Heidi Knoblauch, Ph.D. is an entrepreneur, investor, and educator. She teaches entrepreneurship as a Professor of Practice at the University at Albany, mentoring students and faculty who want to launch companies. She leads the Venture Readiness Program, a national initiative that activates risk capital by preparing founders with the skills, networks, and strategies to grow. A former restaurant and software founder, Heidi brings firsthand experience to her advising and has helped design programs for accelerators, incubators, and high-growth companies. She also hosts Founder’s Fridge, a podcast where she talks with founders about what they eat while building their companies, exploring the human side of entrepreneurship. She splits her time between Upstate NY and Philadelphia.