Austin Next

Nothing motivates a parent to action like a sick child, and for the Andrews family, words like no and impossible became mere roadblocks on their journey to help their kids. Our guests, Pam and Chris Andrews, founders of the Firefly Fund, turned their battle with their daughters' rare genetic disorder into a mission to revolutionize rare disease research and treatment here in Austin and beyond.Episode HighlightsFirefly Fund's OriginEstablishing a Rare Disease Center at UT Dell Medical School Navigating the Diagnostic OdysseyInterplay of Tech Innovation and New Business Models in HealthcareDownstream Effects of Rare Disease AdvancementsWhat's Next, Austin?Pam Andrews: "Let's see how the intersection of technology and healthcare really can transform healthcare because I think that rare disease can light the way and inform the way that we do precision medicine for generations to come. So that's what we want through the Center for Rare Disease here in Austin is for it to evolve and unfold in a partnership with the rare disease community."Chris Andrews: "My dream is that when people think of Austin, they'll think of the University of Texas, they'll think of barbecue, but they also will think of a place where people work to save lives."Firefly Fund: Website, Facebook, X/Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn -------------------Austin Next Links: Website, X/Twitter, YouTube, LinkedInEcosystem Metacognition Substack

Angel investors are supposed to descend and bring early grace to startups but the reality of angel investing is much more complicated and complex. From individual big-check writers to small investors to organized groups, the will, experience, and dynamics vary widely.  Katie Russel (Central Texas Angel Network), Hall Martin (Ten Capital), and James Burkett (NuFund) join us to explore angel investing evolution and the state of Austin's scene. Episode HighlightsDefining an AngelAngel Investing Intersections with the EcosystemDynamics of Individual Investors, Small Syndicates, and Angel NetworksWhere is Expertise in Verticals, Investing, and StartupsContrarian vs Consensus Decision Making in Angel InvestingSAFE vs Convertible Note Debate Austin's Angel Scene, its Evolution, and ChallengesWhat's Next, Austin?Katie Russel: "Making sure that Texas based startups have access to angel level capital and that investors, if they want to get involved in early stage investing, they know how to get involved and where to go"Hall Martin: "Life science and deep tech...Austin's right there with the Bits and Atoms"James Burkett: "Continue to do what defines Austin as a city. It's been really good at blazing its own trail in a number of unique industries and just because it's not something that someone in Sand Hill Road wants to fund doesn't mean it's the wrong thing to be building. And have conviction in that."Katie Russel: LinkedIn, Central Texas Angel Network (CTAN)Hall Martin: Ten Capital Group, Startup Funding Espresso, Investor Connect James Burkett: LinkedIn, NuFund, Florin Digital -------------------Austin Next Links: Website, X/Twitter, YouTube, LinkedInEcosystem Metacognition Substack

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