#425 Transforming Fintech with AI: Hamel Kothari on Building Scalable, User-Centric Solutions

The CTO Show with Mehmet Gonullu

תוכן מסופק על ידי Mehmet Gonullu. כל תוכן הפודקאסטים כולל פרקים, גרפיקה ותיאורי פודקאסטים מועלים ומסופקים ישירות על ידי Mehmet Gonullu או שותף פלטפורמת הפודקאסט שלהם. אם אתה מאמין שמישהו משתמש ביצירה שלך המוגנת בזכויות יוצרים ללא רשותך, אתה יכול לעקוב אחר התהליך המתואר כאן https://he.player.fm/legal.

לפני 23 weeks 42:39

MP3•בית הפרקים

In this insightful episode of The CTO Show with Mehmet, we sit down with Hamel Kothari, the Co-Founder and CTO of Brigit, a financial wellness app empowering millions of Americans to manage cash flow and avoid overdraft fees. Hamel shares his journey, the technology behind Brigit, and how the company leverages AI to create scalable, user-centric financial solutions.

From the challenges of entering the highly regulated fintech space to the innovative use of cash flow analytics, Hamel provides a masterclass on building impactful products that truly make a difference.

What You’ll Learn

• How Brigit uses cash flow data and AI to empower its users.

• Insights into building scalable financial products in a highly regulated industry.

• The role of innovation and adaptability in navigating economic crises like COVID-19.

• Strategies for creating redundancy in technology stacks to ensure seamless user experiences.

• Why understanding regulations is critical for fintech entrepreneurs.

Key Takeaways

• The genesis of Brigit and the problem it solves for Americans living paycheck to paycheck.

• How AI and machine learning enable Brigit to assess risk and approve more customers with high accuracy.

• The importance of redundancy in fintech to ensure reliability for users.

• Navigating regulatory complexities in the financial services sector.

• Advice for tech entrepreneurs entering the fintech space.

About the Guest

Hamel Kothari is the Co-Founder and CTO of Brigit, a platform helping millions of Americans achieve financial stability. With a background in technology, Hamel has over a decade of experience, including roles at Palantir and various financial services companies. At Brigit, Hamel is on a mission to create AI-driven tools that solve short-term financial stress and build long-term financial health.

Brigit Website: Brigit.com

Connect with Hamel on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hamelkothari/

Episode Highlights

1. [00:01:00] – Hamel introduces his journey, starting from Palantir to co-founding Brigit.

2. [00:03:30] – The inspiration behind Brigit and addressing financial stress with technology.

3. [00:10:00] – How AI and machine learning drive Brigit’s predictive analytics.

4. [00:16:00] – The evolution of Brigit’s product suite, including instant cash, budgeting tools, and credit-building features.

5. [00:26:00] – Hamel’s leadership strategies for maintaining resilience during volatile economic times.

6. [00:37:00] – Hamel’s advice for aspiring fintech entrepreneurs and CTOs.

478 פרקים

#Entrepreneur #Business #Mehmet Gonullu

#425 Transforming Fintech with AI: Hamel Kothari on Building Scalable, User-Centric Solutions

The CTO Show with Mehmet Gonullu

published לפני 23 weeks

שתפו

MP3•בית הפרקים

What You’ll Learn

• How Brigit uses cash flow data and AI to empower its users.

• Insights into building scalable financial products in a highly regulated industry.

• The role of innovation and adaptability in navigating economic crises like COVID-19.

• Strategies for creating redundancy in technology stacks to ensure seamless user experiences.

• Why understanding regulations is critical for fintech entrepreneurs.

Key Takeaways

• The genesis of Brigit and the problem it solves for Americans living paycheck to paycheck.

• How AI and machine learning enable Brigit to assess risk and approve more customers with high accuracy.

• The importance of redundancy in fintech to ensure reliability for users.

• Navigating regulatory complexities in the financial services sector.

• Advice for tech entrepreneurs entering the fintech space.

About the Guest

Brigit Website: Brigit.com

Connect with Hamel on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hamelkothari/

Episode Highlights

1. [00:01:00] – Hamel introduces his journey, starting from Palantir to co-founding Brigit.

2. [00:03:30] – The inspiration behind Brigit and addressing financial stress with technology.

3. [00:10:00] – How AI and machine learning drive Brigit’s predictive analytics.

4. [00:16:00] – The evolution of Brigit’s product suite, including instant cash, budgeting tools, and credit-building features.

5. [00:26:00] – Hamel’s leadership strategies for maintaining resilience during volatile economic times.

6. [00:37:00] – Hamel’s advice for aspiring fintech entrepreneurs and CTOs.

478 פרקים

#Entrepreneur #Business #Mehmet Gonullu

All episodes

1
#479 Rewriting the Music Playbook: Jeremy Sirota on Innovation, AI, and Artist Empowerment 44:54

לפני יומיים44:54

44:54

In this episode of The CTO Show with Mehmet , we dive into the transformation of the global music industry with Jeremy Sirota , CEO of Merlin , the world’s leading digital licensing partner for independent music labels. Jeremy unpacks how Merlin is leveling the playing field for indie artists, leveraging tech and AI to streamline music licensing, and helping startups access curated music legally and efficiently. Whether you’re a tech founder, investor, or platform builder, this conversation offers a rare lens into licensing, innovation in legacy industries, and the cultural implications of AI in creative ecosystems. 🧠 What You’ll Learn • How Merlin is redefining music licensing through in-house platforms and normalized APIs • Why independent music matters in an AI-driven world • How Merlin’s “Connect” initiative bridges startups and music licensing • What founders should know when building tech for creators • AI in music: risk, regulation, and opportunity • Pattern recognition and leadership lessons for startup operators ⸻ ✨ Key Takeaways • Intentional serendipity : Jeremy’s nonlinear career from law to tech to music • “The fourth major” : Merlin’s global reach empowering indie labels • Music licensing gap : Why startups don’t know who to talk to—and how Merlin solves it • AI & copyright : The global debate on generative music models • Culture meets tech : Pattern recognition > prediction in fast-moving industries • Innovation from constraints : Bad idea sessions and reverse engineering success 👤 About the Guest Jeremy Sirota is CEO of Merlin, the independent’s digital music licensing partner. Merlin is a global leader for independent labels and distributors around the world, representing 15% of the global market share. Merlin helps its members to own their independence by striking premium music deals with services like Apple, Canva, Snap, Spotify, Twitch, and YouTube. Sirota’s role at Merlin weaves together his lifelong passions for music and technology. He started his career as a technology lawyer at Morrison & Forster, with a focus on copyright law. He went on to hold senior positions at Warner Music Group, culminating as Head of Business & Legal Affairs for WEA and ADA. Prior to Merlin, he was an early hire on the Facebook music team to launch music experiences across Facebook and Instagram. https://merlinnetwork.org/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremysirota/ Episode Highlights & Timestamps 00:00 – Introduction and Jeremy’s unique background 03:30 – What Merlin is and why it matters for independent artists 08:15 – The startup licensing problem: why Connect was created 13:00 – Building innovation inside a legacy industry 18:20 – API pull vs. push: simplifying music access for developers 21:00 – Music in Reels, TikToks, and social platforms: legal challenges 25:00 – Can AI-generated music be copyrighted? 30:00 – Artist anxiety vs. excitement about AI 36:00 – Startup advice: intuition, testing, and leadership culture…

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#478 100x Outcomes, Not 10x Hype: AI Execution Strategies with Matt Leta 55:03

לפני 4 ימים55:03

55:03

In this episode of The CTO Show with Mehmet , we dive deep into what it really takes to implement AI that works —not just experiments, but systems that scale. Joining us is Matt Leta , founder & CEO of Future Works, an AI-native company built alongside generative AI as his co-founder. 🔑 Key Takeaways • AI alone isn’t enough —without workflow integration and people buy-in, the tech fails. • 20% of teams may never adapt to AI , and that has structural consequences. • Digital transformation 3.0 is here: from networks to intelligence. • Executive blind spots often derail AI success more than tech limitations. • Vibe coding is real —and it’s reshaping how products get built. ⸻ 📚 What You’ll Learn • How to go beyond tools like ChatGPT and achieve organization-wide ROI • Why “AI-first” is a mindset, not a label • The future of billion-dollar companies with minimal teams • Lessons from Matt’s journey—from artist to startup exit to AI-native builder 👤 About the Guest Matt Leta is a serial entrepreneur, technologist, and the founder of Future Works , a company born from an experiment: what if AI could co-create a business from scratch? Formerly a digital product studio founder, Matt has worked with top-tier Silicon Valley companies including Apple, Google, and JLL among 150+ organizations, built multiple ventures, and authored the book “100x: An Executive Brief for AI-Driven Business Results.” He’s also the creator of the viral HustleGPT experiment and a vocal advocate for building truly AI-first organizations. https://www.linkedin.com/in/matleta/ https://future.works/ https://www.amazon.com/100x-Executive-AI-Driven-Business-Results-ebook/dp/B0DZHQFCV4/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1447UD5KAL1RZ&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.oYi5C4pp0ELD6xmW0R8QjWICgAlDBWJOKH6JsbGSj6mdDn_yFdDr7SOGNkVLJRcxV-_dpJxGb2ya8bUCZP9J_whgn7AUhYm_Vfzr_3NhbTs.gzpYqf3AVAAFG1fqdK9zHLhfWkn9A7U8zMrPDHo1Ra0&dib_tag=se&keywords=matt+leta&qid=1743434813&sprefix=matt+%2Caps%2C1036&sr=8-1 Episode Highlights & Timestamps • [00:01:00] Matt Leta’s journey from artist to AI-native entrepreneur • [00:05:30] Can AI really co-found a company? Lessons from HustleGPT • [00:08:00] Why most companies fail at AI implementation • [00:13:45] Automation vs. Intelligence: what leaders often confuse • [00:17:00] Internal resistance: why some teams never adopt AI • [00:21:00] Digital transformation isn’t new—this is just the next wave • [00:27:00] “100x” thinking and the rise of the augmented team • [00:34:00] Vibe coding, solo founders, and the $1B company of one • [00:43:00] Are today’s AI models smarter—or just shinier? • [00:50:00] Why adaptability beats prediction when building with AI…

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#477 The Singularity of Hope: Sam Sammane on Amplifying Humanity with AI 54:33

לפני 7 ימים54:33

54:33

In this thought-provoking episode of The CTO Show with Mehmet , we welcome Sam Sammane , physicist, serial entrepreneur, and author of The Singularity of Hope . With a background in nanotechnology, life sciences, and AI, Sam offers a rare mix of technical depth and philosophical insight. Together, we explore how AI is reshaping business, creativity, and even our understanding of intelligence—and why the future belongs to those who amplify human potential , not replace it. 🧠 What You’ll Learn • Why most people misunderstand AI (and how to explain it better) • What makes real intelligence—including love, intuition, and soul—impossible to replicate • How startups can build defensible models in a world of fast replication • When AI amplifies human creativity vs. when it distracts from it • Why specialization (not general AI) is where business value lives ⸻ 🔑 Key Takeaways • Generative AI is powerful but not conscious —it’s automation on steroids, not artificial general intelligence. • Startups need a human or physical component to stay defensible in the AI era. • Human augmentation is the next frontier: using AI to elevate—not replace—intuition, judgment, and wisdom. • Be cautious with AI hallucinations and over-automation without human-in-the-loop control. 👤 About the Guest Sam Sammane is a bestselling author, PhD in nanotechnology, and founder of multiple ventures across life sciences, AI, and public relations. His book The Singularity of Hope explores humanity’s path through the age of AI. He is also the author of the novel The Republic of Mars . Sam brings a deeply humanistic lens to emerging technologies, blending scientific rigor with bold visions of the future. https://www.sammane.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/sam-sammane-ba192720/ Episode Highlights & Timestamps 00:00 – Intro & Sam’s multidisciplinary background 02:45 – From nanotech and life science to AI startups 06:10 – What people get wrong about AI and intelligence 12:30 – The emotional layer: love, empathy, and human learning 16:40 – The myth of AGI and why it’s still far away 22:00 – AI vs. quantum intelligence: where we are and aren’t 25:45 – Real-world use cases that excite Sam today 29:50 – AI as a “super assistant,” not a cofounder 32:10 – Why intuition still beats perfect data 36:30 – Hallucinations, shortcuts, and human laziness 42:10 – Big tech manipulation and algorithmic ethics 45:00 – Advice for founders in the age of commoditized tech 50:00 – Why physical innovation is your startup moat 52:00 – Where to find Sam + upcoming speaking in Dubai 53:00 – Closing thoughts & tease for Part 2 on The Republic of Mars…

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#476 Stop Pitching Tech, Start Selling Outcomes: Josh Dorfman’s Advice for Climate Founders 57:15

לפני 9 ימים57:15

57:15

In this episode, Mehmet is joined by Josh Dorfman , CEO of Supercool and host of the Supercool podcast. Josh is a serial sustainability entrepreneur, former investor, and media trailblazer with two decades of experience scaling climate-focused ventures. From founding The Lazy Environmentalist to helping build a company that landed a 10M panel deal with D.R. Horton, Josh shares why storytelling—not tech specs—is what drives results in climate tech today. 📌 Key Takeaways: • Why outcomes matter more than tech or climate talk when selling to real-world customers. • The single biggest communication mistake climate founders make—and how to fix it. • Why corporate partnerships (like D.R. Horton or Amazon) are crucial for GTM in climate tech. • The role of personal branding in breaking through a crowded tech market. • Why investors are leaning into climate tech for business reasons , not just impact. ⸻ 🎓 What You’ll Learn: • How to pitch climate solutions to skeptics using outcomes, not moral appeals. • Strategic GTM lessons from real deals in building materials, mobility, and AI-powered HVAC. • How Josh used media to amplify early-stage ventures (and how founders can do the same). • What LPs are really looking for in the climate investment space. About Josh Dorfman: Josh Dorfman is the founder of Supercool , a media company focused on real-world, proven climate solutions. With previous roles as a VC, tech startup founder, and national radio host, Josh blends operational insight with a media-savvy approach to helping climate founders scale. He is best known for his earlier work as The Lazy Environmentalist on Sirius Radio and Sundance Channel. Josh is a driving force in sustainable innovation, creating companies that blend cutting-edge technology with a positive environmental impact. As co-founder and CEO of Plantd, Josh spearheaded efforts to produce carbon-negative building materials, earning accolades such as Fast Company's World's Most Innovative Companies. Much like your guest, John, Josh has a way of intertwining sustainability with savvy business practices. https://www.linkedin.com/in/dorfmanjosh/ https://getsuper.cool/ https://www.plantdmaterials.com/ Episode Highlights: [00:03:00] Josh’s China moment that triggered a climate awakening [00:08:00] Why talking about AI or climate turns off most customers [00:16:00] What drag racers taught Josh about emotional storytelling [00:24:00] From prototype to 10M panel order: Scaling a new material with D.R. Horton [00:31:00] The myth that only young people will solve climate change [00:43:00] GTM tactics: Changing the RFP instead of chasing it [00:47:00] Why founders must invest in their personal brand [00:51:00] Josh’s ideal investment: turning carbon removal into durable products…

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#475 Focus, Grit, and Product-Market Fit: Lessons from Anya Cheng’s Startup Journey 50:43

לפני 11 ימים50:43

50:43

In this episode, Mehmet sits down with Anya Cheng , the founder and CEO of Taelor , a fashion-tech startup revolutionizing how busy men dress—without shopping or doing laundry. With past leadership roles at Meta, eBay, and McDonald’s, Anya brings a unique product mindset and startup resilience that shines through her journey from MVP to raising millions. This is a masterclass in product thinking, perseverance, and staying focused—even when things get scrappy. 🔑 Key Takeaways • Start with real customer pain , not tech buzzwords • Use product intuition and lean MVPs to validate ideas • Why storytelling and empathy beat sales tactics in fundraising • Fundraising is less about pitching, more about training champions • Deep customer insight is your competitive moat 🎧 What You’ll Learn • How Anya applied agile principles to build Taelor from a landing page • The truth about launching AI products in fashion • Lessons from her time at Meta, eBay, and Target • How to approach investors with authenticity and relevance • Why female founders and minority-led teams should lean into their strengths 👤 About the Guest Anya Cheng is a serial builder and product leader turned founder. As a Mentor at '500 Startups' and ex-product leader at McDonald, eBay and Facebook, she has been listed in 'Girls Tech 40 Under 40' and founded a sustainable men clothing rental platform- Taelor (currently doing $1.5m in revenue). She’s also a TEDx speaker and a mentor at 500 Startups. At Taelor , she’s building “Netflix for menswear,” using AI to deliver rental clothing for men who want to look great without effort. Use code PODCAST25 for 25% off your first month! https://www.linkedin.com/in/anyacheng/ https://taelor.style/ 🧭 Episode Highlights 00:02 – Anya’s background and the aha moment behind Taelor 00:07 – Early MVP experiments and Taelor’s first 100 customers 00:12 – GTM lessons from Meta, eBay, and Target 00:15 – Knowing when to follow data—and when not to 00:18 – Building a product team with complementary pieces 00:22 – What Anya looks for in startup founders as a 500 Startups mentor 00:26 – Fundraising stories and mindset reframes 00:34 – Solving for a focused use case instead of chasing features 00:39 – Her perspective on being a female founder in tech 00:42 – TEDx behind the scenes and tips for pushing through hardship 00:47 – Mehmet’s reflections on podcasting, persistence, and building in public…

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#474 Execution Over Ideas: Andy Cwik on Building and Scaling 58:52

לפני 14 ימים58:52

58:52

Episode Overview In this episode of The CTO Show with Mehmet , Andy Cwik—co-founder and CEO of Hubub—shares his lessons from three startups, including the painful failures and meaningful wins. From crashing his first startup to exiting a telehealth company, Andy now leads Hubub, a SaaS platform that automates client entertainment for B2B teams. He opens up about what truly makes a startup successful (hint: it’s not the idea), how AI fits into real business workflows, why network effects matter more than ever, and how he’s using his time to mentor founders and advocate for mental health reform through a personal documentary project. 💡 Key Takeaways • Execution outweighs the idea: Why founders often get stuck at ideation. • Building defensibility through network effects and switching costs. • How to pitch enterprise tools to decision-makers, not just users. • Why most AI startups are chasing buzzwords—and what actually works. • The evolution of startup ecosystems beyond Silicon Valley. • A rare look into Andy’s advocacy for mental health reform in the justice system. 🎧 What You’ll Learn • The origin story behind Hubub and its 13-year evolution • How to move from “paper napkin” idea to product with traction • Strategic use cases of AI in early-stage SaaS • How to validate pain points and avoid marketplace traps • Navigating risk aversion in startup hubs like Chicago • Why some founders should take the exit—and why others shouldn’t 👤 About the Guest Andy Cwik is a seasoned entrepreneur and AI thought leader with a track record of building innovative businesses. As the Co-Founder and CEO of hubub, he is redefining business client entertainment through AI-driven digital concierge services, automating logistics from reservations to expense reporting. With over a decade of experience in tech-driven ventures, Andy has successfully founded and exited multiple companies, including a telehealth startup with peak annual revenues of $25 million and a data encryption firm. Beyond hubub, Andy is a key figure in Chicago’s startup ecosystem, serving in leadership roles for the Founders Institute and Founders Network, where he mentors emerging entrepreneurs. He has raised over $5 million across his ventures and has spoken at leading AI and business events, including GenAI Collective and the Union League of Chicago Business Leaders Group. Passionate about AI’s capabilities and limitations, Andy brings unique insights into the evolving landscape of technology, work, and automation. His thought leadership challenges mainstream AI narratives, advocating for a balanced perspective on its future impact. https://www.linkedin.com/in/andy-cwik https://hubub.me/ Episode Highlights & Timestamps 00:01 – Andy’s startup journey: 3 ventures and one painful failure 04:00 – The aha moment that led to Hubub 08:00 – Why expense reporting is the hidden pain point no one talks about 10:30 – Building a two-sided marketplace with smart API integrations 13:00 – What startup founders get wrong about AI 17:30 – Network effects and why Groupon failed 23:00 – Defensibility: Your real moat in a world of clones 28:00 – How AI is reshaping VC workflows (and deal sourcing) 32:00 – Chicago vs. Silicon Valley: What founders should know 40:00 – When to exit and when to stay the course 47:00 – Andy’s work on a documentary about mental health and the justice system…

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#473 AI Won’t Replace Jobs, It Will Replace Companies — Anthony Franco Breaks It Down 55:47

לפני 16 ימים55:47

55:47

In this episode of The CTO Show , serial entrepreneur and podcast host Anthony Franco joins Mehmet to unpack how AI is fundamentally reshaping how businesses operate—beyond the hype. With six exits under his belt and decades of experience launching and scaling ventures, Anthony shares what it really takes to operationalize AI in today’s organizations and why the real disruption isn’t about job loss—it’s about organizational survival. 💡 What You’ll Learn • Why most leaders still misunderstand what “AI transformation” really means • The biggest mistake companies make when automating workflows • How to rethink outdated systems like Agile and Six Sigma in the AI age • Why agentic AI is less about replacing roles and more about rebuilding how work is done • How founders can leverage AI for early-stage growth, product-market fit, and GTM ⸻ 🧠 Key Takeaways • Don’t automate bad processes—simplify first, then apply AI • Think like a gardener, not a factory manager: AI requires adaptability • Founders need to master human-to-human connection more than ever • Smaller teams will win, but collaboration still beats solo work • The best time to exit is two years before you burn out 👤 About the Guest Anthony Franco is a serial entrepreneur, founder of six companies, and host of the How to Founder podcast. He’s currently helping companies apply AI-first thinking to real-world operations through his work with OneReach and initiatives like AI First Principles and the WISER Methodology . http://www.howtofounder.com/ https://linkedin.com/in/anthonyfranco/ ⏱️ Episode Highlights 00:02 – Anthony’s journey and current projects 04:00 – What it means to “operationalize” AI 06:30 – AI First Principles and the WISER Methodology 11:00 – Why old frameworks like Agile are becoming obsolete 17:00 – Can this work for large enterprises? 20:00 – Is AI a threat to jobs or to companies? 25:00 – How founders should approach AI-powered ventures 30:00 – Building vs. selling: What founders forget 34:00 – Why a great product isn’t enough without distribution 39:00 – The story behind How to Founder 43:00 – Smaller teams, bigger outcomes 47:00 – Signs it’s time to exit 51:00 – Final thoughts on the startup mindset…

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#472 Reinventing Cooling: Faizan Ahmed’s Solid-State Revolution 51:11

לפני 18 ימים51:11

51:11

In this episode of The CTO Show with Mehmet , we dive into the world of deep tech and hardware innovation with Faizan Ahmed , founder and CEO of Invensify . From solving his father’s insulin storage problem to building a patented solid-state cooling module, Faizan walks us through the journey of reinventing refrigeration and building a product-as-a-service business in a legacy-driven industry. 🎯 Key Takeaways • What solid-state cooling really is—and why it matters • The surprising size of the pharma cold chain logistics market • Why hardware innovation must be 10x better to be taken seriously • How a Product-as-a-Service model creates defensibility • Fundraising for deep tech: what works and what doesn’t • Real-world sustainability beats greenwashing ⸻ 📚 What You’ll Learn • How to identify deep tech opportunities from personal problems • The trade-offs of designing hardware with no moving parts • Why solid-state cooling is more sustainable and scalable than compressors • What it takes to commercialize deep tech in a SaaS-obsessed world • How to overcome industry resistance to innovation 👤 About the Guest Faizan Ahmed is a second-time hardware founder with a background in electrical engineering and solid-state physics. Before Invensify, he exited a startup that built camera lens rain deflectors, and earlier contributed to a defense tech company acquired by the U.S. Air Force. Today, he leads Invensify in building energy-efficient, compressor-free cooling systems for healthcare and beyond. https://www.invensify.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/faizan-ahmed-a720b411/ 🕒 Episode Highlights & Timestamps 00:00 – Intro and guest welcome 01:30 – Faizan’s engineering background and past exits 03:55 – The insulin travel problem that sparked Invensify 05:30 – Cold chain logistics is a $6.2B market still using ice packs 06:45 – What is solid-state cooling? Tech foundations explained 10:00 – Efficiency, battery weight, and key trade-offs 12:30 – Designing lightweight, plug-and-play cooling systems 14:00 – Zero moving parts = low maintenance + high reliability 15:00 – Accidental sustainability: how climate impact became a bonus 17:00 – Key verticals: pharma, EV batteries, AI chips, data centers 21:00 – Product-as-a-Service: Why Faizan avoided hardware sales 24:30 – ESG regulations and sustainability tailwinds 28:00 – Manufacturing in Malaysia and global expansion plans 29:00 – Fundraising lessons from deep tech 31:00 – The importance of 10x differentiation in hardware 34:00 – Transferable skills from previous startups 36:00 – Will solid-state cooling replace traditional refrigeration? 39:00 – Faizan’s vision: Cooling fridges in off-grid areas 42:00 – Which is harder—tech innovation or mindset shift? 47:00 – Final advice to founders…

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#471 The Future Needs Soul: Mona Bavar on Human-Centered AI and Branding 44:52

לפני 21 ימים44:52

44:52

In this episode of The CTO Show with Mehmet , we dive into the intersection of technology, creativity, and brand authenticity with Mona Bavar — founder of DLISH and BlueApples.ai . From a childhood shaped by cultural resilience to building borderless brands rooted in storytelling, Mona shares why the future of innovation needs more than algorithms — it needs soul. 📌 Key Takeaways • Why your brand story matters more than ever in the AI age • The difference between scaling fast and building with soul • How Mona went from gifting to launching an AI agency rooted in authenticity • Real-life case studies of AI in brand strategy, market research, and storytelling • The role of vulnerability and purpose in leadership and entrepreneurship • Why asking the right questions is the most creative act in AI-driven work ⸻ 💡 What You’ll Learn • How to use AI tools like ChatGPT and Gemini for creative ideation without losing your voice • Why understanding your “why” is non-negotiable for sustainable brand building • Tactics for blending human emotion with automation in a noisy digital world • How Mona helps clients transform brand identity into impactful narratives using AI 👤 About the Guest Mona Bavar is a creative entrepreneur and founder of DLISH , a Europe-based gifting company that curates meaningful experiences through food and design, and BlueApples.ai , an AI consulting agency helping businesses implement AI while preserving their unique brand voice. Her work bridges design, purpose, and emerging technology. https://www.linkedin.com/in/bavar/ https://dlish.us/ https://www.blueapples.ai/ ⏱️ Episode Highlights & Timestamps 00:00 – Intro & Mona’s background 03:00 – Story behind DLISH & cultural roots of the brand 07:00 – Is AI killing creativity or enhancing it? 10:30 – Avoiding generic content with AI 15:00 – Shortcuts vs. long-term brand building 18:00 – Examples of AI-powered storytelling & product positioning 25:00 – Asking better questions: the key to powerful outputs 27:30 – Personal branding and building trust through vulnerability 32:00 – Customer-centricity, inspiration, and Steve Jobs 36:00 – What Mona means by “the future needs soul” 40:00 – Advice for entrepreneurs on staying grounded in their why 42:00 – Where to connect with Mona…

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#470 Solving Your Own Problem at Scale: Rahul Swaminathan’s Journey with Desertcart 44:30

לפני 23 ימים44:30

44:30

What happens when a developer in Dubai decides to solve his own problem—and ends up building a 300M SKU e-commerce engine? In this episode, I speak with Rahul Swaminathan , the founder of Desertcart , one of the region’s most iconic tech-native e-commerce platforms. We dive deep into Rahul’s 11-year journey: from building Desertcart with Ruby on Rails and web crawlers to navigating logistics, AI, and expansion into new markets like India, Saudi, and Australia. He also shares why he resisted becoming a marketplace, how GenAI is reshaping logistics, and why curiosity might be the best startup fuel. 💡 Key Takeaways • Build for yourself first — Rahul’s journey started with a personal frustration around product availability. • Scale follows pain — His obsession with solving delivery, logistics, and data issues led to organic growth. • Tech as a differentiator — From using Ruby on Rails to building proprietary warehouse systems, custom code was a moat. • E-commerce evolution — He breaks down how MENA has shifted from 10,000 SKUs online to a fully mature retail market. • AI is not just hype — Desertcart is already leveraging GenAI in supply chain and engineering. ⸻ 📚 What You’ll Learn • How to identify scalable startup ideas from personal problems • The importance of founder-led engineering in early-stage ventures • Why building custom infrastructure (vs. off-the-shelf tools) gave Desertcart an edge • The layered evolution of e-commerce in MENA and why logistics still matters • The future of AI in e-commerce, from customer experience to supply chain 👤 About the Guest Rahul Swaminathan is the founder and CEO of Desertcart , a Dubai-based global e-commerce platform serving millions of users in the Middle East and beyond. With a background in computer science and a passion for solving real-world problems with code, Rahul bootstrapped the company from a personal pain point—lack of access to niche global products—to a tech-driven operation offering 300M+ products and operating across MENA, Asia, and parts of Europe and Oceania. https://www.desertcart.ae/ 🔍 Episode Highlights [00:02:00] – Why Desertcart started with magic tricks and niche hobbies [00:07:00] – Choosing Ruby on Rails and building the system solo [00:10:00] – Why Rahul avoided the marketplace model [00:14:00] – The 3 layers of modern e-commerce: instant, regional, and global [00:22:00] – How AI is already helping logistics and engineering at Desertcart [00:29:00] – Will AI replace coders? A nuanced view from a founder-engineer [00:35:00] – A philosophical look at how society may adapt to AI [00:38:00] – Rahul’s advice: follow your curiosity and start early…

1
#469 From SDRs to AI Agents: Frank Sondors on Redefining Outbound Sales 48:29

לפני 25 ימים48:29

48:29

In this episode, I sit down with Frank Sondors , founder of Salesforge , to explore how AI is reshaping outbound sales, why traditional sales hiring models are broken, and how modular tools are empowering leaner, more efficient GTM motions. Frank shares his journey from Google to launching a multi-product startup that hit $3M ARR in just 12 months—without burning VC cash. Whether you’re a founder, sales leader, or tech operator, this episode breaks down the future of B2B sales and why AI agents like Agent Frank may be your next SDR hire. 🎯 Key Takeaways • The myth of “more heads = more sales” — and what works instead • The rise of AI-powered SDRs and how Agent Frank works • Why modular systems beat super-apps for sales teams • The shift from labor-intensive CAC to automation-led CAC • How Salesforge built 6 products in 22 months with a lean team • The real future of sales: human + AI collaboration • Launching into underserved markets like Japan to outmaneuver competition ⸻ 📚 What You’ll Learn • How to think about GTM efficiency in the AI era • What it takes to scale to $3M ARR profitably • Frameworks for building sales tools in red ocean markets • How “Sales Development Engineers” are reshaping pipeline generation • Why outbound is getting harder—and how to make it work again 👤 About the Guest Frank Sondors is the founder and CEO of Salesforge , a platform revolutionizing outbound sales through automation, modular tools, and AI agents. With a background spanning Google, SimilarWeb, and machine learning companies, Frank brings deep insight into what it takes to scale sales in today’s hyper-competitive SaaS market. https://www.salesforge.ai/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/franksondors/ https://lunchclub.com/ https://www.saleshookup.com/ ⏱️ Episode Highlights (Timestamps) • [00:03:00] Frank’s background: From Google to founding Salesforge • [00:07:00] The broken math of hiring more reps • [00:11:00] The real problem in outbound: Not leads, but relevance • [00:14:30] The modular vs. super-app approach to sales tools • [00:18:00] Salesforce stack vs. the Forge ecosystem • [00:21:00] Inside “Agent Frank”: An AI SDR in action • [00:28:00] Can AI replace SDRs entirely? • [00:33:00] CRM integration and how teams actually use Salesforge • [00:36:00] Entering the Japanese market: Why and how • [00:40:00] Advice to early-stage founders: Talk to 10 users a day • [00:44:00] Frank’s personal growth habits and founder mindset…

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#468 Scaling Smarter: Tyler Dunagin on Building 7-Figure Service Businesses with Purpose 54:28

לפני 28 ימים54:28

54:28

In this episode, Mehmet is joined by Tyler Dunagin, Founder & CEO of Turnserv, a platform powering multiple tech-enabled service brands in the multifamily housing sector. Tyler has scaled five brands to 7-figure revenue, secured private equity backing, and earned a spot on the Inc. 500 list of fastest-growing U.S. companies. From building within arm’s reach to leading with culture and equity, Tyler shares hard-won insights into scaling non-obvious businesses with discipline and purpose. ✅ Key Takeaways • Why tech isn’t the only path—service businesses can scale fast if built smart • The “within arm’s reach” framework for discovering untapped opportunities • Why specialization beats generalization in early-stage business models • Scaling operations through playbooks, KPIs, and culture codes • Fundraising lessons: services vs. software, and earning trust before capital • The underestimated power of personal branding for founders ⸻ 🎧 What You’ll Learn • How Tyler built multiple 7-figure businesses with low ego and high focus • The hidden challenges of growing service companies (and how to solve them) • When founders must delegate—and how to do it without losing control • A real founder’s mindset on burnout, motivation, and purpose • How to align your team with equity, not just expectations 👤 About the Guest Tyler Dunagin is a serial entrepreneur and founder of Turnserv, a tech-enabled service platform for property management. He has directed $250M+ in asset management, developed patented products, and been nominated for the EY Entrepreneur of the Year award. Tyler is also a strong advocate for founder mental health, team equity, and personal branding done right. https://www.linkedin.com/in/tylerdunagin/ https://dunagincollective.com/ https://www.turnserv.com/ Episode Highlights (Chapters) 00:00 – Introduction & Tyler’s journey 03:00 – Building within arm’s reach 06:00 – Frameworks for fast, focused scaling 10:00 – Bottlenecks and solving for scale in service businesses 15:00 – Scaling company culture with speed 21:00 – Delegation, burnout, and breaking founder bottlenecks 27:00 – Managing $250M in assets and applying it to entrepreneurship 30:00 – Fundraising for service businesses vs. tech 35:00 – Personal branding and its impact on recruiting, sales, and trust 44:00 – The founder mindset: staying grounded through uncertainty 49:00 – Final reflections and how to connect with Tyler…

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#467 From Engineer to Entrepreneur: Tom Basey on Reinventing Career Paths Through Insurance & Impact 45:52

לפני 4 weeks45:52

45:52

In this episode of The CTO Show with Mehmet , we sit down with Tom Basey , a former engineer and project manager turned entrepreneur, to unpack what it really takes to pivot from corporate life to a lean, scalable business in an unexpected space—insurance. Tom shares lessons from 30+ years in tech and telecom, why he believes insurance is a smart entry point for aspiring entrepreneurs, and how he’s leveraging digital tools and AI to scale impact without the traditional overhead. 🔑 Key Takeaways • Why simplicity and execution often outperform innovation • How to build a scalable business with no payroll or supply chain • The overlooked power of insurance as a lean startup model • What Web3 and blockchain can teach us about ownership and decentralization • Why lifelong learning and digital mentorship are the future of education ⸻ 📚 What You’ll Learn • How corporate experience can prepare you for entrepreneurship • The pros and cons of entering a crowded market • What “doing the work once and getting paid repeatedly” looks like • Real-life use cases for blockchain in fraud prevention, insurance, and creator economy • How to rethink traditional education in an AI-first world 👤 About the Guest Tom Basey is a self-described “recovering engineer” who spent decades in corporate America before launching a successful entrepreneurial career in the insurance industry. Drawing from his background in engineering, telecom, and medical devices, Tom now helps people secure their futures through insurance, while mentoring others on digital learning and distributed ownership. https://www.basey-insurance.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/tombasey/ ⏱️ Episode Highlights 00:00 – Tom’s journey: from engineering to entrepreneurship 03:00 – Why he chose insurance and how it scales lean 07:00 – Competing in a crowded market through consultative selling 09:00 – Incentives, recurring revenue, and trust in sales 11:00 – How AI is transforming underwriting in insurance 14:00 – Leaving corporate: mindset shifts and myths to break 18:00 – Digital learning, mentorship, and monetizing expertise 27:00 – Web3, blockchain, and decentralizing ownership 36:00 – Use cases for blockchain in insurance, identity, and tickets 41:00 – Staying human in a digital world 43:00 – Final advice: Own your future, stay curious, and keep learning We’re proud to share that The CTO Show was recently featured by Million Podcasts as a top show across several categories: 100 Best Business Technology Podcasts 100 Best Digital Business Podcasts 100 Best Digital Transformation Podcasts 100 Best Future of Work Podcasts 100 Best Future Tech Podcasts 100 Best Startup Podcasts Check it out here: Million Podcasts Feature…

1
#466 What Founders Miss Most: Moataz Mukhaimer on Strategy, Pricing, and Funding Readiness 1:04:24

לפני 5 weeks1:04:24

1:04:24

In this episode, Mehmet sits down with strategy and finance advisor Moataz Mukhaimer , joining from Jordan, to unpack the most overlooked blind spots in early-stage startups. From pricing pitfalls to financial illiteracy, Moataz reveals the top three areas founders consistently ignore—and why getting these right can be the difference between scaling and stalling. A must-listen for any entrepreneur serious about building fundable, resilient companies. Key Takeaways • Why external research is the #1 blind spot for most founders. • The critical link between pricing strategy and sustainable profitability. • How to simplify financial modeling—even if you’re not a numbers person. • The psychology of founders: knowing when to say no . • The anatomy of investor due diligence and how to prepare. • Why culture and failure acceptance matter in MENA’s startup ecosystem. ⸻ What You’ll Learn • How to avoid “build, build, build” syndrome without losing focus • The real reason investors care more about cash flow than your pitch • How to use value-based pricing to strengthen your margins • What it means to be funding-ready —from story to spreadsheets About the Guest Moataz Mukhaimer is a seasoned strategic and financial advisor with 20+ years of experience supporting SMEs across the MENA region. Based in Jordan, he has worked with a wide range of clients—from family businesses to international brands—across sectors like retail, medtech, edtech, e-commerce, manufacturing, and software. Moataz specializes in strategy, pricing, financial modeling, and business valuation, helping founders make smarter decisions and build fundable companies. https://www.linkedin.com/in/moataz-mukhaimer/ https://moatazmukhaimeradvisory.com Episode Highlights ⏱️ 03:00 – The top 3 blind spots Moataz sees in startups ⏱️ 08:30 – Why founders avoid financial modeling (and how to simplify it) ⏱️ 14:45 – Burn rate, cash flow, and pricing as strategic tools ⏱️ 23:10 – Strategy vs. operations: defining the big picture ⏱️ 29:30 – The founder mindset: ego, FOMO, and resilience ⏱️ 36:00 – How to know you’re ready to raise funding ⏱️ 45:00 – Financial due diligence: what investors actually look at ⏱️ 52:30 – The rise of the MENA ecosystem and what still needs work…

1
#465 Building Startups That Outlive You: Steve Endacott on AI, Legacy, and Bold Innovation 49:20

לפני 5 weeks49:20

49:20

In this bold and thought-provoking episode of The CTO Show with Mehmet , UK-based serial entrepreneur and investor Steve Endacott joins the show to discuss the intersection of AI, entrepreneurship, and legacy . From backing disruptive startups to launching Neural Voice , a conversational AI platform for the travel industry, and Life’s Echo , a digital legacy tool that lets people speak at their own funerals—Steve is turning ambitious ideas into impactful ventures. You’ll hear why Steve believes AI is still at the “engine” stage, why implementation is the real frontier, and how his AI incubator is matching technical founders with seasoned business leaders to accelerate market-ready innovation. 🎯 Key Takeaways • Why AI startups need real business models, not just tech • The danger of overestimating big tech’s dominance in AI • Why UK founders struggle to scale—and how Dubai is emerging as an alternative funding hub • How AI can preserve human stories through voice and memory • The funding death zone: why early UK startups thrive but Series A remains elusive • Why failure is embraced in the US—but still taboo in the UK ⸻ 🎓 What You’ll Learn • How to build scalable AI startups with B2B2C models • What it means to “build a car, not just the AI engine” • How to make your startup fundable through SEIS and EIS • Real examples of AI products in travel, legacy tech, and politics • Why founders need to surround themselves with “gray hair” and business realism 👤 About the Guest: Steve Endacott STEVE ENDACOTT (AI-STEVE) NON-EXEC CHAIRMAN NEURAL RIVER (AI), NEURAL VOICE (AI) AND TRAVEL SOLUTIONS NETWORK AND FOUNDER OF ECO–ELECTRIC CAR ORGANISATION. He had an extensive business career before Steve created the SmarterUK party and exploded into political work by standing as AI Steve to become the UK's first AI Member of Parliament in Brighton Pavilion. Steve has the unusual distinction of having successful careers within both corporate and entrepreneurial environments. Steve is now “Semi-Retired”, having sold Holiday Taxis Ltd (Jan 2019) and Rock Insurance Ltd in multimillion-pound deals. He, however, continues to invest in startup businesses and has recently launched a range of new companies. ⏱ Episode Highlights (Timestamps) 00:00 – Intro and Steve’s entrepreneurial background 03:00 – The “AI car” metaphor: why implementation is everything 06:00 – Neural Voice: building travel-focused conversational AI 10:00 – Running for office as AI Steve 14:00 – Politics vs AI: fear of disruption 17:00 – The UK startup environment: good for early-stage, hard for scaling 20:00 – Why Steve is looking to Dubai for follow-on funding 22:00 – Life’s Echo: creating digital legacies and posthumous storytelling 27:00 – Public reactions: love, hate, and death threats 32:00 – Startup building lessons: team balance, sweat equity, and valuation realism 38:00 – Global-first thinking: building 25-language, 24/7 AI products 42:00 – Final advice: move fast, go global, and build meaningful businesses…

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The CTO Show with Mehmet Gonullu « » #425 Transforming Fintech with AI: Hamel Kothari on Building Scalable, User-Centric Solutions

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The CTO Show with Mehmet Gonullu « »
#425 Transforming Fintech with AI: Hamel Kothari on Building Scalable, User-Centric Solutions