Tag: tech

Episode 62: Spike Ilacqua, Founder/CTO, Indra’s Net

Boulder Tech Podcast
Boulder Tech Podcast
Episode 62: Spike Ilacqua, Founder/CTO, Indra's Net
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Our guest for Episode 62 is Spike Ilacqua, Founder and CTO at Indra’s Net, one of Colorado’s first-ever Internet Service Providers. Spike’s a veteran — a pioneer, even — of the Front Range tech scene, and has a lot to say about:

  • how the focus and mission at Indra’s Net has adapted to the changing times over the last 25 years
  • what it was like to create an ISP in the early 90’s — when the internet was just a glimmer of what it’s become
  • tech’s impact on the city of Boulder, and how it might help resolve some of the many issues Boulder faces
  • the similarities and differences between the tech scene in Boulder then vs now

Follow Spike on Twitter @spikex

***

The Boulder Tech Podcast is made possible in part by Glider, a Colorado-based Community movement and non-profit that produces Boulder’s Ignite and TedX events, as well as Boulder Startup Week. Learn more and consider a donation at glider.com

Thanks to dojo4 for providing space for our podcast HQ, and to KGNU Community Radio for recording gear and studio usage.

Our intro music is by Eccodek. Hear more at eccodek.com

Our outro music is by EarthRise SoundSystem. You’ll find them at earthrisesoundsystem.com

The Boulder Tech Podcast is produced by Joel Davis. Your feedback, criticisms, comments and guest suggestions are welcome. Don’t hesitate to send a note to joel@dojo4.com

Thanks for listening. We’ll see you back here for the next episode of the Boulder Tech Podcast.

Episode 61: Jonathan Woodard, Director of Engineering, SugarWOD + Tabletop Game Designer

Boulder Tech Podcast
Boulder Tech Podcast
Episode 61: Jonathan Woodard, Director of Engineering, SugarWOD + Tabletop Game Designer
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Our guest for Episode 61 is Jonathan Woodard, Director of Engineering at SugarWOD. They make workout software for coaches and everyday athletes. He’s also a Tabletop Game Designer.

Jonathan and I touch on a number of topics, from software to games, Boulder to Europe, and get into:

  • his twin passions for software engineering and analog game design — and what the two have in common
  • the role tabletop games play in Jonathan’s life
  • how a year living abroad reshaped his relationship to work
  • Jonathan’s efforts to see and experience Boulder through fresh eyes

Follow Jonathan on Twitter @woodardj

***

The Boulder Tech Podcast is made possible in part by Glider, a Colorado-based Community movement and non-profit that produces Boulder’s Ignite and TedX events, as well as Boulder Startup Week. Learn more and consider a donation at glider.com

Thanks to dojo4 for providing space for our podcast HQ, and to KGNU Community Radio for recording gear and studio usage.

Our intro music is by Eccodek. Hear more at eccodek.com (that’s E-c-c-o-d-e-k).

Our outro music is by EarthRise SoundSystem. You’ll find them at earthrisesoundsystem.com

The Boulder Tech Podcast is produced by Joel Davis. Your feedback, criticisms, comments and guest suggestions are welcome. Don’t hesitate to send a note to joel@dojo4.com

Thanks for listening. We’ll see you back here for the next episode of the Boulder Tech Podcast.

Episode 060: Kathy Vega, COO/CTO/Co-Founder & Alex Mulvaney, CEO/Co-Founder, ShineOn Bike Lights

Boulder Tech Podcast
Boulder Tech Podcast
Episode 060: Kathy Vega, COO/CTO/Co-Founder & Alex Mulvaney, CEO/Co-Founder, ShineOn Bike Lights
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Our guests for Episode 60 are Kathy Vega, COO/CTO, and Alex Mulvaney, CEO, and co-founders of ShineOn Bike Lights, a company created to improve the world by making cycling a safer activity in order to reduce pollution and carbon emissions, and allow people to live happier and healthier lives.

In our freewheeling discussion, Kathy, Alex and I get into:

  • how a couple of space science engineers found themselves in the bike equipment business
  • the inspiration and science behind ShineOn Bikes’ innovative technology (including a walkthrough of their dual beam bike light)
  • the challenges of launching a startup as full-time students
  • the significant roles that CU and the Boulder tech community have played in ShineOn’s success 

Follow ShineOn on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook @ShineOnBikes.

***

The Boulder Tech Podcast is made possible in part by Glider, a Colorado-based Community movement and non-profit that produces Boulder’s Ignite and TedX events, as well as Boulder Startup Week. Learn more and consider a donation at glider.com

Thanks to dojo4 for providing space for our podcast studio, and to KGNU Community Radio for recording gear and studio usage.

Our intro music is by Eccodek. Hear more at eccodek.com (that’s E-c-c-o-d-e-k).

Our outro music is by EarthRise SoundSystem. You’ll find them at earthrisesoundsystem.com

The Boulder Tech Podcast is produced by Joel Davis. Your feedback, criticisms, comments and guest suggestions are welcome. Don’t hesitate to send a note to joel@dojo4.com

Thanks for listening. We’ll see you back here for the next episode of the Boulder Tech Podcast.

Episode 059: Ben Woods, Technical Director – North America, Holmes Solutions

Boulder Tech Podcast
Boulder Tech Podcast
Episode 059: Ben Woods, Technical Director - North America, Holmes Solutions
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Our guest for Episode 59 is Ben Woods, Technical Director — North America for Holmes Solutions — the creative engineering arm of the Holmes Group, a collection of companies with over 500 employees in offices around the world — including Boulder, where Ben is based. Holmes Solutions has done all sorts of things, such as demolishing vehicles to improve road safety, testing jet packs, developing a human catapult, and more. 

In our discussion, Ben tells us about:

  • Why this little known but highly industrious company from New Zealand chose Boulder for it’s US headquarters, and how it views its relationship to the Boulder tech community  
  • Holmes’ innovative approach to developing tech platforms for easy transfer across industries and sectors — and specifically how they envision transforming their work in the adventure recreation sector (aka thrill rides) into cutting edge public transportation
  • How their new transportation solution could be the answer to many of Boulder’s traffic-related issues

Follow Holmes Solutions on Facebook @HolmesSolutionsLP and on Instagram @holmes_solutions_

***

The Boulder Tech Podcast is made possible in part by Glider, a Colorado-based Community movement and non-profit that produces Boulder’s Ignite and TedX events, as well as Boulder Startup Week. Learn more and consider a donation at glider.com

Thanks to dojo4 for providing space for our podcast studio, and to KGNU Community Radio for recording gear and studio usage.

Our intro music is by Eccodek. Hear more at eccodek.com (that’s E-c-c-o-d-e-k).

Our outro music is by EarthRise SoundSystem. You’ll find them at earthrisesoundsystem.com

The Boulder Tech Podcast is produced by Joel Davis. Your feedback, criticisms, comments and guest suggestions are welcome. Don’t hesitate to send a note to joel@dojo4.com

Thanks for listening. We’ll see you back here for the next episode of the Boulder Tech Podcast.

Episode 055: Ef Rodriquez, Pugnacious Digital Marketer/Sabbatical Savant

Boulder Tech Podcast
Boulder Tech Podcast
Episode 055: Ef Rodriquez, Pugnacious Digital Marketer/Sabbatical Savant
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Our guest for Episode #55 is Ef Rodriguez. Among many things, he’s heavily involved with Ignite Boulder, TEDx Boulder and Boulder StartupWeek.

Ef and I enjoy a lively and free-flowing conversation touching on a number of subjects, including:

  • what brought him back to Boulder after 7 years living and working in a number of far flung locations
  • why brands need to focus on the problem, not the product
  • things we don’t see in Boulder but would like to
  • why you may be listening to podcasts at the wrong speed

Follow Ef on Twitter @pug.

***

The Boulder Tech Podcast is made possible in part by Boulder StartUp Week platinum sponsors Honey, Matter and Zayo. 

We’re also supported by Glider, a Colorado-based Community movement and non-profit that produces Boulder’s Ignite and TedX events, as well as Boulder Startup Week. Learn more and consider a donation at glider.com

Thanks to dojo4 for providing space for our podcast studio, and to KGNU Community Radio for recording gear and studio usage.

Our intro music is by Eccodek. Hear more at eccodek.com.

Our outro music is by EarthRise SoundSystem. You’ll find them at earthrisesoundsystem.com

The Boulder Tech Podcast is produced by me, Joel Davis. Your feedback, criticisms, comments and guest suggestions are welcome. Reach me at joel@dojo4.com

Thanks for listening. We’ll see you back here for the next episode of the Boulder Tech Podcast.

Episode 054: Jeremy Frazao, VP of Engineering, Recurly

Boulder Tech Podcast
Boulder Tech Podcast
Episode 054: Jeremy Frazao, VP of Engineering, Recurly
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Our guest for Episode 54 is Jeremy Frazao, VP of Engineering at Recurly, a subscription management platform specializing in collecting recurring payments.

Jeremy and I discuss:

  • why it’s a good thing that most people have no idea that Recurly even exists
  • the key difference he’s noticed between the San Francisco and Boulder tech communities
  • how Recurly’s values are reflected in its corporate community and by Boulder in general
  • and how he became known as the Steve Jobs of Boulder

All of that and more, as the Boulder Tech Podcast speaks with Recurly’s Jeremy Frazao. Follow Recurly on Twitter @Recurly

**

The Boulder Tech Podcast is made possible in part by Boulder StartUp Week platinum sponsors Honey, Matter and Zayo. 

We’re also supported by Glider, a Colorado-based Community movement and non-profit that produces Boulder’s Ignite and TedX events, as well as Boulder Startup Week. Learn more and consider a donation at glider.com

Thanks to dojo4 for providing space for our podcast studio, and to KGNU Community Radio for recording gear and studio usage.

Our intro music is by Eccodek. Hear more at eccodek.com.

Our outro music is by EarthRise SoundSystem. You’ll find them at earthrisesoundsystem.com

The Boulder Tech Podcast is produced by me, Joel Davis. Your feedback, criticisms, comments and guest suggestions are welcome. Reach me at joel@dojo4.com

Thanks for listening. We’ll see you back here for the next episode of the Boulder Tech Podcast.

Episode 050: Eric Horner, Assistant Dean of Research & Innovation, CU-Boulder

Boulder Tech Podcast
Boulder Tech Podcast
Episode 050: Eric Horner, Assistant Dean of Research & Innovation, CU-Boulder
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Our guest for Episode 50 is Eric Horner, Assistant Dean of Advancement for the Research and Innovation Office at the University of Colorado at Boulder. With fall classes starting this week, it’s a good time to hear about the programs in place to support CU’s vibrant entrepreneurial eco-system. 

Eric fills us in on those, and also:

  • provides a great overview of all that CU has to offer to all players in the startup sector  
  • describes how he’ll utilize his expertise with public/private partnerships to expand entrepreneurial activity on campus and beyond,
  • talks about CU’s position in the greater Boulder startup community

Follow Eric on Twitter @Eric_Horner

***

The Boulder Tech Podcast is made possible in part by Boulder StartUp Week platinum sponsors Honey, Matter and Zayo. 

We’re also supported by Glider, a Colorado-based Community movement and non-profit that produces Boulder’s Ignite and TedX events, as well as Boulder Startup Week. Learn more and consider a donation at glider.com

Thanks to dojo4 for providing space for our podcast studio, and to KGNU Community Radio for recording gear and studio usage.

Our intro music is by Eccodek. Hear more at eccodek.com (that’s E-c-c-o-d-e-k).

Our outro music is by EarthRise SoundSystem. You’ll find them at earthrisesoundsystem.com

The Boulder Tech Podcast is produced by me, Joel Davis. Your feedback, criticisms, comments and guest suggestions are welcome. Reach me at joel@dojo4.com

Thanks for listening. We’ll see you back here for the next episode of the Boulder Tech Podcast.

Episode 049: An Energy/Transportation Roundtable Discussion (moderated by Chuck Ray, Energy Analyst/Consultant)

Boulder Tech Podcast
Boulder Tech Podcast
Episode 049: An Energy/Transportation Roundtable Discussion (moderated by Chuck Ray, Energy Analyst/Consultant)
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This is one of 20 interviews recorded in a popup backroom studio at dojo4 during the 10th annual Boulder Startup Week. When it started in 2009, Boulder Startup Week was the first event of its kind, anywhere. Now, Startup Weeks are held around the world. It’s a great example of Boulder’s position on the leading edge of tech — and the future.

Episode 49 is a roundtable discussion moderated by longtime energy consultant and analyst Chuck Ray. His panel of experts features Matt Lehrman, Energy Strategy Coordinator for the City of Boulder, Ben Holland, Senior Associate and Mobility Strategist at the Rocky Mountain Institute, and Alexandra Kaufhold, Electrical Engineer at Sphero and Boulder Startup Week Energy Track Leader. Through their wide-ranging conversation, the panel aims to answer three key questions about the intersection of energy and mobility:

  • where’s the opportunity in our rapidly awakening, multi-modal, “living above car” reality?
  • what is the overlap between today’s transportation challenges and electric vehicles?
  • and how are we going to electrify our entire transportation system — and why should we?

Follow our panelists on Twitter: Chuck Ray (@gNav1), Matt Lehrman (@Matt_Lehrman), Ben Holland (@BenInBoulder), Alexandra Kaufhold (Twitter-free and lovin’ it).

***

The Boulder Tech Podcast is made possible in part by Boulder StartUp Week platinum sponsors Honey, Matter and Zayo. 

We’re also supported by Glider, a Colorado-based Community movement and non-profit that produces Boulder’s Ignite and TedX events, as well as Boulder Startup Week. Learn more and consider a donation at glider.com

Thanks to dojo4 for providing space for our podcast studio, and to KGNU Community Radio for recording gear and studio usage.

Our intro music is by Eccodek. Hear more at eccodek.com (that’s E-c-c-o-d-e-k).

Our outro music is by EarthRise SoundSystem. You’ll find them at earthrisesoundsystem.com

The Boulder Tech Podcast is produced by me, Joel Davis. Your feedback, criticisms, comments and guest suggestions are welcome. Reach me at joel@dojo4.com

Thanks for listening. We’ll see you back here for the next episode of the Boulder Tech Podcast.

Episode 044: Jonathan Lamer, Founder/CEO, ThirdCo

Boulder Tech Podcast
Boulder Tech Podcast
Episode 044: Jonathan Lamer, Founder/CEO, ThirdCo
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This is one of 20 interviews recorded in a popup backroom studio at dojo4 during the 10th annual Boulder Startup Week. When it started in 2009, Boulder Startup Week was the first event of its kind, anywhere. Now, Startup Weeks are held around the world. It’s a great example of Boulder’s position on the leading edge of tech — and the future.

Our guest for Episode 44 is Jonathan Lamer, Founder and CEO of ThirdCo, a sustainable technology product manufacturer based in Montreal. During his first time in Boulder, Jonathan stopped by to talk about:

  • How a French-Canadian found himself at Boulder Startup Week
  • Why a founder should set out to fail big
  • The challenge of finding the right people for your mission
  • How the Montreal and Boulder entrepreneurial communities differ
  • Why Jonathan loves “the no”

Follow Jonathan on Twitter @JonathanLamer.

Episode 44 of the Boulder Tech Podcast is presented by Boulder StartUp Week Social Impact track sponsor, Popsockets.

***

The Boulder Tech Podcast is made possible in part by Boulder StartUp Week platinum sponsors Honey, Matter and Zayo. 

We’re also supported by Glider, a Colorado-based Community movement and non-profit that produces Boulder’s Ignite and TedX events, as well as Boulder Startup Week. Learn more and consider a donation at glider.com

Thanks to dojo4 for providing space for our podcast studio, and to KGNU Community Radio for recording gear and studio usage.

Our intro music is by Eccodek. Hear more at eccodek.com (that’s E-c-c-o-d-e-k).

Our outro music is by EarthRise SoundSystem. You’ll find them at earthrisesoundsystem.com

The Boulder Tech Podcast is produced by me, Joel Davis. Your feedback, criticisms and comments are welcome. Reach me at joel@dojo4.com

Thanks for listening. We’ll see you back here for the next episode of the Boulder Tech Podcast.

Episode 042: Dan Caruso, Chairman & CEO, Zayo Group

Boulder Tech Podcast
Boulder Tech Podcast
Episode 042: Dan Caruso, Chairman & CEO, Zayo Group
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This is one of 20 interviews recorded in a popup backroom studio at dojo4 during the 10th annual Boulder Startup Week. When it started in 2009, Boulder Startup Week was the first event of its kind, anywhere. Now, Startup Weeks are held around the world. It’s a great example of Boulder’s position on the leading edge of tech — and the future.

Our guest for Episode 42 is Dan Caruso, Chairman and CEO of Zayo Group, a leading global provider of Communications Infrastructure and a major supporter of the Front Range tech and startup community.  

In our short conversation, Dan:

  • gives me a quick tutorial on communications infrastructure
  • tells us why, in the early days of the tech age, big players like Level 3 chose to locate their headquarters on the Front Range 
  • explains why ever-faster connectivity has more important applications than simply enjoying a better gaming or Netflix experience 
  • speaks with obvious passion about why Zayo Group loves to invest in the local community

Follow Dan on Twitter @DanCaruso.

Episode #42 of the Boulder Tech Podcast is presented by Boulder StartUp Week Accelerator track sponsor, UpRamp.

***

The Boulder Tech Podcast is made possible in part by Boulder StartUp Week platinum sponsors Honey, Matter and Zayo. 

We’re also supported by Glider, a Colorado-based Community movement and non-profit that produces Boulder’s Ignite and TedX events, as well as Boulder Startup Week. Learn more and consider a donation at glider.com

Thanks to dojo4 for providing space for our podcast studio, and to KGNU Community Radio for recording gear and studio usage.

Our intro music is by Eccodek. Hear more at eccodek.com (that’s E-c-c-o-d-e-k).

Our outro music is by EarthRise SoundSystem. You’ll find them at earthrisesoundsystem.com

The Boulder Tech Podcast is produced by me, Joel Davis. Your feedback, criticisms, comments and guest suggestions are welcome. Reach me at joel@dojo4.com

Thanks for listening. We’ll see you back here for the next episode of the Boulder Tech Podcast.