Get to know Abhi:

Abhi Lokesh is the co-founder and CEO of Fracture. Born in Saudi Arabia, Abhi was raised internationally, living in India, London, and New York before settling in the Tampa Bay Area with his family. Abhi Lokesh graduated from UF in 2009 with a bachelors degree in integrative biology. During undergrad, he was actively involved with the Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, eventually becoming the president of the student ambassadors in his senior year. He also conducted materials science research, which helped contribute to the NASA Mars Rover program. His entrepreneurial experience came from working for three years at Optima Neuroscience, a local med-tech startup, where he was able to immerse himself in the numerous facets of a young, fast-paced company.

In 2006, he collaborated with two classmates, including future business partner Alex Theodore, to start a nonprofit focused on alleviating the health and poverty epidemic in Swaziland, Africa. His role focused on revenue generation and business development. This became the foundation from which Fracture, their current venture, was born. Since graduating and co-founding Fracture, they have sold over 400,000 Fractures to more than 100,000 customers in 80 countries.

Your Moderator Mitch Glaeser:

Mitch Glaeser has founded 11 start-ups. Known throughout the world as a serial entrepreneur, community leader, philanthropist and mentor, he was recently named CEO of The Emory Group Companies. Mitch now runs a family owned group of companies including information technology, publishing, hospitality, apparel, and real estate development among others.

He received his real estate license at 18 and became a real estate broker soon after. He worked for the New York Times Company for eight years, attaining the highest level of sales volume by anyone in a given year and continues to hold that record today. Glaeser is also a motivational speaker, traveling the world for several years teaching others how to build strong business relationships.

He is a past president of Crime Stoppers, Guardian Ad Litem, The Exchange Club and Junior Achievement. He has previously served on the American Red Cross board, is a member of the Leadership Gainesville Alumni Association, co-founded Alachua County Emerging Leaders and has been chair of the Gainesville Community Foundation. He is also a past board member of Keep Alachua County Beautiful and the Realtors Board of Directors. He is past chair of the Counsel for Economic Outreach and two-time chair for the Gainesville Area Chamber of Commerce. Mitch currently serves on the Gainesville Airport Authority. Recently, appointed by the Mayor, he chaired the City of Gainesville’s Blue Ribbon Committee on Community Competitiveness.

While receiving numerous awards over the years, he has recently been awarded the LGAA Leader of the Year Award, the James M. Parrish Community Leader of the Year Award and is the only citizen to receive two Keys to the City presented to him by two different Mayors.

About Startup Talks:

Startup Talks is a monthly event in Gainesville that brings together the tech and startup communities. To learn more about upcoming and future events, please contact us at hello@gainesvilletech.org.

Food and drinks provided by Infinite Energy.