Episode 21: "95% Business, 5% Technical" | AI CONNEX Founder Dan Sinawat on Vertical AI Strategy, The Evolution of Machine Intelligence, and Why World Cup 2026 is a Massive Opportunity

Today's episode explores three ideas that caught my attention:

1. It’s like 6yr too late for horizontal AI - Dan's commentary about how startups trying to “develop a new LLM” are wasting their time competing with billion-dollar foundational models reinforced how many founders are setting themselves up for failure by not laser focusing on vertical applications. Don’t be everything. Be one thing.

2. Global events as AI catalysts - PSA: The world is bigger than just the USA. Dan’s perspective on major world events (such as World Cup 2026) as unique opportunities for AI technology reframed how I think about major events’ potential for driving innovation.

3. The evolution of AI reasoning - Dan's breakdown of the next frontiers in AI tech highlighted how, despite the ridiculous stuff we can now do with AI, we're still just scratching the surface. His timeline for AGI development feels both exciting and sobering. And ASI… all at once wonderful and terrifying to think about.

I explore these ideas and more with Dan Sinawat, Founder at AI CONNEX.

Dan Sinawat brings a truly global perspective to AI innovation, shaped by his experiences across New York, Thailand, Japan, Singapore, and Texas. As the founder of AI CONNEX, he's addressing a critical gap in the market: the business application of AI technology. His unique vision of making Texas the AI capital of the world by 2026 is backed by strategic partnerships with respected venture firms and a deep understanding of both technical and business aspects of AI implementation. Dan's work has earned recognition from Dallas Innovates and the Dallas Regional Chamber as one of the most innovative AI leaders in DFW.

During our conversation, Dan shares:

• A framework for evaluating AI startups beyond the tech that emphasizes vertical focus, domain expertise, and scalability potential.

• A clear timeline for AI evolution spanning from current applications through agentic AI (2025), machine reasoning, and eventual AGI (2026-2027).

• A strategic approach to global expansion leveraging government programs and international partnerships for AI startups.

What We Cover:

• 00:00 Introduction

• 01:57 Dan's Global Journey and AI Connex

• 03:02 Bridging the AI Business Gap

• 05:24 The Importance of Vertical AI

• 07:39 Opportunities in Texas for AI Startups

• 10:49 Agentic AI: The Future of AI Applications

• 16:22 Machine Reasoning and AGI

• 20:13 Evaluating AI Startups for Investment

• 32:07 Global Perspective and Upcoming Opportunities

• 32:38 Capitalizing on the World Cup and Olympics

• 36:07 Texas: The Future AI Capital

Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.

Connect with Dan

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dansinawat/

Connect with Andrew

• Newsletter: https://thediligentobserver.substack.com

• X: https://twitter.com/AKazlow

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewkazlow/

• Book: https://angelops.pitchfact.com/

• Website: https://pitchfact.com/

Stuff We Reference

• AI CONNEX: https://aiconnex.ai/

• AI Venture House: https://aiventurehouse.com/

• OpenAI: https://openai.com/

• Anthropic: https://www.anthropic.com/

• Microsoft: https://www.microsoft.com/

• AWS: https://aws.amazon.com/

• IBM: https://www.ibm.com/us-en

• Oracle: https://www.oracle.com/

• U.S. Department of Commerce (ITA): https://www.commerce.gov/bureaus-and-offices/ita

• Enterprise Singapore: https://www.enterprisesg.gov.sg/

• JETRO (Japan External Trade Organization): https://www.jetro.go.jp/en/

• Beyond JAPAN incubation program in Austin: https://www.b4d-jp.com/en/report/texas-austin

• Spring AI Studio: https://spring.design/

• Canva: https://www.canva.com/

• Adobe: https://www.adobe.com/

• Intelligage: https://intelligage.io/

• Bryan Plaster: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryanplaster/

• Walmart: https://www.walmart.com/

• Frisco: https://www.friscotexas.gov/

• Stonebriar Mall: https://www.shopstonebriar.com/en/

• World Cup 2026 in Dallas, TX: https://www.fcdallas.com/dallas2026

• Toyota: https://www.toyota.com/

• Olympics 2028 venue: https://www.nbcolympics.com/news/where-and-when-are-next-olympics-la-2028-dates-venues-and-more

• X.AI: https://x.ai/

• Legendary Ventures: https://www.legendary.vc/

• Airbnb: https://www.airbnb.com/

• Pinterest: https://pinterest.com/

• Ben Goertzel: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bengoertzel/

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All opinions expressed are personal and may not reflect the views of the individual’s organization or of The Diligent Observer. Not investment advice.