Sean Gourley is the founder of Primer, an AI company enabling better decision making in the world’s most critical organisations.

Sean is a physicist by training and data scientist by passion. This curiosity and skillset enables him to study the mathematical patterns of war and terrorism, the algorithmic ecosystem of high frequency trading, and the rise of augmented intelligence through big data - just to name a few.

In this episode, we explore the factors that led Sean down the research and entrepreneurship pathway, and dive into key lessons about hiring, timing, and mindset.

Follow us

Sean Gourley - https://www.linkedin.com/in/sgourley/

Alex Alexandrescu - https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-alex

Sofiane Bébert - https://www.linkedin.com/in/sofiane-b

References from episode

Ted Talk about The Mathematics of War - https://www.ted.com/talks/sean_gourley_the_mathematics_of_war?language=en

‘Mapping Ideas Worth Spreading’ Ted Talk with Eric Berlow - https://www.ted.com/talks/eric_berlow_and_sean_gourley_mapping_ideas_worth_spreading?language=en

‘Big Data and the Rise of Augmented Intelligence’ Tedx Talk - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mKZCa_ejbfg

Timestamps

[00:00 – 13:23] What is the mathematics of war?

[13:23 – 26:56] Why you should leave your comfort zone.

[26:56 – 41:47] How founders should think about building startup teams.

[41:47 – 1:02:30] The importance of timing when building a startup.

[1:02:30 – 1:07:46] What to do after building a successful venture.