The CTO Show with Mehmet Gonullu

In this episode of The CTO Show with Mehmet, we welcome Karthik Suresh, co-founder of Ignition, an AI product success platform. Karthik shares his remarkable journey from Wall Street’s high-frequency trading to product management roles at Facebook, and ultimately to co-founding Ignition. He discusses the pivotal moments that led him to focus on product management and startup growth, highlighting the differences between working in large corporations and startups. Karthik explains the market gap that Ignition addresses, particularly in the go-to-market process and product launches. The conversation delves into the importance of understanding user needs and differentiating between must-have and nice-to-have features. Karthik emphasizes the role of a product manager in balancing user-centric design with business objectives and identifies common bottlenecks in product launches, offering strategies to overcome them. He also shares insights on the impact of AI on software and product development, the future potential of AI in various industries like healthcare and finance, and the intersection of AI and blockchain technology. Karthik sheds light on common misconceptions about startup growth and venture funding, stressing the reality of founding a company. He provides valuable advice on when to seek venture capital, the importance of having a clear product launch strategy, and understanding the target market. Karthik underscores the significance of risk-taking and following one’s passion, offering tips for those starting their careers in product management or looking to launch their own ventures. As the episode concludes, Karthik shares his final thoughts and advice for listeners, along with information on how to connect with him and learn more about Ignition. More about Karthik: Karthik Suresh is the Co-Founder of Ignition, the first Go-to-Market Ops Platform which ensures every product launch or feature release drives revenue impact, via tighter alignment with GTM teams. Karthik is a product and a technology leader with experience as a founder, an early startup hire, and a key player in defining product strategy, and finding a market fit. He has extensive experience building products in consumer and enterprise domains across early-stage and established companies like Meta. https://www.haveignition.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/karthiksureshlbs https://x.com/KarthikSuresh 01:07 Karthik Suresh's Background 02:18 Transitioning Between Roles 02:54 Startup vs. Large Company Dynamics 06:31 Founding Ignition: The Story and Vision 09:00 Product Management Insights 13:52 B2B vs. B2C Product Strategies 17:30 Building Zero to One Companies 23:48 AI and Emerging Technologies 26:37 Startup Growth and Venture Funding 38:11 Product Launch Challenges 43:14 Final Advice and Closing Remarks

In this episode of The CTO Show with Mehmet, we welcome Ben Johnson, the CEO of Particle41. Ben shares his journey from being a paperboy to becoming a serial technical co-founder and leader of a technology services company. He discusses the concept of T-shaped teams, emphasizing the importance of combining deep technical expertise with broad soft skills for enhanced productivity and collaboration. Ben talks about the challenges of transitioning from a developer to a CEO and the necessity of developing essential soft skills. He shares strategies for building efficient tech teams, focusing on setting clear goals, embracing agile methodologies, and fostering a mission-oriented mindset. The conversation delves into bootstrapping and building market fit for startups. Ben explains the difference between tech-enabled services and SaaS products and highlights key factors to consider when starting a SaaS company. He also shares productivity hacks for entrepreneurs, such as scheduling focused work blocks and minimizing distractions. Ben addresses the importance of keeping up with emerging technologies, discussing how AI is transforming customer service and development workflows. He advises entrepreneurs to focus on quality and make stage-appropriate decisions to avoid unnecessary tech stack changes. To close, Ben debunks common misconceptions in tech entrepreneurship and encourages entrepreneurs to focus on their core strengths and gradually expand their offerings. More about Ben: Benjamin Johnson is a serial technical co-founder with a track record of success and hands-on open-source programming experience. He has a wide range of being both a board-level advisor and founder but also an in-depth understanding of how things work. Through his 20+ years as a software developer and leader, he has gained extensive experience with remotely distributed development teams and business hacks. Benjamin is the CEO & Founder of Particle41, a dev firm founded by industry veterans that aims to help companies accelerate their initiatives through Software Development, DevOps, and Data Science. With a constant focus on results and ways to improve, Benjamin is having fun building highly scalable and highly secure applications. https://particle41.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjaminrjohnson 01:03 Ben Johnson's Journey 03:16 Transitioning from Developer to CEO 05:35 Building Effective Tech Teams 09:37 Strategies for SaaS Success 22:47 Productivity Hacks for Entrepreneurs 26:15 Keeping Up with Tech Trends 38:46 Misconceptions in Tech Entrepreneurship 42:22 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode of The CTO Show with Mehmet, we are joined by Blake Burch, co-founder and CEO of Shipyard, a modern data operations platform. Blake starts by introducing himself and explaining how his background in marketing led him to teach himself SQL and Python to overcome the repetitive tasks he faced. This journey sparked the creation of Shipyard, which simplifies data workflows by allowing users to move data end-to-end either through low-code methods or by writing custom code. Blake shares how his experiences at PMG, where he worked with brands like OpenTable and Sephora, highlighted the challenges of data management and automation. He talks about the necessity of building a tool like Shipyard to templatize solutions, reducing the reliance on complex and unwieldy Excel formulas and manual data handling. By creating reusable templates, Shipyard allows businesses to automate data processes, leading to more efficient operations and better use of data. The conversation delves into the role of AI in data operations. Blake explains how AI can assist in generating code and automating tasks, which can significantly enhance productivity. He shares his experience of using AI tools like ChatGPT to write code and how this has influenced the development of Shipyard’s features. Mehmet and Blake discuss the potential for AI to act as a coding assistant, helping users to automate and optimize data workflows without needing extensive programming knowledge. Blake also touches on the importance of integrating with other data platforms, such as Databricks, to enhance interoperability and provide high-level observability into data processes. He emphasizes the need for businesses to focus on specific use cases and actionable data to avoid being overwhelmed by the sheer volume of available information. By prioritizing business needs and using tools like Shipyard, companies can transform their data from a burden into a valuable asset. The episode concludes with Blake offering advice to those starting their journey in data science or entrepreneurship. He stresses the importance of focusing on solving real business problems with data rather than getting bogged down by technical details. Blake also highlights the significance of partnerships and integrations in scaling a business and providing comprehensive solutions to customers. For more information about Shipyard and to stay updated on the latest in data operations, listeners are encouraged to visit Shipyard’s website and subscribe to their newsletter, All Hands on Data. Blake Burch is the co-founder and CEO of Shipyard, a low-code orchestration platform that helps data teams launch, monitor, and share data workflows. Previously, he was Head of Data for PMG, where he led end-to-end data strategy and solutions for brands like OpenTable, Travelocity, Sephora, and Gap Inc., scaling performance through algorithms and automation. https://allhandsondata.substack.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/blakeburch/ 01:00 Blake Burch's Background and Journey 01:43 Transition from Marketing to Technology 02:08 Challenges and Learning SQL and Python 04:23 Birth of Shipyard 05:06 Scaling and Use Cases of Shipyard 08:54 AI and Automation in Shipyard 14:22 Data Management and Best Practices 19:41 Future of AI and Data Teams 29:26 Balancing Technical and Leadership Roles 31:16 Partnerships and Integrations 34:31 Future Plans for Shipyard 36:26 Advice for Aspiring Data Professionals 37:44 Conclusion and Farewell

In this episode, Mehmet Gonullu welcomes Roshan Shah, an accomplished entrepreneur and investor, to discuss his extensive experience in Bitcoin mining, real estate investments, and strategic growth in the digital currency space. Roshan shares his journey, insights, and advice on making smart investments in the evolving world of cryptocurrency and beyond. Key Topics Discussed: 1. Roshan’s Background and Ventures: • Overview of Roshan’s professional journey, including his roles in commercial real estate brokerage, real estate investment, medical aesthetics and wellness, and Bitcoin mining through Decimal Digital Currency. 2. Inspiration and Market Gap: • Roshan’s initial interest in cryptocurrency, inspired by his partner’s Ethereum mining setup and the potential he saw in the future of digital currency. • The gap in the market that Decimal Digital Currency aimed to fill, focusing on efficiency and risk mitigation. 3. Bitcoin Mining with S21 Machines: • Technical details about the S21 machines used by Decimal Digital Currency and their advantages in terms of power consumption and efficiency. • The importance of risk mitigation and downside protection in Bitcoin mining investments. 4. Expansion and Geographical Growth: • Plans for expanding Bitcoin mining operations into new markets and the shift towards vertical integration to control mining sites and reduce reliance on third-party hosting providers. 5. Separately Managed Accounts (SMA): • Explanation of the SMA product offered by Decimal Digital Currency, allowing investors to own Bitcoin mining machines and benefit from the mining process without the complexities of direct investment in public equities or ETFs. • The benefits of SMAs in reducing volatility and offering higher returns compared to traditional investment vehicles. 6. Real Estate and Blockchain Synergies: • The intersection of Roshan’s real estate expertise with blockchain technology, including tokenization of assets and improvements in real estate processes through blockchain. • Structuring deals for data centers and leveraging real estate deal-making skills in the crypto space. 7. Adoption and Market Sentiment: • Current trends in the adoption of cryptocurrency by major asset management companies like Fidelity and BlackRock. • The generational shift in perception and acceptance of digital currency, with a focus on future mainstream adoption. 8. Investment Strategies and Diversification: • Roshan’s approach to balancing different investment strategies across real estate, private equity, and venture capital. • The importance of diversifying revenue streams and building a resilient investment portfolio. 9. Pivotal Moments and Lessons Learned: • The impact of COVID-19 on Roshan’s investment strategy and the realization of the need for diversified income sources. • The role of risk-taking and stepping out of comfort zones in achieving investment success. Conclusion: Roshan Shah offers valuable insights into the world of Bitcoin mining and strategic investments, emphasizing the importance of risk management, diversification, and forward-thinking approaches. His experiences highlight the potential of cryptocurrency and blockchain technology in shaping the future of finance and real estate.  Email Roshan Shah: roshan@decimalgroup.io • General Inquiries: info@decimalgroup.io 01:06 Roshan Shah's Background and Ventures 01:59 Inspiration Behind Decimal Digital Currency 04:08 Technical Aspects of Bitcoin Mining 07:15 Expansion Plans and Market Strategy 09:11 Separately Managed Accounts (SMA) Explained 16:01 Intersection of Real Estate and Blockchain 18:16 Future Innovations and AI in Bitcoin Mining 20:07 Adoption and Acceptance of Cryptocurrencies 26:04 Balancing Diverse Investment Strategies 30:01 Pivotal Moments and Lessons from COVID 34:31 Final Advice and Closing Remarks

In this episode, Mehmet sits down with Alexander Ponomarev, the COO of Syrve in the Middle East, to discuss the transformative role of technology in the restaurant industry. Alexander shares his journey from IT and hardware technology to food tech, emphasizing the integration of AI and automation in enhancing restaurant operations. The conversation covers key trends, challenges, and the future outlook for technology adoption in the F&B sector, particularly in the MENA region. Key Topics Discussed: 1. Introduction to Alexander Ponomarev: • Background in IT and food tech • Experience in automating hospitality enterprises 2. The Journey into Food Tech: • Transition from hardware technology to restaurant automation • The fusion of passion for technology and the food industry 3. Technological Innovations in the F&B Sector: • Overview of Syrve’s all-in-one, cloud-based restaurant management system • Application of AI and automation in restaurant operations 4. Challenges and Solutions: • Overcoming resistance to new technologies in an established industry • Importance of data-driven decision-making in enhancing efficiency 5. Impact on Customer Experience: • How technology improves service speed, accuracy, and overall dining experience • The role of AI in forecasting and resource management 6. Trends and Future Outlook: • Adoption of technology in the MENA region • Emerging trends like AI-driven operations and digital payment systems 7. Advice for Restaurant Owners and F&B Entrepreneurs: • Embracing technology to scale operations and enhance efficiency • Balancing traditional hospitality with modern technological solutions 8. Alexander’s Vision for the Future: • The evolving landscape of the restaurant industry • The importance of continuous innovation and adaptation Resources and Links: • Syrve Official Website • Follow Syrve on Instagram: @syrve 01:16 Alexander's Background and Role at Syrve 03:15 Journey into the F&B Industry 09:29 Challenges in Implementing New Technologies 14:36 Syrve's All-in-One Cloud-Based Solution 22:52 Integrations and Flexibility in Technology 32:03 Menu Engineering and Item Efficiency 33:35 Data-Driven Decision Making in Restaurants 34:06 Operational Software vs. Traditional Methods 35:49 Technology's Role in Enhancing Efficiency 40:23 Adoption of Technology in the MENA Region 43:07 AI and Future Trends in F&B 46:26 Advice for Scaling F&B Businesses

In this episode of The CTO Show with Mehmet, we are joined by Sam Obletz, CEO and co-founder of Claim, a rewards-based social app designed for Gen Z. Sam shares his inspiring entrepreneurial journey, starting from his early ventures in Portland, Oregon, to founding Claim and securing funding from major investors like Sequoia Capital. We delve into the motivations behind Claim, the challenges faced in the startup journey, and the innovative strategies used to engage Gen Z consumers. Key Topics Discussed: 1. Sam’s Entrepreneurial Journey: • Early ventures in computer integration and web design. • Experience in investment banking at Goldman Sachs and its influence on his entrepreneurial path. 2. Founding Claim: • The inspiration behind Claim and the gap in the market it aims to fill. • The importance of building something big and beautiful for consumer engagement. 3. Challenges and Insights: • Overcoming the challenges of starting a company. • The role of early entrepreneurial experiences in shaping business acumen. • Insights on the competitive advantage gained from starting young. 4. Marketing and Consumer Engagement: • The innovative “drop” strategy used by Claim to create excitement and FOMO. • The importance of word-of-mouth marketing and creating authentic consumer experiences. • How Claim is leveraging Gen Z’s social behaviors for organic growth. 5. Fundraising Journey: • Securing funding from Sequoia Capital and other major investors. • Tips for founders on raising funds and the importance of aligning with mission-driven investors. • The differences in fundraising in different market conditions. 6. Future of Claim: • Expansion plans and the vision for Claim’s global growth. • The technical complexities and backend fintech integrations that support Claim’s operations. • Long-term goals and the roadmap for Claim’s evolution. 7. Advice for Entrepreneurs: • The significance of passion, patience, and perseverance in the entrepreneurial journey. • Surrounding yourself with smart people and having a long-term perspective. • Practical advice for building a startup focused on Gen Z. Links and Resources: • Claim Website • Sam Obletz on LinkedIn 01:15 Sam Obletz's Early Entrepreneurial Journey 02:11 From Investment Banking to Founding Claim 05:01 The Genesis of Claim 06:18 Understanding Gen Z and Marketing Challenges 08:59 Claim's Unique Approach to Marketing 14:20 Expanding Claim's Reach and Future Plans 24:00 Fundraising Journey and Insights 38:15 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

In this insightful episode of “The CTO Show with Mehmet,” host Mehmet Gonullu sits down with Ken Pomella, the CEO of RevStar, to explore the transformative power of AI for small businesses and startups. Ken shares his extensive experience in the tech industry, from his early fascination with technology to founding and growing RevStar, a company that specializes in custom AI solutions. This episode dives deep into how AI can be a game-changer for businesses of all sizes, particularly focusing on practical applications and strategic implementation. Key Topics Discussed: 1. Ken’s Journey in Tech: • Early exposure to technology and its impact on his career. • Transition from software engineering to founding RevStar. • The growth of Tampa’s tech scene and its influence on RevStar’s success. 2. Why AI Matters: • The transformative potential of AI, comparable to the internet. • Integration of AI in various technologies like AR, VR, and IoT. • The pervasive impact of AI across different business sectors. 3. Strategic AI Integration: • How businesses, regardless of size, can start integrating AI. • Low-hanging fruit for small businesses: content generation and social media engagement. • Custom AI solutions for larger companies to automate and optimize processes. 4. Common Pitfalls and Solutions: • Challenges businesses face when starting with AI. • Importance of clean data and well-defined processes. • The role of good partnerships and pragmatic strategies in successful AI implementation. 5. Measuring AI Success: • Key performance indicators (KPIs) to track AI effectiveness. • Real-world examples of AI-driven improvements in customer service and logistics. • The importance of aligning AI initiatives with business goals. 6. AI and Automation: • The synergy between AI and automation for business efficiency. • Personal anecdotes from Mehmet on using AI for podcast production. • How startups can leverage AI to do more with less and scale effectively. 7. Future of AI in Business: • Predictions on AI’s role in transforming workplaces in the next few years. • The rise of virtual agents and automated decision-making processes. • Skills employees should acquire to stay relevant in an AI-driven future. 8. Mentorship and Community Involvement: • Ken’s passion for mentoring startups and small businesses. • The value of giving back to the community and fostering the next generation of tech innovators. More About Ken: Ken Pomella, CEO of RevStar and a renowned technology thought leader, specializes in harnessing the power of Artificial Intelligence to drive business growth and scalability. With a distinguished career spanning over two decades, Ken has emerged as a pivotal figure in the tech industry, dedicated to transforming businesses through digital innovation. His expertise lies in developing AI strategies that align with business objectives, ensuring organizations remain competitive in the rapidly evolving digital landscape. A passionate mentor and speaker, Ken is committed to sharing his insights on AI integration, technological trends, and the future of business, aiming to empower entrepreneurs and leaders to navigate the complexities of digital transformation successfully. https://kenpomella.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/pomella 01:03 Ken Pomella's Tech Journey 02:22 The Importance of AI in Modern Technology 04:18 Strategic Approaches for AI Integration in Business 06:26 Misconceptions About AI 09:54 Measuring AI Success in Business 12:57 AI and Automation for Startups and Small Businesses 20:35 Future of AI in the Workplace 30:25 Mentorship and Giving Back

In this episode of “The CTO Show with Mehmet,” we dive into the fascinating journey of Edward Brawer, the visionary founder and CEO of PodcastAI. Edward shares his unique path from studying biology to becoming a tech entrepreneur, his experiences with building websites and apps for over 25 years, and how he ventured into the world of AI-driven podcasting. Discover how Edward’s innovative platform, PodcastAI, is revolutionizing the podcast production process, and learn about his remarkable experience pitching to Sequoia Capital. Key Topics Discussed: Mehmet introduces Edward Brawer, who shares his unique journey from studying biology to becoming a tech entrepreneur and the visionary behind PodcastAI. Edward delves into his early experiences with computers and programming, explaining the pivotal moments that led him to focus on podcast automation. He discusses the inspiration behind creating PodcastAI and how he identified the need for an AI-driven podcasting platform. Edward provides insights into the development and features of PodcastAI, highlighting success stories and viral moments that propelled the platform into the spotlight. Edward also shares the compelling story behind his pitch to Sequoia Capital, detailing how he prepared and executed a standout pitch, and the valuable lessons he learned from pitching to top-tier VCs. He offers his vision for the future of podcast production, exploring how AI is transforming the podcasting landscape and the potential impact of PodcastAI on content creators and audiences. Additionally, Edward provides tips for aspiring entrepreneurs and tech founders, emphasizing the importance of innovation, persistence, and getting noticed in the competitive startup ecosystem. The episode concludes with Edward’s final thoughts on the evolution of PodcastAI and information on where listeners can learn more about the platform and connect with him. Tune in to gain valuable insights from Edward Brawer’s entrepreneurial journey and explore the intersection of AI and podcasting. Resources and Links: • PodcastAI website: podcastai.com • Follow Edward Brawer on Twitter: @EdwardBrawer 01:02 Edward Brawer's Background and Journey 01:48 Transition from Biology to Technology 04:55 The Birth of Podcast AI 05:48 Creating the AI Podcast 08:30 Developing Podcast AI's Features 11:49 The Future of Podcasting with AI 22:28 Pitching to Sequoia: A Bold Move 28:11 Masterclass in Pitching: Know Your Customer 29:43 Getting Noticed: The Key to Success 30:34 The Journey to Founder University 32:24 The Importance of Revenue and Growth 33:59 Navigating the VC Funnel 37:48 The Reality of Venture Funding 48:14 Final Words and Advice for Entrepreneurs

In this episode of “The CTO Show with Mehmet,” we are joined by Björn Kolbeck, co-founder and CEO of Quobyte. With a rich background that includes a PhD in distributed systems, experience at Google, and a passion for high-performance computing (HPC), Björn shares his journey and insights into the world of scalable data storage solutions. Join us as we delve into the intersection of AI, HPC, and enterprise data management. Key Topics Discussed: • Björn’s Background: From his early days in software engineering and PhD studies in Berlin to his transformative experience at Google. • The Genesis of Quobyte: How Björn and his co-founder Felix built Quobyte, inspired by their work on XtremeFS and experiences at Google. • Challenges in Enterprise Storage: The main issues faced by enterprises in the storage industry and how Quobyte addresses them. • Scalable Data Storage: The importance of scalable storage solutions in the AI and HPC era, and how Quobyte’s software-defined approach provides a competitive edge. • Software-Defined Storage: What it means, why it’s crucial, and how Quobyte implements it effectively. • Industry Use Cases: Examples of how Quobyte’s storage solutions are applied in various industries like life sciences, media, entertainment, and finance. • Cost and Efficiency: The benefits of using commodity hardware for storage and how Quobyte helps enterprises save money while maintaining performance. • Björn’s Transition to Sales and Marketing: Insights into his shift from a technical role to engaging with customers and the market. • Future of Data Storage: Björn’s thoughts on the future of storage solutions, including the role of AI and the ongoing evolution of enterprise IT. Björn Kolbeck Co-Founder and CEO Before taking over the helm at Quobyte, Björn spent time at Google working as tech lead for the hotel finder project (2011–2013). He was the lead developer for the open-source file system XtreemFS (2006–2011). Björn’s PhD thesis dealt with fault-tolerant replication. https://www.linkedin.com/in/bjorn-kolbeck-37925033 https://www.quobyte.com 01:03 Björn Kolbeck's Background and Career Journey 02:05 Founding Quobyte and Inspiration from Google 04:06 Challenges in Enterprise Storage 08:38 Software-Defined Storage and Industry Applications 17:30 Scalability and Performance in AI Workloads 19:45 Hardware Recommendations and Energy Efficiency 36:07 Transition from Technical to Sales and Marketing 42:23 Final Thoughts and Closing Remarks

In this insightful episode of "The CTO Show with Mehmet," we dive deep into the world of startup growth and scaling with Bechir Omran, the VP of Growth at Wonderflow. Bechir brings a wealth of experience from his diverse career in media, content production, rights management, e-commerce, mobile apps, travel tech, and SaaS. He shares his journey, pivotal career moments, and the strategies he has developed to transform startups into successful scale-ups. Key Topics Discussed: Introduction and Bechir's Journey: Bechir's background and career path across different countries and industries. The pivotal moment in South Korea that shaped his approach to data-driven growth. The Importance of Data in Growth: How data can drive business decisions and strategies. Common mistakes companies make when interpreting data. The balance between collecting actionable insights and avoiding data overload. Building a Performance-Driven Organization: The significance of performance-based management. Implementing strategies to drive growth and increase annual recurring revenue (ARR). The role of time and efficiency in startup success. Sustainable Growth and Cash Flow: The importance of maintaining a positive cash flow. Balancing growth ambitions with sustainable business practices. Strategies for founders to navigate economic fluctuations and funding challenges. Market Expansion and Diversification: Bechir’s experience with market expansion in Europe, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East. Key factors for successful market diversification. The importance of understanding local markets and adapting strategies accordingly. Future Trends in B2B SaaS: Emerging trends and future directions in the B2B SaaS industry. The impact of AI on business operations and optimization. The growing importance of customer feedback and sentiment analysis. More about Bechir: Bechir is a metrics-driven, trilingual growth professional with a proven track record in formulating and growing partnerships, customer acquisition and retention, and data-driven conversion strategies. Prior to joining Wonderflow, he co-founded several start-ups including a big data and machine learning technology firm out of Beirut where he led a team of developers building one of the most advanced analytical and targeting tools for publishers of digital content. A data-driven and analytical problem-solver, he is in the unique position of understanding growth strategies across multiple departments, having spearheaded teams across product development, digital media, and enterprise development. He is highly experienced in the fields of business transformation, scaling and enterprise strategies, and equity creation. https://www.wonderflow.ai https://www.linkedin.com/in/bechir 00:21 Bechir's Diverse Career Journey Across Industries and Countries 01:49 The Pivotal Moment: Embracing Data-Driven Technology in South Korea 04:09 Growth Strategies and Data Interpretation Mistakes Companies Make 06:55 The Importance of Actionable Insights and Data Prioritization 08:04 Navigating Data Overload: Strategies for Effective Data Use 11:07 Market Expansion and Customer Acquisition Insights 27:39 The Art of Pivoting: Adapting to Market Needs and Trends 35:46 Scaling Strategies and Market Expansion Tips 44:24 Future Trends in the B2B SaaS Space and Final Advice