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  • Vegas Startup Scene March 16th 2026 – AI, HealthTech, & Angel Investors Reshaping Nevada’s Economy
    2026/03/16

    What’s really happening inside the Las Vegas startup ecosystem right now?


    In this week’s episode of Vegas Startup Scene, host Jason LeDuc breaks down the most important developments shaping the Southern Nevada tech economy—from fast-growing startups and AI innovation to investor opportunities and major founder events happening across the region. If you’re a startup founder, angel investor, tech builder, or entrepreneur, this is your weekly briefing on the companies, conversations, and opportunities driving the future of innovation in Las Vegas.


    We begin with a look at Pills2Me, a Las Vegas–based healthtech startup that is tackling one of the biggest challenges in healthcare: medication access. What started as a volunteer effort during the COVID-19 pandemic has grown into a nationwide prescription delivery platform with more than 1 million deliveries across 18 cities and seven states—demonstrating how mission-driven startups can scale rapidly when they solve real problems.


    Next, we dive into how Artificial Intelligence is transforming commercial real estate in Southern Nevada. Industry leaders from NVIDIA, Axes AI, and the investment community are coming together to explore how AI will reshape development, investment decisions, and the future of property markets in the region.


    You’ll also hear insights from regional leaders at the Las Vegas Global Economic Alliance’s State of Economic Development event, where the focus was on diversifying the local economy, attracting emerging industries, and positioning Southern Nevada as a long-term innovation hub.


    But the real strength of the Las Vegas tech ecosystem comes from its community of founders and builders. In this episode we also highlight:

    • Downtown Tech Alley – the monthly gathering where founders, developers, and investors connect

    • StartupNV programs and pitch events helping founders prepare for funding

    • AI builder meetups and Web3 communities bringing together innovators across industries

    • Upcoming accelerator cohorts and startup competitions offering mentorship, funding opportunities, and national exposure


    You’ll also hear from Dajia Watson, founder of Nestly AI, a startup building an integrated platform designed to simplify property management through automation and data insights.


    💬 Join the Conversation


    The Vegas startup ecosystem is growing fast—and we want to hear from you.

    Which opportunity do you think will have the biggest impact on Las Vegas startups in the next 3–5 years?


    • AI infrastructure and developer communities

    • Angel investment and startup funding programs

    • Healthtech and emerging industries

    • Founder networking and startup accelerators


    Drop your answer in the comments below. Your perspective helps drive the conversation and highlight the builders shaping the future of the ecosystem.


    And if you’re building something interesting in Southern Nevada, send us a message—we may feature your startup in a future episode.


    Get out there. Do great things today!


    Onward and upward! 🚀



    LINKS:

    Pills2Me Website: https://www.pills2me.com/

    NAIOP Southern Nevada Website: https://naiopnv.org/

    Las Vegas Global Economic Alliance Website: https://lvgea.org/

    Tech Alley Wesbite: https://www.techalley.org/

    StartupNV Website: https://startupnv.disco.co/

    Startup Vegas Website: https://startup.vegas/

    TensorWave Website: https://tensorwave.com/

    AngelNV Website: https://angelnv.com/

    Vegas Crypto Group: https://www.meetup.com/vegas-crypto-group/

    Fusion42 Website: https://fusion-42.com/

    Fusion 42 Events: https://lu.ma/Fusion-42



    Conversation with Dajia Watson at Tech Alley Downtown: https://youtube.com/live/1ScNZuDGQ-4



    Want to get your news or event in the rundown? Contact me here:


    Email: info@leducleadership.com

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-leduc-3469823/

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leducleadership

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    10 分
  • Vegas Startup Scene March 9th 2026 – Las Vegas Is Becoming an AI Startup Hub
    2026/03/09

    Is Las Vegas becoming one of the most interesting startup ecosystems in the country?


    In this week’s episode of Vegas Startup Scene, host Jason LeDuc breaks down the biggest developments happening right now in the Southern Nevada tech ecosystem—and why founders, investors, and entrepreneurs should be paying attention.


    A major AI milestone just came out of Las Vegas as TensorWave was announced as a launch partner in the global Open Telco AI initiative, joining industry giants like AT&T and AMD to develop telecommunications-grade artificial intelligence models. This project aims to solve a major challenge facing AI today: most large language models are trained on general data and struggle to understand specialized industries like telecom.


    TensorWave will provide GPU cloud infrastructure to help train these next-generation telecom AI systems, placing a Las Vegas startup in the middle of a global collaboration spanning 46 organizations across more than 35 countries.


    But that’s just one part of what’s happening in the ecosystem.


    In this episode we also cover:

    • The AngelNV 6 Fund Finale at Las Vegas City Hall where eight startups will pitch for at least $400,000 in combined angel investment

    • Upcoming events connecting founders with funding, licensing, and workforce resources

    • A Finance Fundamentals workshop helping entrepreneurs understand entity structure, bookkeeping, and financial statements

    • The next InnovateNV and StartUpNV opportunities for founders pursuing SBIR and venture funding

    • And a conversation from Tech Alley about how entrepreneurs are using AI tools like Gemini, Claude, and AI automation frameworks to build products faster than ever


    If you're building a startup, investing in early-stage companies, or simply want to understand how emerging tech ecosystems grow, this episode gives you a real-time look at what's happening on the ground in Las Vegas.


    One of the most interesting takeaways from our Tech Alley conversation is how quickly AI tools are lowering the barrier to entry for founders. As one entrepreneur explains, tools that once required deep technical knowledge are now enabling non-developers to build websites, automation systems, and AI-driven workflows in ways that simply weren’t possible just a few years ago.


    That shift could dramatically change how startups get built.


    The question now is: Which founders will actually take advantage of it?


    👇 Join the conversation


    What do you think will have the biggest impact on startups over the next few years?


    • AI infrastructure and cloud computing

    • Access to startup funding and angel networks

    • No-code and AI development tools

    • Stronger local startup ecosystems


    Drop your answer in the comments - and let me know what you're building.


    If you’re interested in startups, venture capital, technology trends, and the future of innovation in Las Vegas, make sure to subscribe so you don’t miss upcoming founder interviews, ecosystem updates, and startup strategy insights.


    And if you have startup news or events happening in the Vegas tech community, send them in so we can feature them in a future episode.


    Get out there. Do great things today!


    Onward and upward! 🚀



    LINKS:

    TensorWave Website: https://tensorwave.com/

    StartupNV Website: https://startupnv.disco.co/

    Governor’s Office of Economic Development Website: https://goed.nv.gov/

    Startup Vegas Website: https://startup.vegas/

    Vegas Crypto Group: https://www.meetup.com/vegas-crypto-group/

    Fusion42 Website: https://fusion-42.com/

    Fusion 42 Events: https://lu.ma/Fusion-42



    Conversation with Jonathan Sterritt at Tech Alley Downtown: https://youtube.com/live/1ScNZuDGQ-4



    Want to get your news or event in the rundown? Contact me here:


    Email: info@leducleadership.com

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-leduc-3469823/

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leducleadership

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    8 分
  • Vegas Startup Scene March 2nd 2026 – Building a Real Startup That Scales
    2026/03/02
    What’s the difference between building a product… and building a company? If you’re a startup founder, tech investor, or early-stage entrepreneur, this distinction could determine whether you build a scalable business — or just another cool idea. In this week’s Vegas Startup Scene, host Jason LeDuc breaks down one of the clearest explanations you’ll hear about the difference between inventors and founders This Week in the Vegas Tech Ecosystem We cover the Women’s Tech Pitch Competition hosted at Tech Alley Henderson, where 13 AI-driven startups pitched live across fintech, healthcare, cybersecurity, industrial infrastructure, and public safety Leslie Paz, founder of the Utilize App, took home $25,000 in development support from AWS and Softchoice to accelerate product development and AI deployment. We also highlight:• The grand opening of JouleFit’s AI-powered robotics fitness facility in Summerlin, using force-matching technology instead of fixed weights • The upcoming LV Robotics Meetup focused on robot builders, motion control, VLM models, and zero-shot translation • Web3 Wednesdays, Crypto Clubhouse, Multi-Chain Mondays, StartupNV's free co-working, and new cohort opportunities including SBIR/STTR-focused programming • Applications now open for Zero Labs Cohort 8 If you’re building or investing in startups in Las Vegas, this is your tactical overview of where the momentum is. 🎯 Founder vs. Inventor – The Hard Truth About ScalingIn a clip from The Leader’s Mindset podcast, Michael Smith breaks down a concept every early-stage founder needs to understand: Yes, you must build a great product. But if you want to scale, you must build:• Customer onboarding and real-time support systems• Sustainable gross margins and financial benchmarks• Repeatable sales motions (beyond founder-led sales)• Operational infrastructure that runs without you Too many inventors move on to the next product once version 1 “works.” Real founders build the engine that scales.If you're operating in SaaS, AI, fintech, robotics, public safety tech, or any mission-critical vertical — this segment alone is worth watching. If you’re serious about scaling, fundraising, or building long-term enterprise value, this conversation is for you. 💬 Let’s TalkAre you currently building a product… or building a company? What’s the hardest part of scaling for you right now — sales motion, margins, customer support, hiring, or something else? Drop a comment below. If you’re part of the Vegas tech community and want your startup, pitch event, or ecosystem news featured next week, reach out. And if you value serious conversations about startup growth, venture capital, AI innovation, and founder strategy — subscribe to the channel. We’re building this to 10,000 strong founders and investors this year. Onward and Upward 🚀LINKS:Tech Alley Henderson Website: https://www.techalley.org/events/tech-alley-hendersonJouleFit: https://www.joulefit.ai/Las Vegas Robotics Meetup: https://www.meetup.com/las-vegas-robotics-meetup/StartupNV Website: https://startupnv.disco.co/InnovateNV link: https://startupnv.org/innovatenv/Governor’s Office of Economic Development Website: https://goed.nv.gov/Vegas Crypto Group: https://www.meetup.com/vegas-crypto-group/Fusion42 Website: https://fusion-42.com/Fusion 42 Events: https://lu.ma/Fusion-42 Interview with Michael Smith on The Leader’s Mindset podcast: https://youtu.be/Y7UPjHaQYDM Want to get your news or event in the rundown?Contact me here: Email: info@leducleadership.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-leduc-3469823/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leducleadership
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    不明
  • Vegas Startup Scene February 23rd 2026 – SBIR Grants, AI Innovation & Non-Dilutive Funding
    2026/02/23
    If you’re a founder constantly thinking about your next funding round… you might be looking in the wrong place. This week on Vegas Startup Scene, host Jason LeDuc breaks down the biggest opportunities in the Southern Nevada tech ecosystem — and why non-dilutive capital, AI infrastructure, and founder education are becoming the smartest plays in 2026. Here’s what serious founders and tech investors need to know: 🚀 InnovateNV’s SBIR/STTR Accelerator (Starting March24)If federal funding is even remotely on your roadmap, this is a must-watch segment. Backed by UNLV’s Office of Economic Development, StartupNV, and the Governor’s Office of Economic Development, InnovateNV is helping Nevadastartups navigate the federal funding maze — not just talk about it.• 5-week SBIR/STTR proposal accelerator• NSF project pitch support• Phase 0 microgrants up to $5,000• Agency fit, budgeting, and submission strategy Deep tech founders: this is real, structuredsupport for winning government grants without giving up equity. 💰 Finance Fundamentals for Small Business (FounderEducation Matters)Before you scale, raise capital, or even apply for grants — your financial house needs to be in order. Alicia Stacey is hosting a session on entity structure, Nevada tax considerations, payroll, bookkeeping systems, and financial statement literacy.If you’re cleaning up your books before tax season or preparing for investor diligence, this matters. 🤖 Las Vegas AI Builders Meetup (Technical FoundersTake Note)Startup Vegas is teaming up with TensorWave to launch a new AI builder community — built specifically for technical founders training models, benchmarking GPUs, fine-tuning inference, and shipping AI agents into production.If you’re building in AI infrastructure, this is where you find your people. 👥 Agile Leadership & The Scrum Master RoleWe also dive into a conversation with Hoz Roushdi about what a Scrum Master actually does — and why agile leadership has been misunderstood in the corporate world.Leading without authority.Turning chaos into clarity.Holding teams accountable to the commitments they make to each other.For startup founders scaling engineering teams, this is leadership gold.💬 Question for you:If you had to choose one growth lever for 2026 — would you prioritize:1) Non-dilutive grants (SBIR/STTR)?2) Equity Investment?3) AI product development?4) Strengthening internal operations and agile leadership? Drop your answer in the comments and tell me why! And if you’re serious about building in Vegas — subscribe. We cover what’s actually happening on the ground every week. Links to every event mentioned are below.Send us your events, pitch nights, wins, and ecosystem news for next week’s rundown. Get out there. Do great things today! Onward and upward. 🚀 LINKS:StartupNVWebsite: https://startupnv.disco.co/InnovateNVlink: https://startupnv.org/innovatenv/StartupVegas Website: https://startup.vegas/gener8torWebsite: https://www.gener8tor.com/Governor’sOffice of Economic Development Website: https://goed.nv.gov/VegasCrypto Group: https://www.meetup.com/vegas-crypto-group/SAFeScrum Master Class: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/safe-scrum-master-classFusion42Website: https://fusion-42.com/Fusion42 Events: https://lu.ma/Fusion-42 Conversation with Hoz Roushdi at Tech AlleyDowntown: https://youtube.com/live/1ScNZuDGQ-4 Want to get your news or event in the rundown?Contact me here: Email: info@leducleadership.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-leduc-3469823/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leducleadership
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    7 分
  • Vegas Startup Scene February 16th 2026 – Here’s What Founders & Investors Need to Know
    2026/02/19

    Las Vegas is becoming one of the most connected and opportunity-rich startup ecosystems inthe country.

    In this week’s Vegas Startup Scene, host Jason LeDuc breaks down everything happening across the Southern Nevada tech and entrepreneur community for the week of February 16th, 2026 — from live pitch events and accelerator deadlines to blockchain meetups and advanced energy cohorts. If you're a startup founder, angel investor, venture capitalist, or tech entrepreneur looking for deal flow, partnerships, or visibility, this episode is your weekly strategic advantage.

    StartupNV recently hosted its Pitch Room at the International Innovation Center, where founders pitched for feedback (not funding) — a powerful reminder that refining your pitch before facing investors can dramatically increase your odds of closing capital. Companies including Maintrix AI, Hesh QTRS, Product of Grace, and Mach-AI received advisor-level scrutiny designed to pressure-test their business models and messaging.

    Downtown Tech Alley returns February 21st at its new Third Street Vegas location — proving once again that the Vegas startup community adapts, pivots, and executes. As Josh Leavitt shared on the livestream, Tech Alley has never missed a month in over four years — a testament to a resilient, community-run ecosystem. That consistency matters for founders buildingvisibility and investors tracking emerging companies.

    Tech Alley Henderson follows on February 25th with a pitch competition in collaboration with UNLV Office of Economic Development, America’s SBDC, AWS, Softchoice, and Elevate Las Vegas — exactly the kind of cross-sector partnerships thataccelerate innovation in regional markets

    If you're in advanced energy systems, next-gen batteries, or critical minerals circularity, applications are due February 22nd for Generator’s gBETA Electrified Nevada cohort.

    Zero Labs is also accepting applications for Cohort Eight, running July 5–7 in Las Vegas

    Beyond the headline events, we cover:

    • Vegas Crypto Group’s Multi-Chain Mondays
    • Web3 Wednesdays at Loaded Empanadas
    • Fusion 42’s Pitch Kung Fu
    • Founder Huddle weekly sessions
    • Veteran Entrepreneur Series workshops

    Here’s the bigger takeaway: the Las Vegas startup ecosystem is no longer just networking events. It’s structured feedback loops, accelerator pipelines, SAFE agreement discussions, founder forums, crypto communities, and investor-ready pitch development happening weekly.

    If you’re building a startup in Nevada — or looking to invest in one — proximity and participation matter. Ecosystems reward consistency.

    💬 Question for you:
    If you're a founder, what’s your biggest obstacle right now — capital, customers, or clarity in your pitch?

    If you're an investor, what sectors in Vegas are you watching most closely in 2026?

    Drop your answer in the comments. Your insight helps shape future episodes.


    Links to every event mentioned are below.
    Send us your events, pitch nights, wins, and ecosystem news for next week’s rundown.

    Get out there. Do great things today!

    Onward and upward. 🚀

    LINKS:

    Governor’s Office of Economic Development Website: https://goed.nv.gov/

    StartupNV Website: https://startupnv.disco.co/

    Startup Vegas Website: https://startup.vegas/

    Vegas Crypto Group: https://www.meetup.com/vegas-crypto-group/

    Fusion42 Website: https://fusion-42.com/

    Fusion 42 Events: https://lu.ma/Fusion-42

    Conversation with Josh Leavitt at Tech Alley Downtown: https://www.youtube.com/live/6U9W58D6KQ8?si=PuVxWK62WGTKT9DQ

    Want to get your news or event in the rundown? Contact me here:

    Email: info@leducleadership.com

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-leduc-3469823/

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leducleadership

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    6 分