EPISODE
Riley Walz, Aditya Bandi, Zach Shore, Hongwei Liu, Zak Kukoff, Thomas Laffont
00:01:00 Riley Walz, a 23-year-old software engineer and tech enthusiast, is known for his inventive projects that blend technology with community engagement. In the conversation, he discusses his latest venture in San Francisco's Sunset District, where he and his friends purchased a foreclosed alley for $26,000 and transformed it into a community art project. They paved the alley, invited the public to submit digital artwork through their website, and auctioned the naming rights, with the highest bid reaching $135,000, all while ensuring the alley remains accessible to vehicles.
00:02:00 Aditya Bandi, co-founder of Noon, discusses his journey from India to the Bay Area in 2015, where his first startup was acquired by Yahoo. He highlights the challenges designers face with traditional tools that separate design from functionality, leading to inefficiencies. To address this, Noon integrates design directly with a product's codebase, enabling designers to work on both visual and functional aspects simultaneously, streamlining the development process.
00:03:00 Zach Shore, President of Hermeus Corporation, discusses the company's recent $350 million funding round, the rapid development and testing of their high-speed aircraft, and the strategic expansion to Los Angeles to leverage local engineering talent. He highlights the advantages of unmanned jets in accelerating R&D cycles and reducing risks, and outlines the progression of their aircraft from initial prototypes to the upcoming Mach 3 platform. Shore also emphasizes Hermeus' focus on defense applications, aiming to provide advanced capabilities to the U.S. Department of Defense before considering commercial markets.
00:04:00 Hongwei Liu, CEO and founder of Mappedin, discusses the company's mission to digitize indoor spaces by transforming traditional floor plans into dynamic, interactive maps, enabling users to navigate complex environments like malls, airports, and hospitals. He highlights the challenges of keeping indoor maps up-to-date due to constant changes, emphasizing the importance of providing building owners with tools to manage and publish their own maps. Liu also mentions Mappedin's significant market presence, including partnerships with major venues and events, and announces a recent funding round of $24.5 million to further advance their indoor mapping solutions.
00:05:00 Zak Kukoff chairs the Tech and Venture Practice at Lewis-Burke Associates, where he advocates for the policy needs of founders and investors. In the conversation, he discusses the challenges and political dynamics surrounding data centers, including public perception issues, energy consumption concerns, and the impact on local communities. He also highlights the importance of proactive messaging and strategic political engagement to address these challenges and support technological progress.
00:06:00 Good evening! Here are the latest updates for Tuesday, April 7, 2026: **International News** - **Middle East Tensions**: The conflict between the United States and Iran continues to escalate. President Trump has issued a deadline for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, threatening to target the country's power plants and bridges if demands are not met. - **Artemis II Mission**: NASA's Artemis II crew has captured a historic 'Earthset' photo during their lunar flyby, marking a significant milestone in space exploration. **National News** - **FDIC Meeting**: The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) held a public meeting today to discuss proposed regulations on stablecoin issuers and anti-money laundering programs. **Local News** - **Train Derailment Plea Deal**: In Nebraska, 19-year-old Zachary Hertzler has accepted a plea deal related to a train derailment in Bennet nearly two years ago. He pleaded no contest to criminal mischief, facing up to two years in prison or fines. **Weather Update** In New York City, the current conditions are clear with a temperature of 41°F (5°C). **Astronomical Highlight** - **Moon at Apogee**: Today, the Moon reached its apogee, the farthest point from Earth in its orbit. This results in a smaller and dimmer appearance, providing an excellent opportunity for lunar observations. Stay informed and have a great evening!