The StartupSac Podcast

In this episode of the StartupSac Podcast, Josh David Miller (aka JDM) sits down with Derek Chase, founder and CEO of OnSight, to explore the fascinating world of robotics and renewable energy. Derek shares his journey from running a large solar maintenance company to founding a groundbreaking robotics startup, revolutionizing how solar farms are maintained. Discover how OnSight leverages cutting-edge robotics and AI to solve critical problems in the solar industry while creating significant cost savings and operational efficiencies.Derek discusses the origins of OnSight, the challenges of building deep-tech startups, and the role of competitive drive in entrepreneurship. From navigating the complexities of autonomous navigation to the development of the Owlcam, a revolutionary outdoor fire and smoke detection system, this conversation is packed with insights into innovation, persistence, and the future of renewable energy technology.Key highlights include:The transition from solar maintenance to robotics innovation.OnSight's "robot-as-a-service" model, delivering 3X cost savings compared to traditional methods.How Derek built a high-performing team, including PhD engineers from NASA.The impact of market timing and technological advances on OnSight’s success.Exciting future possibilities for computer vision and data-driven improvements in solar technology.Derek also shares invaluable advice for entrepreneurs, emphasizing the importance of market timing, persistence, and leveraging platforms like LinkedIn to grow your startup.For more information about Derek Chase and OnSight, connect on LinkedIn.For additional insights into entrepreneurship in Sacramento, visit StartupSac.com.

In this episode of the StartupSac Podcast, host Josh David Miller, aka JDM, sits down with Liz Connolly, co-founder of Trifecta, a meal delivery company dedicated to tackling the obesity epidemic by making healthy eating accessible and convenient. Liz shares Trifecta's journey, from launching the company with her brother to securing Series B funding, achieving remarkable growth, and navigating the operational challenges that come with rapid scaling in the fresh food industry.Liz discusses the strategies that fueled Trifecta's success, including the decision to integrate a fitness app to foster healthy habits and enhance customer experience. She also explores the entrepreneurial transition she's making as she steps back from day-to-day operations at Trifecta and launches her new venture, Katsu, focused on professional development through tailored growth plans. Tune in to hear Liz's insights on finding product-market fit, the timing of growth investments, and her dedication to empowering others through learning.For more insights into entrepreneurship in Sacramento, be sure to visit StartupSac.com.

In this episode of the StartupSac Podcast, JDM chats with Kathryn Cook, CEO and co-founder of NuCicer, to explore how her startup is transforming the food system by "reinventing the chickpea." With a background in materials science engineering, Kathryn discusses how NuCicer uses predictive breeding and genetic diversity to enhance chickpeas---boosting their protein content by up to 75%, improving flavors, and solving production challenges for food brands.Kathryn also opens up about the rewards and discomfort of being a technical founder, offering insights on customer discovery, the realities of fundraising, and what it takes to navigate the deep tech startup landscape.Key topics in this episode:What it means to "reinvent" a staple crop like the chickpea  NuCicer's journey from research to commercial scale production  Challenges of predictive breeding and working with wild genetic strains  The importance of customer discovery for deep tech startups  Kathryn's approach to fundraising, securing $11 million in venture capital  Lessons learned from building a company at the intersection of agriculture, food, and technologyJoin us for a great discussion on building a mission-driven agtech company that aims to reshape the food industry and bring nutritious, sustainable solutions to market.For more information about entrepreneurship in Sacramento, be sure to visit StartupSac.Where to find NuCicer and Kathryn Cook:  NuCicer on LinkedIn  Kathryn Cook on LinkedIn: Kathryn Cook

In this episode of the StartupSac Podcast, JDM chats with Clive Savacool, founder of LogRx, an innovative software solution designed to help fire departments and ambulance services track controlled substances more efficiently. Clive shares his journey from a 20+ year career as a paramedic to becoming a tech entrepreneur, driven by the need to solve critical issues in narcotic tracking that traditional pen-and-paper methods failed to address.Tune in to hear how Clive and his co-founders built LogRx from the ground up, bootstrapping their way to success with a mission to improve accountability and safety in EMS operations. Clive discusses the challenges of entrepreneurship, navigating market timing, building a customer-first approach, and the trade-offs of bootstrapping versus raising capital.You'll also learn about the future of LogRx, including plans for product expansion and strategic partnerships, as Clive aims to solidify the company's position in the industry before regulations catch up to the market need. This episode offers insights into both the tech and public safety spaces, making it a must-listen for entrepreneurs and innovators alike.Key Topics:The problem with pen-and-paper narcotics tracking in EMSHow LogRx simplifies narcotics management with easy-to-use softwareBootstrapping a startup and building sustainable growthThe impact of market timing and external factors like the pandemicFuture plans, including partnerships, expansion, and raising capitalFor more insights into entrepreneurship in Sacramento, be sure to visit startupsac.com.

In this episode of the StartupSac Podcast, host Josh David Miller, aka JDM, chats with serial GovTech entrepreneur Jon Coss, founder of Plum Identity. With over 20 years of experience in anti-fraud solutions, Jon dives deep into how his latest startup is transforming the way governments tackle fraud while protecting citizens' privacy.Plum Identity uses advanced behavioral analytics and innovative data hashing techniques to detect fraud in real-time without collecting personal identifiable information (PII), helping programs like unemployment insurance and Medicaid prevent abuse while ensuring legitimate users get the services they need. Jon explains how fraudsters evolved during the pandemic, creating billions in losses for government programs, and how Plum's "Plum Print" system provides actionable risk scores to tackle emerging threats.Jon is also the author of "A 10 Year Overnight Success: The Inspiring Story of a Company You've Never Heard Of", which shares his journey in building Pondera Solutions and offers valuable lessons for entrepreneurs. Key Takeaways:How Plum Identity balances fraud detection and privacy protection using behavioral data.Jon's personal mission to help government fight fraud while safeguarding citizen privacy.The unique market validation and go-to-market strategy Plum Identity employs to sell into state and federal governments.Jon's advice for entrepreneurs, including the value of building a product with scalability and the importance of surrounding yourself with smart people.Connect with Jon Coss:  LinkedIn: Jon Coss  Plum Identity WebsiteGet Jon’s BookFor more information and insights into entrepreneurship in Sacramento, be sure to visit StartupSac.com.

On this episode of The StartupSac Podcast, host Josh David Miller, aka JDM, dives into the future of chocolate and coffee with Alan Perlstein, Founder of California Cultured. Alan shares how his innovative startup is tackling major environmental, social, and economic issues associated with traditional chocolate and coffee production using cutting-edge plant cell culture technology. Learn how California Cultured is creating sustainable, non-GMO chocolate and coffee that could revolutionize the market by eliminating deforestation, child labor, and toxic chemicals while maintaining the delicious flavors we all love. Plus, get the scoop on what’s next for this groundbreaking company. Learn how the future of your favorite treats are being crafted right here in Sacramento, CA!For more information and insights into entrepreneurship in Sacramento, be sure to visit startupsac.com.