The CTO Show with Mehmet Gonullu

In this episode of the CTO Show, host Mehmet interviews Roman Axelrod, Managing Partner and co-founder of XPANCEO. Roman shares his journey of building and selling technology companies and discusses his latest venture into developing a next-generation computing solution. With a vision to overcome the limitations of current gadgets, Roman and his team at XPANCEO are creating a soft contact lens capable of providing an extended reality (XR) experience, including image rendering, biological parameter measurement, and night vision. The project, backed by top optics labs and research awards, aims for human trials by 2026 with hopes of commercial availability by 2027-2029. The episode delves into the technology behind these revolutionary contact lenses, the challenges of creating atomic-thin materials for electronics, and the potential applications ranging from security to health monitoring. Roman also discusses why Dubai was chosen as XPANCEO's headquarters and shares insights on funding and the importance of purpose in deep tech entrepreneurship. About Roman Axelrod and XPANCEO: - XPANCEO is one of the most well-funded early-stage companies in the Middle East in 2023 - In the Top 5 optics laboratories in the world (by BCG) and Top 10 Research Institutions by Nature Index - 3 exits in the past, $40M raised to back XPANCEO 4th prototype development - Its co-founder is Dr. Valentyn Volkov, an h-index 38; 8000+ citations; partnerships with Nobel laureates - The first to use 2D materials such as graphene to place electronic schemes the size of an atom on lenses as thin as medical ones, aka ultrathin XR glasses. https://www.xpanceo.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/romanaxelrod 00:00 Welcome to the CTO Show: Introducing Roman Axelrod 01:08 Roman's Vision: The Future of Computing and XPANCEO's Mission 04:45 The Revolutionary Contact Lens: Merging Technology with Vision 06:03 Exploring the Prototype: A Glimpse into the Future 07:19 Addressing Concerns and the Potential of Contact Lens Technology 24:58 The Power of AI and the Future of Interface Technology 30:22 Choosing Dubai: A Strategic Move for XPANCEO 34:59 Funding and the Ecosystem in Dubai for Deep Tech Startups 43:31 The Deep Tech Journey: Challenges, Purpose, and Impact 50:18 Staying Updated: How to Follow XPANCEO's Progress 51:11 Closing Thoughts and Gratitude

In this episode of the CTO show, host Mehmet is joined by Habiba, CTO and co-founder of Metric, who shares her rich background in AI and machine learning, transitioning from academia to the tech industry, and her current role at Metric.app. Habiba discusses her commitment to leveraging AI for providing personalized financial management solutions to small and medium-sized businesses. With a vast experience spanning research in dynamic networks, postdoctoral work in historical trade routes, and roles in various countries and sectors including retail and government, Habiba emphasizes the importance of customer feedback in shaping Metric. The conversation touches on the challenges of scaling in different geographic regions, potential of generative AI in FinTech, and Habiba's advice for aspiring tech entrepreneurs and professionals in the AI sphere. More About Habiba: Habiba is an applied machine learning and deep learning engineer with extensive experience across various sectors. Currently, she serves as a Data Scientist at the Department of Education in NSW, focusing on applying Large Language Models in the education space. Previously, she was an AI Cloud Solution Architect at Microsoft, enhancing customer adoption of machine learning through Azure services. She is also the CTO of Metric, a fintech startup designed to simplify financial management for SMEs and startups through technology-enabled accounting and insights into financial health. https://www.linkedin.com/in/habibah Special Promo Code For Our Audience: Get 50% off on any Metric plan for 3 months Promo code: CTO50 https://metricapp.ai 02:03 Habiba's Journey: From Academia to CTO of Metric 05:40 The Evolution of Metric: Empowering SMEs with AI 10:37 Customer Insights: Shaping Metric's Development 16:51 The Future of FinTech and AI: A Deep Dive with Habiba 21:05 Advice for Aspiring Data Scientists and Tech Entrepreneurs 30:42 Closing Thoughts and Where to Find More About Metric

In this episode of 'The CTO Show with Mehmet', Abdul Rahman Janoo, co-founder of Tericsoft, shares his journey from product manager to tech entrepreneur, offering insights into the challenges and victories of startup life. Abdul Rahman recounts his multiple startup experiences, emphasizing the transition from failing ventures to successful ones, particularly highlighting his work in waste management and the pivot towards AI and tech services. He discusses the importance of strategic partnerships, sustainability, and the role of AI in reshaping industries like healthcare and finance. Additionally, Abdul Rahman provides advice for aspiring entrepreneurs on embracing failure, focusing on the process, and the significance of passion, purpose, and perseverance in the entrepreneurial journey. The conversation also delves into the future of AI and its applications, underscoring Abdul Rahman's optimism and caution about its rapid advancement and impact on society. More about Abdul Rahman: As a former Product Manager at Waste Ventures India, he steered the technology and product development teams to monumental successes. His leadership was instrumental in deploying their innovative tech product to over 20,000 households, alongside forging strategic partnerships with industry giants like Google, Infosys, Uber, CA Technologies, Coca-Cola, HUL, and Dr. Reddy's. Transitioning to entrepreneurship, he co-founded Studio Torque, a design and product development startup based in Hyderabad, India. His journey there was filled with challenges and triumphs, contributing significantly to its growth and prominence in the industry. https://www.linkedin.com/in/abdulrahmanjanoo https://www.tericsoft.com 01:10 The Genesis of Tericsoft: A CTO Service for Entrepreneurs 02:01 From Product Management to Entrepreneurship: Abdul Rahman's Journey 07:06 The Importance of Strategic Partnerships for Startups 10:07 Building Impactful Solutions: The Tericsoft Approach 18:24 Navigating the Startup Landscape: Insights and Strategies 23:25 The Future of AI: Services, Impact, and Industry Predictions 32:45 Staying Ahead: Learning and Growth Strategies 34:48 Words of Wisdom for Entrepreneurs and Closing Thoughts

In this episode of the CTO Show, host Mehmet is joined by Steve Tafaro, who shares his extensive experience in the business world, emphasizing the evolution of selling strategies from hardware and software to Software as a Service (SaaS). With a background in teaching, IBM, Oracle, and founding Associates in 1990, Steve discusses the shift towards value-based selling and the importance of customer-centric cultures in SaaS companies. He highlights the critical role of marketing in generating leads and nurturing customer relationships for sustainable growth. The discussion covers practical strategies for SaaS businesses, including sales processes, customer success teams, and the utilization of AI for competitive advantage. Steve also previews his upcoming book, 'Winning at SaaS', a playbook for CEOs and CROs, aimed at guiding early-stage SaaS companies towards success. About Steve: Steve has amassed over forty-five years of executive management, sales, marketing, and leadership experience in technology and service-related businesses. His career includes executive positions at IBM Corporation, Oracle Corporation, Software Plus, and Cybershift, Inc. In 1990, he founded Tafaro & Associates, which provided business advisory and interim executive management services to small and emerging companies as well as divisions of larger organizations in need of sales growth and/or restructuring to meet revenue and profit objectives, or to prepare the business for sale. During his extensive career, he also served as VP of Bell Atlantic's Systems Integration business, president of Bell Atlantic Software Systems, president of IVAX Industry's Institutional Products Group, president of Fuller Brush Corporation's Institutional Products Group, VP of Sales and Marketing at Xspand, Inc., and SVP of Sales & Marketing at Financial Technologies (Investran) Inc. From 2013 to 2021, he chaired a CEO Peer Advisory Board, in conjunction with Vistage International, focusing on leadership development and organizational performance. https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephentafaro 01:16 Steve Tafaro's Journey: From Teaching to Tech Titan 04:44 The Evolution of Business Growth Strategies 11:32 SaaS vs Traditional Software: A Deep Dive 18:38 The Art of Value Selling in the SaaS World 24:21 Leveraging Marketing and Sales for SaaS Success 25:10 Building a Healthy Power Plant for Startups 25:37 The Integral Role of Marketing in Business Success 26:36 The Pre-Sales Organization:Bridging Sales and Marketing 28:08 Emotional Engagement: The Key to Winning Customers 30:13 The Complexities of Sales Processes in SaaS Companies 35:19 The Importance of Customer Success in SaaS Businesses 42:15 Leveraging AI for Competitive Advantage in SaaS 44:06 Announcing a New Resource: Winning at SaaS 47:49 Closing Thoughts and Acknowledgements

In this episode of the CTO Show, Mehmet hosts Dan Balcauski, the founder of Product Tranquility, a consulting firm that assists B2B SaaS CEOs with pricing and packaging strategies. Dan discusses common misconceptions about pricing, emphasizing the importance of focusing more on whom and how you charge rather than on the price itself. He introduces a pricing model comprising four components: Segments, Value, Competition, and Strategy (SVCS), explaining how each plays a crucial role in determining successful pricing strategies. With examples like Apple's approach to maintaining high profits despite a smaller market share, Dan illustrates the necessity of aligning pricing strategy with overall business strategy. He emphasizes the importance of customer value and advises on regularly revisiting pricing to ensure it aligns with company goals and market changes. Dan also highlights the significance of understanding costs, competition, and customer value, suggesting a balanced approach to pricing that includes all these elements. The episode concludes with Dan encouraging businesses to treat pricing as an ongoing process and welcoming further discussions on this critical yet often overlooked topic. More about Dan: Dan Balcauski is the founder and Chief Pricing Officer at Product Tranquility, based in Austin, TX. He focuses on helping high-volume B2B SaaS CEOs define pricing and packaging for new products. Over his career, he has worked in both B2C and B2B companies ranging from startups to publicly traded enterprises. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/balcauski Website: https://www.producttranquility.com 00:00 Welcome to the CTO Show: Introducing Dan 01:10 Dan Balkowski: The Man Behind Product Tranquility 01:37 Diving Deep into the World of SaaS Pricing 04:41 Unveiling the SVC&S Model for SaaS Pricing 11:24 The Three C's of Pricing: A Comprehensive Guide 22:37 Navigating the Complexities of Pricing Strategies 32:50 The Importance of Regular Pricing Reviews and Adjustments 41:17 Final Thoughts and Where to Find More Insights

In this episode, Mehmet interviews entrepreneur Colin Hirdman, who shares his journey from a fresh college graduate to a seasoned entrepreneur. Colin discusses the initial challenge of diving into entrepreneurship without a formal business education, emphasizing the creative and rewarding aspects of building businesses from scratch. He also touches upon the importance of embracing risks and failures as part of the entrepreneurial path. The conversation then shifts towards the role of education in fostering entrepreneurial skills, with Colin advocating for more practical, entrepreneurship-focused content in educational systems. He shares his experiences of contributing to this cause through guest lectures and emphasizes the responsibility of current entrepreneurs to guide the next generation. Additionally, Colin elaborates on the rise of non-technical entrepreneurs enabled by no-code/low-code tools and AI, highlighting his ventures and the lessons learned from them, such as the significance of validation and iteration in product development. The episode also covers the concept of shared success agreements as an alternative funding model, aimed at fostering win-win scenarios between developers and entrepreneurs. Colin concludes with advice for entrepreneurs at various stages, advocating for partnerships, passion-driven ventures, leveraging personal strengths, and the potential of building SaaS products for scalability. About Colin: Colin Hirdman started his first company a week after graduating from college, and has been an entrepreneur ever since. He's building businesses through Monkey Island Ventures a company he co-founded with two of his best friends. Monkey Island Ventures is named after a park they played at when they were kids (since they were 5 years old). Over the years the trio has built over a dozen software and service businesses and want to help create as many successful entrepreneurs as they can by sharing what they know. https://www.monkeyislandventures.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/colinhirdman https://www.cloudburststudio.com 00:00 Welcome to the CTO Show: Meet Colin 01:19 Colin's Entrepreneurial Journey Begins 02:10 The Lure of Entrepreneurship: Challenges and Rewards 05:33 Education and Entrepreneurship: Bridging the Gap 08:52 The Rise of the Non-Technical Entrepreneur 16:28 Exploring No-Code Tools: Empowering Entrepreneurs 24:49 Validating Your Startup Idea: Strategies and Insights 32:23 Innovative Funding: The Shared Success Agreement 42:26 Final Words of Wisdom for Entrepreneurs 47:39 Connecting with Colin: Final Thoughts

Unlock the secrets to business transformation as Geert van Vlijmen AKA G, a trained legal eagle turned entrepreneurial guru, joins me, Mehmet, for a candid conversation on the daring shift from legal to the boardroom. Together, we dissect the essence of business success and the metamorphosis required in leadership roles for those who dare to venture into the world of innovation and risk. G’s narrative is a treasure trove of insights, highlighting the need for self-awareness, the strategic advantage of pacing oneself, and the pivotal role emotional intelligence plays in steering decisions. Feel the thrill of the race toward business excellence as we draw inspiration from the high-octane world of Formula 1, comparing the meticulous strategies of teams like Max Verstappen's Red Bull to the fine-tuning necessary for business growth. Our conversation takes you through the gears of crafting resilient growth engines, emphasizing the significance of systems, processes, and the continuous refinement of business models. We spotlight the importance of customer acquisition and evolving alongside the market, alerting you to the perilous turns of following the pack without a tailored road map for your own business journey. Embrace the discomfort that comes with personal and professional development, and join us as we champion the growth mindset that fuels progress. G and I reflect on the incremental steps that forge the path to achievement, viewing setbacks as invaluable lessons rather than roadblocks. Prepare to be inspired to set actionable goals, cultivate a supportive leadership environment, and understand that success manifests in various dimensions, tailored to each visionary's unique aspirations. So, buckle in and let's accelerate towards a future brimming with potential, as we navigate the twists and turns of entrepreneurial growth with G as our co-pilot. More about G: G is an international business and high-performance strategist. He supports business owners and their management teams to manage and grow their businesses. He supports them in creating a machine that helps them to move away from being "operators", so that they gain more freedom and business growth. https://www.imagejo.com 02:40 G's Journey: From Law to Leadership 04:38 The Startup Adventure: Lessons from Roy's Garden Tips 05:41 Mentoring Startups and the Power of Networking 07:38 Growth Strategies and Keeping Teams Motivated 11:23 Leadership Evolution: From Startup to Scale-up 14:37 Embracing Change and Making Tough Decisions 18:11 The Impact for Growth System: Tuning Up the Engine 22:16 Navigating Business Models for Startup Success 24:28 Unlocking Business Model Innovation: A Guide to Success 26:32 The Pitfalls of Copying Business Models Without Adaptation 26:55 Embracing Creativity in Business Models for Competitive Advantage 29:40 Navigating Uncertainty: Strategies for Business Leaders 31:41 The Power of Personal Development in Leadership 34:50 Small Steps to Big Success: The Incremental Approach 40:16 Looking Ahead: The Future of Business and Entrepreneurship 42:16 Final Thoughts and Call to Action

Join us as Christian Hammer, the innovative mind behind Vala-AI, peels back the layers of technical debt and exposes the transformative role AI plays in reshaping software management. Christian's journey from childhood programmer to tech CEO is not just inspiring—it's a roadmap for how we handle the increasingly complex digital landscape. Our discussion ranges from the untangling of legacy systems that anchor major sectors like banking to the ways AI can streamline and simplify the often convoluted tasks facing today's professionals. Venture with us into the bustling intersection of AI and business innovation, where Christian and I unravel the intricate dance of technology and creativity that propels industries forward. We're talking about an era where the mundane is automated, giving rise to rapid innovation and freeing up human genius for greater challenges. Cultural agility, the art of marrying technical expertise with out-of-the-box thinking, emerges as a non-negotiable for companies aiming to not just survive but thrive in this new landscape. From the digital innovation labs of Nike to the cautious halls of banking institutions, we dissect how big players are (or aren't) leveraging AI to stay ahead of the curve. Finally, let's cast our eyes toward the horizon and ponder the future where AI is more than a tool—it's a collaborator. Imagine AI agents operating like a savvy product development team, or a world where your personal AI assistant knows your schedule better than you do. That future is rapidly unfolding, and we're here to navigate it with you. From the upheaval of advertising paradigms to the breakneck speed of technological breakthroughs reshaping our concepts of value and exchange, this episode is a time capsule of today's tech evolution, capturing the relentless pace at which our world is changing. More about Christian: Christian Hammer: Lifelong Artist, Trailblazing Entrepreneur, and Visionary Technology Executive with an illustrious 30-year career. From orchestrating digital transformations to founding Direct to Consumer businesses, Christian's journey has been nothing short of extraordinary, leaving an indelible mark at industry giants like Nike, AppNexus, and Wayfair. Currently at the helm as the Chief Executive Officer for Vala-AI, Christian's dynamic leadership extends beyond tech, with impactful roles on nonprofit boards and as a vital force behind deep tech startups on their Board of Directors. https://vala-ai.com

Unlock the secrets to elevating your startup's narrative with the help of marketing maven Danielle R. Harris, who stopped by to share her sage advice on authentic storytelling. Transform your marketing approach as we discuss the undeniable impact a powerful story can have on captivating investors and enchanting customers. With Danielle's insights, learn how to weave the essence of your brand into a story that sticks, carving out a place for your startup in the bustling market, all while staying true to your vision. Tech co-founders, especially those of the introverted persuasion, often find the spotlight daunting, but fear not! This podcast is your guide to overcoming those communication hurdles with aplomb. We'll help you find the medium that feels like home, whether it's writing, podcasting, or presenting, and we'll navigate the global landscape of cultural sensitivity together, so your message resonates with audiences far and wide. Join us as we reveal how your unique perspective can become your greatest asset in crafting messages that strike a chord across cultural divides. Lastly, we roll up our sleeves and get into the nitty-gritty of marketing strategies that don't break the bank but break through the noise instead. Discover how to demystify tech jargon and position yourself as a thought leader, all while experimenting with a mix of marketing strategies that keep your startup agile. Whether it's through speaking at conferences or creating engaging online content, we share a trove of practical tips that will help you pivot when necessary and make your startup's story heard. Tune in and equip yourself with the tools to chart a course for marketing success. More about Danielle: Danielle R. Harris is a marketing & messaging consultant who teaches coaches and service providers how to attract and sign dream clients by sharing their unique stories in their messaging. She has worked in marketing for over 10 years and believes that for most business owners, their story is their most underutilized asset. Danielle is based in Metro Detroit, where she was born and raised. Danielle is known for her love of chocolate, travel, and the K-Pop group BTS. https://drharrisconsulting.com 01:11 The Power of Storytelling in Marketing 03:16 Why Storytelling is Essential for Tech Startups 06:07 Crafting Authentic Stories and Overcoming Challenges 09:19 The Importance of Personal Branding in Business Growth 13:11 Navigating Communication Challenges as Introverts 17:40 Cultural Sensitivity in Global Storytelling 21:22 Busting Myths: Tech Jargon vs. Storytelling 25:31 Effective Marketing Strategies for Tech Startups 30:13 Evaluating Marketing Success and Final Thoughts

Embark on a journey through the AI revolution with Silicon Valley's very own Manish Patel, as he unveils the cutting-edge developments poised to reshape our world in 2024. As co-founder of Nava Ventures and an early innovator at Google, Manish's narrative weaves through his ground-breaking work on AdWords and Maps to his current mentorship role at Stanford. Our conversation goes beyond the buzz, breaking down the real promise of AI technology and its readiness to deliver substantial returns across diverse sectors, transforming consumer experiences, and enhancing enterprise productivity. Manish guides us through the labyrinth of AI infrastructure, where the seamless integration of human-centered design with robust tech layers emerges as the linchpin for corporate triumph. This podcast peels back the curtain on the critical layers of AI, from intuitive user interfaces down to the bedrock of hardware and compute power, revealing how each stratum is meticulously crafted to propel businesses towards a competitive vanguard. Our probing dialogue challenges the status quo, suggesting a future where software and user habits could eclipse the longstanding hardware hegemony. Closing the loop, our guest shares his seasoned perspectives on the craft of venture capitalism and the burgeoning field of AI observability. Manish imparts a masterclass on the art of startup investment, highlighting the magnetic draw of founder-market fit and the compelling saga of storytelling in the startup landscape. Tune in for a treasure trove of insights that beckon to entrepreneurs and technophiles alike, revealing a horizon where the interplay of data, user adaptability, and the human spirit of innovation are the true harbingers of the next tech vanguard. About Manish: Manish Patel is the visionary founder of Nava Ventures, a pioneering venture capital firm headquartered in the heart of Silicon Valley. With a career spanning dozens of years at the forefront of technological innovation, Manish is renowned as a Silicon Valley Veteran with a knack for solving complex problems at the intersection of business, technology, and human experience. Throughout his career, Manish has worn many hats – from operational maven and inventive trailblazer to astute venture capitalist. His deep-seated expertise in global business and product development, coupled with an unwavering passion for transformative technologies, positions him as a driving force behind Nava Ventures' success. https://www.nava.vc 01:23 The Venture Capitalist's Perspective: Investing in Silicon Valley's Future 04:25 AI's Big Leap: Evaluating the Impact and ROI in 2024 16:24 The AI Infrastructure Deep Dive: Building for Productivity and Innovation 21:34 Human-Centric Design in the Age of AI: Balancing Technology and Humanity 26:10 Navigating the AI Startup Landscape: Strategies for Success 27:29 Leveraging Strengths and Understanding the Market 28:20 Historical Lessons and the Power of Consumer Focus 30:43 The Agility of Startups vs. The Bureaucracy of Big Companies 31:11 Investment Perspectives in the AI Space 34:47 Evaluating Startups: The Role of AI and Human Insight 37:37 Traits VCs Look for in Founders 42:25 Advice for First-Time Founders: Reaching Out to VCs 45:29 Emerging Technologies Beyond AI 48:30 Final Thoughts and Encouragement for Entrepreneurs