Forward Thinking Founders

In this episode of Forward Thinking Founders, Mat Sherman interviews Adam Cohen Hillel, co-founder of Dafdef, the company behind AI Key—a groundbreaking device that plugs into your phone and allows AI to directly control it. Adam discusses the development journey of AI Key, the importance of privacy and security, and the potential future applications of their technology. The conversation highlights the intersection of personal AI and user experience, emphasizing the need for a consumer-friendly approach in a rapidly evolving tech landscape.00:00 Introduction to DaffDaff and AIKey04:44The Technology Behind AI Key10:06 Development Journey and Background16:52 Use Cases and Future Applications26:28 Vision for the Future of Personal AI ★ Support this podcast ★

In this episode of Forward Thinking Founders, Mat Sherman talks with Nikhil Yadala, cofounder and CEO of Helome, a company building AI copilots to help people slow their aging. Nikhil shares how Helome uses advanced “aging clocks”, AI models trained on blood biomarkers, to measure biological age and guide people toward healthier, longer lives.We explore his decade-long journey from mathematician to longevity founder, why he believes measuring aging is harder than curing it, and how he built an open-source AI assistant called Longevity GPT to make personalized health insights accessible to anyone, anywhere.Nikhil also opens up about moving from India to San Francisco, what the Bay Area’s startup culture taught him, and his candid take on Brian Johnson’s Blueprint experiment.Topics covered:What biological age really meansThe science behind AI-powered aging clocksHow Helome helps people test and track longevity markersLessons from building in the longevity spaceWhy SF accelerates founders faster than anywhere elseLearn more about Helome at helome.one and try Longevity GPT at asklongevitygpt.com. ★ Support this podcast ★

In this episode, we dive into one of the most pressing conversations in technology today: the balance between innovation and security in artificial intelligence. The discussion with Will Preble of Covenant Labs unpacks why maintaining control over AI models is critical, the looming risks tied to data security, and the potential fallout of compromised systems. From the threat of economic instability to the need for transparency and collaboration, this episode explores the stakes of AI’s rapid rise.Key Takeaways:Control over AI models is essential for long-term stability.Data security remains one of the biggest vulnerabilities in AI.Hacking risks could have devastating economic consequences.OpenAI and similar technologies must be protected with robust safeguards.Compromised AI has the power to destabilize global markets.Society must better understand AI’s influence on our lives and economies.A delicate balance is needed between advancing innovation and ensuring security.Collaboration and transparency are crucial to building trust.Proactive strategies are necessary to reduce risks before they spiral. ★ Support this podcast ★

Cathleen Turner, founder of Autaly, shares her innovative journey in automating invoicing for logistics businesses. She discusses tackling complex billing workflows and lessons learned from her fintech background. Cathleen also emphasizes the importance of networking on platforms like X for startup success. Balancing work and personal life is another key topic, touching on her hobbies and their role in fostering connections. This engaging conversation delves into the challenges and triumphs unique to the logistics industry.

In this episode of Forward Thinking Founders, host Mat Sherman interviews Jonathan Liu, founder of Cupidly. They discuss Jonathan's journey from a young coder to a startup founder, his experiences with venture capital and bootstrapping, and the innovative AI dating assistant he created. Jonathan shares insights on building a personal brand on X (Twitter), strategies for going viral, and his vision for the future of dating technology.00:00: Introduction to Jonathan Liu and Cupidly02:09: The Journey of a Tech Founder04:39: From Coding to Startups09:08: The Evolution of Jonathan's Projects10:28: The Shift from VC to Bootstrapping11:37: Building a Personal Brand on X13:23: The Viral Phenomenon of Eunice16:23: Tips for Going Viral18:38: Future Aspirations and the Dating Tech Landscape ★ Support this podcast ★

In this conversation, Mat Sherman interviews Danny, the founder and CEO of Nav Robotics, about the innovative solutions his company is developing in the realm of autonomous transportation. They discuss the challenges and opportunities in creating self-driving e-bikes and golf carts, the vision for urban mobility, and the implications of moving operations to Arizona. Danny shares insights into the technology behind autonomous vehicles, the importance of compute power, and the future of learning in the tech space. In this conversation, Danny discusses the development of autonomous golf carts and the future of self-driving technology. He shares insights on the challenges of creating a viable product, the importance of safety and reliability, and the strategies for entering the market. The discussion also touches on the implications of autonomous vehicles on insurance and driving regulations, as well as the user experience in booking rides. Danny emphasizes the need for a regulatory-first approach and the potential for innovation in transportation. ★ Support this podcast ★

Harvey Pratt, founder and CEO of Simcluster, introduces his groundbreaking AI-driven game that blends social networking with gameplay. He discusses innovative features, like a fragment system that eliminates typing, making content creation more accessible. Harvey also shares his journey through the gaming industry's challenges, including fundraising hurdles and setbacks during the pandemic. He explores how social dynamics influence gameplay, envisioning a future where gaming and social media intertwine, empowering creators and reshaping interactions.

In this discussion, Audrey Chen, co-founder of Nosu and social media influencer, shares her journey from going viral on Twitter to launching a startup that streamlines hackathon operations. She highlights the transformative power of networking in Silicon Valley and the role of environment in startup success. Audrey reflects on raising $75,000 in funding, emphasizing the significance of visibility and self-promotion in personal growth. She also discusses how hackathons can harness developer tools and enhance marketing opportunities for companies.

Andrew Rea, co-founder and CEO of Taxwire, shares his inspiring journey from rural Ohio to Silicon Valley. He discusses how the pandemic sparked reinvention in entrepreneurship and the challenges of navigating sales tax compliance for businesses. Andrew reflects on the emotional hurdles of startup life and the importance of networking and social capital in fundraising. His insights into the unpredictable nature of early-stage startups, combined with valuable lessons on resilience, offer listeners a practical guide for thriving in today's dynamic landscape.

In this conversation, Mat Sherman interviews Aleksandar Besarovic, co-founder of Aimfox, a LinkedIn outreach tool. They discuss the journey of Aimfox, including its initial launch challenges, the importance of user feedback, and the strategies implemented for a successful second launch. Aleksandar shares insights on building a user-friendly product, the role of AI in enhancing outreach, and the long-term vision for Aimfox. The conversation emphasizes the significance of listening to users and maintaining a long-term perspective in business. ★ Support this podcast ★