Varsity Ventures
Varsity Ventures
Podcast Description
AI and other emerging tools have made it easier than ever for the next generation to start a business. But launching something and building something people actually use? That’s a whole different game.
I’m Hendrick McConnell, and this is Varsity Ventures — a podcast where I interview both rising and seasoned entrepreneurs to uncover what it really takes to create something that lasts.
This show is for teens who are dreaming of starting a business, now or in the future.
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
The podcast focuses on entrepreneurship, particularly the challenges and insights faced by both emerging and experienced entrepreneurs, with episodes discussing topics such as turning ideas into products, building businesses with AI, and overcoming startup hurdles, demonstrated by Adrien Treuille's journey with Streamlit.

AI and other emerging tools have made it easier than ever for the next generation to start a business. But launching something and building something people actually use? That’s a whole different game.
I’m Hendrick McConnell, and this is Varsity Ventures — a podcast where I interview both rising and seasoned entrepreneurs to uncover what it really takes to create something that lasts.
This show is for teens who are dreaming of starting a business, now or in the future.
Nathalie Walton’s career began in big tech, with leadership roles at Google, Airbnb, and eBay. But after experiencing a high-risk pregnancy, she saw firsthand how challenging the journey into parenthood can be and felt compelled to build something that could help.
In this episode, Nathalie shares her path from tech executive to startup founder. She explains how she joined and then took over Expectful, raised $4 million in just 90 days, scaled the company, and ultimately led it through a successful acquisition.
Nathalie also breaks down how she approached fundraising, built relationships with future acquirers early, navigated uncertainty as a first-time CEO, and managed crises from industry shifts to global events. She explains how she uses AI as a strategic thinking partner, why founders should think about their exit strategy early, and why young people are uniquely positioned to build impactful companies today.
This conversation offers practical insight into leadership, resilience, and what it really takes to build a company with purpose. You can learn more about Nathalie on LinkedIn, https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathaliewalton/.

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