Machine Minds

In this episode of the Machine Minds podcast, we sit down with Regis Vincent, Senior Vice President of Engineering at Canvas - a company developing innovative technologies to improve the quality, affordability, and working conditions of the spaces we inhabit.Regis shares his fascinating journey, from his early opportunity as a research scientist at the University of Massachusetts to his 15 years at the prestigious SRI International in Silicon Valley. He discusses how his deep passion for engineering and robotics has driven him to find solutions for dangerous and repetitive tasks that humans should not have to perform.As the head of engineering at Canvas, Regis provides insights into the company's mission to create artificial intelligence software that will transform robots into truly useful machines. He delves into his vision of how these advancements can enhance the quality and accessibility of our workplaces, while simultaneously improving the working conditions of the people who build these spaces.Join us as we explore Regis' remarkable career, his perspectives on the future of robotics and AI, and how Canvas is poised to revolutionize the workspaces of tomorrow.00:00 Machine Minds Show Introduction01:21 Regis’ background 03:53 Initial spark in the world of engineering and robotics06:21 Academic background07:47 SRI days11:47 Joining Canvas18:00 Innovations in technology23:36 Balance between clients and teams27:35 Qualities to look for in candidates37:50 Trends emerging in robotics and automation 43:05 Challenges in the near future 46:35 Robotics and automation in the next 5 years49:57 Advice for engineersMore about Canvas:https://www.linkedin.com/company/we-are-canvas/about/More about our guest:https://www.linkedin.com/in/rvincent/Machine Minds:Apple Podcast:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast..Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1apGh7x... Google Podcast: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0...YouTube:    / @machinemindsshow   Let’s connect on social media: IG:

In this episode of Machine Minds, our host sits down with Vonni Williams, Talent Partner and Advisor at Embedded Ventures - an early-stage deep tech venture capital firm investing in startups in advanced manufacturing, digital engineering, and space operations. Vonni shares her unique journey into the hard tech industry, including her first steps in recruiting and talent development for cutting-edge startups. Throughout the conversation, Vonni offers invaluable insights into landing that critical first job in the hard tech space, and provides candid advice for founders and job seekers looking to break into these rapidly evolving industries. From her early career to her current role at the forefront of deep tech venture capital, Vonni gives listeners a behind-the-scenes look at the challenges and opportunities in building the next generation of transformative technology companies.Don't miss this deep dive into the people and perspectives shaping the future of machine intelligence and beyond, straight from one of the leading voices in the hard tech space.00:00 Machine Minds Show Introduction01:28 Starting in the world of recruitment? 03:10 Vonni’s background09:55 Hard tech space11:43 Vonni’s day to day 16:42 Strategies to attract top talent 23:41 Identifying candidates29:41 Having a strong team35:23 Qualities to look for in candidates44:09 Trends emerging in the hard tech industry 49:38 Vonni’s advice53:32 What keeps Vonni motivated?More about Embedded Ventureshttps://www.linkedin.com/company/embedded-ventures/More about our guesthttps://www.linkedin.com/in/vonni-williams-83515415/Machine Minds:Apple Podcast:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast..Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1apGh7x... Google Podcast: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0...YouTube:    / @machinemindsshow   Let’s connect on social media: IG:   / machinemindsshow   LinkedIn:   / gregtoroosian  

In this episode of Machine Minds, we sit down with Oliver Mitchell, partner at FF Venture Capital (ffVC), to discuss his career trajectory. Oliver shares insights from his early days as a startup founder, building and selling companies to multinational corporations. He then describes his deep dive into the world of industrial robotics and automation, leveraging his technical expertise and entrepreneurial experiences.Oliver also discusses ffVC's investment thesis, focusing on emerging industries like enterprise software, industrial automation, sustainable transformation, and fintech. As an engaged investment partner, he explains how ffVC helps founders build truly viable businesses with sustainable growth models.Listeners will gain perspective on Oliver's journey from startup founder to VC partner and learn about the trends and opportunities he sees shaping the future of technology and innovation. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, a technology enthusiast, or an investor, this episode offers valuable insights into the evolving startup ecosystem.Tune in to hear Oliver's story and discover how his diverse background informs ffVC's approach to identifying and nurturing the next generation of transformative businesses.

In this episode, we'll explore the early days of A3 and how it has grown to become a driving force in making automation and robotics one of the most critical tools of the 21st century. Jeff will share insights on the latest trends and innovations he's seeing, from collaborative robots to AI-powered vision systems.This is a can't-miss listen for anyone interested in the rapidly evolving world of robotics and intelligent automation. Hear directly from a leading expert on the innovations set to reshape our future.00:00 Machine Minds Show Introduction01:25 Jeff’s journey06:40 Turning point09:30 Main goals and preparation 12:50 How A3 assist and supports companies 17:35 How A3 evolved from the early days20:14 Key milestones24:37 The importance of strong team members 27:59 Skills to look for in team members31:53 Humanoid robots39:00 Trends and innovations in automation41:04 Evolution of the Industry43:00 A3 future goals  44:15 Advice for applicants More about A3https://www.automate.org/https://www.automateshow.com/Machine Minds:Apple Podcast:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast..Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1apGh7x... Google Podcast: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0...YouTube:    / @machinemindsshow   Let’s connect on social media: IG:   / machinemindsshow   LinkedIn:   / gregtoroosian  

In this episode of Machine Minds, we sit down with Todd Roberts and Owen Kent, the co-founders of ATDev, a company at the forefront of assistive technology development.Todd and Owen met in California at the University of California, Berkeley. A teacher later put them on the same team. They bonded over their shared passion for robotics and their desire to use technology to improve people's lives.Owen shares that his own experience dealing with a neuromuscular condition inspired him to explore the potential of robotics for physical therapy and rehabilitation. This, combined with Todd's technical expertise, led the two to co-found ATDev and embark on an incredible journey to bring their innovative assistive technologies to market.Tune in to hear the funny story of how Todd and Owen first met, learn about the early days of ATDev, and get a glimpse into the vision that drives them to continue pushing the boundaries of what's possible in the world of assistive tech.

In this episode of Machine Minds, we sit down with Will Coffield, Co-Founder and General Partner of Riot Ventures. Riot Ventures is a venture capital firm that invests in deep technologies with a focus on intelligence, sensing and control, communications, mobility, and security.Will shares the story behind the founding of Riot Ventures in 2017 and the journey that led him to this point. He discusses his background, including his education at James Madison University, and describes how he first connected with his co-founder and built the relationships that ultimately led to creating Riot.Listeners will gain insights into the early days of building a venture firm focused on cutting-edge technologies, the process of finding and evaluating investment opportunities, and Will's personal experiences and lessons learned along the way. This episode provides a fascinating look into the world of VC and the minds behind the companies shaping the future of tech.00:00 Machine Minds Show Introduction01:21 Will’s journey09:16 Moving to Los Angeles13:04 Venture capital17:50 Pathways into the VC world19:03 Founding Riot Ventures25:04 Will’s vision35:21 Teamwork and dynamics 43:41 The future of VC in tech landscape 45:45 Advice for applicants in the world of technologyMore about Riot Ventureshttps://www.linkedin.com/company/riotvc/More about our guest, Will Coffieldhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/will-coffield-130b1426/Machine Minds:Apple Podcast:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast..Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1apGh7x...Google Podcast: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0...YouTube:    / @machinemindsshow   Let’s connect on social media: IG:   / machinemindsshow   LinkedIn:   / gregtoroosian

In this episode, we sit down with Jessie Frazelle, CEO and co-founder of Zoo, a company working on innovative software and hardware technology. Jessie shares her fascinating journey, from getting her start at digital agencies, to working at tech giants like Google and Microsoft, and ultimately co-founding her own successful startup, Zoo.We'll dive into what it was like creating Zoo from the ground up - the challenges, lessons learned, and vision for the company. Jessie also reflects on her time in the agency world and at major tech firms, discussing the key differences in workplace culture, priorities, and challenges.This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in entrepreneurship, the tech industry, or simply hearing about one person's winding career path to founding their own company. Join us as we explore Jesse's experiences and insights on building a technology-focused business.00:00 Machine Minds Show Introduction 01:19 Jessie’s path into technology and software development 02:45 Key moments 04:56 Mentors and influences 05:35 Creating Zoo08:09 The story behind the name 08:47 Tech companies and challenges15:03 Hiring16:43 Working with Senior people 23:43 Evolution over time26:55 The future of Hardware 29:32 What’s next for Zoo31:43 Advice for EntrepreneursMore about Zoohttps://www.linkedin.com/company/zoodotdev/More about our guest, Jesse Frazellehttps://www.linkedin.com/in/jessie-frazelle/Machine Minds:Apple Podcast:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast..Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1apGh7x... Google Podcast: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0...YouTube:    / @machinemindsshow   Let’s connect on social media: IG:   / machinemindsshow   LinkedIn:   / gregtoroosian

In this episode of Machine Minds, we dive into the fascinating world of autonomous systems with our guest, Canon Reeves, the CTO and co-founder of Pipedream, is at the forefront of delivery systems with an autonomous underground rail network that’s working on near-instantaneous delivery to and from homes and businesses.Join us as we explore Canon's journey, from his early obsession with robots to his bold decision to drop out of college after being exposed to the start ups world. We'll delve into how his exposure to the funding landscape ignited his entrepreneurial spirit, leading him to build his first company. Whether you're a tech enthusiast, an aspiring entrepreneur, or simply curious about the next big thing in delivery technology, this episode is packed with inspiration and innovation. Tune in to discover how Canon Reeves is pushing the boundaries of what's possible with Pipedream and changing the way we think about delivery00:00 Machine Minds Show Introduction 01:17 Canon’s journey before Pipedream02:54 The world of robotics04:57 Creating Pipedream06:22 Tech companies and challenges09:28 Moving from the idea phase to development12:28 Key lessons learned in the tech industry13:43 Sales that drive product development19:36 Recruiting people 22:46 Growth plans24:15 Early days experiences25:30 The future of robotics and AI30:25 How Pipedream plans to evolve in the coming years37:40 Advice for entrepreneurs39:33 Importance of having a Co-FounderMore about Pipedream                      pipedreamlabs.co                More about our guest, Canon Reeves             linkedin.com/in/canonreeves           Machine Minds:Apple Podcast:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1apGh7x...Google Podcast:https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0...Youtube: https://youtube.com/@machinemindsshowLet’s connect on social media:IG: https://www.instagram.com/machinemindsshow/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregtoroosian/

In this episode of the Machine Minds podcast, host Jeff Linnell, the Founder and CEO of Formant, takes us on a journey through the inception and growth of his company. Formant is a leading provider of robotic fleet management software that helps companies optimize their operations through data-driven insights.Jeff Linnell shares the story of how Formant came to be. He delves into the initial idea behind the company, the challenges faced in the early days, and the pivotal moments that shaped Formant into what it is today. Linnell discusses Formant’s vision for the future of robotics and automation. He elaborates on the company’s mission to empower businesses with cutting-edge technology solutions that drive efficiency, productivity, and innovation. Through real-world examples and case studies, he illustrates how Formant is revolutionizing industries through its advanced software platform.Tune in and gain valuable knowledge from one of the industry’s leading innovators.Time stamps:00:00 Machine Minds Show Introduction01:19 Jeff’s path into Robotics and Technology06:54 Key positions in Tech Companies 10:56 Approach to talent acquisition12:24 Formant’s mission19:42 Customer’s feedback24:22 Hurdles in the earliest days 31:33 How to build a successful company38:57 Skills to look for when hiring45:56 The Future of Robotics and AI49:10 Advice for EntrepreneursFormant Reporthttps://formant.io/resources/state-of-raas-2024/More about Formanthttps://www.linkedin.com/company/formantinc/More about our guest, Jeff Linnelllinkedin.com/in/jeff-linnell-065647abMachine Minds:Apple Podcast:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1apGh7x...Google Podcast:https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0...Youtube: https://youtube.com/@machinemindsshowLet’s connect on social media:IG: https://www.instagram.com/machinemindsshow/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregtoroosian/

In today's episode of The Machine Minds Show, we delve into the fascinating world of F-Prime Capital with our special guest, Sanjay Aggarwal, Venture Partner  of the company. F-Prime Capital’s mission is to create and invest in healthcare and technology companies that impact lives all over the world. For the last forty years, their venture capital group has had the privilege of backing other great entrepreneurs as they built ground-breaking companies in technology and life sciences, including Atari, MCI, ROLM Corp., Alibaba, Ironwood Pharmaceuticals, and Ultragenyx.This episode promises to be a thought-provoking and enlightening conversation. Join us and watch how Sanjay Aggarwal journey and accomplishments serve as an inspiration to aspiring entrepreneurs and innovators seeking to make a positive impact on the world of robotics.Time Stamps00:00 Machine Minds Show Introduction 00:33 Journey Into Venture Capital and Robotics 07:28 The Importance of Collaborations 11:37 Selection Criteria of Investments in Robotics 16:42 Threads in the Robotics Industry 24:19 Understanding the Business Use Case 25:04 Challenges of Innovation in Robotics 27:32 Opportunities of Growth in Robotics  30:52 Exit Strategies of Robotics Companies  37:53 Advice for Investors in Robotics  39:46 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs in Robotics    F-Prime Capital https://www.linkedin.com/company/f-prime-capital-partners/about/ F Prime Report: https://fprimecapital.com/roboticsMore about our guest, Sanjay Aggarwalhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/sanjaykaggarwal/ Machine Minds:Apple Podcast:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1apGh7x...Google Podcast:https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0...Youtube:   Youtube: https://youtube.com/@machinemindsshowLet’s connect on social media:IG: https://www.instagram.com/machinemindsshow/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregtoroosian/