Pirates Only

Black Flag
  • 0.0 (0)
  • EMPRENDIMIENTO
  • CADA SEMANA

“Pirates Only” is a podcast series created by pirates, for pirates (AKA visionary startup founders breaking new ground). Each episode brings together innovative founders working within similar industries to openly discuss groundbreaking ideas, hard challenges, and the massive opportunities ahead. From deep-sea robotics to space tech, AI, and beyond, we’ll explore the bold futures these pioneers are building. Join us as we dive into what’s next, celebrating this adventurous future, and the pirates building for it.

Episodios

  1. 24/07/2025

    The One Big Beautiful Bill: And What It Means for Founders and VCs

    In this episode we haul anchor with Clint Brown, our very own Capitol-Hill insider, to chart the One Big, Beautiful Bill that just splashed down in D.C. We unpack how a $150 B defense-tech infusion, sweeter R&D expensing, juiced QSBS rules, and a four-year spending fuse light a fire under founders and VCs alike. Clint explains the process of how the bill came to be, how drones, autonomous shipbuilding, and space-laser line-items send an unmistakable political demand signal, and why private capital is now expected to plug the gaps faster than a pirate plugs a leaky hull. We also riff on the macro ripple effects: deficit worries, tariff tail-winds, and the existential AI sprint with China, plus the new three-year QSBS on-ramp that could turn earlier exits into a liquidity cannon aimed straight back at innovation. TL;DR? Washington just rang the ship’s bell and shortened the plank: founders have four-ish years of clearer regs, generous tax treats, and a giant customer waving orders. So hoist your sails, build like you’ve got a frigate chasing you, and remember, when Uncle Sam says “all hands on deck,” it’s time to build. Highlights: 00:00 Introduction to the One Big Beautiful Bill 01:42 Breaking Down the Bill 34:36 Innovative Programs and Venture Capital Ecosystem 35:38 Political Landscape and Its Impact on Startups 45:08 Urgency in Government Spending and Startup Innovation 54:13 The Call to Action for Founders and Investors

    1 h y 1 min

  2. 17/07/2025

    The Data Center Revolution: Including Discussions on Aerospace, AI and Energy

    I had the privilege of hosting two remarkable founders from Y Combinator - Sam Mendel from Network Ocean and Philip Johnston from Star Cloud - who are tackling one of the most pressing challenges in modern computing infrastructure: the exponential growth in data center energy consumption and cooling demands. Both companies are pursuing radical solutions to the same fundamental problem, but through dramatically different approaches. Sam’s Network Ocean is developing underwater and floating barge data centers that leverage the ocean’s natural cooling properties, while Philip’s Star Cloud is pioneering space-based data centers that can scale beyond terrestrial limitations. What struck me most about their conversation was how both are responding to the same crisis - the AI boom is driving compute demand that’s outpacing our current infrastructure’s ability to efficiently support it. The technical advantages each approach offers are compelling in their own right. Sam’s ocean-based solution achieves a Power Usage Effectiveness lower than industry standard, translating to cost savings for customers while eliminating the massive cooling infrastructure that consumes enormous amounts of water and energy. Philip’s space-based approach promises even more dramatic economics, with data centers costing millions less than their terrestrial equivalents. Both founders emphasized that they’re not just building alternative data centers - they’re fundamentally reimagining how we approach computing infrastructure at scale. What became clear during our discussion is that these aren’t competing visions but complementary approaches to humanity’s expansion into previously untapped frontiers. Sam envisions a future where ocean-based infrastructure could power entire floating cities and provide grid-level energy storage, while Philip sees space as the ultimate scaling solution for compute-intensive applications that will eventually require Dyson sphere-level energy harvesting. With Network Ocean’s 200-kilowatt pilot launching soon and Star Cloud’s first satellite scheduled for orbit in August, both companies are moving rapidly from concept to reality. The convergence of AI demand, energy constraints, and innovative deployment platforms suggests we’re witnessing the early stages of a fundamental transformation in how and where we build our digital infrastructure. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Data Center Revolution 05:08 The Technical Advantages of Underwater Data Centers 10:34 Building in Space: Challenges and Opportunities 16:00 The Future of Data Centers: Demand and National Security 21:33 Maintenance and Longevity of Ocean and Space Data Centers 31:15 The Growing Demand for Data Centers 35:58 The Limits of AI and Energy 42:21 Unlocking the Ocean Economy 51:50 Future Plans and Opportunities

    56 min

  3. 09/07/2025

    Let's Talk About the Weather: AI Forecasting, Ocean Balloons, and Climate Control

    In this episode of Pirates Only, I dive into the world of innovative weather technology with three incredible founders: Alex Levy from Atmo, Austin Tindle from Sourcerer, and Andrew Song from Make Sunsets. Here are some of the topics we cover: ✨ AI Meets Meteorology Atmo is revolutionizing weather forecasting by leveraging cutting-edge AI, similar to ChatGPT but for atmospheric science, delivering unprecedented accuracy to governments and organizations around the world. 🌊 Oceanic Data Revolution Sourcerer's innovative long-duration balloons are gathering vital atmospheric data over oceans, an area previously lacking critical information, fundamentally transforming our predictive capabilities. 🌋 Cooling the Planet, Volcano-Style Make Sunsets is pioneering solar geoengineering by releasing reflective sulfur dioxide clouds into the stratosphere, safely mimicking volcanic cooling to combat global warming. 🤝 Strategic Alliances for Impact Atmo and Sourcerer’s just-announced partnership aims to deploy balloons for hurricane forecasting, potentially saving countless lives and billions in climate-related damage. 🌦️ Geoengineering Ethics Make Sunsets openly addresses the ethical and environmental considerations surrounding geoengineering, emphasizing cautious optimism and responsible innovation. 🌎 Climate Control for the Earth This emerging synergy among tech startups is creating a holistic approach to climate control, highlighting the human potential to proactively manage Earth’s climate. Bring your sun screen - this episode is hot. Show Links: US Spending on Climate Damage Nears $1 Trillion Per Year1991 Eruption of Mount PinatuboExclusive: Sorcerer raises $3.9M for weather balloonsEPA Press Release on Make SunsetsMake Sunsets Response to the EPASoutheast Asia's AI Weather Transition Begins in the PhilippinesSixth typhoon in a month makes landfall in PhilippinesThe World's Southernmost Active Volcano In Antarctica Spews Gold DustBuy Cooling Credits from Make SunsetsSofar - Unlocking Ocean Data for Science, Society, and Industry

    1 h y 7 min

  4. 02/07/2025

    Mailbag Q&A: Black Flag, Fundraising & More

    In this episode of Pirates Only I invited two of my Black Flag colleagues Andrew Couillard, our Program Director, and Matias Zorrilla, who leads first-look reviews, to pull back the curtain on how we choose and champion deep-tech founders. In this mailbag-style Q&A we celebrate crossing 600+ applications since our April launch and preview our first cohort. Andrew walks through the six-week curriculum, from “Raise the Flag” orientation to a literal pirate-ship dinner that cements our lifelong commitment. Matias breaks down what makes an application pop: a hair-on-fire problem, a uniquely qualified team, and a deck that’s sharp, concise, and visually polished. We share the check sizes we write ($250k–$1 million from Harpoon) and the strategic firepower founders get in return: warm intros, government go-to-market guidance, and access to partners like Palantir. Along the way we trade green- and red-flag founder traits, cold-email hacks, and the one question every entrepreneur should ask a VC in the fundraising process. If you’re gearing up to fundraise, or just curious how Black Flag thinks, hit play and sail with us. See you on deck!

    54 min

  5. 24/06/2025

    From Cosmos to Quarries: Asteroid Mining, Autonomous Drilling, and the Trillion-Dollar Metals Opportunity

    In our latest Pirates Only adventure, we trade surfboards for star-ships and jackhammers for ion thrusters, asking a deceptively simple question: what happens when you treat the whole Solar System like one giant opportunity?  To find out, I sit down with two founders who are attacking humanity’s metals bottleneck from opposite directions. Matthew Gialich, co-founder & CEO of AstroForge, believes platinum-group metals are too valuable to keep digging out of Earth's diesel-powered pits.  His answer is to send small, replicable spacecraft to near-Earth asteroids, vaporize the regolith, magnetically separate the PGMs, and haul home billions. Ted Feldmann, founder & CEO of Durin, keeps his drills planted firmly on Earth (for now).  He’s building semi-autonomous core-drilling rigs that beam real-time rock data to geologists, aiming to cut exploration costs way down and speed America’s race for secure supplies of copper, lithium, and other valuable metals. We map out an industry on the brink of a trillion-dollar upheaval.  Matt walks through the market math that pushed AstroForge toward a $60 B annual demand curve, razor-thin surface deposits, and an Outer Space Treaty loophole cemented by the 2015 U.S. Commercial Space Launch Competitiveness Act, which lets private firms “mine and sell for profit” anything they can grab in orbit. Meanwhile Ted argues that, even on Earth, the real choke-point isn’t ore bodies but outdated drill tech and a permitting cycles that stretches mine development to years. Slash drilling costs and you unlock faster discoveries, tighter supply chains, and a stronger defense industrial base . We even give a shout-out to one of the best movies of all-time: Armageddon. Highlights: 00:00 Introduction to Mining and Founders' Backgrounds 02:53 Asteroid Mining: The Future of Resource Extraction 05:59 Challenges in Earth Mining: Permitting and Capital 09:01 The Current Demand for Mining: National Security and Technology 12:06 Regulatory Landscape and Its Impact on Mining 15:03 Exploration vs. Processing: The Mining Dilemma 17:59 Technological Innovations in Mining 21:03 The Economics of Mining: Margins and Market Caps 24:03 Space Mining: A New Frontier 26:50 Ownership and Regulation in Space Mining 30:01 Unlocking Potential: The Role of Technology in Mining 32:46 Innovation in Mining Technology 35:11 Challenges of Deep Sea Mining 38:20 The Future of Space Mining 41:07 Environmental Impact of Mining 45:18 The Vision for the Future of Mining 49:13 Building a Sustainable Mining Industry 57:21 Hiring and Retaining Talent in Tech 01:01:12 Opportunities in the Mining Sector

    1 h y 2 min

  6. 17/06/2025

    Robots: Coming to a Home Near You

    In this episode of Pirates Only I sat down with industry leaders Ben from K-Scale Labs, Ritwik Pavan from Hardware Nation, and Mehul Nariyawala from Matic Robots to discuss the evolving landscape of personal robotics and their potential to become commonplace in our homes. We explored how advancements in technology, decreasing component costs, and improved supply chains are paving the way for affordable, practical home robots. The conversation covered the balance between ambitious humanoid robots and highly specialized robotic solutions designed to perform specific household tasks with efficiency and reliability. Additionally, we considered how emerging technologies such as self-driving vehicles, augmented reality, and brain-computer interfaces could transform our interactions with robots, creating seamless integration into everyday life. The consensus was clear: the future of personal robotics lies in accessible, intuitive designs that blend sophisticated automation with realistic pricing, bringing robotics from futuristic concepts into everyday practicality. We explored everything from Matic's amazing and quiet floor-cleaning robot (my kids named ours “Mo" from Wall-E) to Ben’s open-source humanoids. It’s wild to think we’re already living in a world where your vacuum might be smarter than your car. What really hit home for me was the idea that robots aren’t just gadgets, they’re starting to feel like part of the family. We talked about the importance of design, character, and even a little personality. Taste, as it turns out, might be the secret ingredient that sets great robotics apart. We also dipped into the future of AI wearables, like smart glasses and even brain implants. Let’s just say if you’ve ever wanted a Star Wars-style droid companion on your shoulder (like I do), the next decade might be your moment. Let's get personal, with personal robotics. Featured Guests: Ben Bolte – Founder & CEO, K-Scale Labs Ritwik Pavan – Hardware Nation Mehul Nariyawala – President & Co-Founder, Matic Robots Highlights: 00:00 Introduction to Personal Robotics 00:20 Founders' Backgrounds and Inspirations 07:01 Innovations in Home Robotics 14:18 Challenges and Opportunities in Humanoid Robotics 15:49 Navigating Pricing and Market Demand 17:19 The Future of Personal Robots in Homes 21:15 The Challenge of Hardware vs. Software 24:22 The Evolution of Robotics and Consumer Tolerance 27:59 Adoption Timeline for Humanoid Robots 30:42 The Economics of Robot Ownership 34:55 The Emotional Connection with Robots 38:50 The Importance of Taste in Robotics Design 41:41 The Soul of Design: Balancing Aesthetics and Functionality 45:03 The Evolution of Robotics: From Humanoids to Purpose-Built Devices 49:22 The Future of AI Wearables: Glasses vs. Other Form Factors 56:26 The Impact of Self-Driving Cars on Society 58:56 The Promise of Brain Implants: A New Frontier in Technology Links & Resources: K-Scale Labs: https://kscale.dev Matic Robots: https://maticrobots.com Hardware Nation newsletter: https://hardwareherald.com Wired 10/10 Matic review Figure, 1X, Optimus

    1 h y 4 min

  7. 16/06/2025

    Storytelling on the New Frontier: How Deep Tech Startups Use Narrative, Branding, and Design to Raise Capital and Hire the Best

    In this episode of Pirates Only, we sit down with three expert storytellers shaping the narratives behind leading deep tech startups: Emily Gold (OPFOR Media), Federico Gardin (Sentinel Studios), and Thomas Kim (Asimov Collective). Together, they explore why storytelling isn’t just important, it’s critical for deep tech companies navigating complex sectors like defense technology, robotics, and frontier innovation. Discover how immersive 3D animations make sophisticated defense systems understandable, how thoughtful brand design can translate hard tech into captivating stories, and how ghostwriting and narrative strategy turn deep tech founders into industry thought leaders. We also dive into the evolving role of AI in creative work, emphasizing the unmatched value of authentic human storytelling in raising capital, recruiting talent, and establishing market trust. If you’re building in deep tech and want to transform your complex ideas into compelling narratives, this episode is your blueprint. Featured Guests Emily Gold - Founder, OPFOR Media Federico Gardin - Founder, Sentinel Studios Thomas Kin - Founder, Asimov Collective Episode Highlights [01:16] Introduction to storytelling for deep tech startups [02:08] How Sentinel Studios leverages 3D animations for complex defense technologies [03:52] Asimov Collective’s approach to creating compelling brands for frontier tech [06:29] OPFOR Media’s method for positioning founders as thought leaders [09:54] Why narrative clarity directly impacts the success of defense startups and end users [13:05] Balancing realistic visualizations and creative storytelling in sensitive sectors [15:43] How leading brands like Anduril influence industry storytelling norms [22:11] Designing impactful visuals when your technology isn’t market-ready yet [36:07] Navigating the role of AI in authentic storytelling [57:09] Why authentic human voices still outperform AI-generated content Links & Resources OPFOR Media Sentinel Studios Asimov Collective Episode webpage: blackflag.vc/episode/how-to-tell-a-story-about-the-future

    1 h y 30 min

  8. 16/06/2025

    The Ocean is the New Space: Blue Tech, Robotics, and the $3T Opportunity

    In this debut episode of Pirates Only, we’re exploring the vast potential of blue tech, the frontier of maritime innovation reshaping how we view the ocean as the next great domain for technological breakthroughs. Joined by visionary founders Nelson Mills (Vatn Systems), David Zagaynov (Poseidon Aerospace), and Will O’Brien (Ulysses), we discuss the exciting developments in ocean technology and why experts are calling the ocean the “next space.” From autonomous underwater vehicles navigating without GPS to sea gliders revolutionizing cargo logistics between islands, our guests dive into the toughest engineering challenges posed by saltwater corrosion, immense ocean pressure, and navigation hurdles beneath the waves. Discover the emerging innovation hubs in Rhode Island and San Francisco, learn why underwater communication and robotics represent the next big leap in AI-driven technology, and uncover the fascinating future of oceanic treasure hunting, sustainable shipping, and even potential dialogues with dolphins and whales. Join us as we sail into the future of technology, ecology, and geopolitics—where the mysteries of the deep could unlock unprecedented economic opportunities and critical solutions for our planet. Featured Guests: Nelson Mills - CEO, Vatn Systems David Zagaynov - CEO, Poseidon Aerospace Will O’Brien - Founder, Ulysses Highlights: [01:22] Intro to Vatn Systems and underwater robotics [02:50] Poseidon Aerospace and future cargo logistics [03:57] Ulysses’ vision for automated ocean conservation [17:47] Why oceans lag behind space in venture funding [25:14] The hardest engineering challenges of blue tech [43:57] Future predictions: autonomous ocean systems, treasure hunting, and eco-restoration [58:59] Biggest opportunities in ocean technology today Links & Resources: Vatn Systems Poseidon Aerospace Ulysses Episode webpage: https://www.blackflag.vc/episode/the-ocean-is-the-new-space

    1 h y 8 min
  • 8 episodios

Acerca de

“Pirates Only” is a podcast series created by pirates, for pirates (AKA visionary startup founders breaking new ground). Each episode brings together innovative founders working within similar industries to openly discuss groundbreaking ideas, hard challenges, and the massive opportunities ahead. From deep-sea robotics to space tech, AI, and beyond, we’ll explore the bold futures these pioneers are building. Join us as we dive into what’s next, celebrating this adventurous future, and the pirates building for it.

Información

  • Creador
    Black Flag
  • Años de actividad
    2 k
  • Episodios
    8
  • Clasificación
    Apto
  • Copyright
    © Black Flag
  • Mostrar sitio web
    Pirates Only