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Mastering the AI Startup Terrain: Steven Gans’ Journey with Antler
Delve into the journey of an entrepreneur who, with a wealth of experience and the support of Antler, transformed innovative ideas into successful startups, navigated the complexities of the VC landscape, and advanced AI technology.
You have a Bachelor's degree in Design from York University, but your work experience is mainly in product management and AI. How did this transition happen?
When I graduated, AI was not as prominent as it is today. My first job out of university was at AMD, where I was hired to redesign their control panels. At that time, virtual reality (VR) was the biggest trend. I was given a project related to the early stages of AI, and as I learned more about it, my interest grew. The potential of AI became evident to me, and this marked the beginning of my journey into the field.
Subsequently, I joined Intel, where my focus was entirely on AI models—designing and developing them. This experience led me to co-found two startups centered around AI. My background in design provided me with a unique perspective, enabling me to effectively market and sell AI-driven products.
In my previous startup, I identified data as a significant challenge. I used this insight as my thesis and applied these learnings at Antler, where I designed my third startup with data as the driving principle.
How did you get into entrepreneurship and gain your startup experience?
AI is evolving rapidly, and entrepreneurship allows you to accelerate your ability to solve problems and answer questions. This was evident with my first and second startups. My journey began by exploring the consultancy side, which led to my first startup. After working at Intel for three years in partnership with IBM, I founded my second startup and led it as CEO.
My focus has always been on data curation, which enabled me to identify unique opportunities. These insights from my second startup guided the development of my third startup at Antler, focusing on data for language models and responsible AI—it's all about improving a promising product.
November 2022 was a pivotal moment when ChatGPT was made available, reshaping the landscape of data and intelligence. This event made me realize the importance of being part of this change. I delved deeper into the subject, experimenting with existing IBM products during my tenure as CEO of Unreal Data. I didn't want to miss out on this transformative shift.
Why did you decide to build your third startup with Antler, and how did you find out about them?
When ChatGPT's newer model was released, I saw its immense potential and decided to dive deep into understanding it. By January, I had answered my initial set of questions and realized I needed to go full-time with this rapidly evolving field. I considered three paths: working solo through coffee chats, bootstrapping, or seeking venture capital (VC). After exploring all options, VC was the fastest route.
I wanted to start my VC journey in Canada due to its great talent pool and the need for expertise in company relationships. Though I was unfamiliar with the VC space, Antler presented itself as a unique opportunity. I was drawn to Antler because they could teach me about the VC process and investment decisions.
Antler provided a platform to strengthen the foundation of my initial idea, validate it, and answer my questions as a founder. Their support and guidance were crucial in helping me navigate the complexities of building a startup in the fast-paced AI landscape.
Can you share more about your experience in the residency program? What does a typical day look like for a founder in residence?
Being in the residency program is incredibly energizing. You’re surrounded by over 70 people working on similar entrepreneurial challenges, making it easy to turn to others for help and support. This collaborative environment accelerates your learning process as entrepreneurs share similar obstacles when building their companies and can learn from each other's experiences.
Each day involves asking and answering numerous questions relevant to your problem, contributing to a rich learning experience. Antler further accelerates your journey by providing investment opportunities and insights into securing venture capital. They excel at connecting founders with VCs across Canada, which has proven invaluable in my entrepreneurial journey.
What has been your biggest learning experience at Antler?
I set myself up for a challenging startup problem because it's an unknown field, and the challenge was selling into a market that is still learning about generative AI. My favorite learning experience was understanding the venture capital (VC) landscape. One of the best pieces of feedback I received was, "Don't sell to us like a customer; it's more of an education rather than a sale." This advice completely shifted my perspective on how to communicate with VCs. The insights and lessons I gained through Antler's program continue to benefit me today.
What advice would you give to people applying to Antler, and what should they keep in mind before starting the program?
Antler provides immense value not only in understanding how VCs operate but also in defining your business. You will be challenged with numerous questions that force you to think deeply about your problem, thanks to the advisors and top speakers Antler brings in. They continuously push you to refine your ideas while sharing their own entrepreneurial journeys, helping to build a solid foundation for aspiring entrepreneurs.
One crucial aspect is connecting with a co-founder, as embarking on this journey alone can be daunting. Antler's co-founder matching has significantly enhanced my experience. For the upcoming 10 weeks, embrace the opportunity to learn, be open to feedback, and leverage the resources and network Antler provides to set yourself up for success.
Thank you for reading.
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