What does it really take to become a small business founder in the AI space?
In this episode of Time We Discuss, we sit down with John Poothokaran, founder of an AI powered soccer highlights app, to talk about his journey from aerospace engineering to building an AI startup from the ground up.
John shares how he transitioned into artificial intelligence, why he decided to build an AI soccer highlights app, and what it is actually like launching a product as a small business founder. We dive into using AI tools to build apps, working without a formal business background, validating startup ideas, and the realities of sales, rejection, and persistence.
This conversation is a must watch if you are curious about working in AI, building an app, starting a tech startup, or turning a passion like soccer into a real business.
Topics covered include:
- Becoming a small business founder in the AI space
- Building an AI soccer highlights app
- Using AI tools to prototype and launch products
- Transitioning from engineering to AI
- Startup lessons, sales, and customer discovery
- Why moments matter more than analytics in soccer
If you play soccer, work in tech, or are thinking about starting your own AI powered app, this episode offers real world insight and honest advice.
Listen to more episodes of Time We Discuss for real conversations about careers, startups, and what it is actually like working in different industries.
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Timestamp:
0:00 - Intro
0:48 - What is Street.AI?
2:01 - What education is needed to build a small business AI soccer app?
5:51 - Can anyone create an app like this one?
7:30 - Why create an AI soccer/football app?
11:10 - Importance of leveraging others
13:34 - Filling business knowledge gaps
18:19 - How did you know this project could be a business?
21:16 - What advice would you give yourself?
22:22 - Talent has the floor
23:03 - Outro
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Guest Information:
John Poothokaran
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