The Future of Supply Chain: a Dynamo Ventures Podcast

During this episode, Santosh is joined by supply chain expert and Professor of Engineering Systems at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Yossi Sheffi. Santosh and Yossi discuss the evolving landscape of global supply chains amid trade wars, policy uncertainty, and rapid technological change. Key topics include the challenges of unpredictability for supply chain leaders, the importance of resilience as a hedge against uncertainty, and the growing influence of AI and digital transformation on the workforce. Yossi also addresses the limitations of current sustainability efforts, advocating for nuclear power as a scalable solution, and emphasizes the need for cultural and policy shifts to ensure long-term resilience. Listeners will gain practical insights on navigating volatility, fostering adaptability, and preparing for the future of supply chains.Highlights from their conversation include:Yossi’s Journey into Supply Chain (1:15)Trade Wars and Tariff Unpredictability (2:39)The Real Problem: Uncertainty and Volatility (3:31)Managing Supply Chains Amid Uncertainty (6:13)Retail Margins and Political Implications (8:08)Resilience as a Hedge, Not a Bet (9:50)Resilience vs. Insurance (11:31)Global Examples of Resilient Cultures (13:55)Trade-Offs in Reshoring and Environmental Policy (16:17)Sustainability: Real Impact vs. Virtue Signaling (20:14)Nuclear Power as a Solution (21:47)Global Energy Demand and Equity (23:51)AI and the Future of Work (25:10)Job Market Evolution and Adaptation (26:19)Education and Skills for the Future (29:49)Limits of AI and Robotics (30:39)Rapid Fire Segment to Close (32:26)Final Thoughts and Takeaways Conclusion and Farewell (34:03)Dynamo is a VC firm led by supply chain and mobility specialists that focus on seed-stage, enterprise startups.Find out more at: https://www.dynamo.vc/.

During this episode, Santosh is joined by Devin Bhushan, Founder and CEO of Squint. Devin shares how his company is revolutionizing manufacturing by using AI to capture and scale the tribal knowledge of frontline workers. The discussion covers the challenges of labor shortages, the importance of empowering operators, and the need to digitize best practices for efficiency and quality. Devin also explains how Squint’s multimodal platform leverages video, voice, and data to create a centralized knowledge base, and emphasizes the critical role of trustworthy AI in mission-critical environments. Key takeaways include the value of combining human creativity with technology, the need for robust governance to prevent bad practices, Squint’s vision to optimize the entire manufacturing supply chain from design to service, and so much more.Highlights from their conversation include:How Squint is Revolutionizing Manufacturing (0:41)Devin’s Background & Inspiration (2:18)AI’s Role: Augmenting Human Potential (4:20)Scaling Best Practices with AI (6:43)Designing Software for Factory Operators (7:48)Capturing and Sharing Tacit Knowledge (10:13)Retooling Brownfields & Quality Use Cases (13:54)Eliminating Search: The Future of Knowledge Access (15:03)Building Trustworthy AI for Mission-Critical Tasks (17:13)Preventing the Spread of Bad Practices (20:11)What’s Next for Squint: Beyond the Factory Floor (23:30)Rapid-Fire “This or That” Segment (24:59)Final Thoughts and Takeaways (25:55)Dynamo is a VC firm led by supply chain and mobility specialists that focus on seed-stage, enterprise startups.Find out more at: https://www.dynamo.vc/

From time to time, we’ll re-air a previous episode of the show that our newer audience may have missed. During this episode, guest host Madelyn O'Farrell is joined by TJ England, Chief Legal Officer at C.R. England, a pioneer in the transportation services industry providing asset-based Dedicated, Truckload, and Intermodal solutions to solve a wide variety of customer needs. During the conversation, TJ and Madelyn explore the intersection of technology and business model innovation in the trucking industry. TJ provides a historical overview of C.R. England, a family-owned trucking company founded in 1920, and shares his personal journey into the legal side of the industry. They discuss the challenges of operating in a low-margin sector, the deployment of AI to enhance operations, the importance of effective communication among carriers, shippers, and stakeholders in the supply chain, and so much more. Highlights from their conversation include:C.R. England’s Journey in Trucking (0:52)TJ's Journey into the Family Business (1:58)Challenges in the Trucking Industry (3:41)Exploring AI in Trucking (6:15)Potential of AI for Network Optimization (10:06)Human in the Loop Approach (14:17)Technological Solutions for Communication (17:39)Fragmentation and Small Businesses (20:43)AI in Legal Framework (25:57)Automated Vehicles and Legal Risks (27:17)Train Derailments and Technology (29:41)Legal Perspectives on Cybersecurity (32:00)In-House vs. Outsourcing Technology (35:10)ROI and Customer-Centric Solutions (39:05)Current State of the Trucking Market (41:22)Importance of Lean Operations (46:50)Challenges of Investment in Technology (48:18)Dynamo is a VC firm led by supply chain and mobility specialists that focus on seed-stage, enterprise startups.Find out more at: https://www.dynamo.vc/

Conrad Snover, CEO of ProcureAbility, dives into the future of procurement in the utility sector. He emphasizes the critical importance of sustainable practices while navigating the challenges of electrification and renewable energy. The conversation reveals insights on building supply chain resilience post-COVID-19, the value of risk management, and how even simple tools like Excel remain essential for procurement professionals. Conrad also shares valuable lessons from mountaineering on adaptability and the need for procurement to evolve in a rapidly changing landscape.

Highlights from their conversation include:The G10 Fulfillment Founding Story (1:04)Mark Becker’s Career Background (3:19)Early E-commerce and Amazon Insights (6:31)Evolving Customer Demands & Service Model (7:59)Warehouse Network Strategy (8:45)Network Optimization & Data-Driven Decisions (11:01)Automation in B2C vs. B2B Fulfillment (15:56)Philosophy on Robotics & Automation Investment (19:15)Robotics Implementation & Efficiency Gains (21:49)Limits of Robotics in Fulfillment (25:06)Future of Warehouse Networks (26:14)This or That Segment to Close (27:46)Final Thoughts and Conclusion (29:24)Dynamo is a VC firm led by supply chain and mobility specialists that focus on seed-stage, enterprise startups.Find out more at: https://www.dynamo.vc/

During this episode, Santosh is joined by Stephen Dombroski, Director, CPG & Food and Beverage at QAD. Stephen joins the show to discuss the future of manufacturing and supply chain innovation. Topics include the evolution of ERP systems, the shift from reactive to proactive planning, the impact of AI and real-time data on demand forecasting, and the practical meaning of a connected workforce. Stephen emphasizes the importance of integrating people, processes, and systems, empowering frontline workers with technology, and fostering open communication to drive change. Key takeaways for listeners are the value of embracing digital transformation, leveraging AI as a support tool, adopting a mindset that prioritizes adaptability and collaboration across the manufacturing ecosystem, and so much more. Highlights from their conversation include:Overview of QAD and Its Evolution (1:13)Stephen’s Career Journey into Manufacturing Tech (3:12)Reactive vs. Proactive Manufacturing Planning (6:16)Demand Forecasting in Volatile Times (8:57)Connected Workforce: Meaning and Impact (13:12)AI as a Support Tool for Frontline Workers (16:32)Integrating ERP, S&OP, and AI in Manufacturing (19:36)Managing Change and Digital Transformation (24:27)Rapid Fire Questions to Close: Industry Challenges and Mindset (29:19)Final Thoughts and Takeaways (31:02)Dynamo is a VC firm led by supply chain and mobility specialists that focus on seed-stage, enterprise startups.Find out more at: https://www.dynamo.vc/

From time to time, we’ll re-air a previous episode of the show that our newer audience may have missed. During this episode, Santosh is joined by Dr. Tom Goldsby, Chair of Logistics at the Haslam College of Business at the University of Tennessee. Santosh and Tom discuss the complexities of supply chain management and other important topics. Tom shares his background, the growth of the University of Tennessee's supply chain program, and the importance of nearshoring and agility in today's volatile environment. They also explore the evolution of parcel logistics, the challenges of last-mile delivery, the impacts of AI on supply chain innovation for the future, and more.Highlights from their conversation include:Tom’s Background in Supply Chain and Logistics (1:22)The Impact of Nearshoring (6:41)Geopolitical Considerations (9:38)Agility in Supply Chain (13:04)Adapting to Pandemic Challenges (16:16)Parcel Logistics Evolution (19:49)USPS incentives and parcel network changes (23:25)Walmart's last mile and returns strategy (24:01)Rapid fire Segment: AI, Port of Baltimore, and Trucking (25:09)Final Thoughts and Takeaways (28:24)Dynamo is a VC firm led by supply chain and mobility specialists that focus on seed-stage, enterprise startups.Find out more at: https://www.dynamo.vc/

From time to time, we’ll re-air a previous episode of the show that our newer audience may have missed.During this episode, Santosh is joined by Radu Palamariu, the Managing Director for Europe and Asia Pacific at Alcott Global, a company that provides executive search solutions for the world's top companies in eCommerce, supply chain, logistics, and other sectors. During the episode, Radu shares insights on the importance of talent in the supply chain industry and the current market dynamics. He talks about Alcott Global's focus on recruitment for the global value chain and its initiatives to recognize supply chain leaders. He also discusses the shift to an employer market, driven by economic and geopolitical factors, and the demand for talent capable of driving change. He also stresses the need for investment in technology and innovation, particularly in Asia and the Middle East, and the challenges of attracting talent to manufacturing. The episode also covers leadership transitions and the strategic approach to appointing independent board directors.Highlights from their conversation include:Alcott Global’s Mission (1:00)Radu’s Background in Search and Talent (3:27)State of the Supply Chain Industry (6:46)Skills in Demand in Supply Chain (8:54)Investment and Innovation in Supply Chain (15:18)Attracting Talent to Supply Chain (19:52)Contributing to the Greater Good (22:22)Transitioning leadership in a growing company (24:25)Challenges of scaling a company (26:13)AI's role in the supply chain (32:18)Final thoughts and takeaways (34:39)Dynamo is a VC firm led by supply chain and mobility specialists that focus on seed-stage, enterprise startups.Find out more at: https://www.dynamo.vc/

During this episode, Santosh is joined by Joe Darcy, Investment Director at Volvo Group VC, as they explore the intersection of corporate venture capital, industrial innovation, and technology. Joe shares insights into Volvo's strategic venture approach, emphasizing their 28-year history of investing in startups that can benefit both the company and its customers. The conversation also delves into the nuanced world of corporate venture capital, with a particular focus on AI's role in industrial settings, highlighting the importance of "human-in-the-loop" technologies. Joe discusses the firm's investment strategy, which balances financial returns with strategic opportunities, and provides a personal narrative of his journey from Wall Street to venture capital. Key takeaways include the evolving relationship between startups and large corporations, the potential of AI to augment rather than replace human workflows, the critical importance of long-term partnerships in driving technological innovation in the industrial sector, and so much more. Highlights from their conversation include:Overview of Volvo Group VC (0:57)Joe Darcy’s Background (2:17)Volvo Group VC’s Investment Approach (4:33)Types of Startups Volvo Invests In (7:55)Stage Fit and Investment Criteria (10:08)Venture Capital Realities and Founder Advice (12:10)Overhyped vs. Underappreciated Trends (14:07)Non-AI Areas of Interest (16:50)Contrarian Take on AI and Industry (17:49)Rapid Fire Segment to Close: Myths, Heroes, and Hobbies (18:39)Final Thoughts and Takeaways (20:58)Dynamo is a VC firm led by supply chain and mobility specialists that focus on seed-stage, enterprise startups.Find out more at: https://www.dynamo.vc/

During this episode, Santosh is joined by Jake Wieseneck, Principal at Maniv, a venture capital firm focused on mobility and transportation technologies. Jake shares insights into Maniv's investment strategy, emphasizing their focus on decarbonization and the digitization of transportation. The conversation also explores emerging trends in AI, particularly its application in verticalized industries like maintenance, freight, and manufacturing. Key discussions include the evolving Series A fundraising landscape, the importance of domain expertise in AI applications, and the potential transformation of automotive OEMs. Jake highlights the firm's approach to investing in companies with clear cost imperatives and multiple business model pathways, while also providing a bold prediction that automotive companies will become broader technology providers by the end of the decade. Don’t miss this conversation! Highlights from their conversation include:Jake’s Background and Path to Mobility Investing (1:09)Maniv’s Investment Strategy and Industry Partnerships (3:34)Bidirectional Value with Strategic Partners (6:02)Current Market Dynamics and Exciting Trends (8:08)AI and Mobility: Investment Focus Areas (9:45)Series A Market Expectations and Guidance (11:27)Optionality and Transparency for Founders (13:23)Investor-Founder Alignment and Board Dynamics (18:22)Defensibility and Moats in AI-Driven Businesses (20:23)Distribution, Data, and Domain as Competitive Advantages (22:19)Decarbonization and Electrification Investment Approach (27:28)Bold Predictions for the Automotive Industry (30:22)Rapid Fire Segment to Closs (31:31)Dynamo is a VC firm led by supply chain and mobility specialists that focus on seed-stage, enterprise startups.Find out more at: https://www.dynamo.vc/