GSD Venture Studios Podcasts by Gary Fowler

Join Nipun Sharma, Co-Founder and CEO of Appetronix, for an exploration into the next frontier of hospitality: the fully autonomous restaurant. With over 17 years of leadership across global restaurant brands and a background in Wall Street investment banking, Nipun is uniquely positioned to bridge the gap between traditional food service and high-tech automation. In this episode, we discuss how Appetronix is using robotics and data science to deliver made-to-order meals without on-site staff, solving the industry’s most persistent labor and consistency challenges.🎯 Insights You’ll Learn:✓ The evolution from Wall Street to the world’s first autonomous robotic restaurants✓ How machine learning ensures culinary excellence and consistency at scale✓ Solving the labor crisis: Operating high-volume QSRs without on-site staff✓ The intersection of food manufacturing and supply chain in a robotic ecosystem✓ Lessons from managing 10+ restaurant brands across global markets✓ The "Back-of-House" Revolution: Why robotics are the new standard for efficiency✓ Strategic vision for the future of dining: Where technology meets hospitality🌍 Why This Matters:The restaurant industry is facing a perfect storm of rising labor costs, high turnover, and thinning margins. Nipun Sharma is proving that the solution isn't just "better management," but a fundamental shift in business architecture. By integrating advanced robotics into the quick-service model, Appetronix is creating a scalable, resilient dining experience that meets the demands of the modern consumer while providing a sustainable path forward for operators.👤 Expert Background:• Co-Founder and CEO of Appetronix, an autonomous robotic restaurant pioneer• Former Chief Operating Officer for global public restaurant chains• 17+ years of experience managing 10+ restaurant brands and food production facilities• Background in Investment Banking and Private Equity on Wall Street• Graduate of McGill University and a recognized leader in food-tech innovation🎙️ Hosted by Gary Fowler, CEO of GSD Venture Studios — global AI entrepreneur, investor, and innovation leader spotlighting founders navigating the realities of building in the AI era.💡 Perfect For:Restaurateurs, food-tech investors, robotics engineers, supply chain executives, and entrepreneurs interested in the automation of the service economy.🚀 Timely Topic:As the food service industry moves toward a "tech-first" model, the next generation of winners will be those who can blend culinary art with robotic precision to create high-margin, consistent, and staff-less dining environments.Subscribe for more global founder conversations from GSD Venture Studios:https://gsdvs.com#FoodTech #RoboticRestaurants #Appetronix #RestaurantAutomation #QSR #FutureOfDining #MachineLearning #NipunSharma #GaryFowler #GSDVentureStudios

Join Muzaffar Manghi, Co-founder and Global Commercial Lead of Farmdar, for a compelling look at why the AI revolution seems to be happening everywhere except in the fields. With a unique background spanning two decades in global marketing leadership and a deep personal history in farming, Muzaffar is on a mission to bring "Space-Tech" to the soil. In this episode, we explore how AI is actually being used in agriculture today—not as a buzzword, but as a practical tool for crop insights, sustainability, and global food security.🎯 Insights You’ll Learn:✓ The Visibility Gap: Why the AI revolution is lagging in the agritech sector✓ How Farmdar uses AI and space technology to generate actionable crop insights✓ Real-world applications: How businesses are actually deploying AI on the farm✓ Bridging the divide: Moving from legacy marketing at Ogilvy & Mather to agritech innovation✓ The intersection of satellite data and ground-level farming intuition✓ Why agriculture is the ultimate high-stakes environment for AI-driven decision-making✓ Scaling a B2B agritech platform across global markets and diverse climates🌍 Why This Matters:Agriculture is the backbone of the global economy, yet it remains one of the least digitized industries. As climate change and population growth put unprecedented pressure on our food systems, the ability to monitor and optimize every acre becomes a survival necessity. Muzaffar Manghi is proving that by combining the power of AI with space-based data, we can create a more resilient, predictable, and profitable future for farmers and the global supply chain.👤 Expert Background:• Co-founder & Global Commercial Lead of Farmdar, an AI-powered B2B agritech platform• 22+ years of leadership experience at global agencies Ogilvy & Mather, Leo Burnett, and JWT• Deep-rooted background in family agriculture, providing a unique "insider" perspective• Specialist in space-tech applications for large-scale agricultural monitoring• Expert in B2B growth strategy and global brand scaling🎙️ Hosted by Gary Fowler, CEO of GSD Venture Studios — global AI entrepreneur, investor, and innovation leader spotlighting founders navigating the realities of building in the AI era.💡 Perfect For:Agritech founders, food supply chain executives, sustainability officers, AI researchers, and investors looking for the next untapped frontier in digital transformation.🚀 Timely Topic:With global food demand rising, the next generation of winners will be those who can transform "invisible" farm data into visible, actionable insights that drive yield and reduce environmental impact.Subscribe for more global founder conversations from GSD Venture Studios:https://gsdvs.com#Agritech #AIinAgriculture #SpaceTech #Farmdar #GlobalFoodSecurity #SustainableFarming #B2BGrowth #MuzaffarManghi #GaryFowler #GSDVentureStudios

Join Deniz Soylular, Co-founder and CPO of Mindra, for a forward-looking discussion on the next major evolution in technology: Agentic AI. As a pioneer in AI infrastructure, Deniz is building the multi-agent systems that allow AI to move from simple chatbots to autonomous workers. In this episode, we explore what the agentic ecosystem will look like over the next year, how established companies must adapt to keep pace, and what it takes to lead as a young entrepreneur in the fastest-moving tech landscape in history.🎯 Insights You’ll Learn:✓ The Agentic Shift: Moving from passive AI tools to autonomous multi-agent systems✓ 2026 Roadmap: How the agentic ecosystem will evolve in the next 12 months✓ Strategic Adaptation: How existing companies should react to the rise of AI agents✓ Product Design for 2026: What defines a winning "Agent-First" product or idea✓ The Founder’s Journey: Challenges and advantages of being a young tech entrepreneur✓ Scaling Infrastructure: Insights from raising $1.2M in pre-seed for AI agents✓ Bridging the Gap: Turning academic AI research into scalable, market-ready products🌍 Why This Matters:We are entering an era where AI doesn't just answer questions—it executes workflows. This transition to agentic systems is fundamentally changing how software is built, sold, and used. For companies and founders, understanding the infrastructure behind these autonomous agents is no longer optional; it is the blueprint for staying relevant in 2026 and beyond.👤 Expert Background:• Co-founder and CPO of Mindra, an AI infrastructure startup• Lead Developer of autonomous multi-agent systems with $1.2M in pre-seed funding• Computer Science professional with a background from Koç University• Innovation leader recognized for advancing scalable AI technologies• Expert in bridging the divide between AI research and commercial product development🎙️ Hosted by Gary Fowler, CEO of GSD Venture Studios, global AI entrepreneur, investor, and innovation leader spotlighting founders navigating the realities of building in the AI era.💡 Perfect For:AI researchers, startup founders, product managers, enterprise strategists, and young entrepreneurs looking to build in the agentic AI space.🚀 Timely Topic:As 2026 becomes the year of the "Agentic Enterprise," the biggest opportunities lie not in the models themselves, but in the infrastructure that allows them to collaborate and solve complex problems autonomously.Subscribe for more global founder conversations from GSD Venture Studios:https://gsdvs.com#AgenticAI #Mindra #AIAgents #MultiAgentSystems #StartupGrowth #YoungEntrepreneurs #AIInfrastructure #DenizSoylular #GaryFowler #GSDVentureStudios

Join Joash Lee, Founder and CEO of Sedifly, for an insightful discussion on the rapid evolution of the educational consulting industry. As a seasoned founder and venture capitalist, Joash has a unique vantage point on how AI is not just automating tasks, but fundamentally changing how students learn and how institutions deliver value. In this episode, we explore the shift from static educational models to adaptive, AI-enhanced experiences and what this means for the next generation of EdTech startups.🎯 Insights You’ll Learn:✓ The impact of AI on the educational consulting and EdTech landscape✓ Building for scale: Lessons from creating products generating $10M+ in annual revenue✓ The dual perspective: Balancing the roles of an EdTech founder and a VC General Partner✓ How AI is democratizing access to high-level educational strategy and mentorship✓ What investors are looking for in the next wave of AI-driven education startups✓ Strategies for maintaining high engagement in a digital-first learning environment✓ Navigating the transition from early-stage growth to managing a high-performance portfolio🌍 Why This Matters:Education is undergoing its most significant transformation since the dawn of the internet. With AI capable of providing personalized tutoring and administrative automation, the traditional "middlemen" of educational consulting must adapt or vanish. Joash Lee is at the forefront of this shift, leveraging his experience as both a builder and an investor to identify where the true value lies in a post-AI educational world.👤 Expert Background:• Founder and CEO of Sedifly, a leading EdTech and educational consulting firm• General Partner and CMO at Iron Key Capital, an early-stage VC firm• Proven track record of building EdTech products with $10M+ annual revenue• Experienced investor managing a portfolio with a 4.4x MOIC• Member of the Forbes Business Council🎙️ Hosted by Gary Fowler, CEO of GSD Venture Studios — global AI entrepreneur, investor, and innovation leader spotlighting founders navigating the realities of building in the AI era.💡 Perfect For:EdTech founders, educational consultants, venture capitalists, university administrators, and anyone interested in the future of human capital development through technology.🚀 Timely Topic:As the "AI in Education" market continues to explode, the next generation of winners will be those who can combine pedagogical expertise with scalable, AI-driven infrastructure.Subscribe for more global founder conversations from GSD Venture Studios:https://gsdvs.com#EdTech #AIinEducation #VentureCapital #StartupGrowth #EducationalConsulting #Sedifly #JoashLee #GaryFowler #GSDVentureStudios

The disconnect between high interest in AI and actual readiness for scaled implementation is rampant in commercial real estate and retail.In this episode of the simplenight series, we sit down with David Huesser, a C-Suite Shopping Center Executive with a legendary track record spanning North America and the Middle East. From his early career with RioCan REIT and Simon Property Group to his role as Director of Asset Management for Al Futtaim in Dubai, David has seen every facet of the real estate life cycle.#CommercialRealEstate #RetailInnovation #AIImplementation #Simplenight #PropTech #DavidHuesser #DigitalTransformation #AssetManagement

Join Jens Visser, Founder and CEO of Partnify, as he explores the "hidden goldmine" within every business: existing partnerships. Drawing from his deep background in consulting and digital transformation, Jens breaks down why most B2B collaborations fail due to "analogue" communication and fragmented tools. In this episode, Jens reveals how to use technology to move beyond transactional relationships and toward true co-creation, turning partnerships into a predictable, scalable engine for sustainable growth.🎯 Insights You’ll Learn:✓ Why the "Growth at All Costs" model is being replaced by Partnership-Led Growth✓ The "Communication Gap": Why misaligned internal workflows kill collaboration✓ How to turn complex, messy B2B relationships into clear, shared contexts✓ The role of AI in identifying and optimizing hidden growth potential in ecosystems✓ Moving from "Vibe-Based" partnerships to data-driven, measurable co-creation✓ Lessons from consulting: How digital transformation applies to relationship management✓ Strategies for scaling a startup by deepening existing ties rather than just chasing leads🌍 Why This Matters:In a saturated market, the cost of customer acquisition (CAC) is skyrocketing. The smartest founders are realizing that sustainable growth doesn't always come from a new ad campaign—it comes from strengthening the network you already have. Jens Visser is building the infrastructure that allows companies to scale through synergy, making collaboration a competitive advantage rather than an administrative burden.👤 Expert Background:• CEO & Founder of Partnify, the platform for ecosystem and partnership success• Expert in Digital Transformation, with a career spent optimizing complex business systems• Sales & Consulting Veteran, specializing in B2B growth and workflow alignment• Visionary Leader focused on moving business from "transactional" to "collaborative" models🎙️ Hosted by Gary Fowler, CEO of GSD Venture Studios — global AI entrepreneur, investor, and innovation leader spotlighting founders navigating the realities of building in the AI era.💡 Perfect For:Partnership managers, B2B founders, Sales leaders, Ecosystem strategists, and anyone looking to lower CAC through collaborative business models.🚀 Timely Topic:As the tech world shifts away from siloed operations, the next generation of winners will be the "Connectors"—those who can effectively bridge the gap between their organization and the rest of the world.Subscribe for more global founder conversations from GSD Venture Studios:https://gsdvs.com#PartnershipGrowth #B2BStrategy #Partnify #StartupScale #EcosystemEconomy #BusinessCollaboration #DigitalTransformation #GaryFowler #JensVisser #GSDVentureStudios

Join Jonathan Aberman, CEO and Co-Founder of Hupside, for a provocative conversation on why the majority of AI adoptions fail. While AI is a powerhouse for efficiency, it lacks the ability to be truly original—a trait Jonathan defines as Original Intelligence. In this episode, we explore how Hupside is measuring and quantifying human originality to help businesses create real value and differentiation in an increasingly automated world.🎯 Insights You’ll Learn:✓ Why AI efficiency alone cannot create business differentiation✓ The Human Equation: Why AI adoptions fail without an Original Intelligence focus✓ Measuring the unmeasurable: How Hupside quantifies human originality✓ Original Intelligence vs. Artificial Intelligence: Understanding the value of the human edge✓ Lessons from a Tech Titan: Navigating the intersection of VC, academia, and startups✓ The future of the AI workforce: Transitioning from productivity to value creation✓ Strategic advice for leaders on commercializing technology without losing the human spark🌍 Why This Matters:As AI becomes a commodity, the "efficiency gap" is closing for everyone. In 2026, the only remaining moat for a company is its ability to be original. Jonathan Aberman is leading a movement to prove that human potential is not a variable to be replaced, but the ultimate asset to be measured and optimized. For startups and enterprises alike, understanding Original Intelligence is the difference between blending in and leading the market.👤 Expert Background:• CEO & Co-Founder of Hupside, the leader in measuring human originality• Partner at Ruxton Ventures, specializing in technology commercialization• Former Dean of the School of Business and Technology at Marymount University• Named "Tech Titan" by Washingtonian and a "Power 100" leader by WBJ• Recognized as one of the 50 Most Influential Entrepreneurs in Virginia🎙️ Hosted by Gary Fowler, CEO of GSD Venture Studios — global AI entrepreneur, investor, and innovation leader spotlighting founders navigating the realities of building in the AI era.💡 Perfect For:Startup founders, CHROs, venture capitalists, innovation strategists, and business leaders struggling to make AI deliver long-term competitive advantages.🚀 Timely Topic:With AI reaching peak adoption, the next wave of winners will be those who stop using AI to replace people and start using it to amplify the originality that only humans can provide.Subscribe for more global founder conversations from GSD Venture Studios:https://gsdvs.com#OriginalIntelligence #AIWorkforce #StartupGrowth #HumanPotential #Hupside #InnovationStrategy #VentureCapital #JonathanAberman #GaryFowler #GSDVentureStudios

Join Gonçalo Gil, CEO and Co-founder of ROOTKey, for an inside look at the high-stakes world of cybersecurity. As a former world-ranked ethical hacker, Gonçalo has transitioned from the offensive frontlines to building the next generation of cyber resilience. In this episode, we explore how AI has leveled up the capabilities of cybercriminals—allowing them to automate attacks with unprecedented speed and sophistication—and why traditional defense is no longer enough. Learn how ROOTKey is leveraging blockchain and zero-trust frameworks to ensure that even when an attack occurs, data remains immutable, verifiable, and quickly recoverable.🎯 Insights You’ll Learn:✓ The transition from world-ranked ethical hacker to "full-stack" startup founder✓ How AI is accelerating the speed, scale, and realism of modern cyberattacks✓ Cyber Resilience vs. Cyber Security: Why the ability to "bounce back" is the new priority✓ Leveraging blockchain as a trust layer for data integrity and authenticity✓ Emerging threats in 2026: From AI-orchestrated reconnaissance to agentic attacks✓ How to build a "Decision Digital Twin" for secure data recovery after a breach✓ Strategic advice for founders on staying agile in a volatile, AI-driven threat landscape🌍 Why This Matters:In 2026, the question is no longer "if" a company will be targeted, but "how" it will survive. As AI agents begin to autonomously execute reconnaissance and exploitation, the gap between breach and recovery can determine a company's survival. Gonçalo Gil is bringing a hacker's mindset to the boardroom, providing the tools and strategy needed to transform cybersecurity from an IT cost center into a strategic pillar of business continuity.👤 Expert Background:• CEO & Co-founder of ROOTKey, a platform for data integrity and cyber resilience• Former world-ranked ethical hacker with deep technical execution expertise• Recognized with the Youth Startup Award (Unicorn Factory Lisboa) and Santander X Portugal Awards• Active speaker and mentor in the global cybersecurity and startup ecosystem• Strategic leader in bridging blockchain technology with enterprise security requirements🎙️ Hosted by Gary Fowler, CEO of GSD Venture Studios — global AI entrepreneur, investor, and innovation leader spotlighting founders navigating the realities of building in the AI era.💡 Perfect For:CISOs, CTOs, startup founders, cybersecurity professionals, blockchain enthusiasts, and enterprise leaders focused on risk management and data integrity.🚀 Timely Topic:With AI-powered cyberattacks becoming the "new normal" for 2026, the winners in the digital economy will be those who prioritize resilience and verifiable trust as their foundation for growth.Subscribe for more global founder conversations from GSD Venture Studios:https://gsdvs.com#CyberResilience #EthicalHacking #ROOTKey #AIThreats #BlockchainSecurity #StartupGrowth #DataIntegrity #GoncaloGil #GaryFowler #GSDVentureStudios

Join Dr. Annette Kleiser, CEO of Dalan Animal Health, for a conversation on a feat once thought biologically impossible: vaccinating insects and invertebrates. With over 25 years of biotech leadership, Dr. Kleiser is the visionary behind the world’s first USDA-approved vaccine for honeybees. In this episode, we explore how Dalan’s proprietary platform unlocks the power of innate immunity to protect honeybees and shrimp—underserved but critical species that underpin our global food systems and biodiversity.🎯 Insights You’ll Learn:✓ The science of the impossible: How do you actually vaccinate an insect?✓ Protecting the pollinators: Solving American Foulbrood disease in honeybees✓ Scaling to aquaculture: Why vaccinating shrimp is a breakthrough for global food security✓ The power of innate immunity: A new frontier in animal health and disease prevention✓ Lessons from 25 years in biotech: Moving from Munich research to global startup success✓ Building for "underserved" species: The business case for protecting non-traditional livestock✓ Navigating USDA approval for a first-of-its-kind biological product🌍 Why This Matters:Honeybees and shrimp are essential to our survival, yet they have been historically left behind by modern medicine. Disease outbreaks in these populations can collapse entire ecosystems and food chains. Dr. Kleiser and her team at Dalan Animal Health are not just building a company; they are creating a new category of preventive care that ensures the resilience of the smallest, most vital contributors to our planet's economy.👤 Expert Background:• CEO of Dalan Animal Health, pioneers in invertebrate immunology• Developer of the world’s first USDA-approved vaccine for insects• Ph.D. from Ludwig Maximilian University (Munich) with a background in Biology• 25+ years of experience in biotech leadership and corporate strategy• Innovation leader in disease prevention for aquaculture and apiculture🎙️ Hosted by Gary Fowler, CEO of GSD Venture Studios — global AI entrepreneur, investor, and innovation leader spotlighting founders navigating the realities of building in the AI era.💡 Perfect For:Biotech entrepreneurs, agricultural leaders, food-tech investors, environmentalists, and anyone interested in the future of one-health and sustainable food systems.🚀 Timely Topic:As climate change and global trade increase the risk of cross-border animal diseases, the ability to protect our most vulnerable food producers through scalable vaccine platforms is a critical survival skill for the 21st century.Subscribe for more global founder conversations from GSD Venture Studios:https://gsdvs.com#AnimalHealth #Biotech #HoneybeeVaccine #Aquaculture #InnateImmunity #FoodSecurity #DalanAnimalHealth #GaryFowler #AnnetteKleiser #GSDVentureStudios

Join Maariyaah Afzal, Founder and CEO of Silas Insurtech, for a fascinating look at the intersection of deep domain expertise and cutting-edge technology. Maariyaah spent years in the trenches at AIG and Lloyd's of London, experiencing firsthand the frustration of spending more time fighting emails and PDFs than analyzing risk. In this episode, she shares her journey of pivoting from underwriting to software engineering to build the solution the industry desperately needed: an AI-driven platform that turns complex documents into structured, decision-ready insights.🎯 Insights You’ll Learn: ✓ The turning point: Moving from a Lloyd's syndicate to learning to code ✓ Why fighting PDFs and emails is the hidden productivity killer in insurance ✓ The Insider Advantage: How domain expertise shapes superior AI products ✓ Why the advent of AI finally made "impossible" insurance solutions a reality ✓ Challenges of introducing innovation to a traditional, conservative sector ✓ Why understanding a user's daily frustration is more valuable than tech alone ✓ Building for the future: Turning unstructured data into structured risk insights🌍 Why This Matters: Insurance is one of the world's most traditional, relationship-driven industries, yet it sits on an ocean of unstructured data that humans can no longer process efficiently. Maariyaah Afzal represents a new breed of founder—the "Insider-Builder"—who doesn't just understand the code, but understands the soul of the business. Her story is a blueprint for how to bridge the gap between legacy systems and the future of intelligent underwriting.👤 Expert Background: • Founder & CEO of Silas Insurtech, an underwriting-intelligence platform • Former Commercial Property Underwriter at AIG and Lloyd’s syndicate • Software Engineer with hands-on experience in building insurance tech • Industry expert in Energy, Specialty, and Commercial Property insurance • Frequent speaker on Applied AI and domain-driven product development🎙️ Hosted by Gary Fowler, CEO of GSD Venture Studios — global AI entrepreneur, investor, and innovation leader spotlighting founders navigating the realities of building in the AI era.💡 Perfect For: Insurtech founders, underwriters, insurance executives, software engineers, and anyone interested in how AI is disrupting traditional, legacy-heavy industries.🚀 Timely Topic: In an era where risk is becoming more complex and data-heavy, the next generation of insurance leaders will be those who stop managing documents and start mastering data.Subscribe for more global founder conversations from GSD Venture Studios: https://gsdvs.com#Insurtech #AIinInsurance #Underwriting #SilasInsurtech #DigitalTransformation #RiskManagement #FounderJourney #GaryFowler #MaariyaahAfzal #GSDVentureStudios

Join Boaz Valkin, Co-Founder and CEO of Falkin, for a raw and essential conversation on the dark side of AI. After his own mother lost her life savings to a sophisticated scam, Boaz left the high-growth world of fintech to build Falkin—a startup dedicated to stopping scams before the money ever moves. In this episode, Boaz breaks down why AI has shifted the "battlefield" from payment security to psychological persuasion, and what founders and consumers must do to survive this new era of digital deception.🎯 Insights You’ll Learn:✓ The personal story that sparked a mission: Navigating the aftermath of a family scam✓ AI for "Evil": How deepfakes and voice cloning have made scams hyper-scalable✓ Why traditional banking security fails against modern social engineering✓ The Persuasion Battlefield: Why we must intervene at the moment of "click," not "transfer"✓ The Rise and Fall of Cazoo: Lessons from the fastest-growing company in Europe✓ Surviving the 99.9% drop: What happens when the market turns on a "winner"✓ Raising pre-seed in a crowded cyber/fintech landscape🌍 Why This Matters:AI has blurred the line between what’s real and what’s fake, creating an "invisible enemy" that costs the global economy billions. With scam success rates climbing and prosecution rates below 1%, the responsibility of protection is shifting. Understanding the intersection of AI, human psychology, and fintech is no longer optional—it is a survival requirement for the modern digital citizen.👤 Expert Background:• Co-Founder & CEO of Falkin, a digital safety startup redefining real-time scam prevention• Early Employee at Cazoo (Joined at Seed, went Public on NYSE in 18 months)• Former Head of Product (Operations) at Cazoo during a period of 10+ M&A deals• Product Leader with a track record at Moment and Prodigy Finance• Global Perspective: South African native based in London, specializing in consumer-centric tech🎙️ Hosted by Gary Fowler, CEO of GSD Venture Studios — global AI entrepreneur, investor, and innovation leader spotlighting founders navigating the realities of building in the AI era.💡 Perfect For:Fintech founders, cybersecurity professionals, retail bankers, investors, and anyone concerned about the rising tide of AI-enabled fraud and social engineering.🚀 Timely Topic:As scams become more sophisticated through "Mood-as-a-Service" tactics and AI-generated empathy, the next generation of winners will be those who can scale trust as fast as scammers scale deception.Subscribe for more global founder conversations from GSD Venture Studios:https://gsdvs.com#CyberSecurity #AIScams #Fintech #SocialEngineering #StartupLessons #DigitalSafety #BoazValkin #GaryFowler #GSDVentureStudios #Cazoo

Join Adam Good, Founder and CEO of Auric Essentials, for a deep dive into the next frontier of health-tech and environmental design. While our modern spaces are "smart," they are often emotionally hollow. Adam explains how he is bridging the gap between digital transformation and human biology by turning scent our most powerful but neglected sense into a programmable, data-driven layer of ambient computing that optimizes for stress, focus, and sleep.🎯 Insights You’ll Learn:✓ Why modern workplaces are "emotionally under-designed" despite high tech✓ The science of scent as the most powerful, least instrumented human sense✓ Moving from "vibes" to systems: How to make human mood measurable✓ The rise of Mood-as-a-Service™ and why it will become standard infrastructure✓ How to close the loop between behavioral data and adaptive environments✓ Lessons from a CDO background in scaling $1B P&Ls into a hardware startup✓ The intersection of human wellbeing and scalable, recurring revenue models🌍 Why This Matters:We’ve automated our lighting, temperature, and sound, yet we still live in static environments that ignore our emotional regulation. As global stress levels rise, the ability to design "calm and clarity" into the physical world is shifting from a wellness niche to essential infrastructure. Adam Good is leading the charge in transforming how we experience the spaces where we live and work.👤 Expert Background:• Founder & CEO of Auric Essentials, an Australian health-tech leader• Former Chief Digital Officer with 30+ years in global digital transformation• Scale Expert with experience managing P&Ls approaching $1B• Innovation Leader at the intersection of data, creativity, and human performance🎙️ Hosted by Gary Fowler, CEO of GSD Venture Studios — global AI entrepreneur, investor, and innovation leader spotlighting founders navigating the realities of building in the AI era.💡 Perfect For:PropTech founders, health-tech innovators, workspace designers, IoT developers, and executives interested in the future of ambient computing and human performance.🚀 Timely Topic:In a world of burnout and "always-on" digital noise, the next generation of smart tech isn't about more screens—it's about invisible, adaptive environments that support our biological needs.Subscribe for more global founder conversations from GSD Venture Studios:https://gsdvs.com]#AmbientComputing #HealthTech #ScentIntelligence #MoodAsAService #PropTech #DigitalTransformation #StartupFounders #GaryFowler #AdamGood #GSDVentureStudios

Join Mike Weider, CEO and Co-Founder of Frugal AI, in a candid conversation with Gary Fowler as they unpack one of the most pressing challenges facing modern startups: building sustainable, profitable businesses in an era of rapidly rising cloud and AI costs. Drawing on lessons from four startups over three decades, Mike shares hard-earned insights on unit economics, pricing models, and what fundamentally changes when AI becomes core to your product and cost structure.🎯 Insights You’ll Learn:✓ Why rising cloud and AI costs are becoming a margin killer for startups✓ How AI is reshaping unit economics, pricing, and billing models✓ What’s fundamentally different about building companies in a post-AI world✓ Mistakes founders make when scaling AI-heavy products✓ Lessons from building and exiting four venture-backed startups✓ How to think about cost discipline without slowing innovation✓ What investors are really looking for in AI-era business models🌍 Why This Matters:As AI adoption accelerates, many companies are discovering that innovation without cost control can destroy margins. Understanding how to design products, pricing, and infrastructure for AI efficiency is now a survival skill—not a nice-to-have.Frugal AI is focused on helping companies rethink how they build and scale AI responsibly, while Mike’s experience across multiple successful exits offers rare perspective on what lasts across technology cycles.👤 Expert Background:• CEO & Co-Founder of Frugal AI• Founder & CEO of Watchfire (acquired by IBM)• Founder & CEO of Blaze (acquired by Akamai)• Founder & CEO of SHOEBOX (acquired by WSA/EQT)• Active seed investor backing 40+ startups• Independent board member for startups and non-profits🎙️ Hosted by Gary Fowler, CEO of GSD Venture Studios — global AI entrepreneur, investor, and innovation leader spotlighting founders navigating the realities of building in the AI era.💡 Perfect For:Startup founders, AI builders, SaaS leaders, CFOs, product executives, investors, and anyone thinking seriously about sustainable growth in the age of AI.🚀 Timely Topic:With AI costs rising faster than revenue for many startups, the next generation of winners will be those who master frugality, smart architecture, and disciplined growth.Subscribe for more global founder conversations from GSD Venture Studios: https://gsdvs.com#AIStartups #UnitEconomics #CloudCosts #FrugalAI #StartupGrowth #AIBusiness #VentureCapital #FounderLessons #SaaS #GaryFowler #MikeWeider #TopGlobalStartups #GSDVentureStudios

Join Peter-Paul Biermans, Founder & CEO of The Green Table BV, in an insightful conversation with Gary Fowler as they explore the global food transition and why shifting from animal-based to plant-based proteins is one of the most powerful levers for climate action, public health, and sustainable living. Learn how The Green Table is redefining convenience with shelf-stable, ready-to-heat plant-based meals designed to fit modern lifestyles without compromise.🎯 Insights You’ll Learn:✓ What the global food transition really means—and why it’s urgent✓ How plant-based proteins can reduce agricultural emissions by up to 80%✓ The link between food systems, climate change, and chronic disease✓ Why consumer behavior is the hardest part of sustainable change✓ How convenience drives adoption of healthier, greener food choices✓ The innovation behind shelf-stable, clean-label plant-based meals✓ How reducing food waste benefits consumers, distributors, and the planet🌍 Why This Matters:Food systems are one of the largest contributors to global CO₂ emissions. Transitioning toward plant-based proteins not only helps slow climate change, but also supports healthier lifestyles and more resilient food supply chains.The Green Table is addressing one of the biggest barriers to change—convenience—by making nutritious, vegan, allergen-free meals accessible anytime, anywhere, with no refrigeration and minimal waste.👤 Expert Background:• Founder & CEO of The Green Table BV — Dutch innovator in plant-based ready meals• Molecular biologist with a career spanning pharma, market research, and executive coaching• Former national market leader in medical market research• Deep expertise in well-being, lifestyle, and healthy nutrition• Passionate advocate for sustainability, animal welfare, and human health🎙️ Hosted by Gary Fowler, CEO of GSD Venture Studios — global entrepreneur, investor, and innovation leader spotlighting founders building solutions for a more sustainable future.💡 Perfect For:Food innovators, sustainability leaders, climate-focused founders, investors, health-conscious consumers, and anyone interested in the future of food systems.🚀 Timely Topic:As climate pressures rise and consumer expectations evolve, scalable plant-based solutions that balance health, convenience, and sustainability are becoming essential—and The Green Table is leading the way.Subscribe for more global founder conversations from GSD Venture Studios:https://gsdvs.com#FoodTransition #PlantBased #SustainableFood #ClimateAction #FutureOfFood #VeganInnovation #CleanLabel #FoodTech #Sustainability #PeterPaulBiermans #TheGreenTable #GaryFowler #TopGlobalStartups #GSDVentureStudios

Join Evan Burkosky, CEO and Co-founder of Kimaru.ai, for a masterclass on the future of enterprise resilience. In an era of constant global volatility, traditional supply chain planning is breaking down. Evan explains how Kimaru.ai is moving beyond simple prediction to Decision Intelligence using patented Causal Engines and Decision Digital Twins. Learn how World Models and accountable AI are allowing enterprise leaders to automate high-stakes decisions in manufacturing, logistics, and procurement to drive massive efficiency and savings.🎯 Insights You’ll Learn:✓ Why traditional supply chain planning fails in a world of constant volatility✓ Causal AI vs. Generative AI: Why understanding why matters for high-stakes decisions✓ The power of the Decision Digital Twin in simulating enterprise outcomes✓ How AI World Models allow machines to understand complex supply chain physics✓ Automating accountability: Making AI-driven decisions that enterprise leaders can trust✓ Strategic procurement: Leveraging Decision Intelligence for significant cost savings✓ Evan’s journey building a deep-tech startup in the competitive Causal AI landscape🌍 Why This Matters:The global supply chain has moved from just-in-time to just-in-case, and now to just-in-flight. In this environment, human intuition and legacy software can’t keep up with the variables. Evan Burkosky is building the brain for the modern enterprise—a system that doesn't just forecast the weather, but tells the ship exactly how to steer to stay on course.👤 Expert Background:• CEO & Co-founder of Kimaru.ai, a deep-tech leader in Supply Chain Decision Intelligence• Patent-Holder for Causal Engine and Decision Digital Twin technologies• Deep Tech Entrepreneur with a focus on high-stakes enterprise automation• Expert in Logistics Optimization and large-scale procurement efficiency• Thought Leader on the intersection of Causal AI and modern business architecture🎙️ Hosted by Gary Fowler, CEO of GSD Venture Studios — global AI entrepreneur, investor, and innovation leader spotlighting founders navigating the realities of building in the AI era.💡 Perfect For:Supply chain executives, COOs, logistics managers, AI researchers, enterprise founders, and investors interested in the Decision Intelligence category.🚀 Timely Topic:As global trade routes and manufacturing hubs face unprecedented shifts, the next generation of winners will be those who replace reactive planning with proactive, automated Decision Intelligence.Subscribe for more global founder conversations from GSD Venture Studios:https://gsdvs.com#SupplyChain #DecisionIntelligence #CausalAI #KimaruAI #WorldModels #LogisticsOptimization #EnterpriseAI #EvanBurkosky #GaryFowler #GSDVentureStudios

Join Eduards Ruzga, Founder & CEO of Desktop Commander, in an in-depth conversation with Gary Fowler as they explore the next evolution of Agentic AI — systems that can update their own prompts, tools, and knowledge autonomously. Learn how giving AI real computer access unlocks powerful new workflows and what it means for founders, developers, and the future of human–AI collaboration.🎯 Insights You’ll Learn:✓ What a self-editing agent really is—and why it changes everything✓ How AI can autonomously improve its own prompts, tools, and workflows✓ The difference between scripted automation and true agentic systems✓ Why real computer access is critical for next-gen AI agents✓ Lessons from building and shipping AI-native automation products✓ The risks, safeguards, and design principles behind self-improving AI✓ How autonomous agents could reshape productivity and software creation🌍 Why This Matters:As AI moves beyond static instructions, self-editing agents represent a major leap toward truly adaptive systems. By enabling AI to operate directly on computers and continuously refine itself, Desktop Commander is closing the technical gap between humans and machines—unlocking unprecedented productivity and creativity.👤 Expert Background:• Founder & CEO of Desktop Commander — AI automation with real computer access• Raised €1.1M in pre-seed funding• Former Staff Engineer at Prezi• Builder of rapid MVPs and AI-native products• AI YouTuber and blogger sharing practical insights from the frontier🎙️ Hosted by Gary Fowler, CEO of GSD Venture Studios — global AI entrepreneur, investor, and innovation leader spotlighting founders pushing the boundaries of Agentic AI.💡 Perfect For:AI builders, automation engineers, startup founders, product leaders, developers, and anyone interested in autonomous systems and the future of human–AI collaboration.🚀 Timely Topic:Self-editing agents mark a shift from reactive AI to continuously improving systems — and they’re redefining what’s possible with automation.Subscribe for more global founder conversations from GSD Venture Studios: https://gsdvs.com#AgenticAI #AutonomousAgents #AIInnovation #AIAutomation #SelfImprovingAI #FutureOfWork #StartupFounders #AIBuilders #DesktopCommander #EduardsRuzga #GaryFowler #TopGlobalStartups #GSDVentureStudios

The travel world is evolving at lightning speed, but are the organizations leading it stuck in the past?Despite a massive surge in traveler interest regarding generative AI and hyper-personalized technology, many Tourism Bureaus and Ministries are facing "strategic paralysis." In this episode of the Simplenight Live Series, we sit down with Frank Belzer, Head of Global Partnerships at Simplenight, to discuss why the gap between "tradition" and the "AI future" is widening.With over 17 years of leadership experience at Universal Parks, ICON Park, and Visit Florida, Frank brings an unvarnished perspective on the bureaucratic hurdles holding the industry back.In this episode, we tackle:Institutional Inertia: Why legacy traditions are actively blocking tactical AI implementation.The Talent Crisis: The struggle to find AI-fluent leadership within rigid bureaucratic structures.Political Friction: How biased boards and political influence are stalling necessary innovation.The Survival Mandate: Why DMOs (Destination Marketing Organizations) must pivot immediately or risk total irrelevance.About Our Guest: Frank BelzerFrank Belzer is a recognized industry veteran who has influenced global travel strategy through Travel Weekly, Phocuswire, and WTM. As the Head of Global Partnerships at Simplenight, he focuses on bridging the gap between legacy operations and the next generation of travel technology.:#Simplenight #TravelTech #AI #TourismStrategy #DigitalTransformation #FrankBelzer #DMO #Innovation #TravelIndustry #GenerativeAI

Join Siva Surendira, CEO & Founder of Lyzr, in a deep-dive conversation with Gary Fowler as they explore how Agentic AI is moving beyond demos and pilots into secure, production-grade enterprise systems. Learn what it really takes to design, govern, and scale AI agents that deliver measurable business outcomes across large organizations.🎯 Insights You’ll Learn:✓ What Agentic AI really means—and how it differs from copilots✓ How enterprises can move AI from experimentation to production✓ The role of governance, security, and reliability in AI agents✓ Common mistakes companies make when deploying autonomous AI systems✓ How cloud-native architecture enables scalable agentic workflows✓ Why measurable ROI is critical for enterprise AI adoption✓ The future of intelligent automation inside large organizations🌍 Why This Matters:As enterprises race to adopt AI, many struggle to bridge the gap between innovation labs and real-world impact. Agentic AI represents the next phase—systems that can reason, act, and deliver outcomes autonomously. Lyzr is focused on making this shift practical, secure, and scalable for enterprises worldwide.👤 Expert Background:• CEO & Founder of Lyzr — enterprise-grade Agentic AI platform• Leader in cloud-native architecture and AI governance• Trusted partner to global enterprises and AWS-aligned ecosystems• Expert in scaling secure, reliable AI systems in production• Focused on building durable, AI-led enterprise capabilities🎙️ Hosted by Gary Fowler, CEO of GSD Venture Studios — global AI entrepreneur, investor, and innovation leader spotlighting founders building the next generation of AI infrastructure.💡 Perfect For:Enterprise leaders, AI architects, CTOs, cloud and platform teams, startup founders, and investors interested in Agentic AI and intelligent automation at scale.🚀 Timely Topic:As AI shifts from copilots to autonomous agents, enterprises that master secure and scalable Agentic AI will define the next decade of competitive advantage.Subscribe for more global founder conversations from GSD Venture Studios:https://gsdvs.com#AgenticAI #EnterpriseAI #IntelligentAutomation #AIGovernance #CloudNative #AIInfrastructure #AutonomousSystems #StartupLeadership #FutureOfWork #GaryFowler #SivaSurendira #Lyzr #TopGlobalStartups #GSDVentureStudios

Join Andi Hektor, CEO & Co-founder of mu-ray.tech and serial deeptech founder, in a fascinating conversation with Gary Fowler as they explore what it really takes to build hardware deeptech companies—and whether AI is accelerating or complicating that journey. From Europe’s evolving deeptech ecosystem to the impact of defense innovation and shifting US geopolitics, this episode offers a rare look into the future of industrial-scale science startups.🎯 Insights You’ll Learn:✓ What it takes to build and scale hardware deeptech companies✓ Does AI actually speed up deeptech innovation—or raise the bar?✓ How Europe’s deeptech landscape differs from the US✓ Why defense, nuclear, and industrial markets are driving new demand✓ The transition from academic physics to commercial deeptech✓ How geopolitics and AI investment cycles are reshaping innovation priorities✓ Lessons from building frontier technology with real-world applications🌍 Why This Matters:Deeptech is entering a new era where AI, defense innovation, and geopolitical shifts are converging. Europe is emerging as a critical hub for industrial, scientific, and security-focused breakthroughs—and companies like mu-ray.tech are leading the way by transforming decades of fundamental research into scalable, mission-critical solutions.👤 Expert Background:• CEO & Co-founder of mu-ray.tech — pioneering Muon Beam Imaging (MBI)• Serial deeptech founder with ventures in Germany and Estonia• Former CERN researcher contributing to the discovery of the Higgs Boson• Leader in the shift from passive muon tomography to AI-driven muon sources• Building solutions for non-destructive testing, quality assurance, and 3D imaging• Serving defense, nuclear, chemical, and aerospace industries• Member of the Estonian Government’s Innovation Council advising on R&D policy🎙️ Hosted by Gary Fowler, CEO of GSD Venture Studios — global AI entrepreneur, investor, and innovation leader spotlighting founders transforming science into scalable industrial impact.💡 Perfect For:Deeptech founders, hardware entrepreneurs, AI innovators, defense and industrial leaders, policymakers, investors, and anyone interested in the future of European innovation.🚀 Timely Topic:As AI, defense spending, and global politics reshape technology priorities, deeptech founders must navigate longer cycles, higher stakes, and unprecedented opportunity—and mu-ray.tech is at the center of that shift.Subscribe for more global founder conversations from GSD Venture Studios: https://gsdvs.com#DeepTech #HardwareStartups #EuropeanInnovation #DefenseTech #IndustrialAI #MuonImaging #3DImaging #NonDestructiveTesting #ScienceToStartup #AIinHardware #Geopolitics #GaryFowler #AndiHektor #muRayTech #TopGlobalStartups #GSDVentureStudios

Join Andrea R. Milano, Special Counsel at Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP, for a timely and strategic conversation with Gary Fowler on how employment law directly influences culture, growth, and valuation in high-growth startups and unicorn companies. This episode explores how founders and executives can proactively use labor and employment law to build resilient, scalable organizations—while avoiding costly mistakes that derail momentum.🎯 Insights You’ll Learn:✓ How employment law impacts culture, growth, and enterprise value✓ Common legal pitfalls that fast-scaling startups and unicorns face✓ Best practices for hiring, terminations, and reductions in force✓ How executive compensation and incentive plans shape leadership behavior✓ The role of employment policies and handbooks in scaling globally✓ Navigating litigation risk, compliance, and workforce strategy at scale🌍 Why This Matters:Culture is one of the most valuable—and fragile—assets in a billion-dollar company. Employment law isn’t just about compliance; it’s a strategic lever that shapes how companies grow, retain talent, and protect long-term value. Founders who understand this early gain a powerful edge as they scale.👤 Expert Background:• Special Counsel, Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP• Labor & employment law advisor to startups, scale-ups, and global enterprises• Experience across litigation, M&A diligence, and executive employment agreements• Advises on reductions in force, workforce strategy, and risk management• Represents employers before arbitrators and the NLRB across industries🎙️ Hosted by Gary Fowler, CEO of GSD Venture Studios — Silicon Valley-based entrepreneur, investor, and innovation leader spotlighting the legal, cultural, and operational foundations of world-class companies.💡 Perfect For:Startup founders, CEOs, HR leaders, general counsel, operators, investors, and executives focused on scaling culture, managing risk, and building durable unicorns.🚀 Timely Topic:As startups scale faster than ever, employment law decisions can either unlock growth—or create hidden liabilities. Understanding the legal architecture behind great cultures is essential to building billion-dollar companies.Subscribe for more founder and expert conversations from GSD Presents: Silicon Valley AI & Tech: https://gsdvs.com#EmploymentLaw #StartupCulture #UnicornStartups #ScaleWithConfidence #HRLeadership #FounderAdvice #SiliconValleyTech #LegalStrategy #WorkforceManagement #ExecutiveCompensation #GaryFowler #AndreaMilano #Pillsbury #GSDPresents #SiliconValleyAI