Founders in Arms

In this engaging discussion, Matt Loszak, co-founder and CEO of Aalo Atomics, shares his journey from software entrepreneur to nuclear innovator. He reveals how factory-manufactured small modular reactors can revolutionize clean energy, especially for AI data centers. Loszak dives into the safety benefits of liquid metal cooling and the challenges of navigating regulatory landscapes. Furthermore, he discusses the critical funding dynamics in nuclear energy and envisions a future where abundant nuclear power supports innovative solutions like vertical farming.

Severin Hacker, co-founder and CTO of Duolingo, shares insights into building a leading language-learning platform. He discusses how AI personalizes education and enhances user engagement. The conversation delves into the relentless experimentation that drives Duolingo's innovation and retention strategies. Severin highlights the immigrant founder advantage and its impact on startup culture. Additionally, he reveals the importance of design in app development, emphasizing how a mission-driven approach can shape user experiences.

The hosts delve into Meta's aggressive acquisition tactics, painting a stark picture for founders who sell their companies. They analyze the recent legal victory against Apple's App Store monopoly, highlighting broader antitrust concerns in the tech world. The conversation shifts to the rapid commoditization of AI, questioning the future of startups outside this space. Lastly, a chilling economic forecast predicts that tariffs will precipitate a recession, creating a challenging funding landscape for non-AI ventures.

In this discussion, Dan Hobbs, co-founder and CEO of Protex AI, reveals his inspiring journey from bootstrapping a startup to leading a 70-person team focused on industrial safety through computer vision technology. He dives into how his team utilizes existing CCTV systems to prevent workplace accidents. Dan also shares insights on navigating enterprise sales and building trust with clients, the unique challenges of managing an international team, and the evolving landscape of AI fundraising. His candid experiences offer valuable lessons for aspiring entrepreneurs.

Jay Shah, founder of Poppy—a revolutionary screenless, AI-native phone for kids—shares his journey from creating BufferBox, acquired by Google, to crafting meaningful tech for children. He discusses the need for intentional design to enhance kids' interactions with technology and the challenges of hardware manufacturing. Jay also reflects on lessons learned as a second-time founder and the vibrant tech community in Waterloo. The role of Y Combinator and the future of AI in transforming startups are also key highlights of their engaging conversation.

Ryan Petersen, Co-founder and CEO of Flexport, dives into the complexities of the 104% tariffs imposed on Chinese imports. He discusses how companies are adapting to trade turmoil and the urgent need for innovative supply chain strategies. The conversation touches on the economic implications of protectionist policies and the evolving landscape of U.S.-China commerce. Petersen also sheds light on the role of creativity and flexibility in navigating economic challenges, making for a compelling exploration of global trade dynamics.

Sam Chaudhary, CEO of ClassDojo, discusses building a thriving educational platform used by over 50 million students. He reveals the unconventional strategy of focusing on consumer networks before monetization. Sam emphasizes the importance of viewing parents as primary customers and the profound impact of creating ‘cozy bubbles’ for children. The conversation dives into fostering independence, minimizing comparison, and leveraging the unique dynamics of small teams to enhance performance. His insights offer a fresh perspective on navigating and innovating in the education market.

Hiten Shah, founder of Crazy Egg and KISSmetrics, lends his expertise as he dives into Mercury's remarkable $300M Series C funding round. He and Raj Suri unpack how Mercury conquered basic user experience issues in banking to enhance customer satisfaction. They discuss strategic fundraising insights, the significance of transparent investor updates, and the overlooked power of design in financial products. This conversation offers entrepreneurs vital lessons on navigating fintech challenges and recognizing market opportunities in a highly competitive landscape.

Are we mentally prepared for what happens when intelligence becomes an abundant resource rather than a scarce one?Hosts Immad Akhund (Mercury CEO) and Raj Suri (Lima/Tribe co-founder) welcome back Paul Buchheit—Gmail creator and former Y Combinator partner—for our most requested follow-up episode. Together they dive into how exponentially increasing intelligence will transform our civilization, with Paul bringing his uniquely optimistic yet pragmatic perspective to the profound questions facing humanity.This wide-ranging conversation includes thought exercises like why the transition from scarcity to abundance creates an existential meaning crisis, how intelligence without intention changes our understanding of consciousness, and why current political systems may be fundamentally incompatible with AI-accelerated progress.This episode is essential listening for anyone seeking to understand how technology will reshape human experience. 

Auren Hoffman, a successful founder turned investor and co-founder of SafeGraph, shares his bold views on startup strategies. He argues that hiring executives might be the worst mistake for startups, favoring internal talent instead. Auren also discusses the importance of generous equity options for early employees and rethinking founder equity beyond four-year vesting. He critiques the common practices of VCs, revealing the discrepancies between their advice and actions, and advocates for innovation in compensation and funding approaches that challenge traditional norms.