directed the expansion of the company's digital supply chain. During Len's tenure, the company grew three times faster than the industry average and set company records for profitability. At MicroDental, Len was named to Exec Rank's list of Top Executives for privately held companies in 2012 and 2013.Len also spent 10 years at 3M and Stryker in strategic business development, business unit management and product development capacities. While at 3M, he was awarded the company's Golden Step Award, Circle of Technical Excellence Team Award and Global Sales and Marketing Leadership Award.  Len has an MBA from University of Minnesota and a BA from Brown.We had a great conversation about the important work ProSomnus is doing to solve a widespread medical problem.Highlights:What ProSomnus does, and Len’s background that started him on this path (3:10)The problem of sleep apnea (5:05)The total addressable market for ProSomnus  (7:18)ProSomnus’ flagship product and how it differs from traditional treatments (8:33)How it’s delivered to patients (10:45)The economics of expanding the sales force (12:47)Len shares some fascinating survey data about their market (13:51)ProSomnus’ manufacturing expansion (15:44)How ProSomnus manages quality assurance and their use of AI (18:28)ProSomnus’ partnerships for driving innovation forward (20:39)How they gather feedback from healthcare providers (23:10)Len discusses their growth rate and how that translates through their P & L (25:15)Len talks about the great team at ProSomnus (27:14)Links:Len Liptak on LinkedInProSomnus Sleep Technologies on LinkedInProSomnus Sleep Technologies WebsiteICR LinkedInICR TwitterICR WebsiteFeedback:If you have questions about the show, or have a topic in mind you'd like discussed in future episodes, email our producer, marion@lowerstreet.co.

After a couple of turbulent years, there are still a lot of unknowns in the market. But today's guest is sharing his insights based on a wealth of experience, grounded in his firm's excellent reputation. Today we're sitting down with Tom Schadewald, who is a Managing Director working on Baird's Equity Capital Markets Team. Tom is focused on technology and on the technology and services sectors. He joined Baird in 2022 from UBS, where he was a Director in their equity capital markets group responsible for, among other things, growing out the firm's capital markets advisory business.Tom started his career at Deutsche Bank in the Equity Capital Markets Group, focused on financial institutions and permanent capital. He brings a decade of experience and investment banking across both equity capital markets and corporate finance advisory, and he holds a Bachelor's degree in economics from Harvard.Highlights:Tom's background and how the Baird opportunity came to him (2:38)All about Baird, and the value of being employee-owned (3:58)How Tom got into focusing on technology services (7:07)Tom discusses the performance of tech stocks in the past few years (8:14)Tom's playbook for positive market performance (9:44)Commonalities with companies that are lagging (11:10)Indicators that impact tech stocks most today (12:31)Bull or bear? What's in store for the rest of 2023 (14:15)The capital market sentiment today for tech companies (15:51)The increase in demand for IPO's (21:01)Tom's position on where the IPO window is (23:38)When to prepare for going public (24:07)How the election might effect things (25:20)Tom talks about his mentors and the best advice he's gotten (26:26)Links:Baird websiteBaird LinkedInTom Schadewald LinkedInICR LinkedInICR TwitterICR WebsiteFeedback:If you have questions about the show, or have a topic in mind you'd like discussed in future episodes, email our producer, marion@lowerstreet.co.

For companies with expenditures that run into the billions, strategic procurement can mean millions for the bottom line. Today we're sitting down with David Pennino, President, CEO, Board member and Founding Partner of LogicSource, a purpose-built procurement services and technology provider focused exclusively on indirect or not-for-resale expenditures. LogicSource’s service and technology solutions drive cost reductions and efficiencies for clients across all areas of this spend, which typically add up to 20% of a company's revenue and represent a significant opportunity for profit improvement. David has over 20 years experience in the services and outsourcing industry, including roles as a senior executive at Williams Lea Group, Scient, and Gartner. We had a great conversation about how LogicSource secures big wins for businesses, and what's next for this growing company. Highlights:David explains LogicSource's operations, and what the space is like today (2:45)Why there's a lot of "noise" around the space at the moment (4:35)How LogicSource makes money (5:54)Some specifics about how they unlock savings (8:34)The misconception that a company like LogicSource might slow down operations for companies (10:46)How they differ from consultants (13:17)The sensitive area of cost-cutting through eliminating roles (14:15)The tech LogicSource developed for their clients and services (16:13)David discusses the use of AI in this industry (19:11)What David sees in procurement in the next 5-10 years (22:30)David's aspirations for LogicSource (24:42)The team and culture at LogicSource (26:38)Links:David Pennino on LinkedInLogicSource on LinkedInLogicSource WebsiteICR LinkedInICR TwitterICR WebsiteFeedback:If you have questions about the show, or have a topic in mind you'd like discussed in future episodes, email our producer, marion@lowerstreet.co.

During the pandemic, there was an eruption of on-demand delivery sites and apps focused on consumer convenience. Today's guest has built a strategic service that provides flexible opportunities for both their customers and their employees.This week we sit down with Jeff Grass, Co-Founder and CEO of HUNGRY. It's the first ever platform that connects independent chefs to the catering and corporate food services markets while improving the lives of its chefs, clients, community, and team.HUNGRY now operates in 13 U.S. cities, and is growing at triple-digit rates. The company has raised 60 million in venture capital from its investors, including food industry heavyweights, Walter Robb, founder of Whole Foods, Ming Tsai founder of Simply Ming, Seth Goldman's Beyond Meat and Honest Tea, and Dan Simmons of Founding Farmers Restaurant Group. From the entertainment industry, Jay-Z, Usher, and Kevin Hart, are also investors, and HUNGRY's venture capital investors are Sands Capital Ventures, Motley Fool Ventures, Evolution VC Partners, and Marcy Venture Fund.Jeff was also a chairman and co-founder of LiveSafe, a fast growing venture-backed mobile safety and anonymous communications platform, which crowd-sources safety insights and actionable intelligence that safety and security professionals can leverage for better situational awareness, evidence gathering, and emergency response. LiveSafe was acquired in 2020. He's also Chairman and Co-Founder of BuySafe, a VC backed online trust company enabling businesses to rapidly increase customer trust and make online shopping safer for buyers, and more profitable for online merchants. Jeff earned his MBA from Wharton and has a BBA in finance and economics from James Madison University.Highlights:Jeff talks about his earliest ventures and idea behind HUNGRY (2:57)The market for HUNGRY, and how they are disrupting the industry (4:13)Jeff talks about the structure of HUNGRY, how it works, and the pain point is addresses (5:39)How HUNGRY helps chefs (8:07)How they are able to offer this service so cost effectively (9:25)How Jeff put together such an impressive investor team (10:43)Their carbon-neutral delivery program (12:17)How HUNGRY has navigated the pandemic and inflation (14:09)HUNGRY’s locations, and their plans for future expansion (17:46)The team, and the company culture (18:59)The company’s growth rate and milestones (20:15)Jeff’s advice for other entrepreneurs (21:52)Links:Jeff Grass on LinkedInHUNGRY on linkedInHUNGRY websiteICR LinkedInICR TwitterICR WebsiteFeedback:If you have questions about the show, or have a topic in mind you'd like discussed in future episodes, email our producer, marion@lowerstreet.co.

Starting any business is a highly complicated endeavor. In the start-up space, where stakes are higher and more competitive than ever, businesses need guidance to survive and stand out from the crowd. Today's guest draws on her vast career experience to provide expertise to businesses at pivotal phases in their development.This week we sit down with Alison Lange Engel, a partner at Greycroft. Greycroft is a venture capital firm that invests in early and growth stage technology companies, primarily across consumer enterprise software, FinTech and health-tech. They manage over 2 billion in capital and made more than 200 investments, including household names like Venmo, The Real Real, Goop and Bumble.Alison joined Greycroft in 2019 and focuses on early stage companies in FinTech and their active investments include Cardless, Clasha, Spectrum Labs, and Toggle, among others. She has 20+ years of experience leading, structuring, and scaling high-growth businesses.Prior to Greycroft, Alison held positions as the VP of Marketing at LinkedIn, where for six years she had a broad impact on their advertising business unit, and then as the first chief marketing officer at Stripe. Before that, Alison was an investment banker at Goldman Sachs, focused on media, entertainment, and consumer sectors. Her media background includes HBO and the CBS television network, where she worked in sales and programming roles. She holds a BA in communications from UCLA and an MBA from Wharton. Highlights:Alison's background, and variety of career experiences (3:04)How Alison got the opportunity to work at Greycroft (4:37)The characteristics that distinguish Greycroft from other venture capital firms (5:12)Greycroft's approach to client relationships (7:05)Alison explains what surprised her during her first year at Greycroft, and how it differed from previous work (7:44)Alison describes one of Greycroft's start-ups that aligned perfectly with her prior career experience (9:47)The importance of a strong senior team, and diversity in their experiences (12:11)Alison describes how Greycroft sifts through crowded spaces to find their partners (13:09)Common mistakes founders make when meeting with a venture capital firm (17:25)Alison describes the relationship and the level of activeness of investors in their companies (20:27)Alison's opinion on the biggest challenge in venture capital currently (22:20)How to stay grounded and maintain discipline during a booming market (25:10)Alison's advice for women entering the venture capital space (26:55)Links:Alison Lange Engel on LinkedInGreycroft on LinkedInGreycroft WebsiteICR LinkedInICR TwitterICR WebsiteFeedback:If you have questions about the show, or have a topic in mind you'd like discussed in future episodes, email our producer, marion@lowerstreet.co.

This week we're re-sharing a really fun interview from back in April, with the unstoppable Sarah-Marie Martin.It's pretty inspiring to hear from people who climb huge heights, and then go looking for even bigger challenges. And that's exactly what today's guest did. On this episode we're sitting down with Sarah-Marie Martin, who joined Uber in 2022 as Head of M&A Investor Relations and Capital Markets, after a successful 25-year career in investment banking. At Uber, Sarah-Marie helps optimize and finance Uber's portfolio of businesses. Before joining Uber, she was the first CFO of Yumi, a digitally native, organic children's food company. Previously, in her time as an investment banking Sarah-Marie was a partner at Goldman Sachs, and also worked at Credit Suisse for 20 years. In the early days of her career, Sarah-Marie worked in the high-yield and equity capital markets groups, as well as Latin American corporate finance. She earned a BA from Stanford in Quantitative Economics, graduating with distinction. And she got her MBA from Columbia Business School, where she was valedictorian of her class.Sarah-Marie serves on the Executive Committee of the Board of Directors of The Door, an organization that empowers disconnected youth in New York City. She's a board member of Easy Point, a pre-IPO shipping software company. And in her spare time, she's the mom of five kids. We had a great conversation about her fascinating career, and the exciting direction that Uber is headed.Highlights:Sarah-Marie's education, how she got into investment banking, and what led her to Goldman-Sachs (3:05)What it was like being a woman in such a male-dominated field (6:25)Why Sarah-Marie decided to pivot after 25 years in banking (8:21)What the transition was like going from banking to Yummi (10:50)How she ended up at Uber (12:46)Sarah-Marie's priorities (14:16)Sarah-Marie talks about Uber's situation when she joined (15:51)What Uber's focus is right now (17:00)Diversity and inclusion at Uber (19:26)Sarah-Marie's experience at the World Economic Forum in January 2023 (22:05)Corporate employees driving for Uber (24:25)Tips for getting your Uber rating up (25:54)Sarah-Maries top product recommendations for Uber (26:53)How Sarah-Marie balances her career with having 5 children (27:33)Links:ICR TwitterICR LinkedInICR WebsiteSarah Marine-Martin on LinkedInUber on LinkedInUber WebsiteFeedback:If you have questions about the show, or have a topic in mind you'd like discussed in future episodes, email our producer, marion@lowerstreet.co.

When it comes to high-stakes strategising for businesses undergoing challenging shifts, the incredible value of legal training mixed with communications expertise can't be overstated. Today's guests know all about that.On this episode, we welcome two of ICR's finest, Joan Vollero and Lee Pacchia. Joan and Lee are both Managing Directors in ICR's Special Situations practice group.Joan advises companies and individuals on a wide range of matters relating to crisis and litigation. For more than 11 years, she ran communications and external affairs for the Manhattan District Attorney's Office, where she served as the Director of Communications and a Senior advisor to Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus Vance Jr. Earlier in her career, Joan worked as a journalist at New York One News. She's a graduate of Tufts University and received her masters from the Med Hills School of Journalism in Northwestern University. Lee is also in ICR's Special Situations practice, where he works on a range of corporate crisis matters with a focus on advising, financially distressed businesses, exploring strategic alternatives, restructuring, or chapter 11 bankruptcy protection.Previously, Lee served as a Senior Executive at a boutique restructuring advisory firm, providing financial, operational and communications advisory services to companies in crisis, restructurings, or bankruptcy. After completing his Law Degree at New York Law School, Lee clerked for the US Bankruptcy Court, before joining Bloomberg as a journalist covering bankruptcy in the legal industry.Highlights:How Joan was introduced to litigation communications (3:03)Cases and matters Joan handled during her time at the Manhattan DA Office (3:41)Common mistakes made by companies involved in high-profile court cases (4:23)Lee's previous work and how it led him to his current consultation position (5:45)Self-awareness and denial when creating internal solutions for management teams (8:15)How management teams can be prepared, and what internal functions need to be concerned about (9:51)Scenarios when management teams need experts like Joan and Lee for guidance (10:56)Misconceptions about the term bankruptcy, and what it means for a business (13:03)What has stayed the same, and what has changed in the litigation world in recent years (14:27)How Joan approaches sensitive situations when management teams are experiencing turbulent litigation situations (15:08)How ICR's array of clients attracted Joan to her position (17:14)Recent interesting developments, and working with management teams in the emerging technology space (19:24)A recent public case that Joan would have liked to litigate (21:15)A recent public case that Lee would have liked to litigate (22:25)Links:ICR TwitterICR LinkedInICR WebsiteLee Pacchia on LinkedInJoan Vollero on LinkedInFeedback:If you have questions about the show, or have a topic in mind you'd like discussed in future episodes, email our producer, marion@lowerstreet.co.

In the developing post-pandemic landscape, the discussion of a possible recession has been the latest ongoing hot topic, leaving businesses in a difficult position for decision-making. Today’s guest is sharing his expansive career knowledge to inform businesses about the reality of the current market. We're sitting down with my only two-time guest, Gregg Nabhan. If you tuned in to the first episode with Gregg, you'll remember that he's Chairman of America's Equity Capital Markets for Bank of America, as well as Managing Director of the Consumer and Retail Team.Gregg is responsible for the origination, IPO valuation, structuring, book-building, price discovery, allocation trading, and aftermarket performance of the equity transactions. He has 35-plus years of experience on Wall Street, and during the last 20 of those years, Gregg has led over 400 transactions raising over 265 billion dollars for companies around the world including 115 IPOs.Prior to joining B of A in June of 2008, Gregg worked at Morgan Stanley for 13 years where he was an MD in their equity capital markets group. On this week's episode, we talked about the reality of the current economic market. Highlights:A brief overview of the current economic market (2:44)How Gregg sees the current economic landscape, and its rate of potential risk (3:40)Gregg breaks down how to understand the perspective of market fluctuation and trends (5:02)Current events affecting the economy, and economist predictions (7:16)Understanding the context of the current IPO market (8:38)Areas of focus for management teams maneuvering the economic climate (10:24)Industries of focus for investors looking to put their money to work (12:42)Analyzing past IPO market trends and predicting the potential future of the space (13:53)What made an investment like Kenvue so successful for investors? (15:37)Insight on dividends and buybacks (17:55)Techniques that issuers are using to navigate the current market (18:55)Adjusting focus from daily changes to long-term planning (21:55)Gregg's biggest piece of advice to listeners and investors (23:34)Links:ICR TwitterICR LinkedInICR WebsiteGregg's first WTTA episodeBank of America on LinkedInBank of America WebsiteFeedback:If you have questions about the show, or have a topic in mind you'd like discussed in future episodes, email our producer, marion@lowerstreet.co.

Solving today's huge environmental problems takes creativity and innovation, but it also requires businesses to build strong industry partnerships. Today's guest is doing just that. We're sitting down with Vijay Manthripragada, President, CEO and Board Member of Montrose Environmental Group, which trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol, M E G. Vijay brings significant leadership in management experience to the company. Previously, he was the CEO of PetCareRX, a high-growth e-commerce company in the pet health industry. Prior to that, Vijay was in investment banking at Goldman Sachs, and was also a director at The Advisory Board Company and a member of Johnson & Johnson's management development program. He received his MBA from Wharton and his BS from Duke and Oxford.In this episode we talk about Montrose's mission to protect the environment with ground-breaking technology.Highlights:Vijay explains Montrose's business, and his family's connection to environmental work (2:38)How Vijay went from finance to the environment (3:57)The market and the competition for Montrose is in (5:06)Montrose's strategy with integrating with other service providers (6:40)Who are Montrose's clients? (7:41)R & D at Montrose (8:11)Vijay talks about Montrose's work in greenhouse gas mitigation (9:35)How politics have impacted the business (11:01)The Inflation Reduction Act's new standards (12:37)Montrose's financial position since going public (13:45)Montrose's portfolio and what Vijay sees as holding promise in the future (14:52)Creating value with non-organic growth (15:57)Montrose's current balance sheet (17:04)What Vijay hopes he could see in the industry in the next 5 years (17:49)Vijay's ideal vacation (18:30)Vijay's favourite musicians/music (19:50)What investors might miss about Montrose (21:03)Links:ICR TwitterICR LinkedInICR WebsiteVijay Manthripragada on LinkedInMontrose Environmental Group on LinkedInMontrose Environmental Group WebsiteFeedback:If you have questions about the show, or have a topic in mind you'd like discussed in future episodes, email our producer, marion@lowerstreet.co.

A great thinker once said "what is right is not always popular and what is popular is not always right." Our guest on this episode has built his legacy on difficult, but hugely influential decision-making.We're joined by Cyrus Vance Jr., best known for serving as New York County's top law enforcement officer for 12 years. As Manhattan District Attorney, he oversaw everything from white-collar fraud to cybercrime, human-trafficking, and even cold-case homicides. He's now a partner at global law firm, Baker Mackenzie, where he wears three hats, sitting in its litigation and government enforcement and global investigations and compliance groups, all while serving as Global Chair of the Cybersecurity Practice. After graduating from Yale University and earning his JD from Georgetown Law Center, Cy entered his first stint in public service as an Assistant District Attorney in the office that he was later elected to lead. His career has taken him everywhere from Africa to the Pacific Northwest, and we're very fortunate to have him as a guest. Highlights:Cyrus describes his background and journey to the Manhattan DA Office(2:58)Cyrus' father's influence on his career (4:42)What it's like to run for office, and learning how to operate in the public eye (6:02)Returning to work in the office: what was the same and what was different (7:39)The benefits and problems of working with large amounts of money (11:10)Developments in anti-corruption legislation, and heightening pressure on white-collar crime (15:06)Cyrus on if he regrets leaving office amongst the current prosecution of President Trump (19:31)What Cyrus learned from a business standpoint about managing a large team at the Manhattan DA Office (20:55)Cyrus' current goals as head of cybersecurity at Baker McKenzie (22:21)Cyrus discusses potentially writing a book in the future (24:16)Cyrus' hobbies and passion for motorcycles (26:57)What Cyrus would be doing if he didn't pursue a career in law (27:57)Links:ICR TwitterICR LinkedInICR WebsiteCyrus Vance on LinkedInBaker McKenzie on LinkedInBaker McKenzie WebsiteManhattan DA Office WebsiteFeedback:If you have questions about the show, or have a topic in mind you'd like discussed in future episodes, email our producer, marion@lowerstreet.co.

Millions of Americans with medical conditions spend years waiting for breakthrough treatments. Today's guest is making extraordinary advances in cancer treatment to significantly improve outcomes.Today we're sitting down with Dr. Marc Hedrick, President and CEO at Plus Therapeutics whose stock trades under the symbol PSTV. Previously, Dr. Hedrick served in a number of executive leadership roles, including President, CEO and Director of Cytori Therapeutics, and President and CEO of STEM Source. He's a trained general vascular and plastic surgeon, and former Associate Professor of Surgery and Pediatrics at UCLA. He also served as co-Director of the Laboratory of Regenerative Bioengineering and Repair at UCLA. Dr. Hedrick received his MD from University of Texas Southwestern Medical School Dallas, and an MBA from the Anderson School at UCLA in 2005. We talked about his company's incredible new technology that is revolutionizing how some cancers can be treated. Highlights:Marc describes his background, and path to the medical field (2:52)How Plus Therapeutics approaches their work to change outcomes for debilitating diseases (3:34)How Plus Therapeutics targeted treatment differs from traditional radiotherapy (5:19)Marc breaks down how the company chooses what types of cancer to develop treatments for (6:11)How Plus Therapeutics is driving innovation (7:39)What treatments their distinctive drugs can be used for and how they work (9:44)Plus Therapeutics partnerships, and what the company looks for in a partner (12:16)How the company managed challenges through the COVID-19 pandemic (13:47)Competition in the CNS space, and the challenges Plus Therapeutics faced introducing a new treatment (15:18)Funding, and the company's unique capitalization strategy (16:33)The competitive landscape (18:32)Plus Therapeutics leadership team, and value of culture (20:16)Locational benefits, and the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Texas (21:42)Marc's predictions on the future of the radiotherapy industry (22:59)What investors might not understand about this company (24:42)Links:ICR TwitterICR LinkedInICR WebsiteMarc Hedrick on LinkedInPlus Therapeutics on LinkedInPlus Therapeutics WebsiteFeedback:If you have questions about the show, or have a topic in mind you'd like discussed in future episodes, email our producer, marion@lowerstreet.co.

When it comes to legacy industries, it's all too common for business processes to become embedded and stagnant, but with growing technological and environmental transformation across markets, there may be no choice but to change. Today's guests are teaming up to promote a technology that could drive that change with the potential to disrupt the mining industry.Today we're talking with John Dowd, CEO of GoGreen Investments and Chris Showalter, CEO of Life Zone Metals. GoGreen is a special-purpose acquisition company combining with Life Zone Holdings Limited in a go-public transaction set to list on the New York Stock Exchange in July under the symbol LZM. John has over 30 years of energy and commodity investing experience and has received six Lipper Awards for best risk-adjusted performance in in the energy sector. Previously, he researched energy companies for 11 years as a sell-side analyst. Needless to say, John has a deep understanding of what resonates with investors.Chris is the CEO of Lifezone Metals. He brings a corporate finance and merchant banking background to the Lifezone team and has extensive experience across Africa. In addition to capital markets and fundraising, Chris brings strong expertise, originating sourcing, and developing relationships across the continent.He held the role of director and partner at the Merchant Bank, Hanneman Partners in Zimbabwe, where he focused on African mining sector. Over six years in Zimbabwe he has developed specific, he has developed specific expertise in the platinum sector and advised a number of platinum mining companies prior to that. He spent nine years at Goldman Sachs where he held various roles in equity capital markets where where also ex, while also exploring opportunities for Goldman across Southern Africa. Highlights:John explains GoGreen's mission statement (3:16)How GoGreen approached the SPAC process (3:42)John explains the benefits of the SPAC structure (5:06)John describes what attracted GoGreen to Life Zone Metals (5:50)SPAC redemption rates, and the process of securing a partnership (7:37)Chris breaks down Life Zone Metals' work, and relationship to Africa (9:41)Chris compares traditional smelting practices to the benefits of Lifezone's Hydra-Met technology (12:10)Efficiency of Hydra-Met technology, versus traditional mining practices (14:23)What makes Kabanga nickel sustainable? (15:20)Chris describes the market in Africa, and why they companies work in the location (16:28)Tanzanian Nickel and its relation to the recent Inflation Reduction Act (18:47)Chris and John describes the total addressable market for their industry (20:35)Links:ICR TwitterICR LinkedInICR WebsiteJohn Dowd on LinkedInChris Showalter on LinkedInGoGreen Investments on LinkedInLife Zone Metals on LinkedInGoGreen Investments WebsiteLife Zone Metals' WebsiteFeedback:If you have questions about the show, or have a topic in mind you'd like discussed in future episodes, email our producer, marion@lowerstreet.co.

Sometimes abstract thinking that can lead to real breakthroughs. The knowledge and innovative thinking of today's guests led to an life-changing solution to an ongoing 75-year puzzle. Today we sit down with David Katz and Robert Jacks; Chief Scientific Officer, and President & CEO, of Sparrow Pharmaceuticals, respectively. Sparrow has come up with a groundbreaking way to help patients who need steroid treatments. Robert was previously President & CEO of Indalo Therapeutics, a clinical-stage biotech company developing therapeutics for serious fibrotic diseases, and President, CFO, and Co-Founder of Symbiomix Therapeutics, which was sold after achieving NDA approval for Solosec®. Robert began his career in finance and product development at Pfizer, where he last worked as the Director of Business Development for Oncology and Infectious Diseases.Prior to Sparrow, David Katz was a pharmaceutical R&D leader at Abbott and AbbVie, where he led clinical development and drug discovery teams, and was a personalized medicine pioneer. David is dedicated to the mentorship of the next generation of life sciences entrepreneurs, currently as an entrepreneur-in-residence at Oregon Health & Science University. He has published over 50 peer-reviewed scientific papers.Highlights:David explains Sparrow's key focus, and they problem they are solving (2:49)How Sparrow planned for the economics of developing a new treatment (5:13)Robert explains why he jumped on board at Sparrow (7:21)David talks about his background, mentors, and interests in the field (8:36)David explains the 75-year puzzle of glucocorticoids (13:50)How Sparrow's SPI-62 treatment can change a patient's life, and how it's a novel approach (16:27)Sparrow’s current clinical trials (19:41)Sparrow's strategic partners (21:20)Why an investor would be attracted to Sparrow now (22:19)Managing being on 2 different coasts, and how they attract talent (23:18)The businesses/leaders that David admires (24:40)David talks about his passion for both art and science (25:58)Robert discusses Sparrow's unique value proposition (26:51)Links:ICR TwitterICR LinkedInICR WebsiteRobert Jacks on LinkedInDavid Katz on LinkedInSparrow Pharmaceuticals on LinkedInSparrow Pharmaceuticals WebsiteFeedback:If you have questions about the show, or have a topic in mind you'd like discussed in future episodes, email our producer, marion@lowerstreet.co.

Building partnerships and investing strategically can be key in the growth of a business. However, for big corporations, and small start-ups, creating and managing a variety of partnerships can be challenging. Today's guest created his company to help ease that process.On this episode we're sitting down with David Horowitz, founder and CEO of Touchdown Ventures. Touchdown partners with leading corporations to manage their venture capital funds, and currently they partner with Kellogg T-Mobile, Amerisource Bergen, Olympus, and Erie Insurance, Masco and Colorcon just to name a few. Prior to starting touchdown, David was founding partner and managing director at Comcast Ventures for nearly 15 years. There he focused on investments in digital media, advertising, technology, digital home education, and financial technology. David also helped start and was partner at Gencast Ventures, a seed stage venture capital fund affiliated with Comcast Ventures.Prior to Comcast, David worked in investment banking at Bear Stearns. He started South Jersey Tech Collective and networking group of entrepreneurs and investors in South Jersey, and David is also the inventor of the board game 'Frequent Flyer', which we'll talk about later in the program. Highlights:David's previous work, and introduction to Touchdown Ventures (3:10)Market change and transitioning into corporate venture capital (4:33)Benefits of corporate venture capital investing (6:08)Common mistakes corporations make with investments (7:19)Pros and cons of venture capital partnerships (9:11)Industries investing in corporate venture capital (11:12)What makes a company an ideal partner for Touchdown Ventures (12:53)How Touchdown Ventures' model works, and success examples (14:03)Effects of the current market on investing and venture capital business (15:35)The company's future goals and trajectory (17:45)David's board game 'Frequent Flyer' (18:42)Links:ICR TwitterICR LinkedInICR WebsiteDavid Horowitz on LinkedInTouchdown Ventures on LinkedInTouchdown Ventures WebsiteDavid's 'Frequent Flyer' board gameFeedback:If you have questions about the show, or have a topic in mind you'd like discussed in future episodes, email our producer, marion@lowerstreet.co.

Making mistakes is a natural part of building every business, but leaving problems unresolved for too long can be costly. Today's guest is teaching business owners that huge success can come out of grand failures - if you’re paying attention. Today we're sitting down with Robert Irvine, a world-class chef and host of Food Network's hit show 'Restaurant: Impossible', where he takes two days and under $20,000 to transform failing restaurants and give their owners a second chance.Robert's also an entrepreneur, a Royal Navy veteran, and a tireless supporter of the military. In addition to his restaurants, he's the owner of 'Fit Crunch', makers of protein bars and snacks; Robert Irvine Foods, which makes restaurant-quality, prepared meals available in grocery stores and for food service applications; and Boardroom Spirits, makers of Irvine's Vodka and Irvine's American Dry Gin. Robert is also the author of five books, the latest of which is called 'Overcoming Impossible'.Highlights:Robert's childhood, and introduction to military (2:44)'Restaurant: Impossible' TV show, and inspiration for new book (3:56)Robert's businesses, and business hurdles (6:04)Philosophy on businesses integrating social media (8:49)Robert explains how, and why businesses fail (10:39)Memorable success stories from 'Restaurant: Impossible' (13:26)How Robert discovered his talent for leadership (17:15)Robert discusses scalability and growth (19:47)Hiring and maintaining a great team (20:31)The Robert Irvine Foundation and philanthropy (23:23)Links:ICR TwitterICR LinkedInICR WebsiteRobert Irvine on InstagramRobert Irvine on LinkedInRobert Irvine's WebsiteRobert's TV Show 'Restaurant: Impossible'Buy Robert's Book 'Overcoming Impossible'Feedback:If you have questions about the show, or have a topic in mind you'd like discussed in future episodes, email our producer, marion@lowerstreet.co.

To create a brand with a lasting legacy, owners have to set and follow clear principles from the very beginning. Today's guest has continued to strengthen and grow their brand while maintaining those key principles. Today we're sitting down with Alex Ryan, President, CEO, and Chairman of The Duckhorn Portfolio, North America's premier luxury wine company, with 10 wineries, eight state-of-the-art wine-making facilities, seven tasting rooms, and over a thousand coveted acres of vineyard spanning 32 estate properties.Their wines are available throughout the US, on five continents, and in 50 plus countries around the world. Their stock trades under - not surprisingly - NAPA. Since 1988, Alex's visionary leadership has been instrumental in establishing and growing The Duckhorn portfolio from a modest 15,000 cases and a few million dollars in revenue to one of the most highly respected and fastest growing luxury wine companies in the world with multiple Appalachians brands, price points, and styles. Alex's story about moving to the region and rising through the ranks to his current position is so interesting, and it's safe to say Tom has been looking forward to this interview for months. Join him on this week's episode as he cracks a bottle of Duckhorn Three Palms Vineyard Merlot 2019 just for the occasion.Highlights:Alex's relationship with the Duckhorns (2:57)Alex's start in the business (4:24)The Duckhorn Portfolio brands and products (5:15)Alex's path to CEO (7:52)How being on the production side has influenced Alex's approach to business (8:06)What makes The Duckhorn Portfolio unique (9:58)The company's distribution strategies (11:37)Off-premise growth strategy (13:42)Innovation and incorporating modern technology into the business (15:01)The company's total addressable market, and going international (17:02)Growth investments (18:26)The executive team at The Duckhorn Portfolio (20:23)Company values, and brand legacy (22:18)How the brand makes and chooses their acquisitions (24:15)The impact of inflation and the current economy have on the business (25:29)Alex's proudest moments in his career (27:28)Wine recommendations from Alex (28:22)Links:ICR TwitterICR LinkedInICR WebsiteThe Duckhorn Portfolio on InstagramThe Duckhorn Portfolio on LinkedInThe Duckhorn Portfolio WebsiteFeedback:If you have questions about the show, or have a topic in mind you'd like discussed in future episodes, email our producer, marion@lowerstreet.co.

Recently, the restaurant industry has been struggling to hire new workers and retain their current employees. Today's guest is using innovative AI technology to deliver speed and consistency in customer service, and in the kitchen. On this week's episode we sit down with Krishna Gupta, Chairman and Interim CEO of Presto, one of the largest drive-through automation technology providers in the hospitality industry. Krishna is a founder and CEO of venture firm Remus Capital which he founded as a student at MIT in 2008. Remus partners with visionary founders and management teams to build technology businesses that rewire entire industries. This led him to Presto, which many years later trades on NASDAQ under the symbol PRST. Prior to Remus, Krishna spent time at McKinsey & Company, and JP Morgan, helping several Fortune 100 clients on billion dollar technology transactions. Krishna is an incessant traveler, and has done business across five continents. Outside of investing, he has a broad set of intellectual interests. He's conducted chemistry research at the University of Chicago, and in Israel. He produced a film on English ancient history, which is used at Cambridge in Oxford, and competed as a finalist in the USA Mathematics Olympia.Highlights:Krishna's start in venture capital and investing (2:57)Presto's products and their purpose (4:30)How Krishna stepped up as interim-CEO (7:14)What makes Presto services unique in the industry (8:05)The addressable market for automation (9:40)Automating labor and automation ROI (11:18)The journey to becoming a public company (13:33)Automation duality for customers and businesses (15:15)Collaboration with OpenAI and ChatGPT (17:10)How AI is implemented in the service industry (18:16)Current projects and goals for the future (20:21)Managing their P&L (21:21)Krishna's advice for beginner entrepreneurs (22:21)The state of human-machine convergence (24:03)What investors might miss about Presto (26:01)Links:ICR TwitterICR LinkedInICR WebsiteKrishna Gupta on LinkedInPresto on LinkedInPresto WebsiteFeedback:If you have questions about the show, or have a topic in mind you'd like discussed in future episodes, email our producer, marion@lowerstreet.co.