In this episode, Dan Sinawat, CEO & Founder of AI Connex and VC Arena and Sanjay Kalluvilayil, Host, The AI Space Podcast explore the Future of AI in 2026 and how to accelerate AI start-up and VC Funding.

3 Key Insights

1. Key Trends in 2026: Vertical + Private + Physical AIFounders must shift from generic tools to specialized AI built on domain expertise, private data, and real-world robotics/computer vision.

2. Product-market fit = ViralityIn the AI + social era, rapid adoption and shareability validate the market faster than traditional PMF cycles, making distribution a core competency.

3. AI for Humanity From AI-generated resumes for blue-collar workers to multilingual kiosks and workforce-readiness programs, the next wave of AI can solve real societal problems, not just automate tasks.

The AI Space Podcast — Season 2 | Episode 1

🎙️ Guest: Dan Sinawat | Founder & CEO | AI Connex | VC Arena

🎙️ Host: Sanjay Kalluvilayil | Founder & CEO | Stonehaas Advisors | Creator | The AI Space Podcast

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Key Links:

🌐 https://theaispacepodcast.ai

🌐 https://stonehaasadvisors.com/

📅 https://calendly.com/sanjay-stonehaas...

🔗   / sanjaykalluvilayil  

🔗   / the-aispace-podcast-with-host-sanjay-kallu...  

Chapters

00:00 Trailer

01:42 Teaser

02:54 Welcome and Introductions

04:06 Key Trends in AI

06:20 Top AI Strategies to Grow & Scale

07:49 Dan's AI Journey

14:28 AI Connex

17:57 VC Arena

23:36 McKinney EDC

25:39 Why The AI Space Podcast?

26:56 Subscribe & Follow Us

27:09 AI Tech Stack

35:23 AI Policy

37:50 AI in 2026

38:37 World Cup

41:41 Blue Collar Workplace

46:09 AI for Abused Women

48:25 Vision, Mindset, & Strategy

52:20 Business Scaling

54:25 VC Money

56:13 Democratization

57:54 Ethical & Responsible A

I59:24 Final Thoughts & Encouragement

1:02:16 Outro

1:02:52 Subscribe & Follow Us

Host Bio: Sanjay Kalluvilayil is a visionary leader on a mission to help AI businesses win clients, convert sales, and scale operations to maximize cash flow and valuation. As a trusted advisor and fractional CXO, I bring 30+ years of strategic and execution expertise—from Big 4 consulting to Fortune 500 transformation to startup acceleration.

Company Bio: At Stonehaas Advisors, we work with AI founders and businesses to overcome growth and cash flow challenges by designing and executing GTM strategies that drive organic growth, successful capital raises, and strategic exits.