This Week in Startups

How to Make Billions from Exposing Fraud | E2234

14 snips
Jan 13, 2026
Alex Shieh, founder of The Anti-Fraud Company, shares insights on using AI and investigative techniques to recover government fraud under the False Claims Act. He discusses the potential to recover up to 30% of fraud dollars and the massive scale of the fraud opportunity in the U.S. Meanwhile, Blake Scholl, CEO of Boom Supersonic, reflects on reviving commercial supersonic travel, comparing modern technology to the Concorde's shortcomings. Both guests emphasize innovative approaches and the pressing importance of their respective missions.
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INSIGHT

30% Efficiency Makes Supersonic Viable

  • Blake Scholl argues 30% improved fuel efficiency over Concorde makes supersonic travel economically viable today.
  • Modern aerodynamics, carbon composites, and better engines together achieve that efficiency breakthrough.
INSIGHT

Design Lowers Drag And Sonic Impact

  • Boom's design improvements (area ruling, composites, tailored shaping) materially reduce supersonic drag and noise.
  • The airplane aims to be ~100x quieter than Concorde, enabling broader operations once regulations change.
ADVICE

De‑Risk With Subscale Prototypes

  • Build hardware companies sequentially with small, de‑risking prototypes rather than one big bet.
  • Use subscale demonstrators to set records, attract orders, and reduce capital needs before full certification.
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