Machine Minds

In this episode, I speak with Abdo John Hajj, Managing Partner at Type One Ventures, as he discusses where technology and human progress converge. Abdo walks us through his journey in venture capital and how his firm is backing innovative companies shaping the future.

We discuss the challenges of investing in cutting-edge technologies and what it really takes to identify ideas that can change industries. Abdo also reflects on the current landscape of venture capital and offers practical insights for entrepreneurs and investors alike.

If you're interested in how technology can drive growth, and the role of venture capital in making that happen, this conversation is for you.

Time Stamps

01:20 Abdo John Hajj’s Background
05:30 The Path to Type One Ventures
06:05 Founding and Scaling a Venture Firm
08:12 Key Challenges in Early-Stage Investing
09:10 Insights on Identifying Breakthrough Technologies
11:41 What Type One Ventures Does
18:11 Innovations and Industry Transformations
22:33 Growth and Future Directions
29:07 Company Culture at Type One Ventures
32:03 Trends in Technology and Venture Capital
35:19 Vision for the Future of Innovation
36:41 Advice for Aspiring Investors and Entrepreneurs

More about our guest:
linkedin.com/in/abdojohnhajj

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Connect with me on LinkedIn:
linkedin.com/in/gregtoroosian

Tune in to this exciting conversation this week with our guest Ali Ahmed, the Co-founder and CEO of Robomart. He's actually changing the retail industry in his very own way—through robotics. In this episode, he shares his inspiring journey from a global career across various industries to creating a company that changes how we shop.

Ali shares the pivotal moments that shaped his career trajectory and the one-of-a-kind challenges he had to overcome in the early days of Robomart. We get deep into the groundbreaking tech behind Robomart and debate what's next for autonomous retail. Whether you are an entrepreneur, a tech enthusiast, or simply a curious soul of what the future of shopping has in store, here's a conversation full of insights and inspiration.

Safe to say that Ali is one of the top robotics minds, so tune in as we navigate all the ups and downs of entrepreneurship, the latest trends in tech, and what it takes to be successful amidst the ever-changing tides in this field.


Time Stamps

01:20 Ali Ahmed’s Background
05:30 The Journey to Robomart
06:05 Founding the Company
08:12 Early Challenges and Breakthroughs
09:10 Insights on Building a Startup
11:41 What Robomart Does
18:11 Innovations in Retail Robotics
22:33 Expansion and Future Plans
29:07 Company Culture at Robomart
32:03 Trends in Robotics and Autonomous Retail
35:19 Vision for the Future
36:41 Advice for Aspiring Founders


More about Robomart:
robomart.ai/

More about our guest:
linkedin.com/in/roboticali

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Connect with me on LinkedIn:
linkedin.com/in/gregtoroosian

Join us for an enlightening episode of Machine Minds as we sit down with Rosalind Shinkle, the Co-Founder and CEO of Adagy Robotics. Rosalind has been a trailblazer in the world of robotics engineering, specializing in machine learning and robotics. In this episode, we delve into the fascinating journey of how Rosalind turned an initial idea into a groundbreaking company.

From her early fascination with technology and startups to her transformative experience at Y Combinator, Rosalind shares the pivotal moments that shaped her career. We explore the cutting-edge innovations and trends in robotics that are redefining industries, and gain insight into the vision driving Adagy Robotics forward.

Don't miss this chance to hear from one of the leading minds in robotics as we discuss the future of tech, the challenges and triumphs of entrepreneurship, and what it takes to succeed in the rapidly evolving world of robotics engineering. Tune in for an inspiring conversation that's sure to ignite your imagination and passion for technology.

Time Stamps

00:00 Machine Minds Show Introduction
01:20 Rosalind’s background
05:30  Adagy Robotics 
06:05 Meeting her co-founder
08:12 Hurdles in the early days
09:10 YC experiences
11:41 What the company doe
18:11 Robotic companies
22:33 What’s next?
29:07 Company culture
32:03 Trends in robotics and innovations
35:19 What the future looks like
36:41 Advice for future founders

More about Adagy Robotics:
https://www.adagyrobotics.com/

More about our guest:
linkedin.com/in/rosalind-shinkle

More about Adagy Robotics:
https://www.adagyrobotics.com/

More about our guest:
linkedin.com/in/rosalind-shinkle

Machine Minds:
Apple Podcast:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast..
Spotify:
 https://open.spotify.com/show/1apGh7x... 
Google Podcast: 
https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0...
YouTube:    / @machinemindsshow   
Let’s connect on social media:
 IG:   / machinemindsshow   
LinkedIn:   / gregtoroosian

In this episode of the Machine Minds podcast, we sit down with Regis Vincent, Senior Vice President of Engineering at Canvas - a company developing innovative technologies to improve the quality, affordability, and working conditions of the spaces we inhabit.

Regis shares his fascinating journey, from his early opportunity as a research scientist at the University of Massachusetts to his 15 years at the prestigious SRI International in Silicon Valley. He discusses how his deep passion for engineering and robotics has driven him to find solutions for dangerous and repetitive tasks that humans should not have to perform.

As the head of engineering at Canvas, Regis provides insights into the company's mission to create artificial intelligence software that will transform robots into truly useful machines. He delves into his vision of how these advancements can enhance the quality and accessibility of our workplaces, while simultaneously improving the working conditions of the people who build these spaces.

Join us as we explore Regis' remarkable career, his perspectives on the future of robotics and AI, and how Canvas is poised to revolutionize the workspaces of tomorrow.

00:00 Machine Minds Show Introduction

01:21 Regis’ background 

03:53 Initial spark in the world of engineering and robotics

06:21 Academic background

07:47 SRI days

11:47 Joining Canvas

18:00 Innovations in technology

23:36 Balance between clients and teams

27:35 Qualities to look for in candidates

37:50 Trends emerging in robotics and automation 

43:05 Challenges in the near future 

46:35 Robotics and automation in the next 5 years

49:57 Advice for engineers

More about Canvas:

https://www.linkedin.com/company/we-are-canvas/about/

More about our guest:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/rvincent/

Machine Minds:

Apple Podcast:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast..

Spotify:

 https://open.spotify.com/show/1apGh7x... 

Google Podcast: 

https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0...

YouTube:    / @machinemindsshow   

Let’s connect on social media:

 IG:

In this episode of Machine Minds, our host sits down with Vonni Williams, Talent Partner and Advisor at Embedded Ventures - an early-stage deep tech venture capital firm investing in startups in advanced manufacturing, digital engineering, and space operations. Vonni shares her unique journey into the hard tech industry, including her first steps in recruiting and talent development for cutting-edge startups. 
Throughout the conversation, Vonni offers invaluable insights into landing that critical first job in the hard tech space, and provides candid advice for founders and job seekers looking to break into these rapidly evolving industries. From her early career to her current role at the forefront of deep tech venture capital, Vonni gives listeners a behind-the-scenes look at the challenges and opportunities in building the next generation of transformative technology companies.
Don't miss this deep dive into the people and perspectives shaping the future of machine intelligence and beyond, straight from one of the leading voices in the hard tech space.

00:00 Machine Minds Show Introduction
01:28 Starting in the world of recruitment? 
03:10 Vonni’s background
09:55 Hard tech space
11:43 Vonni’s day to day 
16:42 Strategies to attract top talent 
23:41 Identifying candidates
29:41 Having a strong team
35:23 Qualities to look for in candidates
44:09 Trends emerging in the hard tech industry 
49:38 Vonni’s advice
53:32 What keeps Vonni motivated?

More about Embedded Ventures
https://www.linkedin.com/company/embedded-ventures/
More about our guest
https://www.linkedin.com/in/vonni-williams-83515415/

Machine Minds:
Apple Podcast:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast..
Spotify:
 https://open.spotify.com/show/1apGh7x... 
Google Podcast: 
https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0...
YouTube:    / @machinemindsshow   
Let’s connect on social media:
 IG:   / machinemindsshow   
LinkedIn:   / gregtoroosian  

In this episode of Machine Minds, we sit down with Oliver Mitchell, partner at FF Venture Capital (ffVC), to discuss his career trajectory. Oliver shares insights from his early days as a startup founder, building and selling companies to multinational corporations. He then describes his deep dive into the world of industrial robotics and automation, leveraging his technical expertise and entrepreneurial experiences.
Oliver also discusses ffVC's investment thesis, focusing on emerging industries like enterprise software, industrial automation, sustainable transformation, and fintech. As an engaged investment partner, he explains how ffVC helps founders build truly viable businesses with sustainable growth models.
Listeners will gain perspective on Oliver's journey from startup founder to VC partner and learn about the trends and opportunities he sees shaping the future of technology and innovation. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, a technology enthusiast, or an investor, this episode offers valuable insights into the evolving startup ecosystem.
Tune in to hear Oliver's story and discover how his diverse background informs ffVC's approach to identifying and nurturing the next generation of transformative businesses.

In this episode, we'll explore the early days of A3 and how it has grown to become a driving force in making automation and robotics one of the most critical tools of the 21st century. Jeff will share insights on the latest trends and innovations he's seeing, from collaborative robots to AI-powered vision systems.

This is a can't-miss listen for anyone interested in the rapidly evolving world of robotics and intelligent automation. Hear directly from a leading expert on the innovations set to reshape our future.

00:00 Machine Minds Show Introduction
01:25 Jeff’s journey
06:40 Turning point
09:30 Main goals and preparation 
12:50 How A3 assist and supports companies 
17:35 How A3 evolved from the early days
20:14 Key milestones
24:37 The importance of strong team members 
27:59 Skills to look for in team members
31:53 Humanoid robots
39:00 Trends and innovations in automation
41:04 Evolution of the Industry
43:00 A3 future goals  
44:15 Advice for applicants 

More about A3
https://www.automate.org/
https://www.automateshow.com/

Machine Minds:
Apple Podcast:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast..
Spotify:
 https://open.spotify.com/show/1apGh7x... 
Google Podcast: 
https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0...
YouTube:    / @machinemindsshow   
Let’s connect on social media:
 IG:   / machinemindsshow   
LinkedIn:   / gregtoroosian  

In this episode of Machine Minds, we sit down with Todd Roberts and Owen Kent, the co-founders of ATDev, a company at the forefront of assistive technology development.

Todd and Owen met in California at the University of California, Berkeley. A teacher later put them on the same team. They bonded over their shared passion for robotics and their desire to use technology to improve people's lives.

Owen shares that his own experience dealing with a neuromuscular condition inspired him to explore the potential of robotics for physical therapy and rehabilitation. This, combined with Todd's technical expertise, led the two to co-found ATDev and embark on an incredible journey to bring their innovative assistive technologies to market.

Tune in to hear the funny story of how Todd and Owen first met, learn about the early days of ATDev, and get a glimpse into the vision that drives them to continue pushing the boundaries of what's possible in the world of assistive tech.

In this episode of Machine Minds, we sit down with Will Coffield, Co-Founder and General Partner of Riot Ventures. Riot Ventures is a venture capital firm that invests in deep technologies with a focus on intelligence, sensing and control, communications, mobility, and security.
Will shares the story behind the founding of Riot Ventures in 2017 and the journey that led him to this point. He discusses his background, including his education at James Madison University, and describes how he first connected with his co-founder and built the relationships that ultimately led to creating Riot.
Listeners will gain insights into the early days of building a venture firm focused on cutting-edge technologies, the process of finding and evaluating investment opportunities, and Will's personal experiences and lessons learned along the way. This episode provides a fascinating look into the world of VC and the minds behind the companies shaping the future of tech.

00:00 Machine Minds Show Introduction
01:21 Will’s journey
09:16 Moving to Los Angeles
13:04 Venture capital
17:50 Pathways into the VC world
19:03 Founding Riot Ventures
25:04 Will’s vision
35:21 Teamwork and dynamics 
43:41 The future of VC in tech landscape 
45:45 Advice for applicants in the world of technology

More about Riot Ventures
https://www.linkedin.com/company/riotvc/
More about our guest, Will Coffield
https://www.linkedin.com/in/will-coffield-130b1426/

Machine Minds:
Apple Podcast:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast..
Spotify:
 https://open.spotify.com/show/1apGh7x...
Google Podcast: 
https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0...
YouTube:    / @machinemindsshow   
Let’s connect on social media:
 IG:   / machinemindsshow   
LinkedIn:   / gregtoroosian

In this episode, we sit down with Jessie Frazelle, CEO and co-founder of Zoo, a company working on innovative software and hardware technology. Jessie shares her fascinating journey, from getting her start at digital agencies, to working at tech giants like Google and Microsoft, and ultimately co-founding her own successful startup, Zoo.
We'll dive into what it was like creating Zoo from the ground up - the challenges, lessons learned, and vision for the company. Jessie also reflects on her time in the agency world and at major tech firms, discussing the key differences in workplace culture, priorities, and challenges.
This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in entrepreneurship, the tech industry, or simply hearing about one person's winding career path to founding their own company. Join us as we explore Jesse's experiences and insights on building a technology-focused business.

00:00 Machine Minds Show Introduction 
01:19 Jessie’s path into technology and software development 
02:45 Key moments 
04:56 Mentors and influences 
05:35 Creating Zoo
08:09 The story behind the name 
08:47 Tech companies and challenges
15:03 Hiring
16:43 Working with Senior people 
23:43 Evolution over time
26:55 The future of Hardware 
29:32 What’s next for Zoo
31:43 Advice for Entrepreneurs

More about Zoo
https://www.linkedin.com/company/zoodotdev/
More about our guest, Jesse Frazelle
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessie-frazelle/

Machine Minds:
Apple Podcast:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast..
Spotify:
 https://open.spotify.com/show/1apGh7x... 
Google Podcast: 
https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0...
YouTube:    / @machinemindsshow   
Let’s connect on social media:
 IG:   / machinemindsshow   
LinkedIn:   / gregtoroosian