What separates companies that survive from those that become category leaders?

In this episode of Midnight Founders, we sit down with Stephen Smith and Thomas Wilkinson, the leaders behind Ollin Ventures, a Utah-based venture capital firm investing in the next generation of AI-native startups. As founders, operators, and investors, Steve and Thomas bring a unique perspective on what it takes to build enduring companies in today's rapidly changing business landscape.

We discuss how Ollin evaluates founders, why they believe the future belongs to AI-native businesses, the biggest mistakes early-stage entrepreneurs make, and what separates fundable ideas from scalable companies. They also share lessons from working with dozens of startups, raising capital, navigating uncertainty, and building businesses that create lasting value.

Whether you're launching your first venture, raising capital, or simply fascinated by the startup world, this conversation offers an inside look at how successful founders think, execute, and grow.

Tune in for an insightful discussion on entrepreneurship, venture capital, AI, and the mindset required to build something that lasts.

In this episode of Midnight Founders, we sit down with Devon Millington, CEO of QVR and a leader dedicated to transforming how disability care is delivered. With a background in behavior analysis and years of experience building organizations that serve vulnerable populations, Devon shares what it takes to scale mission-driven companies while staying focused on people.

We dive into the challenges of leading through uncertainty, building systems that create real impact, and the lessons he's learned as an entrepreneur navigating rapid growth. Devon also opens up about the connection between leadership, personal development, and creating organizations that prioritize both accountability and human connection.

Whether you're building a company, leading a team, or looking to make a meaningful difference through your work, this conversation is packed with insights on leadership, resilience, and creating lasting impact.

In this episode, we sit down with Chris Shurian, an entrepreneur whose journey has been defined by resilience, reinvention, and relentless determination. As an 8-time founder, 4-time business exit entrepreneur, mentor, advisor, and leadership coach, Chris has spent nearly four decades building companies across construction, real estate, hospitality, manufacturing, retail, and more.

Chris shares the lessons he's learned from building and scaling businesses, navigating setbacks, leading through adversity, and helping other founders make better decisions when the pressure is highest. From entrepreneurial wins to hard-earned battle scars, this conversation dives into what it really takes to build a meaningful business and a fulfilling life.

Whether you're a founder, aspiring entrepreneur, or leader looking for clarity in your next season of growth, this episode is packed with practical wisdom, powerful stories, and insights you won't want to miss.