From Viral AI Demos to YC: Robert Lukoszko

Oct 17, 2025

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Discover how Robert Lukoszko, CEO of Stormy AI, is building the future of AI-powered marketing by automating influencer outreach end-to-end. This interview goes deep into his journey from viral AI demos to Y Combinator, revealing critical insights for AI builders and founders.

You’ll learn:

• The surprising challenges and limitations of building AI applications that deeply integrate with operating systems.

• Why local AI models, despite their appeal, often struggle to compete with cloud-based solutions for real-world business cases.

• Robert’s unique approach to AI-assisted development, leveraging tools like Claude 3.7 for rapid prototyping and efficient coding.

• How Stormy AI uses advanced AI to find niche influencers, analyze engagement, and automate outreach, transforming traditional marketing.

• The strategic importance of distribution and market fit over pure technological innovation for venture-scale AI companies.

Robert Lukoszko, previously co-founder of Fixkey AI (acquired) and an alumnus of Y Combinator (S24 with Stormy AI, W22 with ngrow.ai), shares his extensive experience in applying AI to new modalities and building high-growth startups.

This episode of AI Tinkerers One-Shot offers a practical look at the technical and entrepreneurial realities of building in the generative AI space.

💡 Resources:

• Stormy AI - https://stormy.ai

• Robert Lukoszko’s LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/robert-lukoszko

• AI Tinkerers - https://aitinkerers.org

• One-Shot Podcast - https://one-shot.aitinkerers.org/

Social Media:

@AITinkerers

@stormy_hq

@Karmedge

👍 Like this video if you found it valuable, and subscribe to AI Tinkerers One-Shot for more conversations with innovators building the future of AI!

00:00 – Introduction & Background