Techonomics Techonomics

In this episode, Whitman Kwok, founder and CEO of KAV, joins Arun and I to discuss the revolutionary work his company is doing in the helmet industry. Whitman takes us through his diverse career path leading to the founding of KAV, emphasizing the importance of grit and persistence. He highlights the technical aspects and mission of producing highly customizable, stylish, and safe bike helmets. The discussion covers KAV's innovative use of 3D printing technology, custom materials, and advanced design to create helmets tailored to individual needs. Whitman also touches on the broader applications of their technology and the potential for localized manufacturing. Additional topics include the challenge of automating their manufacturing process and the role of craftsmanship in their products.



00:00 Introduction to Whitman Kwok and KAV

00:08 Whitman's Journey to Founding KAV

01:50 The Mission and Vision of KAV Helmets

04:03 Product Overview: Custom Bike Helmets

05:37 The Customization Process

08:41 Manufacturing Technology and Process

14:14 Advantages of 3D Printing in Helmet Design

20:31 Future Applications and Product Expansion

23:18 Exploring the Global Market for Scooters and Motorcycles

23:32 Innovations in Safety Gear Manufacturing

24:07 Building a Custom Manufacturing Platform

24:42 Balancing Specificity and Abstraction in Software

26:35 Challenges in Vertical Integration

29:57 The Role of Robotics in Manufacturing

33:06 The Future of Customization and Craftsmanship

40:31 Hot Takes and Final Thoughts

Our 5th and last episode of Techonomics Season 3 features Ben Gibbs, CEO and co-founder of READY Robotics⁠.

In this episode we dive into the future of robotics, why there's a need for a common language across robotics manufacturers, and how READY Robotics is making that a reality.

Our 4th episode of Techonomics Season 3 features Jack Greco, co-founder and general partner of Far Out Ventures. In this episode we dive into Jack's incredible story of how he became one of the premier pre-seed and seed investors in Buffalo, NY, and why he's investing so much in companies outside the typical startup ecosystem in San Francisco.

Episode 3 of Techonomics Season 3 deep dives into investing in next generation software tools with Abstraction.vc founder, Taylor Clauson.

The episode is packed with insights for anyone interested in tech, venture capital, or developer tools. Taylor shares his advice for aspiring founders, his thoughts on the future of developer tools, and his perspective on the Kansas City tech scene.

Techonomics Season 3 continues this week with a special episode deep-diving into Arun's personal experience with Silicon Valley Bank's collapse and it's impact on his startup Model-Prime, and our usual banter on the topic. Find out what it's like to be in the middle of a prisoner's dilemma banking collapse as a founder.

Do you keep your funds in SVB or get your funds to make payroll?

Steven Kotler is a New York Times bestselling author, an award-winning journalist, a flow researcher, and the Executive Director of the Flow Research Collective who joined us for our 30th episode (and start of Techonomics Season 3) to discuss his new book, Gnar Country: Growing Old, Staying Rad. Steven has numerous other books like The Rise of Superman, The Art of the Impossible, and Stealing Fire that encompass Steven's work in flow and high performance.

This is a special episode for Arun and I, not just because we love skiing and trying to find our own peak flow states, but because when we first met Arun recommended the book The Rise of Superman -- that catalyzed our friendship and Techonomics would not be where it is today as a result.

Big thanks to Steven for coming on the podcast. We know you'll enjoy.

Music: Hipjazz and Dreams from Bensound.com