Advertise on podcast: Seth Farbman on Podcast - From Startup to Stock Exchange

A $5 billion stock market, and the kind of insight that helps founders avoid becoming a cautionary tale about it. In this episode of From Startup to Stock Exchange, Seth Farbman sits down with Jason Paltrowitz, a cross-border equity and capital markets consultant at Cross Bridge who has worked with companies across more than 40 countries. They discuss what a real secondary market looks like once the IPO hype fades, why the US market isn't one market at all, why late filings are a red flag for investors, and why early-stage companies probably shouldn't be held to the same standard as a company like Microsoft. Jason also explains why he no longer ties himself to any single exchange, structure, or country, and what that independence lets him tell clients that a paid banker often can't. If you're a founder, executive, or investor thinking about going public, or you're already listed and rethinking your capital markets strategy, this conversation is for you. Subscribe to the channel for more conversations on what it really takes to go from startup to stock exchange. Connect with Jason Paltrowitz, Founder & Principal, Crossbridge Advisors LLC LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-paltrowitz-a870a91/ Chapters:  00:00 – Trailer 00:40 – Introduction 01:44 – Jason's background 03:51 – Leaving OTC and starting Cross Bridge 09:11 – The biggest misconception about US markets 12:20 – IPO vs. secondary market, and the Mongolia stat 14:24 – The Times Square billboard problem 17:11 – The Kazakhstan airport story 18:02 – Nasdaq and NYSE delisting rules, "lawful but awful" 26:44 – How he picks which companies to work with 30:10 – What separates companies that survive from ones that don't 34:26 – Working with exchanges instead of just issuers 40:00 – His take on 24-hour trading 45:54 – How to reach Jason, and the 7.5% stake he turned down Connect with Seth LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/sethfarbman/ Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/sethfarbmanstock TikTok – https://www.tiktok.com/@sethfarbman Twitter (X) – https://x.com/sethfarbman1

On this episode, host Seth Farbman sits down with Jonathan Reich, CEO of Zedge, the publicly traded company behind Zedge Marketplace, the leading platform for mobile phone personalization content including ringtones, wallpapers, app icons, and dynamic wallpapers. Zedge has built a community of around 20 million monthly active users, and Jonathan breaks down how that scale turned into an unexpected new business line: licensing content and building custom data sets for frontier AI models. He shares how the opportunity came about, what makes Zedge's data valuable to AI companies, and where he sees the business heading next. Jonathan also talks through what it's like running a publicly traded company on the NYSE American, the competitive landscape for a personalization platform this size, and what's got him most excited about Zedge's future. If you're interested in how a consumer app scaled to millions of users and found a second act in the AI economy, this is a conversation worth your time. Chapters: 00:00 Cold Open: Episode Highlights 00:48 Welcome & Guest Introduction 01:52 Why the Name "Zedge"? 02:35 What Zedge Does: Marketplace, GenAI Suite & Guru Shots 03:17 The Pivot: Licensing Data to AI Models 05:38 From Ringtones in 2008 to Today 08:17 Jonathan's Journey: Wall Street to Zedge CEO 13:07 Zedge's Innovation Track: Deciding What Gets Built 16:07 Going Public: Advantages & Global Revenue Mix 22:14 Competition, What's Next & Where to Learn More Connect with Seth LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/sethfarbman/ Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/sethfarbmanstock TikTok – https://www.tiktok.com/@sethfarbman Twitter (X) – https://x.com/sethfarbman1

What does it take to build a healthcare company at the intersection of telehealth, compounding pharmaceuticals, and technology? In our latest episode of Startup to Stock Exchange, host Seth Farbman talks with Giorgio R. Saumat, Chairman & CEO of Earth Science Tech, about his journey from real estate investing into the healthcare industry and ultimately leading a publicly traded company. Giorgio explains how he became involved with Earth Science Tech, how the company has built a vertically integrated healthcare model across telehealth, compounding pharmacies, and its doctor network, and why he believes this approach creates opportunities for long-term growth. The conversation also explores how AI is transforming telehealth operations. While many companies are reducing headcount because of AI, Giorgio shares why his own IT team has grown 4–5x as new technology allows the company to build faster, improve efficiency, and handle growing volumes. Giorgio also discusses expanding the company's geographic footprint, entering the animal healthcare market, and his approach to capital allocation, growth, and building long-term shareholder value. Watch the full conversation to hear Giorgio's perspective on building and scaling a healthcare business in a rapidly changing industry. Connect with Giorgio: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/giorgio-r-saumat-etst/ Chapters: 00:00 — Trailer 00:45 — Meet Giorgio Saumat & Earth Science Tech 02:10 — Building a Vertically Integrated Healthcare Company 04:15 — Expanding Into Animal Healthcare 05:20 — The Telehealth Market 06:40 — From Real Estate Investor to CEO 09:10 — Learning the Healthcare Business 11:35 — What Makes Their Model Different? 17:35 — How AI Is Transforming Telehealth 19:30 — Scaling Across the US 25:25 — What Investors Get Wrong About the Company Connect with Seth LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/sethfarbman/ Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/sethfarbmanstock TikTok – https://www.tiktok.com/@sethfarbman Twitter (X) – https://x.com/sethfarbman1

In this episode, Seth sits down with Lourdes Felix, CEO & CFO of BioCorRx, to discuss what it really takes to build and lead a publicly traded biotech company focused on substance use disorder. Lourdes shares her journey from finance professional to CEO, her 14+ years with BioCorRx, and how the company has evolved from a reverse merger into a drug-development business working on innovative addiction treatment solutions. They discuss the realities of running a public biotech company, from raising capital and managing investor expectations to navigating clinical trials, regulatory development, and the challenge of being pre-revenue. Lourdes also explains BioCorRx’s approach to medication-assisted treatment and the company’s naltrexone implant technology. The conversation also gets personal, exploring the patients and families who have been impacted by the company’s work and what continues to motivate Lourdes after more than a decade in the industry. Finally, Lourdes discusses BioCorRx’s first revenue-generating commercial asset and what could be next for the company. Subscribe for more conversations with founders, CFOs, and advisors shaping today's capital markets. 00:00 — Introducing Lourdes Felix & BioCorRx  01:42 — Building a Company Around Addiction Treatment  03:52 — How BioCorRx Helps People With Addiction  05:59 — From Finance Professional to CEO  07:43 — Balancing Business With Capital Raising  10:43 — From Finance to the World of Biotech  11:50 — Developing BioCorRx’s Naltrexone Implant  15:18 — The Biggest Misconceptions About Addiction  18:26 — The Patients Who Keep Her Going  19:34 — BioCorRx’s First Revenue-Generating Asset & What’s Next  Connect with Seth LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/sethfarbman/ Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/sethfarbmanstock TikTok – https://www.tiktok.com/@sethfarbman Twitter (X) – https://x.com/sethfarbman1

The real challenge begins once the company goes public. In this episode of From Startup to Stock Exchange, host Seth Farbman talks with Jaylvin Chan, Executive Director of Astute All Advisory and former CFO of two Nasdaq-listed companies. Based in Malaysia, Jaylvin has seen the IPO journey from both sides: as the executive preparing to go public, and now as the advisor guiding other companies through it. Jaylvin explains why the real challenge for public-company CFOs isn't audits or compliance deadlines, but coordinating global teams across time zones. He also breaks down why companies with plenty of capital still choose to list in the US, using Grab's decision to list on Nasdaq instead of Singapore as an example, and shares his take on the SEC's proposed 24-hour trading day. In this episode: The real biggest challenge for a public-company CFOWhy foreign companies list in the US even without needing the capitalWhat life looks like after the IPO bell ringsHot industries in Malaysia right now (renewable energy, AI, IoT)Jaylvin's advice: don't wait to be perfect🔗 Learn more: astuteall.com 👉 Subscribe for more conversations with founders, CFOs, and advisors shaping today's capital markets. 00:00 Don’t Wait for the Perfect IPO 01:01 From Nasdaq CFO to IPO Advisor  02:40 Preparing Malaysian Companies for Nasdaq  04:10 Why He Chose the U.S. Markets  05:30 The Biggest Challenge of Going Public  08:17 The CFO as the IPO Quarterback  10:57 Why Foreign Companies Choose Nasdaq  13:22 Being Public Is Harder Than Going Public  15:26 Malaysia’s Hottest Growth Industries  21:31 The Future of 24-Hour Trading & Going Public Fast Connect with Seth LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/sethfarbman/ Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/sethfarbmanstock TikTok – https://www.tiktok.com/@sethfarbman Twitter (X) – https://x.com/sethfarbman1

Most founders think going public is a liquidity event, but Sam Van says it's a credibility test. In this episode of Startup to Stock Exchange, Seth Farbman sits down with Sam Van, founding partner at SRO Partners and a former 11 year veteran of the New York Stock Exchange, to unpack why the IPO itself is rarely what sinks a company. It's the 12 months after. Sam shares what he's learned advising companies through the full lifecycle of going public, from 25 to 30 months before the bell rings to the critical first year of trading, including why going public today is less a liquidity event and more a credibility test, what actually separates companies that survive their first year public from those that don't, and how his own journey from NYSE regulator to founder of SRO Partners was born by accident out of client relationships.  He also opens up about SRO's deep ties to Asian capital markets, his personal connection to Vietnam, and his role brokering the NYSE-Ho Chi Minh Stock Exchange relationship. In this episode, you'll learn: - Why most companies don't fail at the IPO. They fail 12 months later - Why going public is a credibility test, not a liquidity event - What it really costs to run a public company (and why capital disappears faster than founders expect) - How Sam evaluates whether a company is ready to go public, 25-30 months out - Why SRO Partners was founded by accident, and what the name actually stands for - How Sam built a career bridging Asian markets and US capital, from Singapore to Vietnam - What founders need to understand about credibility, buy-in, and due diligence before they ever consider the public markets Whether you're a founder, investor, CEO, or simply interested in the journey from startup to public company, this episode offers insights into IPO readiness, capital markets, post-IPO survival, and what it really takes to build a company that lasts beyond the opening bell. 🔔 Subscribe for more conversations with founders and CEOs building the next generation of public companies. Connect with Seth LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/sethfarbman/ Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/sethfarbmanstock TikTok – https://www.tiktok.com/@sethfarbman Twitter (X) – https://x.com/sethfarbman1

For most, the IPO is the milestone. For Jay Heller, that’s when the real work begins. In this episode of Startup to Stock Exchange, Seth Farbman sits down with Jay Heller, former Head of Capital Markets at Nasdaq, to discuss the lessons he’s learned from overseeing more than 3,000 IPOs and now building a company of his own. Jay shares what separates companies that succeed from those that don’t, why going public is only the beginning, what founders need to understand about investors and the public markets, and why he ultimately left Nasdaq to become CEO of K-Lab.AI, a programmable payment infrastructure company using AI and blockchain to bring greater speed, transparency, and accountability to payments. In this episode, you'll learn: What Jay Heller learned from overseeing more than 3,000 IPOsWhy the IPO is only the beginning, not the finish lineWhat separates companies that succeed in the public markets from those that don'tWhy Jay left Nasdaq to become CEO of K-Lab.AIHow K-Lab.AI is using AI and blockchain to transform payment infrastructureWhy strong teams, clear roadmaps, and investor alignment matter when building a public companyWhat founders need to understand about delivering on their promises once they enter the public marketsWhether you're a founder, investor, CEO, or simply interested in the journey from startup to public company, this episode offers insights into IPOs, capital markets, leadership, and what it really takes to build a company for the long term. 🔔 Subscribe for more conversations with founders and CEOs building the next generation of public companies. Connect with Jay: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jay-heller-345a033/ Chapters: 00:00 - Trailer  00:01:00 - Introduction of Jay Heller & K-Lab.Ai Overview  00:02:39 - How K-Lab.Ai Solves Supply Chain Friction  00:05:05 - Market Focus: Expansion in the US & Latin America  00:07:12 - Why Jay Heller Left Nasdaq to Become CEO  00:12:17 - The True Meaning of the Nasdaq Bell Ceremony  00:13:42 - Key Traits of Successful Public Companies  00:16:10 - The Origins & Evolution of K-Lab.Ai  00:18:52 - Navigating Government Contracts & White House Meetings  00:23:00 - What Makes an Effective CEO Across Different Industries  00:26:12 - Fundraising & Building the Ideal Cap Table Connect with Seth LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/sethfarbman/ Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/sethfarbmanstock TikTok – https://www.tiktok.com/@sethfarbman Twitter (X) – https://x.com/sethfarbman1

What does it take to build a public medtech company that's transforming the future of hearing? In this episode of Startup to Stock Exchange, Seth Farbman sits down with Brent Lucas, CEO of Envoy Medical (NASDAQ: COCH), to discuss the journey of bringing groundbreaking hearing technology to the public markets. Envoy Medical is developing the world's first fully implanted cochlear implant, a breakthrough that could redefine how people with severe hearing loss experience sound. But this conversation goes far beyond the technology. Brent shares what it takes to lead an innovative medical device company, the realities of raising capital, navigating the public markets, telling a compelling story to investors, and why having a great product alone isn't enough to build a successful public company. In this episode, you'll learn: - How Envoy Medical is reinventing hearing technology - Why the company chose to go public - The challenges of building a public medtech company - Why great products don't automatically win in the public markets - The importance of investor storytelling - How fully implanted cochlear implants could transform millions of lives - The emotional impact of helping patients reconnect with their loved ones Guest featured in this episode: Brent Lucas, CEO of Envoy Medical -https://www.linkedin.com/in/brent-lucas-envoy/ Whether you're a founder, investor, healthcare professional, or simply fascinated by breakthrough innovation, this episode offers valuable insights into the intersection of technology, entrepreneurship, and the public markets. 🔔 Subscribe for more conversations with founders and CEOs building the next generation of public companies. Chapters: 00:00 Introducing Brent Lucas & Envoy Medical 02:38 Building Invisible Hearing Technology 05:14 Disrupting a 40-Year-Old Industry 07:16 How Brent Got Into MedTech 10:22 A 30-Year Overnight Success Story 11:26 Why Envoy Medical Went Public 13:01 The Reality of Going Public Through a SPAC 14:38 The Challenge of Building in Public 16:34 The Patient Story That Changed Everything 19:36 The Public Market Challenge Nobody Talks About Connect with Seth LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/sethfarbman/ Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/sethfarbmanstock TikTok – https://www.tiktok.com/@sethfarbman Twitter (X) – https://x.com/sethfarbman1

Most people hear "quantum" and think it's years away. Yaki Barnes disagrees. As CEO of Nasdaq-listed Quantum X Labs, he's building quantum computers, quantum navigation systems, and quantum sensing technology that are already moving from the lab toward commercial applications. In this episode, we break down what quantum technology actually is, why companies like IBM, Google, Amazon, and Nvidia are investing billions into it, and how quantum navigation could replace GPS in industries where accuracy and security are mission-critical. Yaki also shares his journey from serving as an officer in the Israeli Navy to helping take multiple companies public on Nasdaq, and explains the leadership lessons that shaped his approach to building one of the industry's most ambitious quantum companies. Whether you're an investor, founder, or simply curious about where technology is headed next, this conversation offers a practical look at one of the most exciting fields in innovation. Guests featured in the Episode: Yaki Baranes LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yaki-baranes-5a71b059/ Chapters 00:00 Trailer 00:50 Building a Nasdaq-Listed Quantum Company 06:26 Why Great CEOs Need Smarter Teams 08:05 Leadership Lessons from the Israeli Navy 11:58 The Career Path to Becoming a Quantum CEO 13:50 The Technology That Could Replace GPS 18:56 The Secret Behind Quantum X Labs' Advantage 21:47 IPO or Reverse Merger? Why They Chose Nasdaq 24:07 The Biggest Mistake Founders Make Before Going Public 26:10 The Future of Quantum Technology Connect with Seth LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/sethfarbman/ Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/sethfarbmanstock TikTok – https://www.tiktok.com/@sethfarbman Twitter (X) – https://x.com/sethfarbman1

Cybersecurity isn't just an enterprise problem anymore, it's a business survival problem. In this episode of Startup to Stock Exchange, Seth Farbman sits down with Kevin Kelly, CEO of Cycurion, to discuss how the cybersecurity landscape is changing and why small and mid-sized businesses have become targets. Kevin shares insights from decades of leadership experience, from leading global organisations to running a publicly traded cybersecurity company.  The conversation dives into how AI is reshaping cybersecurity, the unique challenges of serving government and enterprise customers, protecting underserved businesses, and what it takes to build and scale a public cybersecurity company in today's rapidly changing market. Whether you're an entrepreneur, executive, investor, or simply interested in the future of cybersecurity, this episode offers valuable insights into one of the world's fastest-evolving industries. Guest featured in this episode Kevin Kelly – CEO, Cycurion LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-kelly-cycu/ Chapters 00:00 Introduction 02:15 Meet Cycurion: Serving the underserved cybersecurity market 06:42 Why healthcare, banks, and government are prime cyber targets 09:42 The true cost of ransomware attacks 12:16 Cybercrime, ransomware, and the rise of "disorganized crime" 14:40 Kevin Kelly's journey to leading Cycurion 20:28 How AI is transforming cybersecurity 22:45 Why cybersecurity is becoming an AI arms race 25:13 The realities of building a public cybersecurity company 32:53 Scaling Cycurion through government contracts and AI-driven products If you enjoyed this conversation, be sure to like, subscribe, and turn on notifications so you never miss an episode of Startup to Stock Exchange, where we bring you conversations with founders, CEOs, and market leaders building the companies shaping tomorrow. Connect with Seth LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/sethfarbman/ Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/sethfarbmanstock TikTok – https://www.tiktok.com/@sethfarbman Twitter (X) – https://x.com/sethfarbman1

What does it take to solve one of the world's biggest nuclear challenges? In this episode of Startup to Stock Exchange, Seth Farbman sits down with Rod Baltzer, CEO of Deep Isolation, to discuss how the company is transforming nuclear waste disposal using innovative borehole technology. Rod shares his unconventional journey from public accounting to leading a deep-tech company, the challenges of building in a highly regulated industry, raising capital, pursuing the public markets, and why he believes the future of nuclear energy depends on solving the spent fuel problem. In this episode, we discuss: * Deep Isolation's innovative approach to nuclear waste disposal * Why spent nuclear fuel remains one of the industry's biggest challenges * Building a company with no direct commercial competitors * The $300 billion global market opportunity * Navigating regulation, government partnerships, and community engagement * Raising capital for deep-tech innovation * Deep Isolation's journey toward the public markets * The future of nuclear energy and long-term industry growth Connect with Rod Baltzer on LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/rod-baltzer/ If you enjoyed this conversation, don't forget to like, subscribe, and turn on notifications for more conversations with founders, CEOs, and capital markets leaders on Startup to Stock Exchange. Chapters 00:00 – Introduction to Nuclear Innovation & Deep Isolation 01:12 – What Deep Isolation Does 02:05 – Rod Baltzer's Journey to Becoming CEO 03:52 – Learning the Nuclear Waste Industry 05:25 – Building a Business in a Highly Regulated Industry 08:58 – A Company with No Direct Competitors 11:14 – The Global Market Opportunity & Expansion 13:14 – Raising Capital and the Road to the Public Markets 17:43 – A Day in the Life of a Deep-Tech CEO 19:23 – What's Next for Deep Isolation Connect with Seth LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/sethfarbman/ Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/sethfarbmanstock TikTok – https://www.tiktok.com/@sethfarbman Twitter (X) – https://x.com/sethfarbman1

Most people see a global company and assume success happened overnight. What they don't see are the years of persistence, the skepticism, and the countless decisions required to turn a vision into reality. In this episode of Startup to Stock Exchange, Seth Farbman sits down with Leandro Iglesias, CEO of IQSTEL, and Alvaro Quintana, CFO of IQSTEL, to discuss how they transformed a telecom startup into a publicly traded global business operating across 30 countries. The conversation explores IQSTEL's journey from a $10 million revenue company to a business approaching a $500 million run rate, their path from the OTC markets to Nasdaq, and how they're evolving beyond telecom into AI, cybersecurity, fintech, and digital health services. Leandro and Alvaro also share their acquisition strategy, lessons from managing teams across multiple continents, and why they believe the company's biggest growth opportunities are still ahead. Whether you're a founder, investor, or business leader, this episode offers valuable insights into scaling internationally, leveraging public markets, and building a company with long-term vision. Guests featured in the episode: Leandro Jose Iglesias, CEO at IQSTEL : https://www.linkedin.com/in/leandro-jose-iglesias-20940818/ Alvaro Quintana Cardona, CFO at IQSTEL: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alvaro-quintana-cardona-921494/ IQSTEL: https://www.iqstel.com/ Seth’s Companies Vstock Transfer – https://www.vstocktransfer.com/ Share Media – https://www.sharemedia.co/ Listen to the Show Apple Podcasts – https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/seth-farbman-on-podcast-from-startup-to-stock-exchange/id1356667808 Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/show/54i7xkWaAALAFrUvk4WZcN Connect with Seth LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/sethfarbman/ Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/sethfarbmanstock TikTok – https://www.tiktok.com/@sethfarbman Twitter (X) – https://x.com/sethfarbman1 About the Show From Startup to Stock Exchange, hosted by entrepreneur and investor Seth Farbman, spotlights the journey of founders and CEOs as they scale their companies from early ideas to public markets. Each episode features candid conversations with leaders across industries, offering insights on growth, fundraising, branding, and the mindset it takes to build a company that lasts. Chapters: 00:00 Intro & Meet the IQSTEL Leadership Team 01:55 How IQSTEL Started 18 Years Ago 04:00 The Reality of Becoming a Public Company 05:45 From Telecom Company to AI, Cybersecurity & Fintech 09:00 Growing Revenue from $13M to $400M+ 11:40 How the CEO and CFO Built the Company Together 14:40 Managing a Business Across 30 Countries 18:00 The Acquisition That Could Push IQSTEL Past $500M 24:15 Why Banks Said Their Vision Was Impossible 28:15 Why IQSTEL Chose the Public Markets 30:45 The Road to $1 Billion Revenue 33:00 What's Next for IQSTEL and Its Shareholders Connect with Seth LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/sethfarbman/ Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/sethfarbmanstock TikTok – https://www.tiktok.com/@sethfarbman Twitter (X) – https://x.com/sethfarbman1

The man who saw the future of media 15 years before everyone else. In this episode of Startup to Stock Exchange, Seth Farbman sits down with Kit Gray, Founder and President of PodcastOne, to discuss how he spotted the shift away from traditional media long before podcasting became mainstream. Kit shares how he built one of podcasting's leading companies, the early advertising deals that proved the business model worked, and the lessons he learned while helping transform podcasts from a niche format into a multi-billion-dollar industry. They also discuss why most podcasts fail, what creators underestimate about building a successful show, how YouTube has changed podcast consumption, and the opportunities AI is creating for the future of media. Guests Featured: Kit Gray, Founder & President, PodcastOne LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kit-gray-83203265/ 00:00 Trailer 01:10 Introduction and Meet PodcastOne Founder Kit Gray 02:25 Discovering Podcasting Before It Existed 05:15 Why Traditional Media Was Doomed 08:20 The Insight That Made Podcasting a Business 11:45 The ProFlowers Deal That Changed Everything 15:05 Building PodcastOne and Scaling the Industry 18:40 Why Most Podcasts Fail 22:10 How PodcastOne Helps Creators Succeed 25:05 Why YouTube Became Podcasting's Biggest Platform 28:10 AI, Content Ownership and The Future of Media 30:15 Final Thoughts and Closing Remarks Connect with Seth LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/sethfarbman/ Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/sethfarbmanstock TikTok – https://www.tiktok.com/@sethfarbman Twitter (X) – https://x.com/sethfarbman1

How do you spot the next category-defining company before everyone else? In this episode of Startup to Stock Exchange, Seth Farbman sits down with Chris Marlett, CEO of MDB Capital, to discuss finding breakthrough technologies, building market leaders, navigating public markets. From IPOs and investing to leadership and storytelling, Chris shares the lessons he's learned from helping build 18 public companies over the last 30 years. 00:00 Trailer 01:20 Introduction to Chris Marlette & MDB Capital 03:25 What MDB Capital Actually Does 06:45 How MDB Finds Breakthrough Companies 10:15 Why Most Investors Chase Trends 13:30 Building Category Leaders Through IP 16:45 Chris Marlette's Journey & Childhood 21:10 Why MDB Capital Went Public 24:40 What Founders Need to Know Before an IPO 28:30 Vision vs Execution in Leadership 31:45 The Future of Public Markets & Final Thoughts Seth’s Companies Vstock Transfer – https://www.vstocktransfer.com/ Share Media – https://www.sharemedia.co/ Listen to the Show Apple Podcasts – https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/seth-farbman-on-podcast-from-startup-to-stock-exchange/id1356667808 Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/show/54i7xkWaAALAFrUvk4WZcN Connect with Seth LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/sethfarbman/ Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/sethfarbmanstock TikTok – https://www.tiktok.com/@sethfarbman Twitter (X) – https://x.com/sethfarbman1 About the Show From Startup to Stock Exchange, hosted by entrepreneur and investor Seth Farbman, spotlights the journey of founders and CEOs as they scale their companies from early ideas to public markets. Each episode features candid conversations with leaders across industries, offering insights on growth, fundraising, branding, and the mindset it takes to build a company that lasts. Connect with Seth LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/sethfarbman/ Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/sethfarbmanstock TikTok – https://www.tiktok.com/@sethfarbman Twitter (X) – https://x.com/sethfarbman1

This episode explores how modern payment infrastructure powers fintech companies, utilities, banks, governments, and enterprise brands behind the scenes. Seth Farbman and Louis Hoch discuss how Usio, Inc. evolved from a dot-com era electronic billing company into a diversified payments infrastructure business processing billions of dollars across ACH, card issuing, embedded payments, and disbursements. If you’re building a company in this ever-changing market environment this conversation is for you. 00:00 Trailer 01:20 Introducing Louis Hoch & Usio 03:05 Processing Payments for Major Brands 05:25 The Technology Behind MoviePass & Card Programs 07:45 Why Print & Mail Still Matter in Fintech 10:20 Surviving 28 Years Through Industry Changes 13:15 How Covid Changed Payment Behavior 15:05 From Technologist to Public Company CEO 18:00 Usio's Ideal Customers & Government Contracts 21:00 How Public Market Investors Have Changed 25:00 Common Misconceptions About the Payments Industry 27:15 The Story Behind the Name "Usio" Seth’s Companies Vstock Transfer – https://www.vstocktransfer.com/ Share Media – https://www.sharemedia.co/ Listen to the Show Apple Podcasts – https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/seth-farbman-on-podcast-from-startup-to-stock-exchange/id1356667808 Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/show/54i7xkWaAALAFrUvk4WZcN Connect with Seth LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/sethfarbman/ Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/sethfarbmanstock TikTok – https://www.tiktok.com/@sethfarbman Twitter (X) – https://x.com/sethfarbman1 About the Show From Startup to Stock Exchange, hosted by entrepreneur and investor Seth Farbman, spotlights the journey of founders and CEOs as they scale their companies from early ideas to public markets. Each episode features candid conversations with leaders across industries, offering insights on growth, fundraising, branding, and the mindset it takes to build a company that lasts. Connect with Seth LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/sethfarbman/ Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/sethfarbmanstock TikTok – https://www.tiktok.com/@sethfarbman Twitter (X) – https://x.com/sethfarbman1