Middle Tech

On this episode of the Middle Tech Spotlight Series, we sat down with Armando Diaz, the creative force behind Working With Saint, a design agency making waves in the creative space. Armando shares his journey from the inception of Working With Saint to its current success, discussing the challenges of running a design agency, managing cash flow, finding ways to monetize, and keeping up with industry trends.

We also discuss the role of generative AI in branding and design, and how it's helped his agency improve their research and speed up their processes. He shares his thoughts on the future of design agencies as it relates to AI and how he envisions it evolving.

We also delve into Armando's unique approach to running his business, focusing on creating an environment for his team to thrive and being proactive in increasing their cash flow.

Learn More: ⁠https://www.workingwithsaint.com/

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In this episode, Logan and Evan start by discussing the recent bankruptcy filing of AppHarvest and its efforts to reorganize and improve operational efficiency.

Next, they delve into the KY Solar project, an ambitious initiative to transform a former coal mine into a massive solar energy center.

They also share exciting news about a groundbreaking physics discovery—a new superconductor material called LK-99 that operates at room temperature, with potential applications in quantum computing and energy transmission.

Lastly, Logan and Evan shed light on a concerning report indicating that women are at a higher risk of AI job replacement, leading to a discussion on the impact of AI on workforce gender disparities.

Reference Articles

AppHarvest Bankruptcy: https://www.wkyt.com/2023/07/24/appharvest-files-bankruptcy/

Starfire Solar Project: https://www.wymt.com/2023/07/25/kentuckys-largest-renewable-power-project-former-coal-mine-be-turned-into-renewable-energy-site/

Superconductor Breakthrough: https://www.independent.co.uk/tech/superconductor-breakthrough-electricity-power-paper-b2382711.html

AI & women's job displacement: https://www.reveliolabs.com/news/macro/ai-exposed-jobs-employ-more-women/?utm_source=www.joinsuperhuman.ai&utm_medium=newsletter&utm_campaign=linkedin-allegedly-working-on-new-ai-coach

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In this episode, Logan and Evan discuss the recent announcement of a game-changing partnership between tech giants Microsoft and Meta. They are teaming up to bring you Llama 2, Meta's open-source LLM (Large Language Model), as a free resource on Microsoft's Azure cloud computing platform. This move opens up unprecedented opportunities for innovation in the AI space, while also raising important questions about the responsible use of such powerful technology. We'll explore the pros and cons of open-source AI models and the potential implications they may have on the industry as a whole.

Next, we turn our attention to one of the biggest players in the tech world, Apple. Bloomberg reports that Apple has quietly been working on its own framework for creating large language models, called Ajax. This significant development has already sent shockwaves through the industry, as Apple's cautious approach hints at plans to integrate AI into their existing ecosystem in a transformative way. Join us as we speculate on the possibilities and discuss the potential impact of Apple's foray into AI technology.

Finally, we venture into the world of entertainment and explore the captivating intersection of AI and Hollywood. The ongoing Hollywood strike highlights the concerns of both writers and actors, who are fighting for job security in the face of advancing AI technology. As AI and streaming companies vie for the limelight, writers and actors demand more transparency and fair compensation to protect their livelihoods. We delve into the implications of this strike and its potential consequences on the creation of new content.

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In this series, we bring you candid conversations with entrepreneurs, investors, and ecosystem supporters who are shaping the future of innovation. Today, we sit down with Adam Bowe, the mastermind behind Cake, a game-changing platform based in Lexington, KY. Cake is the one-stop marketplace for buying and selling insurance agents' books of business. Join us as Adam shares the story behind Cake's success and how this platform is revolutionizing the insurance industry's landscape. Stay tuned for more insightful episodes where we uncover the untold stories of innovation and growth, and gain valuable industry insights from the best in the business.

Learn More: https://www.haveyourcake.com/

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Welcome to Middle Tech Podcast, in this episode, we bring you the latest updates on AppHarvest's struggles as founder Jonathan Webb steps back, and the agricultural startup faces challenges with creditors and potential eviction. Our hosts, Logan and Evan, share their insights on the implications of these developments for the Kentucky-based company and the controlled environment agriculture industry.

Next up, we delve into a concerning case involving Facebook data, where a teen and her mother plead guilty to abortion charges based on private messages obtained by authorities. Uncover the unsettling reality of how private communications can impact legal proceedings and spark debates around data privacy and government access to personal information.

And that's not all! Stay tuned as we discuss the exciting launch of xAI, a new artificial intelligence company led by Elon Musk himself. With a team of industry veterans from tech giants like Google, Microsoft, and Tesla, xAI aims to "understand the universe." Discover the potential implications of this ambitious endeavor and its ties to other Musk ventures, including Twitter and Tesla.

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In this episode, we feature Randall, founder of Avail, a groundbreaking software platform in the architecture and engineering industry. We discuss leveraging Exif data, the power of generative AI, and balancing innovation and regulation. Tune in to hear Randall's entrepreneurial journey and learn about the milestones achieved by Avail. Get ready for an insightful conversation about the future of technology in architecture and engineering.

Learn More: https://getavail.com/

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In this episode, Logan and Evan kick off by highlighting Rivian's game-changing investment in Kentucky, where they plan to establish a state-of-the-art remanufacturing facility. Discover how this move will support warranty, repair, and service needs for their electric vehicles.

Next, we dive into the highly anticipated launch of Threads by Meta, a direct competitor to Twitter. Explore Meta's vision for Threads and the impact it may have on the social media landscape, while we share our thoughts on Twitter's response and potential challenges ahead.

Then, we discuss Twitter's recent introduction of rate limits, a move aimed at curbing AI companies that scrape content for training their models. Find out how these rate limits may impact user experience and the platform's efforts to combat bot activity.

Finally, we explore OpenAI's growth struggles, including the temporary disabling of ChatGPT's Browse feature and the class-action lawsuit filed against OpenAI for allegedly scraping private user information without consent. Uncover the implications of these challenges for AI development and data privacy.

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Welcome to the Spotlight Series, where we shine a light on extraordinary individuals who have forged their own path to success. In the latest episode of the Middle Tech Spotlight Series, we sat down with JP Blevins, a former University of Kentucky basketball player who has played a significant role in building two hyper-successful companies: Live Oak Bank and nCino.

Our conversation covered various aspects of his journey, including his transition from sports to business, the growth and success of Live Oak Bank and nCino, and the lessons learned along the way.

Learn More: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.liveoakbank.com/

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In this episode, Logan and Evan cover the intriguing clash between Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg, as they consider a cage fight and engage in a Twitter feud. We'll dive into the details of their challenge and discuss the potential charitable aspect of the fight. Plus, we explore Meta's move to develop a Twitter competitor under the working title P92 and its implications for the social media landscape. Elon Musk shares his concerns about Facebook's control over another platform, raising questions about the impact on society.

In addition, we bring you the latest on the federal seizure of BreachForums, a notorious hacking site, and the arrest of its administrator. We examine the challenges faced by hacking forums and the efforts of law enforcement agencies to combat cybercriminals. Furthermore, we delve into the Kentucky legislature's consideration of AI regulation. With AI technology rapidly advancing, lawmakers are beginning to explore the need for regulations and address concerns related to data training and potential deception through deepfakes.

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On this episode of the Middle Tech Spotlight Series, we sat down with Monique Quarterman, Executive Director of KY Innovation.KY Innovation is the Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development’s Office of Entrepreneurship, and they’re responsible for supporting and developing our state’s startup ecosystem. Through the support of organizations such as Middle Tech, as well as their regional hubs (Awesome Inc, SOAR, Blue North, Amplify Louisville, Grow West, and Create) they deploy resources to empower those within the startup community.Our conversation with Monique covers how they do what they do, what’s been accomplished so far, and where their focus is going into the future.

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