In this episode of The Innovators & Investors Podcast, host Kristian Marquez sits down with David Brem, Managing Director of the University of Michigan’s Zell Lurie Commercialization Fund. David offers a rare glimpse into the inner workings of a student-led endowment fund focused on early-stage, sector-agnostic investments primarily in the Michigan ecosystem. He shares insights on their unique, founder-first investment approach, how they navigate pre-seed to Series A venture opportunities, and the rigorous due diligence process involving qualitative analysis over pure numbers. David also discusses his roles with global VC networks including Electro Ventures, the London Venture Capital Network, and Level Up Ventures, illustrating how he bridges U.S., European, and Australian venture ecosystems with a special focus on mobility and transportation tech. Highlights include deep dives into emerging trends like eVTOLs (electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft), smart city infrastructure, and safety innovations in aviation technology. Listeners will gain valuable perspectives on how diverse expertise—from military intelligence and management consulting to academic ventures—shapes David’s investment thesis and community-building efforts. The episode also explores the importance of networking, adding value in the startup ecosystem, and practical advice for aspiring investors or entrepreneurs navigating the venture capital world. With stories of successes, challenges, and future outlooks, this episode is a must-listen for innovators, founders, and investors aiming to understand the intersection of academia, technology, and venture capital in today’s dynamic landscape. Learn more about David's work at https://zli.umich.edu/zell-lurie-commercialization-fund/ Connect with David on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-lowell-brem/ Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply at https://finstratmgmt.com/innovators-investors-podcast/ Want to learn more about Kristian Marquez's work? Check out his website at https://finstratmgmt.com…
One of the first steps towards understanding Mental Health is realising that it is as important as every other illness. Treat it as important, reach out - to help others, as well as to ask for help from others.
Self isolation is not easy and can drive you to the point of insanity. So how do you keep your mind from playing tricks on you while not tiring yourself out?
Staying isolated is the safest thing to do for you and your loved ones, But, just because we've locked ourselves in, doesn't mean we need to lock the world out.
To all those who are turning 30, celebrate! Not because you're turning older but because your age deserves to be celebrated just like you. We've been conditioned to believe that somehow by the time we're 30, we should be married with kids. But, marriage and children are not the benchmarks of being happy nor wise. Age has nothing to do with finding happiness or discovering ourselves. So don't let 'social' constructs of age determine your happiness. Go cut that cake, eat it and celebrate your age!…
Most people are afraid of being alone because they're afraid of discovering who they are when no one is around. But, once you learn to be alone, you learn to love yourself just the way you are. Being alone is being your best friend. To be alone is to be free. And it's about time we learned to live freely.…
Yet another New Year. Just going to be as shitty as the last year, and the one before, right? But, what if you've been looking at it the wrong way? What if this year could be good for you? Just like the last year was, and the one before it was? It's a matter of perspective, really. Just, hear me out.…
Life is hard. And it has a way of getting to you. But, even though you may not want to wake up in the morning, or jump over the edge, don't give up just yet. You have something worth holding on to. Remember, the only way out of the darkness is through bit.
We were taught that silence is golden. But today, silence isn't golden. It means you didn't take a stand. Silence means you let someone get away with inflicting pain on someone else. Stop being silent and stand for something that goes beyond your pride, ego, religion, caste and class. Stand for something and/or someone and I promise you won't stand alone.…
Your faith can help you manifest your own reality. It could save you, and if it's strong enough, it could save someone else. The stronger your faith, the better the outcome. And while it's easy to keep the faith when things are going well. But, your real test is how you keep your faith when you're playing against the odds. So, do you have faith?…
Ever wondered why you say you're okay even when you're not okay? It's because we're conditioned to do so. Learn to use the three magic words, 'I'm Not Okay' because sometimes, others need to know that you're not feeling fine.
Thanks to social media and Influencer culture, we think self care is about face masks and mani-pedis. But, real self care is brutal. And nobody has to get it, except you. Don't compare your self care with the one you see in magazines and posts. That's a product being sold to you. Real self care is like a system shut down and reset. Learn the difference.…
Nothing is ever too smal to be insignificant. Even the Earth may be just a tiny blue dot in this expansive Universe. But, look at the amount of life on this tiny little planet. Next time you're about to dismiss something as unimportant, remember that even a butterfly can change the world.
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