Sachin and Adam

SachinandAdam

We are two best friends, trying to build a community around in-depth interviews and short documentaries with the best minds in technology and startups. Through bold storytelling and candid conversations, we explore how visionary thinkers are shaping a positive future. The best way to support is subscribing, truly it makes all the difference for us💙 All links: linktr.ee/SachinandAdam

  1. 20h ago

    $740M AI Hearing CEO: Can a $6,800 Hearing Aid Reach Everyone?

    Helping people hear has always been a race against biology. Matt de Jonge, CEO of Fortell, is changing that. He watched his grandparents drift away at family dinners — present in the room but completely disconnected. He tried to solve it in 2014, got intimidated by how hard the problem was, and gave up. Then a Zoom call during COVID changed everything. We cover the full landscape: why he walked away from finance because it felt dystopian, how a chance meeting with Josh Kushner almost became a hospital company, why he pitched a better hearing aid two weeks after telling his investor they were quitting, what it actually took to squeeze a massive AI into something that fits behind your ear in milliseconds, why his biggest nightmare isn't failing but growing too fast and blowing the trust, and what it will take to bring this technology to the 1.5 billion people who need it. This conversation covers: Why Matt felt he gave up on his grandparents — and what brought him back How a COVID Zoom call changed everything Why Josh Kushner initially pitched them on a technology hospital Why Matt felt guilty working in finance How Fortell scales a $6,800 device beyond billionaires What keeps Matt up at night about going too fastThanks to our sponsor Notion for supporting our mission of telling technology stories that matter. They are a significant reason why this is possible. Sign up for 3 months free of Notion for Business. Join our community 🚀 LinkedIn 🐦 X 📸 InstagramAbout usWe are two best friends, trying to build a community around in-depth interviews and short documentaries with the best minds in technology and startups. Through bold storytelling and candid conversations, we explore how visionary thinkers are shaping a positive future. The best way to support is subscribing — truly it makes all the difference for us 💙

    $740M AI Hearing CEO: Can a $6,800 Hearing Aid Reach Everyone?
  2. Sep 10

    Unpacking Zach Dell's $1B Energy Bet Taking on Tesla and the Power Grid | Zach Dell Interview

    In this episode, we sit down with Zach Dell, co-founder and CEO of Base Power — the Austin-based energy company backed by Addition, a16z, Lightspeed, and Thrive Capital, and last valued at $13 billion. Zach shares Base's mission to build America's next great energy company: replacing stale incumbents not through government entrenchment, but through a cult of speed, self-funded R&D, and a better product. From quitting a job in venture capital and meeting his co-founder on a factory tour at Anduril, to raising $1B and turning every home into a piece of grid infrastructure, Zach offers a rare look at what it actually takes to rebuild American energy. None of this would be possible without our sponsor Vanta. They support our mission of telling technology stories that matter. As startups scale, security and compliance becomes critical. Vanta automates compliance (SOC 2, ISO 27001, HIPAA) so companies can focus on building. They're actively supporting startups and helping founders build trust from day one. Check out vanta.com/sachinandadam. Join our community 🚀 LinkedIn 🐦 X 📸 InstagramAbout usWe are two best friends, trying to build a community around in-depth interviews and short documentaries with the best minds in technology and startups. Through bold storytelling and candid conversations, we explore how visionary thinkers are shaping a positive future. The best way to support is subscribing — truly it makes all the difference for us 💙

    Unpacking Zach Dell's $1B Energy Bet Taking on Tesla and the Power Grid | Zach Dell Interview
  3. 09/24/2025

    Inside Wonder Studios: The Startup Merging AI With Hollywood (with founder Xavier Collins)

    In today’s episode, we sit down with Xavier Collins, co-founder of Wonder Studios — the London-based AI film studio backed by Blackbird, LocalGlobe, and angels from OpenAI and DeepMind.Xavier shares Wonder’s mission to become the Pixar of the AI age, democratizing Hollywood-grade production and sparking a global wave of creativity. From supercharging storytelling and navigating venture capital, to blending software with traditional filmmaking and building a 21st-century studio culture, Xavier offers a rare inside look at the future of film. We dive into: How Wonder Studios is bridging Hollywood tradition with AI innovationThe bet on AI as a creative explosion, not a replacementConvincing VCs a studio can be venture-scaleUnlocking Hollywood-grade production for creators worldwideThe role of culture, talent, and new creative roles in building a modern studio 00:00 Introduction to the AI Gold Rush 00:19 Meet Xavier Collins of Wonder Studios 00:42 The Future of Storytelling with AI 01:02 Challenges and Opportunities in AI Film Studios 01:34 Building a Unicorn: Culture and Vision 01:51 Audience Engagement and Subscription Drive 02:30 Deep Dive into Wonder Studios' Vision 03:41 The AI Gold Rush Analogy 06:33 Democratizing Hollywood-Grade Production 08:36 VC Skepticism and Conviction 12:11 The Agency Model and Beyond 13:44 Notion Ad 18:39 Lowering Barriers to Hollywood-Grade Animation 21:20 Personal Journey and Creative Collaboration 26:19 The AI Video Landscape 29:40 Advice for Creatives in the Age of AI 32:23 Leveraging Technology in Filmmaking 34:36 Challenges and Opportunities in Scriptwriting 36:32 Impact of AI on the Filmmaking Economy 40:00 Building a 21st Century Studio 42:42 Team Structure and Culture 54:24 Future Goals and Vision

    Inside Wonder Studios: The Startup Merging AI With Hollywood (with founder Xavier Collins)
  4. 08/13/2025

    AI Roundtable Unfiltered: The Truth About Hype, Talent Wars & Global AI

    In today’s episode, we’re joined by five leading voices shaping the future of artificial intelligence: Dan Palmer, co-founder of Relevance AI; Michelle Gilmore, CEO and co-founder of Juno; Xharmagne Carandang, founding software engineer at Lorikeet; and Georgie Healy, head of Google’s AI accelerator and host of *In the Blink of AI*. Recorded live at the second-ever AI Roundtable Dinner, this conversation dives deep into the most urgent, surreal, and high-stakes issues in AI today. From billion-dollar bets and VC hype cycles, to AI’s impact on jobs, education, and global competition, the guests share candid insights from their own journeys building in one of the most intense moments in tech history. Listen in for a rare behind-the-scenes look at how these founders are navigating ethical dilemmas, rapid product development, market expansion, and staying grounded amid the noise. Check out their socials: Daniel Palmer’s: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dan-palmer/ Michelle Gilmore’s: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michellejoygilmore/ Xharmagne Carandang’s: https://www.linkedin.com/in/xharmagne/ Georgie Healy’s: https://www.linkedin.com/in/georginahealy/ We dive into: - The reality of the current AI VC bubble and capital efficiency in hyper-competitive markets - Why founder expertise, adaptability, and team quality are critical moats in AI - How AI could become as ubiquitous as electricity—and what that means for pricing, value, and innovation - The skills and mindsets that will thrive (and those that might disappear) in an AI-first world - The global race for AI talent and why Sydney, SF, and emerging markets each play a role - Displacement vs. amplification: the societal impacts of automation and possible safety nets - The hype vs. product debate—how to cut through noise and build enduring companies - Storytelling, trust, and the future of marketing in a world where agents make buying decisions - The advice these founders would give their future selves about building in AI over the next decade 00:00 Introduction 02:37 Round Table Dinner: AI Founders and Leaders 03:19 The Future of AI and Market Dynamics 04:53 Challenges and Opportunities in AI Startups 07:19 The Role of Talent and Capital in AI 09:54 Global Perspectives on AI Development 13:50 Notion Ad 14:36 The Impact of AI on Industries and Society 28:11 Geographical Dispersion and Talent Density 37:35 Challenging Company Culture Norms 38:14 Building Relationships in San Francisco 39:38 Talent Density and Research in Australia 41:24 AI's Impact on Skills and Employment 43:07 The Future of Education and Creativity 8:43 Job Displacement and Economic Shifts 01:03:57 Ethical Concerns and AI Governance 01:14:19 The Importance of Attention in Business 01:14:46 Investor Expectations and Startup Metrics 01:15:42 Challenges of Building a Sustainable Business 01:16:32 Focus on Customers and Incremental Growth 01:17:23 The Role of Hype and Distribution 01:21:05 The New Generation of Founders 01:26:56 The Future of AI and Human Value 01:37:49 Reflections and Advice for the Future 01:44:01 Conclusion and Podcast Wrap-Up Thanks to Notion for sponsoring this episode! Organise your team, projects, and ideas all in one place. Try Notion for free and get started with our special link: https://ntn.so/sachin&adam

    AI Roundtable Unfiltered: The Truth About Hype, Talent Wars & Global AI
  5. 08/06/2025

    Inside AirTree’s $650M Fund: The Future of Aussie Startups & AI

    In today’s episode, we’re joined by John and Jax, partners at AirTree, to talk about their massive new $650 million fund — a milestone backed by some of the world’s top institutional investors. They break down why global capital is finally paying attention to Australia, how this changes the game for local founders, and what traits they now look for in world-class startups. From the rise of AI-native companies to the evolving VC landscape, this is a must-listen for anyone building in tech. Check out their socials: Jonh Henderson: https://www.airtree.vc/team/john-henderson https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnhenderson/ Jackie Vullinghs: https://www.airtree.vc/team/jackie-vullinghs https://www.linkedin.com/in/jvullinghs/ We dive into: Why AirTree raised a $650M fund — and what it unlocks for foundersHow global LPs are finally backing Australian venture capitalThe rise of AI-native startups and why they matter nowWhat AirTree looks for in early-stage founders todayThe shift toward faster, conviction-led investingWhy “speed and intensity” beat “balance” in the startup gameHow growth-stage VC is evolving in AustraliaWhy AirTree is investing in companies they once missedThe internal culture driving AirTree’s successPredictions for the future of VC and AI-driven business models 00:00 Exciting Announcement: New $650 Million Fund 00:17 The Importance of International Investors 00:52 Meet the Partners: John and Jax 01:13 The Emotional Rollercoaster of Venture Capital 01:23 The Fast-Paced World of VC: Diligence and Conviction 01:49 A Special Message to Our Viewers 02:31 Deep Dive: The New Fund and Its Impact 05:21 Why Australia? Convincing Global Investors 06:28 The Growth of the Australian Tech Ecosystem 09:28 Vanta Ad 12:40 Fund Structure: Seed, Growth, and Co-Investment 18:48 The Role of Growth Funds in the VC Landscape 20:44 Global Trends in Venture Capital 29:47 The Emotional Journey of Building a VC Firm 31:21 Core Ingredients for Venture Scale Business 32:11 Navigating the Nebulous World of AI 33:10 Backing AI Native Entrepreneurs 34:30 Valuation Challenges in the AI Era 35:53 Importance of Founders in AI Startups 43:22 Australian Founders on the Global Stage 46:19 Air Tree's Growth Fund Strategy 49:00 Building a World-Class Team at Air Tree 50:49 Future Vision for Air Tree 55:21 Adapting Investment Strategies 58:36 Continuous Learning and Healthy Debate 01:01:07 Conclusion and Future Outlook

    Inside AirTree’s $650M Fund: The Future of Aussie Startups & AI

About

We are two best friends, trying to build a community around in-depth interviews and short documentaries with the best minds in technology and startups. Through bold storytelling and candid conversations, we explore how visionary thinkers are shaping a positive future. The best way to support is subscribing, truly it makes all the difference for us💙 All links: linktr.ee/SachinandAdam

You Might Also Like