Nader Elm is the Co-Founder and CEO of Exyn Technologies, a commercialization of the technology spun out of GRASP Labs (General Robotics, Automation, Sensing and Perception Laboratory at the University of Pennsylvania). Since its founding in 2014, Exyn has become the world leader in autonomous data acquisition using drone technology. The artificial intelligence behind their autonomous software platform has found commercial success in the mining industry, and Nader has plans to expand into the construction industry next. Nader explains how he ended up in the robotics and AI industry, the unique gap in the marketplace that Exyn addresses, and the business and revenue model of Exyn. Tune in to find out more about how Nader and Exyn Technologies are pushing the Philadelphia region into the future of robot technology.

Key Takeaways:

[3:23] Kevin does a speed round of five questions with Nader Elm.

[6:30] What does Exyn do?

[8:18] Who is Vijay Kumar, and how did Nader and he get together?

[10:32] Who was the initial investor of Exyn Technologies?

[11:25] What is PCI Ventures?

[14:21] How did Nader feel about the initial challenge of setting up Exyn Technologies?

[15:59] Who is Nader's market with Exyn? Who are the competitors, and how is Exyn different?

[19:56] How did Nader find his target market in the mining industry?

[22:15] What is the mining industry currently doing to solve its problem of not having a comprehensive map of the underground mines?

[26:47] Kevin and Nader discuss some other applications of the technology produced by Exyn.

[28:47] How does GPS work, and what is the system that takes its place in Exyn?

[33:01] What are some interesting areas of Exyn from an investor standpoint and from a customer standpoint?

[37:58] How does the drone know when its job is done?

[38:56] Nader highlights some other interesting and unique features that Exyn offers.

[42:09] Nader explains how a team of robots would operate together.

[44:49] What is Exyn's business model and revenue strategy?

[49:02] Exyn's next industry to expand into is the construction industry. What is unique about their solution that isn't being addressed by existing players?

[50:16] What is the level of detail that the drones are able to capture?

[51:36] How did Nader find the investors in his latest round of fundraising?

[54:00] How is Nader using the funds he has raised?

[54:49] Talent is a big part of the company. What is the structure of the company and how is Nader managing his team?

[57:46] How easy is it for Nader to find the talent that he needs?

[1:02:39] What is the culture of Exyn Technologies?

[1:05:40] Who are some of the influences in Nader's life that have impacted him?

[1:09:41] What are Nader's thoughts on whether entrepreneurs are born or nurtured?

Links:

Nader Elm

Exyn Technologies

Vijay Kumar

TED Talks by Vijay Kumar

IP Group [00:10:54] 

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