Today we welcome Dr. Margaret Kocherga to the podcast. Margaret is the founder and CEO of Margik, a hardware tech company looking to make organic-based lighting mainstream.

A self-described ‘accidental entrepreneur’, Margaret started Margik while earning her PhD in Nanoscale Science at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. After founding the company, Margaret was awarded a NC IDEA grant, completed the Department of Energy’s Chain Reaction Innovation program, and even appeared on Amazon Prime’s Unicorn Hunters television series.

We cover many topics in this episode, including how Margaret…

  • Immigrated from Kyiv, Ukraine to Charlotte, NC at the age of 15
  • Recovered from an ACL tear that prematurely ended her ballet career
  • Discovered her passion for science out of necessity
  • Navigated different funding sources and grants to finance Margik
  • Knocked on doors in Silicon Valley to land Margik’s first commercial pilot

…as well as how Charlotte can stop losing hardware tech startups to places like Silicon Valley, and more!

Please enjoy this conversation with Margaret Kocherga.

 

William Bissett is the owner of and an Investment Advisor Representative of Portus Wealth Advisors, a Registered Investment Adviser. Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training. Opinions expressed on this program do not necessarily reflect those of Portus Wealth Advisors. The topics discussed and opinions given are not intended to address the specific needs of any listener.   

Portus Wealth Advisors does not offer legal or tax advice, listeners are encouraged to discuss their financial needs with the appropriate professional regarding your individual circumstance.  

Investments described herein may be speculative and may involve a substantial risk of loss. Interests may be offered only to persons who qualify as accredited investors under applicable state and federal regulation or an eligible employee of the management company. There generally is no public market for the Interests. Prospective investors should particularly note that many factors affect performance, including changes in market conditions and interest rates, and other economic, political or financial developments. Past performance is not, and should not be construed as, indicative of future results. 

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | RSS