"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

#TechScenes #FirstResonance #ManufacturingTech #AIinManufacturing #StartupLife #KaranTalati #JeffJamesMartin #FundraisingTips #ComplexProducts #FactoryOS #HardwareStartups #CollectiveGenius™ #PeakOperatingSystem

"Logistics is the secret to Amazon’s success—but it doesn’t have to be their monopoly." - Tyler ScrivenIn

In this episode of Tech Scenes, Jeff James Martin sits down with Tyler Scriven, Co-founder and CEO of Saltbox, to explore how AI, logistics, and co-warehousing are shaping the future of e-commerce. Tyler shares the founding story of Saltbox, a revolutionary platform designed to empower small e-commerce businesses with access to flexible logistics infrastructure, fulfillment tools, and community support.The conversation covers the inflection points in Tyler’s entrepreneurial journey—from scaling operations at Palantir to solving the real-world challenges faced by growing e-commerce brands. Together, they examine how AI is rapidly transforming marketing and fulfillment, why community is a critical differentiator for small businesses, and how a growing divide in access to AI knowledge could reshape the economic playing field.Tyler also reflects on broader societal shifts, drawing powerful parallels between the current AI revolution and past technological leaps. He underscores the urgency of teaching critical thinking, preparing for disruption, and leaning into humanity as a strength—not a liability—in an increasingly automated world.Key Takeaways:AI is redefining e-commerce, especially in marketing, fulfillment, and customer experience.Saltbox provides small businesses with the tools and space to compete with logistics giants.Entrepreneurial “bribe-the-mailman” moments often lead to big solutions.Community and support are fundamental to small business resilience.Human connection and storytelling offer a lasting competitive edge over automation.The AI revolution will move faster than previous technological shifts, creating both massive opportunity and deep inequality.Critical thinking and awareness are vital to ensure society benefits from AI—not just a select few.Small businesses must act now to capitalize on the unfair advantage early adopters enjoy.Music without lyrics, like jazz or instrumental tracks, can become an emotional anchor in moments of isolation or deep focus.Chapters00:00 – The Future of E-Commerce and AI02:05 – Building Saltbox: A Solution for Small Businesses06:14 – The Entrepreneurial Journey: Moments of Realization09:47 – Community and Fairness in Entrepreneurship14:14 – Challenges for Small E-Commerce Businesses18:48 – Competing with Giants: The Small Business Advantage23:50 – The Role of Humanity in a Tech-Driven World26:53 – Equity and Access in the Age of AI28:04 – Revolutionary Inflection Points32:37 – Awareness and Engagement in the AI Era35:34 – The Future of E-Commerce42:58 – Navigating the Unknown FutureResourcesLearn more about the book Peak Teams – Mastering the Habit of Unstoppable Venture-backed Companies https://a.co/d/hp5JtnuVisit 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#TechScenes #Saltbox #EcommerceLogistics #AIinEcommerce #Entrepreneurship #SmallBusinessGrowth #StartupLogistics #TylerScriven #JeffJamesMartin #VentureCapital #TechInnovation #CommunityDriven #AIRevolution #CriticalThinking #WarehouseTech #PlatformEconomy #CollectiveGenius #PeakOperatingSystem

"Trust your instinct—we're a startup." - Alex Lee

In this episode of Tech Scenes, Jeff James Martin sits down with Alex Lee, CEO and Co-founder of Truewind, to talk about the evolution of AI in accounting, the lessons learned through Y Combinator, and how trusting your gut can be a superpower in startup leadership. A former aerospace engineer turned entrepreneur, Alex shares how Truewind is streamlining bookkeeping and financial modeling for accounting firms by building a digital staff accountant powered by AI and supported by concierge service.

The conversation covers everything from the messy realities of fundraising and team dynamics to the powerful role of community in the startup journey. Alex breaks down how open communication, structured thinking, and constant experimentation are critical in navigating early-stage growth. The episode also dives into the balancing act of following instincts while remaining flexible and data-informed—and how Truewind is just scratching the surface of AI’s potential to transform accounting.

Key Takeaways:

• Instincts matter—especially when data is incomplete or the path forward isn’t clear.

• Truewind is building an AI-powered digital staff accountant to support accounting firms.

• The founder’s transition from aerospace to accounting tech shows how transferable deep problem-solving skills can be.

• Y Combinator offers immense value through its resources, mentorship, and founder community.

• Fundraising is unpredictable; transparency and vulnerability with investors can foster better outcomes.

• Team alignment requires clear roles, open communication, and regular OKR reviews.

• A support system for founders—whether mentors or peers—is essential for staying grounded.

• Experimentation is key to finding product-market fit, and focus helps avoid distractions.

• The future of AI in accounting is still unfolding, but Truewind is leading the charge.

YouTube Chapters:
00:00 – Trusting Instincts in Startups
01:17 – Introduction to Truewind
02:15 – The Vision Behind Truewind
04:17 – The Journey from Aerospace to Accounting
08:11 – Experiences in Y Combinator
10:20 – Benefits of the YC Program
12:17 – Fundraising Experiences and Lessons Learned
16:31 – The Reality of Startup Challenges
19:03 – The Importance of Open Communication
24:03 – Navigating Team Dynamics and Responsibilities
30:13 – Experimentation and Focus in Growth
36:02 – Instinct vs. Data in Decision Making
38:14 – The Future of AI in Accounting

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

#TechScenes #Truewind #AIAccounting #Bookkeeping #StartupLeadership #YCombinator #VentureCapital #Entrepreneurship #JeffJamesMartin #AlexLee #FinancialModeling #AccountingTech #Startups #FounderJourney #OKRs #TeamAlignment #CollectiveGenius™ #PeakOperatingSystem

"We want to build refineries, not gas stations." - Bill Kleyman

In this episode of Tech Scenes Unplugged, Jeff James Martin sits down with Bill Kleyman, CEO and Co-founder of Apolo.us, to discuss how Apolo is redefining the infrastructure behind AI and machine learning. With a background spanning IT consulting, digital transformation, and executive leadership in the data center space, Bill brings a deep and passionate perspective on the future of AI-powered infrastructure, entrepreneurship, and innovation.

The conversation dives into how Apolo is building a white-label GPU-as-a-Service platform that enables data centers to offer scalable, efficient AI solutions directly where data resides. Bill shares how his vision for engineer-built ML Ops tools is helping unlock the potential of generative AI, saving organizations millions across industries, and creating brave new opportunities for technology transfer and growth. He also speaks candidly about the challenges of raising capital, the importance of building a brilliant, trustworthy team, and how entrepreneurship requires both focus and flexibility.

Key Takeaways:

Apolo is transforming data centers into AI powerhouses with a scalable, multi-tenant GPUaaS platform.

Generative AI is like discovering oil without refining capability—Apolo aims to be the refinery.

The platform is built for engineers, by engineers, with a focus on ML Ops usability.

AI solutions developed by Apolo have already saved millions of dollars across industries.

Bravery in entrepreneurship means pushing boundaries and embracing unknowns.

Building a strong team of experts you trust is essential for startup success.

Entrepreneurs should be selective with investors—your board should work for you.

Success in scaling requires both intense focus and adaptability.

Collaboration across international and interdisciplinary lines accelerates innovation.

Leadership is also a journey of personal discovery and growth.

Chapters:

00:00 - The Dawn of Generative AI

02:20 - Introducing Apollo: A New Era in ML Ops

06:16 - Transforming Industries with AI Solutions

13:40 - Navigating the Go-to-Market Strategy

16:08 - The Role of Bravery in Entrepreneurship

22:44 - Building a Trustworthy Team

27:13 - Bringing Technology from Ukraine to the US

31:02 - Funding Challenges and Investor Relations

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/

Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell to stay updated with all our episodes, where we bring you the untold stories of innovation and leadership from the tech world, only on Tech Scenes Unplugged.

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

#TechScenes #Apolo #GPUaaS #AIInfrastructure #MachineLearning #MLops #GenerativeAI #DataCenters #Entrepreneurship #StartupLeadership #FundingStrategy #JeffJamesMartin #BillKleyman #TechScenesUnplugged #CollectiveGenius™ #PeakOperatingSystem

"It's all about relationships." - Evan WaldenIn this episode of Tech Scenes Unplugged, Jeff James Martin sits down with Evan Walden, CEO and Co-founder of Getro, to explore the power of warm introductions, networking, and the evolving role of platform teams in venture capital. Getro, a SaaS platform for VC firms, accelerators, and professional communities, helps organizations unlock hidden value in their networks by making high-value, double opt-in connections between companies and talent.The conversation covers how Getro has evolved, the changing landscape of SaaS in the AI era, and how venture firms are differentiating themselves by focusing on networking and platform value. Evan also shares insights on scaling teams, the loneliness of leadership, and the importance of balancing focus and flexibility in business. The discussion wraps with a lighthearted look at music and creativity, highlighting the connection between jazz, improvisation, and entrepreneurship.Key Takeaways:Relationships drive success in venture capital and business.Getro enhances networking for VC firms by enabling warm introductions.The platform has evolved from job boards to a broader networking tool.Warm introductions significantly improve conversion rates in hiring and sales.AI is transforming SaaS, forcing companies to adapt to new models.VC firms are shifting focus to platform roles to better support founders.Building trust and reputation is critical for VCs to engage with startups.Scaling teams requires leaders to shift from doing to delegating.The CEO role can be isolating, making peer collaboration essential.Creativity in business, like jazz, requires both structure and improvisation.Chapters:0:00 - Building Strong Relationships in Venture Capital1:31 - Introduction to Getro and Its Evolution6:20 - The Current Product Offering of Getro10:08 - The Importance of Warm Introductions12:39 - Leveraging Networks for Business Success16:18 - The Future of SaaS and AI Integration25:34 - Insights into Venture Capital Needs28:11 - The Evolution of Platform Roles in VC Firms31:34 - Building Trust and Reputation with Founders34:31 - Strategies for Engaging with VC Firms39:14 - The Challenges of Scaling Teams46:18 - The Loneliness of the CEO Role49:30 - The Desert Island Scenario: Music and CreativityLearn more about the book Peak Teams - Mastering the Habit of Unstoppable Venture-backed Companies - https://a.co/d/hp5JtnuVisit Collective Genius™ to Build Your Venture-backed Team with the Peak Operating System™ - https://www.collective-genius.com/Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell to stay updated with all our episodes, where we bring you the untold stories of innovation and leadership from the tech world, only on Tech Scenes Unplugged.Music by Andrew Applepie - https://soundcloud.com/andrewapplepie#TechScenes #Getro #Networking #WarmIntroductions #VentureCapital #SaaS #AI #StartupGrowth #Entrepreneurship #JeffJamesMartin #EvanWalden #PlatformTeams #VCFirms #FounderSupport #CompanyCulture #Hiring #Leadership #ScalingTeams #CEOChallenges #BusinessNetworking #CollectiveGenius™ #PeakOperatingSystem™ #TechScenesUnplugged

"There's this massive addressable market." - Ted Mann

In this episode of Tech Scenes Unplugged, Jeff James Martin sits down with Ted Mann, CEO and co-founder of CollX, to explore the booming market of trading card collecting and how mobile apps are reshaping the space. Ted shares his journey of building tech companies that leverage computer vision and AI to simplify everyday problems—most recently, helping collectors instantly identify and value their trading cards.

The conversation dives into the challenges of building a comprehensive card database, acquiring millions of users, and staying ahead of competitors in a fast-growing market. Ted also shares insights on raising capital, attracting celebrity investors, and balancing innovation with user experience. The discussion concludes with a look at operational strategies, team alignment, and the essential role of company culture in startup success.

Key Takeaways:

1. The trading card market is massive, with millions of collectors seeking better valuation tools.
2. CollX helps collectors instantly identify and price their cards using AI-powered image recognition.
3. Building a comprehensive database of trading cards is a significant challenge but crucial for user retention.
4. Success in the consumer app space requires continuous feature improvements and out-executing competitors.
5. Effective marketing strategies differ between consumer apps and SaaS, requiring tailored user acquisition tactics.
6. Raising capital is challenging but can be aided by a compelling story and validated proof of concept.
7. Celebrity investors can add credibility and attract user interest.
8. First-time founders should focus on validating their ideas before seeking funding.
9. A strong company culture is key to attracting and retaining top talent.
10. Strategic planning and OKRs help teams align objectives and drive execution.

Chapters:

0:00 - Exploring the Market Potential of Mobile Apps
2:14 - The Birth of CollX: A Solution for Card Collectors
5:29 - Building a Comprehensive Database for Trading Cards
6:32 - The Evolution of Entrepreneurial Ventures
9:56 - Navigating Competition in the App Market
12:57 - Strategies for Continuous Improvement and User Retention
15:27 - Creating a Positive Company Culture
17:52 - Marketing Strategies for Consumer Apps
20:45 - Understanding Market Size and User Acquisition
22:36 - Raising Capital for New Ventures
22:45 - Funding Success and Celebrity Investors
25:07 - The Journey of Raising Capital
27:12 - Advice for First-Time Founders
28:12 - Operational Strategies and Team Alignment
32:22 - Innovative App Features and User Experience
39:11 - Desert Island Album Choice

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/

Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell to stay updated with all our episodes, where we bring you the untold stories of innovation and leadership from the tech world, only on Tech Scenes Unplugged.

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

#TechScenes #CollX #TradingCards #SportsCards #Entrepreneurship #StartupLife #JeffJamesMartin #TedMann #ConsumerApps #MobileApps #AI #BusinessGrowth #SaaS #AppDevelopment #ProductInnovation #MachineLearning #TechFounders #MarketResearch #Fundraising #VentureCapital #Leadership #OKRs #CompanyCulture #BusinessStrategy #StartupChallenges #CollectiveGenius™ #PeakOperatingSystem™ #TechScenesUnplugged

In this episode of Tech Scenes Unplugged, Jeff James Martin sits down with Greg Stein, Founder and CEO of Shadowbox, to explore how interoperability is shaping the future of healthcare technology and why manual processes in healthcare cost the industry a staggering $300 billion annually. Greg shares his entrepreneurial journey, from leading major healthcare initiatives to building a company designed to eliminate inefficiencies in clinical workflows.

The conversation dives into the challenges of securing venture funding in healthcare tech, the impact of COVID-19 on business operations, and the importance of leadership vulnerability and integrity in navigating startup challenges. Greg highlights the $950 billion problem of interoperability in healthcare and how Shadowbox’s API-free integration model is solving it.

Key Takeaways:

• Vulnerability in leadership fosters trust and collaboration, making it easier to navigate complex challenges.
• Shadowbox eliminates inefficiencies in healthcare by improving interoperability without requiring APIs.
• Healthcare faces a $950 billion interoperability problem, with insurance inefficiencies accounting for a significant portion of costs.
• COVID-19 accelerated digital transformation, forcing businesses to adapt and innovate faster than ever before.
• Proving the effectiveness of new technology is crucial for securing venture funding in healthcare.
• Integrity in business decisions leads to long-term success—cutting corners rarely results in sustainable growth.
• Celebrating small wins keeps teams motivated and fosters a culture of shared success.
• Transparency and shared ownership of problems prevent blame culture, creating an empowered and engaged workforce.
• Humility in leadership allows for better decision-making, ensuring teams feel valued and heard.
• Work-life balance is essential for maintaining productivity and preventing burnout—leaders must prioritize well-being.

Quotes:

"We had to prove that the tech would work." – Greg on earning investor confidence in a complex industry.

"You need to celebrate those wins." – On why recognizing small victories keeps teams engaged and motivated.

"We try and collectively own the challenge." – Emphasizing the importance of transparency in team culture.

"The role of humility in leadership is to empower your team, not dictate their work."

YouTube Chapters:
0:00 - Embracing Vulnerability in Leadership
1:15 - Introducing Shadowbox: A Breakthrough in Interoperability
4:27 - Navigating the Journey to Venture Funding
6:23 - Addressing the $950 Billion Interoperability Challenge
11:20 - Adapting to Change During COVID-19
16:38 - Lessons Learned from Eight Years of Entrepreneurship
20:30 - The Importance of Celebrating Wins
24:41 - Fostering a Transparent and Supportive Culture
31:28 - The Role of Humility in Leadership
37:36 - Balancing Work and Life: The Importance of Team Well-being
44:22 - Final Thoughts: Music and Meaning

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/

Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell to stay updated with all our episodes, where we bring you the untold stories of innovation and leadership from the tech world, only on Tech Scenes Unplugged.

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

#TechScenes #Shadowbox #HealthcareTech #Interoperability #Leadership #Entrepreneurship #StartupLife #JeffJamesMartin #GregStein #VentureFunding #HealthcareInnovation #AI #BusinessGrowth #SaaS #Automation #DigitalTransformation #TeamCulture #WorkLifeBalance #FounderStories #ScalingStartups #OKRs #HealthcareSolutions #StartupChallenges #BusinessLeadership #PeakOperatingSystem™ #CollectiveGenius™ #TechScenesUnplugged

In this episode of Tech Scenes Unplugged, Jeff James Martin sits down with Brett Waikart, Co-founder & CEO of Skillfully, to discuss the future of hiring, the impact of AI on recruitment, and how traditional resumes are failing both companies and job seekers.Brett shares how Skillfully is transforming the hiring process by shifting focus from outdated resumes to dynamic, real-world simulations that showcase candidates’ actual abilities. “The resume has been around for 500 years, but it’s time for change.” Instead of filtering through AI-generated resumes and rehearsed interview responses, employers can now see how candidates perform before making hiring decisions.The conversation also dives into the challenges of scaling a startup in the AI era, how workforce evolution is reshaping hiring methods, and the role of experimentation in business success. Brett shares insights on team alignment, OKRs, and navigating rapid technological change. They also touch on the future of work, the impact of AI on job disruption, and why org charts may become obsolete."We want to see what they can do." – Brett on why real-world simulations are the key to better hiring.

"AI is not a job killer." – Discussing how AI will disrupt tasks, not entire professions.

"OKRs should be used to measure progress and learn from failures." – Brett shares insights on using objectives and key results effectively.From rethinking job applications to leveraging AI for smarter hiring, this episode offers a fascinating look at the changing dynamics of recruitment, business scaling, and leadership in the digital age.Key Takeaways: - The resume has been around for 500 years, but it’s time for change—AI can provide a more accurate and fair assessment of candidates’ abilities. - Skillfully enables job seekers to showcase real skills through simulated job tasks, reducing bias and inefficiency in hiring. - Employers often rely on outdated job descriptions, leading to mismatches in hiring needs and inefficiencies in talent acquisition. - AI is transforming recruitment, reducing screening time by 50%, and helping companies hire more effectively. - Understanding a candidate’s potential is more important than assessing past job titles—companies need to hire for real capabilities, not just credentials. - The evolution of technology is reshaping employment, forcing companies to adapt hiring methods to attract top talent. - Scaling a company in the AI space requires adaptability and foresight—experimenting with new business strategies is crucial. - The future of recruitment lies in assessing real-world skills, not just resumes—Skillfully is leading this charge. - OKRs should be used as learning tools, not just performance metrics—companies must iterate and evolve based on real results. - The org chart may become obsolete in the AI era, as technology reshapes job roles and team structures.Episode Chapters:0:00 - Revolutionizing Recruitment: The Role of AI10:10 - Skillfully: A New Approach to Job Applications19:51 - The Evolution of Hiring Practices29:57 - Building a Company in the Age of AI31:19 - AI's Impact on Jobs and Work Dynamics34:41 - Challenges in Scaling a Startup37:42 - The Importance of Experimentation in Business46:30 - Navigating Rapid Change in Business51:19 - Desert Island Album ChoiceLearn 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/Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell to stay updated with all our episodes, where we bring you the untold stories of innovation and leadership from the tech world, only on Tech Scenes.Music by Andrew Applepie🔗 https://soundcloud.com/andrewapplepie