961 - Gamifying Social Status by Combining Game Design and AI w/ Harvey Pratt (Simcluster)

In this conversation, Mat Sherman interviews Danny, the founder and CEO of Nav Robotics, about the innovative solutions his company is developing in the realm of autonomous transportation. They discuss the challenges and opportunities in creating self-driving e-bikes and golf carts, the vision for urban mobility, and the implications of moving operations to Arizona. Danny shares insights into the technology behind autonomous vehicles, the importance of compute power, and the future of learning in the tech space. In this conversation, Danny discusses the development of autonomous golf carts and the future of self-driving technology. He shares insights on the challenges of creating a viable product, the importance of safety and reliability, and the strategies for entering the market. The discussion also touches on the implications of autonomous vehicles on insurance and driving regulations, as well as the user experience in booking rides. Danny emphasizes the need for a regulatory-first approach and the potential for innovation in transportation. ★ Support this podcast ★

In this conversation, Mat Sherman interviews Harvey Pratt, the founder and CEO of Simcluster, an AI video game that combines social networking with innovative gameplay mechanics. Harvey discusses the unique aspects of Simcluster, including its fragment system that allows users to create content without typing, and the challenges he faced in the gaming industry, particularly in fundraising. He shares insights on the evolution of AI content, the importance of user engagement, and his vision for the future of gaming, where SimCluster could redefine how games and social networks interact. ★ Support this podcast ★

In this conversation, Mat Sherman interviews Audrey Chen, co-founder of Nosu, about her journey from gaining a following on social media to launching a startup focused on streamlining hackathon ops. Audrey shares her experiences of going viral on Twitter, raising capital in Silicon Valley, and the features of Nosu that cater to both hackathon organizers and participants. The discussion highlights the importance of networking, the impact of environment on startup success, and the future plans for Nosu. ★ Support this podcast ★

In this episode, Mat Sherman sits down with Andrew Rea, co-founder and CEO of Taxwire, to explore the transformative journey of entrepreneurship during the pandemic. Starting with the pivotal role of reinvention in challenging times, the conversation shifts to the intricacies of sales tax compliance and how Taxwire simplifies this daunting task for businesses. Andrew shares his entry into the tech world, shedding light on the hurdles of building a startup outside traditional tech hubs. As he narrates his transition from an employee to a founder, listeners gain insight into the birth of Taxwire and the complex ‘idea maze’ entrepreneurs often navigate.The episode delves into the fundraising journey, where Andrew underscores the importance of social capital and networking in attracting investors and growing a venture. He offers a candid reflection on the unpredictable nature of early-stage startups, highlighting the value of cultivating meaningful relationships within the venture capital ecosystem. In closing, Andrew provides valuable resources and final thoughts, leaving listeners with actionable insights into building a resilient startup in today’s ever-evolving landscape. ★ Support this podcast ★

In this conversation, Mat Sherman interviews Aleksandar Besarovic, co-founder of Aimfox, a LinkedIn outreach tool. They discuss the journey of Aimfox, including its initial launch challenges, the importance of user feedback, and the strategies implemented for a successful second launch. Aleksandar shares insights on building a user-friendly product, the role of AI in enhancing outreach, and the long-term vision for Aimfox. The conversation emphasizes the significance of listening to users and maintaining a long-term perspective in business. ★ Support this podcast ★

In this episode, Mat Sherman sits down with John Busch, founder of Iliad, an AI-powered book discovery platform designed to help readers uncover life-changing books. They dive into the challenges of current book recommendation systems, how Iliad addresses the limitations of platforms like Goodreads, and the role of AI in enhancing the reading experience while building trust in recommendations. John also shares his journey as a founder, offering actionable advice on fundraising, the importance of storytelling, and how networking and warm intros can open doors for AI startups. They explore why business model innovation is as critical as product innovation, the art of building momentum with investors, and how favorite books can shape a founder’s perspective. ★ Support this podcast ★

In this episode, Mat Sherman sits down with Edward Lando, one of the most prolific angel investors in the world, to explore the intricacies of early-stage investing. Edward shares his journey into angel investing, detailing his philosophy of prioritizing quality over quantity and the critical role relationships play in successful investments. From understanding valuations and navigating early-stage deals to constructing a portfolio that balances risk and reward, Edward provides invaluable insights for both founders and investors. Whether you’re a budding entrepreneur or an aspiring investor, this episode is packed with practical advice and strategies to help you thrive in the fast-paced world of startups.Find Edward on LinkedIn or Twitter and learn more about Pareto Holdings here. ★ Support this podcast ★

In this conversation, Mat Sherman interviews Simp4Satoshi of Truffle. Topics covered include:Discussion of Truffle, a device for local inference tied to humanoid robotics and personal intelligence. Insights from a unique upbringing in the Middle East and its impact on a technology journey.Future of AI agents surpassing human economies and using cryptocurrency primarily.Criticism of Sam Altman and OpenAI, calling him the “Antichrist” of Silicon Valley. Critique of Y Combinator and the tech industry’s meritocracy, highlighting self-dealing.Emphasis on the need for a catalyst to disrupt the current landscape and foster true innovation. ★ Support this podcast ★

In this conversation, Mat Sherman and Vidy Thatte discuss the journey of building various products, the challenges faced in startups, and the impact of AI on creativity and storytelling. Vidy shares insights on his experiences with different projects, the evolution of his ideas, and the importance of learning to code in the age of AI. They also explore the future of AI in creative industries and the potential shift in how we perceive characters in storytelling. ★ Support this podcast ★

In this episode of Forward Thinking Founders, Mat Sherman interviews Marty Ringlein, cofounder of agree.com. They discuss the critical elements of growth, the importance of storytelling in sales, and the journey of launching Agree.com. Marty shares insights on the significance of trust in branding, the strategies for funding and growth, and the lessons learned from his entrepreneurial journey. In this conversation, Mat Sherman and Marty discuss the importance of recognizing when to delegate expertise, the role of investors in supporting founders, and the significance of building long-term relationships. They also explore leveraging competitor brands for market advantage and the impact of category selection when launching products. The discussion concludes with rapid-fire insights from Marty on various topics, emphasizing the need for adaptability in the ever-evolving tech landscape. ★ Support this podcast ★