In this episode: Rob May and Anna Kirk sit down with Ben Coleman, founder & CEO of RealityDefender, to talk about the future of deepfakes, misinformation, detection tech, and why New York might actually be the best place to build applied AI. We cover the moment Ben realized deepfakes were going to become a world-scale problem, what it takes to stay ahead of AI-generated media, the shifting investor sentiment around safety tools—and yes, Rob tries to get Ben to explain how to make Anna say something she would never say in real life.https://www.realitydefender.com/

Why Nonprofits Need AI Now — With Jenni Warren & Jake Porway of Decoded Futures In Episode 8 of AI in NYC, hosts Rob May (CEO & Co-founder, Neurometric) and Ryan Eppley (CEO & Co-founder, Root Access) sit down with Jenni Warren and Jake Porway from Decoded Futures — a Tech:NYC Foundation initiative powered by Robin Hood and Google.Jenni, a Program Director with 15+ years of experience across Magpie Literacy, Success Academy, and DSST Public Schools, and Jake, an Entrepreneur-in-Residence and Co-founder of DataKind, join the table for a wide-ranging, philosophical, and fun conversation.Decoded Futures website: https://www.decodedfutures.nyc/Featuring:Jenni Warren — Program Director, Decoded FuturesJake Porway — Entrepreneur-in-Residence, Decoded Futures & Co-founder, DataKindRob May — CEO & Co-founder, Neurometric (Host)Ryan Eppley — CEO & Co-founder, Root Access (Host)Producer: Madi DonlanFor guest inquiries:aiinnycshow@gmail.comaiinnycshow.com | @aiinnycshow on instagram

Welcome to AI in NYC! In Episode 7, hosts Ryan Eppley (Root Access) and Anna Kirk (Thread AI) sit down with Waleed Atallah, CEO of Mako, to dive deep into the world of AI hardware, GPUs, and the future of computing.In this episode:Waleed’s journey from Intel to founding MakoWhy GPUs are taking over the world of AIThe challenges of programming for GPUs and how Mako is solving themThe evolution of AI coding agents and the async vs. sync debateInsights on enterprise AI adoption, current trends, and the future of workFun NYC stories, favorite city landmarks, and more!Timestamps:0:00 – Intro & guest welcome2:30 – Waleed’s background and career path10:00 – The rise of GPUs and parallel processing20:00 – What Mako does and why it matters35:00 – AI coding agents: async vs. sync50:00 – Enterprise AI adoption & industry trends1:10:00 – NYC stories & favorite buildings1:20:00 – Closing thoughtsConnect with us:Ryan Eppley: Root AccessAnna Kirk: Thread AIGuest: Waleed Atallah, CEO of MakoDon’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes on AI, startups, and tech in New York City! Send us your swag! aiinnycshow@gmail.comaiinnycshow.comAI #Podcast #NYC #GPUs #Startups

FeedbackNow VP of AI, Sam Koch, joins the show to share how he’s actually using AI, not just talking about it. From automating real workflows to bringing hardware back into tech, Sam breaks down what works (and what doesn’t) when scaling automation in Private Equity.Why watch:Real examples of AI that save hours of workWhat failed (and why some automations aren’t worth it)Why hardware gives startups defensibility againHow culture and management make or break AI transformationActionable lessons from hand-labeling data to scaling lean startupsTopics:AI in Private Equity · Workflow automation · Real-world data · Hardware comeback · State space models · Culture in digital transformationArticles discussed:State Space Model gets major funding (LinkedIn)Data Centers and Jet Engines (IEEE Spectrum)Michael Burry bets against Palantir and NVIDIA (Yahoo Finance)Amazon vs. Perplexity AI Agent (Bloomberg)Hosts:Rob May (NeuroMetric) · Anna Kirk (Nadia Partners) · Ryan Eppley (Root Access)Want us to wear your company swag on the show or talk bookings?Email: aiinnycshow@gmail.comLike, subscribe, and drop your favorite NYC burger in the comments!

Discover SimpleApply — the smarter way to land your next job!Visit: https://simpleapply.aiHosts: Rob May — CEO & Co-founder, NeuroMetric AIAnna Kirk — Chief of Staff, Nadia PartnersIn this episode of AI in NYC, hosts Rob May (CEO & Co-founder, NeuroMetric) and Anna Kirk (Chief of Staff, Nadia Partners) sit down with Joe Perrotta, CEO and founder of SimplyApply, to explore how AI is transforming the job search, hiring, and the future of work.What’s Inside:Joe shares the story behind SimpleApply and how it’s helping thousands of job seekers automate and streamline their job hunt.The team debates “AI doom loops” in hiring—will automation and countermeasures spiral out of control, or is it just a temporary inefficiency?Real-world metrics: Joe reveals SimpleApply’s growth, user success rates, and what’s really happening in today’s job market.Beyond resumes: Why networking, authenticity, and human connection still matter in an AI-driven world.Rob’s unique approach to hiring for diversity and the value of randomness in finding hidden talent.Favorite interview questions, personality tests, and candid takes on the latest AI news: OpenAI’s new browser, Anthropic’s leadership statement, and the future of AI hardware.Featured Articles & Resources:SimpleApply.aihttps://theconversation.com/ai-genera...

Hosts:Rob May — CEO & Co-founder, NeuroMetricAnna Kirk — Chief of Staff, Nadia PartnersRyan Eppley — Co-founder & CEO, Root AccessGuest:Joe Dormani — Partner, Thomson Reuters VenturesEpisode Overview:This week we sit down with Joe Dormani for a deep dive into AI investing, legal tech, and how enterprise adoption is really unfolding in the wild. We cover venture strategy, defensibility, the future of professional services, and whether the billable hour can survive AI. We also explore the cultural side of AI — including dating apps, RizzGPT, and Joe’s belief that “organic rizz is better than synthetic rizz.”Segments & Key Topics:• Joe’s career path across AI product, corporate strategy, and venture investing• How Thomson Reuters Ventures evaluates companies in legal, tax, accounting, fintech, and compliance• Build vs. buy vs. partner vs. invest — how enterprises make AI decisions• Real-world AI adoption: what’s working and what still has friction• Defensibility in AI: data, workflow depth, UX, and true IP• The billable hour vs. an AI-native legal industry• The rise of AI tool proficiency as a career skill• Cultural AI: RizzGPT, dating-app AI, and generational shifts• $300M+ seed for Periodic Labs, AMD vs. NVIDIA, and macro AI market dynamics• NYC segment — our favorite calm spots in the cityQuotes:“AI is a tool — proficiency and investment determine the outcome.”“The billable hour may not survive an AI-first legal industry.”“Organic rizz is better than synthetic rizz.”!!!Founders!!! send us your merch for a shoutout in a future episode.Subscribe, comment, and drop your guest suggestions for next week.

In this episode Rob and Ryan interview Eric Litman, CEO of Aescape, which builds a robotic massage table. Eric talks about how robotics has exploded in NYC in the last few years, and how it compares to building his first company in mobile tech in the mid 2000s. The crew also discusses an article about how ChatGPT is destroying marriages, and debates again whether or not AI is in a bubble.Leave a comment on the show and we will choose the best one to get an Aescape gift card for a free massage.

In this episode Rob, Anna, and Ryan talk to Collectivei co-founder Stephen Messer and discuss his background as an early NYC tech entrepreneur, and building AI in New York before it was cool. The crew also discusses an article from The Atlantic about whether or not there is an AI bubble, and Jerry Neumann’s recent Collossus article “AI Will Not Make You Rich”The show ends with everyone contributing their best “what I overheard in New York” story.

Listen to Rob, Anna, and Ryan discuss the New York tech scene and recent AI articles with Charlie O'Donnell. Charlie is a life long New Yorker and long time venture capitalist. He discusses his experience working for Josh Kopelman and Fred Wilson, two of the most successful venture capitalists of all time, and the key catalysts that have turned NYC into a dominant hub for AI.Charlie's blog - thisisgoingtobebig.com

Welcome to exhilarating episode of AI Innovators with Rob May! In this episode, Rob is joined by Dan Schwarz, founder of FutureSearch, for an in-depth conversation about the future of artificial intelligence and the pivotal role forecasting plays in understanding where AI is headed. Unlike any previous guest, Dan brings his unique perspective as a leader of a company that leverages AI to predict the future of AI itself.The AI Innovators Podcast is sponsored by Half Court Ventures and the Investing in AI newsletter, this episode promises to provide a wealth of knowledge for anyone interested in the cutting-edge developments in AI and their real-world applications. Dan and Rob dig into some of FutureSearch’s boldest forecasts—like predictions on OpenAI’s 2027 revenue and the emerging business models that could power an intelligence explosion. They explore how AI-driven forecasting is dramatically improving the ability to answer tough questions about technology, industry disruption, and the timeline for true superintelligence. Dan shares FutureSearch’s methodology, the importance of track records in making credible predictions, and why the next wave of AI revenue is likely to come from “agents” rather than traditional products like ChatGPT.Throughout the episode, you'll get insights into the challenges and opportunities facing foundational model companies like OpenAI and Anthropic, the impact of disruptive new technologies, and why positive feedback loops could make AI’s evolution much faster—and more surprising—than most expect.Whether you’re an investor, technologist, or just fascinated by AI’s rapid progress, this episode is loaded with expert analysis, real-world examples, and forward-looking ideas to keep you ahead of the curve.Episode Highlights:Costs and Investment: OpenAI is burning through far more capital than previous tech companies due to the enormous compute costs required for their models. The money they’ve raised is more about meeting these high operating expenses than signaling runaway revenue success.Competi

Welcome to exhilarating episode of AI Innovators with Rob May! In this episode, we explore the transformative power of AI in marketing and branding with our distinguished guests: Catherine Perloff, a journalist focused on the advertising business of big tech platforms, and Noah Brier, an entrepreneur passionate about integrating AI into marketing strategies.The AI Innovators Podcast is sponsored by Half Court Ventures and the Investing in AI newsletter, this episode promises to provide a wealth of knowledge for anyone interested in the cutting-edge developments in AI and their real-world applications. Catherine and Noah delve into how AI is reshaping the advertising landscape by enabling creativity and accelerating content creation. They discuss the challenges marketers face with AI adoption, such as the slow integration within large enterprises and concerns over data privacy and brand safety.Rob, Catherine, and Noah also consider the future role of AI in branding and marketing, emphasizing the importance of maintaining strong brand identities in a rapidly evolving technological environment. Whether you're a marketer, technologist, or simply curious about AI's influence, this episode is packed with valuable insights to help you keep pace in the AI-driven world. Tune in to discover how AI experts are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in marketing!Episode Highlights:AI in Marketing: Explore how AI is driving innovation in marketing by streamlining the creation of ads and enabling more dynamic advertising strategies.Challenges in AI Adoption: Learn about the hurdles large brands face in adopting AI, from legal barriers to cultural resistance within organizations.Branding and AI's Future: Gain insights into the evolving role of branding in an AI-centric world and how brands can position themselves for success amidst changing media landscapes.Catherine's Links(Linkedin)Noah's Links(

Welcome to another exciting episode of AI Innovators with Rob May! In this episode, we dive deep into the intersection of artificial intelligence and risk analysis with Scott Weller, co-founder of Enfi AI. The AI Innovators Podcast is sponsored by Half Court Ventures and the Investing in AI newsletter, this episode promises to provide a wealth of knowledge for anyone interested in the cutting-edge developments in AI and their real-world applications. Scott shares his insights on how AI is transforming the credit industry by streamlining the underwriting process, making commercial lending more efficient, and, ultimately, boosting economic growth. Rob and Scott discuss the challenges and solutions surrounding AI's role in financial services, including dealing with LLM hallucinations and building agent-based systems. Scott also reflects on the evolution of digital coworkers and their role in the future workforce. Whether you're an entrepreneur, technologist, or simply curious about AI's impact, this episode is packed with valuable insights on staying ahead in the AI-driven world. Tune in to explore the future possibilities with AI experts leading the charge!Episode Highlights:Efficient Credit Analysis: Scott highlights how AI can streamline credit risk assessment by automating mundane tasks, allowing analysts to focus on more complex decision-making, ultimately enabling banks to lend more efficiently.Agent-Based Systems: He discusses the development of agentic systems that are fine-tuned to specific tasks, helping reduce errors like hallucinations and improving overall system reliability in data-heavy environments like finance.Future of Digital Workforces: Scott envisions a future where digital coworkers, empowered by natural language processing, work alongside humans to enhance productivity and drive innovation in various industries.Scott's Links(

Welcome to another episode of AI Innovators with Rob May, where we explore the transformative impact of artificial intelligence on various industries. In this episode, we're joined by the insightful Karen Hao, a freelance journalist known for her expertise in AI and technology reporting. The AI Innovators Podcast is sponsored by Half Court Ventures and the Investing in AI newsletter, this episode promises to provide a wealth of knowledge for anyone interested in the cutting-edge developments in AI and their real-world applications. Karen shares her unique journey from a mechanical engineering background to becoming a leading journalist covering AI advancements, initially at MIT Technology Review. Together, Rob and Karen dive into pressing topics such as the current landscape of AI ethics, the rapid developments in AI capabilities, and the ongoing global competition in the AI space, particularly between the US and China. Karen also provides a sneak peek into her forthcoming book on OpenAI, promising an in-depth look at one of the most influential companies in AI today. Tune in to hear their thought-provoking discussion on the societal impacts of AI, the challenges of maintaining ethical standards in an ever-evolving field, and the importance of fostering international collaboration for the benefit of all.00:42 - Karen Hao's career and unexpected start in AI journalism.01:11 - Karen Hao's initial reluctance to cover AI and eventual realization of its significance.02:31 - Exploration of AI research and its societal impacts.03:31 - Society's preparedness to handle AI's ethical dilemmas.03:59 - Complex world challenges ethical AI development.05:33 - Race against time in AI development versus ethical consideration.05:39 - Deep Seek's impact and reflection on AI industry's scaling beliefs.07:45 - Thoughts on hardware as the only moat in AI development.09:07 - Public market reactions and AI defensibility concerns.10:

Welcome to another episode of the AI Innovators Podcast! I'm your host, Rob May, and in today's episode, In today's episode, our distinguished guest is Joseph Jorgensen, the founder of Capsule Video. Join us as Joseph shares the story behind Capsule, a ground-breaking AI-powered video editing platform designed to make video creation easier for businesses, especially large enterprises. From the challenges of video content creation to the innovative ways Capsule leverages AI to streamline the editing process, Joseph provides invaluable insights into the dynamic intersection of technology and business. AI Innovators Podcast is sponsored by Half Court Ventures and the Investing in AI newsletter, this episode promises to provide a wealth of knowledge for anyone interested in the cutting-edge developments in AI and their real-world applications. Jorgensen provides a candid look into their strategic approach of integrating multiple AI models while maintaining the flexibility to adapt to rapidly evolving technology.Key highlights include:- How Capsule Video leverages AI to simplify video editing processes- Their strategic focus on enterprise clients and brand consistency- The challenges and solutions in implementing AI models effectively- Practical insights into product development in the fast-moving AI landscapeThis conversation is especially relevant for entrepreneurs, tech professionals, and anyone interested in the practical applications of AI in content creation. Jorgensen's parting wisdom about balancing celebration of achievements while maintaining forward momentum offers valuable perspective for aspiring business leaders.Whether you're a startup founder, AI enthusiast, or business professional looking to understand the future of video content creation, this episode provides actionable insights and thought-provoking discussion about the role of AI in transforming traditional industries.Joseph Jorgensen's Links(https://capsule.video/)

Welcome to another episode of the AI Innovators Podcast! I'm your host, Rob May, and in today's episode, we're wrapping up the year with a bang by looking ahead to AI in 2025. I've gathered a panel of AI experts from Half Court Ventures to discuss the current landscape, future trends, and the evolving challenges and opportunities in the AI sphere.AI Innovators Podcast is sponsored by Half Court Ventures and the Investing in AI newsletter, this episode promises to provide a wealth of knowledge for anyone interested in the cutting-edge developments in AI and their real-world applications. So, sit back, relax, and get ready to be inspired by the insights of the Half Court Ventures Team - Byron Galbraith, George Lin, and Eric Koziol Episode Highlights:OpenAI's Market Position: Byron Galbraith, George Lin, and Eric Koziol analyze whether OpenAI remains the frontrunner in the AI industry amidst rising competition, legal challenges from Elon Musk, and varying business models.Big Tech's Dominance: We dive deep into the capabilities and future potential of major companies like Google, Nvidia, Meta, and Apple. With insights into compute power, custom chips, and the scaling of AI hardware, our panelists George Lin and Byron Galbraith provide a comprehensive outlook.Next-Gen AI Architectures: George Lin introduces his prediction on the shift beyond transformer architectures, citing innovative models like mamba and rwkv. The panel discusses how these could revolutionize AI by extending context and efficiency.Generative Media Breakthroughs: Byron Galbraith brings to light the impact of Flux models on the generative media space, the quest to reduce inference costs, and the shifting landscape of local versus cloud-based model training.Custom Software Development with AI: Eric Koziol delves into the notion of personalized software, where the cost of software development drops, enabling bespoke applications tailored to specific business processes. This segment examines both the benefits and potential drawbacks of this democratization.Thanks for tunin

Welcome to another exciting episode of the AI Innovators Podcast! I'm your host, Rob May, and today we have a truly special guest joining us: Kevin Novak. Kevin is a former data scientist at Uber and now a venture capitalist with Rackhouse VC. In this episode, we dive deep into fascinating topics surrounding the transformative power of AI in early-stage businesses, the evolving landscape of data and infrastructure, and the nuances of AI investment strategies.Episode Highlights:Kevin delves into the shift from viewing data as a byproduct to recognizing its critical role in AI systems, and the implications of increasing AI demands on data centers and power capacity.We discuss the performance dynamics of large language models versus small, specialized AI models, and their future potential, including mobile integration.Kevin shares valuable insights into the unpredictable impacts of AI across various industries, the importance of continuous experimentation, and the concept of Harvard's "jagged frontier."We explore the strategic challenges and opportunities in AI-focused venture capital, Kevin's approach to early-stage investments, and the essential traits of successful startup teams.Kevin and I also touch upon the importance of deep customer relationships, managing AI’s operational complexities, and the evolving role of AI in enhancing current business metrics.Sponsored by Half Court Ventures and the Investing in AI newsletter, this episode promises to provide a wealth of knowledge for anyone interested in the cutting-edge developments in AI and their real-world applications. So, sit back, relax, and get ready to be inspired by the insights of Kevin Novak on the AI Innovators Podcast.Kevin Novak's(rackhouse.vc/)(Kevin's Linkedin)Rob's Links

Welcome to another exciting episode of the AI Innovators Podcast! I'm your host, Rob May, and today we're diving into a truly unique domain as we explore the intersection of AI and the insurance industry. Our guest is Alex Schmelkin, CEO of Sixfold AI, a company that's revolutionizing how insurance companies underwrite policies.In this episode, Alex gives us an insider look at the traditional human-led underwriting process and how Sixfold AI is reshaping this landscape with advanced AI technology. We discuss the challenges and opportunities in automating underwriting, the impressive ROI their solutions bring, and the intricacies of adapting AI across different insurance types.Alex shares valuable insights into the decision-making journey of choosing to enable traditional insurance carriers rather than becoming one, and his perspective on the future of AI insurance. We also touch on the emerging field of AI model insurance and the critical role of document ingestion in their AI tech stack.Get ready to learn from Alex’s vast experience and gain practical advice that every entrepreneur and AI enthusiast can apply. Whether you're in the insurance industry or simply fascinated by AI's transformative power, this episode is packed with valuable takeaways. So, tune in and join us on this deep dive into the future of AI in insurance!Alex Schmelkin's Links( https://sixfold.ai/)(Linkedin)(Alex's Linkedin)Rob's Links ( halfcourt.vc )( Rob AI Newsletter )01:00 - Underwriters assess risk using vast data volumes.04:54 - AI evaluates insurance applications for underwriting decisions.08:14 - Innovators podcast by Half Court Ventures, AI.11:38 - Enhancing insurance with advanced underwriting models.15:16 - AI exclusions in insurance policies raise concerns.17

Welcome back to another episode of AI Innovators with Rob May, the podcast that deep dives into how AI is reshaping industries and the groundbreaking minds behind it. In today's episode, we're joined by Pawel Zimoch, co-founder of Featrix AI, a company known for pioneering vectorization solutions for the enterprise. As we explore the world of vectors and embeddings, Pawel unpacks the significance of data predictability and why some data sets work better with AI than others. We'll also delve into the evolution of Featrix, from its founding story to its innovative strides in custom embeddings and multi-modal data analysis. Whether you're an entrepreneur, a data scientist, or simply curious about the future of AI, this episode is packed with insights you won't want to miss. Tune in for a fascinating conversation on the complexities, challenges, and exciting advancements in the realm of AI.Pawel Zimoch's Links( Featrix.ai )(Linkedin)( Featrix)Rob's Links ( halfcourt.vc )( Rob AI Newsletter )00:00 - Embeddings use cosine similarity for comparative analysis.04:57 - Predictive data value varies; feature engineering necessary.06:28 - Efficient AI system predicts project viability quickly.12:04 - Human judgment and problem-solving skills prevail.13:59 - Learning computer science is essential for understanding AI.16:26 - Managing models requires significant context from data scientists.22:28 - Connect with others for broader learning perspectives.23:28 - Success in entrepreneurship relies on understanding people.

Welcome to another exciting episode of AI Innovators with Rob May! In today's episode, we are thrilled to have Kojo Asai from Matrix Capital as our guest. Kojo dives deep into his intriguing thesis on why inference costs are plummeting towards zero and its massive implications for the AI industry. We’ll explore how dropping costs can unlock groundbreaking applications, revolutionize generative media, and shape the future of AI. Kojo also shares his insights on the hottest layers in the AI stack, evaluates the potential of companies like OpenAI, and offers valuable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs and investors. Plus, stay tuned for a speed round where Kojo gives his buy or sell verdict on emerging AI trends. Whether you're an AI enthusiast, investor, or entrepreneur, this episode is packed with thought-provoking discussions and valuable insights you won't want to miss. Let's dive in!Kojo Osei's Links( Kojo's Blog )( Matrix VC )( Kojo Linkedin )( Kojo's Twitter / X )Rob's Links ( halfcourt.vc )( Rob AI Newsletter )01:00 - Competition drives inference costs reduction significantly.05:35 - Evolution of tech parallels Internet's media expansion.09:28 - Open source enhances adaptability; application layer underrated.11:42 - OpenAI achieved rapid growth, comparable to Google.15:55 - AI needs business model to capture value.18:07 - AI impersonation threats impact identity-centric businesses.22:34 - Lead with curiosity; choose inspired over anxious.23:52 - Gratitude expressed; requests blog URL for more.

Welcome to another exciting episode of 'AI Innovators with Rob May.' This is the podcast where we dive deep into the transformative world of artificial intelligence and its impacts across various industries. I'm your host, Rob May, and today, we have a fascinating episode lined up for you.In today's episode, we're thrilled to be joined by two incredible guests, Steve Peltzman and Sam Koch. Steve is here to shed light on the limitations of traditional surveys in identifying specific issues, particularly in public restrooms, and to emphasize the unparalleled insights provided by real-time data. Sam, on the other hand, has extensive experience in automating workflows using AI within the private equity space and will be sharing some innovative applications of AI in enhancing operational efficiency at Feedback now—a company renowned for its groundbreaking restroom feedback buttons and real-time data collection through IoT devices.We'll explore how Feedback now's technology extends beyond restroom feedback to improve services in hospitals and other facilities. Additionally, we'll discuss a three-tiered AI adoption strategy that businesses can use to integrate AI effectively, the importance of measuring and optimizing facilities like older airport bathrooms, and the critical role of agility and real-time feedback in smaller companies.Whether you're an executive looking to adopt AI in your operations or simply curious about the future of AI, this episode is packed with insights, real-world examples, and actionable advice. So, without further ado, let's jump right into our conversation with Steve Peltzman and Sam Koch. Stay tuned!"Contact Feedback Now https://feedbacknow.com/info@FeedbackNow.comfeedbacknowSam's LinkedinSteven Linkedin Rob Links ( halfcourt.vc )( Rob AI Newsletter )