From Failure to Funding: Sze Wong on Reinventing Venture Studios

In this episode, Adhithi Aji, CEO of Adrich, shares how her company’s smart labels turn everyday products into connected devices that track usage and auto-replenish—no app needed. Discover how Adrich is driving ROI, sustainability, and consumer engagement through ambient IoT and AI. With 97% accuracy and real-world use cases from Clorox to olive oil, this is a conversation about technology, impact, and human resilience.Adhithi’s Top 3 Favorite Songs:“Waka Waka” by Shakira: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pRpeEdMmmQ0“It’s My Life” by Bon Jovi: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o9YyEeHSC4U“Happy” by Pharrell Williams: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jv-pYB0Qw9AMister Beacon is hosted by Steve Statler, CEO of AmbAI Inc. — creators of AmbientGPT, the AI agent that connects people to products and the brands behind them. AmbAI also advises leading brands on Ambient Intelligence strategy.Our sponsor is Identiv https://www.identiv.com, whose IoT solutions create digital identities for physical objects, enhancing global connectivity for businesses, people, and the planet. We are also sponsored by Blecon http://www.blecon.net. Blecon enables physical products to communicate with cloud applications using Bluetooth Low Energy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of the Mr. Beacon Podcast, Sze Wong—Co-Founder of Zenith Venture Studio—shares his journey from startup failures to building a venture studio that offers more than just funding. Learn how Sze helps non-technical founders turn deep industry knowledge into successful businesses, why boring problems are big opportunities, and how hands-on support beats traditional VC models. A must-listen for entrepreneurs, investors, and innovators alike.Sze’s Top 3 Favorite Songs:“Unknown” (Listen on the podcast to try and guess what song this is)“I Believe” by Shin Seung Hun: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eNBnPvsufvk“Tong Hua” by Michael Wong: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IBTmypxD2mUMister Beacon is hosted by Steve Statler, CEO of AmbAI Inc. — creators of AmbientGPT, the AI assistant that connects people to places, products and the brands behind them. For brands AmbientGPT represents a way to go beyond optimizing your business with AI to securing a place in the new AI purchasing paradigm.Our sponsor Identiv’s https://www.identiv.com IoT solutions create digital identities for physical objects, enhancing global connectivity for businesses, people, and the planet. We are also proud to be sponsored by Blecon http://www.blecon.net. Blecon enables physical products to communicate with cloud applications using Bluetooth Low Energy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on the Mr. Beacon Podcast, Thomas Roedding, CEO of Narravero, unpacks the rise of Digital Product Passports (DPPs). We explore how DPPs drive compliance, sustainability, and customer engagement under EU regulations. Roedding shares Narravero’s hands-on work with over 200 clients and explains why DPPs are more than a legal necessity—they’re a powerful business tool. Learn how to let your products “talk” in a smarter, connected future.Thomas’ Top 3 Favorite Songs:“The River” by Bruce Springsteen: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y7BUXRsTbvI “Bochum” by Herbert Grönemeyer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OvauzdH0fHY “River Flows In You” by YIRUMA: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=92IlKBhKbWM Mister Beacon is hosted by Steve Statler, CEO of AmbAI Inc. — creators of AmbAI, the AI agent that connects people to products and the brands behind them. AmbAI also advises leading brands on Ambient Intelligence strategy.Our sponsor is Identiv https://www.identiv.com, who’s IoT solutions create digital identities for physical objects, enhancing global connectivity for businesses, people, and the planet. We are also sponsored by Blecon http://www.blecon.net. Blecon enables physical products to communicate with cloud applications using Bluetooth Low Energy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of the Mr. Beacon Podcast, Kirsten Newquist, CEO of Identiv, shares her journey from Avery Dennison to leading one of the most innovative companies in IoT. Kirsten discusses Identiv’s unique engineering, new growth strategy, and their impact on healthcare and smart device solutions. She also highlights her values-driven leadership approach and offers personal insights on building resilient, purpose-led teams in a fast-evolving, connected world.Kirsten’s Top 3 Favorite Songs:“Don’t Worry Be Happy” by Bobby McFerrin: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d-diB65scQU“Lean On Me” by Bill Withers: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fOZ-MySzAac“Rise Up” by Andra Day: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LDffmI0ncfoMister Beacon is hosted by Steve Statler, CEO of AmbAI Inc. — creators of AmbAI, the AI agent that connects people to products and the brands behind them. AmbAI also advises leading brands on Ambient Intelligence strategy.Our sponsor is Blecon http://www.blecon.net. Blecon enables physical products to communicate with cloud applications using Bluetooth Low Energy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on Mr. Beacon, Mark Jacobstein—Co-Founder of Near Horizon and former colleague of Sam Altman—joins us to unpack the evolving venture landscape. We discuss AI’s impact, fundraising challenges, and how his venture builder model helps startups go from idea to execution. Mark shares personal lessons from Silicon Valley, career advice for the next generation, and why staying curious is key. A sharp, insightful conversation for entrepreneurs, investors, and anyone navigating tech’s rapid shifts.Mark’s Top 3 Favorite Songs:“Fake Plastic Trees” by Radiohead: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Z_41J-uKPI “The Wheels On The Bus”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e_04ZrNroTo“Thunder Road” by Bruce Springsteen: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W2X0Gf9jfz8Mister Beacon is hosted by Steve Statler, CEO of AmbAI Inc. — creators of AmbAI, the AI agent that connects people to products and the brands behind them. AmbAI also advises leading brands on Ambient Intelligence strategy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of the Mr. Beacon Podcast, Donna Lanzetta—CEO of Manna Fish Farms and Manna Seafood Blockchain—shares her journey from attorney to aquaculture pioneer. Discover how she’s building offshore fish farms, fighting seafood fraud with blockchain, and creating a transparent, sustainable supply chain. From ocean to plate, Donna’s tech-driven, vertically integrated approach empowers consumers and supports ethical sourcing. Tune in to explore the future of seafood, digital traceability, and how small businesses can drive big change.Donna’s Top 3 Favorite Songs:“Hallelujah” by Leonard Cohen: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ttEMYvpoR-k“Hold Your Head Up” by Argent: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jvfxI9yD2dM“Tapestry” by Carole King: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8FiR2Eb4NSMMister Beacon is hosted by Steve Statler, CEO of AmbAI Inc. — creators of AmbAI, the AI agent that connects people to products and the brands behind them. AmbAI also advises leading brands on Ambient Intelligence strategy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this exclusive episode of the Mr. Beacon Podcast, Thomas Knothe, Chair of JTC 24, shares insights into the new Digital Product Passport (DPP) standards. As one of the few cleared to speak publicly, Thomas reveals how DPPs will transform global commerce, ensure sustainability, and drive regulatory compliance. Don’t miss this rare conversation that explores the future of digital-physical convergence—and the major opportunities it creates.Thomas’ Favorite Songs:“That’s So True” by Gracie Abrams: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BqiDw1WrbFo “Like a Prayer” by Madonna: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IaHQYTm14Kc See Thomas’ presentation on Digital Product Passports standards HERE Mister Beacon is hosted by Steve Statler, CEO of AmbAI Inc. — creators of AmbAI, the AI agent that connects people to products and the brands behind them. AmbAI also advises leading brands on Ambient Intelligence strategy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on The Mr. Beacon Podcast, Kevin Dewald, founder of SimpleBLE and former Neuralink engineer, joins to discuss simplifying Bluetooth development, building cross-platform solutions, and what it’s like working at Neuralink. He shares insights on Elon Musk’s high-performance teams and how Bluetooth can even work inside the human body. A must-listen for developers, entrepreneurs, and tech enthusiasts!🎧 Tune in to discover the future of wireless power!Kevin’s Top 3 Songs with Meaning:“A Moment Apart” by ODESZA: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xarC5jAiO7w“Something Just Like This” by The Chainsmokers & Coldplay: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fZUfdnmtg4Y“Basket Case” by Green Day: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VKjEdYrx9P0 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on The Mr. Beacon Podcast, we explore the future of wireless power with Giampaolo Marino, SVP of Strategy & Business Development at Energous. We discuss how Energous is revolutionizing ambient IoT with its PowerBridge Pro, enabling battery-free sensors for retail, logistics, and manufacturing. Giampaolo shares insights on IoT adoption, infrastructure simplification, and the launch of the Ambient IoT Alliance. Plus, we dive into his Italian roots and favorite music.🎧 Tune in to discover the future of wireless power!Giampaolo’s Top 3 Songs with Meaning:“Volare” by Domenico Modugno: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6jWsIpAbo-8“Con Te Partiro” by Andrea Bocelli: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wdx5nGphnAI“All of Me” by John Legend: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QfgJQUiQFes Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, Fabio Belloni, CEO of Quuppa, returns to discuss the latest in real-time location systems (RTLS). We explore Quuppa’s cutting-edge Bluetooth angle-of-arrival technology, its impact on logistics, sports, and healthcare, and exciting new use cases like tracking kids in trampoline parks and dogs in pet hotels. Fabio also shares insights on RTLS market trends, hybrid positioning technologies, and Quuppa’s future.🎧 Tune in for expert insights on the evolving world of precise location tracking!Fabio’s Top 3 Songs with Meaning:“The Wall” by Pink Floyd: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r48BLz42NuI“Alabama Live” by Alabama: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZpytxOjj2zo&list=OLAK5uy_nlKHwhjNVe3krWXTsq3aQYNJw8cMmdsXk“Italian Techno from the 90’s” by Various Artists Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.