Uploaded July 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
Watch the full episode here: inspiredinsider.com/mike-collins-interview
Mike Collins is the Founder and CEO of Alumni Ventures, a leading venture capital firm that enables individual accredited investors to access diversified venture portfolios and co-invest alongside top-tier VCs. He is a serial entrepreneur and experienced venture capitalist who has founded multiple companies, including Kid Galaxy, Big Idea Group, and RDM. He also launched Green D Ventures, Alumni Ventures’ first alumni fund, where he oversaw the portfolio as Managing Partner. Mike has spent his career helping investors and entrepreneurs build innovative, high-growth businesses, and holds degrees from Dartmouth College and Harvard Business School.
In this episode of the Inspired Insider Podcast, host Dr. Jeremy Weisz sits down with Mike Collins, Founder and CEO of Alumni Ventures, to discuss venture capital, portfolio building, and entrepreneurial lessons. They talk about betting on people over ideas, managing risk through diversification, and lessons from sports and investing. Mike also shares insights on co-investing strategies and democratizing access to venture capital.
Watch the full episode here: inspiredinsider.com/mike-collins-interview
Mike Collins is the Founder and CEO of Alumni Ventures, a leading venture capital firm that enables individual accredited investors to access diversified venture portfolios and co-invest alongside top-tier VCs. He is a serial entrepreneur and experienced venture capitalist who has founded multiple companies, including Kid Galaxy, Big Idea Group, and RDM. He also launched Green D Ventures, Alumni Ventures’ first alumni fund, where he oversaw the portfolio as Managing Partner. Mike has spent his career helping investors and entrepreneurs build innovative, high-growth businesses, and holds degrees from Dartmouth College and Harvard Business School.
In this episode of the Inspired Insider Podcast, host Dr. Jeremy Weisz sits down with Mike Collins, Founder and CEO of Alumni Ventures, to discuss venture capital, portfolio building, and entrepreneurial lessons. They talk about betting on people over ideas, managing risk through diversification, and lessons from sports and investing. Mike also shares insights on co-investing strategies and democratizing access to venture capital.
![[SaaS Series] The All-in-One Platform Modernizing Golf Operations With Jarrette Schule](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/ud1ddjd_9qU/mqdefault.jpg "[SaaS Series] The All-in-One Platform Modernizing Golf Operations With Jarrette Schule
Jarrette Schule is the Founder and CTO of TenFore Golf, a cloud-based, all-in-one management platform built for golf courses and recreational facilities. He founded the company in 2015 after recognizing the limitations of legacy golf management systems. As TenFore’s lead architect, Jarrette directs its technology vision and product development, creating mobile-first tools that help single- and multi-course facilities streamline operations, increase revenue, and improve the golfer experience.
In this episode… Golf courses often juggle outdated systems for tee times, payments, food service, reporting, and customer engagement. What does it take to replace those fragmented systems with one platform designed around how modern facilities operate?
Jarrette Schule, a lifelong software developer with decades of experience building technology, explains that successful golf management software must address the entire operation rather than solve one isolated problem. He highlights the importance of listening to course operators, validating recurring needs, and designing tools around real-world workflows. This customer-led approach helped transform an on-course beverage-ordering concept into a connected platform spanning tee sheets, point-of-sale, booking, payments, food and beverage, reporting, and self-service kiosks. By bringing an outside technology perspective to golf, Jarrette identified opportunities that legacy providers had overlooked. He also uses a “rule of three” to prioritize features that deliver value across multiple customers instead of reacting to every individual request.
In this episode of the Inspired Insider Podcast, Dr. Jeremy Weisz speaks with Jarrette Schule, Founder and CTO of TenFore Golf, to discuss building an all-in-one platform for modern golf operations. They explore the product’s evolution, customer-led development, and growth through multi-course operators. Jarrette also shares lessons from SaaS pricing, payment integrations, and moving from CEO to CTO.")
![[SaaS Series] AI and Automation in Global Energy Infrastructure With Bill Lenihan](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/usqibLsVvuw/mqdefault.jpg "[SaaS Series] AI and Automation in Global Energy Infrastructure With Bill Lenihan
Book a Complimentary B2B Podcast Strategy Call:
https://rise25.com/bookcall
Download our B2B Podcast Strategy & Tools List PDF:
https://rise25.com/podcastcheatsheetyt
Bill Lenihan is the Founder and CEO of ZOLA Intelligence (ZOLAi), a company delivering AI-driven enterprise technology solutions that are transforming energy infrastructure in emerging markets. Under his leadership, ZOLA has expanded across multiple countries, supported hundreds of thousands of off-grid facilities, and secured over $25 million in Series A funding. Bill has held operating and private equity roles at Goldman Sachs, Bain & Co., Calera Capital, and Switch Lighting, shaping his expertise in business expansion. He holds a BA in business and economics from UCLA and an MBA from The Wharton School.
Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:
• [0:00] Intro
• [4:38] Bill Lenihan explains why energy infrastructure remains highly inefficient in emerging markets
• [7:23] Bill’s journey from private equity to solving energy access in emerging markets
• [9:10] The Tanzania visit that revealed the community-wide impact of reliable energy
• [16:07] How the pandemic pushed ZOLAi toward a pure technology focus
• [18:52] Rise of Zola Intelligence through data, workflow knowledge, and AI
• [24:50] Energy as a service as a simpler alternative to customers buying and maintaining hardware
• [31:50] Challenge of reaching telecom CEOs with new energy revenue opportunities
• [41:50] Bill’s advice on building a strong board to accelerate company growth
In this episode…
Across much of the world, access to reliable energy is still expensive, fragmented, and heavily manual. Communities and businesses often rely on outdated systems that are difficult to scale and maintain. What would it take to transform this broken infrastructure into an intelligent, connected energy network?
Sponsor for this episode
At https://rise25.com, we help B2B businesses give to and connect to your Dream 200 relationships and partnerships.
We help you cultivate amazing relationships in 2 ways:
#1 Podcasting
#2 Strategic Gifting
#1 Our Predictable Podcast ROI Program
We’re committed to helping you connect with your Dream 200 referral partners, clients, and strategic partners through our done-for-you podcast solution.
We’re a professional podcast production agency that makes creating a podcast effortless. Since 2009, our proven system has helped thousands of B2B businesses build strong relationships with referral partners, clients, and audiences without doing the hard work.
What do you need to start a podcast?
When you use our proven system, all you need is an idea and a voice. We handle the strategy, production, and distribution — you just need to show up and talk.
The Rise25 podcasting solution is designed to help you build a profitable podcast. This requires a specific strategy, and we’ve got that down pat. We focus on making sure you have a direct path to ROI — plus, our podcast production company takes any heavy lifting of production and distribution off your plate.
We make distribution easy.
We’ll distribute each episode across more than 11 unique channels, including iTunes, Spotify, and Amazon Podcasts. We’ll also create copy for each episode and promote your show across social media.
Cofounders Dr. Jeremy Weisz and John Corcoran credit podcasting as being the best thing they have ever done for their businesses. Podcasting connected them with the founders/CEOs of P90x, Atari, Einstein Bagels, Mattel, Rx Bars, YPO, EO, Lending Tree, Freshdesk, and many more.
The relationships you form through podcasting run deep. Jeremy and John became business partners through podcasting. They have even gone on family vacations and attended weddings of guests who have been on the podcast.
#2 Our Comprehensive Corporate Gifting Program
Elevate business relationships with customers, partners, staff, and prospects through gifting.
At Rise25, thoughtful and consistent gifting is a key component of staying top of mind and helps build lasting business relationships. Our done-for-you corporate gifting service ensures that your referral partners, prospects, and clients receive personalized touchpoints that enhance your business gifting efforts and provide a refined executive gifting experience.
Whether you’re looking to impress key stakeholders or boost client loyalty, our comprehensive approach makes it easy and affordable to create lasting impressions. Get started today and experience the difference a strategic gifting approach can make.
You can learn more and watch a video on how it works here: https://rise25.com/giftprogram
Contact us now at support@rise25.com or message us here: https://rise25.com/contact
Powered by Rise25 Podcast Production Company - https://rise25.com")
![[SaaS & Healthcare Series] Solving Healthcare’s Inventory Blind Spots With Michael Prokopis](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/v7TUhikXfCs/mqdefault.jpg "[SaaS & Healthcare Series] Solving Healthcare’s Inventory Blind Spots With Michael Prokopis
Michael Prokopis is the CEO of DARVIS, an AI-powered company transforming healthcare inventory management through real-time visibility and autonomous solutions. Under his leadership, DARVIS is helping health systems use AI and computer vision to improve inventory accuracy, reduce waste, and prevent stockouts. Prior to DARVIS, he held senior roles at institutions including MD Anderson Cancer Center and Steward Health Care. A former US Navy Surface Warfare Officer, Michael has managed $3.2B+ in spending and driven $360M+ in savings through operational transformation and efficiency programs.
In this episode… Healthcare supply chains operate under constant pressure, where missing inventory can delay care, increase costs, and create major operational headaches. Yet many hospitals still rely on outdated manual tracking systems that lack real-time visibility. How can AI help healthcare systems reduce waste, prevent shortages, and make smarter inventory decisions?
For Michael Prokopis, a healthcare supply chain and operations veteran, the answer lies in combining AI-powered computer vision with real-time inventory intelligence. He highlights how DARVIS uses camera-based AI systems to track thousands of medical products across large hospital systems, reduce manual labor, and prevent costly stockouts. This technology helps healthcare teams automate replenishment, improve forecasting, and respond faster during supply disruptions. He also explains how the system continuously learns and adapts to different healthcare environments, making implementation faster and more scalable. By improving visibility and accuracy, hospitals can operate more efficiently while giving supply chain leaders stronger data for decision-making.
In this episode of the Inspired Insider Podcast, host Dr. Jeremy Weisz sits down with Michael Prokopis, CEO of DARVIS, to discuss AI-driven healthcare inventory management. They explore how DARVIS uses computer vision for real-time inventory tracking, the challenges of selling technology to hospitals, and how AI reduces supply chain waste and shortages. Michael also shares lessons from his Navy and healthcare leadership experience.")
![[Top Agency & SaaS Series] New Rules of Growth in an AI-Driven World With Solomon Thimothy](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/vdxoUY1PDpw/mqdefault.jpg "[Top Agency & SaaS Series] New Rules of Growth in an AI-Driven World With Solomon Thimothy
Solomon Thimothy is the CEO and Co-founder of Clickx, a marketing intelligence platform for brands and marketers to plan, execute, and measure all their online marketing campaigns. He is also the Co-founder of OneIMS, a leading inbound marketing and sales agency driving measurable results across industries. With nearly two decades of experience, Solomon is a USA Today and Wall Street Journal best-selling author known for applying 10X strategies to help businesses scale leads and revenue efficiently. He is passionate about helping companies leverage AI to stay competitive in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.
In this episode… What happens when your website traffic drops, leads become unpredictable, and customers start relying on AI to make decisions for them? How do you stay visible when algorithms recommend only a handful of options? And what does it really take to compete in a world where AI is reshaping how buyers discover and choose businesses?
Seasoned entrepreneur Solomon Thimothy highlights the need for businesses to transition from traditional SEO to being discovered through AI-based search systems. He highlights how the buyer’s journey has fundamentally changed, where authority and relevance now determine visibility. This shift helps companies stay present where decisions are being made. He emphasizes using webinars, AI audits, and clear action plans to assess positioning and improve reach. By leveraging AI tools, teams can personalize outreach, automate workflows, and operate more efficiently. He also shares practical strategies for refining sales processes and creating offers that stand out.
In this episode of the Inspired Insider Podcast, host Dr. Jeremy Weisz sits down with Solomon Thimothy to discuss leveraging AI to future-proof marketing and sales. They explore how AI is changing the buyer journey, ways to increase visibility in AI search, and strategies for scaling outreach through automation. Solomon also shares insights on improving offers and maximizing existing CRM data.")
![[SaaS & AI Series] Relationships are the Real CRM With Jon Ferrara](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/wIYXkwD_p3Y/mqdefault.jpg "[SaaS & AI Series] Relationships are the Real CRM With Jon Ferrara
Jon Ferrara is the Founder and CEO of Nimble, a CRM company that helps businesses build and manage relationships through modern contact and relationship management tools. A pioneer in the CRM industry, he previously co-founded GoldMine Software, one of the earliest CRM platforms for small and mid-sized businesses. He has helped grow Nimble into a widely used platform with integrations across tools like Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace, as well as a strong presence in the Microsoft partner ecosystem. Jon is also known for his focus on authentic relationship-building, blending AI with human connection, and his journey toward purpose-driven leadership.
In this episode… Managing business relationships today is a balance between efficiency and authenticity. While automation tools improve workflows, they can also make interactions feel impersonal. How can professionals use technology to grow relationships without losing the human connection?
For Jon Ferrara, a CRM pioneer, building strong business relationships requires shifting away from systems focused only on pipelines and reporting and instead prioritizing tools that support real human connection. He explains that effective relationship management happens when contact records are automatically enriched from sources such as email and LinkedIn, allowing users to focus more on engagement than manual entry. He highlights the importance of making relationship-building accessible to everyone in an organization, not just sales teams. This approach helps businesses stay organized while still being deeply personal in their outreach. He also emphasizes blending AI with intentional human actions to build trust and long-term relationships.
In this episode of the Inspired Insider Podcast, host Dr. Jeremy Weisz sits down with Jon Ferrara, Founder and CEO of Nimble, to discuss building technology that supports authentic relationship management. They explore why most CRMs fail at true connection, how AI can enhance — not replace — personalization, and how Nimble makes relationship-building easier across teams. Jon also shares lessons on service-driven business and personal resilience.")
![[Venture Capital Series] How Venture Capital Really Works Beyond the Myths With Mike Collins](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/wo9DzhXmzgE/mqdefault.jpg "[Venture Capital Series] How Venture Capital Really Works Beyond the Myths With Mike Collins
Book a Complimentary B2B Podcast Strategy Call:
https://rise25.com/bookcall
Download our B2B Podcast Strategy & Tools List PDF:
https://rise25.com/podcastcheatsheetyt
Mike Collins is the Founder and CEO of Alumni Ventures, a leading venture capital firm that enables individual accredited investors to access diversified venture portfolios and co-invest alongside top-tier VCs. He is a serial entrepreneur and experienced venture capitalist who has founded multiple companies, including Kid Galaxy, Big Idea Group, and RDM. He also launched Green D Ventures, Alumni Ventures’ first alumni fund, where he oversaw the portfolio as Managing Partner. Mike has spent his career helping investors and entrepreneurs build innovative, high-growth businesses, and holds degrees from Dartmouth College and Harvard Business School.
Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:
• [0:00] Intro
• [4:52] Mike Collins explains how asking “what is right” guides tough business decisions
• [8:28] Business lessons from sports and guarding Michael Jordan
• [11:51] Why VCs embrace failure and focus on finding a few big winners
• [15:43] Mike shares Alumni Ventures’ biggest missed investment opportunities
• [20:55] Why venture capital risk drops with 100+ company portfolios
• [26:53] How co-investment creates unique advantages over lead investing
• [33:23] Tips on joining and customizing Alumni Ventures’ investment funds
• [36:15] The global strategy behind the Japan-US Bridge Fund launch
In this episode…
What does it really take to succeed in venture capital, where uncertainty is constant, and failure is often part of the process? What separates investors who consistently build strong portfolios from those who don’t?
For Mike Collins, a seasoned venture capitalist and serial entrepreneur, success in venture capital comes from focusing on people over pure ideas and building disciplined, diversified portfolios to manage inevitable risk.
Sponsor for this episode
At https://rise25.com, we help B2B businesses give to and connect to your Dream 200 relationships and partnerships.
We help you cultivate amazing relationships in 2 ways:
#1 Podcasting
#2 Strategic Gifting
#1 Our Predictable Podcast ROI Program
We’re committed to helping you connect with your Dream 200 referral partners, clients, and strategic partners through our done-for-you podcast solution.
We’re a professional podcast production agency that makes creating a podcast effortless. Since 2009, our proven system has helped thousands of B2B businesses build strong relationships with referral partners, clients, and audiences without doing the hard work.
What do you need to start a podcast?
When you use our proven system, all you need is an idea and a voice. We handle the strategy, production, and distribution — you just need to show up and talk.
The Rise25 podcasting solution is designed to help you build a profitable podcast. This requires a specific strategy, and we’ve got that down pat. We focus on making sure you have a direct path to ROI — plus, our podcast production company takes any heavy lifting of production and distribution off your plate.
We make distribution easy.
We’ll distribute each episode across more than 11 unique channels, including iTunes, Spotify, and Amazon Podcasts. We’ll also create copy for each episode and promote your show across social media.
Cofounders Dr. Jeremy Weisz and John Corcoran credit podcasting as being the best thing they have ever done for their businesses. Podcasting connected them with the founders/CEOs of P90x, Atari, Einstein Bagels, Mattel, Rx Bars, YPO, EO, Lending Tree, Freshdesk, and many more.
The relationships you form through podcasting run deep. Jeremy and John became business partners through podcasting. They have even gone on family vacations and attended weddings of guests who have been on the podcast.
#2 Our Comprehensive Corporate Gifting Program
Elevate business relationships with customers, partners, staff, and prospects through gifting.
At Rise25, thoughtful and consistent gifting is a key component of staying top of mind and helps build lasting business relationships. Our done-for-you corporate gifting service ensures that your referral partners, prospects, and clients receive personalized touchpoints that enhance your business gifting efforts and provide a refined executive gifting experience.
Whether you’re looking to impress key stakeholders or boost client loyalty, our comprehensive approach makes it easy and affordable to create lasting impressions. Get started today and experience the difference a strategic gifting approach can make.
You can learn more and watch a video on how it works here: https://rise25.com/giftprogram
Contact us now at support@rise25.com or message us here: https://rise25.com/contact
Powered by Rise25 Podcast Production Company - https://rise25.com")
