Vandit Gandotra’s Post

#003 - The Need for Strategic Thinking in a Rapidly Evolving Landscape - Wardley Mapping for Startups https://lnkd.in/dfUPx4uG The Need for Strategic Thinking in a Rapidly Evolving Landscape Join hosts Mark and Tom as they unravel the complexities of strategic thinking in the fast-paced world of Generative AI startups. With a blend of expert insights, pop culture references, and a healthy dose of humour, this episode breaks down the essential elements of navigating the AI frontier. From the five pillars of GenAI wisdom to the ethical tightrope walk of innovation, you'll gain valuable insights into what it takes to thrive in this dynamic landscape. Whether you're a startup founder, an AI enthusiast, or just curious about the future of tech, this episode offers a fun and informative journey through the strategic maze of GenAI. Don't forget to check out the accompanying Wardley Map for a visual guide to the concepts discussed. Resources mentioned in the episode include the book 'Navigating the AI Frontier: Wardley Mapping for GenAI Startups' and Simon Wardley's 'Wardley Maps'. Chapter: Introduction: The GenAI Revolution and Strategic Mapping Section: The Rise of Generative AI and Its Impact on Startups Key Takeaways: • Strategic thinking is crucial in the VUCA (Volatile, Uncertain, Complex, Ambiguous) world of GenAI • The five pillars of GenAI wisdom: Technology Foresight, Market Intelligence, Regulatory Awareness, Resource Allocation, and Ecosystem Navigation • Ethical considerations and regulatory awareness are not afterthoughts, but core components of a successful GenAI strategy • Balancing innovation with ethical implications is key to building trust and resilience in GenAI startups • Articulating a clear vision and strategy is crucial for attracting investors in the discerning GenAI funding landscape Additional Resources: • Original Book: Read the full book on GitHub • Chapter 2: Understanding Wardley Mapping • Section: 'Ethical Considerations in AI Development' • Simon Wardley's 'Wardley Maps' book • The link to the Wardley Map: https://lnkd.in/dEH9mJG4 #WardleyMaps #GenAI #Podcast

We're launching Startups across industries and helping companies adopt AI. Not sure what a Venture studio is? https://lnkd.in/gQdwPQVN In celebration of my son's 5th birthday I asked co-pilot to explain to me what a VS was like I am 5yrs old. "Sure! Imagine a venture studio as a magic workshop where grown-ups come up with cool ideas for new toys. They don’t just think of the toys; they also build them, test them, and find friends to help play with and improve them. It’s like having a team of super-smart inventors who make sure the toys are fun and work well before sharing them with everyone else." 😊 Does this sound like fun? Are you a building with copilot studio already? Shoot me a message and come join the team 🤗

What makes venture studios stand out in the startup scene? While traditional accelerators and incubators offer support, venture studios take it further. They preside over the entire venture building process, from ideation to commercialization, launch, and scaling. In addition, they connect startups with mentors, investors, and experts. Venture studios armed with the latest AI technologies enhance their offering even further. For example: ⚫️ AI algorithms help founders and investors make decisions based on data, like setting prices or managing resources, to increase the chances of success. ⚫️ Machine learning tools make product development faster and more efficient, letting startups bring innovative ideas to market quickly. ⚫️ AI uses data to improve customer engagement and loyalty by personalizing recommendations and predicting customer behavior. As startups grow, AI automates tasks, streamlines operations, and helps them expand efficiently, without sacrificing quality. Please DM me if you’d like to discuss the above.

#010 - Identifying Anchor Tenants and Market Leaders in GenAI - Wardley Mapping for Startups https://lnkd.in/d_EpFGV2 Identifying Anchor Tenants and Market Leaders in GenAI Join hosts Mark and Tom as they unravel the complex world of Generative AI with wit and wisdom. In this episode, they explore how to identify the movers and shakers in the GenAI landscape using Wardley Mapping techniques. Perfect for startup founders, tech enthusiasts, and anyone curious about the future of AI. Key Takeaways: • Anchor tenants in GenAI are major players shaping the industry landscape • Market leaders dominate specific niches but may not control the entire ecosystem • Wardley Mapping is a powerful tool for visualising and navigating the GenAI market • The GenAI landscape is dynamic, with opportunities for both established players and innovative startups • Balancing innovation with responsible development is crucial for long-term success in GenAI Additional Resources: • Original Book: Read the full book on Medium • Chapter 1: Understanding the GenAI Landscape in 'Navigating the AI Frontier: Wardley Mapping for GenAI Startups' • Simon Wardley's video on Wardley Mapping: 'Crossing the River by Feeling the Stones' • The AI Ethics Lab's 'Guide to Responsible AI Development' • The link to the Wardley Map: https://lnkd.in/dKkajT6k #WardleyMaps #GenAI #Podcast

My Journey with the AI.STARTUP.HUB Hamburg Accelerator: Why Pitching is Personal 🤔 Every Wednesday, the 2024 batch gathers for a workshop hosted by the AI.STARTUP.HUB Hamburg accelerator. These sessions aren't just about learning – they're about breaking free from daily operational struggles and diving into invaluable topics that might otherwise slip through the cracks in a small company. 🚀📈 I've had the privilege of learning from an ensemble of brilliant coaches, including Lars Hartenstein, Tim Cortinovis, Dr. John Lange, Gunnar Brune, Fagus Pauly, Dr. Uve Samuels (Exponential Pioneer) and more to follow... Each brings a unique flavour of expertise and insight. But today, I want to zoom in on a particularly enlightening experience I had during our last session with Lars. His mantra this time? Make it personal. 🌟 Let me paint a picture: On one side, there's me, the technical engineer who's always believed that a great product needs no hype marketing. "If it's great, people will notice," I thought. No need for attention-grabbing personal stories when the tech speaks volumes, right? On the other side, there’s my B2B sales persona – over 10 years of crafting pitches, weaving in "war stories," and building connections. And yet, despite this experience, my startup pitches remained stubbornly technical. Enter Lars. His guidance was a game-changer. He challenged me to step out of my comfort zone and blend those two worlds – the engineer and the storyteller. 🌍✨ Here's what I learned: Great products deserve great stories. Yes, showcasing technical stuff is important, but weaving in personal anecdotes and making an emotional connection can make all the difference. It turns a pitch into a narrative that resonates and sticks. In short: It's not just about what you say, but how you say it. Make it personal. Your story is the bridge between your innovation and the world. I'm incredibly grateful for these weekly workshops. They aren't just a break from the grind – they're a lifeline, keeping us aligned, motivated, and constantly evolving. To my fellow startup warriors, let's keep pushing boundaries and telling our stories. #AIHamburg #StartUpLife #PitchPerfect #GrowthMindset #PersonalStories #InnovationInspiration #AI #chatgpt CHAINSTEP GmbH Of course, supported by AI ;-) the video is also my first reel using Captions with my limited video editing skills a very helpful tool, if there is a captions pro who knows how to delete the double captions at the beginning let me know 😎

𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭: Of the top 30 #unicorn companies ranked by valuation, around two-thirds operate equity-light business models. It’s logical that deploying similar models / strategies in the climate tech space can also lead to strong outcomes – part of why we focus on investments in equity-light climate tech startups at Virta Ventures. Startups in the climate space building out equity-light business models will find that they can drive accelerated positive climate impact, and building with AI will further accelerate these startups’ product development and impact velocity. Learning from cross-sector winners is just one of many ways startups building at the intersection of climate and AI can win and create lasting solutions driving positive change. In Part 4 of Virta Ventures’ AI x Climate series, we discuss 5 ways that startups at this intersection can build value and cover examples from Virta portfolio companies Fleet, Tyba, Treehouse, and Fractal Agriculture. Read more here: https://lnkd.in/gFX_RSuf #climatetech #ai #startups

#008 - Positioning Components on the Evolution Axis - Wardley Mapping for Startups https://lnkd.in/dpNksC6y Positioning Components on the Evolution Axis Join hosts Mark and Tom as they unravel the mysteries of positioning components on the evolution axis in the world of GenAI startups. Discover how to navigate the AI landscape, predict future trends, and make strategic decisions using Wardley Mapping. This episode is packed with insights, sprinkled with pop culture references, and served with a healthy dose of tech humour. Whether you're a seasoned AI professional or a curious newcomer, you'll find valuable takeaways to apply to your own GenAI journey. Don't forget to check out our book, 'Navigating the AI Frontier: Wardley Mapping for GenAI Startups', for a deeper dive into these concepts. Tune in, level up your GenAI strategy, and remember – in the world of AI, evolution is just a map away! Chapter: Chapter 1: Understanding the GenAI Landscape Section: Mapping the GenAI Value Chain Key Takeaways: • The evolution axis in Wardley Mapping ranges from Genesis to Commodity, charting the maturity of GenAI components • Positioning components requires considering factors like technological evolution, market adoption, and pace of innovation • Regular reassessment of component positions is crucial in the fast-paced GenAI landscape • Understanding the interplay between components can reveal strategic opportunities and potential future developments • Wardley Mapping provides a visual tool for navigating the complex GenAI ecosystem and informing strategic decisions Additional Resources: • Original Book: Read the full book on Medium • Chapter 1: Understanding the GenAI Landscape in 'Navigating the AI Frontier: Wardley Mapping for GenAI Startups' • Simon Wardley's original work on Wardley Mapping • The link to the Wardley Map: https://lnkd.in/dH3v27We #WardleyMaps #GenAI #Podcast

The Power of Cross-Industry Innovation: What I Learned from Running Different Startups As someone who works in AI, I’ve found that the best ideas come when you mix things from different industries. Whether it’s building AI for science collaboration or making kids' music, combining ideas from different fields can lead to great innovation. At CLMDO Ventures Lab, I manage three startups—Kiddo Jams, Collaboratory, and nice RVA. They’re all in different areas, but they share one belief: that creativity and teamwork solve problems. Here’s what I’ve learned: -AI taught me how important data is. This helped me grow Collaboratory, where scientists can connect and work together. -Music for kids through Kiddo Jams showed me how powerful storytelling can be, making complicated ideas, like science, simple and fun for kids. -Local economies through nice RVA highlighted how important community is, especially when sustainability and supporting local businesses matter so much today. The key lesson? Innovation happens when you combine ideas from different places. Sometimes the best ideas come from unexpected connections. What do you think? How has thinking across industries helped you come up with new ideas? #Entrepreneurship #AI #Innovation #Startups #CrossIndustry #Collaboration  

Reflecting on Startup Weekend Taranaki 2021 and the Power of Feedback Looking back at Startup Weekend Taranaki 2021, I’m filled with pride and gratitude. Winning with the idea of BoxStream – a platform designed to integrate feedback and prioritise actions – was a moment that validated the importance of listening to, and acting on, feedback. The concept behind BoxStream was simple: help organisations sift through feedback and understand what truly matters. While I haven’t pursued the idea further since the event, the experience was invaluable. It gave me the confidence to believe in the power of an idea and the role feedback plays in driving positive change. Fast forward to today, and that lesson holds even more relevance. Organisations are flooded with feedback, and making sense of it is more challenging than ever. This is where AI can play a game-changing role. AI models can analyse feedback at scale, revealing the themes and patterns that might otherwise go unnoticed. This allows organisations to: 🔍 Identify recurring pain points 🔧 Focus on the most impactful improvements 🚀 Build strategies that are truly aligned with customer needs Though BoxStream wasn’t something I continued working on, the lessons I learned about the power of feedback have stuck with me. Feedback isn’t just about gathering data – it’s about truly understanding your customers and acting on their needs. And with AI, we can do this with greater clarity and precision. #Reflection #StartupWeekend #Taranaki #Feedback #AI #ProductManagement #CustomerExperience #Innovation #NZ https://lnkd.in/dZvm28Bc