The Semiconductor Shortage: How It Will Cost Billions to Solve

We've all been there: mid-conversation or deep into a work session, only for our digital lifeline to suddenly drop, leaving us stranded in a sea of silence. It's these moments of unexpected disconnection that highlight a pervasive gap in our modern, connected lives.

Well, Today on Things Have Changed Podcast, we're joined by Damien Garot, CEO, and Hassan Aouisse, CTO of Stellar, a deep tech startup on a mission to perfect internet while on the move. 

Through their innovative blend of cellular, Wi-Fi, and satellite technologies, they're tackling the universal challenge of reliable connectivity, promising a future where digital accessibility knows no bounds.

Join us as we delve into the journey of Stellar, uncovering the inspirations, challenges, and breakthroughs that mark their path towards a seamlessly connected world. This episode is more than just a peek into the future of technology; it's a conversation about how bridging the digital divide can reshape our daily lives, making every moment of connection count.

So stay curious, and let's explore together how Stellar is lighting up the dark spots on our digital maps, ensuring that no call, no message, and no byte of data is ever lost in transit again.

Things Have Changed

Ever wondered how startups grow by buying other companies?  

Today on Things Have Changed, we're delighted to host returning guest, Dylan Terrill, Chief Business Officer of Asaak, as he discusses his company's remarkable expansion, now spanning two continents. 

Asaak, founded in 2016, is a fintech company offering loans for motorcycles and smartphones to people who couldn't get traditional bank loans. This approach not only addressed a critical financial gap but also spurred economic empowerment in Uganda.

Now they've set their sights on to Mexico, through a strategic acquisition of FlexClub Mexico. With over 300,000 active Uber drivers and a smartphone penetration of 93%, yet with less than half the adult population banked, Mexico presents a fertile ground for Asaak's mission-driven approach. 

This move raises several questions: How will Asaak's experience in Uganda's unique market translate to Mexico's diverse economy? With Mexico's significant unbanked population, what new opportunities and challenges will Asaak encounter?

Join us on Things Have Changed for a deep dive into Asaak's groundbreaking journey and the visionary leadership steering it into new frontiers.

Things Have Changed

Palmer Luckey, once synonymous with the virtual reality revolution through the Oculus Rift, catapulted into tech stardom when Facebook acquired Oculus for an astonishing $2 billion. This pivotal moment not only validated VR's potential as the next major computing platform but also marked a turning point in Luckey's career. His journey from crafting immersive digital worlds to influencing tangible, real-world outcomes began here, setting the stage for an unexpected pivot towards a sector far removed from gaming and entertainment: defense.

Transitioning from virtual reality to the defense industry, Luckey embarked on a new venture, founding Anduril Industries. This shift was motivated by a desire to innovate within a sector known for its resistance to change, leveraging cutting-edge technology to address modern security challenges. Anduril's inception represented a bold move into a domain dominated by longstanding giants, with Luckey aiming to infuse the agility and innovation of Silicon Valley into the traditionally conservative defense industry.

Anduril Industries stands as a testament to this vision, actively dismantling the traditional cost-plus model that has long governed defense procurement. By adopting a tech-driven approach, Anduril is navigating the "Valley of Death" – the daunting gap between prototype development and full-scale production that many defense startups face. Through strategic investments in autonomous systems and AI, Anduril is not just surviving this transitional phase but thriving, offering scalable, efficient solutions that promise to reshape the landscape of global defense, signaling a new era where technology drives strategy, and innovation ensures security.

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In the past two decades, technology has dramatically reshaped numerous industries, from newspapers to travel agencies. Once thriving sectors have been disrupted, evidenced by the decline of traditional newspapers, which lost $6 billion in ad revenue to Craigslist alone between 2000 and 2006. Similarly, the rise of platforms like DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Airbnb reflects a significant shift in consumer behavior. Now, this wave of technological disruption is poised to redefine the defense industry, a sector traditionally characterized by unique procurement practices and significant government contracts. 📰📱

The defense sector, once dominated by a handful of major players following a wave of consolidation in the 1990s, is now facing a new challenge: tech-driven transformation. The industry's "cost-plus" methodology, which often leads to inefficiencies and misaligned incentives, is now being scrutinized by tech companies. These new entrants see an opportunity to leverage their expertise in optimizing processes and margins. As tech companies bring their innovative approaches to defense, they're catalyzing a shift towards more efficient and cost-effective solutions. 🚀

Yet, the integration of tech into defense is not without its challenges. Traditional defense contractors are deeply entrenched, familiar with the intricacies of government contracts and regulations. However, companies like SpaceX and Palantir are advocating for more accessible pathways for smaller contractors, potentially leading to greater innovation and competition in the sector. This evolution in the defense industry mirrors the broader impact of tech across various markets, raising questions about the future of defense technology and its implications. 🌐🛰️

Things Have Changed

E-bike sales outpaced EVs and hybrid cars in both 2021 and 2022. In fact, research shows that by 2030, E-Bike sales are expected to 3x, outpacing even the rapid growth of passenger cars! There is a Bike Revolution taking place across the world and it is not only reshaping personal commuting but also freight and last-mile delivery services.

In today's episode of Things Have Changed Podcast, we dive into the world of urban mobility with Mikko Ampuja, the founder and former CEO of Vapaus, a Helsinki-based startup reshaping the way we think about city commuting. Miko brings a unique blend of personal experience and industry expertise, making this episode a must-listen for anyone interested in the intersection of technology, sustainability, and urban planning.

Miko delves into the evolving bicycle industry across Europe, particularly in cycling-friendly cities like Copenhagen and Amsterdam, highlighting how innovations in cycling are not just about transportation, but also about fostering healthier, more sustainable cities. 

Join us on Things Have Changed Podcast as we explore how Vapaus is leading the global movement, with their unique approach to making cycling an accessible and attractive option for commuters.

Things Have Changed

There is an alarming trend taking place in South America : the steady rise in obesity rates. Despite all the ads and talk about eating healthy, the truth is that getting  access to nutritious foods is still a struggle.

In response to this growing health crisis, The Wild Foods has emerged as a game-changer. Our guest today is Patrick Hardy, the Chief Operating Officer of Wild Foods, is at the forefront of this revolution. Hailing from Chile, WildFoods is a consumer packaged goods company committed to disrupting the entire food and beverage industry by producing healthy and sustainable food products.

Patrick takes us through Wild Foods' remarkable journey, sharing the CPG company's strategies that include:

1. Focus not just on Healthy products but one that is easily accessible, delicious, and appealing to consumers
2. Leveraging unique digital marketing and bold ad campaigns, to set itself apart in the competitive food industry
3. Growth to new markets like Mexico by adapting to local tastes and regulations.

Join us on the Things Have Changed Podcast to hear from Patrick Hardy and find out how Wild Foods is making healthy eating fun and doable, turning things around in a world full of processed food, and setting new standards for what's on our plates.

Helpful links:

• Patrick Hardy, COO The Wild Foods
• The Wild Foods Website
  • US website — https://thewildprotein.com/
• Supermarkets pushing junk food
• Obesity in South America

About Wild Foods:
Wild Foods is a healthy food company focused on developing tech-enabled products with the aim of disrupting the Food & Beverages (F&B) industry in Latin America. They have developed a portfolio of +200 SKUs that has allowed them to capture +30% of the market share in Chile in the bars category, on-top of multinational incumbents such as Kellogs, Pepsico, Nutresa, among others. They have a business model based on innovation in product development, digital brand building, digital marketing, technology and talent acquisition. Wild Foods has built a strong, profitable, high-growth business that has experienced 2-3x yoy growth for the past five years with consistently positive EBITDA. Wild Foods continues with its growth and international expansion plans with presence in Chile, Mexico, USA, Colombia and Peru.

Things Have Changed

Join us on a captivating journey to the heart of the Middle East as we unravel the extraordinary transformation of Dubai. In this episode, we delve deep into the city's meteoric rise from a regional trading post reliant on oil to a buzzing global hub for investment, tourism, and technology. Discover how Dubai's strategic diversification efforts led to an economy where oil now contributes less than 1% to its GDP, a stark contrast to the 50% it once commanded. We'll explore the pivotal roles of initiatives like the Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority, which revolutionized trade, and examine how Dubai's strategic location and business-friendly policies catapulted it into a major player in global finance. This episode is not just about economic growth; it's a story of vision, innovation, and ambition. Tune in to see how Dubai emerged as the tech hub of the Arab world, setting a new standard for urban transformation and development.

Helpful Links:

• https://www.brookings.edu/articles/what-the-united-arab-emirates-can-teach-resource-rich-countries-in-africa/
• https://www.wsj.com/articles/dubai-emerges-as-tech-hub-of-the-arab-world-11646568001
• https://web.archive.org/web/20180317113009/https://www.bloomberg.com/view/articles/2018-01-14/dubai-s-the-very-model-of-a-modern-mideast-economy
• https://www.investmentmonitor.ai/features/where-are-the-global-islamic-finance-hubs/
• https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/dubais-stock-market-hits-8-year-high-lifted-101519465
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oc5tHbEK0IQ

Things Have Changed

Over the past few weeks, we've delved deep into the stories of remarkable companies, visionary founders, and dynamic landscapes of emerging markets!

So, where are we zooming in today? Nigeria, Africa. We're exploring the remarkable story of Nigeria, a nation that has emerged as the largest economy in Africa. With a diversified economy and abundant natural resources, Nigeria’s journey isn't just about oil anymore. It’s about tech, entertainment, and an entrepreneurial spirit that refuses to be quelled.

Join us as we dive into the secrets behind Nigeria's transformation on the global stage, exploring the factors that propelled it to an economic powerhouse on the African continent.

Things Have Changed

Tech Journey Time Capsule:
From the nostalgic dial-up buzz to today's quick digital clicks, this section reflects on the monumental moments and stories shaping our tech-dominated world. Remember when social media was just media? The series takes a nostalgic look back while connecting the dots to our present-day digital reality.

The GPS Revolution:
Think back to a time when handwritten directions were the norm and getting lost was part of the journey. Now, a $100 billion satellite system ensures we rarely stray off course. This section highlights the immeasurable impact of GPS on modern society, how it's transformed everything from aviation to social media, and shines a light on unsung heroes like Gladys West.

From Space Exploration to Personal Navigation:
The global positioning system, or GPS, didn't just pop into existence. This segment delves into the history, starting with the Vanguard satellite launch in 1958 and continuing through groundbreaking innovations driven by pioneers like Dr. Ivan Getting and Roger L Easton. Get the lowdown on how the U.S. Navy's celestial ambitions became the silent, guiding force we rely on today.

GPS: Beyond Just Location:
More than just a map in your pocket, GPS impacts numerous industries, from agriculture to construction. This segment emphasizes the omnipresence of GPS in modern society and its pivotal role in reshaping various sectors. It also touches on how foundational models, like the one created by Dr. Gladys West, play a crucial role in its accuracy.

The Socio-Economic Ripple Effect:
GPS isn't just about technology; it's big business. This section breaks down its economic impact, revealing how it contributes a whopping $100 billion annually to the American economy. Additionally, with its integration into over 70% of smartphones by 2010, discover how GPS reshaped daily life, social interactions, and modern conveniences.

The Future of GPS and Its Broadening Horizons:
GPS has come a long way, but where is it headed? From safeguarding lost devices to its pivotal role during events like COVID, this segment delves into its future potential. As we speculate about upcoming innovations and the balance of security with accessibility, one thing's clear: the journey of GPS and its possibilities is far from over.

Sign Off with a Thought:
End your tech journey with a nod to the endless possibilities ahead. With all the advanced tools at our disposal, the path of discovery remains infinite. Whether it's in the real world or the digital realm, the question persists: Where will you navigate next? Safe travels!

Things Have Changed

Imagine compressing a decade of research into mere weeks or turning a failure rate of 90% in clinical drug development on its head. That's exactly what's on the horizon with the incorporation of artificial intelligence (AI) in the realm of drug discovery, and the person leading this charge is none other than Dr. Max Jakobs, CEO and co-founder of DeepMirror. Prepare to be blown away as we navigate the potential AI holds for revolutionizing healthcare, making it possible to sift through massive datasets with unprecedented speed and accuracy.

In our exciting conversation with Dr. Jakobs, we dig into the gritty realities of drug discovery in its current state and the formidable issues researchers face without the aid of AI algorithms. Get ready to discover how AI not only hastens the drug-to-market journey but also boosts the clinical hit rates, saving ample time and a fortune in the process. Plus, we probe into the daunting challenge of FDA approval and how DeepMirror is working to dismantle the bias inherent in traditional drug development.

To conclude, we delve into the groundbreaking advancements in small molecule drug discovery and how cloud-based AI is honing laboratory processes. Dr. Jakobs illustrates how DeepMirror is utilizing AI to unearth the most promising drug candidates more efficiently. We bring to light riveting customer success stories and the promising future that lies ahead with AI-based data analysis in the pharmaceutical industry. Brace yourselves for a riveting exploration of AI's impact on drug discovery and healthcare.

Things Have Changed