Startup and Nation

Where startup meets government, academia, and global innovationLet’s talk opportunities. Across countries, industries, and sectors. We’re here to breakdown the network siloes to uncover emerging opportunities and ventures across the global startup ecosystem.This podcast is for founders, investors, academics, governments, and anyone who wants to nerd out with us on the creative ways startups can engage with various sectors and markets (and vice versa!).

Startup and Nation is a business podcast hosted by Meng Fei Shen, with 18 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80. PitchCentric scores this show on Booking Probability, Listen Score, and live audience signals refreshed every 24 hours.

Meng Fei Shen hosts Startup and Nation, a business show with 18 episodes published.

Our AI reads these to draft pitches. Use them as grounding for a pitch that cites a real guest and a specific topic.

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  Startup and Nation

  The Funding Framework: How Founders Can Master Storytelling, Fundraising, and Market Strategy | Vijay Rajendran, gAI Ventures

  Nov 21, 202528 minS0

  <p>In this episode of Startup & Nation, I sit down with Vijay Rajendran, an investor, founder, venture builder at gAI Ventures, and author of The Funding Framework, one of the most practical and accessible fundraising books released this year.</p><p>We discuss how founders can master storytelling, navigate investors with intention, evaluate market size, differentiate from incumbents, and approach fundraising as a repeatable system rather than luck. </p><p>Vijay draws from his experience as a startup operator, a VC at 500 Global, a founder, and now a builder of vertical AI companies.If you’re a founder raising your fi...

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  Startup and Nation

  Breaking into Defense Tech: How Startups Can Sell to DoD and the U.S. Government | Rob Ganim, Ganim Strategic Advisors

  Aug 7, 202537 minS0

  <p>In this episode of Startup & Nation, host Meng Fei Shen speaks with with Rob Ganim, a former Capitol Hill staffer, Pentagon appointee, and defense innovation advisor who’s spent years bridging the worlds of policy, startups, and national security. Rob shares insights from his roles as a legislative advisor in the Department of Defense, a lobbyist, and a bridge between the DOD and startups. He discusses the importance of managing expectations, navigating government engagement, and aligning commercial innovations with national security needs. This episode is perfect for startups eyeing government contracts, emphasizing the need for transparent communication, supply chain re...

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  Startup and Nation

  From Scientist to Startup Founder: Building the Virtual Cell for Drug Discovery | Natalie Ma, Deep Origin

  Jul 9, 20251h 1mS0

  <p>In this episode of Startup & Nation, we dive deep with Natalie Ma, co-founder and head of business development at Deep Origin. Natalie's journey from environmental science undergraduate to co-founding a startup is a fascinating tale of curiosity-driven transitions. We explore her path through a PhD in synthetic biology, frustrations with the slow application of academic research, and a fortuitous meeting that led her to startups. Natalie explains how Deep Origin aims to build a 'virtual cell' to reduce failures in drug discovery and development, discusses market validation for biotech startups, and elaborates on the importance of industry-academic collaboration. This...

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  Startup and Nation

  Driving Innovation in Health Tech: Strategies for Successful Research Commercialization | Deanna Angello, Springboard Enterprises

  Jun 26, 202547 minS0

  <p>Join us for an insightful conversation with Deanna, an expert in transforming breakthrough science and technology into market-shaping products and businesses. With over 25 years of experience at Pfizer, Genentech/Roche, Kite/Gilead, and Johnson & Johnson, Deanna has led seven blockbuster products generating $7B+ annually. In this episode, she discusses her unique bench-to-bedside mindset, combining R&D, commercial strategy, and market access. Deanna shares invaluable advice for entrepreneurs in health tech and biotech sectors, focusing on leadership, commercialization, and patient-centric strategies. Learn how she builds trust across ecosystems, drives cross-functional teams, and employs data-driven execution to accelerate growth and improve...

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  Startup and Nation

  What I Learned from Building a Business in Japan for 20 Years | Tyson Batino, StartSmart Japan

  Jun 9, 202535 minS0

  <p>In this episode of the Startup and Nation, we sit down with Tyson, a seasoned entrepreneur who has spent over 20 years in Japan. Recorded at the Sushi Tech conference in Tokyo, the conversation dives into Tyson's journey from Hawaii to Hokkaido, his ventures in the education sector, and his innovative approaches to business challenges. Tyson shares invaluable lessons on bootstrapping, the importance of market fit, and creative problem-solving. We also explore the current opportunities for foreign entrepreneurs in Japan, and Tyson's insights into setting up and scaling businesses in this dynamic market.00:00 Tyson's Journey to Japan02:34 Starting a Business...

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