Chicago Techies Podcast

On the latest episode of the Chicago Techies Podcast, we sit down with Al Lagunas, founder and CEO of Levee, to hear his journey from Amazon to launching a startup that is transforming the hospitality industry. Levee helps hotels boost efficiency and support their teams by streamlining inspections, inventory, and task management all in one easy-to-use platform. Al opens up about his journey, the realities of entrepreneurship, the pressure to show quick results, the grind of building from the ground up, and the importance of hard work, networking, and mentorship. We discuss finding the right balance between building a strong business foundation and connecting with investors, as well as the challenges of raising capital without traditional credentials. Al also shares Levee’s vision for the future, all with a mission to empower frontline workers through impactful technology. 🎧 Listen now on your favorite podcast platform  Spotify: https://lnkd.in/gmreYTdg Apple Podcasts: https://lnkd.in/g2z_bguR 

This week on the podcast, we sat down with Nisha Kishore founder & CEO of FitKind™, a holistic fitness app creating a future where wellness is inclusive, identity-affirming, and trauma-aware. Nisha shared her journey as a queer woman of color in the fitness industry, and how her lived experiences sparked the vision for FitKind. She spoke candidly about: ✨ The challenges underestimated founders face ✨ Biases that persist in the startup world ✨ Building a team creatively under financial constraints ✨ The role Chicago’s community has played in FitKind’s evolution It’s an inspiring conversation about resilience, community, and rethinking what wellness can be when everyone truly has a seat at the table. 🎧 Listen now on your favorite podcast platform! Spotify: https://lnkd.in/gzFtQvgm Apple Podcasts:  https://lnkd.in/gCZ57mdT Special Note from FitKind: We’re actively seeking pilot partners with colleges, mental health organizations, therapists, and trauma-informed healthcare providers. If you have connections, we’d be so grateful for any intros. We’re also looking for inclusive coaches in yoga, Pilates, HIIT, dance, and cardio. If you’re interested or know someone who is we’d love to hear from you! 📩 Reach us at hello@joinfitkind.com

This week on the Chicago Techies Podcast, we had an inspiring conversation with Manuela Zoninsein, Founder and CEO of Kadeya, the world’s first closed-loop beverage system and the only packaged solution that eliminates waste while costing the same as, or less than, single-use alternatives. We explore how Manuela’s multilingual, bicultural background shaped Kadeya’s unique identity and why embracing ecological constraints can spark groundbreaking, market-defining business models. She also shares her founder journey, from securing funding to navigating Chicago’s cautious yet supportive startup ecosystem. Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur or simply curious about sustainable innovation, you’ll gain actionable insights on spotting everyday problems and transforming them into thriving ventures. 🎧 Listen now on your favorite podcast platform! Spotify: https://lnkd.in/grW5C5NC Apple Podcasts: https://lnkd.in/gw77W97t 

This week on the Chicago Techies Podcast we’re speaking with Morgan Abraham, co-founder of smoodi, the self-serve, smoothie store-in-a-box that’s reimagining how we access healthy beverages on the go. 🥤💡 Morgan dives deep into the realities of building a startup from the ground up: from navigating complex funding rounds to making bold strategic decisions. What makes Smoodi even more impressive? They’ve built everything in-house software, hardware, and even their supply chain. Now, as Smoodi expands its reach, Morgan has relocated to #Chicago to lead growth in the region. He shares why Chicago stood out as the ideal next step: a thriving startup ecosystem, incredible local support, and most exciting the potential of Smoodi’s first machine in the city, with more already in the suburbs. Tune in to hear how Smoodi is scaling smart, staying healthy, and shaking up the vending game. 🎧 Listen now on your favorite podcast platform: Spotify: https://lnkd.in/gYHpFTN7 Apple Podcasts: https://lnkd.in/gAi2yrJ2

🎙️ This Week on the Chicago Techies Podcast! We sit down with Omar Hernandez, founder and CEO of ONEBIT, an AI-powered financial management app built to support small business owners by delivering real-time, data-driven insights into their sales and expenses, all through a mobile-friendly platform. Inspired by the challenges faced by local businesses in Chicago’s Pilsen neighborhood, Omar set out to create a tool that helps entrepreneurs better manage cash flow, optimize sales, and reduce operational costs. In this episode, Omar opens up about: * The personal story behind ONEBIT’s mission * Navigating the early startup journey * The power of perseverance, teamwork, and diversity * Pivoting from bold ideas to focused solutions * Plans for expansion into the Latin American market 💡 Whether you're an aspiring founder or a seasoned #entrepreneur, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss. 🎧 Listen now on your favorite #podcast platform: Spotify: https://lnkd.in/gM95UsKD Apple Podcasts: https://lnkd.in/gPG4iPwC

On our latest episode of the Chicago Techies Podcast we sat down with the incredible Meghan Doyle, founder & CEO of Partum Health. Rooted in her lived experience and healthcare expertise, Megan set out to redesign maternal care from the ground up. From addressing gaps in breastfeeding and mental health support to tackling alarming statistics of maternal mortality and racial disparities, Megan's vision is reshaping the landscape for mothers everywhere.  Her founder story is a powerful example of staying mission-driven, using feedback as fuel, and building a company that centers real human needs. 👩⚕️ Whether you're a new parent, healthcare provider, or simply passionate about tech and impact, this episode is for you. 🎧 Listen to the full episode on your favorite podcast player.   Spotify:  https://lnkd.in/gezjuu5A  Apple: https://lnkd.in/g5cBYbX5

In this week’s episode of the Chicago Techies Podcast, we sit down with Craig Silver, CEO and co-founder of Sous, a platform that connects people with personal chefs for in-home dining experiences. Craig shares his entrepreneurial journey, from early ambitions to launching Sous, offering honest insights into startup growth strategies. We discuss the importance of building and iterating quickly, even when things aren’t perfect, as well as the challenges of securing funding. Our conversation highlights the value of strong industry connections and learning from entrepreneurial communities, all while offering a fresh perspective on what it really means to innovate in the world of food and personal dining experiences. Give it a listen,  whether you’re into food, startups, or just want to hear what it’s really like to build something from scratch. 🎧 Listen to the full episode on your favorite podcast player. Spotify:  https://lnkd.in/gCSi6P_f Apple: https://lnkd.in/gV5QWRmH

Season 4 kicks off with a powerful conversation featuring Jill Miller, Founder and CEO of Lunum. After witnessing the lack of diversity across America’s industrial landscape, Jill set out to rewrite the narrative. Her journey from factory floor automation to founding Lunum,  a platform that helps companies make smarter, more strategic investments in their people to improve overall performance is one of grit, vision, and purpose. In this candid conversation, Jill reflects on the realities of navigating bias as a female founder in Chicago’s startup scene. From the power of authentic networking to the disconnect between coaching and venture capital, she unpacks the mental and emotional weight of entrepreneurship and why prioritizing well-being is key. It’s a powerful start to the season you won’t want to miss. Whether you're a founder, builder, or just curious about the people reshaping tech, this episode sets the tone for a season of real talk and meaningful insight. 🎧 Listen to the full episode on your favorite podcast player. Spotify:  https://lnkd.in/gy8MRKMA Apple: https://lnkd.in/guzkf3H6

🎙️ Alright friends — we’re doing something different this year at the Chicago Techies Podcast! Instead of only picking our own lineup, we want to hear from YOU: 👉 Who should we feature on the show this year? We’re looking for diverse, inspiring startup founders building incredible things in tech — only caveat is that they HAVE to be based in =Chicago. 🚀 Know someone building something cool? 🎧 Want to hear their story on the podcast? Tag them below or DM us — we’re building out our guest list now!

We are thrilled to bring you the season three finale of the Chicago Techies Podcast featuring Sarah Blythe, CEO & Co-Founder of Mercurial AI, a company dedicated to generating personalized treatment options for breast cancer patients. 🎙️❤️🩹 In this episode, we delve into Sarah's unique journey from nurse to founder and CEO. She shares how her skills from the operating room translate into startup leadership, emphasizing the critical roles of prioritization, teamwork, situational awareness, and anticipation. 🩺💡🌟 Join us as we debunk common misconceptions about technology in healthcare, explore the realities of tech adoption among physicians, and discuss the challenges and impact of leading a mission-driven startup.🎧✨   Spotify:  https://lnkd.in/g5FwGFFv Apple: https://lnkd.in/gDX5AXwS