Jordan Burgess - "Being a founder is really hard."

In this episode of Vision to Venture, we speak with Nikola Zivkovic, CTO at Sentryc, about how AI is transforming brand protection and IP enforcement. Nikola shares how Sentryc uses AI to detect and remove counterfeit products across marketplaces and social media, the challenges of scaling solutions for multi-brand companies, and his personal journey from fixing computers in his father's shop to becoming a CTO. We also dive into his advice for transitioning from individual contributor to engineering leader, the key differences between managing and leading, and the cultural shifts between agency and product work. A must-listen for tech leaders, aspiring managers, and anyone navigating growth in fast-paced environments.

In this episode of Vision to Venture, we chat with Thomas Kaiser, co-founder and CEO of Kodex AI, about how a chance conversation at a Christmas party sparked the idea for a startup now transforming compliance with generative AI. Thomas shares the emotional highs and lows of startup life, the power of choosing the right co-founder, and why traditional hiring metrics don’t always work in early-stage companies. We dive into the future of “genetic compliance,” the evolving role of AI in enterprise, and what it really takes to build something impactful from the ground up.

In this week’s episode of Vision to Venture, we sit down with Felix Kunzweiler, Co-founder and CTO of hema.to, to explore what it really takes to scale a deep tech startup in the healthcare space. Felix shares how his background in physics and astronomy shaped his problem-solving approach, the story behind hema.to’s evolution from an internal idea to a stand-alone company, and why their AI is designed to augment—not replace—medical experts. Tune in for a masterclass in leadership, deep tech, and thoughtful growth in regulated industries.

In this episode of Vision to Venture, we sit down with Vasily Ovchinnikov, whose path from robotics engineer to Director of Machine Learning at Remerge defies convention. Vasily shares how curiosity and adaptability guided his shift into machine learning, and how his global experience, from Russia to Germany to the U.S. has shaped his leadership style. We explore his approach to building scalable ML teams, fostering cross-functional collaboration, and navigating the evolving landscape of ad tech. It’s a conversation about embracing change, leading with intention, and finding opportunity in unexpected places.

In this episode of Vision to Venture, we sit down with Eswar Iyer, CEO and Co-founder of Aikium Inc., a startup transforming drug discovery at the intersection of synthetic biology and AI. Eswar shares his unconventional journey from molecular biology to launching a biotech company, and the principles that guide his deep-tech startup. We explore why data quality is critical for unlocking machine learning in biotech, and why resilience, curiosity, and execution matter more than credentials. Whether you're into biotech, AI, or founder stories, this episode is packed with insight and inspiration.

In this episode Sebastian Pütz, Co-Founder and CEO of Nature Robots, shares how a PhD in robotics and a blank sheet of paper led to autonomous machines that support regenerative farming. From deep tech to real-world impact, this episode explores building AI from scratch, working with global ag manufacturers, and making innovation accessible to farmers.

In this episode Jeffrey Glasson, CTO at TWAICE, shares his journey in leadership, scaling global teams, and his transition into the sustainability space. Jeff discusses the importance of women in tech and how TWAICE is tackling the future of battery analytics to reduce carbon footprints. Tune in for insights on leadership, innovation, and the challenges of building high-impact products!

In this episode of, Phillip Kuchelmeister, founder of Hotellistat, shares his journey of revolutionising the hospitality industry with AI-driven solutions. From bootstrapping the business to scaling with strategic investments, Phillip offers valuable insights on building a successful startup, growing a core team, and getting your product to market. Tune in for expert advice on navigating the early stages of entrepreneurship and the tech-driven future of hospitality!

AI and biology are transforming drug discovery—but how do they really work together? In this episode with Arvind Thiagarajan, we dive into the challenges of data scarcity, the impact of regulations, and how computational models are reshaping biotech. Plus, insights on bridging the gap between biochemists and engineers to build better, faster, and more effective drug development processes. Tune in for a deep tech conversation on the future of medicine!

In this episode, we're joined with the founders of Solsten, Joe Schaeppi and Bastian Bergmann to explore how AI is reshaping personal growth, self-awareness, and the future of immersive experiences. From strengthening human connections to the impact of technology on creativity and critical thinking, we dive into how AI is becoming a true companion, guiding us toward a more personalized and authentic life.