Pitch, Build, Scale - Startup Founder Stories in the Age of AI

What does it take to launch and scale an AI startup inside the highly regulated worlds of healthcare and finance?

In this episode of Pitch, Build, Scale, host Chris Fanchi sits down with Michael Brown, founder of CloudNine AI, to explore how his team is pioneering augmented intelligence for enterprises navigating complex data, compliance, and regulation.

We talk real-world challenges—from wrangling legacy systems to dealing with hallucination risks in AI—and how CloudNine is securing early enterprise pilot programs while staying lean on compute. Michael also shares blunt insights on today’s VC landscape, AI investment fatigue, and why some solo founders might just build billion-dollar companies in the near future.

If you're building in AI, selling to the enterprise, or just trying to survive the seed stage, this one's for you.

Timestamps:00:00 Intro – Michael’s journey from Silicon Valley to AI02:28 Augmented intelligence vs artificial intelligence05:46 Tackling compliance and data sovereignty11:47 Building the right team (and why it’s so hard)18:58 Fundraising in a post-hype AI market25:17 Can solo founders build unicorns with AI?
28:38 Enterprise pilot programs: why they matter, how to get them
35:24 The compute challenge and AI’s future in your home
40:00 Why privacy, data access, and national security will shape AI’s path
42:20 Final thoughts + where to connect with Michael

Resources:🌐 Learn more about CloudNine AI: CloudnineAI.com
💼 Want to scale your tech business? Visit BigNorthMarketing.com

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#AIStartup #EnterpriseTech #Compliance #VCFunding #SaaS #PitchBuildScale

What happens when a personal tragedy inspires a leap from advertising to transforming how the modern workforce learns? In this episode of Pitch, Build, Scale, host Chris Fanchi sits down with Mike Thompson, CEO of SVI and Learner Mobile, to explore his incredible journey. Mike shares how his company is redefining enterprise training with mobile-first, AI-driven micro-learning solutions—delivering bite-sized, on-demand education that empowers employees to win their day. From scaling a tech-driven business to embracing AI without fear, Mike reveals the strategies, mindset, and culture that keep Learner Mobile ahead in a rapidly evolving landscape. Tune in for a masterclass in innovation, resilience, and the future of talent development.ResourcesSVI: https://www.sviworld.com/Learner Mobile: http://www.learnermobile.com/Follow Mike: http://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-thompson-9872181Are you looking to grow your agency or SaaS company's revenue? Connect with us at https://BigNorthMarketing.comChapters00:00 Mike Thompson's Journey: From Advertising to Talent Development04:25 The Role of Technology in Workforce Training08:48 Speed and Agility in Talent Development12:26 Content vs. Experience: The New Paradigm16:02 Convenience and Accessibility in Learning20:53 The Future of Talent Development and AI31:21 Advice for Leaders in Technology

In this episode of Pitch, Build, Scale, host Chris Fanchi sits down with Arseniy Seroka, CEO of Serokell and Blooper.ai. Arseniy’s unique journey—from a mathematics and computer science prodigy to a film director turned serial entrepreneur—has fueled his passion for functional programming and cutting-edge AI solutions. Discover how his team at Serokell leverages languages like Haskell to tackle complex challenges in biotech, fintech, and crypto, and why they’re betting big on open-source innovation. Then, dive into the story behind Blooper.ai, a groundbreaking AI-powered tool that’s streamlining pre-production for filmmakers, bridging the gap between creativity and technology. Arseniy shares insights on scaling a niche tech agency, the future of AI in development, and advice for building ventures with heart.ResourcesFilm production management: https://blooper.ai/Build with Serokell: https://serokell.io/Follow Arseniy: https://www.linkedin.com/in/serokaLooking to grow your agency or SaaS company's revenue? Check out our growth services at https://BigNorthMarketing.comChapters01:22 Arseniy Seroka's Journey into Software and AI04:52 Finding Clients and Early Challenges09:10 Scaling Up and Client Relationships12:55 The Future of Technology and AI20:02 Open Source vs. Proprietary Solutions23:45 Specialization in Functional Programming28:06 The Birth of Blooper.ai34:09 Integrating AI in Film Production39:02 Parting Thoughts and Advice

What happens when a microbiology grad turned banker discovers his passion for technology and design? In the premiere episode of Pitch, Build, Scale, host Chris Fanchi sits down with Ted Novak, Managing Director and Partner at Clique Studios, to unpack a journey that’s anything but conventional.

From optimizing banking processes in the pre-Big Short era to co-founding a digital agency in 2010, Ted shares how he and his team at Clique Studios are redefining digital transformation—blending creativity, technology, and human-centric design to empower businesses. Expect insights on scaling a nimble agency, leveraging AI without losing the human touch, and why training clients might just be the future of tech partnerships.

Ready to ignite your spark of innovation? This is where it starts.Show NotesWelcome to the premiere of Pitch, Build, Scale! Host Chris Fanchi kicks off the series with Ted Novak, Managing Director and Partner at Clique Studios, a digital agency that’s been pushing the boundaries of design and technology since 2010. In this episode, Ted takes us from his early days in banking—streamlining investor reporting during the wild pre-2010 capital markets era—to co-founding Clique Studios with a mission to blend creativity and tech into transformative digital solutions.What You’ll Learn:

• How Ted transitioned from microbiology and banking into software development and design (1:21)
• The spark that led to co-founding Clique Studios—and why they chose to build a company, not just a freelance gig (6:04)
• Why design still matters in a tech-driven world, and how Clique stays ahead of trends (8:11)
• Digital transformation unpacked: From websites to enterprise platforms, and the power of pilots over perfection (13:29)
• The role of AI in scaling agencies—and why understanding still beats outsourcing (20:18)
• Scaling challenges: How diversity, transparency, and talent keep Clique thriving (26:31)
• The next 12-24 months: Trends in tech partnerships and the rise of upskilling clients (33:41)

Connect with Ted:Website: https://www.cliquestudios.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tednovakPodcast: https://www.tedlistenspodcast.com/ or search “Ted Listens” on SpotifyFollow Pitch, Build, Scale:Subscribe now to catch every episode!Website: Coming soon!Hosted by Chris Fanchi of Big North Marketing (https://bignorthmarketing.com)