Humans In AI

In this episode of Humans in AI, Leo Reiter, Head of Global R&D at Simr, joins us to discuss the intersection of engineering simulation, AI, and high-performance computing.We explore how simulation platforms are driving innovation across industries, the impact of AI on HPC, and Leo’s approach to leading global R&D teams in a rapidly evolving tech landscape.A must-listen for anyone interested in where AI meets engineering and infrastructure.

In this episode, we explore how AI is being built and scaled at infrastructure level, beyond the headlines.We’re joined by Shane Zide to break down the reality of AI infrastructure, GPU cloud, and the evolving landscape of neo clouds, with a deep dive into how Nebius is approaching high-performance AI compute.We cover:- How GPU cloud platforms are scaling to meet growing AI demand- What differentiates modern AI infrastructure and cloud providers- The challenges around power, supply chain, and data centre capacity- How companies are thinking about AI talent acquisition and building high-performance teams- What the future looks like for AI-native startups and enterprise AI adoptionWhether you’re building, hiring, or investing in AI, this episode gives a clear view of what’s happening behind the scenes, and what it means for the future of AI, cloud computing, and infrastructure at scale.

In this episode of the Humans and AI podcast, we sit down with Cameron Turner, Enterprise Pursuit Lead at Softcat, for a deep dive into the fast-shifting world of AI and modern infrastructure. Cameron explains how Softcat is addressing the challenges and untapped opportunities within the NeoCloud ecosystem, transforming recruitment to meet the demands of next-gen tech, and forming strategic partnerships that are shaping the future of AI. Tune in for a dynamic conversation at the intersection of technology, business growth, and the innovations set to transform the industry.Season 4 of Humans in AI is here. This season, we’re switching things up.We’re still speaking with the brilliant founders and leaders driving innovation across AI, HPC, and GPU infrastructure, but this time, the focus is firmly on what’s happening right now. Tune in as we dive into the roles they’re in, the challenges they’re navigating, and the strategies that are actually working (and the ones that aren’t). Raw, relevant, and straight from the people building the AI ecosystem. New episodes of the Humans In AI podcast are released every Thursday, so make sure you tune in!

Nicole and Sandeep, co-founders of Redsand, join me on this episode of Humans in AI to break down what’s really happening in AI infrastructure, decentralised compute, and inference at the edge.Self-funded from day one, Redsand is building sovereign, hyper-local AI infrastructure for enterprise use cases across the Middle East, Asia and Europe, with the US next on the horizon.We explore:⚙️ Decentralised AI infrastructure and edge computing🌍 Data sovereignty, privacy and enterprise AI adoption💰 The real cost of AI infrastructure and fixed-cost models🧠 The shift towards agentic AI and a $30–60bn SaaS opportunity🚀 Scaling self-funded in a capital-intensive AI market🏗 Building partnerships in AI, cloud and digital infrastructureThey also share lessons for founders building in AI, deep tech and cloud infrastructure:Build a senior team early.Be careful with capital. If you don’t need it, don’t raise it.Season 4 of Humans in AI is here. This season, we’re switching things up. We’re still speaking with the brilliant founders and leaders driving innovation across AI, HPC, and GPU infrastructure, but this time, the focus is firmly on what’s happening right now. Tune in as we dive into the roles they’re in, the challenges they’re navigating, and the strategies that are actually working (and the ones that aren’t). Raw, relevant, and straight from the people building the AI ecosystem. New episodes of the Humans In AI podcast are released every Thursday, so make sure you tune in!

In this episode of Humans in AI, we sit down with Giorgio Sbriglia, Chairman of the Board for Terakraft, to explore where AI meets energy. Giorgio shares fascinating insights into the challenges and innovations driving sustainable energy solutions for AI data centres, including Terakraft’s unique use of hydropower to enhance cooling and energy efficiency.We also dive into the future of AI infrastructure, the push for sustainability in tech, and what it really takes to build a greener digital world.Season 4 of Humans in AI is here. This season, we’re switching things up. We’re still speaking with the brilliant founders and leaders driving innovation across AI, HPC, and GPU infrastructure, but this time, the focus is firmly on what’s happening right now. Tune in as we dive into the roles they’re in, the challenges they’re navigating, and the strategies that are actually working (and the ones that aren’t). Raw, relevant, and straight from the people building the AI ecosystem. New episodes of the Humans In AI podcast are released every Thursday, so make sure you tune in!

In this episode, Sven Köppel shares his inspiring journey from academia to co-founding Anabrid, a startup pioneering the future of analog computing. He discusses how Anabrid is shaping the next generation of computing hardware, the company’s mission to bring analog technology into everyday devices, and the role of accelerator programs in driving startup success.Sven also opens up about team dynamics, the challenges of remote collaboration, and the realities of startup life, from choosing the right co-founders to staying adaptable through mistakes.Season 4 of Humans in AI is here. This season, we’re switching things up. We’re still speaking with the brilliant founders and leaders driving innovation across AI, HPC, and GPU infrastructure, but this time, the focus is firmly on what’s happening right now. Tune in as we dive into the roles they’re in, the challenges they’re navigating, and the strategies that are actually working (and the ones that aren’t). Raw, relevant, and straight from the people building the AI ecosystem. New episodes of the Humans In AI podcast are released every Thursday, so make sure you tune in!

Mathilda Strom, the Founding COO at Bioptimus, a company aiming to program biology from the ground upMathilda shares her journey from building startups across Africa, Asia, and Latin America to helping shape one of the most ambitious AI and biology projects on the planetWe explore: 💡 The true significance of building a multi-scale, multi-modal foundation model for biology🧬 Why training models on biological data is much more challenging than on text or language💰 The risks involved in investing millions in data that may become worthless within a year⚖️ How Bioptimus addresses ethics, diversity, and data integrity🤖 Why she’s establishing an agentic operations team and recruiting “AI Ops” specialists before most companies even know what they are🚀 Insights from scaling a deep tech startup, covering culture, onboarding, fundraising, and commercialisationAnd, for founders, Mathilda shares two lessons:- Choose your co-founders carefully; it can make or break your business.- And think hard about the capital you take. Bootstrap if you can.”This episode dives deep into the intersection of AI, biology, and entrepreneurship, and what it takes to lead when your mission is literally to understand how life worksSeason 4 of Humans in AI is here. This season, we’re switching things up. We’re still speaking with the brilliant founders and leaders driving innovation across AI, HPC, and GPU infrastructure, but this time, the focus is firmly on what’s happening right now. Tune in as we dive into the roles they’re in, the challenges they’re navigating, and the strategies that are actually working (and the ones that aren’t). Raw, relevant, and straight from the people building the AI ecosystem. New episodes of the Humans In AI podcast are released every Thursday, so make sure you tune in!

In this conversation, Sandeep Shah, VP of Sales for Cognition, discusses the recent merger with Windsurf, his career journey from finance to sales, and the evolving landscape of AI technology. He shares insights on sales strategies, the importance of adoption in enterprises, and the challenges of balancing work and family life. Sandeep emphasises the significance of learning from mistakes and the role of feedback in leadership, while also looking ahead to the future of AI and its impact on the industry.Season 4 of Humans in AI is here. This season, we’re switching things up. We’re still speaking with the brilliant founders and leaders driving innovation across AI, HPC, and GPU infrastructure, but this time, the focus is firmly on what’s happening right now. Tune in as we dive into the roles they’re in, the challenges they’re navigating, and the strategies that are actually working (and the ones that aren’t). Raw, relevant, and straight from the people building the AI ecosystem. New episodes of the Humans In AI podcast are released every Thursday, so make sure you tune in!

In this episode, David Aronchick, CEO of Expanso, explores the pivotal role of data in AI and machine learning infrastructure. Drawing from his extensive career at tech giants, David discusses the importance of data pipelines, GPUs, and data centres in powering AI. He highlights the intricacies of go-to-market strategies and the indispensable value of customer conversations. Discover how Expanso is revolutionising data management and why structured data is crucial for AI success. Season 4 of Humans in AI is here. This season, we’re switching things up. We’re still speaking with the brilliant founders and leaders driving innovation across AI, HPC, and GPU infrastructure, but this time, the focus is firmly on what’s happening right now. Tune in as we dive into the roles they’re in, the challenges they’re navigating, and the strategies that are actually working (and the ones that aren’t). Raw, relevant, and straight from the people building the AI ecosystem. New episodes of the Humans In AI podcast are released every Thursday, so make sure you tune in!

In this conversation, Seth Dempsey, Co-CEO of Corvex, shares his extensive journey through the tech industry, starting from NASA to Microsoft and Google, and eventually becoming an entrepreneur. He discusses the importance of multidisciplinary management, the cultural differences between tech giants, and the significance of empathy in leadership. Seth emphasises the value of clear communication, the challenges faced during layoffs, and the role of performance improvement plans in fostering growth. He reflects on his entrepreneurial spirit and the lessons learned from his diverse experiences in the tech world. Seth Demsey discusses his extensive experience in technology ventures, particularly in the fields of AI and Neo Cloud. He emphasises the importance of understanding customer needs, building partnerships, and innovating with solutions like confidential compute. Seth shares valuable insights for founders, highlighting the significance of communication, flexibility, and being present with customers. He also explores the future of AI, predicting significant changes in market dynamics and consumption behaviour.That’s a wrap for Season 3 🎬 Thanks so much for listening. We’ll be back soon with Season 4. Keep an eye out

In this conversation, Matt Butcher, CEO of Fermyon Technologies, shares his unique journey into the world of software engineering, starting from an unexpected job in a server room to leading a company focused on the next wave of cloud computing. He discusses the evolution of Fermyon, the challenges faced in the market, and the importance of developer experience in creating serverless functions.The conversation highlights the significance of adapting strategies to meet the needs of both developers and enterprise clients in a rapidly changing technological landscape.Matt Butcher also discusses the evolution of content delivery networks, particularly focusing on Akamai's innovations in edge computing and serverless functions. He shares insights on the challenges of transitioning from an engineering role to a CEO, emphasising the importance of company culture and the right team dynamics. The discussion also touches on the future of cloud computing, AI, and the significance of strategic partnerships in driving business success.🎧 The Humans In AI podcast releases new episodes every Thursday at 12pm!

In this conversation, Zelda Mariet, VP of Research at Bioptimus, discusses her journey from academia to the startup world, focusing on the intersection of AI and biology. She shares insights on the development of AI models for biological applications, the challenges of transitioning from a large corporation like Google to a startup, and the importance of building a diverse and effective team. Zelda also highlights the significance of community in the tech space and offers advice for aspiring entrepreneurs.🎧 The Humans In AI podcast releases new episodes every Thursday at 12pm!

In this conversation, Ryan Pollock, lead product marketing at Together AI, discusses the evolution of AI NeoClouds and the differences in marketing strategies between large tech companies and startups. He emphasises the importance of brand recognition, developer empathy, and technical credibility in building a successful AI infrastructure company. Ryan also highlights the significant changes in the AI landscape, the common mistakes made by new entrants in the market, and the necessity of innovation in the face of competition from established players. He shares insights on measuring marketing success and the future of AI infrastructure.🎧 The Humans In AI podcast releases new episodes every Thursday at 12pm!

In this podcast episode, Jeff Hinkle, CEO of Ionstream, shares his journey from working in data centres to leading a successful GPU as a service company. He discusses the evolution of technology, the importance of adapting to market demands, and the exciting opportunities in the AI infrastructure space. Jeff emphasises the significance of team dynamics, creative destruction in business, and the need for a strong service-oriented approach in the tech industry.🎧 The Humans In AI podcast releases new episodes every Thursday at 12pm!

In this conversation, Adam Williams, Chief Growth Officer at Edgelogix, shares his journey from being a high school teacher to a leader in the AI consulting space. He discusses the importance of people in building successful teams, the challenges of implementing AI in businesses, and the strategies for growth and efficiency. Adam emphasises the need for collaboration, understanding client pain points, and the significance of creating a positive company culture, especially in a remote work environment. He also highlights the evolving landscape of AI and the importance of adapting to stay competitive.🎧 The Humans In AI podcast releases new episodes every Thursday at 12pm!

In this episode of the Humans and AI podcast, Jing Xie shares his journey from humble beginnings in China to becoming the Vice President of Go-To-Market and Partnerships at MemVerge. He discusses the importance of mentorship, curiosity, and focus in career development, as well as the impact of AI on job opportunities. Jing also highlights MemVerge's innovative solutions in AI infrastructure, including their unique Spot Surfing technology for cost-efficient cloud computing.He emphasises the significance of building a strong team culture and balancing work with personal life, drawing insights from his experience as a marathon runner.🎧 The Humans In AI podcast releases new episodes every Thursday at 12pm!

In this conversation, Amanda McConnell, Head of HPC Operations at Aligned, shares her journey from finance to high-performance computing. She discusses the evolution of Aligned, their current offerings, and the importance of building a strong team. Amanda highlights the strategic partnerships and market approach that will drive the company's growth, as well as the unique selling propositions in the competitive GPU market. The discussion also touches on the future of AI and the importance of building trust in technology.🎧 The Humans In AI podcast releases new episodes every Thursday at 12pm!

In this conversation, Prashanth Shankara, the former head ofmarketing at Salad, shares insights on the intersection of engineering and marketing, particularly in the context of AI and GPU cloud services. He discusses the importance of community building as adifferentiator in marketing strategies, especially for startups in the tech space. Prashanth emphasises the need for marketers to leverage AI tools to enhance efficiency and creativity, and he outlines the key strategies for startups to establish their brand and connect with their audience effectively.🎧 The Humans In AI podcast releases new episodes every Thursday at 12pm!

In this conversation, Brandon Peccoralo, Vice President of Sales and Partnerships at Voltage Park, shares his journey from software programmer to sales leader. He reflects on the challenges of shifting from a technical role to sales, highlighting the importance of effective management, strategic hiring, and building a strong team.Brandon also explores the evolving landscape of AI buyers, the challenges and opportunities in the GPU market, and the critical role of operational excellence and partnerships in delivering reliable services. He underscores the need for stability in a rapidly changing industry and offers insights into the future of AI and GPU technology, emphasising its potential for innovation and new applications.🎧 The Humans In AI podcast releases new episodes every Thursday at 12pm!

In this conversation, Aaron Ginn, CEO and co-founder of Hydra Host, shares his journey from academia to entrepreneurship, highlighting the role of finance in shaping business narratives. He reflects on the challenges of corporate hierarchies, the power of strong partnerships, and the importance of innovation in the rapidly evolving tech industry—particularly in the booming market for data centres and GPUs. Ginn outlines his vision for Hydra Host, drawing parallels between GPU management and the airline industry. He explores the supply-driven nature of the market, the need for a global distribution system for GPU capacity, and the regulatory challenges that come with it. Throughout, he offers valuable insights for entrepreneurs, emphasising the importance of passion and the ability to focus on solving meaningful problems in business.🎧The Humans In AI podcast releases new episodes every Thursday at 12 pm!

In this conversation, Bruce Beckloff, CEO of YellowDog, shares his journey from engineering to marketing, emphasising the importance of long-term planning and commercialisation in the deep tech sector. He discusses the unique challenges faced by UK technology companies and the innovative strategies needed for growth. Additionally, Bruce explains the establishment of Block Ventures, a deep tech investment company designed to support start-ups over a longer time frame than traditional venture funds. In this conversation, Bruce discusses the unique approach of Block Ventures in bridging the gap between technical founders and commercial leadership. He elaborates on the evolution of Yellow Dog, a compute management platform, and how it adapted to the challenges posed by the pandemic. The discussion also highlights the importance of strategic partnerships, particularly in the financial services sector, and how aligning goals with partners like AWS can lead to mutual success. Bruce discusses the challenges and strategies for start-ups, particularly in the tech industry. He emphasises the importance of persistence in building partnerships, the need for a hybrid computing approach, and the significance of understanding customer needs. Bruce also shares insights on managing costs in computing and the concept of peak compute, while advising engineers in start-ups to find commercially minded partners to drive sales and growth.🎧 The Humans In AI podcast releases new episodes every Thursday at 12pm!

In this conversation, Jon Stevens, CEO of Hot Aisle, shares his journey from early computing interests to leading a company focused on democratising access to supercomputing. He discusses his experiences in Bitcoin and Ethereum mining, the challenges of automation in GPU management, and the transition to building a cloud provider aimed at small to medium businesses. Jon emphasises the importance of partnerships and the future of AI computing in the evolving tech landscape. In this conversation, Jon Stevens discusses the strategic decision to focus on AMD for AI hardware, emphasising the importance of decentralisation and competition in the tech industry. He highlights the risks of relying solely on Nvidia and advocates for a diverse ecosystem in AI development. He also outlines Hot Aisle's growth strategy, which includes providing flexible GPU rental services and building a supportive community for developers. He stresses the significance of partnerships with AMD and Dell and the ongoing improvements in AMD's software capabilities.🎧 The Humans In AI podcast releases new episodes every Thursday at 12pm!

In this conversation, Jerry Tang, founder of VCV and CEO of Atlas Cloud, shares his journey from investment banking to entrepreneurship, highlighting his experiences in the data centre and AI sectors. He discusses the challenges and opportunities in building AI infrastructure, the importance of understanding customer needs, and the strategies for growth in a competitive market. Jerry emphasizes the significance of hiring top talent and focusing on unit economics for sustainable success. He also offers advice to aspiring tech entrepreneurs, drawing from his unique background in both finance and technology. 🎧 The Humans In AI podcast releases new episodes every Thursday at 12pm!

In this conversation, Ben Elder, Regional VP of Sales, EMEA at Simpplr, shares his journey from IT sales to management. He discusses the value of early career experiences, managing inside and field sales teams, and the cultural impact of successful organisations like Rackspace. He emphasizes the value of coaching, empathy, and the need for strong foundational skills in sales while reflecting on his experiences at Symantec and the impact of company culture on performance. In this conversation, Ben Elder shares his journey from working at Meta to joining Simpplr, discussing the various roles he held, the challenges he faced in sales management, and the importance of mentorship. He emphasizes the differences between SMB and enterprise sales, the complexities of alliance management, and the strategies he implemented to build a successful sales culture at Simpler. Ben also highlights the significance of brand awareness and outlines his growth plans for the future, offering valuable advice for aspiring sales leaders. 🎧 The Humans In AI podcast releases new episodes every Thursday at 12pm!

In this conversation, Ash Patel shares his extensive journey through the IT industry, from his early days as a teacher to becoming the SVP of Business Operations at Nscale. He discusses the evolution of technology, the challenges of transitioning from engineering to sales, and the importance of understanding customer needs in the cloud space. Ash reflects on his experiences at various organisations, including Insight, Rackspace, and AWS, highlighting the cultural differences and lessons learned. He emphasises the significance of innovation, agility, and building strong relationships in the tech industry, particularly in the rapidly changing landscape of AI and cloud computing. 🎧 The Humans In AI podcast releases new episodes every Thursday at 12pm!

In this conversation, Bam Gobets shares his extensive background in the tech industry, detailing his journey from technical roles to sales and leadership positions in various companies. He discusses the evolution of Nebul, a company focused on AI cloud solutions, and the importance of understanding the unique challenges of AI adoption in Europe. Bam highlights significant projects, including a multimodal cancer treatment solution, and emphasises the importance of European data sovereignty. He also shares insights on team building during expansion, lessons learned from the competitive AI market, and the need for sustainable business practices. Finally, he offers advice for early-stage AI start-ups, encouraging them to take action and iterate quickly. 🎧 The Humans In AI podcast releases new episodes every Thursday at 12pm!

In this conversation, Doreen Pernel, Chief Sales Officer at Scaleway, shares her inspiring journey from starting in accounts receivable to becoming a leader in sales and management. She reflects on her experiences in inside sales, the challenges of transitioning into management, and the vital role of resilience and teamwork in driving success in sales. Doreen also explores the value of learning from mistakes, embracing new opportunities, and navigating the competitive cloud market, especially in the dynamic fields of AI and innovation. She emphasises the importance of fostering motivation and connection within teams to thrive in a demanding environment. Additionally, Doreen highlights the significance of diversity and inclusion in hiring, advocating for balanced candidate pools. She explains Scaleway's dedication to open-source technology and sustainability, showcasing their innovative efforts to reduce carbon footprints in data centres. This is the final episode of season 1, thank you so much to all our guests for being in our first season and giving everyone an honest insight into their journey. Make sure you follow asobbi on LinkedIn to get all our updates. We have already began recording season 2 to be released in the new year. Thank you for listening to the Humans in AI podcast, until the new season have a fantastic festive season 🎄🎙️

In this conversation, John Belizaire, CEO of Soluna Holdings, discusses his journey from a technician to a successful entrepreneur. He highlights the challenges of wasted renewable energy and how Soluna is addressing this issue by co-locating data centres with renewable energy plants. John shares insights from his early career at Intel, the founding of his first software company, and the lessons learned from selling to BEA Systems. He also delves into the complexities of the insurance software industry and the importance of understanding risk management in sales. In this conversation, John Belizaire shares insights on navigating the complexities of business relationships, particularly between IT and business sectors. He emphasises the importance of understanding community dynamics within industries and the need for aspiring CEOs to focus on key insights for success. Belizaire discusses the structure and vision of Soluna Holdings, highlighting its commitment to renewable computing and the integration of AI. He also stresses the significance of building a diverse and collaborative team to drive innovation and success. 🎧 The Humans In AI podcast releases new episodes every Thursday at 12pm!

In this conversation, Amar Kapadia, co-founder and CEO of Aarna.ml, shares insights into his career journey from engineering to entrepreneurship, the founding and selling of his previous company, and the lessons learned along the way. Amar discusses the challenges and opportunities of starting a business during the pandemic, the competitive landscape of GPU cloud management, and the importance of understanding customer needs. He also provides valuable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs, emphasising the need to identify real pain points before developing products. 🎧 The Humans In AI podcast releases new episodes every Thursday at 12pm!

In this conversation, Nick interviews Nigel Cannings, CEO and co-founder of Intelligent Voice, discussing his unique journey from law to technology, the challenges of innovating in the tech space, and the implications of AI on human expertise and recruitment. Nigel shares insights on leadership, strategic partnerships, and the future of Intelligent Voice, as well as his new book, 'The Displacement Dilemma', which explores the continuous developments in AI 🎧 The Humans In AI podcast releases new episodes every Thursday at 12pm!

In this episode, Karl Havard, COO of Nscale, shares his journey from a military background to leading a company in generative AI. He talks about his shift from engineering to sales, his entrepreneurial experiences, and working with tech giants like Google and AWS. Karl highlights the importance of relationships in business, the challenges and opportunities in AI and cloud computing, and the need for a strong company culture rooted in integrity and trust. He also shares insights on building a successful AI business, hiring the right talent, and adapting to the fast-changing industry. 🎧 The Humans In AI podcast releases new episodes every Thursday at 12pm! Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Karl Havard and His Journey 02:54 From Military to Engineering: Early Career Insights 06:13 Transitioning to Sales and Entrepreneurship 08:59 The Rise of E-commerce and Early Internet Ventures 11:49 Academic Pursuits and the Shift to Digital Marketing 14:56 Navigating the Cloud Landscape: Google and AWS Experiences 17:49 Current Role at Nscale: Building for Generative AI 20:51 Challenges and Opportunities in the AI Market 31:53 Building Relationships and Business Foundations 34:38 Engineering Challenges and Operational Maturity 39:57 Cultivating Company Culture and Team Dynamics 45:27 Integrity and Trust in Business 54:40 Future Vision and Strategic Growth 01:00:05 Industry Evolution and Generative AI Opportunities

In this episode of the Humans in AI podcast, Nick chats with Pete Hill, co-founder of CUDO, about the intersection of AI, high-performance computing, and sustainability. They dive into CUDO's vision of a distributed cloud powered by renewable energy, how data centres are evolving to meet AI's growing demands and Pete’s journey in the tech world. Pete also shares candid thoughts on leadership, building a positive company culture, and embracing adaptability in a fast-paced industry—plus what the future of AI means for the job market. The Humans In AI podcast releases new episodes every Thursday at 12pm! Chapters 00:00: Introduction to the Podcast and Guest 01:02: Overview of CUDO and Its Mission 02:54: Sustainability in High-Performance Computing 05:47: The Evolution of Data Centres and AI Demand 09:01: Pete's Career Journey and Founding CUDO 12:08: The Concept of Underutilization in Computing 14:45: Transition from Crypto Mining to AI Workloads 18:03: Building a Sustainable Computing Ecosystem 20:57: Market Research and Product Development 24:12: Focus and Adaptability in Start-ups 30:27: Navigating Leadership Challenges 32:43: The Importance of Sustainability in Business 36:01: Innovative Marketplace Models in AI Computing 40:08: Future Plans and Strategic Alliances 45:44: The Evolution of AI and Its Impact on Jobs 51:29: Building a Strong Company Culture