The Hardtech Podcast

In this episode of The Hardtech Podcast, hosts DeAndre Harakas and Grant Chapman are joined by Ashley Phillips, Head of Product at Aura Frames, to discuss how technology and design can foster genuine human connection. Ashley shares her journey from the world of software to leading product at a company that blends elegant hardware and powerful software to help families stay close without turning users into products. She reveals how Aura’s in-house hardware, firmware, and design teams enable rapid development, agility, and unmatched quality in consumer electronics. The discussion explores: How Aura’s product philosophy centers on joy and connection rather than data monetization. Why Aura rejected subscription models in favor of delivering long-term product value. The power of vertically integrated design for speed, quality, and resilience. Lessons from navigating OTA firmware updates and maintaining millions of devices in the field. How small UX improvements like captions and touch interactions create massive engagement. The importance of customer feedback loops and product-market fit in hardtech. This episode offers an inside look at how Aura Frames became the category leader by building hardware that doesn’t just display memories it strengthens relationships. Special Guest: Ashley Phillips.

How do you take an idea built for elite athletes and turn it into a scalable sports tech platform? In this episode, hosts DeAndre Harakas and Grant Chapman talk with Alex Krause, Director of Hardware at Trace, about the art and complexity of building hardware that learns, adapts, and performs in real-world conditions. Alex walks through his transition from Apple and The Boring Company to leading a small, scrappy team at Trace where he’s helping reinvent how soccer is filmed and analyzed using AI and computer vision. Together, they unpack the company’s hardware-as-a-service model, the choice between edge and cloud computing, and how user experience guides every design decision. They also discuss the ripple effect of sports technology, from AI-powered analytics to applications in retail and beyond and the very real operational hurdles hardware founders face, from tariffs to supply chain chaos. Whether you’re an engineer, a founder, or just someone fascinated by how technology meets sport, this episode offers an inside look at what it takes to build hardware that scales. Special Guest: Alex Krause.

Jeff Bennett joins hosts DeAndre Harakas and Grant Chapman on The Hardtech Podcast to talk about the creation and mission of Morari Medical a startup changing the conversation around sexual health through innovation and openness. In this candid conversation, Jeff shares lessons learned from decades in the medical device industry and how they shaped the development of Morari’s first product, designed to help men overcome premature ejaculation using targeted electrical stimulation. The team explores the technical, regulatory, and emotional challenges behind building in a taboo market and the opportunities that come with tackling real human problems head-on. From FDA navigation and engineering constraints to brand voice and media exposure, Jeff offers a rare inside look at the business of sexual wellness hardware and what it takes to pioneer in a space where few dare to innovate. Special Guest: Jeff Bennett.

In this episode of The Hardtech Podcast, hosts DeAndre Harakas and Grant Chapman welcome David Gil, Managing Partner at VERT Performance, a company pioneering jump and load measurement technology for volleyball athletes. David shares how VERT’s sports tech platform has become an essential tool for coaches and trainers tracking jump counts, monitoring fatigue, and analyzing landing techniques to reduce injuries. The discussion highlights how data visualization and usability play a critical role in ensuring coaches can make informed decisions that enhance athlete performance while minimizing risk. Looking ahead, David talks about AI-driven insights, consumer product expansion, and how multi-sport training can reduce injury risk compared to early specialization. He also reflects on VERT’s journey from innovation to adoption, underscoring the company’s deep commitment to athlete health and human performance. Special Guest: David Gil.

CBQ shares his journey from exited founder to building a new venture through the venture studio model, highlighting the importance of customer discovery, hyper-specialization, and building in public. The conversation dives into how software updates transform hardware performance, why listening to customers is the ultimate competitive edge, and how to find product-market fit in crowded industries. Whether you’re a founder, engineer, or investor, this episode offers a masterclass in staying close to customers, solving real pain points, and scaling hard tech companies the right way. Key Takeaways The venture studio model relies on a founder’s ability to attract great talent. Customer discovery drives better product development — the right questions matter. Early validation can come from offering services before the product exists. Special Guest: Charles Quinn.

Design isn’t just about how a product looks, it’s about how people experience it. In this episode, we dive into the world of coffee equipment and explore how industrial design and hardware interfaces shape intuitive, user-friendly products. From balancing complexity with usability to gathering early user feedback, we cover the practical lessons every designer and product builder needs. We also dig into innovative ways to run focus groups, how to craft a portfolio that opens the right doors, and why understanding company dynamics matters when applying for design roles. Whether you’re an aspiring designer or a seasoned builder, this episode offers a front-row look at the methods and mindsets that drive successful product development. Special Guest: Basheer Tome.

In this episode of The Hardtech Podcast, hosts DeAndre Harakas and Grant Chapman talk with Aabesh De, founder of Flora, about turning a personal problem; being a self-proclaimed “serial plant killer” into a fast-growing gardening technology brand. Aabesh shares how Flora was born from the need for better plant care solutions, and why integrating hardware and software is essential for creating a seamless user experience. The conversation dives into the realities of hardware prototyping, the pivotal exposure from Shark Tank, and the lessons learned about why marketing still matters even after national TV attention. They also explore how the Flora app serves as the heart of the ecosystem, building an engaged community of plant lovers while positioning Flora as a leading name in gardening and houseplant care. Along the way, Aabesh reflects on the importance of learning both the hardware and software languages as a founder navigating consumer tech. Whether you’re a founder, hardware builder, or just someone who wants to keep their plants alive, this episode offers practical insights and plenty of inspiration. Special Guest: Aabesh De.

How do you build medical devices that are both innovative and compliant without drowning in paperwork? In this episode of The Hardtech Podcast, hosts DeAndre Harakas and Grant Chapman talk with Ashkon Rasooli, founder and CEO of EnGenius Solutions, about rethinking quality management systems in medtech. Ashkon shares his perspective on the No BS QMS manifesto, why redundancy is good but duplication is waste, and the challenges of validating AI-driven devices in regulated environments. They also discuss how the FDA is preparing new frameworks for AI, why a strong culture of quality beats check-the-box compliance, and how avoiding technical debt can accelerate real innovation. If you’re building in hardware, health tech, or regulated markets, this episode gives you a practical playbook for making quality systems work for innovation not against it. Special Guest: Ashkon Rasooli .

In this episode of The Hardtech Podcast, we sit down with Eric Martinez, CEO and founder of Modjoul a startup tackling one of the most overlooked but critical challenges in industry: workplace safety. Eric shares the raw story of building a hard-tech company from the ground up including how Modjoul evolved from tracking repetitive motion injuries to building collision avoidance systems that protect workers in real time. Highlights include: – How Modjoul landed Amazon as a client – Why preventative safety tech is the future – The case for mandatory wearables in industrial settings – The emotional side of workplace injury – What it takes to scale a hard tech startup in a complex industry Whether you're building hardware, selling into industrial markets, or just obsessed with innovation that actually saves lives this one’s for you. Special Guest: Eric Martinez.

John Grady, CEO of Aila Networks, joins the Glassboard team to unpack what it really takes to build and scale successful connected products. Aila supports some of the world’s leading brands—like Shark and others—by delivering the cloud platforms, mobile apps, and device integrations that power great smart home experiences. But as John explains, the real value lies in helping hardware companies translate their product vision into seamless, user-friendly digital ecosystems. From onboarding pain points to OTA updates, from industrial IoT to medtech wearables, this episode explores how connected products evolve—and why getting the first 30 seconds of the user journey right matters just as much as long-term data insights. You'll also hear how Aila’s Fast Track program helps clients launch faster by reusing proven hardware and software stacks, and why the next wave of innovation is moving beyond the home. Whether you're building consumer devices, medical tools, or connected infrastructure, this conversation is packed with hard-earned insight on where IoT is going—and how to get there faster. Special Guest: John Grady.

In this episode of The Hardtech Podcast, hosts DeAndre Harakas and Grant Chapman sit down with Rafique and Monica from Dipalo Ventures, a VC firm backing early-stage hard tech startups. They dive deep into what makes building in hard tech so different from the high cost of mistakes to the critical importance of user validation before a single part is built. The conversation explores why founders must clearly articulate why their product should exist, and how great ideas are only as strong as their execution. You’ll also hear honest insights about what investors really look for, the long road to market, and why collaboration across founders, engineers, and capital partners is the only way to win in this space. If you're building or backing real-world innovation, this episode is a must. Special Guests: Monika Razdan and Rafiq Ahmed.

In this episode of The Hardtech Podcast, we dive into the world of medical device innovation with Tom and Bill from The Waddell Group, a firm that specializes in project management for MedTech ventures. We explore why many healthcare systems still rely on outdated tools like Excel, and how this slows down innovation in a field where precision and progress are critical. The conversation touches on groundbreaking therapies like light-based treatments to reduce reperfusion injury in cardiac care and the crucial role that project management plays in turning medical breakthroughs into market-ready solutions. From avoiding scope creep to learning from project failures, this episode is packed with insight for anyone building in healthcare, hardware, or regulated industries. Special Guest: Tom Waddell.

In this episode of The Hardtech Podcast, we sit down with Andy Ording, former CEO of Zipp Wheels, now co-founder of Fundraiser Capital. Andy shares the wild ride of building Zipp into a world-class brand, navigating the brutal carbon wheel wars of the '90s, and bootstrapping through near-failure to a successful exit to SRAM in 2007. The conversation dives into the realities of hardtech entrepreneurship, what makes a founder truly coachable, and why people, not just ideas, are the foundation of any great company. Andy also offers insight into his current role investing in micromobility and what he looks for in founders building the next generation of physical products. Special Guest: Andy Ording.

In this episode, we dive into how AI is fundamentally changing the landscape of software and product development. From accelerating engineering workflows to raising the bar for junior developers, AI is both a powerful tool and a potential pitfall. Our guest shares hard-earned insights on why you still need to be the boss when working with AI, and how unchecked automation can lead to a flood of low-quality output. We explore the importance of human verification, the dynamics of high-performing teams, and why customer satisfaction still defines success in service businesses. As AI democratizes engineering and reshapes what’s possible, the conversation turns to navigating security challenges and finding the balance between speed, innovation, and quality. Whether you’re building with AI or just learning how to lead in this new era, this episode brings sharp takes and practical advice for staying ahead. Special Guest: Troy Kelly.

Eric, DeAndre, and Grant discuss the importance of social entrepreneurship, community impact, and the journey of building a sustainable business model. Eric shares insights on customer discovery, go-to-market strategies, and the role of conviction in entrepreneurship, emphasizing how genuine community involvement can lead to success in the startup world. Special Guest: Eric Roberson.

The discussion delves into the intricacies of investing in early-stage companies, highlighting the importance of having the right team, particularly separating scientific expertise from business leadership. It touches on the strategic decisions behind investment, including timing, regulatory de-risking, and product-market fit. The conversation emphasizes the importance of storytelling in early development and fundraising, understanding the specific needs of stakeholders, and aligning product development goals accordingly. Special Guest: Emily Atkinson.

In this episode, we explore the intricacies of custom development with experts from SEP (Software Engineering Professionals). Starting with a brief history of SEP, we delve into the challenges of hiring and retaining top talent, the evolution of project management methodologies, and the delicate balance of managing client expectations with project realities. We discuss innovative strategies for adapting to diverse client needs, the development of the "SEP Defaults" system, and the transition from pure engineering services to comprehensive product strategy. This episode provides valuable insights into handling unknowns, changing requirements, and future trends in the consulting industry. Special Guests: Raman Ohri and Zac Darnell.

0:00-1:08 - Intro 1:09-3:03 - The Start of Developertown 3:04-23:30 - Taking Equity for Services 23:31-32:05 - Pros and Cons of the Studio Model 32:06-36:44 - Sharing Risk as a Solution to Common Studio Pitfalls 36:45-39:11 - Software Development vs. Hardware Development 39:12-40:27 - Outro Special Guest: Mike Kelly.

In this episode of the Glasslab Podcast, we sit down with Dick Aderman of Boomerang Ventures to discuss his career path, his current role, and the differences between an accelerator and a venture studio. Special Guest: Dick Aderman.

On this episode of the Glasslab podcast, we speak with Dr. Patsy Brackin of Rose Hulman Institute of Technology about their unique and real-world-focused Engineering Design Program. Special Guests: Chase Strother and Dr. Patsy Brackin.