How Smart Investors Find Opportunities with Eli Velasquez

In this episode of the **Exponential Growth Podcast**, David Olivencia sits down with **Eli Velasquez, CEO of CapitalStack Investors**, to explore how government funding, venture capital, and global innovation are creating new opportunities for entrepreneurs and investors. From building rockets at Boeing to developing startup ecosystems around the world, Eli shares his journey from El Paso, Texas, to Europe and the lessons he's learned about turning innovation into investment opportunities. One of the biggest opportunities discussed is the **$50 billion Rural Health Transformation initiative**, alongside growing federal investment in defense technologies. Eli explains how understanding government priorities can help founders unlock funding, reduce risk, and attract investors who might otherwise overlook their companies. David and Eli also revisit their experience testifying before Congress on accredited investor regulations and discuss why expanding access to private markets matters as companies like OpenAI, Anthropic, and SpaceX continue to grow. **In this episode, you'll discover:** - Why government policy can reveal major investment opportunities before they become obvious. - How a startup seeking $5 million could unlock $30 million through defense applications. - Where the $50 billion rural healthcare initiative could create opportunities for innovators. - Why accredited investor regulations matter for access to startup investing. - How to approach angel investing, diversification, and long-term risk. - Why successful leaders should open their networks and create opportunities for others. - How building relationships across industries and countries can accelerate innovation. Whether you're an entrepreneur seeking capital, an investor exploring emerging markets, or a business leader navigating exponential change, this conversation offers a fresh perspective on where opportunities are emerging and how to position yourself for them. **Subscribe to Exponential Growth** for more conversations with innovators, investors, and leaders shaping the future of business and technology. **About the Guest** Eli Velasquez is the CEO of CapitalStack Investors, with experience spanning aerospace engineering, intellectual property, venture capital, technology commercialization, and international innovation ecosystem development. **Hosted by David Olivencia** CEO & Co-Founder, Angeles Investors | Author of *NetWORKing Excellence* | Host of Exponential Growth #ExponentialGrowth #VentureCapital #StartupInvesting #AngelInvesting #Innovation #Entrepreneurship #Leadership #DavidOlivencia #EliVelasquez