Inside Tonita – The AI Shopping Assistant You’ll Actually Use

Guest: Siva, Founder & CEO of Tonita

Host: Ryan Estes

Episode Summary:

Ryan interviews Siva, the founder of Tonita, an AI-powered shopping search platform redefining how people shop for clothing and accessories. With a background in AI research at Google, Siva built Tonita to simplify and personalize online shopping through a natural language interface that educates and recommends in real-time.

Key Takeaways:

• Tonita lets users search with everyday language and provides personalized product recommendations.
• AI guides users with educational responses—for example, how to choose sunglasses based on shape, UV protection, etc.
• Interface is intentionally minimal and user-first; no more endless tabs and filters.
• Ethical design: No fake/knockoff product links—only legal alternatives.
• Future monetization: Paid recommendations and affiliate partnerships (with transparency).
• $5M+ raised from VCs including South Park Commons.

Framework: AI Shopping Flywheel

1. Search: Describe what you want naturally
2. Educate: AI explains what matters
3. Recommend: Get matched with real products
4. Refine: Continue the conversation
5. Purchase: Buy from trusted retailers

Tonita’s GTM Strategy:

• Target demo: 20–40 age group who value time and efficient shopping.
• AI-first design; neutral UX to avoid over-skewing toward any specific gender or trend.
• Growing user base is priority before monetization.

About Siva:

• 15 years at Google in AI/ML
• Academic background in math, search, and CS
• Inspired by personal shopping pain points and the rise of LLMs

Links:

• Tonita.co

• South Park Commons
• aiforfounders.co

Guest: Elle, CEO of Made AI and Founder of Same Skincare
Host: Ryan Estes | Podcast: AI for Founders

Key Takeaways:

• Weekly workflow automation can lead to 50+ automations a year with very little effort.

• Start by asking your team: “What’s driving you nuts?” That’s your workflow opportunity.

• Tools like Fixer and Zapier can help you categorize tasks and automate inboxes.

• Break your automation goals into small weekly tasks—don’t try to solve everything at once.

• Same Skincare is an EDC-free skincare brand that supports endometriosis research.

• Their app predicts breakouts 3 days in advance using biometric data like BBT, HRV, sleep, and stress.

• Elle treats skincare as a biomarker to help people understand hormonal health.

• Simple practices like splashing cold water or elevating legs can boost HRV and skin health.

• Bootstrapping allowed Elle to grow intentionally without chasing inflated valuations.

• AI works best when positioned to support, not replace, human work.

• Elle’s philosophy: build enduring companies and enjoy the process—shoutout to EnjoyTheWork.com.

  
  

Framework: Weekly Workflow Automation

1. Ask your team: What’s driving you nuts?

2. Break the problem into smaller steps.

3. Identify the right tool or AI to solve one part.

4. Automate just one step per week.

   
   

Resources Mentioned:

• usemade.ai – Elle’s AI-powered manufacturing platform

• sameskincare.com – Predictive skincare and hormone tracking

• enjoythework.com – Startup coaching and support

• endofound.org – Endometriosis research and education

Alberto Rizzoli, Co-Founder & CEO of V7 Labs

Alberto joins host Ryan Estes to share how V7 Labs is automating back-office workflows with AI agents. They dive into product pivots, AI hype, fundraising in hard times, and what it really takes to scale AI products in B2B environments.

• AI Agents with Memory: Unlike basic prompts, V7’s agents operate in multi-step logic to complete real-world business tasks.
• Concierge Agent System: Route any task via Slack, email, or upload, and it’s assigned to the right AI agent.
• Human-in-the-Loop: Visual grounding ensures source verification and minimizes hallucinations.
• Fundraising Lessons: Use CRM strategies and strong product positioning to raise capital even in tough climates.
• Pivot Playbook: Every 6 months, build the product that could put you out of business—before someone else does.

• AI Agent Architecture: Step-by-step processing, data routing, structured output with verification.
• Investor CRM Strategy: Systematic outreach, rejection tracking, recurring relationship building.
• Service-as-Software: Use tech-enabled services to deliver SaaS-like results with fewer people.
• Customer Retention: Blend AI automation with human-powered customer success for long-term retention.

• V7 Labs
• Alberto Rizzoli on LinkedIn
• Alberto’s TED Talk
• Cursor AI Tool
• Granola Meeting Recorder
• YC: Services as Software

Episode Summary:
In this episode, Ryan Estes speaks with Johnny and Sebastian, the father-son team behind Talent Scout, an AI-powered hiring solution that started as a college platform called Juntos. They discuss building an AI tool that helps HR teams make better hiring decisions by analyzing psychographic traits, ensuring compliance, and maintaining cultural fit.

• Talent Scout evolved from Juntos, a social app designed to connect students.
• Core technology includes a psychographic engine measuring six human dimensions.
• The team pivoted from B2C to B2B to meet real market demand.
• Colorado legislation influenced their AI compliance guardrails.
• Hiring directors receive ranked, evidence-based candidate recommendations.

• Six-Dimensional Model: Analytical, Creative, Ethical, Assertive, Innovative, Silent
• Talent Scout Workflow: Job Description Upload → Candidate Profile → Assessments → Resume Import → Candidate Ranking → Compliance Reporting

• Talent Scout Platform
• Kitcaster Podcast Booking
• Descript Editing Tool
• LinkedIn
• Colorado Legislation

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Guest: Steven Schrembeck, Founder of Impossible Labs
Host: Ryan Estes

Episode Summary:
In this wide-ranging conversation, Steven Schrembeck shares how over a thousand hours of meditation practice, close encounters with unidentified aerial phenomena (UAPs), and a fascination with consciousness led him to explore the intersection of AI, ethics, and inner engineering. We cover how personal insight informs system design, why AGI requires more than just code, and the ethical considerations of creating conscious machines.

Key Takeaways:

• Meditation as Technology: Steven discusses meditation not as a spiritual dogma but as a tool for cognitive engineering and self-regulation.

• Psychedelics vs. Meditation: A comparison between altered states via psychedelics and those accessed through prolonged meditation.

• AI Consciousness: Why it’s critical to study the “rules” of consciousness before engineering AGI.

• UFO Sightings as Catalyst: Personal encounters with UAPs led Steven to take inner exploration more seriously.

• Framework of Attention: Let go of willpower, build systems instead. Schrembeck’s productivity philosophy is built around behavioral architecture, not brute force.

• Anti-Dogma Thinking: A DIY approach to spiritual and technological practices yields innovation through synthesis.

• Ethical AI: Black Mirror scenarios are closer than we think—ethical questions must precede technical ones.

• AGI Architecture: Steven believes current LLMs are only one component of a broader AGI stack and likens their awareness to mycelial networks.

• Reverse Engineering the Mind: The human brain is a “found technology” we haven’t fully decoded yet.

• Use of AI Tools: Steven prefers building custom tools over using off-the-shelf agents, believing most packaged AI workflows are inefficient.

• Time & Focus: Meditation helps ensure intentionality in response, grounding decisions in values rather than reactivity.

Frameworks Discussed:

1. Inner Space Framework:
   Meditation → Insight → Behavior → Design Systems

2. Consciousness Exploration Continuum:
   Sleep < Meditation < Psychedelics < UAP encounters

3. Anti-Willpower Productivity:
   Willpower is unreliable → Use rules, triggers, and systems → Increase energy efficiency and reduce decision fatigue

4. Techno-Spiritual Inquiry Model:
   Attention + Engineering + Inner States = Next-gen Tech Understanding

Resources Mentioned:

• The Untethered Soul by Michael Singer: https://untetheredsoul.com

• The Surrender Experiment by Michael Singer: https://untetheredsoul.com/surrender-experiment

• Impossible Labs: https://impossiblelaboratories.com

• Meditation Traditions Mentioned: Yoga Sutras, Zazen, Dzogchen, Kundalini

• Crystal Ball Practices: Referenced symbolically in Tibetan Buddhist art

• Black Mirror Series: https://www.netflix.com/title/70264888

• Shambhala Buddhist Scandal Reference: https://www.denverpost.com/2019/02/19/shambhala-boulder-sexual-misconduct/

Guest: Zack Holland
Host: Ryan Estes
Company: Averi AI

Episode Summary

Zack Holland joins AI for Founders to explore why executing marketing strategies—not creating them—is the biggest challenge for startups today. In this episode, we discuss Averi AI's unique blend of automation and human expertise, Zack’s philosophy of “seed-strapping,” and the emotional resilience required to survive as a founder. From AI memory to stoic wisdom, Zack shares deeply personal and professional insights for anyone building in tech.

Key Takeaways

• Averi AI closes the gap between strategy and action with AI + human execution.
• Founders often fail not from lack of ideas but from inability to act consistently.
• Seed-strapping allows founders to grow without being trapped in endless fundraising.
• AI tools should amplify creativity—not flood the world with “slop.”
• Revenue per employee is a key metric for modern AI-first companies.
• Stoic philosophy and meditation are powerful tools for emotional resilience.

Frameworks

• The Execution Gap: Most founders know what to do—few can get it done consistently.
• Seed-Strapping: Raise what you need, build lean, keep control, maximize output.
• Founder Brand: Your identity should evolve beyond the company name.
• Daily Practice: Meditation + Stoicism + Voice notes = Momentum.

Resources

• Averi AI
• The War of Art – Steven Pressfield
• Meditations – Marcus Aurelius
• Letters from a Stoic – Seneca
• Whisper AI Dictation
• Hampton Founders Network

Connect with Zack

Twitter / Instagram: @zackholland
LinkedIn: Zack Holland on LinkedIn

Listen + Subscribe

Subscribe to AI for Founders wherever you get your podcasts and follow us on YouTube for full video interviews and highlight clips.

In this episode of AI for Founders, Marco, the co-founder of Crono, shares how his AI-powered sales automation platform is redefining modern B2B outbound. From enriched data and custom lead signals to full-funnel multichannel automation, Crono is helping sales teams eliminate busywork and focus on building relationships.

• Crono is AI-first—automating 80% of repetitive sales tasks
• Over 10 integrated data sources for unmatched contact accuracy
• Cross-channel outreach: Email, LinkedIn, WhatsApp, phone
• Perfect for structured outbound and high-ticket offers
• Prioritizes quality over quantity: 100 contacts/day strategy
• Deep email deliverability insights and safeguards
• Platform connects with CRMs and sales tools
• Supports both startups and enterprise sales teams
• Bootstrapped to $50k+ MRR before considering next raise
• Future-focused with a grounded roadmap and strong vision

• Data: Multi-source enrichment and validation
• AI: Personalization, insights, automation logic
• Automation: End-to-end campaign orchestration

1. Engage on LinkedIn (likes, comments)
2. Send a personalized email follow-up
3. Initiate cold call to build trust
4. Use WhatsApp for warm outreach and follow-ups

• Crono Official Website
• Marco on LinkedIn
• Kitcaster Podcast Booking
• OpenAI
• LinkedIn Sales Navigator

Brett Beck Interview - AI for Founders Interview with Brett Beck, Founder of Bellabooty Episode Summary

Brett Beck joins Ryan Estes to talk about how he built Bellabooty Fitness and launched the patented hip thrust belt that's changing how people train glutes, core, and inner thighs. This episode dives into product design, IP protection, D2C growth, and why AI can’t replace real human training.

Key Takeaways

Frameworks Shared Product Innovation Cycle

1. Observe pain points in real-world use
2. Prototype in-person with engineers
3. Test daily with real clients
4. Iterate for efficiency, portability, and comfort

IP Protection Strategy

• File patents in China and the U.S. simultaneously
• Submit pre-litigation docs to enable local enforcement
• Use Amazon APEX program for takedowns
• Run AI-based counterfeit detection sweeps

Go-to-Market Playbook

• Start on Meta and TikTok with viral content
• Delay Amazon entry until demand is validated
• Scale via performance benchmarks and ad testing
• Focus on education-first marketing

Ryan Estes sits down with Jake Johnson, co-founder of Bolto, to explore how AI is transforming global hiring and HR. They cover Bolto’s rapid growth, employer of record services, team diversity, and how to build in public without fear.

• Transparency builds accountability. Execution beats secrecy.
• EORs make global hiring easy, legal, and scalable.
• AI-driven interviews streamline recruiting worldwide.
• YC support and co-founder alignment drive startup momentum.
• Pricing: $500/month per international EOR hire, market rate for recruiting.
• Global compliance is critical. Misclassify employees and pay the price.
• Diverse teams solve complex problems more effectively.
• Philosophy matters. Critical thinking helps navigate AI ethics.
• Cursor AI boosts engineering productivity exponentially.
• The future: filtered avatars, language translation, boundaryless talent.

• Share your roadmap and progress
• Accept public accountability
• Out-execute competitors who know your plans

• Use EOR for long-term, embedded roles
• Use contractor model for short-term work
• Validate local compliance based on country laws

1. Source Talent
2. AI-Powered Interviews
3. Hire and Onboard
4. Manage Payroll and Benefits
5. Stay Globally Compliant

• Bolto Website
• Jake Johnson on LinkedIn
• Jake on Twitter (X)
• Y Combinator
• Cursor AI
• Kitcaster
• PEO Benefits Explained
• Employer of Record Guide
• IRS: Contractor vs Employee
• Gartner on AI in HR

Guest: Ryan Shuken

Host: Ryan Estes

Podcast: AI for Founders

How to Vibe Code: Zero to Hero --> here

Summary

Ryan Shuken, a full-stack engineer, startup accelerator director, and longtime founder coach, shares how AI is changing how startups are built. From his experience in China’s startup ecosystem to creating the vibe coding method, this episode is packed with actionable strategies for AI-native founders.

Key Takeaways

• Vibe Coding: A process that lets non-technical founders build with AI rapidly and intuitively.
• PRD Framework: Use a Project Requirements Document to define goals, features, and user stories. Build with AI collaboratively and refer back to the PRD consistently.
• Version Control: Use Git or GitHub to save, branch, and roll back your code. Avoid hallucinations and data loss from continuous AI prompting.
• Startup Economics: AI has reduced software development costs. More VC funds can now go to growth, marketing, and operations.
• Future of VC: Expect smaller check sizes and more nimble microfunds funding big ideas.
• Human-Tech Interfaces: Look forward to AI that operates invisibly in your daily life—voice, gesture, and even attention-based inputs.
• China Startup Experience: Innovation over IP. Learn from how speed, not legal protection, wins in hyper-competitive markets.

Resources & Tools Mentioned

• GitHub – Free version control
• Cursor – AI coding IDE
• Windsurf – AI developer tool
• Same.dev – One-shot coding platform
• Lovable – Instant MVP builder
• Claude AI – From Anthropic
• Gemini Pro 2.5 – Google’s flagship AI
• Grok AI – From xAI
• Ryan Shuken on LinkedIn