The Feed

Alex Sambvani is the Co-Founder & CEO of Slang.ai, a startup that helps full-service restaurant operators automate their inbound phone calls using AI. In this episode, we’ll talk about what separates Slang from traditional IVR systems, the myriad of inquiries it can handle for guests, and a litmus test for what makes a valuable AI startup.

Amos Golan is the founder & CEO of Chunk Foods, a startup that makes plant-based, whole cut meat products like steak and brisket. In this episode, we’ll talk about the plant-based predecessors to Chunk, how the startup is leveraging solid-state fermentation to create a clean label, and broader consumer trends within flexitarian and plant-based diets.

Maya Sapir-Mir is the Co-Founder & CEO of PoLoPo, a Israel-based startup pioneering a new method of molecular farming to grow egg proteins in potatoes. In this episode, we’ll talk about how Polopo leverages CRISPR to express proteins within potatoes, how molecular farming works, and the end-to-end supply chain that helps it compete against traditional agriculture.

Matt Smolin is the Co-Founder & CEO of Hang, an interactive omnichannel loyalty platform used by brands like Roam Burgers, Boba Guys, and Budweiser. In this episode we’ll talk about the lack of personalization in today’s loyalty ecosystem, how Hang is leveraging minigames to unlock 50% greater spend for its restaurants, and the importance of omnichannel loyalty.

Phil Mikhaylov is the Co-Founder & CEO of Unicorn, a modern auction platform for spirits and wine enthusiasts. In this episode, we’ll talk about the market for liquid collectibles, how the platform offers custodial services for buyers and sellers, and the data it is uncovering within the alcohol industry.

Abhinav Kapur is the Co-Founder & CEO of Bikky, a customer data analytics platform that helps multi-unit restaurants understand the frequency and lifetime value of their guests. In this episode, we’ll talk about how Bikky is threading the needle between various data silos, how it helps operators understand guest retention, and the future of personalized loyalty.

Nathan Myhrvold is the author of The Modernist Cuisine, an esteemed cookbook series that examines the art and science of cooking for highly curious chefs and enthusiasts. In this episode we’ll chat about Nathan’s transition from CTO at Microsoft to French culinary school, how he thinks about food science, and the cutting edge of bread making.

Sami Inkinen is the Co-Founder & CEO of Virta Health, a digital clinic that reverses type 2 diabetes through nutrition. In this episode, we’ll talk about the broken incentives of the American healthcare system, the efficacy of Virta’s program for treating diabetes and promoting weight loss, and the future of healthy eating.

John Rabiner and Mike Sanuti are the co-founders of Prime Site, an end-to-end construction and advisory firm that leverages data and insights for retailers. In this episode we’ll analyze real estate strategies of fast-growing salad and beverage concepts, talk about omnichannel fulfillment, and analyze grocery retail expansion across dollar, convenience, and smaller-footprint formats.

Francisco Martin-Rayo is the Co-Founder & CEO of Helios, an AI platform that aggregates billions of data points to predict the climate, economic, and political risks facing global commodities. In this episode, we’ll chat about how some of the largest food players and commodity traders are leveraging Helios’ platform, the various tradeoffs we need to be considering in agribusiness, and technological solutions that can help create a more resilient food system over the long haul.