AI Innovators

Rob May & HalfCourt Ventures
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AI Innovators

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

  1. 3 HR. AGO

    From Email Clients to AI Agents: Insights on Building AI-Powered Sales Tools with Jason Patel of OpenForge

    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

    24 min

  2. 4 DAYS AGO

    Introducing AI Innovators : How AI is Reshaping Future Markets

    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 )

    1 min

  3. OCT 2

    Overcoming Search Challenges in E-Commerce with Alex Gunnarson and Zach Hudson of Onton

    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.

    26 min

  4. SEP 25

    Solving The Right Problems Using AI with Derek Larson

    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.

    21 min

  5. SEP 18

    AI Startups and Enterprise Adoption: with Jaclyn Rice Nelson from Tribe AI

    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.ai Linkedin halfcourt.vc Rob AI Newsletter 03:18 – 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

    20 min

  6. SEP 11

    Breaking Down AI Myths with Arthur Tisi and Harold Goldstein from Hunova

    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

    28 min

  7. SEP 4

    Innovative Ways to Acquire Data for AI with Margaret Quigley

    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.com http://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.

    19 min

  8. AUG 28

    Alex Galkin from Competera

    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

    26 min
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5
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7 Ratings

About

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

Information

  • Creator
    Rob May & HalfCourt Ventures
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2024
  • Episodes
    41
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2024 AI Innovators
  • Show Website
    AI Innovators

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