Hard Software

In this engaging discussion, Perla Gamez, Founder and CEO of Foam, dives into the intricate world of production error management and the innovative tools her company offers. She highlights the critical balance between user interaction and software accuracy through zero shot functionality. The conversation also covers the evolving challenges in software trends, like vibe coding versus slop coding, and emphasizes the importance of high-quality craftsmanship in engineering. Gamez shares insights on investor relations and the challenges of recruiting skilled engineers in today's tech landscape.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit blog.bem.ai

In our first episode of new bem podcast series, beminists: women in early stage startups, Jenny Kwan, Founding Engineer at bem, chats with Erica Clark, Co-founder and CTO of Riveter (YC 24).Jenny and Erica chat about everything from building products that are accessible for non-technical users, navigating early adopter and user experiences in the new LLM age, and Erica’s experience going through YC and finding a Co-founder. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit blog.bem.ai

Michael Mattheakis, Co-founder and CTO of Comulate, shares insights on revolutionizing insurance workflows through technology. He discusses the shift from outdated legacy systems to modern software, emphasizing user empathy and trust. The conversation dives into the importance of multi-skilled talent and leveraging AI for efficiency. Mattheakis critiques the fundraising obsession that overshadow product development and highlights the need for thoughtful design to tackle complexities in software. His reflections illustrate the significance of innovation in enhancing user experiences.

Nima Keivan, CEO and co-founder of Durable, dives into the transformative power of neuro-symbolic AI in software development. He discusses the shift from traditional code generation to methods focused on actionable outcomes rather than mere syntax. Nima shares insights on balancing user needs and versatile functionalities, the importance of structured documentation, and how robotics-inspired planning can revolutionize workflows. The conversation also touches on AI's coherence challenges and a vision for a future where software learns and adapts in real-world scenarios.

In a festive mix of humor and insight, the hosts explore the absurdity of Santa hats while pondering the future of AI. They critique the rise of AI SDRs, emphasizing the need for genuine human interaction. The conversation takes a turn to code generation tools, weighing their benefits against limitations. A discussion on craftsmanship vs. automation highlights the enduring value of artistry. Ultimately, they call for a pragmatic approach to AI development by 2025, focusing on real-world solutions over hype.

Viraj Mehta, co-founder of TensorZero, shares his expertise in building resilient AI systems. He discusses the messy realities of deploying large language models and the importance of effective data accumulation. The conversation dives into the pitfalls of seeking perfection, advocating for adaptable tools that thrive amidst chaos. Viraj also explores how principles from nuclear fusion can transform AI development, and the critical balance between simplicity and user empowerment in technology. His insights offer a refreshing perspective on navigating the future of AI.

In this episode of Hard Software, we sit down with Manish Sinha, co-founder of Cadbury, to explore the complexities of enterprise software onboarding. From streamlining data migrations to tackling the notorious QuickBooks to NetSuite leap, Manish shares his vision for simplifying how businesses implement tools like SAP and Salesforce. Join us as we discuss the current challenges, the future of enterprise onboarding, and how Cadbury is revolutionizing a space bogged down by inefficiencies. If you’ve ever battled complex software setups, this one's for you. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit blog.bem.ai

In this episode of Hard Software, we sit down with Wiley Jones, co-founder of Doss, to explore their bold new approach to enterprise software—what they call the "Anti-ERP ERP." Wiley shares his journey from hardware engineering to building a platform that challenges the rigidity of traditional ERPs, offering businesses more flexibility and control over their systems of record.We discuss the complexities of replacing legacy systems, the balance between flexibility and predictability, and how Doss is helping companies unlock innovation with a composable, modular approach to ERP software.Whether you’re navigating enterprise tech, fascinated by the future of software, or just curious about shaking up old systems, this episode is filled with fresh insights on modernizing the backbone of business operations. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit blog.bem.ai

Boom, achievement unlocked. We have a podcast. "Hard Software", by the bem team, dives into the world of software built to solve the toughest problems in real-life industries. From logistics to fintech, healthcare to insurance, we uncover how engineering teams are transforming legacy systems, automating workflows, and building the next generation of software. Each episode features in-depth interviews with the innovators behind these solutions, exploring the challenges they face, the lessons they've learned, and the cutting-edge technologies that drive progress. In this episode of Hard Software, we sit down with Pablo Palafox, cofounder of Happyrobot, to dive into how AI is transforming the logistics industry. Pablo shares his journey from working on computer vision during his PhD to founding an AI-powered startup focused on automating freight brokerage processes.We discuss the challenges of building mission-critical software, the decision to pivot from computer vision to logistics, and how Happyrobot is helping logistics companies automate repetitive tasks, negotiate better rates, and scale faster.Whether you’re curious about AI, startups, or the future of logistics, this episode is packed with insights on what it takes to disrupt an industry with cutting-edge technology. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit blog.bem.ai