This Week in Startups

TikTok Ban, Data Centers in Space… and What's a Vector? | E2073

Jan 17, 2025

Join Bob van Luijt, CEO of Weaviate, a leader in vector databases for AI, and Philip Johnston, CEO of Lumen Orbit, innovating with space-based data centers. They dive into the transformative role of vector databases in enhancing AI applications and discuss the emerging concept of data centers leveraging solar energy in space. Bob shares insights on the intricate use of vector embeddings for AI, while Philip outlines the technical challenges and economic benefits of building in orbit, including potential solutions to heat and debris issues!

01:02:50

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Episode guests

Philip Johnston

Bob van Luijt

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Episode notes

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Quick takeaways

The Supreme Court's ruling on TikTok may lead to significant operational changes for the platform and its user base.

Weaviate's innovative vector databases are crucial for processing unstructured data in AI, enhancing integration and accessibility for developers.

Lumen Orbit's ambition to build space-based data centers highlights the future of technology infrastructure beyond Earth and its potential challenges.

Deep dives

TikTok's Legal Challenges

The Supreme Court upheld a law that could lead to a divestiture or ban of TikTok in the U.S. on January 19th, signaling substantial repercussions for the platform. This ruling is seen as a critical moment, likely to cause significant upheaval and decision-making chaos in the coming week. Observers are speculating on the implications for TikTok's operation and user base, as many had anticipated last-minute efforts to save the platform. The potential fallout from this legal decision will be a pivotal story in the tech space.

Intro

4min

Exploring the Role of Vectors in AI Innovation

4min

Vector Embeddings and AI Integration

12min

Understanding Vector Embeddings and Their Role in Generative AI

8min

Navigating Compliance and Enterprise Growth in Startups

4min

Harnessing Space for Data Management

16min

Innovating Data Centers in Space

15min

Today’s show: Alex sits down with two CEOs from companies freshly added to the TWIST500. We get a masterclass from Bob van Luijt of Weaviate, on vector databases helping AI and LLMs do what they do. An then Philip Johnston from Lumen Orbit explains his vision of building data centers in space!

Timestamps:

(0:00) Alex kicks off the show. (0:58) Supreme Court ruling on TikTok and key market numbers (3:49) Interview introduction with Weaviate and Lumen Orbit CEOs (4:06) Deep dive into vector databases with Weaviate's Bob van Luijt. (8:23) Lemon. TWiST listeners get 15% off your first 4 weeks of developer time at https://Lemon.io/twist (11:35) Exploring deep learning, vector indexing, and Weaviate's open-source significance (18:03) Northwest Registered Agent. For just $39 plus state fees, Northwest will handle your complete business identity. Visit https://www.northwestregisteredagent.com/twist ⁠today.

(19:32) Discussion on vector databases use cases and retrieval augmented generation (RAG) (27:17) Weaviate's business model, revenue streams, and growth (28:12) Vanta. TWiST listeners automate your SOC2 and get $1,000 off at http://www.vanta.com/twist (32:52) The future of AI, agentic architectures, and enterprise adoption (40:50) Lumen Orbit's vision for space-based data centers (42:54) Philip Johnston on the technical aspects of Lumen Orbit (49:12) Satellite demonstrators, technology challenges, and VC interest (53:26) Addressing chip obsolescence and cost advantages in space (56:21) Deployment strategies and competition in the space data center market (1:00:12) Strategies for staying ahead of competition and future plans for Lumen Orbit

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Check out Weaviate: https://weaviate.io/

Check out Lumen Orbit: https://www.lumenorbit.com/

Follow Bob:

X: https://x.com/bobvanluijt

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bobvanluijt

Follow Philip:

X: https://x.com/johnstonphil

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnstonphilip/

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X: https://x.com/alex

LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexwilhelm

Follow Jason:

X: https://twitter.com/Jason

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasoncalacanis

Thank you to our partners:

(8:23) Lemon. TWiST listeners get 15% off your first 4 weeks of developer time at https://Lemon.io/twist (18:03) Northwest Registered Agent. For just $39 plus state fees, Northwest will handle your complete business identity. Visit https://www.northwestregisteredagent.com/twist

(28:12) Vanta. TWiST listeners automate your SOC2 and get $1,000 off at http://www.vanta.com/twist *

Great TWIST interviews: Will Guidara, Eoghan McCabe, Steve Huffman, Brian Chesky, Bob Moesta, Aaron Levie, Sophia Amoruso, Reid Hoffman, Frank Slootman, Billy McFarland

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