Austin Next

Are we overlooking the most powerful model of intelligence we have  in our race to create smarter machines,  the human mind?  Peter Voss, CEO and Chief Scientist of Aigo.ai, coined the term "Artificial General Intelligence" (AGI) and brings decades of experience in AI research and development. We explore Peter's vision and challenge the current consensus path we are on.Episode HighlightsDefining AGI and Its DistinctionsMeasuring Intelligence Beyond the Turing TestCurrent AI Limitations and the Need for Real-Time Learning Building Cognitive AI to Mimic the Human Mind The Future of AI Development in AustinWhat's Next Austin?"I hope Austin becomes the center of cognitive AI and AGI"Peter Voss: LinkedIn, X/Twitter, Aigo.AIConcepts Is All You Need: A Direct Path to AGITowards Incremental LearningWhy We Don’t Have AGI Yet?INSA – Integrated Neuro-Symbolic ArchitectureCreating The Future With Artificial General IntelligenceLLMs are not the Path to AGI -------------------Austin Next Links: Website, X/Twitter, YouTube, LinkedInEcosystem Metacognition Substack

What connects the Startup Nation to the Lone Star State? We're witnessing a growing nexus that crosses tech, cultures, and economic verticals. To explore this emerging relationship, I'm joined by Tal Shmueli and Simone Ledeen from Texas Venture Partners. They're at the forefront of catalyzing this intersection between two innovative ecosystems.Episode HighlightsIsraeli Entrepreneurs in Texas: Shared Values and CultureTexas Venture Partners' Thesis and ScopeIsrael's Tech Expertise and Its Fit with U.S. Defense Needs Accelerating Innovation from Concept to the BattlefieldBalancing Collaboration and Competition with Defense PrimesIs Dual-Use a Distraction or an Opportunity?Austin and Texas as Emerging Hubs for Defense and Hard Tech  What's Next, Texas?Tal Shmueli: "It's what's next for the people who are considering Texas as a home. It's not perfect, but it's pretty close to it. Let's work to make it the place we want it to be...So let's keep Texas, Texas and preserve the good."Simone Ledeen: "When we look at the threats that Western civilization broadly is facing...I think this is a great place for like-minded people to be and to work on solving these problems and meeting these challenges."Tal Shmueli: Website, LinkedInSimone Ledeen: Website, LinkedInTexas Venture Partners: Website, LinkedIn -------------------Austin Next Links: Website, X/Twitter, YouTube, LinkedInEcosystem Metacognition Substack

From wargaming to Riskgaming, what can simulations and stories teach us about the future of technology and innovation? Danny Crichton, Head of Editorial and Risk Gaming at Lux Capital, brings his unique insights from his experience in both tech journalism and venture capital.  What started as a conversation on the tech-media divide expanded to encompass human psychology and all the little details and nuances that make innovation tick.Episode Highlights:The Evolution of Tech Media and VC CommunicationBuilding Long-Lasting Companies With and Against Hype CyclesWhat is Riskgaming?Real World Incentives and Human Emotion in Decision MakingComplexity vs Functionality in Modern TechEcosystem First Principles What's Next?"I have been really obsessed with xenotransplantation...Technology exists to potentially give them organs in relatively short order. And to me, it's sort of a national priority to move that very, very quickly, to make that happen fast. We've had the first successful cases. And so the ability to potentially save hundreds of thousands of lives in the next decade."Hacking Primordial Soups Danny Crichton: Website, Articles, X/Twitter, LinkedInLux Capital: Website, X/Twitter, LinkedInRiskgaming: Website, Podcast -------------------Austin Next Links: Website, X/Twitter, YouTube, LinkedInEcosystem Metacognition Substack

Is venture capital on the cusp of a data-driven revolution? Gopinath Sundaramurthy, Founder & Head of Data Science at Ensemble VC, believes AI and advanced analytics are reshaping how VCs identify and support promising startups. From transforming deal pipelines to finding diamonds in the rough around the globe, we explore what this new era will mean for venture, startups, and even our own Austin backyard.Episode Highlights:Ensemble VC’s ThesisTransforming the VC Pipeline with AI and Advanced AnalyticsPortfolio Support Using Data Science Adapting VC to Global Talent and Technological Shifts Austin's Unique Ecosystem and Its Role in the Future of StartupsWhat’s Next, Austin?“I am super pumped. I really think we are in the forefront of a very interesting evolution of the ecosystem.”Data innovation + process innovation = top-tier VCGopinath SundaramurthEnsemble VC: Website, LinkedIn -------------------Austin Next Links: Website, X/Twitter, YouTube, LinkedInEcosystem Metacognition Substack

Can the stories we tell shape the future we build? Devon Eriksen, author of "Theft of Fire" and now Dragon Award finalist, argues that science fiction isn't just entertainment; it's a catalyst for innovation and human progress. Our narratives can be beautiful and optimistic, inspiring us to build, or ugly and pessimistic, causing us to stagnate. It's time to choose.Episode Highlights:Role of Science Fiction in Shaping the FutureSymbiotic Relationship Between Science Fiction, Engineering, and InnovationChanging Landscape of Publishing and DistributionTensions and Connections Between the Media, Artists, and EntrepreneursAsteroid Mining and the Space Industrial Revolution   What's Next?"What's next is a choice. Humanity has a choice between sabotaging this new wave of innovation with the political process or benefiting from it and inheriting the stars."Devon Eriksen: Website, X/Twitter, Facebook, InstagramTheft of Fire, Theft of Fire Audiobook Kickstarter -------------------Austin Next Links: Website, X/Twitter, YouTube, LinkedInEcosystem Metacognition Substack

Evan Loomis, a partner at Overmatch Ventures and co-founder of ICON, shares insights on revolutionizing construction through 3D printing. He discusses the critical tech landscape and Austin's unique entrepreneurial spirit, comparing it to historic endeavors like the Manhattan Project. The conversation dives into the challenges of deep tech startups and the implications of geopolitical dynamics on innovation. Loomis emphasizes why now is the time for bold investments, positioning Austin as a key player in tackling pressing global issues.

Can a city’s food scene serve as a catalyst for connection, creativity, and innovation? Grace Chow, Co-Founder & CEO of Austin-based Lobos Hospitality, joins me to share her insights from food scenes across the US, and her in-the-trenches view from building three distinctive Austin restaurants: Toasty Badger, Manny's, and the Powder Room.Episode HighlightsThe State of the Austin Food SceneBalancing Local Sourcing, Trends, and Concept AuthenticityCrafting Distinctive Dining ExperiencesWhat Austin Needs for a Vibrant Hospitality IndustryHow Restaurants Intersect with Other Sectors The Impact of Tech on the Restaurant Industry Restaurants as Potential Third Places in Austin What's Next, Austin?"I think just everybody kind of becoming a little bit nerdier about food and a little bit nerdy about restaurants."Grace Chow, Lobos Hospitality  -------------------Austin Next Links: Website, X/Twitter, YouTube, LinkedInEcosystem Metacognition Substack

Promising startups often fail despite following best practices, while rule-breakers and those running through chaos can achieve massive success. Why? Mike Maples Jr, Founding Partner at Floodgate, tackles this paradox in his book "Pattern Breakers." We discuss his Inflection Theory, why some pivots work and others don't, unexpected inspirations like Lord of the Rings, and explore the nature of breakthrough innovation and startups. Episode HighlightsThe genesis of Mike Maples' new book "Pattern Breakers" originated from his realization that over 80% of his exit profits came from startups that had pivoted significantly from their original ideas, leading him down the rabbit hole of why.Business is never a fair fight, and the key is deciding who gets to fight unfair; startups create value by changing the subject and denying the premise of existing rules.Inflection theory shows how breakthrough startups harness powerful technological or societal inflection points, combine them with founders' non-obvious insights, and then build movements around new ideas that fundamentally change how things are done. Living in the future to develop non-obvious insights is crucial for breakthrough startups, and founder-future fit is key to understanding what makes the right team that can turn that future vision into reality. What's Next?"I like to ask myself is in what world will certain types of cognition become asymptotically free and where, how will that shift power dynamics?... My instinct is it won't be the same way that the big companies of today monetize it. And my instinct is that an era of mass cognition will shift the balance of power in some very profound ways."Mike Maples Jr: X/Twitter, LinkedInPattern Breakers: Book, Podcast, Newsletter Floodgate: Website, X/Twitter, LinkedIn -------------------Austin Next Links: Website, X/Twitter, YouTube, LinkedInEcosystem Metacognition Substack

What do global trends affects on startups, the art of selling, startup accelerators, and the future lizard king all have in common? They are all just a few of the diverse and intersecting topics that I explore today with Joe Merrill,  Co-Founder and Partner at Sputnik VC.Episode HighlightsSputnik ATX invests in pre-seed startups across various sectors, attracting companies from around the world, including Vietnam, Japan, and France, while focusing on "training nerds on how to sell." Austin is seen as a welcoming place for international startups due to its competitive marketplace and cultural acceptance, offering a less expensive and more supportive environment compared to Silicon Valley.Successful global sales demonstrate cultural flexibility, while understanding at the end of the day selling is still selling no matter what country you are in.Startups need to embrace adaptability by understanding how macro events affect them, leveraging international markets, and utilizing global talent pools to remain competitive and innovative What's Next Austin"I really feel strongly that the next great wave of technology is going to be coming from this state and Austin specifically leading that because this is where the rebels are. This is where the people are who want to just dramatically change the status quo and other places have become the status quo."Joe Merrill: Blog, LinkedIn, X/TwitterSputnik ATX VC: Website, LinkedIn, X/Twitter -------------------Austin Next Links: Website, X/Twitter, YouTube, LinkedInEcosystem Metacognition Substack

In honor of the The Board Walks' 100th walk this past weekend, we are rereleasing our episode with Board Walks Founder Elle Beecher.Episode Originally Aired September 12, 2023----------------------Fostering connectivity within an innovation ecosystem is crucial for its ongoing vitality and growth. Often revolutionary concepts emerge from the most unforeseen origins. My guest, Elle Beecher, founded The Board Walks, where community and innovation unite through a simple yet powerful concept—a five-mile walk. In this episode, we explore this social experiment, examine how these walks serve as catalysts for creative collisions, and bring back the intellectual dynamism of Paris in the ‘20s. Episode HighlightsDrawing inspiration from the 1920s Parisian cafe culture, Elle crafted The Board Walks to ignite creative collisions in Austin, offering a fresh, organic approach to networking.Curiosity stands at the heart of Elle's vision; she champions the idea that bringing together inquisitive minds sparks deeper, more meaningful dialogues.Though spontaneous in nature, The Board Walks are intentionally designed with playbooks and guidelines to foster genuine connections and fruitful discussions.Overheard dialogues during the walks resonate with Austin's innovative aura, reminiscent of Paul Graham's "eavesdropping quality" notion from his 2008 Cities essay.The walks serve as a platform for attendees to not only build professional relationships but also to delve into personal narratives and aspirations.Given its success in Austin, Elle envisions taking The Board Walks to other cities, like San Francisco, while ensuring the preservation of its foundational values and communal essence.What’s next Austin? “More creative collisions that will bring about Paris in the 20s energy.”“Cities and Ambition” by Paul GrahamElle Beecher: Website, LinkedIn, X/Twitter, InstagramThe Board Walks: Website, X/Twitter, Instagram -------------------Austin Next Links: Website, X/Twitter, YouTube, LinkedInEcosystem Metacognition Substack