Building an AI-powered startup today presents distinct challenges: a lingering hype cycle, steep competition, endless customer education, and rapidly evolving technical capabilities. In this episode of Spotlight On, Syrup’s James Theuerkauf shares advice for early-stage founders navigating this inflection point. He discusses building an AI product that cuts through the noise and adds value, the advantages of building a distributed, global team, and how to stay focused on what matters in a market full of distractions. 

The episode also offers a look into the evolving retail landscape. Syrup's AI helps retail leaders like Faherty, Desigual, and Reformation optimize inventory, their most precious and expensive asset. Getting the right product, in the right location, at the right time is an age-old challenge, but today, it is precisely the type of problem AI can solve. 

Conversation highlights:

00:00 – James’ background and Syrup’s founding story 

01:44 – How technology can solve the complex merchandising problems brands face

06:57 – The environmental impact of wasted garments, how AI presents solutions

10:05 – Roadblocks to AI adoption among brands and common customer concerns

18:27 – Advice for startups building a global, distributed product and team

26:17 – How early-stage companies can cut through the noise and fundraise thoughtfully

Featured: Sara Ittelson, Partner at Accel and James Theuerkauf, CEO and Founder of Syrup