During this episode, Santosh is joined by Devin Bhushan, Founder and CEO of Squint. Devin shares how his company is revolutionizing manufacturing by using AI to capture and scale the tribal knowledge of frontline workers. The discussion covers the challenges of labor shortages, the importance of empowering operators, and the need to digitize best practices for efficiency and quality. Devin also explains how Squint’s multimodal platform leverages video, voice, and data to create a centralized knowledge base, and emphasizes the critical role of trustworthy AI in mission-critical environments. Key takeaways include the value of combining human creativity with technology, the need for robust governance to prevent bad practices, Squint’s vision to optimize the entire manufacturing supply chain from design to service, and so much more.

Highlights from their conversation include:

• How Squint is Revolutionizing Manufacturing (0:41)
• Devin’s Background & Inspiration (2:18)
• AI’s Role: Augmenting Human Potential (4:20)
• Scaling Best Practices with AI (6:43)
• Designing Software for Factory Operators (7:48)
• Capturing and Sharing Tacit Knowledge (10:13)
• Retooling Brownfields & Quality Use Cases (13:54)
• Eliminating Search: The Future of Knowledge Access (15:03)
• Building Trustworthy AI for Mission-Critical Tasks (17:13)
• Preventing the Spread of Bad Practices (20:11)
• What’s Next for Squint: Beyond the Factory Floor (23:30)
• Rapid-Fire “This or That” Segment (24:59)
• Final Thoughts and Takeaways (25:55)

Dynamo is a VC firm led by supply chain and mobility specialists that focus on seed-stage, enterprise startups.

Find out more at: https://www.dynamo.vc/

From time to time, we’ll re-air a previous episode of the show that our newer audience may have missed. During this episode, guest host Madelyn O'Farrell is joined by TJ England, Chief Legal Officer at C.R. England, a pioneer in the transportation services industry providing asset-based Dedicated, Truckload, and Intermodal solutions to solve a wide variety of customer needs. During the conversation, TJ and Madelyn explore the intersection of technology and business model innovation in the trucking industry. TJ provides a historical overview of C.R. England, a family-owned trucking company founded in 1920, and shares his personal journey into the legal side of the industry. They discuss the challenges of operating in a low-margin sector, the deployment of AI to enhance operations, the importance of effective communication among carriers, shippers, and stakeholders in the supply chain, and so much more. 

Highlights from their conversation include:

• C.R. England’s Journey in Trucking (0:52)
• TJ's Journey into the Family Business (1:58)
• Challenges in the Trucking Industry (3:41)
• Exploring AI in Trucking (6:15)
• Potential of AI for Network Optimization (10:06)
• Human in the Loop Approach (14:17)
• Technological Solutions for Communication (17:39)
• Fragmentation and Small Businesses (20:43)
• AI in Legal Framework (25:57)
• Automated Vehicles and Legal Risks (27:17)
• Train Derailments and Technology (29:41)
• Legal Perspectives on Cybersecurity (32:00)
• In-House vs. Outsourcing Technology (35:10)
• ROI and Customer-Centric Solutions (39:05)
• Current State of the Trucking Market (41:22)
• Importance of Lean Operations (46:50)
• Challenges of Investment in Technology (48:18)

Dynamo is a VC firm led by supply chain and mobility specialists that focus on seed-stage, enterprise startups.

Find out more at: https://www.dynamo.vc/

During this episode, Santosh is joined by Conrad Snover, CEO of ProcureAbility. Conrad explores the evolving role of procurement in the utility sector. He also discusses the importance of sustainable procurement—focusing on both security of supply and responsible practices—alongside the challenges and opportunities brought by electrification, renewable energy, and increased demand. The conversation highlights the need for supply chain resilience, especially in the wake of COVID-19, and emphasizes the value of optionality and risk management. Listeners will gain insights into how procurement can drive value, adapt to industry shifts, and why even simple tools like Excel remain indispensable for procurement professionals. Don’t miss this great conversation. 

Highlights from their conversation include:

• Overview of ProcureAbility (0:41)
• Conrad’s Career Journey (2:04)
• Sustainable Procurement: Definition & Implementation (4:01)
• Sustainability Trends in Utilities (6:30)
• Procurement in the Utility Sector: Fundamentals (8:36)
• Utility Industry Structure & Financial Model (9:21)
• Procurement’s Role in Utility Operations (12:09)
• Skills Shift: IoT, Cybersecurity, and Construction (16:48)
• Complexity of Large-Scale Energy Projects (18:05)
• Supply Chain Resilience & COVID-19 Lessons (19:35)
• Current Material Shortages & Integrated Supply Chain (23:24)
• Procurement’s Strategic Value in Contracting (25:35)
• Risk Management Lessons from Mountaineering (27:16)
• Final Thoughts and Takeaways (29:36)

Dynamo is a VC firm led by supply chain and mobility specialists that focus on seed-stage, enterprise startups.

Find out more at: https://www.dynamo.vc/

Highlights from their conversation include:

• The G10 Fulfillment Founding Story (1:04)
• Mark Becker’s Career Background (3:19)
• Early E-commerce and Amazon Insights (6:31)
• Evolving Customer Demands & Service Model (7:59)
• Warehouse Network Strategy (8:45)
• Network Optimization & Data-Driven Decisions (11:01)
• Automation in B2C vs. B2B Fulfillment (15:56)
• Philosophy on Robotics & Automation Investment (19:15)
• Robotics Implementation & Efficiency Gains (21:49)
• Limits of Robotics in Fulfillment (25:06)
• Future of Warehouse Networks (26:14)
• This or That Segment to Close (27:46)
• Final Thoughts and Conclusion (29:24)

Dynamo is a VC firm led by supply chain and mobility specialists that focus on seed-stage, enterprise startups.

Find out more at: https://www.dynamo.vc/

During this episode, Santosh is joined by Stephen Dombroski, Director, CPG & Food and Beverage at QAD. Stephen joins the show to discuss the future of manufacturing and supply chain innovation. Topics include the evolution of ERP systems, the shift from reactive to proactive planning, the impact of AI and real-time data on demand forecasting, and the practical meaning of a connected workforce. Stephen emphasizes the importance of integrating people, processes, and systems, empowering frontline workers with technology, and fostering open communication to drive change. Key takeaways for listeners are the value of embracing digital transformation, leveraging AI as a support tool, adopting a mindset that prioritizes adaptability and collaboration across the manufacturing ecosystem, and so much more. 

Highlights from their conversation include:

• Overview of QAD and Its Evolution (1:13)
• Stephen’s Career Journey into Manufacturing Tech (3:12)
• Reactive vs. Proactive Manufacturing Planning (6:16)
• Demand Forecasting in Volatile Times (8:57)
• Connected Workforce: Meaning and Impact (13:12)
• AI as a Support Tool for Frontline Workers (16:32)
• Integrating ERP, S&OP, and AI in Manufacturing (19:36)
• Managing Change and Digital Transformation (24:27)
• Rapid Fire Questions to Close: Industry Challenges and Mindset (29:19)
• Final Thoughts and Takeaways (31:02)

Dynamo is a VC firm led by supply chain and mobility specialists that focus on seed-stage, enterprise startups.

Find out more at: https://www.dynamo.vc/

From time to time, we’ll re-air a previous episode of the show that our newer audience may have missed. During this episode, Santosh is joined by Dr. Tom Goldsby, Chair of Logistics at the Haslam College of Business at the University of Tennessee. Santosh and Tom discuss the complexities of supply chain management and other important topics. Tom shares his background, the growth of the University of Tennessee's supply chain program, and the importance of nearshoring and agility in today's volatile environment. They also explore the evolution of parcel logistics, the challenges of last-mile delivery, the impacts of AI on supply chain innovation for the future, and more.

Highlights from their conversation include:

• Tom’s Background in Supply Chain and Logistics (1:22)
• The Impact of Nearshoring (6:41)
• Geopolitical Considerations (9:38)
• Agility in Supply Chain (13:04)
• Adapting to Pandemic Challenges (16:16)
• Parcel Logistics Evolution (19:49)
• USPS incentives and parcel network changes (23:25)
• Walmart's last mile and returns strategy (24:01)
• Rapid fire Segment: AI, Port of Baltimore, and Trucking (25:09)
• Final Thoughts and Takeaways (28:24)

Dynamo is a VC firm led by supply chain and mobility specialists that focus on seed-stage, enterprise startups.

Find out more at: https://www.dynamo.vc/

From time to time, we’ll re-air a previous episode of the show that our newer audience may have missed.

During this episode, Santosh is joined by Radu Palamariu, the Managing Director for Europe and Asia Pacific at Alcott Global, a company that provides executive search solutions for the world's top companies in eCommerce, supply chain, logistics, and other sectors. During the episode, Radu shares insights on the importance of talent in the supply chain industry and the current market dynamics. He talks about Alcott Global's focus on recruitment for the global value chain and its initiatives to recognize supply chain leaders. He also discusses the shift to an employer market, driven by economic and geopolitical factors, and the demand for talent capable of driving change. He also stresses the need for investment in technology and innovation, particularly in Asia and the Middle East, and the challenges of attracting talent to manufacturing. The episode also covers leadership transitions and the strategic approach to appointing independent board directors.

Highlights from their conversation include:

• Alcott Global’s Mission (1:00)
• Radu’s Background in Search and Talent (3:27)
• State of the Supply Chain Industry (6:46)
• Skills in Demand in Supply Chain (8:54)
• Investment and Innovation in Supply Chain (15:18)
• Attracting Talent to Supply Chain (19:52)
• Contributing to the Greater Good (22:22)
• Transitioning leadership in a growing company (24:25)
• Challenges of scaling a company (26:13)
• AI's role in the supply chain (32:18)
• Final thoughts and takeaways (34:39)

Dynamo is a VC firm led by supply chain and mobility specialists that focus on seed-stage, enterprise startups.

Find out more at: https://www.dynamo.vc/

During this episode, Santosh is joined by Joe Darcy, Investment Director at Volvo Group VC, as they explore the intersection of corporate venture capital, industrial innovation, and technology. Joe shares insights into Volvo's strategic venture approach, emphasizing their 28-year history of investing in startups that can benefit both the company and its customers. The conversation also delves into the nuanced world of corporate venture capital, with a particular focus on AI's role in industrial settings, highlighting the importance of "human-in-the-loop" technologies. Joe discusses the firm's investment strategy, which balances financial returns with strategic opportunities, and provides a personal narrative of his journey from Wall Street to venture capital. Key takeaways include the evolving relationship between startups and large corporations, the potential of AI to augment rather than replace human workflows, the critical importance of long-term partnerships in driving technological innovation in the industrial sector, and so much more. 

Highlights from their conversation include:

• Overview of Volvo Group VC (0:57)
• Joe Darcy’s Background (2:17)
• Volvo Group VC’s Investment Approach (4:33)
• Types of Startups Volvo Invests In (7:55)
• Stage Fit and Investment Criteria (10:08)
• Venture Capital Realities and Founder Advice (12:10)
• Overhyped vs. Underappreciated Trends (14:07)
• Non-AI Areas of Interest (16:50)
• Contrarian Take on AI and Industry (17:49)
• Rapid Fire Segment to Close: Myths, Heroes, and Hobbies (18:39)
• Final Thoughts and Takeaways (20:58)

Dynamo is a VC firm led by supply chain and mobility specialists that focus on seed-stage, enterprise startups.

Find out more at: https://www.dynamo.vc/

During this episode, Santosh is joined by Jake Wieseneck, Principal at Maniv, a venture capital firm focused on mobility and transportation technologies. Jake shares insights into Maniv's investment strategy, emphasizing their focus on decarbonization and the digitization of transportation. The conversation also explores emerging trends in AI, particularly its application in verticalized industries like maintenance, freight, and manufacturing. Key discussions include the evolving Series A fundraising landscape, the importance of domain expertise in AI applications, and the potential transformation of automotive OEMs. Jake highlights the firm's approach to investing in companies with clear cost imperatives and multiple business model pathways, while also providing a bold prediction that automotive companies will become broader technology providers by the end of the decade. Don’t miss this conversation! 

Highlights from their conversation include:

• Jake’s Background and Path to Mobility Investing (1:09)
• Maniv’s Investment Strategy and Industry Partnerships (3:34)
• Bidirectional Value with Strategic Partners (6:02)
• Current Market Dynamics and Exciting Trends (8:08)
• AI and Mobility: Investment Focus Areas (9:45)
• Series A Market Expectations and Guidance (11:27)
• Optionality and Transparency for Founders (13:23)
• Investor-Founder Alignment and Board Dynamics (18:22)
• Defensibility and Moats in AI-Driven Businesses (20:23)
• Distribution, Data, and Domain as Competitive Advantages (22:19)
• Decarbonization and Electrification Investment Approach (27:28)
• Bold Predictions for the Automotive Industry (30:22)
• Rapid Fire Segment to Closs (31:31)

Dynamo is a VC firm led by supply chain and mobility specialists that focus on seed-stage, enterprise startups.

Find out more at: https://www.dynamo.vc/

During this episode, Santosh is joined by Adam Honig, CEO of Spiro.ai. During the conversation, Adam and Santosh discuss the limitations of traditional CRM systems and introduce an "anti-CRM" approach tailored for the industrial sector. Adam shares his experiences in sales and technology, highlighting how Spiro.ai uses AI to automatically collect and update customer data, reducing manual entry and improving sales productivity. The conversation also explores challenges in industrial sales, including generational knowledge transfer, technology adoption, and the need for practical, actionable insights. Key takeaways include the importance of proactive relationship management, the potential of AI to streamline sales processes, the need for flexible, user-friendly solutions that provide real value to sales teams, and so much more. 

Highlights from their conversation include:

• Adam’s Background and CRM Experience (1:01)
• The Fundamental Flaws of Traditional CRMs (3:03)
• Proactive Relationship Management Explained (6:53)
• Why Focus on the Industrial Sector? (8:30)
• Actionable Insights and Business Impact (10:40)
• AI Adoption in Industrial Sales (12:53)
• Advice for Industrial Leaders on Digital Transformation (14:51)
• Common Sales Mistakes in Manufacturing (17:00)
• CRM 1.0 vs. CRM 2.0: What’s Changed? (19:10)
• The Future of CRM and Systems of Record (23:22)
• Final Thoughts and Takeaways (24:33)

Dynamo is a VC firm led by supply chain and mobility specialists that focus on seed-stage, enterprise startups.

Find out more at: https://www.dynamo.vc/