Startup Explore Transistor (https://transistor.fm) https://feeds.transistor.fm/startup-explore Interviews with early-stage tech founders. Discover stories behind innovative startups shaping the future! © 2026 Ali Uralov 46d4568f-0b76-5398-849e-014e23ae67b8 yes en Mon, 04 May 2026 13:48:00 -0700 Mon, 04 May 2026 13:48:09 -0700 https://www.startupexplore.xyz/ https://img.transistorcdn.com/wssfb1KMm-ClCILFDUd7-sWvvrHRX81nlOdG-augtBs/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:1400/h:1400/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS9hOTM2/NjZmMjQ1OTIyYzQx/ZjkzZDc1ODBlZTE2/YWNiYy5wbmc.jpg Startup Explore https://www.startupexplore.xyz/ episodic Ali Uralov Interviews with early-stage tech founders. Discover stories behind innovative startups shaping the future! Interviews with early-stage tech founders. startup, founder, technology, venture capital, VC, investing, entrepreneur Ali Uralov ali@startupexplore.xyz No No Ep7: How Decisional AI Automates Business Workflows in Minutes 7 7 Ep7: How Decisional AI Automates Business Workflows in Minutes full ef2dface-2165-4302-ba48-eee05aebb978 https://share.transistor.fm/s/7ad24ab3 Dhruv Tandon, CEO and co-founder of Decisional AI, discusses how their platform uses natural language to build and manage AI-driven automations for business workflows. Discover how Decisional simplifies automation, offers control, and plans to revolutionize enterprise AI adoption.

]]> Dhruv Tandon, CEO and co-founder of Decisional AI, discusses how their platform uses natural language to build and manage AI-driven automations for business workflows. Discover how Decisional simplifies automation, offers control, and plans to revolutionize enterprise AI adoption.

]]> Mon, 04 May 2026 13:48:00 -0700 Ali Uralov Ali Uralov 2314 Dhruv Tandon, CEO and co-founder of Decisional AI, discusses how their platform uses natural language to build and manage AI-driven automations for business workflows. Discover how Decisional simplifies automation, offers control, and plans to revolutionize enterprise AI adoption.

]]> AI automation, natural language processing, business workflows, Decisional AI, no-code automation, AI agents, workflow management, enterprise AI No Ep6: AI-Powered Traffic Lights That Make Streets Safer and Smarter 6 6 Ep6: AI-Powered Traffic Lights That Make Streets Safer and Smarter full c84e8d99-19d5-4d5d-811a-94ba63b134b8 https://share.transistor.fm/s/a061e94a In this episode of Startup Explore, we sit down with Collin Barnwell, CEO and co-founder of Roundabout Technologies, a YC-backed startup building AI-powered traffic lights to make streets safer and more efficient.

Roundabout Tech’s system uses cameras and GPUs to create a 3D real-time map of intersections, simulating traffic 10 times a second to optimize light changes. Their technology helps cities reduce congestion, prevent accidents, and improve travel times - all without replacing existing infrastructure.

We discuss:
- How AI-powered traffic lights simulate and predict vehicle movement in real-time
- Key safety features: Dilemma Zone Protection and Dynamic All-Red Extensions
- How their system adapts to fog, rain, and poor visibility
- Handling emergency vehicles and ensuring software reliability
- Their first deployment in San Anselmo, California, and the results: 30% reduction in rush-hour wait times
- How Roundabout found its first city customer and built trust in a government market
-  Collin’s background at Google and Verily, and what it’s like to go through Y Combinator
- The massive market potential - over 330,000 intersections in the U.S. alone
- Roundabout’s long-term vision for safer, smarter cities

If you work in city planning or transportation innovation - or just want to see how AI is shaping real-world infrastructure - this is a must-watch episode.

📩 Interested in pilot programs? Contact Collin via email: collin@roundabout.tech.

📌 Learn more:

X: https://x.com/XAliUralov
Instagram:   / startupexplore_  
TikTok:   / startupexplore_  
Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0uce6OS...
Startup Explore: https://startupexplore.xyz/
Roundabout Technologies: https://www.roundabout.tech/

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to AI-Powered Traffic Solutions
01:35 Understanding the Technology Behind AI Traffic Lights
03:43 Safety Features: Dilemma Zone Protection and All-Red Extensions
09:33 Adapting to Weather Conditions and Emergency Vehicles
12:33 Ensuring System Reliability and Accuracy
15:02 Integration with Existing Traffic Systems
17:07 Pilot Programs and Initial Metrics
19:03 Data Privacy and Ethical Considerations
20:12 Challenges in Securing First Customers
23:46 Founders' Background and Company Origins
25:48 Insights from Y Combinator Experience
27:52 Market Potential and Total Addressable Market
28:59 Competition Landscape in Traffic Management
32:03 Future Vision: Evolving Technology and Hiring Strategies
36:46 Personal Insights and Hobbies
38:19 Conclusion and Call to Action

]]> In this episode of Startup Explore, we sit down with Collin Barnwell, CEO and co-founder of Roundabout Technologies, a YC-backed startup building AI-powered traffic lights to make streets safer and more efficient.

Roundabout Tech’s system uses cameras and GPUs to create a 3D real-time map of intersections, simulating traffic 10 times a second to optimize light changes. Their technology helps cities reduce congestion, prevent accidents, and improve travel times - all without replacing existing infrastructure.

We discuss:
- How AI-powered traffic lights simulate and predict vehicle movement in real-time
- Key safety features: Dilemma Zone Protection and Dynamic All-Red Extensions
- How their system adapts to fog, rain, and poor visibility
- Handling emergency vehicles and ensuring software reliability
- Their first deployment in San Anselmo, California, and the results: 30% reduction in rush-hour wait times
- How Roundabout found its first city customer and built trust in a government market
-  Collin’s background at Google and Verily, and what it’s like to go through Y Combinator
- The massive market potential - over 330,000 intersections in the U.S. alone
- Roundabout’s long-term vision for safer, smarter cities

If you work in city planning or transportation innovation - or just want to see how AI is shaping real-world infrastructure - this is a must-watch episode.

📩 Interested in pilot programs? Contact Collin via email: collin@roundabout.tech.

📌 Learn more:

X: https://x.com/XAliUralov
Instagram:   / startupexplore_  
TikTok:   / startupexplore_  
Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0uce6OS...
Startup Explore: https://startupexplore.xyz/
Roundabout Technologies: https://www.roundabout.tech/

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to AI-Powered Traffic Solutions
01:35 Understanding the Technology Behind AI Traffic Lights
03:43 Safety Features: Dilemma Zone Protection and All-Red Extensions
09:33 Adapting to Weather Conditions and Emergency Vehicles
12:33 Ensuring System Reliability and Accuracy
15:02 Integration with Existing Traffic Systems
17:07 Pilot Programs and Initial Metrics
19:03 Data Privacy and Ethical Considerations
20:12 Challenges in Securing First Customers
23:46 Founders' Background and Company Origins
25:48 Insights from Y Combinator Experience
27:52 Market Potential and Total Addressable Market
28:59 Competition Landscape in Traffic Management
32:03 Future Vision: Evolving Technology and Hiring Strategies
36:46 Personal Insights and Hobbies
38:19 Conclusion and Call to Action

]]> Thu, 23 Oct 2025 13:58:55 -0700 Ali Uralov Ali Uralov 2347 In this episode of Startup Explore, we sit down with Collin Barnwell, CEO and co-founder of Roundabout Technologies, a YC-backed startup building AI-powered traffic lights to make streets safer and more efficient.

Roundabout Tech’s system uses cameras and GPUs to create a 3D real-time map of intersections, simulating traffic 10 times a second to optimize light changes. Their technology helps cities reduce congestion, prevent accidents, and improve travel times - all without replacing existing infrastructure.

We discuss:
- How AI-powered traffic lights simulate and predict vehicle movement in real-time
- Key safety features: Dilemma Zone Protection and Dynamic All-Red Extensions
- How their system adapts to fog, rain, and poor visibility
- Handling emergency vehicles and ensuring software reliability
- Their first deployment in San Anselmo, California, and the results: 30% reduction in rush-hour wait times
- How Roundabout found its first city customer and built trust in a government market
-  Collin’s background at Google and Verily, and what it’s like to go through Y Combinator
- The massive market potential - over 330,000 intersections in the U.S. alone
- Roundabout’s long-term vision for safer, smarter cities

If you work in city planning or transportation innovation - or just want to see how AI is shaping real-world infrastructure - this is a must-watch episode.

📩 Interested in pilot programs? Contact Collin via email: collin@roundabout.tech.

📌 Learn more:

X: https://x.com/XAliUralov
Instagram:   / startupexplore_  
TikTok:   / startupexplore_  
Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0uce6OS...
Startup Explore: https://startupexplore.xyz/
Roundabout Technologies: https://www.roundabout.tech/

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to AI-Powered Traffic Solutions
01:35 Understanding the Technology Behind AI Traffic Lights
03:43 Safety Features: Dilemma Zone Protection and All-Red Extensions
09:33 Adapting to Weather Conditions and Emergency Vehicles
12:33 Ensuring System Reliability and Accuracy
15:02 Integration with Existing Traffic Systems
17:07 Pilot Programs and Initial Metrics
19:03 Data Privacy and Ethical Considerations
20:12 Challenges in Securing First Customers
23:46 Founders' Background and Company Origins
25:48 Insights from Y Combinator Experience
27:52 Market Potential and Total Addressable Market
28:59 Competition Landscape in Traffic Management
32:03 Future Vision: Evolving Technology and Hiring Strategies
36:46 Personal Insights and Hobbies
38:19 Conclusion and Call to Action

]]> interview with early stage startup founders, new tech product launches, AI traffic lights, safety features, dilemma zone protection, dynamic all red extensions, traffic technology, startup journey, Roundabout Technologies, urban mobility, traffic management, public safety No Ep5: AI That Designs Your Yard in Minutes | Neighborbrite CEO Luis Benavides 5 5 Ep5: AI That Designs Your Yard in Minutes | Neighborbrite CEO Luis Benavides full 16c661c0-daa2-475f-ad2d-36a5ea909a42 https://share.transistor.fm/s/985dc47a In this episode of StartupExplore, I sit down with Luis Benavides, CEO and co-founder of Neighborbrite, a seed-stage startup using AI to transform landscape design.

Neighborbrite makes it simple for anyone to redesign their yard: upload a photo, choose a style, and instantly generate personalized, climate-aware designs. Luis shares how the company grew to half a million users and 10+ million designs, why focus on the right ICP matters, and how they’re building toward an “operating system for exterior home improvement.”

]]> In this episode of StartupExplore, I sit down with Luis Benavides, CEO and co-founder of Neighborbrite, a seed-stage startup using AI to transform landscape design.

Neighborbrite makes it simple for anyone to redesign their yard: upload a photo, choose a style, and instantly generate personalized, climate-aware designs. Luis shares how the company grew to half a million users and 10+ million designs, why focus on the right ICP matters, and how they’re building toward an “operating system for exterior home improvement.”

]]> Wed, 03 Sep 2025 09:55:30 -0700 Ali Uralov Ali Uralov 2760 In this episode of StartupExplore, I sit down with Luis Benavides, CEO and co-founder of Neighborbrite, a seed-stage startup using AI to transform landscape design.

Neighborbrite makes it simple for anyone to redesign their yard: upload a photo, choose a style, and instantly generate personalized, climate-aware designs. Luis shares how the company grew to half a million users and 10+ million designs, why focus on the right ICP matters, and how they’re building toward an “operating system for exterior home improvement.”

]]> startup, founder, technology, venture capital, VC, investing, entrepreneur No Ep4: This AI Personalizes Discounts to Boost E-Commerce Revenue | Promi.ai CEO Peter Moot 4 4 Ep4: This AI Personalizes Discounts to Boost E-Commerce Revenue | Promi.ai CEO Peter Moot full a966cab1-1153-430c-b376-825ea3742cad https://share.transistor.fm/s/4d2437b7 In this episode of StartupExplore, I talk with Peter Moot, CEO & Co-founder of Promi.ai — a YC-backed, seed-stage startup using AI to personalize pricing discounts for e-commerce retailers.

We dive into:
- How Promi helps merchants boost revenue while protecting margins
- The AI powering real-time discount personalization
- Peter’s journey from Uber to building Promi
- Lessons from YC and what’s next for Promi

]]> In this episode of StartupExplore, I talk with Peter Moot, CEO & Co-founder of Promi.ai — a YC-backed, seed-stage startup using AI to personalize pricing discounts for e-commerce retailers.

We dive into:
- How Promi helps merchants boost revenue while protecting margins
- The AI powering real-time discount personalization
- Peter’s journey from Uber to building Promi
- Lessons from YC and what’s next for Promi

]]> Mon, 21 Jul 2025 16:35:13 -0700 Ali Uralov Ali Uralov 2108 In this episode of StartupExplore, I talk with Peter Moot, CEO & Co-founder of Promi.ai — a YC-backed, seed-stage startup using AI to personalize pricing discounts for e-commerce retailers.

We dive into:
- How Promi helps merchants boost revenue while protecting margins
- The AI powering real-time discount personalization
- Peter’s journey from Uber to building Promi
- Lessons from YC and what’s next for Promi

]]> startup, founder, technology, venture capital, VC, investing, entrepreneur No Ep3: AI Agents For Contract-to-Cash. Interview with Exante CEO Giedrius Daubaris. 3 3 Ep3: AI Agents For Contract-to-Cash. Interview with Exante CEO Giedrius Daubaris. full f381be4f-a8b4-47b5-871c-624f62b62966 https://share.transistor.fm/s/c4adb5f8 In this conversation, Giedrius Daubaris, CEO and co-founder of Exante, discusses the innovative AI agents being developed for the contract to cash cycle. He explains how these agents streamline finance operations by automating complex billing, accounts receivable management, and enhancing cash flow. Giedrius emphasizes the importance of proactive contract management, the benefits of automated data extraction, and the unique agentic architecture that sets Exante apart in the competitive landscape. He also shares insights into the company's market traction, future features, and the journey of fundraising, while highlighting the significance of building trust in finance automation.

]]> In this conversation, Giedrius Daubaris, CEO and co-founder of Exante, discusses the innovative AI agents being developed for the contract to cash cycle. He explains how these agents streamline finance operations by automating complex billing, accounts receivable management, and enhancing cash flow. Giedrius emphasizes the importance of proactive contract management, the benefits of automated data extraction, and the unique agentic architecture that sets Exante apart in the competitive landscape. He also shares insights into the company's market traction, future features, and the journey of fundraising, while highlighting the significance of building trust in finance automation.

]]> Tue, 13 May 2025 09:31:48 -0700 Ali Uralov Ali Uralov 2699 In this conversation, Giedrius Daubaris, CEO and co-founder of Exante, discusses the innovative AI agents being developed for the contract to cash cycle. He explains how these agents streamline finance operations by automating complex billing, accounts receivable management, and enhancing cash flow. Giedrius emphasizes the importance of proactive contract management, the benefits of automated data extraction, and the unique agentic architecture that sets Exante apart in the competitive landscape. He also shares insights into the company's market traction, future features, and the journey of fundraising, while highlighting the significance of building trust in finance automation.

]]> AI agents, contract management, contract to cash cycle, finance automation, accounts receivable, billing automation, agentic architecture, startups, early-stage startup, tech founder, AI No Ep2: Auditors, Meet Your New AI Teammate 2 2 Ep2: Auditors, Meet Your New AI Teammate full 76666edc-4aa7-4f35-a6b3-a8fe6ed590ed https://share.transistor.fm/s/3f03d270 In this episode, Kieran Taylor, co-founder of Midship.ai, walks us through how his YC-backed startup is building AI tools tailored for financial auditors. He breaks down exactly how the product works — from automating test-of-detail procedures to preparing first-draft workpapers — and highlights key features like Excel integration, configurability, and audit trail visibility. We discuss the $200B+ audit market ripe for disruption, how Midship stacks up against legacy tools, and the long-term vision of moving from audit sampling to continuous transaction monitoring. Kieran also shares the backgrounds of his technical co-founders, the journey which led to start Midship, and what’s next for the team.

]]> In this episode, Kieran Taylor, co-founder of Midship.ai, walks us through how his YC-backed startup is building AI tools tailored for financial auditors. He breaks down exactly how the product works — from automating test-of-detail procedures to preparing first-draft workpapers — and highlights key features like Excel integration, configurability, and audit trail visibility. We discuss the $200B+ audit market ripe for disruption, how Midship stacks up against legacy tools, and the long-term vision of moving from audit sampling to continuous transaction monitoring. Kieran also shares the backgrounds of his technical co-founders, the journey which led to start Midship, and what’s next for the team.

]]> Sun, 23 Mar 2025 00:53:46 -0700 Ali Uralov Ali Uralov 2264 In this episode, Kieran Taylor, co-founder of Midship.ai, walks us through how his YC-backed startup is building AI tools tailored for financial auditors. He breaks down exactly how the product works — from automating test-of-detail procedures to preparing first-draft workpapers — and highlights key features like Excel integration, configurability, and audit trail visibility. We discuss the $200B+ audit market ripe for disruption, how Midship stacks up against legacy tools, and the long-term vision of moving from audit sampling to continuous transaction monitoring. Kieran also shares the backgrounds of his technical co-founders, the journey which led to start Midship, and what’s next for the team.

]]> Midship AI, YC Startup, Y Combinator, AI startup, Seed stage startup, Startup interview, Startup podcast, SaaS startup, Early stage founder, AI for auditors, AI in audit, Financial audit automation, AI for finance teams, LLM audit tools, AI workpapers, Audit tech, AI tools 2025, AI in accounting, AI agent automation, Audit software, Accounting technology, Big Four audit, Audit disruption, Accounting automation, Startup co-founders, Technical founders, YC founders, VC, Venture Capital No Ep1: Building the Future of Databases: ParadeDB’s Co-founder on Upscaling PostgreSQL 1 1 Ep1: Building the Future of Databases: ParadeDB’s Co-founder on Upscaling PostgreSQL full cde0ba74-eabe-400c-b62a-856e3fb6d3be https://share.transistor.fm/s/36a3fb3d In this conversation, Philippe Noël, co-founder of ParadeDB, explores how their technology enhances PostgreSQL, starting with search and advanced analytics—just the beginning of a broader vision. He shares insights on reducing downtime, improving performance, and ParadeDB’s early success with Alibaba. The discussion covers technical challenges, deployment, and the competitive landscape, along with Philippe’s journey and the small team driving innovation.

]]> In this conversation, Philippe Noël, co-founder of ParadeDB, explores how their technology enhances PostgreSQL, starting with search and advanced analytics—just the beginning of a broader vision. He shares insights on reducing downtime, improving performance, and ParadeDB’s early success with Alibaba. The discussion covers technical challenges, deployment, and the competitive landscape, along with Philippe’s journey and the small team driving innovation.

]]> Sun, 16 Mar 2025 10:44:59 -0700 Ali Uralov Ali Uralov 1922 In this conversation, Philippe Noël, co-founder of ParadeDB, explores how their technology enhances PostgreSQL, starting with search and advanced analytics—just the beginning of a broader vision. He shares insights on reducing downtime, improving performance, and ParadeDB’s early success with Alibaba. The discussion covers technical challenges, deployment, and the competitive landscape, along with Philippe’s journey and the small team driving innovation.

]]> startup, founder, technology, venture capital, VC, investing, entrepreneur No