Founders Couch: E1

All right. All right. >> All right. We're live. So, we've >> All right. We're live. So, we've >> All right. We're live. So, we've Are we all set? So, we've Thank you and Are we all set? So, we've Thank you and Are we all set? So, we've Thank you and welcome everybody to the founders couch. welcome everybody to the founders couch. welcome everybody to the founders couch. Uh we've sat on this for over a week Uh we've sat on this for over a week Uh we've sat on this for over a week now. Uh uh myself along with a few of now. Uh uh myself along with a few of now. Uh uh myself along with a few of the other startup founders in the room, the other startup founders in the room, the other startup founders in the room, Megan, uh Gavin, and Joart. Today, our Megan, uh Gavin, and Joart. Today, our Megan, uh Gavin, and Joart. Today, our guest speaker is Joelart. guest speaker is Joelart. guest speaker is Joelart. For those of you who don't know, uh, in For those of you who don't know, uh, in For those of you who don't know, uh, in the Houston ecosystem, Joe Alapart is the Houston ecosystem, Joe Alapart is the Houston ecosystem, Joe Alapart is the founder of Lionus Guard. Um, and so the founder of Lionus Guard. Um, and so the founder of Lionus Guard. Um, and so we have him here today to talk about we have him here today to talk about we have him here today to talk about community building. Um, he and I have community building. Um, he and I have community building. Um, he and I have been Joe has been one of my mentors and been Joe has been one of my mentors and been Joe has been one of my mentors and and we've shared conversations about and we've shared conversations about and we've shared conversations about community building and its impact. Uh, community building and its impact. Uh, community building and its impact. Uh, particularly focused on pro on particularly focused on pro on particularly focused on pro on understanding the problems, right? understanding the problems, right? understanding the problems, right? Design. And I think one of the Design. And I think one of the Design. And I think one of the conversations you mentioned a few weeks conversations you mentioned a few weeks conversations you mentioned a few weeks ago was ago was ago was >> building a startup around the problem, >> building a startup around the problem, >> building a startup around the problem, not necessarily the solutions. So that not necessarily the solutions. So that not necessarily the solutions. So that being said is I want to start the being said is I want to start the being said is I want to start the section on maybe you inform us a little section on maybe you inform us a little section on maybe you inform us a little bit about Lionsguard, what your story bit about Lionsguard, what your story bit about Lionsguard, what your story was and how you uh how you got to be was and how you uh how you got to be was and how you uh how you got to be Lionsguard.

Lionsguard. Lionsguard. >> Yeah. Well, I'm definitely not the >> Yeah. Well, I'm definitely not the >> Yeah. Well, I'm definitely not the company. Um I try to separate myself. company. Um I try to separate myself. company. Um I try to separate myself. You've got to separate yourself from the You've got to separate yourself from the You've got to separate yourself from the business. But um uh I you know I I business. But um uh I you know I I business. But um uh I you know I I always jokingly say I I lost my hair always jokingly say I I lost my hair always jokingly say I I lost my hair running my previous business which was a running my previous business which was a running my previous business which was a technology service provider. We did technology service provider. We did technology service provider. We did cyber security, IT, software cyber security, IT, software cyber security, IT, software development. Uh we did something I don't development. Uh we did something I don't development. Uh we did something I don't recommend to any founder which is we did recommend to any founder which is we did recommend to any founder which is we did everything for everyone and is the worst everything for everyone and is the worst everything for everyone and is the worst thing you can do as a business but it thing you can do as a business but it thing you can do as a business but it gave us a unique perspective into like gave us a unique perspective into like gave us a unique perspective into like many different industries uh many many different industries uh many many different industries uh many different problem sets. So this was from different problem sets. So this was from different problem sets. So this was from 2001 uh to 2014 and thankfully we built 2001 uh to 2014 and thankfully we built 2001 uh to 2014 and thankfully we built a business that scaled over time and we a business that scaled over time and we a business that scaled over time and we had an acquirer come to to buy the had an acquirer come to to buy the had an acquirer come to to buy the business and so when we sold the business and so when we sold the business and so when we sold the business it gave me the opportunity to business it gave me the opportunity to business it gave me the opportunity to actually step u aside actually take a actually step u aside actually take a actually step u aside actually take a break for a year. So 2015 was a was a break for a year. So 2015 was a was a break for a year. So 2015 was a was a big year for me uh to spend time with big year for me uh to spend time with big year for me uh to spend time with the kids actually I used to go hang out the kids actually I used to go hang out the kids actually I used to go hang out in Galveastston Island. I recommend that in Galveastston Island. I recommend that in Galveastston Island. I recommend that to folks. You got to have the seab to folks. You got to have the seab to folks. You got to have the seab breeze. Um, you know, listen to the breeze. Um, you know, listen to the breeze. Um, you know, listen to the waves and really clear your head and and waves and really clear your head and and waves and really clear your head and and think about like what are you going to think about like what are you going to think about like what are you going to do next? Right. And so there's a lot of do next? Right. And so there's a lot of do next? Right. And so there's a lot of anxiety around people saying, "What are anxiety around people saying, "What are anxiety around people saying, "What are you going to do? What are you going to you going to do? What are you going to you going to do? What are you going to do?" You're like, "Dude, just slow do?" You're like, "Dude, just slow do?" You're like, "Dude, just slow down." Like, "I'm trying to figure it down." Like, "I'm trying to figure it down." Like, "I'm trying to figure it out."

out." out." >> What? So I when you said your um you >> What? So I when you said your um you >> What? So I when you said your um you took everything I I enjoyed you said you took everything I I enjoyed you said you took everything I I enjoyed you said you took on every problem you your clients took on every problem you your clients took on every problem you your clients had. had. had. >> Yeah. you see it as a problem, but I I >> Yeah. you see it as a problem, but I I >> Yeah. you see it as a problem, but I I feel like there's also a solution there feel like there's also a solution there feel like there's also a solution there because it was the vision it brought out because it was the vision it brought out because it was the vision it brought out for you was access to the problems for you was access to the problems for you was access to the problems technology creates. I think I think I've technology creates. I think I think I've technology creates. I think I think I've heard you say once that you you had a heard you say once that you you had a heard you say once that you you had a better insight into what um better insight into what um better insight into what um >> uh uh vector uh uh risk surfaces, attack >> uh uh vector uh uh risk surfaces, attack >> uh uh vector uh uh risk surfaces, attack surface and attack vectors. Uh can you surface and attack vectors. Uh can you surface and attack vectors. Uh can you expand a little bit on how that helped? expand a little bit on how that helped? expand a little bit on how that helped? Um Um Um >> yeah. Yeah. No, she's talked about it. >> yeah. Yeah. No, she's talked about it. >> yeah. Yeah. No, she's talked about it. Yep. Yep. Yep. >> Your hand is over the transmitter. >> Your hand is over the transmitter. >> Your hand is over the transmitter. >> Oh, hold right. >> Oh, hold right. >> Oh, hold right. >> Right here. >> Right here. >> Right here. >> Okay. Yeah. So, uh, thank you. Uh, the, >> Okay. Yeah. So, uh, thank you. Uh, the, >> Okay. Yeah. So, uh, thank you. Uh, the, uh, concept I was actually describing uh, concept I was actually describing uh, concept I was actually describing earlier this morning. Um, I don't know earlier this morning. Um, I don't know earlier this morning. Um, I don't know how many folks know about icky guy, how many folks know about icky guy, how many folks know about icky guy, right? This Japanese concept I gi, right? This Japanese concept I gi, right? This Japanese concept I gi, right? What uh what are you what do you right? What uh what are you what do you right? What uh what are you what do you love? What are you good at? What does love? What are you good at? What does love? What are you good at? What does the world need? And ultimately, what can the world need? And ultimately, what can the world need? And ultimately, what can you be paid for? And when you think you be paid for? And when you think you be paid for? And when you think about um just connecting the dots on all about um just connecting the dots on all about um just connecting the dots on all four of those things, it's so critical four of those things, it's so critical four of those things, it's so critical uh when you're thinking about actually uh when you're thinking about actually uh when you're thinking about actually connecting that to the market and connecting that to the market and connecting that to the market and thinking about what you're going to thinking about what you're going to thinking about what you're going to focus on, right? What you're what you're focus on, right? What you're what you're focus on, right? What you're what you're actually good at and how you're thinking actually good at and how you're thinking actually good at and how you're thinking about um how to address a problem.

about um how to address a problem. about um how to address a problem. >> And I think one of the things we talked >> And I think one of the things we talked >> And I think one of the things we talked about about about >> um recently was this concept of well how >> um recently was this concept of well how >> um recently was this concept of well how like how do we create a rallying group like how do we create a rallying group like how do we create a rallying group around around around >> something like this, right? like an area >> something like this, right? like an area >> something like this, right? like an area of interest that you have of interest that you have of interest that you have >> driving passion to your project. >> driving passion to your project. >> driving passion to your project. >> Yeah. And so I I actually tell folks and >> Yeah. And so I I actually tell folks and >> Yeah. And so I I actually tell folks and I've gotten some harsh feedback from I've gotten some harsh feedback from I've gotten some harsh feedback from folks when I uh I'm careful to use the folks when I uh I'm careful to use the folks when I uh I'm careful to use the phrase follow your passion. Um it's a phrase follow your passion. Um it's a phrase follow your passion. Um it's a very overused phrase and it tends to very overused phrase and it tends to very overused phrase and it tends to cause a knee-jerk reaction by most cause a knee-jerk reaction by most cause a knee-jerk reaction by most people. Uh it's very skeptical. And what people. Uh it's very skeptical. And what people. Uh it's very skeptical. And what I I like to say is follow your I I like to say is follow your I I like to say is follow your curiosity. Right? So the places where curiosity. Right? So the places where curiosity. Right? So the places where you ask the most questions, the places you ask the most questions, the places you ask the most questions, the places where you naturally have curiosity, where you naturally have curiosity, where you naturally have curiosity, where the learning continues, so that where the learning continues, so that where the learning continues, so that Monday morning, you're still asking the Monday morning, you're still asking the Monday morning, you're still asking the next question, even when Monday next question, even when Monday next question, even when Monday mornings, which let's let's all be mornings, which let's let's all be mornings, which let's let's all be clear, those can be difficult, right? clear, those can be difficult, right? clear, those can be difficult, right? Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. >> Waking up and having to to go back to >> Waking up and having to to go back to >> Waking up and having to to go back to work when it's not work, work when it's not work, work when it's not work, >> right? And when that curiosity is there, >> right? And when that curiosity is there, >> right? And when that curiosity is there, that means that you're going to operate that means that you're going to operate that means that you're going to operate at at a scale of learning um that's much at at a scale of learning um that's much at at a scale of learning um that's much much faster than your peers. So when I much faster than your peers. So when I much faster than your peers. So when I was actually in that that jump point for was actually in that that jump point for was actually in that that jump point for my previous business where I was trying my previous business where I was trying my previous business where I was trying to be everything to everyone, the thing to be everything to everyone, the thing to be everything to everyone, the thing that I I learned is I I learned a lot.

that I I learned is I I learned a lot. that I I learned is I I learned a lot. So for those early in their career, I So for those early in their career, I So for those early in their career, I recommend consulting. recommend consulting. recommend consulting. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Go get go get some perspective. Uh >> Go get go get some perspective. Uh >> Go get go get some perspective. Uh understand what what the world looks understand what what the world looks understand what what the world looks like, how do businesses operate, and I like, how do businesses operate, and I like, how do businesses operate, and I think that's good for learning. Uh but think that's good for learning. Uh but think that's good for learning. Uh but there's a difference between a lifestyle there's a difference between a lifestyle there's a difference between a lifestyle business and a startup, right? business and a startup, right? business and a startup, right? Entrepreneurship is is a really big Entrepreneurship is is a really big Entrepreneurship is is a really big bubble. Um and it's it's something that bubble. Um and it's it's something that bubble. Um and it's it's something that uh you know I don't know how many folks uh you know I don't know how many folks uh you know I don't know how many folks uh attending or participating are uh attending or participating are uh attending or participating are entrepreneurs but when you think about entrepreneurs but when you think about entrepreneurs but when you think about an open canvas and you're throwing paint an open canvas and you're throwing paint an open canvas and you're throwing paint on it right it is an absolutely blank on it right it is an absolutely blank on it right it is an absolutely blank canvas when you do that and you have canvas when you do that and you have canvas when you do that and you have that act of entrepreneurship that is a that act of entrepreneurship that is a that act of entrepreneurship that is a huge leap. Now there's a small huge leap. Now there's a small huge leap. Now there's a small subsection in that which is those that subsection in that which is those that subsection in that which is those that seek explosive growth, right? Those that seek explosive growth, right? Those that seek explosive growth, right? Those that are are seeking to solve a problem in a are are seeking to solve a problem in a are are seeking to solve a problem in a way that can cause explosive traction. way that can cause explosive traction. way that can cause explosive traction. That's where the narrowing becomes That's where the narrowing becomes That's where the narrowing becomes important because if you're trying to important because if you're trying to important because if you're trying to create that explosiveness, you can look create that explosiveness, you can look create that explosiveness, you can look at every successful massive scale at every successful massive scale at every successful massive scale company and follow it all the way back company and follow it all the way back company and follow it all the way back to the beginning past before the to the beginning past before the to the beginning past before the headlines where everyone paid attention headlines where everyone paid attention headlines where everyone paid attention to the raw headlines and you'll see a to the raw headlines and you'll see a to the raw headlines and you'll see a very narrow beginning.

very narrow beginning. very narrow beginning. >> That's that that brings us directly to >> That's that that brings us directly to >> That's that that brings us directly to the point of like today's show being um the point of like today's show being um the point of like today's show being um uh growing your community as a startup. uh growing your community as a startup. uh growing your community as a startup. >> Um and you mentioned tracing everything >> Um and you mentioned tracing everything >> Um and you mentioned tracing everything back I I want to take us more into back I I want to take us more into back I I want to take us more into community building. So so the example I community building. So so the example I community building. So so the example I always go back to is startup. Uh uh if always go back to is startup. Uh uh if always go back to is startup. Uh uh if you think of Facebook, you think of you think of Facebook, you think of you think of Facebook, you think of Amazon. Each of them started off from Amazon. Each of them started off from Amazon. Each of them started off from Facebook started off from a community of Facebook started off from a community of Facebook started off from a community of college students. Uh Amazon started off college students. Uh Amazon started off college students. Uh Amazon started off from a community of from a community of from a community of >> uh magazine readers. And so when you >> uh magazine readers. And so when you >> uh magazine readers. And so when you look at how they grow um what are your look at how they grow um what are your look at how they grow um what are your some of your thoughts on starting a for some of your thoughts on starting a for some of your thoughts on starting a for me instantly ranging the bell of every me instantly ranging the bell of every me instantly ranging the bell of every community every startup works best with community every startup works best with community every startup works best with the exception of AI AI just kind of took the exception of AI AI just kind of took the exception of AI AI just kind of took oh boom there are this few technology oh boom there are this few technology oh boom there are this few technology that comes around once in a decade and that comes around once in a decade and that comes around once in a decade and is revolutionary but is revolutionary but is revolutionary but >> the mass majority of successful startup >> the mass majority of successful startup >> the mass majority of successful startup often start with community building and often start with community building and often start with community building and so I I kind of wanted to get your take so I I kind of wanted to get your take so I I kind of wanted to get your take on that.

on that. on that. >> Yeah. Uh community and community >> Yeah. Uh community and community >> Yeah. Uh community and community building is probably one of the most building is probably one of the most building is probably one of the most overused phrases which I get very overused phrases which I get very overused phrases which I get very passionate about because the reality is passionate about because the reality is passionate about because the reality is is if you use community as a as a soft is if you use community as a as a soft is if you use community as a as a soft word I think you really get no no value word I think you really get no no value word I think you really get no no value out of it. And so when I think about out of it. And so when I think about out of it. And so when I think about >> uh like when you use it too loosely and >> uh like when you use it too loosely and >> uh like when you use it too loosely and the way the way I suggest it is the way the way I suggest it is the way the way I suggest it is >> if you are passionate about a challenge >> if you are passionate about a challenge >> if you are passionate about a challenge >> u something that the city of Houston's >> u something that the city of Houston's >> u something that the city of Houston's facing something that you're facing that facing something that you're facing that facing something that you're facing that others are also facing others are also facing others are also facing >> let's say it's career pathing right this >> let's say it's career pathing right this >> let's say it's career pathing right this is probably one of the worst markets for is probably one of the worst markets for is probably one of the worst markets for candidates to find jobs like at least in candidates to find jobs like at least in candidates to find jobs like at least in the in the 25 uh 30 years that I've been the in the 25 uh 30 years that I've been the in the 25 uh 30 years that I've been in the workforce it is literally the in the workforce it is literally the in the workforce it is literally the worst time. If you're looking for a job worst time. If you're looking for a job worst time. If you're looking for a job and you're straight out of college, it's and you're straight out of college, it's and you're straight out of college, it's tough. Yeah. tough. Yeah. tough. Yeah. >> Right. So, that's something if you talk >> Right. So, that's something if you talk >> Right. So, that's something if you talk to other candidates that are struggling to other candidates that are struggling to other candidates that are struggling around this, it's not easy to get people around this, it's not easy to get people around this, it's not easy to get people passionate about that topic and you're passionate about that topic and you're passionate about that topic and you're exploring the problem, right? And you're exploring the problem, right? And you're exploring the problem, right? And you're not selling them on, hey, this is the not selling them on, hey, this is the not selling them on, hey, this is the new shiny object that's going to save new shiny object that's going to save new shiny object that's going to save you, right? You're first uh pouring salt you, right? You're first uh pouring salt you, right? You're first uh pouring salt on the wound and then once you've done on the wound and then once you've done on the wound and then once you've done that, you're also yanking the scab off.

that, you're also yanking the scab off. that, you're also yanking the scab off. >> You mean by telling them, hey, this is >> You mean by telling them, hey, this is >> You mean by telling them, hey, this is what you're supposed to do? No, you're what you're supposed to do? No, you're what you're supposed to do? No, you're exploring the problem with them. exploring the problem with them. exploring the problem with them. >> And and so as a founder, uh you have to >> And and so as a founder, uh you have to >> And and so as a founder, uh you have to be the best listener of market pain. And be the best listener of market pain. And be the best listener of market pain. And market pain is where explosiveness market pain is where explosiveness market pain is where explosiveness happens. If you if you're architecting happens. If you if you're architecting happens. If you if you're architecting an idea out of thin air and I have I an idea out of thin air and I have I an idea out of thin air and I have I have the next idea, where did the root have the next idea, where did the root have the next idea, where did the root of that idea come from? And who is of that idea come from? And who is of that idea come from? And who is feeling so challenged by something that feeling so challenged by something that feeling so challenged by something that ultimately uh there there needs to be a ultimately uh there there needs to be a ultimately uh there there needs to be a solution? And you're basically searching solution? And you're basically searching solution? And you're basically searching for this effect, which I say a lot, for this effect, which I say a lot, for this effect, which I say a lot, where someone says, where someone says, where someone says, >> "Oh my god, Joseph, where have you been >> "Oh my god, Joseph, where have you been >> "Oh my god, Joseph, where have you been all my life?" all my life?" all my life?" >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Right. And if you get someone to say >> Right. And if you get someone to say >> Right. And if you get someone to say that, you know, you've pulled on some that, you know, you've pulled on some that, you know, you've pulled on some kind of a heartstring and you're zoning kind of a heartstring and you're zoning kind of a heartstring and you're zoning in on something that they care about. in on something that they care about. in on something that they care about. And building a community with people And building a community with people And building a community with people with like-mindedness around that topic, with like-mindedness around that topic, with like-mindedness around that topic, not people who are like, "Yeah, I'm kind not people who are like, "Yeah, I'm kind not people who are like, "Yeah, I'm kind of here just to hang out." which is of here just to hang out." which is of here just to hang out." which is fine, but if the dense core of that fine, but if the dense core of that fine, but if the dense core of that group is not passionate about that group is not passionate about that group is not passionate about that topic, you don't have a strong community topic, you don't have a strong community topic, you don't have a strong community and your job is to build like passionate and your job is to build like passionate and your job is to build like passionate folks who care about this problem, folks who care about this problem, folks who care about this problem, >> right? And and then they will want to >> right? And and then they will want to >> right? And and then they will want to solve that problem.

solve that problem. solve that problem. >> Yeah. So that's great. Um now one >> Yeah. So that's great. Um now one >> Yeah. So that's great. Um now one conversation we're talking about earlier conversation we're talking about earlier conversation we're talking about earlier on the founders Friday was um was taking on the founders Friday was um was taking on the founders Friday was um was taking that passion and first it's taking the that passion and first it's taking the that passion and first it's taking the passion and generated into income or and passion and generated into income or and passion and generated into income or and then it's also then it's also then it's also >> how speak on blue ocean strategy because >> how speak on blue ocean strategy because >> how speak on blue ocean strategy because you you've taught me a great deal about you you've taught me a great deal about you you've taught me a great deal about blue ocean in terms of referring the blue ocean in terms of referring the blue ocean in terms of referring the book and and and book and and and book and and and >> your practice the way you go about Lion >> your practice the way you go about Lion >> your practice the way you go about Lion Guards. Um, Guards. Um, Guards. Um, >> can you help me understand how does >> can you help me understand how does >> can you help me understand how does building a community play into a blue building a community play into a blue building a community play into a blue ocean strategy? ocean strategy? ocean strategy? >> And the that it's a beautiful actually >> And the that it's a beautiful actually >> And the that it's a beautiful actually uh connection point because blue ocean uh connection point because blue ocean uh connection point because blue ocean strategy uh which is a book I recommend strategy uh which is a book I recommend strategy uh which is a book I recommend uh for everyone to read. Uh that phone uh for everyone to read. Uh that phone uh for everyone to read. Uh that phone just really wants to just really wants to just really wants to >> I'm so sorry. >> I'm so sorry. >> I'm so sorry. >> You shut that baby down. Um so u the uh >> You shut that baby down. Um so u the uh >> You shut that baby down. Um so u the uh yeah cuz my train of thought is getting yeah cuz my train of thought is getting yeah cuz my train of thought is getting lost. I know. Just kidding. Just Just lost. I know. Just kidding. Just Just lost. I know. Just kidding. Just Just kidding. I'm just messing with you. I'm kidding. I'm just messing with you. I'm kidding. I'm just messing with you. I'm messing with you. I give Joseph a hard messing with you. I give Joseph a hard messing with you. I give Joseph a hard time. time. time. >> He does. >> He does. >> He does. >> So, uh, Blue Ocean Strategy is all about >> So, uh, Blue Ocean Strategy is all about >> So, uh, Blue Ocean Strategy is all about finding an underserved market.

finding an underserved market. finding an underserved market. >> And so, the best example, uh, that I >> And so, the best example, uh, that I >> And so, the best example, uh, that I find in that book is Southwest Airlines. find in that book is Southwest Airlines. find in that book is Southwest Airlines. And that that is that airplane travel And that that is that airplane travel And that that is that airplane travel back if you were traveling on planes in back if you were traveling on planes in back if you were traveling on planes in the 70s, which um, I wasn't. It was in the 70s, which um, I wasn't. It was in the 70s, which um, I wasn't. It was in 1981 that I got on my first plane. Um, 1981 that I got on my first plane. Um, 1981 that I got on my first plane. Um, but in at that time, uh, it was all but in at that time, uh, it was all but in at that time, uh, it was all about dressing up. Um, there were about dressing up. Um, there were about dressing up. Um, there were lounges, there was food. Uh, ticket lounges, there was food. Uh, ticket lounges, there was food. Uh, ticket prices were expensive. Um, it was a big prices were expensive. Um, it was a big prices were expensive. Um, it was a big dog and pony show. And dog and pony show. And dog and pony show. And >> this was 200. >> this was 200. >> this was 200. >> No, this is back in 1970s. Okay. Right. >> No, this is back in 1970s. Okay. Right. >> No, this is back in 1970s. Okay. Right. Okay. So, when when Southwest Airlines Okay. So, when when Southwest Airlines Okay. So, when when Southwest Airlines came to market, what did they say? came to market, what did they say? came to market, what did they say? You're not going to get food. You're You're not going to get food. You're You're not going to get food. You're going to get peanuts. going to get peanuts. going to get peanuts. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> You're not going to get assigned >> You're not going to get assigned >> You're not going to get assigned seating. This is going to look like bus seating. This is going to look like bus seating. This is going to look like bus travel, right? You're going to you're travel, right? You're going to you're travel, right? You're going to you're going to have lower cost tickets. And going to have lower cost tickets. And going to have lower cost tickets. And we're all going to start with small we're all going to start with small we're all going to start with small routes, small hops. And what did the routes, small hops. And what did the routes, small hops. And what did the larger airlines think? They were like, larger airlines think? They were like, larger airlines think? They were like, "What is this little stupid company? "What is this little stupid company? "What is this little stupid company? Like, what are they doing?" Right. What Like, what are they doing?" Right. What Like, what are they doing?" Right. What they underestimated was that they were they underestimated was that they were they underestimated was that they were leaning in. They were underinvesting in leaning in. They were underinvesting in leaning in. They were underinvesting in one place, which is so important. You one place, which is so important. You one place, which is so important. You have to know what you're going to say no have to know what you're going to say no have to know what you're going to say no to so you can say yes to something else.

to so you can say yes to something else. to so you can say yes to something else. And Southwest Airlines leaned in on And Southwest Airlines leaned in on And Southwest Airlines leaned in on service, on making travel actually fun. service, on making travel actually fun. service, on making travel actually fun. And they leaned in on that and they went And they leaned in on that and they went And they leaned in on that and they went low on tickets. They went low on uh low on tickets. They went low on uh low on tickets. They went low on uh expectations. They went low on expectations. They went low on expectations. They went low on everything else to drop the cost of the everything else to drop the cost of the everything else to drop the cost of the service. So what happens? All these service. So what happens? All these service. So what happens? All these people who never could get on a plane people who never could get on a plane people who never could get on a plane suddenly are traveling on a plane. It's suddenly are traveling on a plane. It's suddenly are traveling on a plane. It's the underserved market. the underserved market. the underserved market. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> How many people back then who wanted to >> How many people back then who wanted to >> How many people back then who wanted to go fly to meet their girlfriend or their go fly to meet their girlfriend or their go fly to meet their girlfriend or their family member who could not do that family member who could not do that family member who could not do that >> and now they have an option. Do you >> and now they have an option. Do you >> and now they have an option. Do you think they're going to be passionate think they're going to be passionate think they're going to be passionate about it? Yes, they are. about it? Yes, they are. about it? Yes, they are. >> They're going to be like, "Heck yeah, >> They're going to be like, "Heck yeah, >> They're going to be like, "Heck yeah, this is actually an option." So that's this is actually an option." So that's this is actually an option." So that's that's finding an underserved market that's finding an underserved market that's finding an underserved market where you're filling a gap. It's it's where you're filling a gap. It's it's where you're filling a gap. It's it's like a vacuum that's just there. It's like a vacuum that's just there. It's like a vacuum that's just there. It's just like nothing is filling it. So if just like nothing is filling it. So if just like nothing is filling it. So if you had to guess, would you and and this you had to guess, would you and and this you had to guess, would you and and this would be the last question. So for the would be the last question. So for the would be the last question. So for the for our guest, we have two startups in for our guest, we have two startups in for our guest, we have two startups in the room which we're going to deep dive the room which we're going to deep dive the room which we're going to deep dive into their product and also how it fits into their product and also how it fits into their product and also how it fits into community building. But if you had into community building. But if you had into community building. But if you had to get a guess for for that particular to get a guess for for that particular to get a guess for for that particular airline company, would you do you think airline company, would you do you think airline company, would you do you think they started off saying um this is the they started off saying um this is the they started off saying um this is the problem I am going to solve this problem problem I am going to solve this problem problem I am going to solve this problem or they start off saying um or they start off saying um or they start off saying um they started off looking at the they started off looking at the they started off looking at the solution?

solution? solution? I I think one I one thing I appreciate I I think one I one thing I appreciate I I think one I one thing I appreciate the most about about your advice is you the most about about your advice is you the most about about your advice is you distinguish right it was a few weeks ago distinguish right it was a few weeks ago distinguish right it was a few weeks ago you were telling you you're you talking you were telling you you're you talking you were telling you you're you talking to a group of start founders and you to a group of start founders and you to a group of start founders and you said said said >> focus build your communities around the >> focus build your communities around the >> focus build your communities around the problems is it's one thing to have problems is it's one thing to have problems is it's one thing to have advice build a community it's great advice build a community it's great advice build a community it's great advice but build a community advice but build a community advice but build a community specifically around the problems is specifically around the problems is specifically around the problems is different right it gives you a various different right it gives you a various different right it gives you a various focus point so is kind of in the same focus point so is kind of in the same focus point so is kind of in the same vein of trying to get a focal point is vein of trying to get a focal point is vein of trying to get a focal point is do you think the is southwest airlines. do you think the is southwest airlines. do you think the is southwest airlines. So, Southwest Airlines, do you think So, Southwest Airlines, do you think So, Southwest Airlines, do you think they started off saying, they started off saying, they started off saying, >> "Let me go find a group of users uh or >> "Let me go find a group of users uh or >> "Let me go find a group of users uh or or community, build our own community or community, build our own community or community, build our own community who are having those problems who just who are having those problems who just who are having those problems who just want to go quickly visit their want to go quickly visit their want to go quickly visit their girlfriend, be back in Las Vegas or or girlfriend, be back in Las Vegas or or girlfriend, be back in Las Vegas or or >> I I wasn't there, but I can tell you >> I I wasn't there, but I can tell you >> I I wasn't there, but I can tell you that they if they're mitigating risk, that they if they're mitigating risk, that they if they're mitigating risk, they would have validated all of this." they would have validated all of this." they would have validated all of this." And this is why um what I see and I did And this is why um what I see and I did And this is why um what I see and I did this myself. Um, there's three lines of this myself. Um, there's three lines of this myself. Um, there's three lines of thought that you need to think about as thought that you need to think about as thought that you need to think about as a startup founder. Number one, you need a startup founder. Number one, you need a startup founder. Number one, you need to understand the market. Number two, to understand the market. Number two, to understand the market. Number two, you got to understand your product and you got to understand your product and you got to understand your product and offering to go solve that.

offering to go solve that. offering to go solve that. >> And and number three is you got to know >> And and number three is you got to know >> And and number three is you got to know the fuel that's going to fund this. the fuel that's going to fund this. the fuel that's going to fund this. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> The issue is that most people focus on >> The issue is that most people focus on >> The issue is that most people focus on the product and they over rotate on the the product and they over rotate on the the product and they over rotate on the product and they go all the way out and product and they go all the way out and product and they go all the way out and architect this amazing thing. architect this amazing thing. architect this amazing thing. >> Yeah. and the level of immersing in the >> Yeah. and the level of immersing in the >> Yeah. and the level of immersing in the market. Meaning, if someone were to ask, market. Meaning, if someone were to ask, market. Meaning, if someone were to ask, hey, is so and so an expert on this hey, is so and so an expert on this hey, is so and so an expert on this problem space, everyone's like, who's problem space, everyone's like, who's problem space, everyone's like, who's that? that? that? >> Because they've been in their closet >> Because they've been in their closet >> Because they've been in their closet working on on the the product rather working on on the the product rather working on on the the product rather than spending half of their time, which than spending half of their time, which than spending half of their time, which is what I would tell everyone to do is is what I would tell everyone to do is is what I would tell everyone to do is spend 50% time building. spend 50% of spend 50% time building. spend 50% of spend 50% time building. spend 50% of the time being literally out there where the time being literally out there where the time being literally out there where you need to be where you can interact you need to be where you can interact you need to be where you can interact with the people that would actually care with the people that would actually care with the people that would actually care about this problem. about this problem. about this problem. >> And you know why I know this? Because >> And you know why I know this? Because >> And you know why I know this? Because that's not what I did. that's not what I did. that's not what I did. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> And I burned through so much cash >> And I burned through so much cash >> And I burned through so much cash >> building the ultimate product and then I >> building the ultimate product and then I >> building the ultimate product and then I was finally told by Blair from Mercury was finally told by Blair from Mercury was finally told by Blair from Mercury Fund to go, Joe, you need to get out of Fund to go, Joe, you need to get out of Fund to go, Joe, you need to get out of here and you need to go find your here and you need to go find your here and you need to go find your customers. You need to go sit with them. customers. You need to go sit with them. customers. You need to go sit with them. Yeah. And I didn't fully appreciate Yeah. And I didn't fully appreciate Yeah. And I didn't fully appreciate that, but I took his advice and I did that, but I took his advice and I did that, but I took his advice and I did it. And I was like, "Oh my god, I built it. And I was like, "Oh my god, I built it. And I was like, "Oh my god, I built this this freaking castle and I'm now this this freaking castle and I'm now this this freaking castle and I'm now I've got to figure out what to do with I've got to figure out what to do with I've got to figure out what to do with this thing." But people found value in this thing." But people found value in this thing." But people found value in something very specific, thankfully.

something very specific, thankfully. something very specific, thankfully. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> And I had the the the common sense to >> And I had the the the common sense to >> And I had the the the common sense to actually finally listen to that and actually finally listen to that and actually finally listen to that and follow that narrow thread, which then follow that narrow thread, which then follow that narrow thread, which then lifted us out, which then got us to the lifted us out, which then got us to the lifted us out, which then got us to the funding. funding. funding. >> Did you have So I love it because I I >> Did you have So I love it because I I >> Did you have So I love it because I I I'm a project manager. Oh, I have a PM I'm a project manager. Oh, I have a PM I'm a project manager. Oh, I have a PM PMP and I've been in project and I uh as PMP and I've been in project and I uh as PMP and I've been in project and I uh as an IT I've practice often agile an IT I've practice often agile an IT I've practice often agile methodology. So that's a strong methodology. So that's a strong methodology. So that's a strong alignment with agile methodology alignment with agile methodology alignment with agile methodology >> and build with the customer in mind and >> and build with the customer in mind and >> and build with the customer in mind and iteration. Did you have that IT iteration. Did you have that IT iteration. Did you have that IT background? I know I said last question background? I know I said last question background? I know I said last question did you have that IT background leading did you have that IT background leading did you have that IT background leading up to it? up to it? up to it? >> Um >> Um >> Um >> by it you're saying information >> by it you're saying information >> by it you're saying information technology or technology or technology or >> yeah because so project management. >> yeah because so project management. >> yeah because so project management. Yeah. Yes. Yeah. Yes. Yeah. Yes. >> So I mean iteration um actually there's >> So I mean iteration um actually there's >> So I mean iteration um actually there's something that I would also recommend. something that I would also recommend. something that I would also recommend. And so this is a core value at Lion And so this is a core value at Lion And so this is a core value at Lion Guard. It's a it was a core value. It Guard. It's a it was a core value. It Guard. It's a it was a core value. It was the only core value at my previous was the only core value at my previous was the only core value at my previous business. It's this simple thing called business. It's this simple thing called business. It's this simple thing called share visible progress. share visible progress. share visible progress. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Okay. To take it all in because the key >> Okay. To take it all in because the key >> Okay. To take it all in because the key word there is visible. word there is visible. word there is visible. >> Um as a founder, your job is to share >> Um as a founder, your job is to share >> Um as a founder, your job is to share visible progress.

visible progress. visible progress. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> And if if you cannot share visibly >> And if if you cannot share visibly >> And if if you cannot share visibly progress, progress, progress, >> you're not holding yourself accountable >> you're not holding yourself accountable >> you're not holding yourself accountable um to these outcomes. And that is part um to these outcomes. And that is part um to these outcomes. And that is part and parcel of following agile iterative and parcel of following agile iterative and parcel of following agile iterative processes because if the milestone processes because if the milestone processes because if the milestone outcomes Yeah. outcomes Yeah. outcomes Yeah. >> are visible. >> are visible. >> are visible. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> And you know that ship it mentality that >> And you know that ship it mentality that >> And you know that ship it mentality that they talk about that's visible progress they talk about that's visible progress they talk about that's visible progress >> versus architect for one year. Never >> versus architect for one year. Never >> versus architect for one year. Never release it publicly. Never get market release it publicly. Never get market release it publicly. Never get market feedback. feedback. feedback. >> Yeah. That is the worst way to do it. >> Yeah. That is the worst way to do it. >> Yeah. That is the worst way to do it. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> You have to get it out there. Don't be >> You have to get it out there. Don't be >> You have to get it out there. Don't be shy. Even when it is a PowerPoint. shy. Even when it is a PowerPoint. shy. Even when it is a PowerPoint. >> Yeah. without a single line of code, you >> Yeah. without a single line of code, you >> Yeah. without a single line of code, you should be out there talking 50% of your should be out there talking 50% of your should be out there talking 50% of your time at least to the market. time at least to the market. time at least to the market. >> So, I was nervous um a few weeks ago >> So, I was nervous um a few weeks ago >> So, I was nervous um a few weeks ago when I started with with AI. I I saw when I started with with AI. I I saw when I started with with AI. I I saw like there was a t a time a time in a like there was a t a time a time in a like there was a t a time a time in a time when people were leaning towards time when people were leaning towards time when people were leaning towards let's go back to waterfall methodology let's go back to waterfall methodology let's go back to waterfall methodology >> instead of agile because now we have >> instead of agile because now we have >> instead of agile because now we have this rapid release technology. Well, this rapid release technology. Well, this rapid release technology. Well, waterfall helps. I I was starting to get waterfall helps. I I was starting to get waterfall helps. I I was starting to get nervous because I was like no no no that nervous because I was like no no no that nervous because I was like no no no that let's double down on agile that's let's double down on agile that's let's double down on agile that's >> and I think a process and it also >> and I think a process and it also >> and I think a process and it also depends on what you're building to depends on what you're building to depends on what you're building to >> I think the reason for that the ability >> I think the reason for that the ability >> I think the reason for that the ability to build Yeah.

to build Yeah. to build Yeah. >> has gotten so uh so accessible. >> has gotten so uh so accessible. >> has gotten so uh so accessible. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> That everyone is is is a developer now. >> That everyone is is is a developer now. >> That everyone is is is a developer now. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Right. Everyone's vibe coding. And so >> Right. Everyone's vibe coding. And so >> Right. Everyone's vibe coding. And so when you know that the bar is so low to when you know that the bar is so low to when you know that the bar is so low to build, how are you differentiating if build, how are you differentiating if build, how are you differentiating if you don't have market understanding? you don't have market understanding? you don't have market understanding? >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> And if if uh if you all have been at the >> And if if uh if you all have been at the >> And if if uh if you all have been at the ion and you see those bleachers that are ion and you see those bleachers that are ion and you see those bleachers that are there and you're standing at the bottom there and you're standing at the bottom there and you're standing at the bottom of those bleachers, I've told you this of those bleachers, I've told you this of those bleachers, I've told you this before, what is that audience that you before, what is that audience that you before, what is that audience that you can own within five minutes and you can can own within five minutes and you can can own within five minutes and you can convince them and they're telling you, convince them and they're telling you, convince them and they're telling you, "Oh my god, this person's one of us." "Oh my god, this person's one of us." "Oh my god, this person's one of us." And I see the founder over there. I was And I see the founder over there. I was And I see the founder over there. I was just telling this to her uh you know at just telling this to her uh you know at just telling this to her uh you know at at the ion and it's it's such an at the ion and it's it's such an at the ion and it's it's such an important topic because when you find important topic because when you find important topic because when you find that group and you target it that way that group and you target it that way that group and you target it that way and you're and you're and you're >> you know the market so well that you >> you know the market so well that you >> you know the market so well that you know at least three acronyms know at least three acronyms know at least three acronyms >> in that industry and if you don't know >> in that industry and if you don't know >> in that industry and if you don't know at least three acronyms in that industry at least three acronyms in that industry at least three acronyms in that industry that are specific to that industry you that are specific to that industry you that are specific to that industry you do not understand that market. do not understand that market. do not understand that market. >> You're out of some work to do. >> You're out of some work to do. >> You're out of some work to do. >> So no you know you know your your market >> So no you know you know your your market >> So no you know you know your your market uh well enough to know like in your uh well enough to know like in your uh well enough to know like in your world it's ATS. Yeah, world it's ATS. Yeah, world it's ATS. Yeah, >> right. It's it's all these other things >> right. It's it's all these other things >> right. It's it's all these other things that that people will say that that people will say that that people will say >> you have to have that and that's the >> you have to have that and that's the >> you have to have that and that's the only way people will trust you as a only way people will trust you as a only way people will trust you as a subject matter expert on the problem.

subject matter expert on the problem. subject matter expert on the problem. Then I will open the door to listening Then I will open the door to listening Then I will open the door to listening to your solution. to your solution. to your solution. >> Then only >> Then only >> Then only >> until then I'm like you're just selling >> until then I'm like you're just selling >> until then I'm like you're just selling me something. I just snake oil. me something. I just snake oil. me something. I just snake oil. >> Yeah. So, we could we could talk all day >> Yeah. So, we could we could talk all day >> Yeah. So, we could we could talk all day because I like a few more questions came because I like a few more questions came because I like a few more questions came to mind. But I I I do I don't to mind. But I I I do I don't to mind. But I I I do I don't >> you have a lot of questions all day. >> you have a lot of questions all day. >> you have a lot of questions all day. >> I'll open up I'll work with with >> I'll open up I'll work with with >> I'll open up I'll work with with Innovation Studio to open up an entirely Innovation Studio to open up an entirely Innovation Studio to open up an entirely new uh question and answer uh episode. new uh question and answer uh episode. new uh question and answer uh episode. But for now, let's So, I want to quick But for now, let's So, I want to quick But for now, let's So, I want to quick shout out to our sponsor uh Paint the shout out to our sponsor uh Paint the shout out to our sponsor uh Paint the Town Red. Um two be two wonderful uh uh Town Red. Um two be two wonderful uh uh Town Red. Um two be two wonderful uh uh ladies uh who are are advancing events ladies uh who are are advancing events ladies uh who are are advancing events here in Houston. and uh they help out here in Houston. and uh they help out here in Houston. and uh they help out with cyber security events. Uh yeah, with cyber security events. Uh yeah, with cyber security events. Uh yeah, they're up on the screen. So, I just they're up on the screen. So, I just they're up on the screen. So, I just want to give them a quick shout out. Um want to give them a quick shout out. Um want to give them a quick shout out. Um and without further ado, I would like us and without further ado, I would like us and without further ado, I would like us to move on over to Megan with Purely. to move on over to Megan with Purely. to move on over to Megan with Purely. Um so Joe and Megan are going to take Um so Joe and Megan are going to take Um so Joe and Megan are going to take over from now on and we're going to talk over from now on and we're going to talk over from now on and we're going to talk a little bit about uh not purely about a little bit about uh not purely about a little bit about uh not purely about uh gardens to platform.

uh gardens to platform. uh gardens to platform. >> Awesome. Oh yeah, we'll hand the mic. I >> Awesome. Oh yeah, we'll hand the mic. I >> Awesome. Oh yeah, we'll hand the mic. I think me Megan, you were going to tell think me Megan, you were going to tell think me Megan, you were going to tell us a little bit about what you're us a little bit about what you're us a little bit about what you're working on, right? working on, right? working on, right? >> Yeah. But I also want to just talk about >> Yeah. But I also want to just talk about >> Yeah. But I also want to just talk about curiosity for a little bit and uh curiosity for a little bit and uh curiosity for a little bit and uh because that's kind of how I came into because that's kind of how I came into because that's kind of how I came into uh the founding of uh Houston Bloom uh uh the founding of uh Houston Bloom uh uh the founding of uh Houston Bloom uh about three years ago. I found myself uh about three years ago. I found myself uh about three years ago. I found myself uh enamored with chatbt. enamored with chatbt. enamored with chatbt. >> Okay. >> Okay. >> Okay. >> And the assistant found Yeah. Uh the >> And the assistant found Yeah. Uh the >> And the assistant found Yeah. Uh the assistant technology, I found myself assistant technology, I found myself assistant technology, I found myself ideulating, you know, and getting stuck ideulating, you know, and getting stuck ideulating, you know, and getting stuck in that ideation phase. And what I in that ideation phase. And what I in that ideation phase. And what I realized is that you can't change the realized is that you can't change the realized is that you can't change the world by yourself. world by yourself. world by yourself. >> And so I started looking out and finding >> And so I started looking out and finding >> And so I started looking out and finding communities that were aligned to learn communities that were aligned to learn communities that were aligned to learn the vocabulary. And um this problem uh I the vocabulary. And um this problem uh I the vocabulary. And um this problem uh I found along the way is what is now kind found along the way is what is now kind found along the way is what is now kind of my driving problem, which is it is of my driving problem, which is it is of my driving problem, which is it is very hard to take digital attention and very hard to take digital attention and very hard to take digital attention and turn it into real world action. Um, and turn it into real world action. Um, and turn it into real world action. Um, and so I've I've worked with many so I've I've worked with many so I've I've worked with many communities trying to build groups, you communities trying to build groups, you communities trying to build groups, you know, on Discord, you know, using the know, on Discord, you know, using the know, on Discord, you know, using the infrastructure that exists. Um, my last infrastructure that exists. Um, my last infrastructure that exists. Um, my last startup was around uh influencers who startup was around uh influencers who startup was around uh influencers who are building communities on multiple are building communities on multiple are building communities on multiple platforms. How do we support them? But platforms. How do we support them? But platforms. How do we support them? But I've always wanted had the desire to say I've always wanted had the desire to say I've always wanted had the desire to say how does that translate into local how does that translate into local how does that translate into local action? And so uh if if uh the slides action? And so uh if if uh the slides action? And so uh if if uh the slides here that I'll be presenting is is here that I'll be presenting is is here that I'll be presenting is is showing you uh after I have done kind of showing you uh after I have done kind of showing you uh after I have done kind of this initial research what I came up this initial research what I came up this initial research what I came up with. And so with. And so with. And so >> my work today sits at the intersection >> my work today sits at the intersection >> my work today sits at the intersection of community and technology and of community and technology and of community and technology and decentralized technology specifically.

decentralized technology specifically. decentralized technology specifically. And uh my goal here is really to empower And uh my goal here is really to empower And uh my goal here is really to empower the citizen as my target market because the citizen as my target market because the citizen as my target market because right now the citizen doesn't have a lot right now the citizen doesn't have a lot right now the citizen doesn't have a lot of power to change their environment to of power to change their environment to of power to change their environment to get their ideas out there. Uh you know get their ideas out there. Uh you know get their ideas out there. Uh you know it takes a company it takes you months it takes a company it takes you months it takes a company it takes you months and so how can we compete and how can we and so how can we compete and how can we and so how can we compete and how can we leverage this new technology in a way leverage this new technology in a way leverage this new technology in a way that produces the environments for that produces the environments for that produces the environments for co-creation. Oops, wrong slide Oops, wrong slide that way. Um, so in 2025, I was fed up. that way. Um, so in 2025, I was fed up. that way. Um, so in 2025, I was fed up. I was like, "All right, I'm gonna get I was like, "All right, I'm gonna get I was like, "All right, I'm gonna get offline. I'm going to start going into offline. I'm going to start going into offline. I'm going to start going into Houston." Uh, I've been working from Houston." Uh, I've been working from Houston." Uh, I've been working from remotely since 2020. remotely since 2020. remotely since 2020. >> Okay. >> Okay. >> Okay. >> Um, and so I um started looking around >> Um, and so I um started looking around >> Um, and so I um started looking around for what was out there, like what for what was out there, like what for what was out there, like what organizations already exist. I start I organizations already exist. I start I organizations already exist. I start I uh found, you know, the ion, I found uh uh found, you know, the ion, I found uh uh found, you know, the ion, I found uh improving, I found all these different improving, I found all these different improving, I found all these different groups and it was amazing. uh you know, groups and it was amazing. uh you know, groups and it was amazing. uh you know, Houston has so much to offer and then I Houston has so much to offer and then I Houston has so much to offer and then I kind of noticed this pattern of it was kind of noticed this pattern of it was kind of noticed this pattern of it was so difficult to continue that so difficult to continue that so difficult to continue that conversation and to like actually build conversation and to like actually build conversation and to like actually build with people locally. Uh I build a lot with people locally. Uh I build a lot with people locally. Uh I build a lot with people online, but you know, with people online, but you know, with people online, but you know, there's this kind of uh struggle. I know there's this kind of uh struggle. I know there's this kind of uh struggle. I know like I try to connect with someone on like I try to connect with someone on like I try to connect with someone on LinkedIn, I can't message them, they LinkedIn, I can't message them, they LinkedIn, I can't message them, they want $5 and they haven't selected follow want $5 and they haven't selected follow want $5 and they haven't selected follow yet, you know, and so there's just these yet, you know, and so there's just these yet, you know, and so there's just these barriers. And so, uh, Bloom is a barriers. And so, uh, Bloom is a barriers. And so, uh, Bloom is a chapter, uh, of a nonprofit that I'll chapter, uh, of a nonprofit that I'll chapter, uh, of a nonprofit that I'll kind of give you a little insight into kind of give you a little insight into kind of give you a little insight into here in a second. But after kind of

here in a second. But after kind of here in a second. But after kind of exploring Houston, what I've landed on exploring Houston, what I've landed on exploring Houston, what I've landed on is that I want to create the conditions is that I want to create the conditions is that I want to create the conditions for us to co-create citizen for us to co-create citizen for us to co-create citizen infrastructure through peer-to-peer infrastructure through peer-to-peer infrastructure through peer-to-peer education and matchmaking events. And education and matchmaking events. And education and matchmaking events. And so, uh, some what this looks like is so, uh, some what this looks like is so, uh, some what this looks like is that how can we actually create the that how can we actually create the that how can we actually create the technology that enables us to more technology that enables us to more technology that enables us to more quickly find our collaborators and then quickly find our collaborators and then quickly find our collaborators and then how do we create spaces for them to how do we create spaces for them to how do we create spaces for them to collaborate together. Once we've uh collaborate together. Once we've uh collaborate together. Once we've uh figured that out, what comes from it is figured that out, what comes from it is figured that out, what comes from it is a whole new series of opportunities for a whole new series of opportunities for a whole new series of opportunities for people, for businesses. Um, and so people, for businesses. Um, and so people, for businesses. Um, and so that's what I'm focusing on today. Uh, that's what I'm focusing on today. Uh, that's what I'm focusing on today. Uh, and now I want to Oops. Yeah. And so and now I want to Oops. Yeah. And so and now I want to Oops. Yeah. And so what does this produce? Um, I mentioned what does this produce? Um, I mentioned what does this produce? Um, I mentioned decentralized technology earlier. And I decentralized technology earlier. And I decentralized technology earlier. And I mentioned, you know, LinkedIn preventing mentioned, you know, LinkedIn preventing mentioned, you know, LinkedIn preventing you from, you know, doing something you from, you know, doing something you from, you know, doing something because they're monetizing your data. because they're monetizing your data. because they're monetizing your data. Uh, all of our data is locked in these Uh, all of our data is locked in these Uh, all of our data is locked in these platforms right now. And so when you say platforms right now. And so when you say platforms right now. And so when you say you want to get your ideas out there, you want to get your ideas out there, you want to get your ideas out there, the effort to do that, I have to figure the effort to do that, I have to figure the effort to do that, I have to figure out the format. I have to figure out the out the format. I have to figure out the out the format. I have to figure out the channel. I have to hope that someone channel. I have to hope that someone channel. I have to hope that someone sees it. And there's just so much noise.

sees it. And there's just so much noise. sees it. And there's just so much noise. And so what citizen infrastructure is is And so what citizen infrastructure is is And so what citizen infrastructure is is it's what is that technology look like it's what is that technology look like it's what is that technology look like that bypasses platforms that are that bypasses platforms that are that bypasses platforms that are hoarding data. So we get our our data hoarding data. So we get our our data hoarding data. So we get our our data off of platforms and that allows us to off of platforms and that allows us to off of platforms and that allows us to have control over our local context and have control over our local context and have control over our local context and with AI transform it extremely easily. with AI transform it extremely easily. with AI transform it extremely easily. Um three horizons framework is really Um three horizons framework is really Um three horizons framework is really great. It's uh saying today and then great. It's uh saying today and then great. It's uh saying today and then what is the future that you envision and what is the future that you envision and what is the future that you envision and then the middle is like what is required then the middle is like what is required then the middle is like what is required to achieve it. Um so citizen to achieve it. Um so citizen to achieve it. Um so citizen infrastructure is infrastructure is infrastructure is here are some examples. So uh I have a here are some examples. So uh I have a here are some examples. So uh I have a few communities I'm building with. Um few communities I'm building with. Um few communities I'm building with. Um these are some of the tools that we've these are some of the tools that we've these are some of the tools that we've identifi or some workflows we've identifi or some workflows we've identifi or some workflows we've identified. Um and we're able to build identified. Um and we're able to build identified. Um and we're able to build infrastructure around it that do not infrastructure around it that do not infrastructure around it that do not rely on platforms. So resource sharing rely on platforms. So resource sharing rely on platforms. So resource sharing um right now we have a telegram channel um right now we have a telegram channel um right now we have a telegram channel that will take everyone's comments and that will take everyone's comments and that will take everyone's comments and automates a uh email of the summary to automates a uh email of the summary to automates a uh email of the summary to everyone and all this is just done with everyone and all this is just done with everyone and all this is just done with data and transfers of data that we're data and transfers of data that we're data and transfers of data that we're building ourselves. It doesn't require a building ourselves. It doesn't require a building ourselves. It doesn't require a platform and so we can uh integrate new platform and so we can uh integrate new platform and so we can uh integrate new channels. We can uh do whatever we like channels. We can uh do whatever we like channels. We can uh do whatever we like with it because it's only being shared with it because it's only being shared with it because it's only being shared among trusted community members. Same among trusted community members. Same among trusted community members. Same thing with community scheduling. This is thing with community scheduling. This is thing with community scheduling. This is one of the hardest most like the most one of the hardest most like the most one of the hardest most like the most difficult pain points that I experience difficult pain points that I experience difficult pain points that I experience daily. I meet tons of people and I'm daily. I meet tons of people and I'm daily. I meet tons of people and I'm like, "When should we meet? Let me go like, "When should we meet? Let me go like, "When should we meet? Let me go sync my calendar. Oh, wait. I just got a sync my calendar. Oh, wait. I just got a sync my calendar. Oh, wait. I just got a new calendar." And it's just this like

new calendar." And it's just this like new calendar." And it's just this like constant struggle. Now, how do you do constant struggle. Now, how do you do constant struggle. Now, how do you do that with 15 people? Um, and so we can that with 15 people? Um, and so we can that with 15 people? Um, and so we can create uh infrastructure that is so create uh infrastructure that is so create uh infrastructure that is so seamless um with the technology that's seamless um with the technology that's seamless um with the technology that's available today. Um we just have to available today. Um we just have to available today. Um we just have to build it and we just have to identify build it and we just have to identify build it and we just have to identify the needs of the communities to do it. the needs of the communities to do it. the needs of the communities to do it. um community brain, a shared context um community brain, a shared context um community brain, a shared context layer. Imagine that you and your layer. Imagine that you and your layer. Imagine that you and your community all have direct insight into community all have direct insight into community all have direct insight into the work that you're actively doing. I the work that you're actively doing. I the work that you're actively doing. I don't have to wait for you to say to don't have to wait for you to say to don't have to wait for you to say to send me a document. I say, "Hey, what send me a document. I say, "Hey, what send me a document. I say, "Hey, what are they working on? How does it relate are they working on? How does it relate are they working on? How does it relate to my work? What gaps do they see that I to my work? What gaps do they see that I to my work? What gaps do they see that I don't?" This is the what legibility don't?" This is the what legibility don't?" This is the what legibility gives us when it's not uh being gives us when it's not uh being gives us when it's not uh being obstructed by um someone that is trying obstructed by um someone that is trying obstructed by um someone that is trying to monetize it. Um and instead because to monetize it. Um and instead because to monetize it. Um and instead because it's what we're talking about is free it's what we're talking about is free it's what we're talking about is free flow of information, right? That's how flow of information, right? That's how flow of information, right? That's how we are able to find thing. That's how we are able to find thing. That's how we are able to find thing. That's how we're able to connect. That's how we're we're able to connect. That's how we're we're able to connect. That's how we're able to per uh move forward. And this able to per uh move forward. And this able to per uh move forward. And this last one here is uh personal interfaces.

last one here is uh personal interfaces. last one here is uh personal interfaces. You know, we had platforms for so long You know, we had platforms for so long You know, we had platforms for so long that we we don't really it's hard to that we we don't really it's hard to that we we don't really it's hard to imagine them with without them. But imagine them with without them. But imagine them with without them. But really, what a platform is is a watered really, what a platform is is a watered really, what a platform is is a watered down solution meant for everyone. down solution meant for everyone. down solution meant for everyone. You know what's better than a watered You know what's better than a watered You know what's better than a watered down solution? It's solution made for down solution? It's solution made for down solution? It's solution made for you and your context. Today, it's you and your context. Today, it's you and your context. Today, it's extremely easy to make interfaces. extremely easy to make interfaces. extremely easy to make interfaces. Uh, and I want to show you one that I Uh, and I want to show you one that I Uh, and I want to show you one that I created. Um, it'll it's a video demo and created. Um, it'll it's a video demo and created. Um, it'll it's a video demo and I'll I'll talk through it. Um, this is I'll I'll talk through it. Um, this is I'll I'll talk through it. Um, this is an interface, simple HTML that's hooked an interface, simple HTML that's hooked an interface, simple HTML that's hooked up to my email and it grabs every day up to my email and it grabs every day up to my email and it grabs every day all the emails from Joseph and the other all the emails from Joseph and the other all the emails from Joseph and the other collaborators and founders couch and collaborators and founders couch and collaborators and founders couch and maps it for me. I can access this maps it for me. I can access this maps it for me. I can access this offline and look, I can go and open and offline and look, I can go and open and offline and look, I can go and open and it's it's a navigation thing, but it it's it's a navigation thing, but it it's it's a navigation thing, but it also allows me to visualize it in a also allows me to visualize it in a also allows me to visualize it in a different way of my choosing. Um and so different way of my choosing. Um and so different way of my choosing. Um and so the ability to create this anyone can do the ability to create this anyone can do the ability to create this anyone can do it. And so the the technical mo you know it. And so the the technical mo you know it. And so the the technical mo you know it the it becomes can you give someone it the it becomes can you give someone it the it becomes can you give someone the tools to make their vision come the tools to make their vision come the tools to make their vision come true. Um and so my my business model in true. Um and so my my business model in true. Um and so my my business model in uh is definitely not a SAS part uh model uh is definitely not a SAS part uh model uh is definitely not a SAS part uh model because uh I'm more interested in like because uh I'm more interested in like because uh I'm more interested in like giving people the tools to build their giving people the tools to build their giving people the tools to build their own interfaces. And so I'm kind of going own interfaces. And so I'm kind of going own interfaces. And so I'm kind of going more of like a um service based model of more of like a um service based model of more of like a um service based model of of education because once you give of education because once you give of education because once you give people these tools a whole new kind of people these tools a whole new kind of people these tools a whole new kind of um ability to cocreate uh it becomes

um ability to cocreate uh it becomes um ability to cocreate uh it becomes possible. So Bloom Network um Bloom Network is a So Bloom Network um Bloom Network is a regenerative uh community. They're regenerative uh community. They're regenerative uh community. They're online but they have local chapters. And online but they have local chapters. And online but they have local chapters. And uh when I say regenerative, there's a uh when I say regenerative, there's a uh when I say regenerative, there's a term it's called regenerative finance. term it's called regenerative finance. term it's called regenerative finance. Um regeneration is the opposite of Um regeneration is the opposite of Um regeneration is the opposite of extraction. Um if you think about extraction. Um if you think about extraction. Um if you think about nature, uh things will die and come nature, uh things will die and come nature, uh things will die and come back. Things will constantly evolve. You back. Things will constantly evolve. You back. Things will constantly evolve. You know, we're not um if you know the dust know, we're not um if you know the dust know, we're not um if you know the dust bowl, that's an example of not paying bowl, that's an example of not paying bowl, that's an example of not paying attention to regener regenerative attention to regener regenerative attention to regener regenerative ecology. Um because we got rid of all ecology. Um because we got rid of all ecology. Um because we got rid of all the grass that kept the dirt down and the grass that kept the dirt down and the grass that kept the dirt down and then all of a sudden we have the dust then all of a sudden we have the dust then all of a sudden we have the dust bowl. So regeneration is just bowl. So regeneration is just bowl. So regeneration is just understanding how you operate with your understanding how you operate with your understanding how you operate with your environment in a way that is productive environment in a way that is productive environment in a way that is productive for all living things. Um for all living things. Um for all living things. Um what they do uh they have um bio- what they do uh they have um bio- what they do uh they have um bio- regional chapters and they encourage and regional chapters and they encourage and regional chapters and they encourage and provide resources to those chapters to provide resources to those chapters to provide resources to those chapters to uh enable them to set up uh eco- uh enable them to set up uh eco- uh enable them to set up uh eco- franchises. And so these are businesses franchises. And so these are businesses franchises. And so these are businesses and solutions that are um you know uh and solutions that are um you know uh and solutions that are um you know uh trying to solve the local context based trying to solve the local context based trying to solve the local context based on the interests of the local members.

on the interests of the local members. on the interests of the local members. Um and so uh they've mobilized today uh Um and so uh they've mobilized today uh Um and so uh they've mobilized today uh $325,000. $325,000. $325,000. This isn't like donations. This is money This isn't like donations. This is money This isn't like donations. This is money that's now flowing through local that's now flowing through local that's now flowing through local communities. also donations but uh communities. also donations but uh communities. also donations but uh yeah and how they work um is really and how they work um is really interesting. They are a digital company interesting. They are a digital company interesting. They are a digital company or digital nonprofit that is only or digital nonprofit that is only or digital nonprofit that is only providing resources to the local providing resources to the local providing resources to the local chapters. Um and those resources include chapters. Um and those resources include chapters. Um and those resources include tools. So like I want to set up a tools. So like I want to set up a tools. So like I want to set up a community kitchen. Guess what? There's community kitchen. Guess what? There's community kitchen. Guess what? There's someone in that network that's done it. someone in that network that's done it. someone in that network that's done it. Um I want to exchange resources. you Um I want to exchange resources. you Um I want to exchange resources. you know that it becomes a new network and know that it becomes a new network and know that it becomes a new network and general support. So, uh I'm a a general support. So, uh I'm a a general support. So, uh I'm a a independent researcher and they're my independent researcher and they're my independent researcher and they're my fiscal sponsor for a grant that I just fiscal sponsor for a grant that I just fiscal sponsor for a grant that I just went through. And so these kind of went through. And so these kind of went through. And so these kind of relationships enable just the average relationships enable just the average relationships enable just the average citizen not to have to stand up a citizen not to have to stand up a citizen not to have to stand up a business, but just to go out and try to business, but just to go out and try to business, but just to go out and try to solve things within their environment.

Um I mentioned regenerative finance. How Um I mentioned regenerative finance. How this works is quarterly um their this works is quarterly um their this works is quarterly um their earnings a portion of their earnings earnings a portion of their earnings earnings a portion of their earnings will be redistributed into the local will be redistributed into the local will be redistributed into the local chapters based on activity that they've chapters based on activity that they've chapters based on activity that they've done and so uh they go to the platform done and so uh they go to the platform done and so uh they go to the platform and they'll have to write impact and they'll have to write impact and they'll have to write impact reports. Um people will have to vouch reports. Um people will have to vouch reports. Um people will have to vouch for what they said that are in that for what they said that are in that for what they said that are in that community and then funds are distributed community and then funds are distributed community and then funds are distributed and what this has created >> misbehaving. Yeah. Next slide. >> misbehaving. Yeah. Next slide. >> Do we have an assist to move the slide? >> Do we have an assist to move the slide? >> Do we have an assist to move the slide? There we There we There we >> Oh, one back. Sorry. Sorry. Uh what it enables is uh or what they Uh what it enables is uh or what they Uh what it enables is uh or what they have found it to enable is that people have found it to enable is that people have found it to enable is that people actually come together and build really actually come together and build really actually come together and build really really awesome things. So this is uh really awesome things. So this is uh really awesome things. So this is uh from one of their chapters in Uganda. Uh from one of their chapters in Uganda. Uh from one of their chapters in Uganda. Uh they were focusing on permaculture. Um they were focusing on permaculture. Um they were focusing on permaculture. Um so that's uh how do we uh sustainably so that's uh how do we uh sustainably so that's uh how do we uh sustainably grow food uh within the environment and grow food uh within the environment and grow food uh within the environment and they were able they uh you know were they were able they uh you know were they were able they uh you know were just individuals coming together and just individuals coming together and just individuals coming together and they ended up uh creating a social they ended up uh creating a social they ended up uh creating a social enterprise and are now a national enterprise and are now a national enterprise and are now a national curriculum and are working with farmers curriculum and are working with farmers curriculum and are working with farmers all across their their uh country. And all across their their uh country. And all across their their uh country. And so it just shows and they have tons of so it just shows and they have tons of so it just shows and they have tons of stories like this where you give stories like this where you give stories like this where you give communities a little resources, a little communities a little resources, a little communities a little resources, a little support and what needs to grow will support and what needs to grow will support and what needs to grow will grow.

Um, and then I'm going to give you a Um, and then I'm going to give you a sneak peek at their platform just so you sneak peek at their platform just so you sneak peek at their platform just so you can kind of see um what the Uganda uh can kind of see um what the Uganda uh can kind of see um what the Uganda uh program actually looks like. Um, I'm program actually looks like. Um, I'm program actually looks like. Um, I'm working with them to try to make all of working with them to try to make all of working with them to try to make all of this data portable. Um because right now this data portable. Um because right now this data portable. Um because right now you do have to actively go to like make you do have to actively go to like make you do have to actively go to like make a post or you know make your activity a post or you know make your activity a post or you know make your activity logs. But what we're seeing is that logs. But what we're seeing is that logs. But what we're seeing is that communities aren't sitting at computers. communities aren't sitting at computers. communities aren't sitting at computers. You know they're in community. They're You know they're in community. They're You know they're in community. They're not technical. They're talk they're not technical. They're talk they're not technical. They're talk they're talking to indigenous um you know talking to indigenous um you know talking to indigenous um you know community representatives. And so how community representatives. And so how community representatives. And so how can we capture that in a way that isn't can we capture that in a way that isn't can we capture that in a way that isn't extractive, isn't, you know, uh being extractive, isn't, you know, uh being extractive, isn't, you know, uh being used for anything other than uh used for anything other than uh used for anything other than uh coalition building, co-creation. and so now I want to talk about Houston and so now I want to talk about Houston Bloom. So after kind of you know seeing Bloom. So after kind of you know seeing Bloom. So after kind of you know seeing what was the problems here and the ones what was the problems here and the ones what was the problems here and the ones that I'd be willing to focus on um I'm that I'd be willing to focus on um I'm that I'd be willing to focus on um I'm uh proposing and I've already started uh proposing and I've already started uh proposing and I've already started trainings that will uh teach you how to trainings that will uh teach you how to trainings that will uh teach you how to make those interfaces I just showed. So make those interfaces I just showed. So make those interfaces I just showed. So that's the first step. Make your work as that's the first step. Make your work as that's the first step. Make your work as legible as quickly as possible and share legible as quickly as possible and share legible as quickly as possible and share it with others. Once we start doing that it with others. Once we start doing that it with others. Once we start doing that we can start moving forward. Um but uh we can start moving forward. Um but uh we can start moving forward. Um but uh for matchmaking and events I'm for matchmaking and events I'm for matchmaking and events I'm developing assisted technology. So developing assisted technology. So developing assisted technology. So imagine you go to a meetup. Uh you know imagine you go to a meetup. Uh you know imagine you go to a meetup. Uh you know there's always a networking portion of there's always a networking portion of there's always a networking portion of it. Instead of you blindly like it. Instead of you blindly like it. Instead of you blindly like wandering through the room saying hey wandering through the room saying hey wandering through the room saying hey what do you do? What if there was

what do you do? What if there was what do you do? What if there was something that maybe ranked for you? something that maybe ranked for you? something that maybe ranked for you? Maybe prioritize these five people. You Maybe prioritize these five people. You Maybe prioritize these five people. You go prioritize. You talk to them. You go prioritize. You talk to them. You go prioritize. You talk to them. You understand what they need. They understand what they need. They understand what they need. They understand what you need. And then you understand what you need. And then you understand what you need. And then you say one sec. I know what you need. Let say one sec. I know what you need. Let say one sec. I know what you need. Let me go give it to you. With that same me go give it to you. With that same me go give it to you. With that same system, it's so easy now to exchange system, it's so easy now to exchange system, it's so easy now to exchange data. And so, can we create inperson data. And so, can we create inperson data. And so, can we create inperson experiences where data gets exchanged um experiences where data gets exchanged um experiences where data gets exchanged um that can accelerate us to co-creation? that can accelerate us to co-creation? that can accelerate us to co-creation? Um I'm uh that grant I mentioned uh is Um I'm uh that grant I mentioned uh is Um I'm uh that grant I mentioned uh is trying to uh validate some of my trying to uh validate some of my trying to uh validate some of my decentralized uh technology ideas. One decentralized uh technology ideas. One decentralized uh technology ideas. One of them is authentication without a of them is authentication without a of them is authentication without a central authority. And so this idea that central authority. And so this idea that central authority. And so this idea that if we can tie actions, anonymized if we can tie actions, anonymized if we can tie actions, anonymized actions and have data governance with actions and have data governance with actions and have data governance with communities like a data commons, we can communities like a data commons, we can communities like a data commons, we can um create the same type of systems we um create the same type of systems we um create the same type of systems we have today, but just differently. So have today, but just differently. So have today, but just differently. So instead of me giving you my ID that's instead of me giving you my ID that's instead of me giving you my ID that's attached to my email, what if I gave you attached to my email, what if I gave you attached to my email, what if I gave you uh all the timestamps that I had shared uh all the timestamps that I had shared uh all the timestamps that I had shared something uh with someone at a something uh with someone at a something uh with someone at a networking event and I have my networking event and I have my networking event and I have my timestamps, but guess what? That timestamps, but guess what? That timestamps, but guess what? That community has the time stamps, too. And community has the time stamps, too. And community has the time stamps, too. And so it becomes more of like proof of so it becomes more of like proof of so it becomes more of like proof of action that is anonymized. Um so I'm action that is anonymized. Um so I'm action that is anonymized. Um so I'm these are kind of like the the concepts these are kind of like the the concepts these are kind of like the the concepts I'm experimenting with. Um and The reason I'm doing this is because I The reason I'm doing this is because I like I said uh platforms have to mine

like I said uh platforms have to mine like I said uh platforms have to mine your data which means they're your data which means they're your data which means they're standardizing the data in a way to standardizing the data in a way to standardizing the data in a way to extract extract extract um for surveillance for because that's um for surveillance for because that's um for surveillance for because that's how they promote things to you. And so how they promote things to you. And so how they promote things to you. And so this the opposite of that is preserving this the opposite of that is preserving this the opposite of that is preserving our local context our local context our local context and uh owning the infrastructure that uh and uh owning the infrastructure that uh and uh owning the infrastructure that uh that helps us leverage our data that helps us leverage our data that helps us leverage our data and we have community governance as and we have community governance as and we have community governance as opposed to algorithmic. Another thing opposed to algorithmic. Another thing opposed to algorithmic. Another thing here is that algorithms hold so many here is that algorithms hold so many here is that algorithms hold so many people's ideas, so many people's people's ideas, so many people's people's ideas, so many people's conversations. You have to insert an conversations. You have to insert an conversations. You have to insert an algorithm which is going to be doing the algorithm which is going to be doing the algorithm which is going to be doing the thinking for you. If you're limiting thinking for you. If you're limiting thinking for you. If you're limiting matchmaking to communities, that's the matchmaking to communities, that's the matchmaking to communities, that's the the environments that we evolved in 150 the environments that we evolved in 150 the environments that we evolved in 150 people or fewer. We can manage that data people or fewer. We can manage that data people or fewer. We can manage that data and it becomes an infrastructure that and it becomes an infrastructure that and it becomes an infrastructure that communities can actually leverage. And communities can actually leverage. And communities can actually leverage. And so that's kind of the the scale at which so that's kind of the the scale at which so that's kind of the the scale at which I'm also suggesting this type of work I'm also suggesting this type of work I'm also suggesting this type of work should be done. should be done. should be done. I'm devel uh the technology that bloom a I'm devel uh the technology that bloom a I'm devel uh the technology that bloom a Houston bloom will be running on is uh Houston bloom will be running on is uh Houston bloom will be running on is uh community legibility spec and uh this is community legibility spec and uh this is community legibility spec and uh this is the the infrastructure that is the the infrastructure that is the the infrastructure that is leveraging really old technology like leveraging really old technology like leveraging really old technology like none of this is new but how can we kind none of this is new but how can we kind none of this is new but how can we kind of configure it in a way that enables of configure it in a way that enables of configure it in a way that enables seamless transfer of information between seamless transfer of information between seamless transfer of information between citizens citizens citizens uh and then prevent data extraction by uh and then prevent data extraction by uh and then prevent data extraction by uh limiting the amount of data that uh limiting the amount of data that uh limiting the amount of data that communities broadcast. So, another one

communities broadcast. So, another one communities broadcast. So, another one of my concepts is um activity data and of my concepts is um activity data and of my concepts is um activity data and the design principles of a community the design principles of a community the design principles of a community should be the only things that are should be the only things that are should be the only things that are broadcast unless they have other things broadcast unless they have other things broadcast unless they have other things that the individuals have consented to. that the individuals have consented to. that the individuals have consented to. It's the same um format that radio, it's It's the same um format that radio, it's It's the same um format that radio, it's been going on forever. But just this been going on forever. But just this been going on forever. But just this idea that we don't need to give all of idea that we don't need to give all of idea that we don't need to give all of our data away from platforms for the our data away from platforms for the our data away from platforms for the things that we need. we can keep it at things that we need. we can keep it at things that we need. we can keep it at home um work with it in our local home um work with it in our local home um work with it in our local context because we are the ones that context because we are the ones that context because we are the ones that should be solving the problems. should be solving the problems. should be solving the problems. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. >> That's awesome. So, thank you for >> That's awesome. So, thank you for >> That's awesome. So, thank you for sharing all this. So, it's it's sharing all this. So, it's it's sharing all this. So, it's it's interesting. Um yes. Um it it's kind of interesting. Um yes. Um it it's kind of interesting. Um yes. Um it it's kind of it's really just kind of like meta or it's really just kind of like meta or it's really just kind of like meta or zoomed out that Joseph was talking about zoomed out that Joseph was talking about zoomed out that Joseph was talking about building communities and you're building building communities and you're building building communities and you're building a technology to help build communities. a technology to help build communities. a technology to help build communities. Um so it's it's interesting and it's Um so it's it's interesting and it's Um so it's it's interesting and it's something uh two things that came top of something uh two things that came top of something uh two things that came top of mind. Um I love to talk about this a lot mind. Um I love to talk about this a lot mind. Um I love to talk about this a lot um which is uh the concept of network um which is uh the concept of network um which is uh the concept of network effects and why u the individuals in a effects and why u the individuals in a effects and why u the individuals in a community when they connect and they're community when they connect and they're community when they connect and they're interconnecting at a hyper rate where interconnecting at a hyper rate where interconnecting at a hyper rate where there's less friction you generally have there's less friction you generally have there's less friction you generally have u you know catalytic type outcomes that u you know catalytic type outcomes that u you know catalytic type outcomes that are fast right things uh synthesize are fast right things uh synthesize are fast right things uh synthesize quicker um you know you're talking about quicker um you know you're talking about quicker um you know you're talking about giving resources or data or something giving resources or data or something giving resources or data or something from uh one node in that network to from uh one node in that network to from uh one node in that network to another and it just ends up being the another and it just ends up being the another and it just ends up being the unlock for somebody else, right? Um, unlock for somebody else, right? Um, unlock for somebody else, right? Um, personally, like I'm in two big personally, like I'm in two big personally, like I'm in two big communities in Houston. The cyber communities in Houston. The cyber communities in Houston. The cyber security community and the startup

security community and the startup security community and the startup community, I'll pick one. The startup community, I'll pick one. The startup community, I'll pick one. The startup ecosystem is one that we've always ecosystem is one that we've always ecosystem is one that we've always struggled with in Houston. Like just for struggled with in Houston. Like just for struggled with in Houston. Like just for a long time around u like it's been, you a long time around u like it's been, you a long time around u like it's been, you know, every 10 years or so, we are going know, every 10 years or so, we are going know, every 10 years or so, we are going through an iteration or a different uh through an iteration or a different uh through an iteration or a different uh version of what that looks like. So, I version of what that looks like. So, I version of what that looks like. So, I mean, those are things that I'm thinking mean, those are things that I'm thinking mean, those are things that I'm thinking about when I think about communities. about when I think about communities. about when I think about communities. But tell me a little bit about like But tell me a little bit about like But tell me a little bit about like where you are in this journey. Like you where you are in this journey. Like you where you are in this journey. Like you you shared with us what you're working you shared with us what you're working you shared with us what you're working on. So where like what stage are you at on. So where like what stage are you at on. So where like what stage are you at right now? right now? right now? >> So I have everything ready to prototype. >> So I have everything ready to prototype. >> So I have everything ready to prototype. Um my husband's a cyber security Um my husband's a cyber security Um my husband's a cyber security engineer. So we've been focusing on engineer. So we've been focusing on engineer. So we've been focusing on building local hardware to support building local hardware to support building local hardware to support multi-user uh facilitation. multi-user uh facilitation. multi-user uh facilitation. >> Um so the idea is that like what would >> Um so the idea is that like what would >> Um so the idea is that like what would uh what would the experience look like uh what would the experience look like uh what would the experience look like for us all in this room? Um but like for us all in this room? Um but like for us all in this room? Um but like y'all's context is accessible. uh and so y'all's context is accessible. uh and so y'all's context is accessible. uh and so like how can we facilitate that way? So like how can we facilitate that way? So like how can we facilitate that way? So uh the the hardware the AI uh the the hardware the AI uh the the hardware the AI >> um is close to being done. We have the >> um is close to being done. We have the >> um is close to being done. We have the matchmaking interface and like a MVP matchmaking interface and like a MVP matchmaking interface and like a MVP technology setup. So it's really just technology setup. So it's really just technology setup. So it's really just kind of putting it together and testing kind of putting it together and testing kind of putting it together and testing out with people.

out with people. out with people. >> Okay. >> Okay. >> Okay. >> Um the technology like I said isn't uh >> Um the technology like I said isn't uh >> Um the technology like I said isn't uh is trying to find the minimum hardware is trying to find the minimum hardware is trying to find the minimum hardware required for this to work on. Okay. required for this to work on. Okay. required for this to work on. Okay. >> Because the idea that it needs to scale >> Because the idea that it needs to scale >> Because the idea that it needs to scale out as quickly as possible. So, out as quickly as possible. So, out as quickly as possible. So, protocols, uh, second generation tech protocols, uh, second generation tech protocols, uh, second generation tech that people can easily buy. that people can easily buy. that people can easily buy. >> Um, we're currently trying to educate >> Um, we're currently trying to educate >> Um, we're currently trying to educate and get people to download local models and get people to download local models and get people to download local models on their their own devices because on their their own devices because on their their own devices because compute and data is going to be what compute and data is going to be what compute and data is going to be what shapes the world and so we have to start shapes the world and so we have to start shapes the world and so we have to start cultivating our own. cultivating our own. cultivating our own. >> Okay. So, as you've been building the >> Okay. So, as you've been building the >> Okay. So, as you've been building the tech, so we were talking earlier about tech, so we were talking earlier about tech, so we were talking earlier about uh putting yourself out into, you know, uh putting yourself out into, you know, uh putting yourself out into, you know, talking to folks that are experiencing talking to folks that are experiencing talking to folks that are experiencing um the challenges around connecting as a um the challenges around connecting as a um the challenges around connecting as a community in this case. um what's been community in this case. um what's been community in this case. um what's been the the level of exposure and what have the the level of exposure and what have the the level of exposure and what have you been thinking about when you've been you been thinking about when you've been you been thinking about when you've been interacting with with folks on this on interacting with with folks on this on interacting with with folks on this on what you're working on? what you're working on? what you're working on? >> Um the exposure I mean I am trying to >> Um the exposure I mean I am trying to >> Um the exposure I mean I am trying to throw myself into the community you know throw myself into the community you know throw myself into the community you know and and kind of experience it that way. and and kind of experience it that way. and and kind of experience it that way. Um, but I think that at the end of the Um, but I think that at the end of the Um, but I think that at the end of the day, it's around the organization of day, it's around the organization of day, it's around the organization of people people people >> and everyone has like different >> and everyone has like different >> and everyone has like different competing ideas. And so I just think competing ideas. And so I just think competing ideas. And so I just think that like us as a a society, we need to that like us as a a society, we need to that like us as a a society, we need to figure out how we can govern better.

figure out how we can govern better. figure out how we can govern better. >> Um, and right now we're handing that >> Um, and right now we're handing that >> Um, and right now we're handing that governance over to like platforms. And governance over to like platforms. And governance over to like platforms. And so I think that when I talk about this so I think that when I talk about this so I think that when I talk about this technology to people, they get excited technology to people, they get excited technology to people, they get excited because the people I'm talking to are because the people I'm talking to are because the people I'm talking to are already building decentralized tech. already building decentralized tech. already building decentralized tech. They're already in the impact space. And They're already in the impact space. And They're already in the impact space. And uh what I found working here in Houston uh what I found working here in Houston uh what I found working here in Houston and kind of work in these rooms and and kind of work in these rooms and and kind of work in these rooms and telling they get excited too telling they get excited too telling they get excited too >> because this idea of of free sharing and >> because this idea of of free sharing and >> because this idea of of free sharing and like what could be if we were able to like what could be if we were able to like what could be if we were able to work together work together work together >> is is you know uh exciting. So that's >> is is you know uh exciting. So that's >> is is you know uh exciting. So that's kind of what I've experienced so far. kind of what I've experienced so far. kind of what I've experienced so far. I'm definitely looking for like uh I'm definitely looking for like uh I'm definitely looking for like uh >> people who are willing to to apply it to >> people who are willing to to apply it to >> people who are willing to to apply it to their community. Okay. um because like their community. Okay. um because like their community. Okay. um because like that's how it will be shaped in the um that's how it will be shaped in the um that's how it will be shaped in the um architecture of it is truly just that architecture of it is truly just that architecture of it is truly just that idea of that like individuals should be idea of that like individuals should be idea of that like individuals should be sharing directly. sharing directly. sharing directly. >> Okay. >> Okay. >> Okay. >> Um and then the data commons is how we >> Um and then the data commons is how we >> Um and then the data commons is how we can uh enable that to be accessible can uh enable that to be accessible can uh enable that to be accessible across. So instead of a top- down across. So instead of a top- down across. So instead of a top- down central platform it's more of a mesh a central platform it's more of a mesh a central platform it's more of a mesh a mesh network mesh network mesh network >> with uh redundancy. >> with uh redundancy. >> with uh redundancy. So tell me um a little like if you had So tell me um a little like if you had So tell me um a little like if you had an uh I wish moment an uh I wish moment an uh I wish moment >> uh right now in terms of uh a community >> uh right now in terms of uh a community >> uh right now in terms of uh a community a tightly focused community that would a tightly focused community that would a tightly focused community that would engage with you on this engage with you on this engage with you on this >> who would that be like what's the >> who would that be like what's the >> who would that be like what's the community what would you community what would you community what would you >> so the impact uh hub they have a >> so the impact uh hub they have a >> so the impact uh hub they have a hackathon uh later this year hackathon uh later this year hackathon uh later this year >> and I'm working right now with my >> and I'm working right now with my >> and I'm working right now with my collaborators uh I I work with this collaborators uh I I work with this collaborators uh I I work with this group called the citizen infrastructure group called the citizen infrastructure group called the citizen infrastructure builders club okay and we're assembling builders club okay and we're assembling builders club okay and we're assembling a team um to try and develop uh a team um to try and develop uh a team um to try and develop uh technologies for uh co-conferences and

technologies for uh co-conferences and technologies for uh co-conferences and so this idea that like anyone that is so this idea that like anyone that is so this idea that like anyone that is bringing people together to solve bringing people together to solve bringing people together to solve problems. Okay. problems. Okay. problems. Okay. >> Um that's kind of like where I want to >> Um that's kind of like where I want to >> Um that's kind of like where I want to be because uh we need to connect the be because uh we need to connect the be because uh we need to connect the people who want to solve the problems people who want to solve the problems people who want to solve the problems with the information they need. with the information they need. with the information they need. >> But also >> But also >> But also >> so tell me more about this community >> so tell me more about this community >> so tell me more about this community like what are you thinking about there like what are you thinking about there like what are you thinking about there in terms of that in terms of that in terms of that >> the innovation hub? I don't know. I'm uh >> the innovation hub? I don't know. I'm uh >> the innovation hub? I don't know. I'm uh like that's a that would be a big like that's a that would be a big like that's a that would be a big stretch what we could get done to stretch what we could get done to stretch what we could get done to support them. Um I just met Tracy. support them. Um I just met Tracy. support them. Um I just met Tracy. >> Okay. >> Okay. >> Okay. >> Two days ago. >> Two days ago. >> Two days ago. >> Okay. But um the idea >> Okay. But um the idea >> Okay. But um the idea >> and then it's the code you said code >> and then it's the code you said code >> and then it's the code you said code conferences or what like conferences or what like conferences or what like >> Oh no. So I just mean like she's putting >> Oh no. So I just mean like she's putting >> Oh no. So I just mean like she's putting on a hackathon. So I just like a on a hackathon. So I just like a on a hackathon. So I just like a hackathon would be a great like uh hackathon would be a great like uh hackathon would be a great like uh grounds for this type of work. Uh design grounds for this type of work. Uh design grounds for this type of work. Uh design thinking groups like just bringing small thinking groups like just bringing small thinking groups like just bringing small groups together. Um but but truly at groups together. Um but but truly at groups together. Um but but truly at networking events eventually once the networking events eventually once the networking events eventually once the technology gets ironed out I want it to technology gets ironed out I want it to technology gets ironed out I want it to be as seamless as I go to uh the ion or be as seamless as I go to uh the ion or be as seamless as I go to uh the ion or I go to the uh I go to the uh I go to the uh >> improving and that 40 minutes of >> improving and that 40 minutes of >> improving and that 40 minutes of networking is just more effective. networking is just more effective. networking is just more effective. That's what it should feel like. That's what it should feel like. That's what it should feel like. >> Okay. >> Okay. >> Okay. >> And then after that comes like uh >> And then after that comes like uh >> And then after that comes like uh >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> So I feel like there's like um there's >> So I feel like there's like um there's >> So I feel like there's like um there's existing existing existing things that we're using to address things that we're using to address things that we're using to address different things like we have our own different things like we have our own different things like we have our own calendars, we have LinkedIn, we have uh calendars, we have LinkedIn, we have uh calendars, we have LinkedIn, we have uh solutions like Luma or Eventbrite solutions like Luma or Eventbrite solutions like Luma or Eventbrite >> and it sounds like you're connecting >> and it sounds like you're connecting >> and it sounds like you're connecting these various things together as as these various things together as as these various things together as as services that are built into the services that are built into the services that are built into the platform itself. Uh well so uh depending platform itself. Uh well so uh depending platform itself. Uh well so uh depending on your workflow, everyone operates on your workflow, everyone operates on your workflow, everyone operates differently and so the idea is just to differently and so the idea is just to differently and so the idea is just to give people the education and tools to give people the education and tools to give people the education and tools to be able to operate their own workflows

be able to operate their own workflows be able to operate their own workflows like they want like they want like they want >> and then plug into their community as as >> and then plug into their community as as >> and then plug into their community as as easily as possible. So right now that easily as possible. So right now that easily as possible. So right now that looks like connecting blue sky to our uh looks like connecting blue sky to our uh looks like connecting blue sky to our uh calendar tool that we've developed that calendar tool that we've developed that calendar tool that we've developed that will put it into a telegram. But in the will put it into a telegram. But in the will put it into a telegram. But in the future, what that could look like is me future, what that could look like is me future, what that could look like is me just accessing my community's data just accessing my community's data just accessing my community's data commons that we all maintain and asking commons that we all maintain and asking commons that we all maintain and asking that same question. that same question. that same question. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> What's everyone doing on Wednesday? >> What's everyone doing on Wednesday? >> What's everyone doing on Wednesday? >> Okay. >> Okay. >> Okay. >> So, it's just about the evolution of the >> So, it's just about the evolution of the >> So, it's just about the evolution of the solutions for the communities based on solutions for the communities based on solutions for the communities based on whatever infrastructure is currently whatever infrastructure is currently whatever infrastructure is currently available. And that's why the available. And that's why the available. And that's why the peer-to-peer education and service model peer-to-peer education and service model peer-to-peer education and service model is why I'm kind of doubling down on it. is why I'm kind of doubling down on it. is why I'm kind of doubling down on it. >> Okay. I like the top of mind thing that >> Okay. I like the top of mind thing that >> Okay. I like the top of mind thing that comes to me is it it sounds like you've comes to me is it it sounds like you've comes to me is it it sounds like you've actually made a lot of progress on the actually made a lot of progress on the actually made a lot of progress on the platform. like there's a lot of like platform. like there's a lot of like platform. like there's a lot of like >> work done already. >> work done already. >> work done already. >> There's Yeah, there's a lot of work >> There's Yeah, there's a lot of work >> There's Yeah, there's a lot of work that's been done. that's been done. that's been done. >> So like how like if you were to switch >> So like how like if you were to switch >> So like how like if you were to switch on a gear now to spend um 50 60% of your on a gear now to spend um 50 60% of your on a gear now to spend um 50 60% of your time just literally out uh in the world time just literally out uh in the world time just literally out uh in the world basically um connecting what you've been basically um connecting what you've been basically um connecting what you've been what you've been building or maybe even what you've been building or maybe even what you've been building or maybe even go down to 20% of build and 80% out into go down to 20% of build and 80% out into go down to 20% of build and 80% out into testing what you've been building. So, testing what you've been building. So, testing what you've been building. So, like where would you seek to be? Like like where would you seek to be? Like like where would you seek to be? Like where would you want to be?

where would you want to be? where would you want to be? >> Uh, we're probably 10% away from that >> Uh, we're probably 10% away from that >> Uh, we're probably 10% away from that active prototype, but once we get there, active prototype, but once we get there, active prototype, but once we get there, it would be like 90% like experiment it would be like 90% like experiment it would be like 90% like experiment prototype with people, you know, and prototype with people, you know, and prototype with people, you know, and then make the adjustments for the next then make the adjustments for the next then make the adjustments for the next experiment. experiment. experiment. >> Like >> Like >> Like >> I want to challenge you to that it's >> I want to challenge you to that it's >> I want to challenge you to that it's okay to be embarrassed with it. okay to be embarrassed with it. okay to be embarrassed with it. >> What do you mean? >> What do you mean? >> What do you mean? >> Like with meaning like it's okay for it >> Like with meaning like it's okay for it >> Like with meaning like it's okay for it to be 90%. So the the small experiment to be 90%. So the the small experiment to be 90%. So the the small experiment so the um right that's that's the so the um right that's that's the so the um right that's that's the hardware for the for like here in hardware for the for like here in hardware for the for like here in Houston we're doing the shared brain Houston we're doing the shared brain Houston we're doing the shared brain context through GitHub right now. So context through GitHub right now. So context through GitHub right now. So we're doing MVPs where like we're trying we're doing MVPs where like we're trying we're doing MVPs where like we're trying to prove that a community can do it to prove that a community can do it to prove that a community can do it >> just using a GitHub but that requires us >> just using a GitHub but that requires us >> just using a GitHub but that requires us to like upload to GitHub. So that's like to like upload to GitHub. So that's like to like upload to GitHub. So that's like that's how I'm prototyping right now that's how I'm prototyping right now that's how I'm prototyping right now >> cuz yeah, this is where it gets gets >> cuz yeah, this is where it gets gets >> cuz yeah, this is where it gets gets interesting where the rubber meets the interesting where the rubber meets the interesting where the rubber meets the road where you put the idea uh and the road where you put the idea uh and the road where you put the idea uh and the concept and and explain the problem and concept and and explain the problem and concept and and explain the problem and you're going to have uh folks lean in, you're going to have uh folks lean in, you're going to have uh folks lean in, right? And you're going to have others right? And you're going to have others right? And you're going to have others are like nah, right? And the job is are like nah, right? And the job is are like nah, right? And the job is really not to go and try to get the really not to go and try to get the really not to go and try to get the whole world excited day one, but there's whole world excited day one, but there's whole world excited day one, but there's going to be a community um that going to be a community um that going to be a community um that ultimately leans in more than the rest.

ultimately leans in more than the rest. ultimately leans in more than the rest. And I'm I'm really curious as to those And I'm I'm really curious as to those And I'm I'm really curious as to those signals like what are those signals? Um signals like what are those signals? Um signals like what are those signals? Um this this is what I talk to most this this is what I talk to most this this is what I talk to most founders about uh with regards to founders about uh with regards to founders about uh with regards to understanding what those signals are understanding what those signals are understanding what those signals are which is oh my god where have you been which is oh my god where have you been which is oh my god where have you been all my life or um you know if this if all my life or um you know if this if all my life or um you know if this if this were to be the case then this would this were to be the case then this would this were to be the case then this would change things. So from my perspective, change things. So from my perspective, change things. So from my perspective, >> I see a lot of connectivity to this and >> I see a lot of connectivity to this and >> I see a lot of connectivity to this and the startup ecosystem challenge in the startup ecosystem challenge in the startup ecosystem challenge in Houston where you know you've went to Houston where you know you've went to Houston where you know you've went to places like improving the ion and others places like improving the ion and others places like improving the ion and others where there's a lot of focus on where there's a lot of focus on where there's a lot of focus on innovation startups and kind of curious innovation startups and kind of curious innovation startups and kind of curious is to have this has a startup community is to have this has a startup community is to have this has a startup community reached out to you around like hey this reached out to you around like hey this reached out to you around like hey this looks interesting is this something that looks interesting is this something that looks interesting is this something that we would want to try to connect the dots we would want to try to connect the dots we would want to try to connect the dots between all the the cup of Joey's all between all the the cup of Joey's all between all the the cup of Joey's all the way to startup circle to what the way to startup circle to what the way to startup circle to what improving is doing to improving is doing to improving is doing to >> uh no not yet I launched my Substack >> uh no not yet I launched my Substack >> uh no not yet I launched my Substack like two days ago. Um, this event's kind like two days ago. Um, this event's kind like two days ago. Um, this event's kind of like forced me to become more public. of like forced me to become more public. of like forced me to become more public. So, like it's all kind of up and coming So, like it's all kind of up and coming So, like it's all kind of up and coming and uh I definitely will look for those and uh I definitely will look for those and uh I definitely will look for those opportunities. Okay. opportunities. Okay. opportunities. Okay. >> Um, but yeah, it's very early days even >> Um, but yeah, it's very early days even >> Um, but yeah, it's very early days even though so I though so I though so I >> uh I've been only working on this for >> uh I've been only working on this for >> uh I've been only working on this for about three months.

about three months. about three months. >> Yeah. Okay. No, this is this is good. >> Yeah. Okay. No, this is this is good. >> Yeah. Okay. No, this is this is good. Like so I think like um you know for the Like so I think like um you know for the Like so I think like um you know for the audiences participating as well uh we audiences participating as well uh we audiences participating as well uh we talked about this earlier is that um talked about this earlier is that um talked about this earlier is that um when you're hearing um you know Megan when you're hearing um you know Megan when you're hearing um you know Megan talk through the problem uh pitch her or talk through the problem uh pitch her or talk through the problem uh pitch her or platform or solution what she's solving platform or solution what she's solving platform or solution what she's solving you probably have a connection like or you probably have a connection like or you probably have a connection like or somebody or you yourself might be the somebody or you yourself might be the somebody or you yourself might be the the person to be helpful. Um and those the person to be helpful. Um and those the person to be helpful. Um and those are things that that are huge. Um and I are things that that are huge. Um and I are things that that are huge. Um and I guess Roselia has raised her hand so guess Roselia has raised her hand so guess Roselia has raised her hand so she's already volunteered. she's already volunteered. she's already volunteered. >> Okay. And I think uh there's somebody I >> Okay. And I think uh there's somebody I >> Okay. And I think uh there's somebody I would want to connect you with is uh would want to connect you with is uh would want to connect you with is uh Natara at uh Houston Exponential. Uh we Natara at uh Houston Exponential. Uh we Natara at uh Houston Exponential. Uh we were literally talking about the problem were literally talking about the problem were literally talking about the problem you're exploring um in a thread back and you're exploring um in a thread back and you're exploring um in a thread back and forth yesterday and we continue to work forth yesterday and we continue to work forth yesterday and we continue to work on this thing uh in terms of and that's on this thing uh in terms of and that's on this thing uh in terms of and that's specifically to the startup ecosystem. specifically to the startup ecosystem. specifically to the startup ecosystem. Um so it seems very overlapped and it's Um so it seems very overlapped and it's Um so it seems very overlapped and it's like interesting like to find um who are like interesting like to find um who are like interesting like to find um who are the people who are passionate about this the people who are passionate about this the people who are passionate about this topic. Yeah. And then and then just get topic. Yeah. And then and then just get topic. Yeah. And then and then just get out there and make sure and ask like out there and make sure and ask like out there and make sure and ask like what's your ask what's your ask what's your ask >> is the thing that I would I would >> is the thing that I would I would >> is the thing that I would I would >> uh actually we have a slide. Would you >> uh actually we have a slide. Would you >> uh actually we have a slide. Would you um um um >> Okay, you have an ask slide.

>> Okay, you have an ask slide. >> Okay, you have an ask slide. >> I do. I >> I do. I >> I do. I >> Oh, well look at that. Very prepared. >> Oh, well look at that. Very prepared. >> Oh, well look at that. Very prepared. Okay. Okay. Okay. >> That was not planned, folks. I I I >> That was not planned, folks. I I I >> That was not planned, folks. I I I >> I thought we were over this structure. >> I thought we were over this structure. >> I thought we were over this structure. >> Okay. So, what are we at? We have three >> Okay. So, what are we at? We have three >> Okay. So, what are we at? We have three more minutes. Okay. more minutes. Okay. more minutes. Okay. >> Okay. Perfect. So, my ask is uh to I >> Okay. Perfect. So, my ask is uh to I >> Okay. Perfect. So, my ask is uh to I have a Discord community. So if you're have a Discord community. So if you're have a Discord community. So if you're interested in getting involved through interested in getting involved through interested in getting involved through development or through active vol like development or through active vol like development or through active vol like volunteering or through coming to no volunteering or through coming to no volunteering or through coming to no coming to uh okay coming to uh okay coming to uh okay >> trainings this is like the most active >> trainings this is like the most active >> trainings this is like the most active uh you can be with the commons. So this uh you can be with the commons. So this uh you can be with the commons. So this is the co-creation commons. It's not is the co-creation commons. It's not is the co-creation commons. It's not Houston Bloom. Um, if you're interested Houston Bloom. Um, if you're interested Houston Bloom. Um, if you're interested in becoming a Houston Bloom member in becoming a Houston Bloom member in becoming a Houston Bloom member specifically and working on this specifically and working on this specifically and working on this decentralized technology more in like a decentralized technology more in like a decentralized technology more in like a formalized uh climate change like formalized uh climate change like formalized uh climate change like branding way, uh, you can definitely branding way, uh, you can definitely branding way, uh, you can definitely email me like you see a spot on my team email me like you see a spot on my team email me like you see a spot on my team like let's let's get like connected like let's let's get like connected like let's let's get like connected right away. But um, and then the right away. But um, and then the right away. But um, and then the calendar. So, Citizens Infrastructure calendar. So, Citizens Infrastructure calendar. So, Citizens Infrastructure Building Club, uh, we're combining Building Club, uh, we're combining Building Club, uh, we're combining calendars from other groups doing this calendars from other groups doing this calendars from other groups doing this kind of decentralized tech. So, uh, kind of decentralized tech. So, uh, kind of decentralized tech. So, uh, it'll have a lot of other opportunities it'll have a lot of other opportunities it'll have a lot of other opportunities to get more, uh, information about this to get more, uh, information about this to get more, uh, information about this these groups who are working in this these groups who are working in this these groups who are working in this space, um, and see more of the events space, um, and see more of the events space, um, and see more of the events that I'll be posting.

that I'll be posting. that I'll be posting. >> So, if I'm thinking about who would be, >> So, if I'm thinking about who would be, >> So, if I'm thinking about who would be, um, you know, good connections for you um, you know, good connections for you um, you know, good connections for you in terms of the community building for in terms of the community building for in terms of the community building for what you're working on, um, what would what you're working on, um, what would what you're working on, um, what would they be passionate about? Like, how they be passionate about? Like, how they be passionate about? Like, how would you describe them? would you describe them? would you describe them? >> Uh, social impact, social justice. >> Uh, social impact, social justice. >> Uh, social impact, social justice. >> Okay. So, that's why you're working with >> Okay. So, that's why you're working with >> Okay. So, that's why you're working with Impact Hub. Impact Hub. Impact Hub. >> Yeah. Yeah, >> Yeah. Yeah, >> Yeah. Yeah, >> because it comes down to the day that >> because it comes down to the day that >> because it comes down to the day that end of the day that like we need to end of the day that like we need to end of the day that like we need to drastically build a different system. So drastically build a different system. So drastically build a different system. So when you move your data off of your uh when you move your data off of your uh when you move your data off of your uh onto your own device and you stop onto your own device and you stop onto your own device and you stop treating it like a commodity to be sold treating it like a commodity to be sold treating it like a commodity to be sold and more like a commons and more like a commons and more like a commons >> and you align and you design workflows >> and you align and you design workflows >> and you align and you design workflows for you and your community, you stop for you and your community, you stop for you and your community, you stop becoming the product of a system and you becoming the product of a system and you becoming the product of a system and you start becoming a builder of a new one. start becoming a builder of a new one. start becoming a builder of a new one. >> Okay, I like that phrase. It's awesome. >> Okay, I like that phrase. It's awesome. >> Okay, I like that phrase. It's awesome. >> This is this is awesome. So I think um I >> This is this is awesome. So I think um I >> This is this is awesome. So I think um I mean this is this is interesting and so mean this is this is interesting and so mean this is this is interesting and so meta with regards to like okay building meta with regards to like okay building meta with regards to like okay building a a community platform uh and then also a a community platform uh and then also a a community platform uh and then also at the same time building a community at the same time building a community at the same time building a community around it. Uh and it's I think that around it. Uh and it's I think that around it. Uh and it's I think that there are actually people that I I there are actually people that I I there are actually people that I I definitely speak to that are passionate definitely speak to that are passionate definitely speak to that are passionate about this topic. Usually it's down a uh about this topic. Usually it's down a uh about this topic. Usually it's down a uh like a path, right? It's a it's a like a path, right? It's a it's a like a path, right? It's a it's a economic building for Houston or uh economic building for Houston or uh economic building for Houston or uh innovation startups, cyber security, innovation startups, cyber security, innovation startups, cyber security, like these these kind of narrow alleys like these these kind of narrow alleys like these these kind of narrow alleys that they're that we we try to get that they're that we we try to get that they're that we we try to get together folks and then we're like, man, together folks and then we're like, man, together folks and then we're like, man, I wish there was a better way to get I wish there was a better way to get I wish there was a better way to get connected and LinkedIn is kind of there, connected and LinkedIn is kind of there, connected and LinkedIn is kind of there, but then there's other these missing but then there's other these missing but then there's other these missing things that are there. So So I'm things that are there. So So I'm things that are there. So So I'm excited.

excited. excited. >> Yeah, >> Yeah, >> Yeah, >> I'm excited. Awesome. So this is all any >> I'm excited. Awesome. So this is all any >> I'm excited. Awesome. So this is all any anything uh final words? Anything that anything uh final words? Anything that anything uh final words? Anything that you'd like to close with? I just want to you'd like to close with? I just want to you'd like to close with? I just want to thank the innovation studio and you and thank the innovation studio and you and thank the innovation studio and you and everyone who showed up because uh these everyone who showed up because uh these everyone who showed up because uh these are the spaces that we are building for are the spaces that we are building for are the spaces that we are building for communities. communities. communities. >> Thank you Megan. Everyone round of >> Thank you Megan. Everyone round of >> Thank you Megan. Everyone round of applause. applause. applause. That's awesome. That's awesome. That's awesome. >> Thank you. This is cool. >> Thank you. This is cool. >> Thank you. This is cool. >> So So this section of the we're going to >> So So this section of the we're going to >> So So this section of the we're going to move the founders couch to the actual move the founders couch to the actual move the founders couch to the actual couch. Um this section we're going to couch. Um this section we're going to couch. Um this section we're going to use to talk about uh Purely. Purely is use to talk about uh Purely. Purely is use to talk about uh Purely. Purely is actually a Christian or Bible based app. actually a Christian or Bible based app. actually a Christian or Bible based app. We here in uh innovation studio welcome We here in uh innovation studio welcome We here in uh innovation studio welcome all religion. Uh today we're going to all religion. Uh today we're going to all religion. Uh today we're going to talk about purely which is a talk about purely which is a talk about purely which is a Christianbased app. Uh and this Christianbased app. Uh and this Christianbased app. Uh and this gentleman over here Gavin is going to gentleman over here Gavin is going to gentleman over here Gavin is going to talk about purely. Same concept, same talk about purely. Same concept, same talk about purely. Same concept, same con context. Um Gavin con context. Um Gavin con context. Um Gavin >> uh thank you'all for having me here. >> uh thank you'all for having me here. >> uh thank you'all for having me here. >> Awesome. It's awesome to have you man. >> Awesome. It's awesome to have you man. >> Awesome. It's awesome to have you man. >> You look comfortable on the couch. >> You look comfortable on the couch. >> You look comfortable on the couch. >> Oh yeah. Comfortable amongst the people, >> Oh yeah. Comfortable amongst the people, >> Oh yeah. Comfortable amongst the people, you know.

you know. you know. It was all good. Uh, It was all good. Uh, It was all good. Uh, >> so share with us what uh what's going on >> so share with us what uh what's going on >> so share with us what uh what's going on what's going on in your world. what's going on in your world. what's going on in your world. >> All right. Pretty much uh the app is >> All right. Pretty much uh the app is >> All right. Pretty much uh the app is actually in store. Well, in both Apple actually in store. Well, in both Apple actually in store. Well, in both Apple and Google uh store, so it's already out and Google uh store, so it's already out and Google uh store, so it's already out and released. It's been released for a and released. It's been released for a and released. It's been released for a while. Um, the goal behind the app was while. Um, the goal behind the app was while. Um, the goal behind the app was honestly to be able to safely honestly to be able to safely honestly to be able to safely safely say your truth and be able to get safely say your truth and be able to get safely say your truth and be able to get an honest answer based on the Bible. And an honest answer based on the Bible. And an honest answer based on the Bible. And that that was my goal because uh I've that that was my goal because uh I've that that was my goal because uh I've seen a lot of people go to AI such as seen a lot of people go to AI such as seen a lot of people go to AI such as chat GPT to vent, which is I mean I'm chat GPT to vent, which is I mean I'm chat GPT to vent, which is I mean I'm not knocking people who do it, not knocking people who do it, not knocking people who do it, >> but >> but >> but as they got in trouble for somebody as they got in trouble for somebody as they got in trouble for somebody committing suicide or suggesting committing suicide or suggesting committing suicide or suggesting somebody commits suicide, that's not the somebody commits suicide, that's not the somebody commits suicide, that's not the best way to go. That's just my my humble best way to go. That's just my my humble best way to go. That's just my my humble opinion. Mhm. opinion. Mhm. opinion. Mhm. >> So I I went out and created just >> So I I went out and created just >> So I I went out and created just something uh something for one I something uh something for one I something uh something for one I exercise my own profession exercise my own profession exercise my own profession >> which is uh which is I'm in cyber >> which is uh which is I'm in cyber >> which is uh which is I'm in cyber security so mainly governance risk and security so mainly governance risk and security so mainly governance risk and compliance but I've been in all the compliance but I've been in all the compliance but I've been in all the aspects of it not to get technical and aspects of it not to get technical and aspects of it not to get technical and nerdy so but I just honed it in and nerdy so but I just honed it in and nerdy so but I just honed it in and controlled what uh what data went where controlled what uh what data went where controlled what uh what data went where and how how AI is actually used and and how how AI is actually used and and how how AI is actually used and that's the thing that uh that kind of that's the thing that uh that kind of that's the thing that uh that kind of sets it apart besides uh the other thing

sets it apart besides uh the other thing sets it apart besides uh the other thing that I wanted to do is to keep it that I wanted to do is to keep it that I wanted to do is to keep it private. Like in other words, I don't private. Like in other words, I don't private. Like in other words, I don't want your information. I'm not selling want your information. I'm not selling want your information. I'm not selling it. it. it. >> Your information stays with you. I I >> Your information stays with you. I I >> Your information stays with you. I I don't send you no annoying emails, no no don't send you no annoying emails, no no don't send you no annoying emails, no no notifications, no nothing. notifications, no nothing. notifications, no nothing. >> Um I will tell you the headache I had >> Um I will tell you the headache I had >> Um I will tell you the headache I had putting out the app, it was not with putting out the app, it was not with putting out the app, it was not with Apple. I iPhone users rejoice. Y'all Apple. I iPhone users rejoice. Y'all Apple. I iPhone users rejoice. Y'all hold your iPhones in the air because hold your iPhones in the air because hold your iPhones in the air because Apple is good with privacy. Apple is good with privacy. Apple is good with privacy. >> Google, on the other hand, >> Google, on the other hand, >> Google, on the other hand, >> you've been going through a discovery >> you've been going through a discovery >> you've been going through a discovery process on privacy. process on privacy. process on privacy. >> Oh, look uh with Google to put it out. >> Oh, look uh with Google to put it out. >> Oh, look uh with Google to put it out. Um, I had to uh use X and I gained uh I Um, I had to uh use X and I gained uh I Um, I had to uh use X and I gained uh I gained followers on I gained followers gained followers on I gained followers gained followers on I gained followers on my uh on my Tik Tok for the uh on my uh on my Tik Tok for the uh on my uh on my Tik Tok for the uh because of that. because of that. because of that. >> Um what I did is uh >> Um what I did is uh >> Um what I did is uh >> what I did is I made a screenshot on X >> what I did is I made a screenshot on X >> what I did is I made a screenshot on X of why Google rejected my app, which is of why Google rejected my app, which is of why Google rejected my app, which is basically a permission they wanted me to basically a permission they wanted me to basically a permission they wanted me to keep so they can see what was going on.

keep so they can see what was going on. keep so they can see what was going on. Mhm. Mhm. Mhm. >> I put it on there and he got about I >> I put it on there and he got about I >> I put it on there and he got about I think it was like 500,000 hits in like think it was like 500,000 hits in like think it was like 500,000 hits in like about 3 hours. about 3 hours. about 3 hours. >> Interesting. >> Interesting. >> Interesting. >> So needless to say uh my rejection went >> So needless to say uh my rejection went >> So needless to say uh my rejection went from a rejection to acceptance. Uh I from a rejection to acceptance. Uh I from a rejection to acceptance. Uh I don't know if somebody at Google uh don't know if somebody at Google uh don't know if somebody at Google uh >> you should pay attention to that signal. >> you should pay attention to that signal. >> you should pay attention to that signal. It's interesting. U we uh we I've talked It's interesting. U we uh we I've talked It's interesting. U we uh we I've talked to Joseph about uh Salesforce when they to Joseph about uh Salesforce when they to Joseph about uh Salesforce when they came to market. I don't know if you all came to market. I don't know if you all came to market. I don't know if you all know at the very beginning what their know at the very beginning what their know at the very beginning what their marketing campaign was. it had the word marketing campaign was. it had the word marketing campaign was. it had the word software and it was a big red circle and software and it was a big red circle and software and it was a big red circle and a slash through it a slash through it a slash through it >> and so they're and it it's like well >> and so they're and it it's like well >> and so they're and it it's like well they're a CRM company there software they're a CRM company there software they're a CRM company there software like why is why was that their thing like why is why was that their thing like why is why was that their thing >> there's some really unrelated things in >> there's some really unrelated things in >> there's some really unrelated things in your case you know privacy seems like an your case you know privacy seems like an your case you know privacy seems like an interesting topic to maybe zone in on interesting topic to maybe zone in on interesting topic to maybe zone in on but going back to what um like how you but going back to what um like how you but going back to what um like how you know Megan shared was go back rewind a know Megan shared was go back rewind a know Megan shared was go back rewind a bit to when um you were thinking about bit to when um you were thinking about bit to when um you were thinking about actually doing this because I always actually doing this because I always actually doing this because I always jokingly say it takes a little crazy to jokingly say it takes a little crazy to jokingly say it takes a little crazy to to throw paint on a canvas that's empty to throw paint on a canvas that's empty to throw paint on a canvas that's empty and it takes a lot of effort and time.

and it takes a lot of effort and time. and it takes a lot of effort and time. So, go back to that moment. Share with So, go back to that moment. Share with So, go back to that moment. Share with us what us what us what >> I can tell you. It was uh it was the day >> I can tell you. It was uh it was the day >> I can tell you. It was uh it was the day after Thanksgiving. Um I had the Bible after Thanksgiving. Um I had the Bible after Thanksgiving. Um I had the Bible app like everybody else has on their app like everybody else has on their app like everybody else has on their phone. phone. phone. >> And I got tired of those uh annoying >> And I got tired of those uh annoying >> And I got tired of those uh annoying alerts. You know, they have your goal to alerts. You know, they have your goal to alerts. You know, they have your goal to where you got to read each day and I where you got to read each day and I where you got to read each day and I miss the day. miss the day. miss the day. >> I was like, I don't need I don't need >> I was like, I don't need I don't need >> I was like, I don't need I don't need this alert. And the thing is my mind is this alert. And the thing is my mind is this alert. And the thing is my mind is like, "Hey, okay, number one, they like, "Hey, okay, number one, they like, "Hey, okay, number one, they tracking they tracking my phone and tracking they tracking my phone and tracking they tracking my phone and seeing what I'm doing." seeing what I'm doing." seeing what I'm doing." >> Okay, >> Okay, >> Okay, >> which I mean, honestly, >> which I mean, honestly, >> which I mean, honestly, >> I semi have a problem with it >> I semi have a problem with it >> I semi have a problem with it >> because I'm like, "Hey, I read on my >> because I'm like, "Hey, I read on my >> because I'm like, "Hey, I read on my free will and I also read the read the free will and I also read the read the free will and I also read the read the paper book. I I read the physical text." paper book. I I read the physical text." paper book. I I read the physical text." So, yeah, being on the phone is just a So, yeah, being on the phone is just a So, yeah, being on the phone is just a luxury. So, luxury. So, luxury. So, >> and my thing is I feel like an app such >> and my thing is I feel like an app such >> and my thing is I feel like an app such as like the Bible app shouldn't be as like the Bible app shouldn't be as like the Bible app shouldn't be shouldn't be tracking your progress. If shouldn't be tracking your progress. If shouldn't be tracking your progress. If anything, it should allow you to have anything, it should allow you to have anything, it should allow you to have free will. So, free will. So, free will. So, >> it's interesting. There's that privacy >> it's interesting. There's that privacy >> it's interesting. There's that privacy concept again.

concept again. concept again. >> Mhm. Yeah. It's >> Mhm. Yeah. It's >> Mhm. Yeah. It's >> kind of showed up again. >> kind of showed up again. >> kind of showed up again. >> Oh, yeah. That's the theme of it because >> Oh, yeah. That's the theme of it because >> Oh, yeah. That's the theme of it because uh because the theme of it is like even uh because the theme of it is like even uh because the theme of it is like even with your like not to get too nerdy but with your like not to get too nerdy but with your like not to get too nerdy but with your with your uh well and purely with your with your uh well and purely with your with your uh well and purely anyway with your with your progress anyway with your with your progress anyway with your with your progress is all it's all with you. It's all in is all it's all with you. It's all in is all it's all with you. It's all in you own you own your data. That's it. I you own you own your data. That's it. I you own you own your data. That's it. I the goal was to make sure everything is the goal was to make sure everything is the goal was to make sure everything is done in private and confidence and so done in private and confidence and so done in private and confidence and so you can you can go back and you can you can you can go back and you can you can you can go back and you can reflect it. You can share it if you want reflect it. You can share it if you want reflect it. You can share it if you want to but that's on your own will and you to but that's on your own will and you to but that's on your own will and you you share with your uh share with your you share with your uh share with your you share with your uh share with your therapists, share with your friends, therapists, share with your friends, therapists, share with your friends, family or whatnot, but family or whatnot, but family or whatnot, but >> it shouldn't be shared with anybody else >> it shouldn't be shared with anybody else >> it shouldn't be shared with anybody else unless you willing to share it. So, it's unless you willing to share it. So, it's unless you willing to share it. So, it's um the startup journey is really um the startup journey is really um the startup journey is really interesting and it's super windy interesting and it's super windy interesting and it's super windy >> because the you think you started it for >> because the you think you started it for >> because the you think you started it for a reason, a reason, a reason, >> but there might be something deeper in >> but there might be something deeper in >> but there might be something deeper in that why. And it's really great for that why. And it's really great for that why. And it's really great for >> um anyone who's starting up a business >> um anyone who's starting up a business >> um anyone who's starting up a business to actually have somebody else, to actually have somebody else, to actually have somebody else, >> preferably someone who has teaching >> preferably someone who has teaching >> preferably someone who has teaching background or a teacher. I I tend to background or a teacher. I I tend to background or a teacher. I I tend to think that they they're the best at think that they they're the best at think that they they're the best at >> really asking the deeper questions to >> really asking the deeper questions to >> really asking the deeper questions to the point that you get frustrated and the point that you get frustrated and the point that you get frustrated and you get annoyed you get annoyed you get annoyed >> because it has to get that deep like why >> because it has to get that deep like why >> because it has to get that deep like why do I have to explain this like here's do I have to explain this like here's do I have to explain this like here's what was going on and when you when you what was going on and when you when you what was going on and when you when you get all the way to the bottom of the why get all the way to the bottom of the why get all the way to the bottom of the why behind that behind that behind that >> that is an interesting pearl of wisdom

>> that is an interesting pearl of wisdom >> that is an interesting pearl of wisdom that then you're without realizing it that then you're without realizing it that then you're without realizing it >> that's the why behind your business and >> that's the why behind your business and >> that's the why behind your business and you're actually doing it without it's an you're actually doing it without it's an you're actually doing it without it's an autopilot autopilot autopilot >> and it could also be the very thing that >> and it could also be the very thing that >> and it could also be the very thing that you build the passionate community you build the passionate community you build the passionate community around around around >> which is you know it could be privacy >> which is you know it could be privacy >> which is you know it could be privacy around your faith it could be it could around your faith it could be it could around your faith it could be it could be any kind of related topic but it'd be be any kind of related topic but it'd be be any kind of related topic but it'd be great to explore that. great to explore that. great to explore that. >> Yeah absolutely like it's it's uh it's >> Yeah absolutely like it's it's uh it's >> Yeah absolutely like it's it's uh it's kind of like a it's just kind of like a kind of like a it's just kind of like a kind of like a it's just kind of like a pandemic out there right now. Um I take pandemic out there right now. Um I take pandemic out there right now. Um I take people knocking over the flock cameras people knocking over the flock cameras people knocking over the flock cameras for example. Mhm. for example. Mhm. for example. Mhm. >> Uh it to me, hey, it's whatever they >> Uh it to me, hey, it's whatever they >> Uh it to me, hey, it's whatever they want to do with those cameras, but at want to do with those cameras, but at want to do with those cameras, but at the same time, uh I feel like uh with the same time, uh I feel like uh with the same time, uh I feel like uh with those, I mean, those, I mean, those, I mean, with whatever information they use it with whatever information they use it with whatever information they use it for or whatever people using it for, for or whatever people using it for, for or whatever people using it for, >> it is what it is. Um, I don't want to >> it is what it is. Um, I don't want to >> it is what it is. Um, I don't want to get I don't want to get anybody any get I don't want to get anybody any get I don't want to get anybody any trouble by mentioning too much, but I do trouble by mentioning too much, but I do trouble by mentioning too much, but I do say the efforts people are going to to say the efforts people are going to to say the efforts people are going to to knock those cameras down should tell us knock those cameras down should tell us knock those cameras down should tell us where society is right now with uh with where society is right now with uh with where society is right now with uh with our personal uh personal information and our personal uh personal information and our personal uh personal information and how we feel and uh even just uh simple how we feel and uh even just uh simple how we feel and uh even just uh simple things. Um um so things. Um um so things. Um um so I'm trying not to step on any toes when I'm trying not to step on any toes when I'm trying not to step on any toes when I say it, but uh I say it, but uh I say it, but uh >> all this is being broadcasted.

>> all this is being broadcasted. >> all this is being broadcasted. >> I know. >> I know. >> I know. >> I know, right? >> I know, right? >> I know, right? >> So like this does connect with the the >> So like this does connect with the the >> So like this does connect with the the icky guy concept we were talking about icky guy concept we were talking about icky guy concept we were talking about ear earlier because I was thinking about ear earlier because I was thinking about ear earlier because I was thinking about what are you good at in your background what are you good at in your background what are you good at in your background cyber security. Yeah. cyber security. Yeah. cyber security. Yeah. >> Right. And then when you think about >> Right. And then when you think about >> Right. And then when you think about >> what do you love and what does the world >> what do you love and what does the world >> what do you love and what does the world need? Um, and you start to connect it to need? Um, and you start to connect it to need? Um, and you start to connect it to what can you be paid for? Um, it's what can you be paid for? Um, it's what can you be paid for? Um, it's interesting. It it can be things from interesting. It it can be things from interesting. It it can be things from such very different backgrounds, such very different backgrounds, such very different backgrounds, >> but when you merge them together, >> but when you merge them together, >> but when you merge them together, there's some kind of a narrow path, there's some kind of a narrow path, there's some kind of a narrow path, >> right? >> right? >> right? >> And it's like sometimes we'll take those >> And it's like sometimes we'll take those >> And it's like sometimes we'll take those choices without realizing it. But, but choices without realizing it. But, but choices without realizing it. But, but we don't realize what those circles we don't realize what those circles we don't realize what those circles really are. really are. really are. >> Exactly. and your buyers or your >> Exactly. and your buyers or your >> Exactly. and your buyers or your participants or the folks that sign up participants or the folks that sign up participants or the folks that sign up to download your app, to download your app, to download your app, >> they can probably sense it and >> they can probably sense it and >> they can probably sense it and emotionally they're connecting at that emotionally they're connecting at that emotionally they're connecting at that level. level. level. >> And if you don't know what that is, >> And if you don't know what that is, >> And if you don't know what that is, you're lost in the woods. Like you have you're lost in the woods. Like you have you're lost in the woods. Like you have to really know what it is. to really know what it is. to really know what it is. >> Um it's just something it's it's a state >> Um it's just something it's it's a state >> Um it's just something it's it's a state of discovery. I' I've been through a of discovery. I' I've been through a of discovery. I' I've been through a journey with Lion Guard where journey with Lion Guard where journey with Lion Guard where >> we thought we were doing something and >> we thought we were doing something and >> we thought we were doing something and it turned out to be something completely it turned out to be something completely it turned out to be something completely different, but it was more fundamental.

different, but it was more fundamental. different, but it was more fundamental. And it's usually something more And it's usually something more And it's usually something more fundamental that you end up fundamental that you end up fundamental that you end up >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> getting to. >> getting to. >> getting to. >> Yeah. Yeah. To me it it's to me it's >> Yeah. Yeah. To me it it's to me it's >> Yeah. Yeah. To me it it's to me it's just something simple people use. just something simple people use. just something simple people use. >> But at the same time it's all the >> But at the same time it's all the >> But at the same time it's all the privacy stuff is in the background. The privacy stuff is in the background. The privacy stuff is in the background. The users don't have to think about it. It's users don't have to think about it. It's users don't have to think about it. It's me that thinks about it. So it's just me me that thinks about it. So it's just me me that thinks about it. So it's just me enabling freedom is is like the main enabling freedom is is like the main enabling freedom is is like the main thing. thing. thing. >> So what comes next then with with what >> So what comes next then with with what >> So what comes next then with with what you're doing? you're doing? you're doing? >> Uh what comes next? Um, >> Uh what comes next? Um, >> Uh what comes next? Um, I have uh I have something in my mind I have uh I have something in my mind I have uh I have something in my mind for a followup with with this. Like I for a followup with with this. Like I for a followup with with this. Like I want to see I want to see more want to see I want to see more want to see I want to see more engagement with the app and see where I engagement with the app and see where I engagement with the app and see where I can improve upon it because uh I know can improve upon it because uh I know can improve upon it because uh I know some improvements I want to make some improvements I want to make some improvements I want to make especially uh with the language barrier. especially uh with the language barrier. especially uh with the language barrier. That that's That that's That that's >> that's something I'm working on getting >> that's something I'm working on getting >> that's something I'm working on getting in Spanish. in Spanish. in Spanish. >> Okay. So yeah, I want to work with the >> Okay. So yeah, I want to work with the >> Okay. So yeah, I want to work with the language and then also uh I have an idea language and then also uh I have an idea language and then also uh I have an idea of how I want to uh overhaul the overall of how I want to uh overhaul the overall of how I want to uh overhaul the overall look, but right now I want to get more look, but right now I want to get more look, but right now I want to get more interaction with it first. interaction with it first. interaction with it first. >> So how like so this is the this is the >> So how like so this is the this is the >> So how like so this is the this is the traction traction traction >> challenge, right? We cover this a lot, >> challenge, right? We cover this a lot, >> challenge, right? We cover this a lot, right? So right? So right? So >> how like how do you think about like >> how like how do you think about like >> how like how do you think about like driving more interaction? What's what's driving more interaction? What's what's driving more interaction? What's what's going to make that happen? What do you going to make that happen? What do you going to make that happen? What do you think?

think? think? >> First of all, I need to stop being lazy. >> First of all, I need to stop being lazy. >> First of all, I need to stop being lazy. I'm be honest like I'm be honest like I'm be honest like >> sitting on the couch. Hey, no, I'm doing >> sitting on the couch. Hey, no, I'm doing >> sitting on the couch. Hey, no, I'm doing so much. Like, I'll be honest. so much. Like, I'll be honest. so much. Like, I'll be honest. >> There's Olex sitting on the couch. >> There's Olex sitting on the couch. >> There's Olex sitting on the couch. >> I'm doing so much. And I'm not a I'm not >> I'm doing so much. And I'm not a I'm not >> I'm doing so much. And I'm not a I'm not a marketing guy. This this lady beside a marketing guy. This this lady beside a marketing guy. This this lady beside me, she she's a marketing. So, me, she she's a marketing. So, me, she she's a marketing. So, >> some thoughts as you were talking, I was >> some thoughts as you were talking, I was >> some thoughts as you were talking, I was just like, um, you know, you could just like, um, you know, you could just like, um, you know, you could attend some regional conferences. Okay. attend some regional conferences. Okay. attend some regional conferences. Okay. Um, vend at them because, um, there are Um, vend at them because, um, there are Um, vend at them because, um, there are a lot of denominations that have regular a lot of denominations that have regular a lot of denominations that have regular gatherings, okay? gatherings, okay? gatherings, okay? >> And this is aligned with that. you know, >> And this is aligned with that. you know, >> And this is aligned with that. you know, how to practice your faith, how to practice your faith, how to practice your faith, >> you know, >> you know, >> you know, >> when you're not worshiping corporately >> when you're not worshiping corporately >> when you're not worshiping corporately in the church. in the church. in the church. >> So, that's one. And then also, there's a >> So, that's one. And then also, there's a >> So, that's one. And then also, there's a lot of uh faith-based bloggers lot of uh faith-based bloggers lot of uh faith-based bloggers >> that you could incentivize to drop a >> that you could incentivize to drop a >> that you could incentivize to drop a link to that. link to that. link to that. >> Okay. >> Okay. >> Okay. >> Yep. >> Yep. >> Yep. >> Question question. Was the improvements >> Question question. Was the improvements >> Question question. Was the improvements that you're going to make interface and that you're going to make interface and that you're going to make interface and experience related? experience related? experience related? >> Sorry. Uh are the improvements you're >> Sorry. Uh are the improvements you're >> Sorry. Uh are the improvements you're making interface and experience related making interface and experience related making interface and experience related or are they like tech more technology or are they like tech more technology or are they like tech more technology related?

related? related? >> No, no, no. It's going to be more of a >> No, no, no. It's going to be more of a >> No, no, no. It's going to be more of a more user and interface related. more user and interface related. more user and interface related. >> Uh I have a a suggestion. Um just >> Uh I have a a suggestion. Um just >> Uh I have a a suggestion. Um just because like uh the generative UI um because like uh the generative UI um because like uh the generative UI um >> instead of like guessing what people >> instead of like guessing what people >> instead of like guessing what people might want might want might want >> uh since you're so interested in like >> uh since you're so interested in like >> uh since you're so interested in like you know the the local or private seat you know the the local or private seat you know the the local or private seat data I would love to like do discovery data I would love to like do discovery data I would love to like do discovery with you which is can you give someone with you which is can you give someone with you which is can you give someone you know that data and have them build you know that data and have them build you know that data and have them build their own interface because then you their own interface because then you their own interface because then you start to see like how are people maybe start to see like how are people maybe start to see like how are people maybe wanting to engage with it differently. wanting to engage with it differently. wanting to engage with it differently. Um, and I'm not sure, I haven't seen Um, and I'm not sure, I haven't seen Um, and I'm not sure, I haven't seen your app yet, so maybe that's not a good your app yet, so maybe that's not a good your app yet, so maybe that's not a good example, you know, but like, you know, example, you know, but like, you know, example, you know, but like, you know, moving away from chat interfaces is moving away from chat interfaces is moving away from chat interfaces is really like what we're talking about. really like what we're talking about. really like what we're talking about. And if you want to make an improvement, And if you want to make an improvement, And if you want to make an improvement, people like not everyone likes chat people like not everyone likes chat people like not everyone likes chat interfaces, you know, and so like what interfaces, you know, and so like what interfaces, you know, and so like what they could they could they could >> We're all about chat now. >> We're all about chat now. >> We're all about chat now. >> Wait a minute. >> Wait a minute. >> Wait a minute. >> What's the alternative? >> What's the alternative? >> What's the alternative? >> You know, Yeah. You know what? Like, you >> You know, Yeah. You know what? Like, you >> You know, Yeah. You know what? Like, you know what? I got a demo. I got a demo. know what? I got a demo. I got a demo. know what? I got a demo. I got a demo. Uh, y'all want to uh back there. Y'all Uh, y'all want to uh back there. Y'all Uh, y'all want to uh back there. Y'all want to roll the demo just to see how uh want to roll the demo just to see how uh want to roll the demo just to see how uh how it looks like that way that get an how it looks like that way that get an how it looks like that way that get an idea.

idea. idea. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. Uh >> Yeah. Uh >> Yeah. Uh >> let's do it. >> let's do it. >> let's do it. >> Yeah. Tasha, she's a she's a user of it. >> Yeah. Tasha, she's a she's a user of it. >> Yeah. Tasha, she's a she's a user of it. She actually uh made the demo for me. She actually uh made the demo for me. She actually uh made the demo for me. >> That's the best use to do it. >> That's the best use to do it. >> That's the best use to do it. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> All right. >> Oh, you good. Like I just >> Oh, you good. Like I just All right. She's just typing whatever All right. She's just typing whatever All right. She's just typing whatever she want to type. Um, there's three she want to type. Um, there's three she want to type. Um, there's three different versions right now. And I'm different versions right now. And I'm different versions right now. And I'm actually, that's part of the actually, that's part of the actually, that's part of the improvement. I'm actually uh kind of improvement. I'm actually uh kind of improvement. I'm actually uh kind of like working with them to try to get like working with them to try to get like working with them to try to get more versions of the Bible. And uh, more versions of the Bible. And uh, more versions of the Bible. And uh, licensing fees are a whole lot. So, I'm licensing fees are a whole lot. So, I'm licensing fees are a whole lot. So, I'm not going to charge not going to charge not going to charge >> licensing. Yes. Bible. >> licensing. Yes. Bible. >> licensing. Yes. Bible. >> Yes. It's Yes. Copyright. Yes. There's a >> Yes. It's Yes. Copyright. Yes. There's a >> Yes. It's Yes. Copyright. Yes. There's a copyright on verses of the Bible. I kid copyright on verses of the Bible. I kid copyright on verses of the Bible. I kid you not. you not. you not. >> No, it's not free, buddy. No, it's not >> No, it's not free, buddy. No, it's not >> No, it's not free, buddy. No, it's not free. The King James free. The King James free. The King James >> I didn't even think about that. >> I didn't even think about that. >> I didn't even think about that. >> That's the most expensive version of >> That's the most expensive version of >> That's the most expensive version of King James. King James. King James. >> Oh, King James to get to get that. Oh, >> Oh, King James to get to get that. Oh, >> Oh, King James to get to get that. Oh, man. Yeah, you getting you getting it.

man. Yeah, you getting you getting it. man. Yeah, you getting you getting it. So, all right. So, these right here, So, all right. So, these right here, So, all right. So, these right here, these you get your uh you get your these you get your uh you get your these you get your uh you get your scriptures, of course, scriptures, of course, scriptures, of course, >> and then uh you get a reflection which >> and then uh you get a reflection which >> and then uh you get a reflection which uh it generates a reflection based on uh uh it generates a reflection based on uh uh it generates a reflection based on uh based on it and includes uh verses to go based on it and includes uh verses to go based on it and includes uh verses to go to or whatnot. And then it gives you a to or whatnot. And then it gives you a to or whatnot. And then it gives you a prayer prayer prayer >> and then uh it gives you like a gives >> and then uh it gives you like a gives >> and then uh it gives you like a gives you like a next step or something like you like a next step or something like you like a next step or something like that. And then the saving part is where that. And then the saving part is where that. And then the saving part is where you save it to your phone and it saves you save it to your phone and it saves you save it to your phone and it saves on your phone. It doesn't save to any on your phone. It doesn't save to any on your phone. It doesn't save to any cloud. No, I made sure no cloud storage, cloud. No, I made sure no cloud storage, cloud. No, I made sure no cloud storage, no nothing. So, no nothing. So, no nothing. So, >> man, I like the simplicity of this whole >> man, I like the simplicity of this whole >> man, I like the simplicity of this whole >> Yeah, it's the thing. >> Yeah, it's the thing. >> Yeah, it's the thing. >> And there's no user manual required >> And there's no user manual required >> And there's no user manual required there. there. there. >> No, no. Uhuh. I I had I had a uh >> No, no. Uhuh. I I had I had a uh >> No, no. Uhuh. I I had I had a uh actually I had a lady who was uh I think actually I had a lady who was uh I think actually I had a lady who was uh I think she's uh I'm going call it 46 just add she's uh I'm going call it 46 just add she's uh I'm going call it 46 just add about 30 years to it. But uh but I I had about 30 years to it. But uh but I I had about 30 years to it. But uh but I I had her to make sure she she kind of her to make sure she she kind of her to make sure she she kind of approved it because uh I didn't want approved it because uh I didn't want approved it because uh I didn't want anybody to have to learn how to use it.

anybody to have to learn how to use it. anybody to have to learn how to use it. I just wanted them to be able to just go I just wanted them to be able to just go I just wanted them to be able to just go in it and use it. Like no learning in it and use it. Like no learning in it and use it. Like no learning curve. curve. curve. >> So usability and privacy are two big >> So usability and privacy are two big >> So usability and privacy are two big >> Right. That's two focuses. Yeah. I mean, >> Right. That's two focuses. Yeah. I mean, >> Right. That's two focuses. Yeah. I mean, you kept the surface area really you kept the surface area really you kept the surface area really >> clean, >> clean, >> clean, >> simple, clean, >> simple, clean, >> simple, clean, >> and >> and >> and >> to the point. So, >> to the point. So, >> to the point. So, >> yeah, >> yeah, >> yeah, >> I think Jo has been talking a lot about, >> I think Jo has been talking a lot about, >> I think Jo has been talking a lot about, you know, us privacy, you know, us privacy, you know, us privacy, >> but in your positioning, I'm curious >> but in your positioning, I'm curious >> but in your positioning, I'm curious there was, and you've talked a lot about there was, and you've talked a lot about there was, and you've talked a lot about it. There's no no mention of privacy it. There's no no mention of privacy it. There's no no mention of privacy there at all. Right. So, is that there at all. Right. So, is that there at all. Right. So, is that intentional? Yeah, it's in it's intentional? Yeah, it's in it's intentional? Yeah, it's in it's intentional because uh you just want the intentional because uh you just want the intentional because uh you just want the user to be able to just uh just go in user to be able to just uh just go in user to be able to just uh just go in because when most people pick up their because when most people pick up their because when most people pick up their phone, they're not thinking about phone, they're not thinking about phone, they're not thinking about privacy. They put their information on privacy. They put their information on privacy. They put their information on the Facebook all day and not know not the Facebook all day and not know not the Facebook all day and not know not knowing that, hey, Facebook is selling knowing that, hey, Facebook is selling knowing that, hey, Facebook is selling their information. Like the user doesn't their information. Like the user doesn't their information. Like the user doesn't think about that. That's just me that think about that. That's just me that think about that. That's just me that thinks about that. Like I know what thinks about that. Like I know what thinks about that. Like I know what they're doing. like, hey, your stuff is they're doing. like, hey, your stuff is they're doing. like, hey, your stuff is going to New Mexico to Facebook's uh going to New Mexico to Facebook's uh going to New Mexico to Facebook's uh data warehouse or whatever and being data warehouse or whatever and being data warehouse or whatever and being sold for millions or billions now. So, sold for millions or billions now. So, sold for millions or billions now. So, >> are you suggesting that that's a >> are you suggesting that that's a >> are you suggesting that that's a >> potential wedge then, right? Like that's >> potential wedge then, right? Like that's >> potential wedge then, right? Like that's like a like a like a >> a differentiator >> a differentiator >> a differentiator >> that that can help you build essentially >> that that can help you build essentially >> that that can help you build essentially community community community people who people who people who >> you know what I say with my therapist is >> you know what I say with my therapist is >> you know what I say with my therapist is deeper, it's private or whatever and deeper, it's private or whatever and deeper, it's private or whatever and you're now using your platform to say you're now using your platform to say you're now using your platform to say this is also private this is also private this is also private >> like no it's not stored anywhere and all

>> like no it's not stored anywhere and all >> like no it's not stored anywhere and all of that stuff it's a clear positioning of that stuff it's a clear positioning of that stuff it's a clear positioning that can essentially then that can essentially then that can essentially then >> it's a it's a you know my marketing >> it's a it's a you know my marketing >> it's a it's a you know my marketing brain starts to switch on where this is brain starts to switch on where this is brain starts to switch on where this is your point of differentiation your point of differentiation your point of differentiation >> relative to every any other app that >> relative to every any other app that >> relative to every any other app that might pop pop out out there and you can might pop pop out out there and you can might pop pop out out there and you can tell that story uh clearly in a way tell that story uh clearly in a way tell that story uh clearly in a way nobody else can uh and help you drive nobody else can uh and help you drive nobody else can uh and help you drive traction traction traction >> that's I mean a a strategy canvas >> that's I mean a a strategy canvas >> that's I mean a a strategy canvas exercise like using like if you look up exercise like using like if you look up exercise like using like if you look up the Southwest Airlines the Southwest Airlines the Southwest Airlines >> strategy canvas, it'll become really >> strategy canvas, it'll become really >> strategy canvas, it'll become really obvious to you what you what you could obvious to you what you what you could obvious to you what you what you could do, but do, but do, but >> privacy, usability, >> privacy, usability, >> privacy, usability, >> uh something about faith. I don't I >> uh something about faith. I don't I >> uh something about faith. I don't I don't know like there'd be a couple don't know like there'd be a couple don't know like there'd be a couple things that come top of mind to go things that come top of mind to go things that come top of mind to go >> this is interesting, but then what like >> this is interesting, but then what like >> this is interesting, but then what like what do people do right now to do what do people do right now to do what do people do right now to do something similar? Do they pick up the something similar? Do they pick up the something similar? Do they pick up the Bible? And is this better uh in some way Bible? And is this better uh in some way Bible? And is this better uh in some way than picking up the Bible? Is this than picking up the Bible? Is this than picking up the Bible? Is this better than another app that does this? better than another app that does this? better than another app that does this? That differentiation's kind of That differentiation's kind of That differentiation's kind of interesting to really explore. It kind interesting to really explore. It kind interesting to really explore. It kind of identifies your what you're solving of identifies your what you're solving of identifies your what you're solving for.

for. for. >> Exactly. And that's the I try to do a >> Exactly. And that's the I try to do a >> Exactly. And that's the I try to do a comparison. There's like there's not comparison. There's like there's not comparison. There's like there's not really a comparison to say because uh really a comparison to say because uh really a comparison to say because uh there is uh like I said, they had the there is uh like I said, they had the there is uh like I said, they had the Bible app that of course they pay for Bible app that of course they pay for Bible app that of course they pay for all the versions, but at the same time all the versions, but at the same time all the versions, but at the same time they get their money from uh selling they get their money from uh selling they get their money from uh selling selling the information back. So selling the information back. So selling the information back. So yeah, that's a long story which I found yeah, that's a long story which I found yeah, that's a long story which I found out too. But uh out too. But uh out too. But uh but there not really something that just but there not really something that just but there not really something that just hey you speak this and then you go into hey you speak this and then you go into hey you speak this and then you go into this. But this. But this. But >> I feel like you're walking the line >> I feel like you're walking the line >> I feel like you're walking the line between Google search and chat TPT. between Google search and chat TPT. between Google search and chat TPT. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> With the UI and uh but then without all >> With the UI and uh but then without all >> With the UI and uh but then without all the privacy concerns of the privacy concerns of the privacy concerns of >> right >> right >> right >> of Google and >> of Google and >> of Google and >> Yeah. and Gen AI. >> Yeah. and Gen AI. >> Yeah. and Gen AI. >> Yeah. Because I in like in my mind I >> Yeah. Because I in like in my mind I >> Yeah. Because I in like in my mind I call it the uh I call it like the call it the uh I call it like the call it the uh I call it like the ultimate search uh the ultimate search ultimate search uh the ultimate search ultimate search uh the ultimate search and cope engine. That that's what I call and cope engine. That that's what I call and cope engine. That that's what I call it in my head. it in my head. it in my head. >> Wait the ultimate what? >> Wait the ultimate what? >> Wait the ultimate what? >> Cope and search engine because >> Cope and search engine because >> Cope and search engine because >> Okay. >> Okay. >> Okay. because you can there's few things you because you can there's few things you because you can there's few things you can talk to and your and and even people can talk to and your and and even people can talk to and your and and even people there's few things you can even relate there's few things you can even relate there's few things you can even relate to and talk to and you won't get any to and talk to and you won't get any to and talk to and you won't get any judgment per se or your information judgment per se or your information judgment per se or your information won't get leaked out to somebody like won't get leaked out to somebody like won't get leaked out to somebody like I'm not saying share your secrets with I'm not saying share your secrets with I'm not saying share your secrets with your phone or whatever but that's the your phone or whatever but that's the your phone or whatever but that's the closest thing you can do to sharing your closest thing you can do to sharing your closest thing you can do to sharing your secrets so secrets so secrets so >> so this is one of the things um I >> so this is one of the things um I >> so this is one of the things um I learned the hard way was I kept looking learned the hard way was I kept looking learned the hard way was I kept looking out at the market, but then in the early out at the market, but then in the early out at the market, but then in the early days, you're going to end up having like days, you're going to end up having like days, you're going to end up having like let's say the first five, the first 10 let's say the first five, the first 10 let's say the first five, the first 10 users, the first 50, the first 100.

users, the first 50, the first 100. users, the first 50, the first 100. >> And when you start to zone in on that, >> And when you start to zone in on that, >> And when you start to zone in on that, the user base or your customers, even the user base or your customers, even the user base or your customers, even established businesses, we we as an established businesses, we we as an established businesses, we we as an established business, I see so many established business, I see so many established business, I see so many businesses, they don't look into their businesses, they don't look into their businesses, they don't look into their customer base, customer base, customer base, >> they keep looking out. >> they keep looking out. >> they keep looking out. >> Yeah. The reason you want to do that is >> Yeah. The reason you want to do that is >> Yeah. The reason you want to do that is you're finding the patterns of behaviors you're finding the patterns of behaviors you're finding the patterns of behaviors or the demographics and and other or the demographics and and other or the demographics and and other factors that define factors that define factors that define >> who is it that's actually very animated >> who is it that's actually very animated >> who is it that's actually very animated and interested and interested and interested >> about what you're offering. Like they're >> about what you're offering. Like they're >> about what you're offering. Like they're just they're real passionate and just they're real passionate and just they're real passionate and sometimes they don't selfidentify sometimes they don't selfidentify sometimes they don't selfidentify themselves, themselves, themselves, >> but the signals are are there in your >> but the signals are are there in your >> but the signals are are there in your app or in whatever you're delivering. app or in whatever you're delivering. app or in whatever you're delivering. And when you can capture that, the job And when you can capture that, the job And when you can capture that, the job is actually not to try to to make every is actually not to try to to make every is actually not to try to to make every user happy. user happy. user happy. >> It's actually to go find the the group >> It's actually to go find the the group >> It's actually to go find the the group that loved it the most in the early days that loved it the most in the early days that loved it the most in the early days and then you replicate them and you find and then you replicate them and you find and then you replicate them and you find the lookalikes of them. the lookalikes of them. the lookalikes of them. >> You don't actually try to service every >> You don't actually try to service every >> You don't actually try to service every single one because you're going to get a single one because you're going to get a single one because you're going to get a lot of folks that come in lot of folks that come in lot of folks that come in >> and then they're going to log out and >> and then they're going to log out and >> and then they're going to log out and they're like, "H, this this is no good, they're like, "H, this this is no good, they're like, "H, this this is no good, Gavin."

Gavin." Gavin." >> And you might get suckered into trying >> And you might get suckered into trying >> And you might get suckered into trying to convince them. the to convince them. the to convince them. the >> I would focus more on the ones that are >> I would focus more on the ones that are >> I would focus more on the ones that are engaging and actually start to go okay engaging and actually start to go okay engaging and actually start to go okay why are you engaging why are you engaging why are you engaging >> right and it might feel egotistical to >> right and it might feel egotistical to >> right and it might feel egotistical to ask those questions but it's not you're ask those questions but it's not you're ask those questions but it's not you're trying to explore the why trying to explore the why trying to explore the why >> and then you're all you're trying to do >> and then you're all you're trying to do >> and then you're all you're trying to do is replicate and that's where just is replicate and that's where just is replicate and that's where just getting the word out into the right getting the word out into the right getting the word out into the right community which would change which event community which would change which event community which would change which event you might go to or which community you you might go to or which community you you might go to or which community you might uh reach out to because it could might uh reach out to because it could might uh reach out to because it could be that it's generally uh 50 to 70 y old be that it's generally uh 50 to 70 y old be that it's generally uh 50 to 70 y old >> x y and z something something something >> x y and z something something something >> x y and z something something something whatever and in in this specific faith whatever and in in this specific faith whatever and in in this specific faith for whatever reason you don't know and for whatever reason you don't know and for whatever reason you don't know and it's and you're in this state of it's and you're in this state of it's and you're in this state of discovery to go wait I built this thing discovery to go wait I built this thing discovery to go wait I built this thing but man it was it didn't turn out but man it was it didn't turn out but man it was it didn't turn out exactly like I thought but it's working exactly like I thought but it's working exactly like I thought but it's working >> so who's actually pulling on you right >> so who's actually pulling on you right >> so who's actually pulling on you right >> that signal is so important >> that signal is so important >> that signal is so important >> I totally agree >> I totally agree >> I totally agree >> you have those early users right now >> you have those early users right now >> you have those early users right now >> as Joe mentioned do you have those early >> as Joe mentioned do you have those early >> as Joe mentioned do you have those early users right now who are giving you users right now who are giving you users right now who are giving you information on why they're using the information on why they're using the information on why they're using the app. Do you have insights where app. Do you have insights where app. Do you have insights where >> I don't collect information? I don't >> I don't collect information? I don't >> I don't collect information? I don't know why because I'm not collecting any know why because I'm not collecting any know why because I'm not collecting any information from them. Like I don't even information from them. Like I don't even information from them. Like I don't even like anonymize the collection like like anonymize the collection like like anonymize the collection like I don't even look at how many I don't even look at how many I don't even look at how many subscribers I have.

subscribers I have. subscribers I have. >> So you just jumped into building is that >> So you just jumped into building is that >> So you just jumped into building is that correct? correct? correct? >> I built it and then I was satisfied with >> I built it and then I was satisfied with >> I built it and then I was satisfied with that testing I was like okay I put out release betas for testing and I put out release betas for testing and then when the final one I was happy with then when the final one I was happy with then when the final one I was happy with after the tweaks I was like okay I'm after the tweaks I was like okay I'm after the tweaks I was like okay I'm done. But done. But done. But >> do you know them by name or by email >> do you know them by name or by email >> do you know them by name or by email address at least you can contact them? address at least you can contact them? address at least you can contact them? >> No I am not collecting that that >> No I am not collecting that that >> No I am not collecting that that >> you know one user who who's >> you know one user who who's >> you know one user who who's >> Oh >> Oh >> Oh >> that who's that that was driving >> that who's that that was driving >> that who's that that was driving >> Oh >> Oh >> Oh >> on the app. >> on the app. >> on the app. >> Oh talking about TSH. Yeah I know >> Oh talking about TSH. Yeah I know >> Oh talking about TSH. Yeah I know Natash. So Natash. So Natash. So >> what about LLM? Is it LLM that processes >> what about LLM? Is it LLM that processes >> what about LLM? Is it LLM that processes the request? Right. Is it local LLM? the request? Right. Is it local LLM? the request? Right. Is it local LLM? >> Um, yeah, it's it's localized LLM. What >> Um, yeah, it's it's localized LLM. What >> Um, yeah, it's it's localized LLM. What I did was uh what I did was it calls out I did was uh what I did was it calls out I did was uh what I did was it calls out to the LLM, but it does not uh it does to the LLM, but it does not uh it does to the LLM, but it does not uh it does not like not store on the phone. not like not store on the phone. not like not store on the phone. >> Yeah, it does not train at all. I I had >> Yeah, it does not train at all. I I had >> Yeah, it does not train at all. I I had to make sure that so because I I don't to make sure that so because I I don't to make sure that so because I I don't want no ties, no no nothing. So, I had want no ties, no no nothing. So, I had want no ties, no no nothing. So, I had to make sure that and it took uh took to make sure that and it took uh took to make sure that and it took uh took about six months to get that right.

about six months to get that right. about six months to get that right. Uh, I just want to tell you I I truly Uh, I just want to tell you I I truly Uh, I just want to tell you I I truly admire your design principles and uh I admire your design principles and uh I admire your design principles and uh I just wanted to say that just wanted to say that just wanted to say that >> actually I lost it but I I really >> actually I lost it but I I really >> actually I lost it but I I really appreciate the design principles. Oh uh appreciate the design principles. Oh uh appreciate the design principles. Oh uh >> for the community building optin so >> for the community building optin so >> for the community building optin so consentbased like I I would encourage consentbased like I I would encourage consentbased like I I would encourage you to get that feedback but let them you to get that feedback but let them you to get that feedback but let them opt in. Like I I I love what you're opt in. Like I I I love what you're opt in. Like I I I love what you're doing. Um, but the consent, you know, doing. Um, but the consent, you know, doing. Um, but the consent, you know, like you're not opting them in, you're like you're not opting them in, you're like you're not opting them in, you're letting them consented to be opt in. So letting them consented to be opt in. So letting them consented to be opt in. So add a feedback button, you know, like add a feedback button, you know, like add a feedback button, you know, like say what what do you want to see here? say what what do you want to see here? say what what do you want to see here? And um, you know, that that that's an And um, you know, that that that's an And um, you know, that that that's an ethical way to do it. ethical way to do it. ethical way to do it. >> Yeah, >> Yeah, >> Yeah, >> that's it's funny. I was going down the >> that's it's funny. I was going down the >> that's it's funny. I was going down the same path is some kind of engagement same path is some kind of engagement same path is some kind of engagement that they can selfidentify and say, I that they can selfidentify and say, I that they can selfidentify and say, I love what's going on here and would you love what's going on here and would you love what's going on here and would you like to give feedback like to give feedback like to give feedback >> um as to not just what you would >> um as to not just what you would >> um as to not just what you would improve, improve, improve, >> but what do you love? Because the issue >> but what do you love? Because the issue >> but what do you love? Because the issue is that sometimes we don't ask folks is that sometimes we don't ask folks is that sometimes we don't ask folks what do you like about this and we screw what do you like about this and we screw what do you like about this and we screw that up that up that up >> and we don't assume that that this was >> and we don't assume that that this was >> and we don't assume that that this was actually the killer capability or actually the killer capability or actually the killer capability or there's something unique about what there's something unique about what there's something unique about what you're offering to the market and we you're offering to the market and we you're offering to the market and we lose sight of that because all we're lose sight of that because all we're lose sight of that because all we're doing is we're just keeping adding more doing is we're just keeping adding more doing is we're just keeping adding more Ben bells and whistles Ben bells and whistles Ben bells and whistles >> and it just becomes this massive surface >> and it just becomes this massive surface >> and it just becomes this massive surface area and it becomes this house of cards.

area and it becomes this house of cards. area and it becomes this house of cards. >> So you don't want to do that because you >> So you don't want to do that because you >> So you don't want to do that because you went sleek right clearly with the UI and went sleek right clearly with the UI and went sleek right clearly with the UI and it's and it's clean. So you really want it's and it's clean. So you really want it's and it's clean. So you really want to focus on what do they love, right? to focus on what do they love, right? to focus on what do they love, right? And and just replicate that and and do And and just replicate that and and do And and just replicate that and and do that more if you can in early days. that more if you can in early days. that more if you can in early days. >> I think that's part of what I need to do >> I think that's part of what I need to do >> I think that's part of what I need to do for marketing especially because uh yeah for marketing especially because uh yeah for marketing especially because uh yeah I I have myself I don't uh particularly I I have myself I don't uh particularly I I have myself I don't uh particularly brand myself on the camera because brand myself on the camera because brand myself on the camera because >> you're on the camera right now, right? >> you're on the camera right now, right? >> you're on the camera right now, right? >> Yeah. Well, >> Yeah. Well, >> Yeah. Well, Joseph. Joseph. Joseph. >> Yeah, exactly. But yeah, I'm not uh I'm >> Yeah, exactly. But yeah, I'm not uh I'm >> Yeah, exactly. But yeah, I'm not uh I'm not big on marketing myself, which I not big on marketing myself, which I not big on marketing myself, which I need to. I need I need to put a brand need to. I need I need to put a brand need to. I need I need to put a brand behind it. So more awareness. So that behind it. So more awareness. So that behind it. So more awareness. So that it's on me to do that. So it's on me to do that. So it's on me to do that. So >> yeah, I put the responsibility on me to >> yeah, I put the responsibility on me to >> yeah, I put the responsibility on me to do that. So do that. So do that. So >> and the brand is >> and the brand is >> and the brand is >> Yeah. Pure pure lead. That that's the >> Yeah. Pure pure lead. That that's the >> Yeah. Pure pure lead. That that's the that's the brand. Y'all can put the logo that's the brand. Y'all can put the logo that's the brand. Y'all can put the logo on the screen. on the screen. on the screen. >> There it is. >> There it is. >> There it is. >> Please. >> Please. >> Please. >> You said you're not marketing. >> You said you're not marketing. >> You said you're not marketing. >> No, I didn't see the Okay. See, >> No, I didn't see the Okay. See, >> No, I didn't see the Okay. See, >> we're okay.

>> we're okay. >> we're okay. >> I'm waiting. Yeah, >> I'm waiting. Yeah, >> I'm waiting. Yeah, >> you clearly have a market a strategic >> you clearly have a market a strategic >> you clearly have a market a strategic marketing mindset. marketing mindset. marketing mindset. >> Hey, they put the logo on the screen. I >> Hey, they put the logo on the screen. I >> Hey, they put the logo on the screen. I ain't got the clicker. ain't got the clicker. ain't got the clicker. >> And I just want to uh say thank you to >> And I just want to uh say thank you to >> And I just want to uh say thank you to Innovation Studio cuz they're helping Innovation Studio cuz they're helping Innovation Studio cuz they're helping founders become more visible and that's founders become more visible and that's founders become more visible and that's really why we like this space. So, we'll really why we like this space. So, we'll really why we like this space. So, we'll have this QR code up again if you want have this QR code up again if you want have this QR code up again if you want to get involved, if you want to present to get involved, if you want to present to get involved, if you want to present here, if you want to be a part of this, here, if you want to be a part of this, here, if you want to be a part of this, like come build it with us. Uh yeah. like come build it with us. Uh yeah. like come build it with us. Uh yeah. >> Yeah. Know it's important actually to >> Yeah. Know it's important actually to >> Yeah. Know it's important actually to get this uh air time get this uh air time get this uh air time >> uh is so important. Um, I'd encourage >> uh is so important. Um, I'd encourage >> uh is so important. Um, I'd encourage you all if whether it's at an event like you all if whether it's at an event like you all if whether it's at an event like this, uh, even gathering a couple of this, uh, even gathering a couple of this, uh, even gathering a couple of your friends or family, uh, you know, your friends or family, uh, you know, your friends or family, uh, you know, when you're working on something, when you're working on something, when you're working on something, >> put yourself up in front of them and >> put yourself up in front of them and >> put yourself up in front of them and actually share. actually share. actually share. >> Uh, even the one-on-one sharing of what >> Uh, even the one-on-one sharing of what >> Uh, even the one-on-one sharing of what you're working on, you have to have, you you're working on, you have to have, you you're working on, you have to have, you know, one of my adviserss, J.R., talks know, one of my adviserss, J.R., talks know, one of my adviserss, J.R., talks about this. You got to get the reps, about this. You got to get the reps, about this. You got to get the reps, right? This is like going to the gym. right? This is like going to the gym. right? This is like going to the gym. You have to get the repetitions. And the You have to get the repetitions. And the You have to get the repetitions. And the more repetition you have in being able more repetition you have in being able more repetition you have in being able to communicate on what you're doing, you to communicate on what you're doing, you to communicate on what you're doing, you can get the signals and you'll see it can get the signals and you'll see it can get the signals and you'll see it when someone's confused and they're when someone's confused and they're when someone's confused and they're like, I don't even know what this guy like, I don't even know what this guy like, I don't even know what this guy said. You know that you need to work on said. You know that you need to work on said. You know that you need to work on communicating at a seventh grader level, communicating at a seventh grader level, communicating at a seventh grader level, >> right? And so you're going to get better >> right? And so you're going to get better >> right? And so you're going to get better at that. And when you start to get the at that. And when you start to get the at that. And when you start to get the lean in and you see the sparkle in their lean in and you see the sparkle in their lean in and you see the sparkle in their eye when you're saying something, you eye when you're saying something, you eye when you're saying something, you need to rewind what you just said need to rewind what you just said need to rewind what you just said because you got to replicate that because you got to replicate that because you got to replicate that >> and you don't want to miss that. So >> and you don't want to miss that. So >> and you don't want to miss that. So whenever that happens, you start to whenever that happens, you start to whenever that happens, you start to actually become very boring and you have actually become very boring and you have actually become very boring and you have to repeat yourself. My wife hates it to repeat yourself. My wife hates it to repeat yourself. My wife hates it that I keep saying that I lost my hair

that I keep saying that I lost my hair that I keep saying that I lost my hair in my previous business and she says, in my previous business and she says, in my previous business and she says, "Joe, how many times are you going to "Joe, how many times are you going to "Joe, how many times are you going to keep saying this?" And I'm like, "That's keep saying this?" And I'm like, "That's keep saying this?" And I'm like, "That's my stick. That's just what I do, right? my stick. That's just what I do, right? my stick. That's just what I do, right? And it's just a thing." And it's I've And it's just a thing." And it's I've And it's just a thing." And it's I've said that for like literally 10 years, said that for like literally 10 years, said that for like literally 10 years, >> right? So it can feel a little >> right? So it can feel a little >> right? So it can feel a little redundant, but you have to keep redundant, but you have to keep redundant, but you have to keep repeating and beating the drum. repeating and beating the drum. repeating and beating the drum. >> Yeah. Yeah. That that's so true. Like I >> Yeah. Yeah. That that's so true. Like I >> Yeah. Yeah. That that's so true. Like I said, I I have no excuse, though. I I said, I I have no excuse, though. I I said, I I have no excuse, though. I I don't have an excuse. Like I I would say don't have an excuse. Like I I would say don't have an excuse. Like I I would say even my personal like I say my personal even my personal like I say my personal even my personal like I say my personal social media, Facebook in particular, social media, Facebook in particular, social media, Facebook in particular, it's full. Like I I'm at I'm right at it's full. Like I I'm at I'm right at it's full. Like I I'm at I'm right at 5,000. So it it's it's it's about full. 5,000. So it it's it's it's about full. 5,000. So it it's it's it's about full. So I need to do better as far as as far So I need to do better as far as as far So I need to do better as far as as far as like branding myself period. Like as like branding myself period. Like as like branding myself period. Like >> we're all on a journey. >> we're all on a journey. >> we're all on a journey. >> Yeah, I'm on a journey, but I need I >> Yeah, I'm on a journey, but I need I >> Yeah, I'm on a journey, but I need I need to do better though. I need to do need to do better though. I need to do need to do better though. I need to do better. that understanding that there's better. that understanding that there's better. that understanding that there's always like there's one step ahead to always like there's one step ahead to always like there's one step ahead to take is take is take is >> that's it. It's a journey, right? And >> that's it. It's a journey, right? And >> that's it. It's a journey, right? And and that and if you've got that and that and if you've got that and that and if you've got that mentality, mentality, mentality, >> um that's the curiosity thing to go, >> um that's the curiosity thing to go, >> um that's the curiosity thing to go, okay, I want to learn to actually get okay, I want to learn to actually get okay, I want to learn to actually get better. better. better. >> Um I the thing I that's just kryptonite >> Um I the thing I that's just kryptonite >> Um I the thing I that's just kryptonite for me for me for me >> are the founders that have the big heads >> are the founders that have the big heads >> are the founders that have the big heads and the big egos, right? It's like no, and the big egos, right? It's like no, and the big egos, right? It's like no, you're Monday morning, you're back in you're Monday morning, you're back in you're Monday morning, you're back in kindergarten, kindergarten, kindergarten, >> right? You're starting over again and >> right? You're starting over again and >> right? You're starting over again and you're learning and until you and when you're learning and until you and when you're learning and until you and when that stops, then you're done. Like that stops, then you're done. Like that stops, then you're done. Like you're just no longer innovating. Yeah.

you're just no longer innovating. Yeah. you're just no longer innovating. Yeah. >> So, so it's without a doubt. >> So, so it's without a doubt. >> So, so it's without a doubt. >> Anyone have like feedback or thoughts? >> Anyone have like feedback or thoughts? >> Anyone have like feedback or thoughts? >> How much time do we have? >> How much time do we have? >> How much time do we have? >> We have about two minutes. >> We have about two minutes. >> We have about two minutes. >> Say, uh, >> Say, uh, >> Say, uh, >> you want to share your logo? >> you want to share your logo? >> you want to share your logo? >> Oh, >> Oh, >> Oh, >> oh, no, the logo. No, not the logo. The >> oh, no, the logo. No, not the logo. The >> oh, no, the logo. No, not the logo. The QR code to download it. QR code to download it. QR code to download it. >> All right. >> All right. >> All right. >> Yeah, >> Yeah, >> Yeah, >> yeah, I got I did that piece. >> yeah, I got I did that piece. >> yeah, I got I did that piece. >> Oh, there you logo. >> Oh, there you logo. >> Oh, there you logo. >> I did the logo. >> I did the logo. >> I did the logo. >> Yeah. Yeah. Scan it for you. >> Yeah. Yeah. Scan it for you. >> Yeah. Yeah. Scan it for you. >> Oh, yeah. Here you go, man. >> Oh, yeah. Here you go, man. >> Oh, yeah. Here you go, man. >> I'm not gonna get it. Ey. >> I'm not gonna get it. Ey. >> I'm not gonna get it. Ey. Oh yeah, because uh yeah, we talked Oh yeah, because uh yeah, we talked Oh yeah, because uh yeah, we talked about it. Y'all want to hear talked about it. Y'all want to hear talked about it. Y'all want to hear talked about and all that stuff, right? Yeah. about and all that stuff, right? Yeah. about and all that stuff, right? Yeah. The word uh the regular purely is copy. The word uh the regular purely is copy. The word uh the regular purely is copy. So it's a flip and I had to improvise So it's a flip and I had to improvise So it's a flip and I had to improvise that real fast. So I want to infringe on that real fast. So I want to infringe on that real fast. So I want to infringe on >> your thing says on private reflection >> your thing says on private reflection >> your thing says on private reflection and and guidance. and and guidance. and and guidance. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Oh, okay. Yeah, the tagline. Yeah, it >> Oh, okay. Yeah, the tagline. Yeah, it >> Oh, okay. Yeah, the tagline. Yeah, it says that private reflection and says that private reflection and says that private reflection and guidance. guidance. guidance. >> Yeah, >> Yeah, >> Yeah, >> but as it doesn't say, it's simple and >> but as it doesn't say, it's simple and >> but as it doesn't say, it's simple and easy to use though. Just kidding. Just easy to use though. Just kidding. Just easy to use though. Just kidding. Just kidding.

kidding. kidding. >> So, >> So, >> So, so thank you, Gavin. Um I I don't want so thank you, Gavin. Um I I don't want so thank you, Gavin. Um I I don't want to keep everybody on couch too long to keep everybody on couch too long to keep everybody on couch too long because I I know there have been some because I I know there have been some because I I know there have been some exciting questions waiting, especially exciting questions waiting, especially exciting questions waiting, especially Megan to some of the uh the uh uh Megan to some of the uh the uh uh Megan to some of the uh the uh uh speakers ask about questions for your speakers ask about questions for your speakers ask about questions for your app. So, if you don't mind, what I want app. So, if you don't mind, what I want app. So, if you don't mind, what I want to do first is go around the couch. Um, to do first is go around the couch. Um, to do first is go around the couch. Um, so the people sitting on the couch are so the people sitting on the couch are so the people sitting on the couch are the participants. Uh, the guests are the participants. Uh, the guests are the participants. Uh, the guests are sitting in the back. Uh, if you are a sitting in the back. Uh, if you are a sitting in the back. Uh, if you are a guest, I don't you want to speak, you guest, I don't you want to speak, you guest, I don't you want to speak, you can speak up. But what we're going to can speak up. But what we're going to can speak up. But what we're going to start off first is each person on the start off first is each person on the start off first is each person on the couch kind of introduce themselves, talk couch kind of introduce themselves, talk couch kind of introduce themselves, talk about their startup, and where they are about their startup, and where they are about their startup, and where they are in their journey in terms of um building in their journey in terms of um building in their journey in terms of um building a community. a community. a community. >> Uh, I'm Deji. Uh I was an I'm an ex CMO >> Uh, I'm Deji. Uh I was an I'm an ex CMO >> Uh, I'm Deji. Uh I was an I'm an ex CMO of a direct consumer company that was of a direct consumer company that was of a direct consumer company that was venturebacked and I'm building in the venturebacked and I'm building in the venturebacked and I'm building in the influencer marketing space. Uh the name influencer marketing space. Uh the name influencer marketing space. Uh the name of the company is OA. Uh what we're of the company is OA. Uh what we're of the company is OA. Uh what we're trying to do is get help businesses run trying to do is get help businesses run trying to do is get help businesses run more creators uh not more busy work more creators uh not more busy work more creators uh not more busy work because the running an influencer because the running an influencer because the running an influencer marketing program is very operationally marketing program is very operationally marketing program is very operationally intensive and they and a lot of intensive and they and a lot of intensive and they and a lot of companies are just patching doing companies are just patching doing companies are just patching doing patchwork to get um to get from point A patchwork to get um to get from point A patchwork to get um to get from point A to point B. Um, and this was born out of to point B. Um, and this was born out of to point B. Um, and this was born out of a passion of it was a bin of my a passion of it was a bin of my a passion of it was a bin of my existence uh at my previous job running existence uh at my previous job running existence uh at my previous job running after chasing down influencers, where after chasing down influencers, where after chasing down influencers, where are the assets, figuring out how to pay are the assets, figuring out how to pay are the assets, figuring out how to pay them, paying them on PayPal, VMO, um, them, paying them on PayPal, VMO, um, them, paying them on PayPal, VMO, um, Apple Pay, and all of that stuff. So, Apple Pay, and all of that stuff. So, Apple Pay, and all of that stuff. So, yeah.

yeah. yeah. >> Uh, thank you, Deji. Uh, my name is Jose >> Uh, thank you, Deji. Uh, my name is Jose >> Uh, thank you, Deji. Uh, my name is Jose Van. I'm the founder of Next Shift IQ. Van. I'm the founder of Next Shift IQ. Van. I'm the founder of Next Shift IQ. It's a career intelligence platform. Uh It's a career intelligence platform. Uh It's a career intelligence platform. Uh looking to let's let's change the mold looking to let's let's change the mold looking to let's let's change the mold on how we go about recruiting. Uh I've on how we go about recruiting. Uh I've on how we go about recruiting. Uh I've gone through the market validation gone through the market validation gone through the market validation phase. Now I'm trying to pull it out of phase. Now I'm trying to pull it out of phase. Now I'm trying to pull it out of the uh valley of death by by uh engaging the uh valley of death by by uh engaging the uh valley of death by by uh engaging my my community. I have four different my my community. I have four different my my community. I have four different communities built around the the solving communities built around the the solving communities built around the the solving the problem uh and now is taking that the problem uh and now is taking that the problem uh and now is taking that community and converting into capital community and converting into capital community and converting into capital gain. gain. gain. >> Hello everyone, I'm Shiva Swaminatan. Uh >> Hello everyone, I'm Shiva Swaminatan. Uh >> Hello everyone, I'm Shiva Swaminatan. Uh I'm in the edtech space building a I'm in the edtech space building a I'm in the edtech space building a product for the Australian K12. So you product for the Australian K12. So you product for the Australian K12. So you might wonder why am I sitting here if might wonder why am I sitting here if might wonder why am I sitting here if it's Australian K12. So my f founder is it's Australian K12. So my f founder is it's Australian K12. So my f founder is in Australia and his daughter had this in Australia and his daughter had this in Australia and his daughter had this problem of getting hyperpersonalized problem of getting hyperpersonalized problem of getting hyperpersonalized learning for exam preparation in K12. So learning for exam preparation in K12. So learning for exam preparation in K12. So we validated the problem pretty we validated the problem pretty we validated the problem pretty thoroughly and uh worked with you know thoroughly and uh worked with you know thoroughly and uh worked with you know students out there like started with 50 students out there like started with 50 students out there like started with 50 students to begin with and then built a students to begin with and then built a students to begin with and then built a community of around 500 students. So we community of around 500 students. So we community of around 500 students. So we have two products um both AIdriven have two products um both AIdriven have two products um both AIdriven products one for an exam called the VCE products one for an exam called the VCE products one for an exam called the VCE and the other called the VSSE and uh we and the other called the VSSE and uh we and the other called the VSSE and uh we just launched the VSE product it had just launched the VSE product it had just launched the VSE product it had good traction around 250 plus users and good traction around 250 plus users and good traction around 250 plus users and uh we're now moving on to a B2B model uh we're now moving on to a B2B model uh we're now moving on to a B2B model working with the schools to adopt our working with the schools to adopt our working with the schools to adopt our platform for higher scale.

Hi all um all so I wear many different Hi all um all so I wear many different hats uh so I'll start with the since we hats uh so I'll start with the since we hats uh so I'll start with the since we talked about community so the first one talked about community so the first one talked about community so the first one is rocket network so founder of rocket is rocket network so founder of rocket is rocket network so founder of rocket network uh what we do is we try to network uh what we do is we try to network uh what we do is we try to connect the dots and I think there's connect the dots and I think there's connect the dots and I think there's some synergy between what bloom does some synergy between what bloom does some synergy between what bloom does bloom network does so we should bloom network does so we should bloom network does so we should definitely chat more about that but definitely chat more about that but definitely chat more about that but we're trying to connect the dots of the we're trying to connect the dots of the we're trying to connect the dots of the innovation ecosystem in Houston and let innovation ecosystem in Houston and let innovation ecosystem in Houston and let know folks what what's going on every know folks what what's going on every know folks what what's going on every single week Every Sunday I send out a single week Every Sunday I send out a single week Every Sunday I send out a newsletter with all the meetups related newsletter with all the meetups related newsletter with all the meetups related to you know startup founder meetups like to you know startup founder meetups like to you know startup founder meetups like this right uh developer meetups all this right uh developer meetups all this right uh developer meetups all related to investing uh building you related to investing uh building you related to investing uh building you know things of that nature so my know things of that nature so my know things of that nature so my essentially subscribers are founders essentially subscribers are founders essentially subscribers are founders developers investors those those kind of developers investors those those kind of developers investors those those kind of folks and I'm also co-founder of busy folks and I'm also co-founder of busy folks and I'm also co-founder of busy soy is a orchestration hub for software soy is a orchestration hub for software soy is a orchestration hub for software development uh so how do you build in a development uh so how do you build in a development uh so how do you build in a way that's measurable, managed, and I way that's measurable, managed, and I way that's measurable, managed, and I like to say with less prompting and like to say with less prompting and like to say with less prompting and praying, but not I didn't plan this I didn't plan this >> less prompting and praying. So, right >> less prompting and praying. So, right >> less prompting and praying. So, right now we're we're in a little bit of a now we're we're in a little bit of a now we're we're in a little bit of a pivot. We're trying to do um more we pivot. We're trying to do um more we pivot. We're trying to do um more we leaning in leaning in leaning in >> less praying or more which which way >> less praying or more which which way >> less praying or more which which way >> actually actually I think that you know >> actually actually I think that you know >> actually actually I think that you know entropic and open AI they are running entropic and open AI they are running entropic and open AI they are running like a drug dealer model where we you like a drug dealer model where we you like a drug dealer model where we you know we we get hooked on the tokens and know we we get hooked on the tokens and know we we get hooked on the tokens and somebody have to measure like how is somebody have to measure like how is somebody have to measure like how is your team is spending the tokens so uh your team is spending the tokens so uh your team is spending the tokens so uh we build out an analytics that help you

we build out an analytics that help you we build out an analytics that help you track that how your team is using it and track that how your team is using it and track that how your team is using it and so you can optimize it so you don't have so you can optimize it so you don't have so you can optimize it so you don't have to be dependent but I'll just stop there to be dependent but I'll just stop there to be dependent but I'll just stop there for now. for now. for now. >> Awesome. >> Awesome. >> Awesome. >> Less prompt and more All kinds of ways. All kinds of ways. >> There it is. Hey, hey, hey. New motto. >> There it is. Hey, hey, hey. New motto. >> There it is. Hey, hey, hey. New motto. New motto. >> I'm Gavin Nasam. Um I am founder of >> I'm Gavin Nasam. Um I am founder of Gavine Consulting Services and I Gavine Consulting Services and I Gavine Consulting Services and I actually uh created the uh app purely um actually uh created the uh app purely um actually uh created the uh app purely um that's under the umbrella of Gavine that's under the umbrella of Gavine that's under the umbrella of Gavine Consulting. Um as we all heard, it's uh Consulting. Um as we all heard, it's uh Consulting. Um as we all heard, it's uh an app that's actually uh pretty private an app that's actually uh pretty private an app that's actually uh pretty private as we can say. Um, also want to give a as we can say. Um, also want to give a as we can say. Um, also want to give a shout out to this 77 stash like shout out to this 77 stash like shout out to this 77 stash like >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Got Yeah, pretty good. Joe got his uh >> Got Yeah, pretty good. Joe got his uh >> Got Yeah, pretty good. Joe got his uh Yeah, his gone. Yeah, his gone. Yeah, his gone. >> I like it. >> I like it. >> I like it. >> And then uh I think there was like eight >> And then uh I think there was like eight >> And then uh I think there was like eight more bottles, but uh we only got three more bottles, but uh we only got three more bottles, but uh we only got three left. Yeah, y'all y'all guzzling up, left. Yeah, y'all y'all guzzling up, left. Yeah, y'all y'all guzzling up, man. So, but uh yeah, just thank you for man. So, but uh yeah, just thank you for man. So, but uh yeah, just thank you for the opportunity and uh I just appreciate the opportunity and uh I just appreciate the opportunity and uh I just appreciate everybody. Say hey to everybody in the everybody. Say hey to everybody in the everybody. Say hey to everybody in the audience, too.

Oh yes. Oh yes. >> My name is Tammy Deafuente and I am the >> My name is Tammy Deafuente and I am the >> My name is Tammy Deafuente and I am the founder of Second Chance Parenting founder of Second Chance Parenting founder of Second Chance Parenting Solutions. We are a consultancy that Solutions. We are a consultancy that Solutions. We are a consultancy that helps young adults and their parents age helps young adults and their parents age helps young adults and their parents age 18 to 34 18 to 34 18 to 34 um to address failure to thrive. Um you um to address failure to thrive. Um you um to address failure to thrive. Um you may not know this but uh the National may not know this but uh the National may not know this but uh the National Center for Education Statistics Center for Education Statistics Center for Education Statistics um has done research and one in four um has done research and one in four um has done research and one in four adults in that age group is either not adults in that age group is either not adults in that age group is either not being educated, not in the workforce or being educated, not in the workforce or being educated, not in the workforce or not in some sort of vocational training. not in some sort of vocational training. not in some sort of vocational training. So this is a huge massive subset of the So this is a huge massive subset of the So this is a huge massive subset of the community that is just stalled where, community that is just stalled where, community that is just stalled where, you know, we're just in our rooms gaming you know, we're just in our rooms gaming you know, we're just in our rooms gaming or we don't have a life plan. And so um or we don't have a life plan. And so um or we don't have a life plan. And so um I have three tiers, a digital toolkit, a I have three tiers, a digital toolkit, a I have three tiers, a digital toolkit, a guided cohort, and also um a one-on-one guided cohort, and also um a one-on-one guided cohort, and also um a one-on-one professional consulting that I'm hoping professional consulting that I'm hoping professional consulting that I'm hoping to launch. And that's what I want to do.

to launch. And that's what I want to do. to launch. And that's what I want to do. I um I come to entrepreneurship I um I come to entrepreneurship I um I come to entrepreneurship involuntarily although I have consulted involuntarily although I have consulted involuntarily although I have consulted quite a bit in as in my career as a quite a bit in as in my career as a quite a bit in as in my career as a digital marketer but just a 1099 or a digital marketer but just a 1099 or a digital marketer but just a 1099 or a contractor on W2. This is the first time contractor on W2. This is the first time contractor on W2. This is the first time where I'm actually putting more effort where I'm actually putting more effort where I'm actually putting more effort into entrepreneurship than I would into entrepreneurship than I would into entrepreneurship than I would finding a regular job. finding a regular job. finding a regular job. >> And so I think I'm proud of that. >> And so I think I'm proud of that. >> And so I think I'm proud of that. >> Let's go. >> Let's go. >> Let's go. >> Yeah. Exactly. >> Yeah. Exactly. >> Yeah. Exactly. Oh, Oh, Oh, uh I I want to just say how like uh I I want to just say how like uh I I want to just say how like valuable that is. Uh I've been valuable that is. Uh I've been valuable that is. Uh I've been unemployed for three months and that's unemployed for three months and that's unemployed for three months and that's where I've been given the space to do where I've been given the space to do where I've been given the space to do this and it's just something that is this and it's just something that is this and it's just something that is very special and just imagine if we can very special and just imagine if we can very special and just imagine if we can all do the things all the time that we all do the things all the time that we all do the things all the time that we see that we can do. Um yeah, so uh see that we can do. Um yeah, so uh see that we can do. Um yeah, so uh Houston Bloom isn't a legal entity. uh Houston Bloom isn't a legal entity. uh Houston Bloom isn't a legal entity. uh they I'm a member of Bloom network, but they I'm a member of Bloom network, but they I'm a member of Bloom network, but I'm just an individual just uh and I I I'm just an individual just uh and I I I'm just an individual just uh and I I intend to keep it that way because what intend to keep it that way because what intend to keep it that way because what I hope is that any individual can move I hope is that any individual can move I hope is that any individual can move through the system and make the change.

through the system and make the change. through the system and make the change. I don't want to have to be a company to I don't want to have to be a company to I don't want to have to be a company to do so. do so. do so. >> Awesome. >> Awesome. >> Awesome. I just wanted to just say a thank you I just wanted to just say a thank you I just wanted to just say a thank you because I already introduced myself just because I already introduced myself just because I already introduced myself just uh to innovation studio and Joseph uh as uh to innovation studio and Joseph uh as uh to innovation studio and Joseph uh as well uh and everyone involved uh with well uh and everyone involved uh with well uh and everyone involved uh with organizing this because this kind of organizing this because this kind of organizing this because this kind of interaction and sharing is a big part of interaction and sharing is a big part of interaction and sharing is a big part of creating that network effect right it's creating that network effect right it's creating that network effect right it's actually to to connect and then figure actually to to connect and then figure actually to to connect and then figure out how we help each other in terms of out how we help each other in terms of out how we help each other in terms of getting to that next step so this is getting to that next step so this is getting to that next step so this is this is awesome this is awesome this is awesome >> sorry so I I do I want to introduce us >> sorry so I I do I want to introduce us >> sorry so I I do I want to introduce us to the the gentleman who brought show us to the the gentleman who brought show us to the the gentleman who brought show us this drink. Uh, I want him to have to this drink. Uh, I want him to have to this drink. Uh, I want him to have to speak a little bit. Um, he's sitting in speak a little bit. Um, he's sitting in speak a little bit. Um, he's sitting in the back seat. He's trying to run away. the back seat. He's trying to run away. the back seat. He's trying to run away. >> He thought it was clever. >> He thought it was clever. >> He thought it was clever. >> I wasn't wasn't trying to Is this on >> I wasn't wasn't trying to Is this on >> I wasn't wasn't trying to Is this on >> wasn't trying to get in front of the >> wasn't trying to get in front of the >> wasn't trying to get in front of the camera today, but hey everybody. Shaka. camera today, but hey everybody. Shaka. camera today, but hey everybody. Shaka. I'm one of the sales reps for 77 Stash. I'm one of the sales reps for 77 Stash. I'm one of the sales reps for 77 Stash. It's a locally made, local locally grown It's a locally made, local locally grown It's a locally made, local locally grown drink. Um it has been in operation for drink. Um it has been in operation for drink. Um it has been in operation for about like five years I believe now. Um about like five years I believe now. Um about like five years I believe now. Um one of my best friends is the uh the one of my best friends is the uh the one of my best friends is the uh the owner and we have uh actually had a nice owner and we have uh actually had a nice owner and we have uh actually had a nice bit of uh success over the last uh three bit of uh success over the last uh three bit of uh success over the last uh three months uh with working with uh through months uh with working with uh through months uh with working with uh through one of our sales channels at TSU. So, one of our sales channels at TSU. So, one of our sales channels at TSU. So, come uh this football season, you'll come uh this football season, you'll come uh this football season, you'll actually be able to purchase a TSU actually be able to purchase a TSU actually be able to purchase a TSU branded flavor of 77 Stash at the games

branded flavor of 77 Stash at the games branded flavor of 77 Stash at the games and at the various um uh outlets that we and at the various um uh outlets that we and at the various um uh outlets that we sell at, including uh Radio Market. sell at, including uh Radio Market. sell at, including uh Radio Market. >> That's awesome. >> That's awesome. >> That's awesome. >> And I'm reading on some of the uh uh so >> And I'm reading on some of the uh uh so >> And I'm reading on some of the uh uh so uh congestion, sinus relief, all that uh congestion, sinus relief, all that uh congestion, sinus relief, all that stuff. It really does help with stuff. It really does help with stuff. It really does help with >> Yeah. So, uh, all of those, >> Yeah. So, uh, all of those, >> Yeah. So, uh, all of those, so all of those are I'm not going to say so all of those are I'm not going to say so all of those are I'm not going to say all of the ingredients, but majority of all of the ingredients, but majority of all of the ingredients, but majority of the ingredients that we can grow here in the ingredients that we can grow here in the ingredients that we can grow here in Houston, we grow here in Houston. And Houston, we grow here in Houston. And Houston, we grow here in Houston. And the important thing about that is the important thing about that is the important thing about that is because it's not uh grown in the typical because it's not uh grown in the typical because it's not uh grown in the typical fashions of uh of regular um uh produce, fashions of uh of regular um uh produce, fashions of uh of regular um uh produce, uh, we have a better nutrition quality. uh, we have a better nutrition quality. uh, we have a better nutrition quality. We pay attention a lot more to the We pay attention a lot more to the We pay attention a lot more to the quality and how we actually treat the quality and how we actually treat the quality and how we actually treat the soil and going into the uh the products. soil and going into the uh the products. soil and going into the uh the products. >> Awesome. Um without further >> uh not this is our price.

>> uh not this is our price. >> He's holding on to it now. >> He's holding on to it now. >> He's holding on to it now. >> Yeah, this I have Oh man, >> Yeah, this I have Oh man, >> Yeah, this I have Oh man, >> we are not unfortunate. So I I do this. >> we are not unfortunate. So I I do this. >> we are not unfortunate. So I I do this. >> Red Dragon chai is a fine flavor. I I >> Red Dragon chai is a fine flavor. I I >> Red Dragon chai is a fine flavor. I I was told if I got rid of this, I'll have was told if I got rid of this, I'll have was told if I got rid of this, I'll have to take your soul. to take your soul. to take your soul. >> Wow. >> We'll see. Let's chat after. I'll I'll >> We'll see. Let's chat after. I'll I'll get you a copy. I'll figure out. get you a copy. I'll figure out. get you a copy. I'll figure out. >> But, uh, we had some people have some >> But, uh, we had some people have some >> But, uh, we had some people have some questions for Megan, and I think we had questions for Megan, and I think we had questions for Megan, and I think we had some questions for Gavin, too. I want to some questions for Gavin, too. I want to some questions for Gavin, too. I want to start off with our questions. start off with our questions. start off with our questions. >> Yeah. Thank you. >> Yeah. Thank you. >> Yeah. Thank you. >> No worries. >> No worries. >> No worries. >> Yeah. Thanks for, um, you know, giving >> Yeah. Thanks for, um, you know, giving >> Yeah. Thanks for, um, you know, giving me the mic first up. me the mic first up. me the mic first up. >> No worries. So um you talked about local >> No worries. So um you talked about local >> No worries. So um you talked about local models and um having hardware right so I models and um having hardware right so I models and um having hardware right so I wasn't sure is it a edge hardware or wasn't sure is it a edge hardware or wasn't sure is it a edge hardware or cloud hardware cloud hardware cloud hardware >> edge >> edge >> edge >> edge >> edge >> edge >> and what is it where is it going to be >> and what is it where is it going to be >> and what is it where is it going to be situated like in the impact hub? Oh, so situated like in the impact hub? Oh, so situated like in the impact hub? Oh, so um right now it's situated in my house, um right now it's situated in my house, um right now it's situated in my house, but uh the idea is that in spaces where but uh the idea is that in spaces where but uh the idea is that in spaces where people meet, uh it should be able to be people meet, uh it should be able to be people meet, uh it should be able to be installed. Um access to it right now, I installed. Um access to it right now, I installed. Um access to it right now, I believe, can I don't know, it's still in believe, can I don't know, it's still in believe, can I don't know, it's still in the works because obviously we can't the works because obviously we can't the works because obviously we can't move my large system, but the idea is move my large system, but the idea is move my large system, but the idea is we're targeting maybe co-working spaces we're targeting maybe co-working spaces we're targeting maybe co-working spaces as a hub or maker spaces as good as a hub or maker spaces as good as a hub or maker spaces as good locations. Um again the minimum hardware locations. Um again the minimum hardware locations. Um again the minimum hardware required and the workflows needed to required and the workflows needed to required and the workflows needed to support I don't think frontier models support I don't think frontier models support I don't think frontier models are going to be required for just are going to be required for just are going to be required for just matchmaking and resource gathering but matchmaking and resource gathering but matchmaking and resource gathering but when we have communities needing to when we have communities needing to when we have communities needing to build obviously if we're not using build obviously if we're not using build obviously if we're not using frontier models we're not going to be as

frontier models we're not going to be as frontier models we're not going to be as effective as we could be. Um and so the effective as we could be. Um and so the effective as we could be. Um and so the progression right now I think we can do progression right now I think we can do progression right now I think we can do the work on smaller machines. Uh Apple's the work on smaller machines. Uh Apple's the work on smaller machines. Uh Apple's like leading the way. they're ensuring like leading the way. they're ensuring like leading the way. they're ensuring that uh their laptops will be able to that uh their laptops will be able to that uh their laptops will be able to handle local AI and so eventually handle local AI and so eventually handle local AI and so eventually everyone's going to have an iPhone that everyone's going to have an iPhone that everyone's going to have an iPhone that can you know what I mean like it's it's can you know what I mean like it's it's can you know what I mean like it's it's uh a progression towards it um and the uh a progression towards it um and the uh a progression towards it um and the models are just going to keep getting models are just going to keep getting models are just going to keep getting better um yeah better um yeah better um yeah >> yeah so my my background is in hardware >> yeah so my my background is in hardware >> yeah so my my background is in hardware so I get excited by this IP so I get excited by this IP so I get excited by this IP in the edge comput domain in the edge comput domain in the edge comput domain >> so how do you transfer the data from the >> so how do you transfer the data from the >> so how do you transfer the data from the laptops of the users who are sitting all laptops of the users who are sitting all laptops of the users who are sitting all over Houston and to this edge device over Houston and to this edge device over Houston and to this edge device right right right >> so um we are looking at uh ZIM, Kiwi ZID >> so um we are looking at uh ZIM, Kiwi ZID >> so um we are looking at uh ZIM, Kiwi ZID uh as a uh mechanism. So Kiwi Zim is uh as a uh mechanism. So Kiwi Zim is uh as a uh mechanism. So Kiwi Zim is what rural schools use to access the what rural schools use to access the what rural schools use to access the internet. Um and so it becomes a thing internet. Um and so it becomes a thing internet. Um and so it becomes a thing where you're in a room with your where you're in a room with your where you're in a room with your community. They can send you the file. community. They can send you the file. community. They can send you the file. See all these things can be figured out See all these things can be figured out See all these things can be figured out like exactly the easiest way to send it. like exactly the easiest way to send it. like exactly the easiest way to send it. But the idea is that it doesn't need to But the idea is that it doesn't need to But the idea is that it doesn't need to go to a cloud to do it and it gets go to a cloud to do it and it gets go to a cloud to do it and it gets stored on the community's hardware. Um stored on the community's hardware. Um stored on the community's hardware. Um and the thing about QXim is that like and the thing about QXim is that like and the thing about QXim is that like the internet can it's a compression the internet can it's a compression the internet can it's a compression mechanism that can fit on a thumb drive.

mechanism that can fit on a thumb drive. mechanism that can fit on a thumb drive. Um, yeah. Um, yeah. Um, yeah. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. >> That's what we figured out so far at >> That's what we figured out so far at >> That's what we figured out so far at least. least. least. >> How do you spell that? >> How do you spell that? >> How do you spell that? >> K I W I and then Z I M. Kwick Zim. >> K I W I and then Z I M. Kwick Zim. >> K I W I and then Z I M. Kwick Zim. >> Okay. >> Okay. >> Okay. >> Zim. >> Zim. >> Zim. >> K I W I Zim. Yeah. >> K I W I Zim. Yeah. >> K I W I Zim. Yeah. From a security standpoint, how do you From a security standpoint, how do you From a security standpoint, how do you like that? How do you ensure security? like that? How do you ensure security? like that? How do you ensure security? >> So, uh, the people like the members are >> So, uh, the people like the members are >> So, uh, the people like the members are consenting to have the community hold consenting to have the community hold consenting to have the community hold that data. And so I get to say, do I that data. And so I get to say, do I that data. And so I get to say, do I want my name attached to it? want my name attached to it? want my name attached to it? >> Uh do I want them to send it out of the >> Uh do I want them to send it out of the >> Uh do I want them to send it out of the community? And so these are governance community? And so these are governance community? And so these are governance data governance protocols that need to data governance protocols that need to data governance protocols that need to be built within those communities. But be built within those communities. But be built within those communities. But the idea is that it's consent based. And the idea is that it's consent based. And the idea is that it's consent based. And me sending my stuff to you, you know, me sending my stuff to you, you know, me sending my stuff to you, you know, like the we're creating the spaces for like the we're creating the spaces for like the we're creating the spaces for individuals to have peer-to-peer sharing individuals to have peer-to-peer sharing individuals to have peer-to-peer sharing and the commons sharing up is optional. and the commons sharing up is optional. and the commons sharing up is optional. Uh but it needs to be there because Uh but it needs to be there because Uh but it needs to be there because guess what? Now, you don't have to come guess what? Now, you don't have to come guess what? Now, you don't have to come to every meetup, but as long as people to every meetup, but as long as people to every meetup, but as long as people are there, they can see your resource are there, they can see your resource are there, they can see your resource and know that you're a connection.

and know that you're a connection. and know that you're a connection. >> Um, yeah. >> Um, yeah. >> Um, yeah. >> Nice. >> Nice. >> Nice. >> Learn something new today. >> Learn something new today. >> Learn something new today. >> All right. Uh, me I'm I'm I guess I'm >> All right. Uh, me I'm I'm I guess I'm >> All right. Uh, me I'm I'm I guess I'm along the lines of the security tip, but along the lines of the security tip, but along the lines of the security tip, but I'mma uh Yeah, I'mma ask the hard I'mma uh Yeah, I'mma ask the hard I'mma uh Yeah, I'mma ask the hard question. All right. Are you considering question. All right. Are you considering question. All right. Are you considering going to like a cloud-based model? And going to like a cloud-based model? And going to like a cloud-based model? And if you are going to a cloud-based model if you are going to a cloud-based model if you are going to a cloud-based model eventually which I assume yes which 99% eventually which I assume yes which 99% eventually which I assume yes which 99% of people are um what are the security of people are um what are the security of people are um what are the security protocols around it especially with for protocols around it especially with for protocols around it especially with for example with uh I tell everybody with example with uh I tell everybody with example with uh I tell everybody with Amazon or AWS as you want to call them Amazon or AWS as you want to call them Amazon or AWS as you want to call them that uh read the fine print because they that uh read the fine print because they that uh read the fine print because they use your data for uh AI training use your data for uh AI training use your data for uh AI training ironically they fired the AI department ironically they fired the AI department ironically they fired the AI department you haven't read the news read it you haven't read the news read it you haven't read the news read it >> uh so no cloud >> uh so no cloud >> uh so no cloud >> okay >> okay >> okay >> this isn't um >> this isn't um >> this isn't um >> okay >> okay >> okay >> the goal is to like I don't want to >> the goal is to like I don't want to >> the goal is to like I don't want to create anything that can maintain more create anything that can maintain more create anything that can maintain more than 150 people than 150 people than 150 people >> because at that point you're no longer >> because at that point you're no longer >> because at that point you're no longer having regular individuals able to kind having regular individuals able to kind having regular individuals able to kind of and so it's a exercise in sufficiency of and so it's a exercise in sufficiency of and so it's a exercise in sufficiency >> okay >> okay >> okay >> what is like sufficient for communities >> what is like sufficient for communities >> what is like sufficient for communities what is easy for them to build and what is easy for them to build and what is easy for them to build and maintain themselves maintain themselves maintain themselves >> and I don't see a near future where like >> and I don't see a near future where like >> and I don't see a near future where like communities are maintaining data centers communities are maintaining data centers communities are maintaining data centers or like you know like cloud-based or like you know like cloud-based or like you know like cloud-based services services services >> okay yeah that's cool I I was just >> okay yeah that's cool I I was just >> okay yeah that's cool I I was just wondering because I know everything's wondering because I know everything's wondering because I know everything's getting uh I guess I'mma call it getting uh I guess I'mma call it getting uh I guess I'mma call it pushed over to let other people do it.

pushed over to let other people do it. pushed over to let other people do it. So, So, So, >> well, yeah. So, like I like to say the >> well, yeah. So, like I like to say the >> well, yeah. So, like I like to say the only um the only thing that is the only um the only thing that is the only um the only thing that is the opposite of big data centers is millions opposite of big data centers is millions opposite of big data centers is millions of small ones. of small ones. of small ones. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. Like I think there's a project >> Yeah. Like I think there's a project >> Yeah. Like I think there's a project called Venice, right? Have you heard of called Venice, right? Have you heard of called Venice, right? Have you heard of this? this? this? >> Venus. Ven or Yeah. Venus. >> Venus. Ven or Yeah. Venus. >> Venus. Ven or Yeah. Venus. >> Oh, with uh Jack Fusco, the futurist. I >> Oh, with uh Jack Fusco, the futurist. I >> Oh, with uh Jack Fusco, the futurist. I I just know that it's like um basically I just know that it's like um basically I just know that it's like um basically encrypts your request before it sends encrypts your request before it sends encrypts your request before it sends out and it's like distributed compute. out and it's like distributed compute. out and it's like distributed compute. That's my understanding. That's my understanding. That's my understanding. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Similar to like uh what is the other >> Similar to like uh what is the other >> Similar to like uh what is the other one? Tao B tensor where it's like one? Tao B tensor where it's like one? Tao B tensor where it's like distributed nodes or distributed distributed nodes or distributed distributed nodes or distributed hardware that's actually hardware that's actually hardware that's actually acts as your data center you know like acts as your data center you know like acts as your data center you know like using other people's GPUs. I've looked using other people's GPUs. I've looked using other people's GPUs. I've looked into that and latency is an issue. Uh into that and latency is an issue. Uh into that and latency is an issue. Uh like especially if we're trying to do like especially if we're trying to do like especially if we're trying to do live events, but like background live events, but like background live events, but like background processing maybe. Uh my husband's the processing maybe. Uh my husband's the processing maybe. Uh my husband's the tech person. I'm a designer, but uh tech person. I'm a designer, but uh tech person. I'm a designer, but uh yeah, >> Anybody questions in the back? All >> Anybody questions in the back? All right.

right. right. Well, no questions. Um Well, no questions. Um Well, no questions. Um any any thoughts or anyone wants to any any thoughts or anyone wants to any any thoughts or anyone wants to chime in thoughts about their app what chime in thoughts about their app what chime in thoughts about their app what they're working on particularly related they're working on particularly related they're working on particularly related to building communities. to building communities. to building communities. All right. Uh well thank you guys All right. Uh well thank you guys All right. Uh well thank you guys everyone so much for your time your everyone so much for your time your everyone so much for your time your dedication to this. We're we're looking dedication to this. We're we're looking dedication to this. We're we're looking to grow um and improve. Of course this to grow um and improve. Of course this to grow um and improve. Of course this is our first process. Um you could see is our first process. Um you could see is our first process. Um you could see we there's still a lot of room for we there's still a lot of room for we there's still a lot of room for improvement. Um, if you're interested in improvement. Um, if you're interested in improvement. Um, if you're interested in it, please link me up on LinkedIn. I'm it, please link me up on LinkedIn. I'm it, please link me up on LinkedIn. I'm not too hard to find. Is uh Joseph, last not too hard to find. Is uh Joseph, last not too hard to find. Is uh Joseph, last name is Bankle, B- N K O L E. And reach name is Bankle, B- N K O L E. And reach name is Bankle, B- N K O L E. And reach out to me. Um, let me know. We're out to me. Um, let me know. We're out to me. Um, let me know. We're looking for anyone in the founder space looking for anyone in the founder space looking for anyone in the founder space who's willing to uh help out to put the who's willing to uh help out to put the who's willing to uh help out to put the program together. So, we're we're program together. So, we're we're program together. So, we're we're talking about food, we're talking about talking about food, we're talking about talking about food, we're talking about helping out with even uh uh the helping out with even uh uh the helping out with even uh uh the playbyplay, what's going on, how to playbyplay, what's going on, how to playbyplay, what's going on, how to improve and get better. And this improve and get better. And this improve and get better. And this community is not just it's for you. It's community is not just it's for you. It's community is not just it's for you. It's for all founders. It's to help ideation for all founders. It's to help ideation for all founders. It's to help ideation stage founders to people like Oleg or um stage founders to people like Oleg or um stage founders to people like Oleg or um Joe who are way farther off in their Joe who are way farther off in their Joe who are way farther off in their startups. Help us all kind of travel the startups. Help us all kind of travel the startups. Help us all kind of travel the Houston journey startup together. Let's Houston journey startup together. Let's Houston journey startup together. Let's go after Silicon Valley and let's be go after Silicon Valley and let's be go after Silicon Valley and let's be better than Silicon Valley.

better than Silicon Valley. better than Silicon Valley. >> I just want to follow up on that. Um >> I just want to follow up on that. Um >> I just want to follow up on that. Um you'll you'll get a email after this if you'll you'll get a email after this if you'll you'll get a email after this if you're interested in becoming more you're interested in becoming more you're interested in becoming more involved. Uh fill out the form. I'll involved. Uh fill out the form. I'll involved. Uh fill out the form. I'll then use whoever fills out the form to then use whoever fills out the form to then use whoever fills out the form to coordinate retrospective. So, kind of coordinate retrospective. So, kind of coordinate retrospective. So, kind of the idea that we can come together and the idea that we can come together and the idea that we can come together and be like, what do we want to do next be like, what do we want to do next be like, what do we want to do next time? Um, so I'll shoot to have that in time? Um, so I'll shoot to have that in time? Um, so I'll shoot to have that in by the end of the next week. So, look by the end of the next week. So, look by the end of the next week. So, look out for the email. And out for the email. And out for the email. And >> awesome.