In this insightful episode of the DevReady Podcast, Andrew Romeo sits down with Iain McDonald, CEO and Founder of 8seats, to discuss his journey and the evolution of the digital and AI landscape. With roots in the early days of the internet boom, Iain draws parallels between the rapid transformation of that era and today’s fast-paced AI advancements. He emphasises the importance of staying aware of AI developments, even casually, as it quickly reshapes various industries. Iain sees AI as a democratising force that brings professional-grade tools to everyday users, opening doors for creativity and innovation.

Iain and Andrew delve into the impact of AI on jobs, highlighting its role in enhancing rather than replacing human expertise. They explore AI as a collaborative, co-creative tool, especially for small businesses, where it boosts productivity and customisation. Drawing on past technological disruptions, Iain likens the current AI transition to the internet’s early days, underscoring AI’s potential to drive positive change. He encourages listeners to embrace AI, viewing it as an empowering tool for the next generation.

The conversation shifts to the startup ecosystem, with Iain reflecting on the growing support for startups today through resources like ESOPs, government grants, and co-working spaces, which were scarce a decade ago. He shares the challenges of early-stage funding in Australia, where VC support often requires proven revenue models, making it difficult for new startups. Despite his own success, Iain recounts facing multiple rejections while raising funds for 8seats, illustrating the persistence needed to overcome funding obstacles.

Iain then provides a closer look at 8seats, his messaging app designed to make digital conversations feel natural and intuitive. Inspired by real-life conversations around a table, 8seats enables flexible, dynamic discussions within a visual interface and includes an AI team member to enhance collaboration by summarising conversations and offering suggestions. The app emphasises data security and user privacy, allowing companies to maintain control over their own messaging data. By positioning 8seats between simple messaging apps and complex platforms, Iain aims to serve small teams and businesses that value privacy and ease of use.

Looking ahead, Iain envisions 8seats as a product that fosters connectivity and meets both professional and personal communication needs, bridging gaps between internal and external communications. He emphasises that product success will naturally lead to business growth, driving his passion to make 8seats an enduring solution. With a dedication to innovation and user-centric design, Iain’s goal is to create an impactful, lasting product that supports small businesses and communities alike.