"Fundraising is a full-time job—especially when you're building something this complex." - Karan Talati, Co-founder and CEO of First Resonance

In this episode of Tech Scenes Los Angeles, Jeff James Martin sits down with Karan Talati, Co-founder and CEO of First Resonance, to explore what it takes to lead a hardware startup at the edge of advanced manufacturing and AI. From his early days at Motorola to enabling rocket reusability at SpaceX, Karan shares how his obsession with data led to building ION, the Factory OS that’s powering the next generation of complex manufacturing—from lunar landers to robotic farms.

The conversation dives deep into the realities of being a first-time founder: the relentless demands of fundraising, the make-or-break importance of early hires, and how board composition and operational visibility evolve with scale. They also explore how AI is being thoughtfully integrated to optimize productivity in mission-critical environments like aerospace and defense.

Whether you're leading a startup, building physical products, or navigating your first raise, this episode offers hard-won insights into what it takes to scale teams, products, and vision in a space where complexity is the norm and adaptability is key.

Key Takeaways:

• Building a successful startup is all about getting the right people early—everything else flows from that.

• Fundraising isn’t just about pitch decks—it’s a seasonal, full-time job that requires timing and tenacity.

• Board composition should reflect where the company is headed, not just where it is today.

• Organizational visibility and clarity (through OKRs or otherwise) often erode as companies grow—and need continuous reinforcement.

• AI in manufacturing is not a silver bullet but a strategic lever when implemented thoughtfully.

• Change is constant in startups—founders must evolve with their companies to stay effective.

Chapters:
00:00 – Navigating the Funding Landscape
04:37 – Building Complex Solutions at First Resonance
09:00 – Lessons from First-Time Founding
12:12 – Organizational Growth and Structure
19:20 – The Importance of Board Composition
22:24 – The Challenges of Fundraising
31:58 – Leveraging AI in Manufacturing

Resources:

Learn more about the book Peak Teams – Mastering the Habit of Unstoppable Venture-backed Companies https://a.co/d/hp5Jtnu

Visit Collective Genius™ to Build Your Venture-backed Team with the Peak Operating System™ https://www.collective-genius.com/

Music by Andrew Applepie https://soundcloud.com/andrewapplepie

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