

RRE POV
RRE Ventures
Demystifying the conversations we're already here at RRE and with our portfolio companies. In each episode, your hosts, Will Porteous, Raju Rishi, and Jason Black will dive deeply into topics that are shaping the future, from satellite technology to digital health, to venture investing, and much more.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Apr 29, 2024 • 30min
Misinformation in the Age of GenAI
Deepfake: The Battle for Authenticity in the digital era This episode explores deepfakes and generative AI’s impact on our society today. Will, Jason, and Raju discuss the challenges of regulating AI and the importance of authenticity in an era with widespread misinformation. From the dangers of political deepfakes to the need for robust detection tools, this episode covers the various implications of this technology on our understanding of what is real and what is fake.Show Highlights:(00:50) Introduction to the impact of deepfakes on authenticity(02:05) Generative adversarial networks and the public's reaction to AI advancements(04:51) The investment in deep fake detection and the overall responsibility for identifying deepfakes(08:06) Societal distrust generated by deepfakes(12:54) Potential for businesses focused on authentication and verification of communications and news (20:41) Importance of Identifying subtle deepfakes threats and the idea of individual trust scores(24:55) “Gatling gun” segment(29:26) Closing remarks

Apr 15, 2024 • 40min
Seeing the Present and Future Through the Apple Vision Pro
Will, Jason, and Raju look into the immersive world of the Apple Vision Pro, exploring its potential to transform both business and personal settings in this episode of RRE POV. They discuss their initial impressions and experiences with the device, highlighting its remarkable media capabilities and eye-tracking technology, as well as acknowledging the need for further development. Sparking curiosity about the future possibilities of this emerging technology, they discuss the broader implications of mixed reality, particularly its impact on the entertainment and retail sectors. Show Highlights: (00:00) Introduction(01:00) Initial thoughts on the Apple Vision Pro(05:05) The pros and the pain points of the device(11:00) Potential impact of the Apple Vision Pro on business and personal use(12:10) Future enhancements and desired features for mixed reality technology(16:42) Exploration of how portfolio companies could leverage mixed reality(20:25) Transformative potential for retail and entertainment(25:22) The immersive quality of spatial videos and memories with the Apple Vision Pro(33:18) Integration of Generative AI with spatial computing(34:18) Apple favorites and mixed reality thoughts(38:10) Closing remarksReferenced Links: Apple Vision Pro Official Page

Apr 1, 2024 • 44min
Company Highlight: Matt Rendall, CEO of Clearpath Robotics & OTTO Motors
Explore the world of robotics with Matt Rendall, a robotic mastermind and CEO of Clearpath Robotics and OTTO Motors, in this captivating episode of 'RRE POV'. Witness his transformative journey from a passionate engineering student to leading one of the most groundbreaking companies in the field of robotics.Guest Bio: Matt Rendall, CEO of Clearpath Robotics and OTTO Motors. Matt is recognized for his pioneering work in mechatronics engineering and autonomous technology, leading his companies to the forefront of the industrial and research robotics sectors.Key Highlights with Timestamps:(00:00) Introduction to the podcast and guest Matt Rendall.(00:52) Matt's journey from engineering student to robotics pioneer.(02:11) Overview of Clearpath Robotics and OTTO Motors.(10:20) Insights into overcoming early challenges in the robotics industry.(21:40) Matt speaks on the need for targeted robotic solutions and exploring new markets.(30:00) Reflections on lessons learned and the value of customer service.(39:07) Engaging Gatling gun questions, adding a lively twist to the conversation.Referenced Links: Clearpath Robotics website: https://www.clearpathrobotics.com/OTTO Motors Website: https://ottomotors.com/

Mar 18, 2024 • 42min
A Look into the Changing Landscape of InsurTech with Alex Maffeo
We explore the evolving world of InsurTech with Alex Maffeo, CEO and founder of Boost Insurance. Alex shares his journey from venture capital to leading a groundbreaking platform that simplifies the insurance industry for startups and established companies alike. By discussing the challenges of traditional insurance models and the potential of APIs and technology to transform insurance services, Alex provides valuable insights into the future of InsurTech and the role of platforms like Boost in driving this change.Guest Bio: Alex Maffeo, the visionary CEO and Founder of Boost Insurance, is revolutionizing the InsurTech landscape. His platform dramatically simplifies how insurance products are launched and scaled. With a unique background blending venture capital insights and entrepreneurial spirit, Alex shifted from a successful venture capital career, focusing on FinTech at IA Capital Group, to spearheading innovation in insurance. Under his leadership, Boost Insurance has become a pivotal force in InsurTech.Show Notes with Timestamps:(00:00) Introduction (00:33) Alex Maffeo's background and the foundation of Boost Insurance.(04:09) The early days of InsurTech (08:15) Challenges in scaling an insurance company (16:57) Boost's role in providing infrastructure for MGAs(19:14) Real-world applications of Boost's platform(22:06) The evolution of Boost's offerings (27:07) The strategic expansion of Boost into reinsurance (30:35) Addressing the build-versus-buy dilemma.(38:09) Rapid-fire questions exploring risk, innovation, and future prospects in insurance.(41:02) Closing remarks Links Referenced: Boost Insurance: https://boostinsurance.com/

Mar 4, 2024 • 31min
The Increased Demand for Functional Medicine with Raju Rishi
On this episode of RRE POV, Jason and Will interview Raju Rishi, who is both a Partner at RRE Ventures and regular co-host of the show. Raju shares his excitement about the growing interest in functional medicine - why it’s valuable to consumers, how it benefits our economy, and what impact it will have on our current healthcare system. Raju, Jason, and Will dive into what’s driving the demand for functional medicine, and how AI will help doctors to be able to adapt and provide these services. Raju also explains some of the roadblocks to implementing functional medicine, and the healthcare changes he hopes will result as demand continues to increase. Show Notes(00:00) Intro(00:25) Jason introduces Raju Rishi, Parter at RRE Ventures, and Raju starts to explain what functional medicine is(02:09) The barriers to adoption when it comes to functional medicine being a more widespread, common practice (04:10) How functional medicine relates to holistic medicine(05:32) Fee-for-service versus value-based care, and why the difference matters in the adoption of functional medicine(07:00) Raju shares what is driving innovation and demand in the functional medicine space (11:18) Why there needs to be a fundamental change in the reimbursement model of healthcare(15:18) The companies and applications in this space that Raju is excited about when it comes to the contribution of functional medicine growth and adoption(19:44) The role that AI will play in functional medicine (25:05) Jason and Will ask Raju a round of AI-generated Gatling gun questionsLinks Referenced:@RRE: https://twitter.com/RRErre.com: https://rre.com

Feb 19, 2024 • 51min
Navigating CES Insights on Emerging Tech
Explore the forefront of consumer electronics in this episode of RRE POV as our hosts navigate the groundbreaking innovations and trends showcased at CES. In this episode, Hosts Jason, Raju, and Will engage in lively discussions about advancements in XR (extended reality), autonomous vehicles, and smart home technologies, providing insights into how these developments are integrating into our everyday lives and heralding a new era in technology. Show Highlights: 00:00 - Introduction00:34 - CES experiences and the evolution of consumer electronics02:31 - Major themes at CES13:11 - Deep dive into XR technologies23:59 - Exploration of autonomous vehicles and industrial applications33:58 - Productivity gadgets45:44 - Reflecting on the rapid pace of innovation and the future of technology to transform industries and everyday life49:15 - Closing remarks and next episode teaserLinks Referenced: RRE VenturesCES Official WebsiteQualcomm Snapdragon XR2+ AnnouncementRabbit R1 AI AssistantTeenage Engineering

Feb 5, 2024 • 27min
Elevating the Current State of Product Marketing with Ari Paparo
Legendary executive Ari Paparo shares insights on ad tech, launching a B2B SaaS startup, patterns in successful product marketing efforts, AI strategy at LaunchScience, favorite ad campaigns, and his passion for cooking.

Jan 22, 2024 • 34min
Key Governance Takeaways From FTX, Theranos, and OpenAI
On this episode of RRE POV, Jason, Raju, and Will discuss the craziness happening within high-profile companies like FTX, Theranos, and OpenAI. The trio dissect the spectrum of control between founders and board members, the crucial importance of having board members who speak up when they see something wrong, and why companies fail when investors assume that governance will magically sort itself out. Jason explains why being a great listener makes you a great board member while Will and Raju share some of their most valuable insights after spending time with board archetype out there. Show Notes(00:00) Intro(00:32) A general overview in the spectrum of how much governance boards have in high-profile startups(04:27) The importance of constructing a board around skill gaps and philosophical alignment(08:21) The pros and cons of passive boards vs. active boards(12:21) The board’s responsibility to represent shareholders who don’t always have a seat at the table(16:15) Why companies need board members to speak up when they disagree(17:34) The pitfalls of assuming governance will sort itself out(21:56) How being a great student and listener makes you a great board member(23:35) Valuable lessons from Will and Raju’s time on various boards(25:40) Using your board for feedback(27:17) Why micro adjustments make you a more effective board(29:49) The insights gained by spending time with the management team(32:00) Why successful founders continuously return to the same people for guidance and investmentLinks Referenced:@RRE: https://twitter.com/RRErre.com: https://rre.com

Jan 8, 2024 • 28min
The Potential for Profits in Space Technology and Exploration with Will Porteous
In this episode of RRE POV, Raju and Jason interview their Partner and Co-Host, Will Porteous, who shares his perspective on the new and exciting space sector. Will explains how investments in the space sector have become more accessible to the broader investment community, and what role governments will play in these potential investments and advancements in technology. Will also shares some of the most exciting applications of space technology and exploration, as well as his thoughts on how SpaceX will impact the broader private space industry. Show Notes00:00 Intro00:27 Raju and Jason introduce Will, Partner at RRE Ventures, and ask him about his interest in the space sector01:04 How space technology and exploration became an investment opportunity04:52 How Will determines which types of space companies and technology to invest in 07:38 Where we are in the commercialization of the space sector10:00 Will’s thoughts on SpaceX and their potential impact on the sector12:14 How Will sees governments affecting private companies and investment in the space sector14:48 The most interesting investments Will has looked at in this sector 17:56 The applications of space technology that Will is most excited about20:25 Where Will feels we are on the road to reaching a steady state for the space sector 23:13 The gatling gun question round fires off some space-age questions for WillLinks Referenced:Twitter: https://twitter.com/RREWebsite: https://rre.com

Dec 4, 2023 • 2min
RRE POV Trailer
Demystifying the conversations we're already here at RRE and with our portfolio companies. In each episode, your hosts, Will Porteous, Raju Rishi, and Jason Black will dive deeply into topics that are shaping the future, from satellite technology, to digital health, to venture investing, and much more.