Builders Live
Builders Live features conversations about ecosystem building and entrepreneur-led economic development. It explores how communities, investors, and founders work together to grow local economies. Episodes likely highlight practical strategies, leadership, and lessons from people building entrepreneurial ecosystems.
Episodes
How the Startup Week model is changing
Pittsburgh just completed its StartUp PGH event series, with fifteen partner organizations shifting their flagship annual events into a single coordinated week along with new programming. Since the 2010s, collaborative and distributed startup weeks like this have become one of the most prominent methods of ecosystem building — but are they still working?Technical.ly publisher and cofounder Chris W
Reimagining constitutional offices as drivers of entrepreneurship
West Virginia recently established the nation’s first Office of Entrepreneurship operating directly under a statewide elected official, rather than an embedded sub-agency. Secretary of State Kris Warner now spearheads the WV Office of Entrepreneurship, with more than 35 years as a small business owner, real estate developer, incubator owner, and entrepreneur himself. What makes this new office dif
The power and peril of tech unicorns: What works in supporting high-growth entrepreneurs
What's actually working in supporting high-growth entrepreneurs today, and how can regions help create the next tech unicorn? (And is that even the right goal?)Co-hosts Victor Hwang of Right to Start, venture investor Rae'Mah Henderson, Taylor Eubanks of BlendHQ and Technical.ly cofounder and publisher Christopher Wink discuss this and other trends in ecosystem building and entrepreneur-le
Can state-backed tech capital is fill the seed gap?
Over the past few years, traditional venture capital funds have increasingly moved up-market toward larger, later-stage rounds, leaving early-stage founders scrambling for initial checks. How are regional and public-private tech funds adapting to fill that widening seed-stage gap across the country? And how can ecosystem leaders balance the driving economic growth with the financial realities of e
Companies are getting smaller. What changes for economic development?
Companies are getting smaller. What does that mean for economic development? The median size of American firms has been declining for years, so are there better metrics to focus on than job growth? How do solopreneurs and "necessity entrepreneurs" fit into the picture? And how will AI impact this trend?Co-hosts Victor Hwang of Right to Start, venture investor Rae'Mah Henderson, Taylo
Why trust matters for regional economic growth
Imagine two communities with nearly identical physical assets, institutions, and tax incentives, but dramatically different economic outcomes. What causes the difference? Amy Holloway believes it's trust.Technical.ly CEO and cofounder Chris Wink is joined by Aha! Advisors president Amy Holloway for a conversation about how to build and measure trust in your ecosystem and the importance of soci
How to build state-level systems for innovation
Nationally, we’re seeing variation in when states are driving tech, science and entrepreneurship economic development, and when it’s primarily taking place at the regional ecosystem level. How does a state leader balance multiple ecosystems and regions with distinct needs?Technical.ly CEO and cofounder Chris Wink is joined by Louisiana Economic Development CIO Josh Fleig for a conversation about t
State strategies to support local ecosystems
Ecosystem building is coalition work, and there can be benefits and challenges to having a larger group of stakeholders. When does it make sense to take a statewide strategy as opposed to a regional one?Technical.ly CEO and cofounder Chris Wink is joined by Arizona Technology Council president & CEO Steven Zylstra for a conversation about what's changing about the tech council model and wh
Can you intentionally build an innovation ecosystem? Lessons from Research Triangle Park
Since joining the Research Triangle Foundation in 2017, Scott Levitan has overseen a transformation of the 7,000-acre Research Triangle Park including a mixed-use campus, coworking space and high-profile corporate investments. As the organization moves to implement its RTP 3.0 initiative, it announced a planned leadership transition, with Levitan set to retire in October. At this inflection point,
What's happening to our entry-level workers?
What's really happening with entry-level workers? If it continues to get more difficult to start a career, that could create pipeline issues in the future with fewer experienced workers. Is a degree still worth it for young professionals, and what impacts are AI and remote work having on the employment landscape?Co-hosts Victor Hwang of Right to Start, venture investor Rae'Mah Henderson, a
Greater Cleveland's "All In" plan for economic development
Greater Cleveland Partnership has an "All In" plan to help the region grow, bringing together private, public and philanthropic partners to achieve that goal. But what does real collaboration look like when you’re working with a variety of stakeholders who may all define success differently?Technical.ly CEO and cofounder Chris Wink is joined by Greater Cleveland Partnership president &am
The United States of Entrepreneurship
Ahead of the July 4th holiday and America's 250th anniversary, it's a special edition of our monthly podcast on ecosystem building and entrepreneur-led economic development where we examine the United States of Entrepreneurship.Our Builders Live co-hosts Victor Hwang of Right to Start, Taylor Eubanks of Midwest House and Christopher Wink, Technical.ly's cofounder and CEO, discuss what&
How entrepreneurship funding is changing
A lot of startup advice still assumes the goal is venture capital, but the funding landscape is changing for companies that want to grow but may not be chasing a unicorn-style outcome. How should founders, investors, economic development groups and entrepreneur support organizations operate when the definition of success includes profitability, founder control, job creation and community impact —
Are entrepreneurs discovered or developed?
There's no shortage of great entrepreneurs out there, but not all of them will gain traction and break through. When it comes to successful founders, what traits feel innate, and what traits can actually be coached? Can a startup become more investable because of how the founder responds to feedback? And should regions be spending more energy identifying hidden talent, or building the systems
Is storytelling the missing piece in ecosystem building?
So much of the work of ecosystem building can be invisible and intangible. Can storytelling help change that? What impact can storytelling have on economic development and how regional identities are shaped and evolve?Technical.ly CEO and cofounder Chris Wink is joined by Social Venturers founder Anika Horn for a conversation about her new book and lessons for founders and ecosystem builders.Recor
Philanthropy's role in economic development
What is philanthropy's role in economic development, and how can it make the most impact? Economic development has historically been government's job — incentives, tax policy, public investment. Where does philanthropy fit, and where does it overstep?Builders Live co-hosts Victor Hwang of Right to Start, venture investor Rae'Mah Henderson, Taylor Eubanks of Midwest House and Technical.
Entrepreneurship is the start of the American economy
Entrepreneurship in America is at a pivotal moment. While more people are starting businesses, a small sliver are growing big and fast and far more are not growing at all, with the middle hollowing out. As AI decentralizes the ability to start a company, how can policymakers and ecosystem leaders encourage new business formation while ensuring the gains don't all go to the firms with the most
Gen Z, AI and the new geography of entrepreneurship
As entrepreneurship becomes more accessible, the geography of where founders start companies is expanding. New data from LinkedIn shows Gen Z founder growth accelerating across nearly every major U.S. metro, often fastest outside traditional startup hubs, reflecting a move toward flexible “portfolio careers,” where networks, personal branding and digital tools are key.Technical.ly CEO and cofounde
Can entrepreneurship save the American soul? Live at the Technical.ly Builders Conference 2026
As the United States approaches its 250th birthday, this live recording in Philadelphia takes up a big question: why does entrepreneurship remain such a powerful American ideal — and what would it take for that ideal to mean more than branding, politics or founder mythology? With voices from policy, ecosystem building and investment, this conversation explores entrepreneurship as a source of agenc
Inside Louisiana’s plan to build 1000 new high-growth startups
Nexus Louisiana has a goal to create 1000 new local tech startups by 2035 — but how is the org working to achieve that? What can those in Louisiana do to help, and what should other states and ecosystems learn from this start?Technical.ly CEO and cofounder Chris Wink is joined by Nexus president and CEO Tony Zanders for a conversation about what it takes to bolster entrepreneurship and when it mak
Today's k-shaped economy of entrepreneurship
Is the American entrepreneurship economy becoming k-shaped? The current business incorporation boom does include many thriving companies, but also many "solopreneurs" who are earning less than their traditionally-employed peers. When we say entrepreneurship is booming, are we conflating two very different stories? Are we celebrating necessity entrepreneurship — people fleeing a broken la
Civic tech and AI in state government: risks and opportunities with New Jersey's CIO
In 2018, New Jersey launched the State Office of Innovation, which this January became codified in law as the New Jersey Innovation Authority — the first state to create a permanent Cabinet-level digital services team. During his time as CIO over the past two years, Dave Cole has worked to improve the lives of New Jersey residents through the use of data, collective intelligence, agile technology
AI, workforce and economic development with Maryland's Lt. Governor
Since becoming Maryland's Lieutenant Governor, Aruna Miller has focused on matters including transportation, mental health, STEM equity and more. With a background as a civil and transportation engineer, she has a unique perspective on how the government can influence economic growth and remove systemic barriers to opportunity.Technical.ly CEO and cofounder Chris Wink is joined by Maryland Lt.
Your ecosystem needs a system, not a hero
Many thriving ecosystems have long had one name and face attached to them — the person everyone credits with "making it happen." But is that a feature or a bug? When we celebrate ecosystem heroes, are we building something sustainable, or just setting ourselves up for a crisis when they move on?Builders Live co-hosts Victor Hwang of Right to Start, venture investor Rae'Mah Henderson,
The signal for local leaders inside the AI noise
As AI becomes increasingly prominent, the backlash grows along with it. How can tech leaders distinguish between productive skepticism and reactionary distrust, and how can they demonstrate AI's value while acknowledging rational criticisms?Technical.ly CEO and cofounder Chris Wink is joined by Kumar Garg of Renaissance Philanthropy for a conversation about how to balance AI-driven economic op
Why isn't entrepreneurship already the center of economic development?
If new businesses create most net new jobs, why isn’t entrepreneurship already the center of economic development? Is it really about economics — or more about politics and incentives?Builders Live co-hosts Victor Hwang of Right to Start, Brian Brackeen of Lightship Capital, Rae'Mah Henderson of Techstars and Technical.ly cofounder and CEO Chris Wink discuss entrepreneurship's place in eco
Delaware Governor Matt Meyer: How can small states build their own entrepreneurship ecosystems?
How does building an entrepreneurship ecosystem look different in small states compared to large ones? Does a small state's size allow for faster innovation, or does it limit scale?Technical.ly CEO and cofounder Chris Wink is joined by Delaware Governor Matt Meyer for a conversation about The First State's entrepreneurship strategy and lessons for economic development in communities of all
Does blockchain have value left to give?
What is the current state of blockchain beyond the hype? Where is it actually working today, and where is it still falling short?Technical.ly CEO and cofounder Chris Wink is joined by Karla Ballard of HUMN for a conversation about how blockchain can provide real-world value outside of speculation, what critics get right, and where they’re missing the point.Recorded February 4, 2026.
What the US Semiquincentennial means for entrepreneurship
With 2026 marking the US Semiquincentennial, what does this anniversary mean for entrepreneurship? Does this milestone matter, and how can ecosystem leaders around the country use it to refocus on enabling the American Dream?Builders Live co-hosts Victor Hwang of Right to Start, Brian Brackeen of Lightship Capital, Rae'Mah Henderson of Techstars and Technical.ly cofounder and CEO Chris Wink di
Bonus Episode: A Preview of Entrepreneur Ecosystems in 2026
What does 2026 have in store for entrepreneur ecosystems around the US?Technical.ly CEO and cofounder Chris Wink is joined by Sherrod Davis of EcoMap for a conversation about trends and lessons from 2025 and predictions for the new year, informed by Technical.ly's newly updated Innovation Ecosystems Map.Recorded January 8, 2026.
Episode 12: The year in innovation ecosystems
Looking back on the year, what is the story of ecosystem building from 2025? What worked and what are the lessons for 2026?Builders Live co-hosts Victor Hwang of Right to Start, Brian Brackeen of Lightship Capital, Rae'Mah Henderson of Techstars and Technical.ly cofounder and CEO Chris Wink discuss the year in entrepreneur-led, place-based economic development across the country, and dive into
Bonus Episode: How founders give back to their ecosystems
Many founders would not have become successful without the support of other experienced founders, but are current entrepreneurs still interested in fueling the generation that follows them? How has founder behavior changed when it comes to mentoring, angel investing or staying connected locally?Technical.ly CEO and cofounder Chris Wink is joined by Chris Heivly of Build the Fort for a conversation
Bonus Episode: What makes healthcare different for entrepreneurs and investors
Healthcare and life sciences are more highly regulated than other industries, and navigating that complex landscape can pose unique challenges for entrepreneurs and investors.Technical.ly CEO and cofounder Chris Wink is joined by Kathie Jordan of Ben Franklin Technology Partners for a conversation about how founding and investing in healthcare companies differs from other businesses, the tension b
Episode 11: AI and local entrepreneurship
Builders Live co-hosts Victor Hwang of Right to Start, Brian Brackeen of Lightship Capital, Rae'Mah Henderson of Techstars and Technical.ly cofounder and CEO Chris Wink discuss how artificial intelligence intersects with entrepreneurship — especially at the local and regional ecosystem level — and whether AI will empower a new generation of entrepreneurs or reinforce incumbent advantages.Recor
Bonus Episode: Insights from a new report on regional innovation economies
The Nasdaq Entrepreneurial Center just released its 2025 Advancing Regional Innovation Economies report, examining how policy, practice and markets expand access to venture capital and growth finance for entrepreneurs from emerging markets.Technical.ly CEO and cofounder Chris Wink is joined by Nicola Corzine of the NEC for a conversation about takeaways from the report and what entrepreneurs, poli
Bonus Episode: The university’s changing role as startup accelerators
Universities have long been involved in translating research into products and companies, and that's become a large part of regional innovation ecosystems. But what can schools do better to more effectively bring discoveries to market?Technical.ly editorial director Danya Henninger is joined by Ben Dibling of the Penn Center for Innovation and Karina Sotnik of WorldUpstart for a conversation a
Bonus Episode: When do accelerators actually work?
Modern accelerator programs have used a variety of methods to support startups over the past two decades — but what's the most effective way to help entrepreneurs scale? How can founders know when they're getting real traction instead of innovation theater?Technical.ly CEO and cofounder Chris Wink is joined by Heath Naquin of the University City Science Center for a conversation about how
Episode 10: Data Centers
Builders Live co-hosts Victor Hwang of Right to Start, Brian Brackeen of Lightship Capital, Rae'Mah Henderson of Techstars and Technical.ly cofounder and CEO Chris Wink discuss how different regions are approaching data centers, the environmental and community implications of these massive projects and how ecosystem builders can navigate between welcoming innovation and avoiding exploitation.R
Bonus Episode: What it means for a startup to be “investor-ready”
How can a founder know they're ready to pursue capital, and how can they maximize their chances of successfully finding investors?Technical.ly CEO and cofounder Chris Wink is joined by Anthony Millin of NEXT powered by Shulman Rogers for a conversation about what it actually means to be "investor-ready" — beyond the pitch deck.Recorded October 8, 2025.
Bonus Episode: How the word for "entrepreneur" has changed over time
When you hear the word "entrepreneur," what comes to mind? It can be a pretty broad term, meaning different things depending on who's using it and when. So how do orgs working to support entrepreneurs deal with those differences and how the concept has changed over time?Technical.ly CEO and cofounder Chris Wink is joined by Maria Meyers of SourceLink for a conversation about the hist
Bonus Episode: Ecosystem building in Louisiana's energy future
What does it take to mobilize an ecosystem around a common goal? The Future Use of Energy in Louisiana (FUEL) coalition is doing just that, bringing together stakeholders from business, government, and education to drive Louisiana’s energy and economic future by powering innovation through research, workforce, policy, and technology development.Technical.ly CEO and cofounder Chris Wink is joined b
Episode 9: Housing’s impact on entrepreneurship
Builders Live co-hosts Victor Hwang of Right to Start, Brian Brackeen of Lightship Capital, Rae'Mah Henderson of Techstars and and Technical.ly cofounder and CEO Chris Wink discuss how rising housing costs affect workforce, entrepreneurship and startup ecosystems.Recorded September 24, 2025.
Bonus Episode: What's changing about how entrepreneurs are forming new businesses?
Post-pandemic, entrepreneurship is up by many measures. With recent changes in regulation and compliance, what's different now about how entrepreneurs are forming new businesses?Technical.ly CEO and cofounder Chris Wink is joined by Kurt Simmons, Jr. and Daniel Krolikowski, partners at Withum, on how founders can navigate updates to QSBS, Section 83, accredited-investor rules and more.Recorded
Episode 8: Parent Entrepreneurship
Builders Live co-hosts Victor Hwang of Right to Start, Brian Brackeen of Lightship Capital, Maria Underwood of TechBirmingham and and Technical.ly cofounder and CEO Chris Wink discuss the challenges and opportunities of being both an entrepreneur and a parent, how parenting responsibilities intersect with professional and startup life, and broader dynamics of how the U.S. workplace treats parents,
Bonus Episode: Insights from the Global Startup Ecosystem Report
The recently-released 2025 Global Startup Ecosystem Report provides a comprehensive analysis of the current state of startup ecosystems worldwide. What are the takeaways for entrepreneurs, investors, policymakers and other stakeholders?Technical.ly CEO and cofounder Chris Wink is joined by Jonathan Ortmans, Founder & President of Global Entrepreneurship Network, for a conversation on trends an
Bonus Episode: How can the post-pandemic entrepreneurship boom continue?
We've seen an entrepreneurship boom post-pandemic, especially among women and people of color. How do we both acknowledge and celebrate that progress, while setting up our next goals for the economy? Technical.ly CEO and cofounder Chris Wink is joined by Elizabeth Gore, cofounder and president of Hello Alice, for a conversation on trends in small business ownership, capital access and more.Rec
Bonus Episode: What Pittsburgh solving a garbage truck problem can teach about better government services
Technical.ly CEO and cofounder Chris Wink is joined by Geoff Webster of Pittsburgh Futures Collaborative and Jake Pawlak, Deputy Mayor & Director Office of Management and Budget for the City of Pittsburgh for a conversation on how civil servants and elected officials can improve outcomes through design thinking.Recorded June 11, 2025
Bonus Episode: How to decide where to found a startup
What factors go into an entrepreneur's decision on where to live and work, and how can regions attract more founders and companies? Technical.ly CEO and cofounder Chris Wink is joined by Ryan Touhill, director of Arlington Economic Development, to discuss how trends in remote work, geographically-tied industry specialization and more are affecting local economies and ecosystem growth.Recorded
Bonus Episode: What worked (and what didn’t) in Philly economic development
What do recent exits and tech job trends indicate about Philadelphia's economic development, and how does the city compare with other regions around the country? Technical.ly CEO and cofounder Chris Wink is joined by Scott Nissenbaum of Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Southeastern Pennsylvania for a conversation on what has and hasn't worked so far — and what Philadelphia needs to do n
Episode 7: The politicization of higher education and its impact on innovation
Builders Live co-hosts Victor Hwang of Right to Start, Brian Brackeen of Lightship Capital and Technical.ly cofounder and CEO Chris Wink discuss the role of universities in innovation, legal and political challenges facing higher education institutions, and what the current climate means for scientific progress, especially at smaller or regional institutions.Recorded July 23, 2025
Bonus Episode: Inside entrepreneurship's shift of economic development
Is the ecosystem building community a passing trend or a lasting change, and what's different about the climate for entrepreneurship now? Technical.ly cofounder and CEO Chris Wink is joined by Rob Williams of SourceLink for a conversation on the past, present and future of ecosystem building and entrepreneurship-led economic development.Recorded May 14, 2025
Bonus Episode: The State of Civic Technology Now
Technical.ly CEO and cofounder Chris Wink is joined by Christopher Whitaker, executive director of the Alliance of Civic Technologists for a conversation about civic tech and benefiting the public good.Recorded April 14, 2025
Bonus Episode: Unveiling new tools for Ecosystem Builders from EcoMap
Technical.ly cofounder and CEO Chris Wink is joined by Sherrod Davis, CEO of EcoMap Technologies, to discuss the evolution of the concept of "ecosystem building," how EcoMap's new tool can help, and what's next for economic development organizations.Recorded April 2, 2025.
Episode 6: Optimism, Entrepreneurship and the American Dream
Co-hosts Victor Hwang of Right to Start, Brian Brackeen of Lightship Capital, Maria Underwood of TechBirmingham and Technical.ly cofounder and CEO Chris Wink discuss entrepreneurship and the American dream, including how local entrepreneurial ecosystems are shaped by regional culture, politics and resources, and the importance (and challenges) of maintaining optimism in community building and star
Episode 5: Pro-entrepreneur policies for state and local government
Co-hosts Victor Hwang of Right to Start, Brian Brackeen of Lightship Capital and Technical.ly cofounder and CEO Chris Wink discuss government policies to support entrepreneurship, including guidance from Right to Start's Field Guides for Policymakers.Recorded May 28, 2025.
Episode 4: How much should ecosystems chase capital?
Co-hosts Victor Hwang of Right to Start, Maria Underwood of Moxi, Brian Brackeen of Lightship Capital and Technical.ly cofounder and CEO Chris Wink debate whether regions should chase capital for their entrepreneurs and how to build momentum for regional innovation, plus the importance of local engagement and support networks to create opportunities for founders.Recorded April 23, 2025.
Episode 3: What’s different about rural ecosystem building
Co-hosts Victor Hwang of Right to Start, Maria Underwood of Moxi, and Technical.ly cofounder and CEO Chris Wink discuss challenges and opportunities in rural entrepreneurship, the impact of density and urban planning on business growth, and the role of community organizers in fostering startup culture.Recorded March 26, 2025.
Episode 2: How local ecosystem builders navigate national politics
Co-hosts Brian Brackeen of Lightship Capital, Victor Hwang of Right to Start, and Technical.ly cofounder and CEO Chris Wink discuss strategies in local ecosystem building for entrepreneurs and technologists, plus the impacts of federal funding freezes and attacks on DEI initiatives.
Episode 1: Introducing Our New Podcast Format
The first episode of our new monthly podcast features co-hosts Victor Hwang of Right to Start, Brian Brackeen of Lightship Capital, Maija Ehlinger of Hypepotamus and Chris Wink, Technical.ly's cofounder and CEO, discussing the intersection of entrepreneurship and economic development, and how national trends impact local communities.
Recorded January 22, 2025.
Builders Live: Introducing Our New Podcast Format
Join us for the launch and first episode of our new monthly podcast on ecosystem building and entrepreneur-led economic development featuring co-hosts Victor Hwang of Right to Start, Brian Brackeen of Lightship Capital, Maija Ehlinger of Hypepotamus and our own Chris Wink, Technical.ly's cofounder and CEO.
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