AI in NYC Show

In Episode 20 of AI in NYC, we welcome back our original guest — Charlie O'Donnell — to talk about his upcoming book 'Founder Unfriendly: What Investors Won't Tell You About Getting Funded.' Charlie has spent years in the NYC venture ecosystem helping founders navigate the opaque, often misleading world of fundraising, and this book is his attempt to arm the 99% of founders who aren't insiders with the real playbook. Charlie breaks down why the feedback you get from VCs almost never reflects the real reason they passed, how junior associates can inadvertently string you along, and why the fundraising process actually starts way before you ever pitch a deck — possibly as far back as high school. He also shares a fascinating look at how he used AI to organize and structure a 250-page book from a messy list of inside-joke chapter titles. We also discuss the emotional arc of founding a company — including why the day you announce your startup might be the most dangerously misleading day of all. If your network congratulated you but didn't offer a single customer intro, that's a signal worth paying attention to. Whether you're a first-time founder or a repeat entrepreneur, this episode is packed with honest, practical insight you won't hear in a typical VC blog post. Sponsored by BePresent (bepresentapp.com) — the #1 app in its category that uses social media engagement techniques to keep you OFF your phone. Also: join us April 15th at 5:30 PM for our first in-person Cloud Code class for non-technical people in NYC!

In this episode of AI in NYC, Rob and Ryan sit down with Zachary Smith, co-founder of Datum, to explore why the foundational infrastructure of the internet needs a radical overhaul for the AI era. Zach — a lifelong New Yorker who traded a classical music career at Juilliard for the wild world of Linux web hosting in 2001 — brings a rare depth of experience spanning multiple companies, acquisitions, and a front-row seat inside Equinix, one of the largest interconnection companies on Earth.Zach introduces his concept of the 'splinternet' — a world where geopolitics, regulation, and the demands of AI workloads are fragmenting the once-unified internet — and explains why Datum is building an open network cloud to serve the next wave of what he calls 'alt clouds': the roughly one thousand (and growing) new cloud providers that don't fit neatly into the old hyperscaler model. From Databricks to GPU startups to niche SaaS platforms, Zach argues these alt clouds need shared infrastructure primitives they can't afford to build alone.The conversation also gets deeply personal. Zach opens up about the emotional toll of selling his first bootstrapped company after 11 years, the therapy and intentional downtime he needed before starting again, and the unique dynamic of building multiple companies with his identical twin brother Jacob. His mentor Bill Luby's advice — 'this is the best time because you have no past' — becomes a throughline for how Datum approaches building for the long term in a world obsessed with speed.Whether you're a founder, an infrastructure nerd, or just curious about how the physical internet actually works, this episode is packed with insights about what's changing beneath the surface of every AI application you use. Tune in for one of the most thoughtful conversations we've had about the invisible plumbing of the internet age. Check out datum: https://datumdata.ai/ Thank you to our sponsor: BePresent - Download their app here: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/bepresent-screen-time-control/id1644737181

What happens when AI meets your brain data? In Episode 18 of AI in NYC, Rob May and Anna Kirk sit down with Kristen Mathews, cyber/data/privacy partner at Cooley LLP with nearly 30 years of experience, who has carved out a fascinating niche at the intersection of privacy law and neurotechnology. Kristen breaks down what neurotech actually is — from invasive brain implants to consumer wearable headbands — and explains how AI has been the key catalyst turning a century of brain signal data into actionable, decoded information. The conversation dives deep into the different categories of neurotech, including how devices can not only read brain activity but also stimulate it — with real applications like predicting seizures 20 minutes before they happen and suppressing them with electrical pulses. Rob shares his firsthand experience from sitting on the board of a neurotech company, while Kristen paints a vivid picture of the current landscape, including New York City's role as a major hub for the neurotech community. Perhaps the most thought-provoking segment explores the ethical frontier: the difference between decoding 'intended speech' (helping ALS patients communicate) and 'inner speech' (your private thoughts). Where's the line? Can AI tell the difference? Kristen is refreshingly honest about what we don't yet know, while emphasizing that every neurotech application she's seen in practice today is being used for good. This episode is essential listening for anyone interested in AI, privacy, the future of brain-computer interfaces, and why the next big privacy debate may be about your thoughts. Relevant links: www.nytimes.com/2003/06/22/magazine/savant-for-a-day.html https://icaot.org/jose-delgado-a-controversial-trailblazer-inneuromodulation/ Kristen Mathews on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristen-mathews-6025257?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_mweb&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile Download BePresent: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/bepresent-screen-time-control/id1644737181

n Episode 17 of AI in NYC, hosts Rob May, Ryan Eppley, and Anna Kirk sit down with Alayna Kennedy — Director of AI Governance at MasterCard — to talk about what it actually looks like to turn high-minded AI principles into real, operational governance inside one of the world's largest financial companies. Alayna brings a rare combination of hands-on AI model development experience (she built fraud detection models at IBM for a major federal agency) and deep academic credentials in fairness, accountability, and transparency in machine learning. The conversation digs into the gap between publishing a principles document and actually embedding ethics into your data pipeline, product development, and deployment process. Alayna shares insights from her master's thesis research, where she interviewed data scientists and governance teams across companies to find out who's really putting AI ethics into practice — and who's just posting it on a website. The team also explores the biggest concerns facing major enterprises when it comes to frontier models vs. open source, the ethical blind spots most people miss, and where the real resistance to AI adoption comes from inside large organizations. Whether you're building AI products, governing them, or just trying to understand how the biggest companies in the world are navigating this moment, this episode is packed with practical insight. Plus, stick around for the crew's favorite Saturday morning NYC activities Thank you to our sponsor: BePresent https://www.bepresentapp.com/ More of Alayna's work: https://alaynakennedy.github.io/

Albert Chun, founder of AI Circle, joins Rob, Ryan, and Anna to talk about building one of AI's most intentionally small communities — and why turning away a thousand applicants is a feature, not a bug. Albert shares how his background as an educator (he started schools in the Bay Area and South Bronx) shaped the way he thinks about training AI models at Invisible, and why the future of AI might be more of a teaching problem than a math one. The crew also breaks down the OpenClaw acquisition by OpenAI, the security risks hiding inside open-source AI agents, and what it means that the Pentagon is now clashing with Anthropic over how its models are being used. 🔗 Apply to AI Circle: https://ai-circle.org 🔗 Albert Chun on LinkedIn: / albert-s-chun This episode is sponsored by BePresent — the app that uses the same tactics social media uses to keep you addicted, and flips them to help you put your phone down. Download it here: https://www.bepresentapp.com/ If you enjoyed this episode, please rate and review us — it helps more than you know. Have a guest suggestion or want to be on the show? Reach out through our website: aiinnycshow.com

In this episode of AI in NYC, hosts Rob May (Neurometric) and Ryan Eppley (Root Access) dive deep into the intersection of human intimacy and artificial intelligence. With Valentine’s Day around the corner, they explore the startling statistic that 33% of Gen Z has engaged in romantic conversations with AI. Is technology a tool for building human connection, or a replacement for it? They also break down the latest industry drama, including Anthropic’s aggressive "Keep Thinking" ad campaign, OpenAI’s move into the advertising space, and the rise of multi-agent frameworks like Gastown that are changing how we develop software. *Topics Covered*: Sponsor Spotlight: BePresent – Using social media psychology to break phone addiction. The Gen Z AI Romance Boom – Why 1/3 of young adults are talking to bots. AI "Eager to Please" vs. Human Messiness – Why conflict and "clunkiness" are necessary for real growth. Tools of the Trade – From RizzGPT to Eva AI and the world's first AI dating café. The Utility vs. Morality of AI – Exploring the ethics of the sex tech industry and robotics. Collaborative Filtering vs. Personalization – Why human chemistry can't be fully "scraped" or predicted by an algorithm. The MoltBook Incident – What happens when AI agents build their own Reddit-style communities? Gastown & Multi-Agent Orchestration – A new framework for automated software development. The AI Ad Wars – Anthropic’s "Keep Thinking" campaign vs. OpenAI’s new ad testing. New York Minute – Why SoHo is the new Times Square and the reality of the Financial District. *Tech Mentioned*: BePresent App: https://www.bepresentapp.com/ (The screen-time reduction tool featured in today's show). Anthropic: https://www.anthropic.com/ (Superbowl ad). OpenRouter: https://openrouter.ai/ (The platform for routing prompts to multiple AI models). Gastown: The experimental open-source multi-agent orchestration framework for automating software dev.

Dennis Mortensen, 20-year NYC entrepreneur and founder of x.ai (the AI scheduling assistant), joins Rob May and Ryan Eppley to share war stories from building one of the first real AI agents—years before LLMs existed. We dive into: → The insane complexity of AI scheduling (what does "soon" actually mean?) → Why perceived errors were harder to solve than real ones → ChatGPT's move into advertising—should we be worried? → Is the AI bubble real? (Dennis sold his AI stocks last week 👀) → Apple licensing Gemini for Siri: brilliant move or generational fumble? → What Dennis is building now at Launch Brightly Topics discussed:ChatGPT & ads: https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/techno... Quantum computing & Bitcoin: https://www.investors.com/news/techno... Apple & Gemini: https://www.cnbc.com/2026/01/12/apple...Connect with Dennis: LinkedIn: / dennismortensen Launch Brightly: https://launchbrightly.com

Caroline (Carrie) Hodge, CEO & Co-founder of Dimer Health, joins us to talk about building an AI-powered healthcare company that bridges the gap between hospital discharge and follow-up care. We dig into patient trust in AI, the launch of ChatGPT Health, why AI can't make clinical decisions (yet), and what happens when malpractice meets machine learning.Plus: Grok's image generator goes off the rails, a new Wisconsin deepfake law, Yann LeCun leaves Meta to build world models, and why enterprise AI was the surprise star of CES.Guest: Carrie Hodge — CEO & Co-founder, Dimer Health https://www.dimerhealth.com LinkedIn: / carolinethodge Hosts: Rob May — Co-founder & CEO, Neurometric Ryan Eppley — Co-founder & CEO, Root Access Anna Kirk — Sales Lead, Thread AIArticles Discussed: ChatGPT Health Launch — https://openai.com/index/introducing-...Grok AI Deepfake Controversy — https://www.rollingstone.com/culture/...Wisconsin Deepfake Bill — https://www.wmtv15news.com/2026/01/06...Gary Marcus on Yann LeCun Leaving Meta — https://garymarcus.substack.com/p/bre...Enterprise AI at CES — https://www.thedeepview.com/newslette...The Shape of AI (Ethan Mollick) — https://www.oneusefulthing.org/p/the-...Subscribe for weekly conversations on AI, startups, and the NYC tech ecosystem. #AI #Healthcare #NYCTech #Startups #ChatGPT #Deepfakes #CES2025

We're closing out 2025 by showcasing 6 incredible AI startups building right here in New York City — the applied AI capital of the world.Rob May and Ryan Eppley sit down with founders solving real problems across legal tech, elder safety, AI security, compliance automation, manufacturing intelligence, and AI-powered SEO.🎯 STARTUPS FEATURED:*CounselPro - Ian O'Brien*AI-powered forensic accounting for legal professionalsAutomates financial document analysis for divorce, bankruptcy, and fraud cases50+ customers, fully bootstrappedWebsite: https://www.counselpro.aiLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ian-obrien*Silvershield - Alec Glassman*Protecting older adults from digital fraud and scamsAI assistant that analyzes suspicious texts and emailsLaunching across New York State in January 2026Website: https://www.silvershield.aiLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alec-glassman*Krnel - Peyman Faratin*AI model security and control at runtimeLooks inside models to detect vulnerabilities and control behaviorDemocratizing AI safety toolsWebsite: https://krnel.aiLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pfaratin*Koop - Sergey Litvinenko*Compliance automation for tech companiesHandles SOC 2, AI governance, and regulatory requirements23x growth since seed roundWebsite: https://www.koop.aiLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sergey-from-koop*Tendrel - Akash Nandi*Operations intelligence for manufacturingAI-powered insights for industrial frontline workersMinimizing downtime, maximizing productionWebsite: https://www.tendrel.ioLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/agnandi*OpenForge - Jason Patel*AI SEO platform (Answer Engine Optimization)AI agents that optimize businesses for ChatGPT and AI search50,000+ YouTube subscribers, six-figure ARR in 4 monthsWebsite: https://www.openforge.ai/aboutLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pateljasonYoutube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@UCnxPG10xnU5-WB2RpnxAivQ💡 KEY THEMES:Applied AI solving real business problems todayNYC's diverse AI ecosystem beyond frontier model labsBootstrapped and early-stage funded companiesFrom elder care to manufacturing to compliance🗽 WHY NEW YORK?New York City is emerging as the applied AI capital — hundreds of startups focused on bringing AI to real industries with real customers. Less hype, more substance.Support these founders:✅ Check out their websites✅ Connect with them on LinkedIn✅ Share with relevant connections✅ Help grow NYC's AI ecosystemHOSTS:Rob May - Co-founder & CEO, NeuroMetricRyan Eppley - Co-founder & CEO, Root Access📍 Recorded in NYC | December 2025🎙️ AI In NYC PodcastSubscribe for weekly AI insights from New York City's tech scene!#AIinNYC #AI #ArtificialIntelligence #NYCTech #AIStartups #Startups #TechPodcast #MachineLearning #AppliedAI #Founders #Entrepreneurship #2025YearEnd

Jason Hiner, Editor-in-Chief of The Deep View, joins AI In NYC hosts Rob May and Ryan Eppley to break down the biggest AI stories of 2025; from DeepSeek's January shockwave to Google's stunning November comeback with Gemini 3. MAJOR MOMENTS WE COVER: DeepSeek's China Breakthrough- How they trained frontier models on a fraction of resources and changed the efficiency conversation forever OpenAI's O3 Reasoning Model- The inference-time compute revolution and what it means for 2026 The Great Talent War- $100M packages, brain drain, and why some engineers turned down Meta's money GPT-5's Disappointment- What OpenAI's loss of Ilya Sutskever and Mira Murati really meant Google's Redemption Arc - From "toast" to Wall Street darling in 6 months Stargate & the $500B AI Factory- Circular financing, Oracle deals, and what's really happening The Bubble Question - Why Jason thinks we're NOT in a capital-B bubble (but there are small ones)KEY INSIGHTS:95% of enterprise AI deployments still aren't profitable (MIT study)Only 13% of the world uses generative AI—massive growth aheadWorld models will be the "AI agents" of 2026Multi-model systems replacing single LLM approachesAMD is coming for Nvidia's dominance🔮 2026 PREDICTIONS:End of "one model to rule them all" thinking AGI/superintelligence labels will fade as overhype The year of AI optimization and efficiency OpenAI's overstretched focus problem will show cracks 🗽NEW YORK QUESTION: All three hosts agree: Times Square is the worst tourist trap in NYC GUEST: Jason Hiner - Editor-in-Chief & Chief Content Officer, The Deep View Subscribe: https://subscribe.thedeepview.com/AI IN NYC HOSTS: Rob May - Co-founder & CEO, NeuroMetric Ryan Eppley - Co-founder & CEO, Root Access 📍 Recorded in NYC | December 18th 2025 🎙️ AI In NYC Podcast - Your source for AI insights from the applied AI capital Subscribe for weekly AI insights from New York City's tech scene! #AIInNYC #AI #ArtificialIntelligence #DeepSeek #OpenAI #Google #Gemini #AIBubble #NYCTech #MachineLearning #JasonHiner #TheDeepView #2025Recap #AIAgents #WorldModels #Podcast

In Episode 10, we sit down with Doug O’Laughlin, President of SemiAnalysis and author of Fabricated Knowledge, to break down the truth behind GPUs, the semiconductor supply chain, and the massive power demands coming with AI’s next phase. From the behind-the-scenes AMD exposé that forced a turnaround, to why Nvidia’s GPU dominance is not just about specs, to how fragile the global chip ecosystem really is—this episode dives deep into the hardware, economics, and geopolitics driving the AI boom. We also cover the rise of alternative accelerators, the future of U.S. chip manufacturing, Intel’s identity crisis, nuclear vs. on-site generation for data centers, and whether we’re already sliding into an AI bubble. GUEST Doug O’Laughlin – President, SemiAnalysis Founder, Fabricated Knowledge Leader in AI semiconductor + data center research

In this episode: Rob May and Anna Kirk sit down with Ben Coleman, founder & CEO of RealityDefender, to talk about the future of deepfakes, misinformation, detection tech, and why New York might actually be the best place to build applied AI. We cover the moment Ben realized deepfakes were going to become a world-scale problem, what it takes to stay ahead of AI-generated media, the shifting investor sentiment around safety tools—and yes, Rob tries to get Ben to explain how to make Anna say something she would never say in real life.https://www.realitydefender.com/

Why Nonprofits Need AI Now — With Jenni Warren & Jake Porway of Decoded Futures In Episode 8 of AI in NYC, hosts Rob May (CEO & Co-founder, Neurometric) and Ryan Eppley (CEO & Co-founder, Root Access) sit down with Jenni Warren and Jake Porway from Decoded Futures — a Tech:NYC Foundation initiative powered by Robin Hood and Google.Jenni, a Program Director with 15+ years of experience across Magpie Literacy, Success Academy, and DSST Public Schools, and Jake, an Entrepreneur-in-Residence and Co-founder of DataKind, join the table for a wide-ranging, philosophical, and fun conversation.Decoded Futures website: https://www.decodedfutures.nyc/Featuring:Jenni Warren — Program Director, Decoded FuturesJake Porway — Entrepreneur-in-Residence, Decoded Futures & Co-founder, DataKindRob May — CEO & Co-founder, Neurometric (Host)Ryan Eppley — CEO & Co-founder, Root Access (Host)Producer: Madi DonlanFor guest inquiries:[email protected] | @aiinnycshow on instagram

Welcome to AI in NYC! In Episode 7, hosts Ryan Eppley (Root Access) and Anna Kirk (Thread AI) sit down with Waleed Atallah, CEO of Mako, to dive deep into the world of AI hardware, GPUs, and the future of computing.In this episode:Waleed’s journey from Intel to founding MakoWhy GPUs are taking over the world of AIThe challenges of programming for GPUs and how Mako is solving themThe evolution of AI coding agents and the async vs. sync debateInsights on enterprise AI adoption, current trends, and the future of workFun NYC stories, favorite city landmarks, and more!Timestamps:0:00 – Intro & guest welcome2:30 – Waleed’s background and career path10:00 – The rise of GPUs and parallel processing20:00 – What Mako does and why it matters35:00 – AI coding agents: async vs. sync50:00 – Enterprise AI adoption & industry trends1:10:00 – NYC stories & favorite buildings1:20:00 – Closing thoughtsConnect with us:Ryan Eppley: Root AccessAnna Kirk: Thread AIGuest: Waleed Atallah, CEO of MakoDon’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes on AI, startups, and tech in New York City! Send us your swag! [email protected] #Podcast #NYC #GPUs #Startups #Mako #artificialintelligence

FeedbackNow VP of AI, Sam Koch, joins the show to share how he’s actually using AI, not just talking about it. From automating real workflows to bringing hardware back into tech, Sam breaks down what works (and what doesn’t) when scaling automation in Private Equity.Why watch:Real examples of AI that save hours of workWhat failed (and why some automations aren’t worth it)Why hardware gives startups defensibility againHow culture and management make or break AI transformationActionable lessons from hand-labeling data to scaling lean startupsTopics:AI in Private Equity · Workflow automation · Real-world data · Hardware comeback · State space models · Culture in digital transformationArticles discussed:State Space Model gets major funding (LinkedIn)Data Centers and Jet Engines (IEEE Spectrum)Michael Burry bets against Palantir and NVIDIA (Yahoo Finance)Amazon vs. Perplexity AI Agent (Bloomberg)Hosts:Rob May (NeuroMetric) · Anna Kirk (Nadia Partners) · Ryan Eppley (Root Access)Want us to wear your company swag on the show or talk bookings?Email: [email protected], subscribe, and drop your favorite NYC burger in the comments!

Discover SimpleApply — the smarter way to land your next job!Visit: https://simpleapply.aiHosts: Rob May — CEO & Co-founder, NeuroMetric AIAnna Kirk — Chief of Staff, Nadia PartnersIn this episode of AI in NYC, hosts Rob May (CEO & Co-founder, NeuroMetric) and Anna Kirk (Chief of Staff, Nadia Partners) sit down with Joe Perrotta, CEO and founder of SimplyApply, to explore how AI is transforming the job search, hiring, and the future of work.What’s Inside:Joe shares the story behind SimpleApply and how it’s helping thousands of job seekers automate and streamline their job hunt.The team debates “AI doom loops” in hiring—will automation and countermeasures spiral out of control, or is it just a temporary inefficiency?Real-world metrics: Joe reveals SimpleApply’s growth, user success rates, and what’s really happening in today’s job market.Beyond resumes: Why networking, authenticity, and human connection still matter in an AI-driven world.Rob’s unique approach to hiring for diversity and the value of randomness in finding hidden talent.Favorite interview questions, personality tests, and candid takes on the latest AI news: OpenAI’s new browser, Anthropic’s leadership statement, and the future of AI hardware.Featured Articles & Resources:SimpleApply.aihttps://theconversation.com/ai-genera...https://techcrunch.com/2025/10/21/ope...https://www.anthropic.com/news/statem...https://www.nytimes.com/2025/10/13/te...“By building our own chip, we can embed what we’ve learned from creating frontier models and products directly into the hardware, unlocking new levels of capability and intelligence.” - Signs OpenAI is vertically integrating hardware stack, less reliance on NVIDIA

Hosts:Rob May — CEO & Co-founder, NeuroMetricAnna Kirk — Chief of Staff, Nadia PartnersRyan Eppley — Co-founder & CEO, Root AccessGuest:Joe Dormani — Partner, Thomson Reuters VenturesEpisode Overview:This week we sit down with Joe Dormani for a deep dive into AI investing, legal tech, and how enterprise adoption is really unfolding in the wild. We cover venture strategy, defensibility, the future of professional services, and whether the billable hour can survive AI. We also explore the cultural side of AI — including dating apps, RizzGPT, and Joe’s belief that “organic rizz is better than synthetic rizz.”Segments & Key Topics:• Joe’s career path across AI product, corporate strategy, and venture investing• How Thomson Reuters Ventures evaluates companies in legal, tax, accounting, fintech, and compliance• Build vs. buy vs. partner vs. invest — how enterprises make AI decisions• Real-world AI adoption: what’s working and what still has friction• Defensibility in AI: data, workflow depth, UX, and true IP• The billable hour vs. an AI-native legal industry• The rise of AI tool proficiency as a career skill• Cultural AI: RizzGPT, dating-app AI, and generational shifts• $300M+ seed for Periodic Labs, AMD vs. NVIDIA, and macro AI market dynamics• NYC segment — our favorite calm spots in the cityQuotes:“AI is a tool — proficiency and investment determine the outcome.”“The billable hour may not survive an AI-first legal industry.”“Organic rizz is better than synthetic rizz.”!!!Founders!!! send us your merch for a shoutout in a future episode.Subscribe, comment, and drop your guest suggestions for next week.

In this episode Rob and Ryan interview Eric Litman, CEO of Aescape, which builds a robotic massage table. Eric talks about how robotics has exploded in NYC in the last few years, and how it compares to building his first company in mobile tech in the mid 2000s. The crew also discusses an article about how ChatGPT is destroying marriages, and debates again whether or not AI is in a bubble.Leave a comment on the show and we will choose the best one to get an Aescape gift card for a free massage.

In this episode Rob, Anna, and Ryan talk to Collectivei co-founder Stephen Messer and discuss his background as an early NYC tech entrepreneur, and building AI in New York before it was cool. The crew also discusses an article from The Atlantic about whether or not there is an AI bubble, and Jerry Neumann’s recent Collossus article “AI Will Not Make You Rich”The show ends with everyone contributing their best “what I overheard in New York” story.

Listen to Rob, Anna, and Ryan discuss the New York tech scene and recent AI articles with Charlie O'Donnell. Charlie is a life long New Yorker and long time venture capitalist. He discusses his experience working for Josh Kopelman and Fred Wilson, two of the most successful venture capitalists of all time, and the key catalysts that have turned NYC into a dominant hub for AI.Charlie's blog - thisisgoingtobebig.com

Welcome to exhilarating episode of AI Innovators with Rob May! In this episode, Rob is joined by Dan Schwarz, founder of FutureSearch, for an in-depth conversation about the future of artificial intelligence and the pivotal role forecasting plays in understanding where AI is headed. Unlike any previous guest, Dan brings his unique perspective as a leader of a company that leverages AI to predict the future of AI itself.The AI Innovators Podcast is sponsored by Half Court Ventures and the Investing in AI newsletter, this episode promises to provide a wealth of knowledge for anyone interested in the cutting-edge developments in AI and their real-world applications. Dan and Rob dig into some of FutureSearch’s boldest forecasts—like predictions on OpenAI’s 2027 revenue and the emerging business models that could power an intelligence explosion. They explore how AI-driven forecasting is dramatically improving the ability to answer tough questions about technology, industry disruption, and the timeline for true superintelligence. Dan shares FutureSearch’s methodology, the importance of track records in making credible predictions, and why the next wave of AI revenue is likely to come from “agents” rather than traditional products like ChatGPT.Throughout the episode, you'll get insights into the challenges and opportunities facing foundational model companies like OpenAI and Anthropic, the impact of disruptive new technologies, and why positive feedback loops could make AI’s evolution much faster—and more surprising—than most expect.Whether you’re an investor, technologist, or just fascinated by AI’s rapid progress, this episode is loaded with expert analysis, real-world examples, and forward-looking ideas to keep you ahead of the curve.Episode Highlights:Costs and Investment: OpenAI is burning through far more capital than previous tech companies due to the enormous compute costs required for their models. The money they’ve raised is more about meeting these high operating expenses than signaling runaway revenue success.Competition and Technological Disruption: Key risks include rivals (like Anthropic, Google) overtaking OpenAI in model quality. There’s also the ever-present possibility that a left-field technology breakthrough could upset current leaders.Forecasting Superintelligence: Future Search contributed to AI 2027, a collaborative forecast about the path to superintelligence. Dan sees the automation of coding, followed by automated AI research, as critical “dominoes” that could lead to an intelligence explosion—though he’s skeptical about this all happening extremely soon.Limits to Forecasting: There are fundamental, probabilistic limits to what either humans or AI can forecast—some things simply can’t be known in advance due to inherent uncertainty (like specific “black swan” events), but much of the world is more predictable than people expect when approached rigorously.Dan's Links(Linkedin)futuresearch.aiEpisode Timestamps02:00 – Establishing Credibility Through Track Records: Why past performance and reputation matter when building trust in AI leadership.06:22 – ChatGPT as OpenAI’s Revenue Engine: A look at how ChatGPT has become a central monetization tool for OpenAI.07:06 – The $100B Vision: OpenAI’s Agent Strategy: Exploring how autonomous AI agents could be the key to OpenAI's next major growth phase.13:06 – AI in 2027: The Road to Superintelligence: Predictions and pathways leading toward artificial general intelligence in the next few years.15:54 – The Human Edge in Forecasting: Why human intuition still holds value against algorithmic predictions—at least for now.17:29 – AI and the Rise of Superhuman Forecasting: How advanced AI models are already beginning to outperform human experts in prediction accuracy.23:18 – Strategic Insights for AI Investors: Key considerations and principles when evaluating long-term AI investments.

Welcome to exhilarating episode of AI Innovators with Rob May! In this episode, we explore the transformative power of AI in marketing and branding with our distinguished guests: Catherine Perloff, a journalist focused on the advertising business of big tech platforms, and Noah Brier, an entrepreneur passionate about integrating AI into marketing strategies.The AI Innovators Podcast is sponsored by Half Court Ventures and the Investing in AI newsletter, this episode promises to provide a wealth of knowledge for anyone interested in the cutting-edge developments in AI and their real-world applications. Catherine and Noah delve into how AI is reshaping the advertising landscape by enabling creativity and accelerating content creation. They discuss the challenges marketers face with AI adoption, such as the slow integration within large enterprises and concerns over data privacy and brand safety.Rob, Catherine, and Noah also consider the future role of AI in branding and marketing, emphasizing the importance of maintaining strong brand identities in a rapidly evolving technological environment. Whether you're a marketer, technologist, or simply curious about AI's influence, this episode is packed with valuable insights to help you keep pace in the AI-driven world. Tune in to discover how AI experts are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in marketing!Episode Highlights:AI in Marketing: Explore how AI is driving innovation in marketing by streamlining the creation of ads and enabling more dynamic advertising strategies.Challenges in AI Adoption: Learn about the hurdles large brands face in adopting AI, from legal barriers to cultural resistance within organizations.Branding and AI's Future: Gain insights into the evolving role of branding in an AI-centric world and how brands can position themselves for success amidst changing media landscapes.Catherine's Links(Linkedin)Noah's Links(Linkedin)(brxnd.ai)Episode Timestamps04:43 – AI in Advertising: How the advertising industry is embracing AI for creativity, targeting, and efficiency.07:45 – Brand Renewal Through Experimentation: The role of AI in driving brand reinvention and creative risk-taking.12:49 – AI Tools & Brand Identity: Balancing AI-generated content with quality control and brand authenticity.14:22 – Data Sharing Dilemmas: Navigating the privacy, trust, and security challenges of AI data sharing.19:45 – Rethinking Branding Fundamentals: Examining how AI is reshaping the core principles of branding.20:49 – Global Brand Consistency: Leveraging AI to ensure cohesive brand experiences across international markets.

Welcome to another exciting episode of AI Innovators with Rob May! In this episode, we dive deep into the intersection of artificial intelligence and risk analysis with Scott Weller, co-founder of Enfi AI. The AI Innovators Podcast is sponsored by Half Court Ventures and the Investing in AI newsletter, this episode promises to provide a wealth of knowledge for anyone interested in the cutting-edge developments in AI and their real-world applications. Scott shares his insights on how AI is transforming the credit industry by streamlining the underwriting process, making commercial lending more efficient, and, ultimately, boosting economic growth. Rob and Scott discuss the challenges and solutions surrounding AI's role in financial services, including dealing with LLM hallucinations and building agent-based systems. Scott also reflects on the evolution of digital coworkers and their role in the future workforce. Whether you're an entrepreneur, technologist, or simply curious about AI's impact, this episode is packed with valuable insights on staying ahead in the AI-driven world. Tune in to explore the future possibilities with AI experts leading the charge!Episode Highlights:Efficient Credit Analysis: Scott highlights how AI can streamline credit risk assessment by automating mundane tasks, allowing analysts to focus on more complex decision-making, ultimately enabling banks to lend more efficiently.Agent-Based Systems: He discusses the development of agentic systems that are fine-tuned to specific tasks, helping reduce errors like hallucinations and improving overall system reliability in data-heavy environments like finance.Future of Digital Workforces: Scott envisions a future where digital coworkers, empowered by natural language processing, work alongside humans to enhance productivity and drive innovation in various industries.Scott's Links(Linkedin)(enfi.ai)01:00 - Streamlining Credit Risk Assessment. 03:53 - "Agent Systems for Controlled AI Tasks." 08:12 - Future: Human-AI Workforce Collaboration. 13:19 - "Automate Mundane for Success." 16:16 - Trustworthy AI Models for Financial Services. 19:32 - Challenges in Agent Planning Accuracy. 21:34 - Optimizing Task Execution Plans. 24:05 - Join ENFI AI: AI Partnerships Invited.

Welcome to another episode of AI Innovators with Rob May, where we explore the transformative impact of artificial intelligence on various industries. In this episode, we're joined by the insightful Karen Hao, a freelance journalist known for her expertise in AI and technology reporting. The AI Innovators Podcast is sponsored by Half Court Ventures and the Investing in AI newsletter, this episode promises to provide a wealth of knowledge for anyone interested in the cutting-edge developments in AI and their real-world applications. Karen shares her unique journey from a mechanical engineering background to becoming a leading journalist covering AI advancements, initially at MIT Technology Review. Together, Rob and Karen dive into pressing topics such as the current landscape of AI ethics, the rapid developments in AI capabilities, and the ongoing global competition in the AI space, particularly between the US and China. Karen also provides a sneak peek into her forthcoming book on OpenAI, promising an in-depth look at one of the most influential companies in AI today. Tune in to hear their thought-provoking discussion on the societal impacts of AI, the challenges of maintaining ethical standards in an ever-evolving field, and the importance of fostering international collaboration for the benefit of all.00:42 - Karen Hao's career and unexpected start in AI journalism.01:11 - Karen Hao's initial reluctance to cover AI and eventual realization of its significance.02:31 - Exploration of AI research and its societal impacts.03:31 - Society's preparedness to handle AI's ethical dilemmas.03:59 - Complex world challenges ethical AI development.05:33 - Race against time in AI development versus ethical consideration.05:39 - Deep Seek's impact and reflection on AI industry's scaling beliefs.07:45 - Thoughts on hardware as the only moat in AI development.09:07 - Public market reactions and AI defensibility concerns.10:30 - Discussion on AI hardware innovation and talent.12:01 - Societal costs demand efficient AI hardware and software.13:02 - Ethical concerns in AI development supply chains.13:34 - Hope for innovative solutions to AI's power consumption.14:30 - Silicon Valley's AGI obsession and skepticism.15:29 - AGI's shifting definition and its relevance in AI development.17:12 - Concerns over ideological divides hampering AI dialogue.17:50 - US-China AI competition narrative's incorrectness.19:37 - Importance of international collaboration in AI research.20:20 - Shift from competition to cooperation for global AI progress.20:42 - Book recommendation: "Non Zero" by Robert Wright.20:49 - Karen Hao's book announcement and its focus on OpenAI.21:18 - Inside story of OpenAI and future AI implications.Karen Hao's Links(Linkedin)

Welcome to another episode of the AI Innovators Podcast! I'm your host, Rob May, and in today's episode, In today's episode, our distinguished guest is Joseph Jorgensen, the founder of Capsule Video. Join us as Joseph shares the story behind Capsule, a ground-breaking AI-powered video editing platform designed to make video creation easier for businesses, especially large enterprises. From the challenges of video content creation to the innovative ways Capsule leverages AI to streamline the editing process, Joseph provides invaluable insights into the dynamic intersection of technology and business. AI Innovators Podcast is sponsored by Half Court Ventures and the Investing in AI newsletter, this episode promises to provide a wealth of knowledge for anyone interested in the cutting-edge developments in AI and their real-world applications. Jorgensen provides a candid look into their strategic approach of integrating multiple AI models while maintaining the flexibility to adapt to rapidly evolving technology.Key highlights include:- How Capsule Video leverages AI to simplify video editing processes- Their strategic focus on enterprise clients and brand consistency- The challenges and solutions in implementing AI models effectively- Practical insights into product development in the fast-moving AI landscapeThis conversation is especially relevant for entrepreneurs, tech professionals, and anyone interested in the practical applications of AI in content creation. Jorgensen's parting wisdom about balancing celebration of achievements while maintaining forward momentum offers valuable perspective for aspiring business leaders.Whether you're a startup founder, AI enthusiast, or business professional looking to understand the future of video content creation, this episode provides actionable insights and thought-provoking discussion about the role of AI in transforming traditional industries.Joseph Jorgensen's Links(https://capsule.video/)(Linkedin)(Joseph's Linkedin)0:00:02 - Joseph Jorgensen introduces their platform philosophy. 0:00:13 - Rob May's podcast introduction and welcome. 0:00:48 - Joseph Jorgensen's greeting. 0:01:01 - Beginning of founding story discussion for Capsule. 0:03:09 - Discussion of AI video editing begins. 0:05:20 - Discussion about AI implementation strategy. 0:07:26 - Transition to business and go-to-market discussion. 0:09:12 - Sponsorship break (Half Court Ventures and Investing in AI newsletter). 0:09:55 - Discussion of AI model limitations and workarounds. 0:13:09 - Product strategy discussion in rapidly changing AI landscape. 0:15:11 - Discussion of problems they wish others would solve. 0:17:24 - Career advice segment begins. 0:19:38 - Closing remarks. 0:19:58 - Outro and subscription reminder.

Welcome to another episode of the AI Innovators Podcast! I'm your host, Rob May, and in today's episode, we're wrapping up the year with a bang by looking ahead to AI in 2025. I've gathered a panel of AI experts from Half Court Ventures to discuss the current landscape, future trends, and the evolving challenges and opportunities in the AI sphere.AI Innovators Podcast is sponsored by Half Court Ventures and the Investing in AI newsletter, this episode promises to provide a wealth of knowledge for anyone interested in the cutting-edge developments in AI and their real-world applications. So, sit back, relax, and get ready to be inspired by the insights of the Half Court Ventures Team - Byron Galbraith, George Lin, and Eric Koziol Episode Highlights:OpenAI's Market Position: Byron Galbraith, George Lin, and Eric Koziol analyze whether OpenAI remains the frontrunner in the AI industry amidst rising competition, legal challenges from Elon Musk, and varying business models.Big Tech's Dominance: We dive deep into the capabilities and future potential of major companies like Google, Nvidia, Meta, and Apple. With insights into compute power, custom chips, and the scaling of AI hardware, our panelists George Lin and Byron Galbraith provide a comprehensive outlook.Next-Gen AI Architectures: George Lin introduces his prediction on the shift beyond transformer architectures, citing innovative models like mamba and rwkv. The panel discusses how these could revolutionize AI by extending context and efficiency.Generative Media Breakthroughs: Byron Galbraith brings to light the impact of Flux models on the generative media space, the quest to reduce inference costs, and the shifting landscape of local versus cloud-based model training.Custom Software Development with AI: Eric Koziol delves into the notion of personalized software, where the cost of software development drops, enabling bespoke applications tailored to specific business processes. This segment examines both the benefits and potential drawbacks of this democratization.Thanks for tuning in to the AI Innovators Podcast. Stay ahead of the curve by subscribing, and don't miss out on our next deep dive into AI trends and strategies!0:00:50 - Addressing the status of OpenAI and competitive threats.0:01:25 - Byron Galbraith on OpenAI's market position and technical challenges.0:02:17 - Eric Koziol's take on OpenAI's market strength and technical weaknesses.0:02:40 - George Lin's insights on OpenAI's expanded focus and business strategy.0:03:38 - Opinions on changing from startup focus to big companies in AI.0:04:24 - Eric Koziol highlighting Google's investments in energy and compute capacity.0:05:17 - George Lin talks about Google's internal resources and AI integration.0:06:06 - George Lin mentions Facebook's advantages concerning human-vetted training data.0:06:24 - Byron Galbraith supports Google and Meta's positions in the AI space.0:07:54 - Rob May suggests potential Apple advantages in AI.0:08:30 - Eric Koziol comments on Apple's potential challenges in AI innovation.0:08:48 - George Lin discusses Apple's MLX framework and potential in AI.0:09:35 - Byron Galbraith on benchmarking Apple processors for AI tasks.0:10:34 - Rob May transitions to individual interesting AI topics for discussion.0:11:04 - George Lin predicts moving beyond transformer architecture in 2025.0:12:08 - Byron Galbraith supports re-exploring recurrent models in AI.0:13:21 - Eric Koziol on the need for evolving AI architecture.0:13:34 - George Lin mentions advancements in computation and data collection tools for AI.0:13:53 - Rob May moves to Byron's topic on generative media space.0:14:29 - Byron Galbraith highlights the introduction and impact of the Flux model.0:15:34 - George Lin discusses democratization and consumer hardware for AI models.0:16:26 - Eric Koziol asks Byron about advancements in generative models and their progress.0:17:44 - Byron Galbraith on the improvements and future of Flux and generative models.0:18:20 - Byron Galbraith talks about Flux model capabilities and training efficiency.0:19:26 - Rob May transitions to Eric's interesting topic on personalized software.0:20:23 - Eric Koziol explains the concept of personalized software in businesses.0:21:15 - George Lin questions if enterprises will adopt AI tools over enterprise-grade software.0:21:39 - Eric Koziol on the trade-offs of homegrown software versus buying software.0:22:36 - Byron Galbraith discusses the maintenance of software built using AI tools.0:23:46 - Rob May concludes on the importance of monitoring the trend of personalized software.0:24:26 - Closing remarks and call for listener feedback and guest suggestions.

Welcome to another exciting episode of the AI Innovators Podcast! I'm your host, Rob May, and today we have a truly special guest joining us: Kevin Novak. Kevin is a former data scientist at Uber and now a venture capitalist with Rackhouse VC. In this episode, we dive deep into fascinating topics surrounding the transformative power of AI in early-stage businesses, the evolving landscape of data and infrastructure, and the nuances of AI investment strategies.Episode Highlights:Kevin delves into the shift from viewing data as a byproduct to recognizing its critical role in AI systems, and the implications of increasing AI demands on data centers and power capacity.We discuss the performance dynamics of large language models versus small, specialized AI models, and their future potential, including mobile integration.Kevin shares valuable insights into the unpredictable impacts of AI across various industries, the importance of continuous experimentation, and the concept of Harvard's "jagged frontier."We explore the strategic challenges and opportunities in AI-focused venture capital, Kevin's approach to early-stage investments, and the essential traits of successful startup teams.Kevin and I also touch upon the importance of deep customer relationships, managing AI’s operational complexities, and the evolving role of AI in enhancing current business metrics.Sponsored by Half Court Ventures and the Investing in AI newsletter, this episode promises to provide a wealth of knowledge for anyone interested in the cutting-edge developments in AI and their real-world applications. So, sit back, relax, and get ready to be inspired by the insights of Kevin Novak on the AI Innovators Podcast.Kevin Novak's(rackhouse.vc/)(Kevin's Linkedin)Rob's Links ( halfcourt.vc )( Rob AI Newsletter )01:00 - Determining genuine AI companies from buzzword claims.06:40 - Focus on fundamentals, proprietary data, experienced AI team.11:11 - Large language models grow with more resources.13:00 - Limitations challenge scaling large language models.16:52 - Balancing cost, profitability, and AI advancement challenges.20:52 - Companies often dictate customer roles, causing insecurity.22:44 - Adapting workflows to technology shifts drives success.26:23 - Diligence pays off despite emotional misalignment.29:27 - Invest globally, focus: complete businesses, max $2M.

Welcome to another exciting episode of the AI Innovators Podcast! I'm your host, Rob May, and today we're diving into a truly unique domain as we explore the intersection of AI and the insurance industry. Our guest is Alex Schmelkin, CEO of Sixfold AI, a company that's revolutionizing how insurance companies underwrite policies.In this episode, Alex gives us an insider look at the traditional human-led underwriting process and how Sixfold AI is reshaping this landscape with advanced AI technology. We discuss the challenges and opportunities in automating underwriting, the impressive ROI their solutions bring, and the intricacies of adapting AI across different insurance types.Alex shares valuable insights into the decision-making journey of choosing to enable traditional insurance carriers rather than becoming one, and his perspective on the future of AI insurance. We also touch on the emerging field of AI model insurance and the critical role of document ingestion in their AI tech stack.Get ready to learn from Alex’s vast experience and gain practical advice that every entrepreneur and AI enthusiast can apply. Whether you're in the insurance industry or simply fascinated by AI's transformative power, this episode is packed with valuable takeaways. So, tune in and join us on this deep dive into the future of AI in insurance!Alex Schmelkin's Links( https://sixfold.ai/)(Linkedin)(Alex's Linkedin)Rob's Links ( halfcourt.vc )( Rob AI Newsletter )01:00 - Underwriters assess risk using vast data volumes.04:54 - AI evaluates insurance applications for underwriting decisions.08:14 - Innovators podcast by Half Court Ventures, AI.11:38 - Enhancing insurance with advanced underwriting models.15:16 - AI exclusions in insurance policies raise concerns.17:44 - Reinsurance differs between life and PNC sectors.21:39 - Focus on your core strength and excel.23:12 - Target buyer's conference indicates optimal selling approach.

Welcome back to another episode of AI Innovators with Rob May, the podcast that deep dives into how AI is reshaping industries and the groundbreaking minds behind it. In today's episode, we're joined by Pawel Zimoch, co-founder of Featrix AI, a company known for pioneering vectorization solutions for the enterprise. As we explore the world of vectors and embeddings, Pawel unpacks the significance of data predictability and why some data sets work better with AI than others. We'll also delve into the evolution of Featrix, from its founding story to its innovative strides in custom embeddings and multi-modal data analysis. Whether you're an entrepreneur, a data scientist, or simply curious about the future of AI, this episode is packed with insights you won't want to miss. Tune in for a fascinating conversation on the complexities, challenges, and exciting advancements in the realm of AI.Pawel Zimoch's Links( Featrix.ai )(Linkedin)( Featrix)Rob's Links ( halfcourt.vc )( Rob AI Newsletter )00:00 - Embeddings use cosine similarity for comparative analysis.04:57 - Predictive data value varies; feature engineering necessary.06:28 - Efficient AI system predicts project viability quickly.12:04 - Human judgment and problem-solving skills prevail.13:59 - Learning computer science is essential for understanding AI.16:26 - Managing models requires significant context from data scientists.22:28 - Connect with others for broader learning perspectives.23:28 - Success in entrepreneurship relies on understanding people.

Welcome to another exciting episode of AI Innovators with Rob May! In today's episode, we are thrilled to have Kojo Asai from Matrix Capital as our guest. Kojo dives deep into his intriguing thesis on why inference costs are plummeting towards zero and its massive implications for the AI industry. We’ll explore how dropping costs can unlock groundbreaking applications, revolutionize generative media, and shape the future of AI. Kojo also shares his insights on the hottest layers in the AI stack, evaluates the potential of companies like OpenAI, and offers valuable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs and investors. Plus, stay tuned for a speed round where Kojo gives his buy or sell verdict on emerging AI trends. Whether you're an AI enthusiast, investor, or entrepreneur, this episode is packed with thought-provoking discussions and valuable insights you won't want to miss. Let's dive in!Kojo Osei's Links( Kojo's Blog )( Matrix VC )( Kojo Linkedin )( Kojo's Twitter / X )Rob's Links ( halfcourt.vc )( Rob AI Newsletter )01:00 - Competition drives inference costs reduction significantly.05:35 - Evolution of tech parallels Internet's media expansion.09:28 - Open source enhances adaptability; application layer underrated.11:42 - OpenAI achieved rapid growth, comparable to Google.15:55 - AI needs business model to capture value.18:07 - AI impersonation threats impact identity-centric businesses.22:34 - Lead with curiosity; choose inspired over anxious.23:52 - Gratitude expressed; requests blog URL for more.

Welcome to another exciting episode of 'AI Innovators with Rob May.' This is the podcast where we dive deep into the transformative world of artificial intelligence and its impacts across various industries. I'm your host, Rob May, and today, we have a fascinating episode lined up for you.In today's episode, we're thrilled to be joined by two incredible guests, Steve Peltzman and Sam Koch. Steve is here to shed light on the limitations of traditional surveys in identifying specific issues, particularly in public restrooms, and to emphasize the unparalleled insights provided by real-time data. Sam, on the other hand, has extensive experience in automating workflows using AI within the private equity space and will be sharing some innovative applications of AI in enhancing operational efficiency at Feedback now—a company renowned for its groundbreaking restroom feedback buttons and real-time data collection through IoT devices.We'll explore how Feedback now's technology extends beyond restroom feedback to improve services in hospitals and other facilities. Additionally, we'll discuss a three-tiered AI adoption strategy that businesses can use to integrate AI effectively, the importance of measuring and optimizing facilities like older airport bathrooms, and the critical role of agility and real-time feedback in smaller companies.Whether you're an executive looking to adopt AI in your operations or simply curious about the future of AI, this episode is packed with insights, real-world examples, and actionable advice. So, without further ado, let's jump right into our conversation with Steve Peltzman and Sam Koch. Stay tuned!"Contact Feedback Now https://feedbacknow.com/[email protected]'s LinkedinSteven Linkedin Rob Links ( halfcourt.vc )( Rob AI Newsletter )04:23 – Leveraging AI to automate private equity deal sourcing.09:34 – Exploring the customer journey: interconnected experiences and lack of control.13:50 – Integrating diverse data sets with real-time AI for enhanced insights.16:41 – Accelerating transactions to boost spending and elevate customer experience.19:31 – Encouraging feedback participation to influence system improvements.21:44 – How schedule changes and feedback lead to greater efficiency and savings.26:41 – Managing egos: Sam’s leadership transformation focused on innovation.29:59 – Overcoming barriers: Avoiding comfort in victimhood.31:26 – Enhancing decision-making by learning from past mistakes.

Welcome to AI Innovators podcast with your host, Rob May.In this episode of the AI Innovators podcast, I chat with Jason Patel, founder of Openforge.Jason shares his intriguing journey of building an AI-powered email sales tool, highlighting the dynamic decision-making process about the right level of AI integration into their tech stack. Openforge aims to enhance the email sales experience, and Jason discusses the company's evolving strategy, navigating whether to adopt platform models and capturing market momentum.We delve into Openforge's choice of using Claude from Anthropic as their primary Large Language Model (LLM) and compare it to other AI models, like OpenAI. Jason reveals how Claude excels in parsing natural language and providing nuanced responses in sales communications, emphasizing the arms race in AI development.The conversation also addresses the potential future of AI in sales and customer acquisition. Jason speculates on the evolving role of AI agents, suggesting that while AI might handle much of the grunt work, the indispensable human touch in sales and customer interactions will continue to hold significant importance.Additionally, we discuss the rapid pace of AI advancements and how this new wave influences entrepreneurial strategies. Jason reflects on his experiences as a second-time founder, contrasting his previous edtech venture with the current AI-driven landscape, and underscores the necessity for founders to remain agile and pivot swiftly in response to market changes.Tune in to gain insights on how to navigate the ever-changing AI ecosystem, the importance of embracing market feedback, and the future trajectory of AI in transforming industries.Guest Links: ( Open Forge Ai/ )( Jason's Linkedin )Rob Links ( halfcourt.vc )( Rob AI Newsletter )05:10 AI development is an ongoing competitive arms race.07:14 AI supports tasks; human connection remains essential.12:29 Embrace change; future communication methods are unknown.15:58 AI ecosystem evolution prompts shift to platform.18:55 Potential AI monopolies threaten economic diversity.21:24 Entrepreneurship: Celebrated, yet challenging and financially dire.23:46 Tune in to AI Innovators podcast, subscribe.AI Innovators Podcast : interviews technical leaders, investors, and business executives about the impact AI is having on business models, markets, products, and consumer behavior. We investigate impacts on public and private markets, from startups, to large companies like Amazon, Google, and Facebook. If you invest at any level and are looking to understand how AI will impact your world, please subscribe. Presented by HalfCourt Ventures

I'm your host, Rob May, a seasoned entrepreneur and investor in over 100 AI startups. In this series, we dive deep into candid conversations with the trailblazers at the forefront of AI technology. From technical leaders to business executives and academics, we uncover how AI is reshaping everything from startup ecosystems to global giants like Amazon, Google, and Meta.Join us as we discuss the impact of AI on markets, innovative products, and the evolving ways we work and live. Whether you're an investor looking for insights, a tech enthusiast, or simply curious about the future, this podcast is your guide to AI's profound influence. Sponsored by HalfCourt Ventures, subscribe now to hear real-world stories from those driving the AI revolution.( halfcourt.vc )( AI Newsletter )

Welcome to AI Innovators podcast with your host, Rob May. In this episode of the **AI Innovators podcast**, I chat with Alex Gunnarson and Zach Hudson, co-founders of Onton (formerly known as Deft). Onton was born out of Alex's frustration when he spent 30 hours searching for a specific couch, an experience shared by many online shoppers. The duo identified significant inefficiencies and trust issues in existing e-commerce search engines, which often resulted in shoppers spending extensive time across multiple websites to make a purchase over $50. Alex and Zach describe their journey from basic vector search techniques to developing advanced AI integrations, including natural language processing and color data sets, to enhance search capabilities. They introduce their self-learning system that improves search results based on user queries, utilizing the principle of compositionality. This innovative approach allows their search engine to generate outputs far beyond its training set, facilitated by a highly expressive knowledge graph database.The conversation explores philosophical influences like Douglas Hofstadter and symbolic logic, advocating for a neuro-symbolic AI system as the next frontier. They highlight the recent shift towards consumer AI driven by genuine pain points and the novelty of AI solutions, making such investments appealing and less risky. Onton's success in reducing search friction and enhancing personalization demonstrates the value of consumer AI.Addressing the long-term defensibility of Onton, they emphasize their unique, clean data pipeline and search index. They also discuss the necessity of solving current AI limitations to progress toward AGI, expressing skepticism about immediate breakthroughs. Guest Links: (https://onton.com/ )(Alex's Linkedin)(Zack's Linkedin)Rob Links ( halfcourt.vc )( Rob AI Newsletter )01:00 Co-founders solved e-commerce search problem differently.04:52 Developed robust parser for natural language processing.08:04 Shopping is time-consuming and depends on data accuracy.12:33 Blended symbolic and connectionist approaches enhance AI.15:00 AI drives renewed interest in consumer startups profitability.19:12 Core business products are defensible, not minor improvements.21:29 AGI's actions depend on differing objective functions.23:34 Finding value in small moments amid life's anxieties.

Welcome to AI Innovators podcast with your host, Rob May. In today's episode, we're excited to delve into the dynamic landscape of AI with Derek Larson, a seasoned entrepreneur and founder of multiple AI ventures. Derek also leads the New York AI group, a thriving community for AI enthusiasts and professionals.Together, Rob and Derek explore Derek's journey from his early entrepreneurial days, building marketing tools for small businesses, to his latest endeavors in mental health and therapist-focused AI tools. They discuss the evolution of AI acceptance, the hype around LLMs, and the practical challenges faced by AI startups today. Derek sheds light on the unique tech ecosystem in New York, comparing it to the Bay Area, and shares his insights on the trends that excite him the most and those he believes are overhyped. They also discuss the potential and limitations of AGI, the complexities of AI applications, and the importance of selecting the right problems to solve with AI.Finally, Derek offers valuable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs, emphasizing the necessity of passion and resilience in the startup world. This episode is packed with insights for anyone interested in the AI industry, from seasoned professionals to newcomers. So, tune in and join us as we navigate the fascinating world of AI innovation.Guest Links: (https://kin.is/)(https://newyorkai.org)(https://www.linkedin.com/in/derek-larson/)Rob Links ( halfcourt.vc )( Rob AI Newsletter )06:27 New York forces diverse problem-solving, unlike Bay Area.09:52 Skeptical about $100 billion valuation and competitiveness.10:38 Doubts about AGI potential and inherent limitations.14:10 Osmo uses AI to interpret chemical structures.17:23 Structured outputs for language models; efficiency crucial.20:29 Earn well and enjoy building unique tech.

Welcome back to another episode of the AI Innovators podcast! I'm your host, Rob May, and today we have a fascinating conversation lined up with an extraordinary guest, Jaclyn Rice Nelson, co-founder and CEO of Tribe AI.In this episode, we delve into Jaclyn’s exhilarating journey from the world of venture capital to founding Tribe AI. We'll explore her unique perspective on the AI landscape, including the current trends, challenges, and remarkable possibilities that lie ahead. Jacqueline shares insightful stories from her background in finance to her transformative experiences at Google, and how these shaped her path into AI entrepreneurship.Stay tuned as we discuss the evolution of AI use cases in enterprises, the roadmap for Tribe AI’s innovative solutions, and Jaclyn’s invaluable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs navigating their own unpredictable journeys. Get ready to be inspired by her passion, wisdom, and the foundational belief that navigating the complexities of AI can lead to unprecedented business value.Join us for a compelling conversation about the future of AI, its real-world impact, and the exciting developments at Tribe AI. Don't miss out—tune in and get inspired by this trailblazer in AI innovation!Tribe.aiLinkedinhalfcourt.vcRob AI Newsletter03:18 – The Startup Experience: Learning at Google and growing by collaborating with engineers.07:48 – AI Reality Check: Disillusionment with AI but recognizing its untapped potential.09:55 – Strategy & AI: How to align AI initiatives with business goals for maximum impact.14:12 – Modular AI Platforms: Using modular components to accelerate delivery and innovation.18:41 – Key to Success: The role of persistence in distinguishing successful entrepreneurs from the rest.20:08 – Wrap-up: Tune in to the AI Innovators podcast and suggest future guests!AI Innovators Podcast interviews technical leaders, investors, and business executives about the impact AI is having on business models, markets, products, and consumer behavior. We investigate impacts on public and private markets, from startups, to large companies like Amazon, Google, and Facebook. If you invest at any level and are looking to understand how AI will impact your world, please subscribe. Presented by HalfCourt Ventures

Welcome to back to another episode of the AI Innovators podcast! I'm your host, Rob May, and today we're diving into the intersection of AI and human psychology with two incredible guests, Arthur Tisi and Harold Goldstein from Hunova. In this episode, we'll uncover the journey behind Hunova's innovative use of AI to enhance workplace performance and reduce bias, and we'll explore the blend of proprietary models and ensemble techniques that drive their cutting-edge solutions. Stay tuned as we discuss the challenges and breakthroughs in adopting AI for talent assessment, the impact of large language models, and valuable insights for emerging entrepreneurs. Get ready to learn, be inspired, and rethink how AI can revolutionize the workplace. Let's jump right in!**01:00** - ChatGPT made AI more accessible and sparked a lot of curiosity around it.**05:46** - Hunova blends AI with psychology to drive business results.**06:36** - Combining different AI models leads to better performance on social media.**10:44** - Adoption of AI in the workforce has been slower than expected.**15:42** - Bias in hiring is influenced by both AI and human factors, affecting candidates.**19:48** - AI helps reduce bias and highlight diverse talents.**21:18** - Proprietary and diverse AI models deliver high accuracy, not just relying on GPT.**26:49** - Early-stage startup tasks are often avoided because they make people uncomfortable.https://www.linkedin.com/in/arthurtisi/http://www.hunova.com

Welcome to the AI Innovators podcast with your host, Rob May.Today, we're joined by Margaret Quigley from Cohere, a pioneering company in the AI space. Margaret has a unique role that involves sourcing unconventional and valuable data sets for training AI models. From rural villages in Nigeria to complex face recognition apps, her journey through the tech industry is both fascinating and inspiring. Margaret shares her career path, creative data acquisition strategies, and insights into the ever-evolving landscape of AI data needs. Whether you're an entrepreneur, executive, or academic, this episode offers a deep dive into the intricacies of data acquisition and its pivotal role in AI innovation. Tune in as we explore the challenges, opportunities, and future of sourcing data for AI.https://www.linkedin.comhttp://cohere.com/01:00 - Managed partnerships and sourced unique data for facial recognition projects. Now focuses on acquiring text data, with seven years of experience in data acquisition.05:25 - Talks about how companies figure out the value of data by sampling and testing it for quality before making big investments.08:17 - Discusses an app that verified image submissions and collected diverse data from over 15,000 users.11:02 - Highlights the importance of considering emotional factors when evaluating tech, and the balance between synthetic and real-world data.17:09 - Stresses the importance of being mindful, noticing sensations, and practicing body scans regularly.18:11 - Shares thoughts on persisting through rejection in one's career.

Competera enables retailers to increase customer trust by setting and maintaining optimal price positions on a real-time basis by leveraging the power of AI.Competera’s deep learning algorithms enable their enterprise clients’ to rebound on average 6% of gross margin by continuously calculating and re-quantifying billions of possible price combinations. In this podcast, CEO & co-founder Alex Galkin addresses how AI is changing pricing for different types of customers. He also talks about the different AI methods and approaches he prefers as well as the data he uses when it comes to pricing. Learn more at competera.ai

Anyw.ai sells a fully packaged business solution by helping businesses stay in touch with their users. The company gives businesses actionable and quantitative packaged feedback from their users. In this podcast, CEO, Manuel Zahariev, talks about the LLM wave and the premise of their company in the latest wave of AI technology. Learn more at anyw.ai

Lovelace uses AI to bring worlds to life as a generative 3D content/experience platform. In this podcast Kayla Comalli, co-founder and CEO, talks about what can be created in these worlds and some of the challenges the company has faced. By leveraging avant-garde 3D generation, players can seamlessly create bespoke, photorealistic worlds. Learn more at lovelacestudio.com

CalypsoAI gives organizations the ability to trust their AI through validation, monitoring, and ongoing security. The company empowers enterprises to leverage the immense potential of Large Language Models (LLMs) confidently and without risk. In this podcast CEO, Neil Serebryany, talks about the personal security implications of using LLMs such as cyber threats and the production of false information. Learn more at calypsoai.com

Centaur Labs provides skilled data annotation services for companies that are building AI, specifically in the medical and life science industries. The company’s scalable and high quality data annotation platform continuously measures the accuracy of data annotators, whose annotation quality is motivated by pay-for-performance incentives, and optimized by collective intelligence. In this podcast Co-founder and CEO, Erik Duhaime, talks about how Centaur Labs uses AI in data labeling and addresses the fears people have regarding the idea that AI will take people’s jobs away. He also talks about the nature of data annotation changing as the AI space keeps improving and the impact on demand for data labeling. Learn more at centaurlabs.com

Central Casting AI provides game developers with pre-trained non-player characters (NPCs) for games. These characters come with intelligence, behaviors and dialogue that can interact with objects in the real world. In this podcast Co-Founder Jeff Orkin talks about how Central Casting encodes the rules of common sense in to the characters, the business of the video game industry and the gaming community’s future with AI. The company uses the generative models at the developers’ authoring time to assist designers to then output a traditional structured model of behavior called a planning domain in a hierarchal task network planner. Learn more at centralcasting.ai

Consensus is a product led, product first company with a mission to make science accessible and consumable for all using AI. Consensus uses natural language processing to ingest research papers and understand what the consensus is on any type of scientific issue. The Consensus product is essentially a search engine, powered by language models that allows one to search a natural language research question. In this podcast, Co-Founder Eric Olson talks about his athletic but non-scientific background and how he entered the AI space through his career. Eric came up with the idea for Consensus after spending years as a die-hard amateur science consumer and wanting access to better evidence-based information at the click of a button. In the podcast, Eric also talks about how the business was affected when Chat GPT was launched and his future predictions for Chat GPT. Learn more at consensus.app

Radical Ventures is the largest AI focused VC fund in North America. From healthcare and financial services to infrastructure and manufacturing, Radical Ventures partners with founders who understand the transformational power of AI. In this podcast partner Parasvil Patel talks about the culture behind the company and where he expects to see long term moats emerge for AI companies. Rob also gives Parasavil the chance to argue for or against the points Rob made in his Substack article called “5 Contrarian AI Theses For Early Stage Investors.” Learn more at radical.vc

In this podcast Founder, Alex Wiltschko, talks about how Osmo is adding a new sensory modality to machines by teaching them to smell through reading, mapping and writing smell. He also talks about the company’s findings on the difference between vision and smell when represented by machines. Alex has solved the core problem of predicting what a molecule smells like through super human scent prediction performance. Osmo envisions a future where computers will capture and understand the chemical world to help us enjoy new smells and tastes, recall memories, forecast opportunities and danger, and make life-saving decisions. Learn more at osmo.ai