The CTO Show with Mehmet Gonullu

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

In this insightful episode of The CTO Show with Mehmet, we are joined by Shanif Dhanani, founder of Locusive, an AI-powered platform revolutionizing customer success. Shanif brings a wealth of experience in software engineering, machine learning, and startups, having previously built and sold Tap Commerce to Twitter and founded Apteo, a predictive marketing company. Join us as Shanif delves into how AI can transform customer success teams, streamline data management, and enhance customer experience. Discover the challenges faced by CS teams, the impact of data fragmentation, and how AI tools like ChatGPT can help businesses pull crucial information from multiple systems to provide timely and accurate responses. Key Topics Discussed: Shanif Dhanani's journey from software engineering to AI-driven startups. The founding and vision behind Locusive. Challenges in customer success and the importance of data consolidation. How AI can enhance customer experience and boost revenue. Implementing AI tools for efficient data retrieval and analysis. Addressing security and privacy concerns with AI in enterprise settings. The importance of adaptability and pivoting in startup growth. Bootstrapping vs. VC funding: Lessons from Shanif's entrepreneurial journey. Building a cohesive and effective startup team. The significance of data accuracy and minimizing AI hallucinations.   More about Shanif: Shanif Dhanani is a software engineer, data scientist, and founder of Locusive - a company that's creating an AI-powered customer success assistant for SaaS. He has built machine learning, analytics, and software systems at large companies like Twitter and Booz Allen, smaller startups like Apteo, where he was the founder, and TapCommerce, one of the world's first mobile advertising platforms. Shanif loves creating software and AI products for startups and has learned the ups and downs of starting new companies from scratch. https://www.locusive.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/shanifdhanani/ https://twitter.com/shanif 01:03 Shanif's Journey: From Startups to AI Innovations 02:19 Tackling Customer Success Challenges with AI 04:23 Exploring Data Fragmentation and Access Issues 06:04 Leveraging AI for Enhanced Sales and Customer Experience 09:20 AI's Role in Upselling and Product Feedback 16:05 Navigating Data Privacy and Security with AI Tools 20:08 Addressing Accuracy and Hallucination in AI Outputs 24:27 Exploring the Impact of Technology on Business Metrics 26:59 The Journey of Bootstrapping vs. VC Funding 29:32 Strategies for Scaling in a Competitive Market 31:32 Vision, Pivoting, and the Startup Mindset 34:05 Navigating Startup Challenges and Failures 36:53 Building the Right Team for Startup Success 38:32 The Importance of Agility and Data in Startups 41:26 Final Thoughts and Advice for Founders

In this episode of the CTO Show, host Mehmet interviews Buchi Reddy, founder and CEO of Levo.ai, a proactive API security platform. Reddy shares his journey from India to Silicon Valley, the inception of Levo.ai, and the gaps he identified in API security which led him to start the company. With significant experience at AppDynamics and witnessing firsthand the challenges in securing applications post-development, Reddy emphasizes the importance of proactive security measures. Levo.ai aims to provide comprehensive API security by discovering vulnerabilities early, ensuring enterprises can secure their APIs effectively. Reddy also discusses the wide implications of API breaches in various industries and the technology behind Levo.ai, including their use of EBP (Extended Berkeley Packet Filtering) for seamless data capture and machine learning for data classification. Reddy's vision for Levo.ai encompasses reducing the gap between innovation and security, advocating for a strong focus on problem-solving, customer empathy, and avoiding the pitfalls of early heavy fundraising or selling unfinished products. More about Buchi: https://www.linkedin.com/in/buchireddy https://www.levo.ai 01:07 Buchi Reddy: The Journey to Founding Levo.ai 01:45 Identifying and Addressing Gaps in API Security 02:20 The Genesis of Levo.ai: A Proactive Approach to API Security 05:43 The Importance of Proactive vs. Reactive Security Measures 08:10 Levo.ai's Unique Approach to API Security 10:11 The Broader Impact of API Security on Businesses 13:08 Levo.ai in the Cybersecurity Ecosystem 16:30 The Role of AI in Enhancing Levo.ai's Solutions 39:25 Advice for Tech Founders from Buchi Reddy 43:22 Closing Thoughts and How to Connect

In this episode of "The CTO Show with Mehmet," we are joined by Ashis Parajuli, Founder and CEO of DLytica. Ashis shares his extensive experience in AI, data science, machine learning, and data engineering analytics. We dive deep into the transformative power of AI and big data, exploring how organizations can leverage these technologies to drive innovation and make data-driven decisions. Ashis also discusses the importance of moving from vendor lock-in to open source solutions, fostering collaboration, and the future of large language models (LLMs). Whether you're a startup founder or a tech enthusiast, this episode is packed with insights and practical advice on navigating the ever-evolving tech landscape. Key Topics Discussed: Ashis Parajuli's background and journey in AI and big data The growing importance of AI in boosting business productivity Challenges organizations face in implementing data-driven solutions The significance of data fragmentation and how to overcome it Transitioning from vendor lock-in to open source systems Benefits of open source for innovation and customization The future of large language models (LLMs) and their impact on businesses How startups can effectively collect and leverage data from the beginning Fostering collaboration among startups, enterprises, and the community More about As his: Ashis Parajuli is the Founder and CEO of DLytica, a company specializing in AI, data science, machine learning, and data engineering analytics. With over 15 years of experience in the field, Ashis is passionate about driving digital transformation through innovative data solutions. DLytica provides consulting services and a big data platform designed to help businesses harness the power of AI and data for decision-making and growth. https://www.dlytica.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashis-parajuli 01:19 Ashis Parajuli: The Journey into AI and Big Data 01:47 The Rise of AI in Business: Opportunities and Challenges 04:21 Navigating the Complexities of Data-Driven Solutions 15:47 The Shift from Vendor Lock-In to Open Source Innovation 24:30 The Future of Open Source and Large Language Models 37:15 Fostering Collaboration and Innovation in the Tech Ecosystem 42:02 Closing Thoughts and How to Connect

In this episode of The CTO Show with Mehmet, we are joined by Bill Simmons, the co-founder of Thrive Business Operations. Bill shares his extensive experience and insights into the growing trend of fractional Chief Operating Officers (COOs) and how they play a crucial role in driving sustainable growth for startups. We dive deep into the Thrive Ops Cycle, a business operating system designed to help small to mid-sized businesses achieve operational excellence. Bill also discusses the balance between innovation and efficiency, the importance of clear communication, and how strategic interventions can help businesses get unstuck and scale successfully. Key Takeaways: Introduction to Thrive Business Operations: Bill Simmons introduces Thrive Business Operations and its mission to provide outsourced executive leadership to small and mid-sized businesses worldwide. The Rise of Fractional COOs: The evolution and growing popularity of fractional leadership roles in the business world, especially post-COVID. The Thrive Ops Cycle: An overview of Thrive's five-step operational cycle designed to drive business success, including strategy advance, talent and teams evaluation, quarterly sprints, yearly growth preparation, and transition strategy. Balancing Innovation and Efficiency: Strategies for maintaining a balance between innovation and operational efficiency, and avoiding the pitfalls of shiny object syndrome. Overcoming Operational Challenges: Common operational challenges faced by startups and small businesses and how Thrive's approach helps overcome these obstacles. The Importance of Communication: The critical role of communication in building effective teams and ensuring alignment within the organization. Data vs. Intuition: The balance between relying on data and leveraging intuition in decision-making processes. Enhancing Business Processes: Insights into improving business processes and reducing frustration within teams. More About Bill: Bill has over 30 years of experience helping entrepreneurs and individuals grow in their life and their business. Bill is also an experienced speaker, sharing his message of leadership and success with well over 250,000 people throughout the world. With his gift as a storyteller he will be sure to inspire your audience while also bringing them value from his years of experience https://thrivebusinessoperations.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/billsimmonslive 01:49 The Rise of Fractional Leadership Roles 05:06 Unpacking Thrive's Business Model 08:03 Operational Challenges and Solutions for Startups 29:02 The Power of Storytelling in Leadership 31:19 Final Thoughts and How to Connect

In this enlightening episode of The CTO Show with Mehmet, I sit down with Ryan Pollyniak, a seasoned technology consultant with two decades of experience in IT, business systems, and sales. Ryan has extensive expertise in helping businesses of all sizes embark on their digital transformation journeys, particularly within the Microsoft ecosystem. This episode delves into how AI can act as a co-pilot for business growth, guiding organizations through technological advancements and strategic upgrades. Key Topics Discussed: Ryan Pollyniak discusses his extensive background in IT and his journey from ADP to specializing in the Microsoft ecosystem. The conversation covers the current landscape of digital transformation and the role of AI in revolutionizing business processes. Ryan emphasizes the importance of having a solid data foundation and addresses common misconceptions about AI. He offers practical advice on preparing data for AI integration and the benefits of migrating to modern cloud-based solutions. The episode also explores the alignment of sales and marketing strategies with technology. Ryan highlights the use of tools like LinkedIn and CRM systems for effective sales and underutilized features of these platforms. The discussion extends to the concept of a "business in a box," using integrated platforms like Microsoft Dynamics to manage various business operations. Ryan provides valuable insights on forward-thinking technology decisions and the role of AI as a co-pilot, not a replacement for employees. More about Ryan: Ryan Pollyniak is a seasoned sales professional with a rich background in the Microsoft Dynamics space. He is passionate about the future of AI, the cloud, and upgrading from legacy systems. He is a Cloud Transformation Executive and has worked closely with the executive teams of mid-sized businesses in a variety of industries to make them feel valued throughout the entire sales cycle. https://www.westerncomputer.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/microsoftdynamicssolutions 01:08 Ryan Pollyniak's Journey in IT and Digital Transformation 01:56 The AI Evolution in Business: Are Companies Ready? 03:41 AI Implementation Challenges and Strategies 09:29 The Importance of Data Management for AI Success 15:28 Navigating Legacy Systems and Cloud Migration 28:08 Aligning Sales and Marketing in the Tech Landscape 33:42 Leveraging AI and Cloud for Business Operations 38:01 Final Thoughts and Where to Find More