The following is Part I of my conversation with Bernard Aceituno, Co-Founder of Stack AI (YC) and previously PhD at MIT. I will release Part II at another point as we will do the recording again. Here is a snippet of our conversation at MIT CSAIL, where Bernard spent 5 years researching.

Summary

In this engaging conversation, Bernard shares his eclectic journey from Venezuela to becoming a co-founder of Stack AI, detailing his academic background, entrepreneurial spirit, and the challenges faced in the startup world. He discusses the importance of collaboration, the evolution of AI in industry, and the significance of understanding customer needs. The conversation also touches on the dynamics of building a team, the role of research in product development, and the future of AI in enterprise automation.

Takeaways

Bernard's journey began in Venezuela, where he pursued his passion for science and technology.

He transitioned from academia to entrepreneurship, driven by a desire to impact the world with technology.

The importance of being in an entrepreneurial environment to stay motivated and focused.

Collaboration with Tony led to the creation of Stack AI, focusing on solving real-world problems with AI.

Y Combinator provided crucial support and validation for their startup idea.

Understanding customer needs is essential for product development and success.

The shift towards enterprise automation presents both challenges and opportunities for startups.

Building a strong team with shared values is critical for growth and success.

Transparency and explainability in AI are vital for building trust with customers.

Immigrant founders often face unique challenges but also have access to valuable mentorship opportunities.