Conversations at the Breaking Point of Innovation

Max Q is a podcast where we talk to founders, builders, and leaders navigating the high-stakes moment when bold ideas either launch—or stall.
Named for the point of maximum dynamic pressure during rocket flight, Max Q explores what it really takes to get through that pressure—whether you’re raising capital, launching to market, or pushing the edge of what's possible in tech, science, or systems change.
Each episode features honest conversations with innovators across sectors—startups, defense, aerospace, AI, public sector, climate, and more—sharing the lessons that don’t show up on pitch decks or LinkedIn.

What You’ll Hear:

- Real stories from venture-backed and mission-driven founders

- Insight from investors, ecosystem leaders, and public sector experts

- Candid takes on failure, funding, pivots, and persistence

- Strategies for raising capital, building trust, and scaling what works

For Founders, Doers, and the Curious
If you’re building something new—and need to know how others have done it, broken it, and built it again—this podcast is for you.

25:53

Startup Stories - Trevor Mann

In this episode of Beyond Max Q, host Mollie Jahner interviews Trevor Mann, co-founder of Pacific Gateway Equity. They discuss the unique role of Pacific Gateway Equity in bridging the gap between U.S. venture capital and Japanese growth-stage companies, emphasizing the importance of cultural understanding in business dealings. Trevor shares insights on effective fundraising strategies, the significance of clear communication, and the current hype surrounding AI in the startup ecosystem. He also provides valuable lessons from accelerator programs and personal growth recommendations. Connect with Trevor and see what he is doing: https://www.linkedin.com/in/trevormannvc/ https://www.pacificgatewayequity.com/ Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Pacific Gateway Equity 02:49 Bridging Cultures in Venture Capital 06:01 Navigating the VC Landscape 09:04 Cultural Nuances in Business 12:05 Effective Fundraising Strategies 14:54 The Importance of Clear Communication 17:40 AI in Business: Hype vs. Reality 20:30 Lessons from Accelerators 23:21 Personal Growth and Reading Recommendations

27:37

Startup Stories - Badr Moudden

In this episode of Beyond Max Q, host Mollie Jahner interviews Badr Moudden, CEO and co-founder of K2 Match, a platform that connects startups with investors. They discuss the unique approach of K2 Match, emphasizing the importance of relationships and psychological preparedness for founders. Badr shares insights on the startup journey, risk mitigation strategies, and the application process for startups seeking investment. The conversation also highlights what investors look for in founders, the significance of storytelling in pitches, and the dynamics of investor relationships. Badr reflects on his personal experiences in fundraising and the lessons learned along the way, concluding with recommendations for aspiring entrepreneurs. connect with Badr and see what K2 Match is all about: https://www.linkedin.com/in/badr-moudden-bb9a76a/ https://www.k2match.com/ Chapters 00:00 Introduction to K2 Match and Its Mission 03:02 Understanding the Startup Journey and Risk Mitigation 06:12 The Importance of Psychological Preparedness for Founders 08:48 The Application Process for Startups 12:02 What Investors Look For in Founders 14:55 The Role of Storytelling in Pitching 18:12 Navigating Investor Relationships 20:53 Lessons from Personal Experience 23:57 Conclusion and Recommendations

24:26

Startup Stories - Anieke Lamers

In this episode of Beyond Max Q, host Mollie Jahner speaks with Anieke Lamers, co-manager of the Borske Fund and founder of the Venture Capital Coach. They discuss the importance of impact investing, particularly in female founders, and the challenges faced by startups in securing funding. Anieke shares her experiences as a founder and a coach, emphasizing the need for a more human approach in the investor-founder relationship. The conversation also touches on setting boundaries, managing workload, and the types of startups Borske Fund is looking to invest in. Connect with Anieke https://www.linkedin.com/in/aniekelamersnl/ Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Impact Investing and Venture Capital 02:59 The Role of the VC Coach 05:56 Criteria for Startup Investment 08:54 Navigating the Founder-Investor Relationship 11:55 The Importance of Human Connection in VC 14:56 Managing Workload and Setting Boundaries 17:54 Investment Focus and Future Trends 20:43 Final Thoughts and Recommendations

16:27

Startup Stories - Dean Rudolph

In this episode of Beyond Max Q, Mollie Jahner interviews Dean Rudolph, an expert in airworthiness and certification in the aviation industry. Dean shares his extensive experience, including his unique position as one of three DARs in the world with full airworthiness authority for UAS and OPA. The conversation delves into the challenges of entrepreneurship, the importance of team dynamics, and the grit required to succeed in business. Dean emphasizes the need for protection and support within teams, as well as the significance of maintaining focus and consistency in achieving long-term goals. He also discusses how he helps startups navigate their paths to market viability. Connect with Dean: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dean-rudolph-ba1549/ Dean@acceleratize.com Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Dean Rudolph 03:05 Dean's Expertise in Aviation and Certification 06:04 The Journey of Entrepreneurship 08:33 The Importance of Team Protection 11:25 Grit and Consistency in Business 14:36 Helping Startups and Market Viability