Episode 1160: Navigating the Complexities of Funding Innovation with Emily Dinu

Are you ready to invest in sectors that are shaping the future, but often overlooked by traditional VCs?   In this episode of Sharkpreneur, Seth Greene speaks with Emily Dinu, founder of Numinous Capital, who shares her journey of building a venture capital firm that focuses on long-term, high-impact investments in overlooked industries such as defense tech, biotech, and energy. With a patient capital approach and an emphasis on visionaries, Emily is driving innovation in sectors with significant growth potential. Join us as she discusses the challenges and opportunities of funding unconventional ventures that can bring about real, lasting change.   Key Takeaways: → The importance of non-dilutive funding and pacing capital for long-term growth. → Understanding the differences between typical software startups and more complex, scientific ventures. → Why it’s crucial to approach investment with a mindset focused on exit, not just growth. → The challenge of helping entrepreneurs pitch their vision as a company, not a science project. → How becoming a successful entrepreneur requires more than charisma.   Emily Dinu is the Founding Partner of Numinous Capital, an early-stage venture firm that supports founders who address generational challenges with intelligence, boldness, and precision, especially in overlooked markets like the American South and along the coasts. Her career started in operations, where she built companies and tackled issues others had neglected. Today, she invests in companies that create jobs, push the boundaries of possibility, and challenge complacent capital. Numinous' philosophy is based on strategic advantages and economic renewal. Emily believes the strongest returns come from those underestimated by the market but proven in execution.   Connect With Emily: Website   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What happens when a simple, innovative idea becomes a $55 million business?   In this episode of Sharkpreneur, Kevin Harrington and Seth Greene speak with Kris Dehnert, the founder of Dugout Mugs, who shares the incredible story of turning a baseball bat into one of the coolest and most successful drinking mugs in the world. From scaling the business by triple digits to leveraging unique customer acquisition strategies, Kris walks us through his journey of success, challenges, and growth. He also reveals how he diversified the product line and the lessons learned along the way, building a brand that is now a household name in the sports industry.   Key Takeaways: → The importance of focusing on the right metrics, like customer experience. → Creative strategies for gaining customers through email and text messaging. → The role of feedback and customer insight in shaping product offerings and business direction. → How to build a brand with strong customer service and high engagement. → Why creating a lifestyle business gives entrepreneurs freedom to travel and enjoy life.   Kris Dehnert is the CEO and owner of Dugout Mugs®, a company that makes unique, MLB-licensed products for baseball fans. He is also the founder of Dehnert Media Group and a seasoned entrepreneur with over 15 years of experience in various industries, including real estate, apparel, hard goods, and affiliate marketing. With a focus on e-commerce and social media, Kris has generated over $65 million in online sales. At Dehnert Media, he advises businesses on improving their sales, marketing, eCommerce, and social media strategies, emphasizing fun, efficient systems and maximizing time and network value.   Kris also runs Bigg Golf, a venture dedicated to manufacturing innovative golf products. Kris is passionate about finding businesses with potential and helping them thrive with his expertise and vision.   Connect With Kris:   Dugout Mugs Denhert Media Group Bigg Golf Instagram X Facebook   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In a world of constant change, understanding consumer behavior and using innovative tools like AI and neuroscience is essential for staying ahead in marketing.   In this episode of Sharkpreneur, Seth Greene speaks with Alexandra Michelle Gonzalez, founder of Savvy Marketers, who shares her extensive knowledge gained over 30 years in the marketing industry. From her time at Johnson & Johnson to leading a successful marketing firm, Alexandra now focuses on helping businesses navigate uncertainty using AI, neuroscience, and consumer insights. Her company utilizes a proprietary AI model to identify emotions, sentiments, and cultural nuances that influence business decisions, enabling them to deliver greater value.   Key Takeaways: → How Savvy Marketers helps clients understand consumer behaviors with AI and neuroscience. → Why staying resilient and proactive during uncertain times is critical. → How understanding consumer needs and wants drives better communication and marketing strategies. → Savvy Marketers provides practical and cost-effective solutions for businesses looking to leverage AI and data for growth. → Savvy Marketers use a customer-centric approach that combines research, innovation, and creative problem-solving.   Alexandra Gonzalez is an award-winning entrepreneur, global marketer, and relentless innovator with over 25 years of experience. In 2012, after the birth of her premature identical twins, she founded Savvy Marketers to create a marketing firm that transforms businesses, brands, and teams, unlocking breakthrough growth in their markets. As the leader of Savvy Marketers, Alexandra provides strategic guidance to top executives on areas such as strategic planning, category expansion, new product innovation, and operational excellence. She has driven growth and innovation across industries including private equity, healthcare, and food. Alexandra holds an MBA from Harvard's Executive Business Program and a certification in design thinking from Stanford University. Outside of work, she is actively involved in charitable and civic boards, including the March of Dimes, and is a passionate advocate for premature babies and women's health.   Connect With Alexandra: Website Instagram Facebook LinkedIn   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Looking to scale your business while staying ahead of the competition? Discover how one entrepreneur turned a simple idea into a rapidly growing global business with smart strategies and innovations.   In this episode of Sharkpreneur, Seth Greene speaks with Arno Vis, founder of OpenProvider, who has built a global business specializing in wholesale domain registrations. With a team of over 100 members across 26 countries, Arno shares how he grew his business by offering unique membership pricing and focusing on automation and AI. He discusses his entrepreneurial journey, the power of forecasting, and how emphasizing team culture and innovation has led to OpenProvider’s success.   Key Takeaways: → The role of forecasting in business strategy and cash flow management. → How AI and automation can streamline operations and improve efficiency. → How cultural diversity in a remote team can impact business growth. → How learning from failure can help shape business success. → The importance of understanding customer needs in a competitive market.   Arno Vis has over 30 years of experience in building successful businesses, including Hosting Concepts, Openprovider, and Procys. Born and raised in the Netherlands, he currently resides in Barcelona, Spain.   Connect With Arno: Website Instagram X Facebook LinkedIn   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Struggling to gain financial clarity in your business? Discover how strategic financial insights can transform your company’s future.   In this episode of Sharkpreneur, Seth Greene speaks with Natalia Zacharin, founder of Zacharin Consulting, a company that specializes in helping entrepreneurs build profitable and resilient businesses. Natalia explains the vital role of fractional CFO services, how business owners can avoid costly financial mistakes, and why forecasting is key to achieving long-term success. Her consulting firm offers essential tools and strategies for business owners looking to manage their financial future effectively.   Key Takeaways: → The importance of having a fractional CFO for financial clarity. → Why many business owners fail to leverage their financial data effectively. → The value of tracking revenue metrics and cash flow for sustainability → How a strong company culture and the right hiring process support business success. → How the key to business growth is consistent financial analysis and planning.   Natalia Zacharin is the founder of Zacharin Consulting, an elite accounting firm dedicated to empowering business owners to take control of their financial health and build resilient enterprises. After years of experience with various firms, she launched Zacharin Consulting in 2019, combining her expertise with a passion for helping entrepreneurs succeed. Under Natalia’s leadership, the firm has evolved into more than just an accounting service; it offers strategic bookkeeping, remote CFO services, and financial intelligence programs that provide clarity and direction for businesses. Natalia’s approach emphasizes personalized service, adaptability, and a deep understanding of her clients’ unique challenges, establishing her as a trusted advisor in an ever-changing economic environment. Her work reflects a commitment to fostering growth and resilience in businesses navigating the complexities of entrepreneurship.   Connect With Natalia: Website Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

ADHD doesn't need to hinder entrepreneurial success. Discover how to harness your unique strengths and transform chaos into opportunity.   In this episode of Sharkpreneur, Seth Greene speaks with Skye Waterson, an ADHD strategist and founder of Unconventional Organisation. Skye specializes in helping entrepreneurs, executives, and business owners embrace their ADHD strengths, such as creativity and problem-solving, while implementing systems to stay focused and avoid burnout. Additionally, Skye shares how to build customized systems that not only manage ADHD but also fuel business growth and success.   Key Takeaways: → Common misconceptions about ADHD management for business owners. → Understanding the connection between ADHD and entrepreneurial success. → The importance of customizing business systems to fit ADHD strengths. → The role of dopamine and focus in managing ADHD for productivity. → How to build clarity, confidence, and balance in business with ADHD strategies.   Skye Waterson is an ADHD strategist and the founder of Unconventional Organisation, a multi-six-figure business that helps entrepreneurs turn their ADHD into their greatest asset. When Skye was diagnosed with ADHD during her PhD, she realized that mainstream productivity advice didn't work for her. So, she took matters into her own hands—researching, testing, and perfecting strategies that truly help. Today, she equips coaches, consultants, founders, and executives with the same ADHD-friendly systems.   Connect With Skye: Website Instagram Facebook LinkedIn   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Thinking of selling your business? Discover key strategies for pricing, preparation, and attracting the right buyers to ensure a smooth and successful transaction.   In this episode of Sharkpreneur, Seth Greene speaks with David Barnett, a seasoned business transaction advisor and author who shares his extensive expertise in the small and mid-market business sale process. As the creator of popular programs like How to Sell My Own Business, David helps entrepreneurs navigate the complexities of business valuation and sales. In this episode, he discusses common pricing mistakes, the importance of seller empathy, and how to prepare your business for a successful sale.   Key Takeaways: → How overpricing a business can repel the right buyers. → Key factors to consider when determining the right time to sell. → The difference between strategic buyers and individual entrepreneurs. → Why most small businesses are sold to individual buyers, not private equity groups. → How seller empathy can help adjust expectations and improve deal outcomes.   David Barnett, BBA, CMEA, is a seasoned expert in small and medium-sized enterprises, with over two decades of experience in business development, commercial debt solutions, and business brokerage. A graduate of the Williams School of Business at Bishop's University and the Electronic Commerce Management Program at UNBSJ, David has built a strong foundation in understanding the challenges entrepreneurs face. His career spans roles as a major account representative at Yellow Pages, a successful small business owner, and the founder of Advantage Liquidity Partners Ltd. He later became a Certified Business Intermediary and a Certified Machinery/Equipment Appraiser. As the author of several best-selling books, including How to Sell My Own Business, David now works with entrepreneurs globally, helping them buy, sell, and manage their businesses for growth and success.   Connect With David: Website Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Discover how one startup is transforming the trillion-dollar housing industry by mass-producing foldable homes that ship like furniture and build like Legos.   In this episode of Sharkpreneur, Seth Greene speaks with Galiano Tiramani, the founder and CEO of Boxabl, who shares how his revolutionary foldable housing concept is disrupting the construction industry. Under his leadership, Boxabl has achieved unicorn status, raised over $200 million from 50,000 investors, and received endorsements from figures like Elon Musk. In this conversation, Galiano reveals how scalable design, factory-built homes, and viral crowdfunding are transforming the future of affordable housing worldwide.   Key Takeaways: → How factory-built homes could transform the future of affordable housing. → Why folding houses may be the key to solving the global housing crisis. → How regulatory roadblocks can slow innovation and how to overcome them. → What it takes to scale a physical product at startup speed. → Uncover the future of customizable, quickly built housing communities.   Galiano Tiramani is the Founder and CMO of BOXABL. Under his leadership and brilliant marketing strategies, BOXABL has raised over $170 million from more than 40,000 individual investors. With a successful startup pedigree under his belt, including a cryptocurrency ATM network and a Cannabis startup, Galiano has placed BOXABL at the forefront of disrupting the housing industry. With over 190,000 pre-orders* and notable celebrity endorsements from Elon Musk and many more, Galiano has helped turn BOXABL into a $3 billion unicorn.   Connect With Galiano: Website Instagram Instagram YouTube Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ready to break free from the grind and build wealth on your own terms? Discover how to create low-risk, high-reward passive income streams that lead to true financial freedom.   In this episode of Sharkpreneur, Seth Greene speaks with Justin Donald, #1 Wall Street Journal bestselling author of "The Lifestyle Investor" and host of the top-ranked "Lifestyle Investor Podcast." He shares how he built a life of freedom through low-risk, high-reward cash flow investments. As the founder of The Lifestyle Investor, the leading financial education company for passive income and financial independence, Justin reveals how to shift from trading time for money to building sustainable wealth. In this interview, he unpacks the strategies used by billionaires and outlines how everyday investors can follow a similar path to financial freedom.   Key Takeaways: → Why rethinking your income strategy could be the key to true freedom. → The biggest mindset shift most people miss when it comes to wealth. → What successful investors know about time and leverage that others don’t. → The overlooked asset classes that could change your financial future. → The surprising truth about what the ultra-wealthy really invest in.   Justin Donald, called the “Warren Buffett of Lifestyle Investing,” is the #1 bestselling author of The Lifestyle Investor: The 10 Commandments of Cash Flow Investing for Passive Income and Financial Freedom. As founder of The Lifestyle Investor, he specializes in low-risk cash flow. investing, simplifying complex financial strategies, and structuring deals. A seasoned investor and entrepreneur, Justin has served as a SXSW investor judge and spoken at notable venues like Texas Ranger Stadium. Through his Lifestyle Investor Mastermind, podcast, and consulting program, Justin coaches entrepreneurs and executives to “create wealth without creating a job.”   Connect With Justin: Website Instagram X LinkedIn   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Discover how to launch and grow a successful business by leveraging what you already have, avoiding common startup mistakes, and finding your true niche with proven strategies.   In this episode of Sharkpreneur, Seth Greene speaks with Boomy Tokan, author of The Adaptive Startup System and mentor to over 1,000 businesses, who shares his proven methods for launching and scaling businesses using existing resources. With over 300,000 students across 49 Udemy courses and 8 million views on Quora, Boomy offers unique insights on how to avoid common entrepreneurial pitfalls and find your ideal niche. He also discusses how leveraging technology, such as customized GPTs, can inspire innovative business ideas tailored to your skills and passions.   Key Takeaways: → Why leveraging existing resources is key to launching a successful business. → How to avoid common mistakes entrepreneurs make when starting. → Why it’s essential to find and focus on your ideal niche. → How customized AI tools can generate unique business ideas tailored to you. → Why entrepreneurs should rely on their mentors for guidance.   Boomy Tokan is a small business consultant, speaker, and author. He has helped over 1000 enterprises go from the "idea stage" to a Startup. Boomy Tokan holds an honors degree in Business & Finance from Greenwich University. He writes business and Christian books. He is the author of How to Write Your First Business Plan, Business Funding Secrets, Feel the Fear and Start Your Own Business Anyway, How I Went From Zero to 30,000 Facebook Likes in 30 Days, and five other best-selling books.   Connect With Boomy: Start Your Own Business Academy Facebook LinkedIn   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices