Relentless #35 - Elliot F. Poirier, Co-Founder of Watoga
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Aug 6, 2025 In this discussion with Elliot F. Poirier, the co-founder and CEO of Watoga, a mining AI startup, he shares his captivating journey from gaming inspiration in Minecraft to launching a tech company. Elliot dives into the innovative application of AI for modern mining, emphasizing the need for better data integration and predictive modeling. He candidly discusses the challenges of client relationships, the chaotic move from Quebec to the U.S., and the importance of networking. Personal anecdotes reveal his struggles with ambition and mental health, making for an inspiring yet relatable conversation.
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Cheap Hostel Nearly Turned Dangerous
- Elliot stayed in an $8 CAD hostel in a dangerous Vegas neighborhood while attending a mining conference.
- He nearly got mugged returning late at night and says the experience intensified his drive to succeed.
Minecraft Sparked An Engineering Obsession
- Elliot traced his early interest to automating systems in Minecraft and building quarries as a child.
- That childhood fascination later resurfaced during university and steered him toward mining and applied math.
Mining Is A Statistical Factory
- Mining combines statistical uncertainty and industrial optimization in a uniquely challenging way.
- Elliot found applied math and operations a natural fit because mines are 'factories where you don't know what's going in.'