Startup Project: Build the future

This is a special episode. We are airing an episode where Nataraj was the guest on Learn It All podcast where he talked about trends in AI, how to leverage gen AI to build new products and how to upskill your career and find the right things to work on. Links: Startup Project Podcast: https://thestartupproject.io/ Website: ⁠⁠https://thestartupproject.io⁠⁠ LinkedIn: ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/natarajsindam/ Twitter: ⁠⁠https://x.com/natarajsindam

Host: Nataraj - Investor at Incisive VC, Angel Investor, and Product Manager. Connect with us: * Website: ⁠https://thestartupproject.io⁠ * LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/natarajsindam/⁠ * Twitter: ⁠https://twitter.com/natarajsindam⁠ Guest: Ameesh Divatia - Founder and CEO of Baffle. Connect with our guest: LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/ameeshd/⁠ Check out Baffle: ⁠https://baffle.io/⁠ ----- Startup Project Podcast Episode 82: Building Data-Centric Security with Baffle's Mish In this episode of Startup Project, we dive into the world of data security with Ameesh Divatia, the Founder and CEO of Baffle. Ameesh brings a wealth of experience from four successful startups, including stints at Cisco during the dot-com boom. We discuss the evolution of data security from protecting the network to securing the data itself. Ameesh explains how Baffle is creating a new category of “data-centric protection” to address the growing threat of data breaches in the cloud. This episode covers: - Ameesh's entrepreneurial journey from his early days in networking silicon to building multiple successful startups. - The importance of humility and building relationships in the tech world. - Why data protection is the next frontier in security. - How Baffle is solving data security challenges in the cloud. - The impact of GDPR and other regulations on data security. - The potential of Generative AI to disrupt data discovery and security. - Key considerations for starting a new company in today's tech landscape. **Don't miss this insightful conversation with a seasoned entrepreneur who is shaping the future of data security.** ---

Startup Project Podcast: Building AI Agents for Knowledge Workers with Lutra AI Jiquan Ngiam joins Nataraj to discuss the future of AI, from the rise of deep learning to the potential of AI agents for knowledge workers. They delve into [Guest Name]'s experiences working with Andrew Ng at Coursera and Google Brain, where he witnessed the power of scaling up compute and data in pushing the boundaries of AI. Timestamps: * **0:00 - Introduction:** Nataraj welcomes [Guest Name] to the show and introduces his impressive background. * **2:28 - Working with Andrew Ng:** [Guest Name] shares his experience working with Andrew Ng, emphasizing Ng's foresight and focus on scaling up neural networks. * **6:15 - The Importance of Data and Compute:** [Guest Name] highlights how data and compute became key drivers in the success of AI, using the example of AlexNet's breakthrough in 2012. * **12:25 - Democratizing Education with Coursera:** [Guest Name] discusses the early days of Coursera and the team's vision for democratizing access to education, especially in fields like machine learning. * **17:55 - Google Brain and the Rise of Transformers:** [Guest Name] reflects on his time at Google Brain, where he witnessed the emergence of transformers and their potential for generalizing across modalities. * **21:24 - The Limits of Scaling:** [Guest Name] questions the future of AI scaling, suggesting that we may be approaching a point of diminishing returns due to data limitations and the difficulty of creating truly effective synthetic data. * **28:13 - The Need for Data on Physical Tasks:** [Guest Name] proposes a bold idea: collecting real-world data on mundane tasks to train AI agents for robotics and other applications that require replicating human behavior. * **34:23 - Lutrei.ai: AI Agents for Knowledge Work:** [Guest Name] introduces Lutrei.ai, an AI agent designed to assist knowledge workers with tasks like research, data manipulation, and automation. * **42:49 - Different Approaches to AI Agents:** [Guest Name] compares Lutrei's approach to building AI agents with other common methods, highlighting the importance of separating data and logic for reliable and scalable solutions. * **45:38 - Choosing the Right Models:** [Guest Name] discusses the diverse landscape of AI models and how Lutrei leverages different models for different tasks, from small models for summarization to larger models for reasoning and planning. * **52:04 - AI Code Generation: Cursor vs. GitHub Copilot:** [Guest Name] shares his experience using Cursor, a code generation tool, and compares it to GitHub Copilot, highlighting the potential for AI to empower average developers. * **1:00:16 - The Future of AI Code Generation:** [Guest Name] predicts that AI code generation capabilities will become ubiquitous, and the key innovations will be in user experience and interaction design. * **1:05:43 - Consuming Information:** [Guest Name] shares his favorite sources of information, including podcasts, books, and news outlets. * **1:08:44 - Mentorship and Learning:** [Guest Name] reflects on the key mentors in his career, including Andrew Ng, Daphne Koller, and John Chen. * **1:12:34 - Advice for Early Career Professionals:** [Guest Name] advises young professionals to be voracious learners and prioritize gaining diverse experiences early in their careers. * **1:16:21 - The Motivation Behind Lutrei:** [Guest Name] explains his passion for pushing the boundaries of AI while simultaneously making it accessible and impactful for a wider audience. * **1:18:33 - Closing Thoughts:** Nataraj thanks [Guest Name] for sharing his insights and expresses his excitement for the future of Lutrei.ai. **Don't miss this episode to learn more about the exciting things happening in gen AI and how it's poised to revolutionize the way we work!**

🎮 Dive into the future of gaming with Ian from High Score! 🎮 In this episode of Startup Project, we explore: - The true size of the gaming industry (hint: it's HUGE!) - How cloud gaming is revolutionizing accessibility - The story behind High Score's innovative platform - Challenges faced by cloud gaming services like Google Stadia - Future trends in game development - Advice for aspiring game developers Ian shares insider insights on: - Why gaming is now recognized as a pinnacle of artistic media - How High Score aims to bring PC gaming to any device - The bifurcation of the gaming industry between indies and AAA titles Whether you're a gamer, a tech enthusiast, or an aspiring game developer, this episode is packed with valuable insights you won't want to miss! Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell to stay updated on our latest episodes featuring innovators in the startup world. Website - https://thestartupproject.io/2024/08/17/80-end-of-gaming-pc-ambitious-vision-of-highscore-for-cloud-gaming/ #Gaming #CloudGaming #StartupProject #TechInnovation #GameDevelopment #startups #cloud #opensource

In this engaging discussion, Prakash, founder of Xano and seasoned leader from Google, dives into the transformative power of no-code backends. He reveals how Xano liberates developers from traditional coding challenges, offering insights into their unique product-market fit. AI's role in this landscape becomes a focal point as Prakash discusses its potential when paired with intuitive tools like Xano. He also shares crucial lessons for aspiring founders about growth strategies, community building, and the journey toward sustainable success.

🎙️ Startup Project Podcast - Episode with Shankar Somasundaram, CEO of Asimily Welcome to another exciting episode of the Startup Project Podcast! In this episode, we have Shankar Somasundaram, the CEO and founder of Asimily, a company dedicated to providing visibility and security for medical IoT and OT devices. Shankar brings a wealth of experience from his time at Symantec and Qualcomm, and he shares his journey of founding Asimily and the innovative solutions they offer. 🔍 Topics Covered: - Shankar’s background and journey from Symantec to founding Asimily. - The challenges and opportunities in securing medical IoT and OT devices. - The importance of cybersecurity in healthcare and other critical infrastructure. - Insights into the unique approaches Asimily takes to vulnerability management and incident response. - How Asimily integrates with existing systems to provide comprehensive security solutions. - Shankar’s thoughts on the future of smart cities and the role of connected devices. - The impact of regulations like HIPAA on healthcare security solutions. 💡 Key Takeaways: - The critical need for specialized security in heterogeneous environments like healthcare. - The evolution of connectivity and its implications for smart cities. - The importance of continuous innovation in the cybersecurity landscape. 📢 Guest Bio: Shankar Somasundaram is the CEO and founder of Asimily. With a strong background in product and engineering, Shankar has been at the forefront of IoT security for over a decade. 🔗 Connect with Shankar: LinkedIn: Shankar Somasundaram (https://www.linkedin.com/in/shankar-somasundaram-a7315b/) Asimily Website: asimily.com 🔗 Connect with Nataraj: LinkedIn: Nataraj Sindam (https://www.linkedin.com/in/natarajsindam/) Website: thestartupproject.io 🚀 Stay Tuned: Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell to stay updated with the latest episodes of the Startup Project Podcast. Blog - https://thestartupproject.io/2024/07/01/78-securing-the-worlds-iot-devices-with-asimily/ #StartupProject #Podcast #Cybersecurity #IoT #HealthcareSecurity #Asimily #SmartCities #Innovation #TechPodcast

Damon Lemby, CEO of Learn It, a company that has trained over 1.9 million individuals, shares his journey from professional baseball to the world of education, offering insights on leadership, learning, and the future of work. The Power of the "Learn It All" Mindset Lemby argues that the key to success in today's dynamic world is not being a "know-it-all," but embracing a "learn it all" mindset. This means being humble, curious, and constantly seeking new knowledge. He emphasizes that this approach is crucial for navigating the rapid changes in the business world, especially with the rise of AI. Overcoming Imposter Syndrome: A Practical Framework Recognizing that imposter syndrome is a common struggle, Lemby outlines a three-step framework for overcoming it: Identify the Source: Clearly define what you're worried about. Purposeful Awfulizing: Imagine the worst-case scenario and determine if you can handle it. Work Hard, Focus, & Let Go: Put in the effort, practice, and release the need for perfection. Navigating AI and the Future of Work Lemby believes that while AI will significantly impact the workforce, those who adapt and learn to leverage it will thrive. He advises companies to empower their employees with access to AI tools and encourage them to explore these technologies. Building Trust and Elite Teams Lemby emphasizes that a company is not a family, but a team that needs to be constantly evolving. He encourages leaders to build high-performing teams, recognizing that sometimes this may involve letting go of individuals who have reached their capacity within the organization. He also underscores the importance of giving people the benefit of the doubt, acknowledging that building trust is essential for long-term success. Invest in Your Growth: Lemby encourages listeners to invest in their own development, read biographies of successful individuals, and constantly seek new knowledge. He also shares his own investment philosophy, focusing on seed-stage companies and traditional businesses with a strong leadership team and a solid market fit. Key Takeaways: Embrace a "learn it all" mindset for success in a dynamic world. Conquer imposter syndrome with a practical framework. Leverage AI for growth and prepare for the future of work. Build elite teams and trust your employees. Invest in your own development and seek out new knowledge. This conversation with Damon Lemby offers valuable insights for entrepreneurs, leaders, and anyone seeking to navigate the evolving business landscape. Blog post - https://thestartupproject.io/2024/06/09/77-learn-it-all-mindset-with-ceo-damon-lemby/

In this episode of Startup Project, Nataraj sits down with SC Moatti, a serial entrepreneur, product manager, investor, and author. SC Moatti shares insights into his diverse career path, from building successful products to launching his own venture capital firm, Mighty Capital. In this episode, you'll learn: SC Moatti's journey from engineer to VC: Discover how he built a career spanning product management, entrepreneurship, and venture capital. The secret to picking winning startups: SC Moatti reveals how Mighty Capital identifies and invests in companies with a strong product vision. Essential product management skills: Get expert advice on building a great product and becoming a successful product manager. The future of AI: SC Moatti shares his thoughts on the biggest challenges and opportunities in the world of artificial intelligence. Don't miss this insightful interview! Subscribe to Startup Project for more valuable content on building successful startups. Connect with SC Moatti: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scmoatti/ Connect with Nataraj: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natarajsindam/ Blog post - https://thestartupproject.io/2024/05/27/mighty-capital-product-first-vc-defies-the-odds-with-a-hit-rate-of-1-in-5/ #startup #venturecapital #productmanagement #ai #investing #siliconvalley #mightycapital #entrepreneurship #innovation

Satya, co-founder of Scispot, joins Startup Project's Nataraj to share his journey from leading a platform team at Expedia to starting a biotech company that solves data challenges for life science labs. In this episode, we discuss: Satya's unique career path, from fashion startup owner to data expert. The founding story of Scispot, tackling the problem of unanalyzed data in biotech. The YC experience and its valuable lessons, including the importance of market signals. Scispot's growth and traction, serving a diverse range of lab-based businesses. The exciting future of AI in biotech and Scispot's role in empowering innovation. Challenges and strategies for prioritizing features and building a sustainable platform. Building a company in Seattle and the evolving startup ecosystem. Advice for aspiring entrepreneurs interested in biotech and the power of fresh perspectives. Tune in to learn about Scispot's vision for the future and Satya's insightful perspectives on entrepreneurship, data, and the evolving landscape of biotech. Connect with Satya: https://www.linkedin.com/in/satyaravisingh/ Connect with Nataraj: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natarajsindam/ About the host: Nataraj is a Senior Product Manager and the host of the ‘Startup Project’ podcast. He also invests in startups with Incisive.vc and writes ‘100 Days of AI’, an educational series on AI. Blog post - https://thestartupproject.io/2024/05/15/75-satya-singh-co-founder-of-scispot-on-redefining-modern-biotechs-data-infrastructure/ #biotech #startups #YC #entrepreneurship #data #AI #Seattle #SizePort #lifesciences #podcast #StartupProject

Startup Project Podcast: Episode Notes - Navigating the Shifting Investment Landscape with Sajid Rahman Guest: Sajid Rahman - Top Angel InvestorHost: Nataraj - Senior Product Manager, Investor at Incisive.vc & Startup Advisor Episode Overview: Join us as we delve into the evolving world of startups and venture capital with Sajid Rahman, a prolific angel investor with over 1000 investments. Key topics explored in this episode: Market Shift: Analyzing the transition from the funding boom to a more cautious investment environment. Exploring the prevalence of down rounds, the rise of secondary deals, and strategies for investors in the current climate. Dry Powder Explained: Demystifying the concept of dry powder – uninvested capital committed to VC funds. Understanding how and when VCs deploy capital and the implications for startups seeking funding. Web3 Deep Dive: Exploring the latest trends in the Web3 space, including the intersection of AI and blockchain, real-world asset tokenization, and the development of decentralized infrastructure. Discussing strategies for identifying promising projects and avoiding scams in this evolving landscape. AI Investment Landscape: Examining the current AI boom and the potential for both foundational models and application-layer companies. Addressing concerns about overvaluation and identifying key factors for successful AI investments. Sajid's Investment Strategies: Gaining insights into Sajid Rahman's approach to angel investing, syndicate management, and running multiple funds focused on Web3, YC companies, early-stage startups, and AI. Additional Resources: Connect with Sajid Rahman on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rahmansajid/ Connect with Nataraj on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natarajsindam/ Follow Startup Project for more episodes and updates: https://open.spotify.com/show/3Cx7Q5r9Ow9eikxQjsJjjq?si=5d154bcf6b0541f7 #startup #investing #venturecapital #web3 #AI #angelinvesting #podcast #startupproject #secondarydeals #drypowder #blockchain #artificialintelligence #fundmanagement #YC #startupecosystem