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…
Welcome to the Stine Seedcast feed. This is the only podcast dedicated to everything Stine Seed Company. In this biweekly show, our host, David Thompson, sits down with Stine company leaders, grower customers, agronomists, partners, and special guests from around the country to discuss all the ways that Stine maximizes yield potential. Make sure to tune in every other week to find out exactly why Stine has yield. Social media: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StineSeed Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stineseedco/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/StineSeed
Welcome to the Stine Seedcast feed. This is the only podcast dedicated to everything Stine Seed Company. In this biweekly show, our host, David Thompson, sits down with Stine company leaders, grower customers, agronomists, partners, and special guests from around the country to discuss all the ways that Stine maximizes yield potential. Make sure to tune in every other week to find out exactly why Stine has yield. Social media: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StineSeed Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stineseedco/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/StineSeed