Building Deep Tech with Ilir Aliu Ep 77 | If Other People Can Do It, Why Not Us? (w/ Aaron Tan)
Aug 25, 2025
In this conversation, Aaron Tan, PhD, the founder of Syncere, delves into the world of home robotics, discussing his viral concept video for a robotic lamp, Lume. He shares his journey from Taiwan to Canada, sparked by a Lego Mindstorms kit that ignited his passion for robotics. Aaron explores the design inspiration from Beauty and the Beast, contrasts human-like robotics with practicality, and reveals customer insights gained from hands-on research. With a paid waitlist strategy, he validates consumer excitement for innovative home tech.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Lego Kit That Started A Robotics Career
- Aaron remembers choosing a Lego Mindstorms kit over a PlayStation 2, which sparked his robotics obsession at age 12–13.
- That early choice led him through hands-on engineering degrees and into building robots professionally.
Relocate To Increase Your Surface Of Luck
- Aaron moved to the Bay Area to increase his 'surface of luck' and find people who understood his unconventional idea.
- He found the Bay Area's mindset more accepting of risk and entrepreneurship than his Canadian peers.
Wife's Push To Risk Starting Up
- Aaron credits his wife as the key person who pushed him to start the company and take risks.
- Her phrase “If other people can do it, why not us?” convinced him to pursue entrepreneurship after the PhD.
