The CTO Show with Mehmet Gonullu

Have you ever wondered what it takes to transform an idea into a successful startup? Our guest today, Zach Rattner, CTO and co-founder of Yembo, an AI company that excels in computer vision algorithms, is proof that innovative thinking and strategic steps can make your entrepreneurial dreams come true. From developing a flashcard tool for personal use to scaling it to a platform for 3 million users, Zach’s journey is the ultimate example of turning passion into a profession. He’s also the mastermind behind 18 patented inventions, and he's here to share his insights. Zach talks about the power of hypothesis testing and collaboration when building startups. He points out the importance of strong communication skills and the value of a diverse team. His unique approach to de-risking his startup idea is a lesson in strategic thinking. He also emphasizes the necessity of creating a safe space for brainstorming - a crucial component for innovation. The conversation then shifts to the intriguing world of AI, its many applications, and the challenges in perception tasks. Zach shares his thoughts on the difference between perception and generative tasks and the human element in technology. He takes us through his transition journey from being an employee to a founder, and the experience of launching his book, "Grow Up Fast: Lessons from an AI Startup." Get ready to be inspired by Zach’s journey, innovation, and invaluable lessons. Tune in to learn, be inspired, and think differently about the world of startups and AI. More about Zach here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zachrattner/ https://growupfastbook.com/ https://yembo.ai/

On this episode of the CTO Show With Mehmet, listen in as I engage in a fascinating discussion with Asha Venkataramani, the CEO founder of a behavior technology company that created a unique mobile application product called Sparkeey. A former investment banker and private equity professional, Asha shares her inspiring journey of transitioning into the world of innovation. We explore the concept behind Sparkeey, a digital calendar designed for the modern age, and discuss how it helps to alleviate some of the pain points experienced during the COVID pandemic. Asha also reveals the importance of building products that center around user behavior, highlighting how Sparkeey isn't just a functional tool but also a fun, social platform that could sit comfortably next to Instagram. In our conversation, we discuss the importance of simplicity in technology and how it can lead to personal joy and well-being. Asha opens up about her experience navigating her entrepreneurial journey, emphasizing how sometimes the world of tech can be overwhelming and complex. She shares strategies she employed to grow Sparkeey, such as dealing with intricate financial products and cross-border mergers and acquisitions. Asha also provides some valuable insights on how to avoid overcomplicating things and how a simpler approach can lead to a more efficient and enjoyable life. In the final part of our discussion, we explore the potential impact of Sparkeey on both individuals and organizations. Asha shares how the application can increase productivity, efficiency and encourage self-reflection, leading to a heightened awareness of how one's time is spent. She also discusses how their product, designed to reduce stress, contributes to positive wellness. Our guest emphasizes the importance of being responsive to user feedback and how this focus can lead to product success and prevent wastage of resources. Join us as we uncover the strategies, impacts, and the future of this innovative mobile application. Know more about Asha and her Mobile App: https://sparkeey.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/asha-venkataramani-564b176

Picture a world where blockchain technology transcends cryptocurrencies and enables a myriad of real-world applications. This is the vision of our guest, Kyle Sonlin, a forward-thinking entrepreneur with deep roots in the blockchain industry. Together, we unravel how blockchain could revolutionize traditional capital markets, create virtual economies and even mitigate fraud in the fashion industry by tracking ownership. Better yet, Kyle enlightens us on how blockchain could democratize investing by increasing access to real stocks. But the innovation doesn't end there. Ever imagined the intersection of blockchain and AI or how this convergence could solve challenges? Well, Kyle does and he takes us on a stimulating journey through this combination, explaining how blockchain can verify data for dependable AI models and ensure data integrity to combat potential bias. The complexity of adopting these technologies is not sidestepped but addressed head-on, offering listeners a realistic view of this technological frontier. Switching gears, the conversation evolves into the rollercoaster ride that is entrepreneurship. Kyle shares his unique approach to bootstrapping versus raising capital, underscoring the importance of having a clear actionable plan before funding a startup. He weighs in on the challenges and rewards of entrepreneurship, emphasizing the importance of resilience and leadership in this journey. Furthermore, he shares his perspective on unconventional advertising strategies and the potential impact of social media platforms like Twitter and LinkedIn to validate business ideas faster. A whirlwind of a discussion, this episode with Kyle is a treasure trove of insights on blockchain, AI, and entrepreneurship. Find more about Kyle: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kylesonlin/

Are you ready to challenge the status quo of education? Settle in for a riveting conversation with our remarkable guest, Manisha Snoyer, a seasoned educator and founder of Modulo. Together, we dissect the inherent flaws present in our conventional education system, most notably its steadfast homogeneity and rigidity. The ongoing global pandemic has further underscored the urgent necessity for adaptable and scalable education systems. We draw attention to a latent market of secular homeschoolers, on the hunt for the right tools and resources to tailor education to their children’s unique needs. We journey into the realm of modular learning, an exhilarating alternative to age-old education systems that characterizes itself with personalized learning plans. We ponder over its potential to orchestrate a richly social learning environment and how guardians can monitor the scholastic progress of their young learners. Manisha unveils her ambitious plans for her brainchild, Modulo, which is on a mission to recalibrate schools to adeptly harness technology, pairing traditional learning methodologies with social activities. As we peer into the future of Edtech, we delve into the significance of teaching children vital skills often overlooked in the standard school curriculum. Manisha recounts her enriching experience with the Techstars accelerator and the value of mentorship in the startup universe. We also hypothesize how platforms like LinkedIn can catalyze a global connection amongst learners, resulting in a potent, tailored learning experience. Join us on this enlightening voyage into the future of education and discover how we can reshape it for the generations to come. This episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about transforming education for a brighter, better future. Don't let this opportunity pass you by, tune in now! Find out about Manisha and Module here: https://www.modulo.app/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/manisha-snoyer-5042298/

Promised to be a captivating discussion centered around the intersection of technology and agriculture, this episode features Alexander Kravchenko , Deputy CPO at EOS Data Analytics. He’ll walk us through how satellite imagery is revolutionizing practices across 20+ verticals, particularly in the fields of agriculture and forestry. Discover the magic behind the crop monitoring platform and how it serves farmers with tailored solutions to manage multiple fields efficiently, reduce costs, and tackle other industry challenges. We'll also delve into the company's contributions towards promoting sustainable business development in the forest sector. In the second part of our conversation with Alex, we explore the vast potential of satellite data analytics and its applications. You'll learn how this technology can be harnessed to address pressing environmental challenges on a global scale. From detecting technological disasters to modeling climate change, satellite data is the secret weapon. Sentinel 2 satellite and EOS's own satellite constellation are key players in this domain, offering higher resolution data and more frequent revisits. We'll also discuss the future of the satellite market, the birth of agriculture-tailored satellites, and the space race's influence on this industry. Stay tuned to hear more about Alex's evolving mission in this rapidly advancing field. Find more about Alex and his company here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexander-k-47a809134/ https://eos.com/

Join us for a fascinating conversation with our guest Mark Graban, an engineer, industrial engineer, and MBA holder with a wealth of experience in different sectors, from manufacturing to healthcare and beyond. Listen in as Mark enlightens us on how principles, management practices, and lean approaches can be applied across various industries. We chat about the significance of transferring ideas and tools appropriately from one industry to another and how to ensure their correct application. We also explore the concept of continuous improvement and its importance in business. Mark shares his experience applying principles of continuous improvement, experimentation, customer feedback, and statistical process control to develop successful business metrics. He emphasizes the need to focus on the signals in data, taking a long-term view when examining business metrics, and the dangers of getting caught up in every up and down. Finally, don't miss out on Mark's insights into the world of blogging and podcasting. He shares his journey of writing Lean Hospitals and the various iterations it went through before becoming a final product. Mark also reveals his 17-year-long podcasting experience and the craft of interviewing people he enjoys. As we discuss his newest podcast project "My Favorite Mistake" and the book it inspired, Mark encourages entrepreneurs and startup founders to start podcasting or to be guests on podcasts as a means to learn, network, and build their brand. More about Mark and his latest book: https://www.mistakesbook.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/mgraban/

Join me as I sit down with Kasia Hein-Peters, a seasoned professional in the healthcare industry, to discuss innovation in healthcare and health tech. Our conversation centers around the hurdles corporate companies face when innovating, and how Kasia and her team created a new business model to increase vaccine access in less developed countries. Kasia also gives her insight on how technology and behavioral sciences can be utilized to improve medical adherence to physician recommendations and the significance of partnering with regulatory agencies to ensure product quality. Listen in as we move onto the future of AI in healthcare. Kasia and I explore the potential of AI to provide empathetic and comprehensive responses, supplementing doctor-patient communication and potentially overcoming cultural barriers to healthcare. We also delve into how AI could offer specialized healthcare in remote areas, which could drastically improve patient outcomes. In the final segment, we look at advancements in precision medicine and startups. We explore the potential of AI to revolutionize precision medicine through diagnostic tools that can swiftly and accurately identify rare diseases. We discuss how AI can cluster patients into subgroups based on symptoms and biomarkers for more targeted treatments. Keshav shares his experience in leaving the corporate world to work in startups and how this has influenced his approach to commercialization, market development, and enterprise strategy. We wrap up with a discussion on the importance of market discovery, developing an innovative product profile, and the crucial role of having industry knowledge in a startup team. Find more about Kasia: http://abantescientific.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/kasiaheinpeters/

Have you ever wondered why some small insurance brokers are lagging behind in technology adoption while larger firms are charging ahead? Join us on a captivating exploration with Caden Braly, co-founder and CEO of AgentsTech, as he unravels the mystery and shares how his company is bridging the technological divide. Listen in to learn about the challenges he's confronted, the rewards reaped from brokers eager to embrace technology, and how his company has increased revenues and efficiency for independent brokers. This episode is a fascinating insight into the world of tech in insurance and the journey of a startup navigating this space. Imagine increasing your revenue by 25% just by embracing new technology. That's exactly what Caden achieved for his company, AgentsTech. In the second part of our conversation, he discusses how modernizing his business led to this incredible outcome and the transformation it brought to his company. Caden also delves into the challenges of integrating AI into insurance tech and its slow but necessary adoption as we grapple with the responsibility of safeguarding people's money. If you're thinking of starting your own business, Caden's advice about the importance of progressive growth is an invaluable nugget. Tune in as we learn from his experiences of constantly researching, innovating, and growing his enterprise. More about Caden's company: http://www.agentstech.com/

Imagine a world where demand and supply are perfectly in sync, where AI and machine learning techniques help businesses to increase revenue while minimizing risks. Sounds too good to be true? Not if you ask our guest for today, Ankur Verma, the founder of TrueGradient. Having honed his skills in the trenches of Walmart Labs and Amazon India, Ankur discusses his journey and the creation of TrueGradient - a groundbreaking platform designed to assist companies in the retail, CPG, FMCG, and D2C industries. He sheds light on how his company uses interconnected models to solve complex issues such as replenishment, pricing, and promotion. Ever wondered about the role AI plays in managing a dynamic supply chain environment? Ankur draws from his rich experience to share insights into this exciting arena. Explore his views on how AI and machine learning are reshaping the way we approach demand forecasting and inventory management, making businesses more efficient and responsive to shifts in consumer behavior. Listen in as Ankur paints a compelling picture of the future, where AI is no longer a buzzword but an integral part of business operations. But it's not all about high-level concepts and futuristic visions. Ankur also shares practical advice for both data scientists and budding entrepreneurs. Delving into his transition from being a machine learning expert to an entrepreneur, he underlines the importance of deeply understanding algorithms and adopting a business-oriented approach to data science. Tune in for an enlightening conversation that promises to challenge your understanding of AI's role in business, and inspire you to think differently about the future of supply chain management. Don't miss out on this captivating conversation with Ankur Verma! Find more about Ankur and his startup here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ankur-verma-350b7844/ https://truegradient.ai/

Have you ever wondered how someone goes from running a tour operation in Bali to building a six-figure digital business within a year? We chat with Tina Dahmen, a businesswoman who accomplished just that, in a transformative first year. She shares her insightful strategies on client acquisition, funnel creation, and lead nurturing. She candidly talks about the importance of creating content that speaks to the pain points of potential clients and running live conversion events, a gold mine of valuable insights for any budding entrepreneur. We take a deep dive into goal setting, a key aspect that often gets overlooked by business owners. Together with Tina, we explore the financial and impact objectives that should be your guiding light, and discuss strategies that can lead you to your North Star. We also touch on the importance of crafting clear marketing messages that resonate with customers and the significance of understanding your customer avatar. Tina also shares some tips on staying focused and motivated even when everything seems to be going south. As we navigate through the conversation, we step into the realm of location independence, a trend that's picking up steam in the post-pandemic world. The pandemic has heralded a revolution, normalizing remote work and presenting potential cost benefits for companies. Tina sheds light on the emerging trend of solopreneurship and the rise of nomad families. She shares her observations about the business landscape in places as diverse as Bali and Dubai, catering to this nomad lifestyle. This episode is a treasure trove of insights from diverse guests as we unravel the secrets to building a successful online business. So tune in, and don't miss out on this enriching conversation. You never know, the next success story could be you! Find more about Tina here: https://tinadahmen.com/ https://www.coachmarketinghub.com/